5 superstars who could defeat AJ Styles for the WWE Title 

AJ Styles's run with the WWE title has been one of the longest WWE title reigns in recent memory.

The former TNA and NJPW star won the belt back in November last year, defeating Jinder Mahal on an episode of SmackDown recorded in the UK.

Styles has since taken on all comers and has walked away victorious from matches with the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Samoa Joe.

With the 365-day mark getting closer and closer, fans are beginning to speculate as to whether or not Styles will eclipse CM Punk's previous 434 day run with the belt.

With Styles recently defeating Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell, questions are being asked as to who exactly is going to end AJ's phenomenal reign with the belt. SmackDown is full of excellent main-event talents, so let's take a look at the five superstars who are the most likely to dethrone the phenomenal one.

#5 Randy Orton

Randy Orton is never far away from the title picture

Randy Orton makes this list simply because you can never rule out the WWE giving him a title run apropos of nothing.

Orton's latest run as a heel can be considered a success so far, and his match with Jeff Hardy at Hell in a Cell was one of the event's best matches.

Orton has not had a run with the WWE title since 2017, and he has not really been in the title picture since being defeated on successive PPVs by Jinder Mahal.

He is, however, the kind of wrestler who is always one win away from being back in the title picture, and with him currently sat on 13 title reigns, don't be surprised to see the WWE try to push him closer to John Cena and Ric Flair's joint record.

#4 Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe will get one last chance to dethrone AJ Styles in Australia

Samoa Joe has just been defeated cleanly by AJ Styles at Hell in a Cell, but the Samoan Submission Machine will get one more shot at the gold when the two men meet again at Super Show-Down in Australia.

Joe's chances of becoming the next WWE champion were dealt a major blow when he lost at Hell in a Cell and most fans, myself included, aren't expecting a different result in Australia.

That being said, the WWE do like to throw a curveball at their fans on occasion, and Super Show-Down does present them with the opportunity to create some history, by having the first major title shift to take place on the continent.

#3 Andrade 'Cien' Almas

Almas has apparently caught Vince McMahon's attention

Andrade 'Cien' Almas has been involved in some excellent matches since his call-up to the main roster, and if rumours are to be believed, Vince McMahon is incredibly high on the former NXT champion.

Vince is reportedly so impressed with Almas' work, that there are talks of him winning next year's Royal Rumble and going on to compete for the WWE title at WrestleMania.

If that is the case, then you would presume that McMahon would want Almas to go up against a face at the event, and if that is the case, then AJ Styles holding on to his belt until next April is a very strong possibility.

#2 Daniel Bryan

Can Daniel Bryan top off a fairy tale year by lifting the WWE title once again?

At Super Show-Down, Daniel Bryan will go one on one with arch nemesis, The Miz, to determine the new number 1 contender for the WWE title.

Presuming Styles retains his belt at the event, then Bryan or The Miz will have a date with Styles at one of the upcoming PPVs, presumably either Crown Jewel or Survivor Series.

Bryan has not been booked too strongly since his return to the ring in April, but seeing him lift the WWE title once more would be an excellent way to top off the year for the former World Heavyweight Champion.

Styles Vs Bryan is also something of a dream-match for most fans, and it is something we have not been given the chance to witness on a big stage before.

#1 The Miz

The Miz has had an exceptional 2018

The most likely candidate to dethrone Styles, though, is Daniel Bryan's opponent at Super Show-Down, The Miz.

The Miz has been on incredible form since the end of 2016, and the former WWE and Intercontinental champion is more than ready for a second opportunity with the top prize.

Having The Miz defeat Bryan at Super Show-Down, and then go on to dethrone AJ Styles a little later down the lane, also sets up the possibility of a Daniel Bryan Royal Rumble victory, further setting up a Mania showdown between the two men, where Bryan can finally reach the top of the mountain once again.