19. Battle Royal Announced To Determine The #1 Contender For The United States Championship

On next week’s Independence day edition of SmackDown Live, a Battle Royal will take place and it will determine who’ll face Kevin Owens for the United States Championship at Battleground 2017 PPV. Below is what WWE posted:

Independence Day Battle Royal on SmackDown LIVE to determine United States Champion Kevin Owens’ WWE Battleground opponent

United States Champion Kevin Owens’ opponent for WWE Battleground on Sunday, July 23 will be determined next Tuesday in an Independence Day Battle Royal on SmackDown LIVE. AJ Styles has made it clear in recent weeks that he is coming after Owens, as he wants to represent the United States as its champion. The New Face of America gloated that The Phenomenal One would never get to answer his open challenge because he doesn’t deserve it.

However, SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan, who saw things a little differently than Owens, expanded the list of potential challengers to Owens’ title, much to the chagrin of KO.

Now, some of SmackDown LIVE’s top competitors will face off in an over-the-top-rope melee for an opportunity at Owens’ prize. Can Styles earn the chance he’s been looking for, or will a new Superstar emerge from the pack to challenge the United States Champion? Find out on the July 4 edition of SmackDown LIVE at 8/7 C on USA Network!

Also on next week’s episode of SmackDown Live, it’s the return of John Cena!