America (Antonio Inoki had won the title in Japan in 1979, but this reign is unrecognized by WWE). With the win, Styles replaced Mahal in the champion vs. champion match at Survivor Series against Universal Champion Brock Lesnar on November 19, which he went on to lose. At Clash of Champions on December 17, Styles defeated Mahal via submission in his first title defense. Styles' next feud came against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, whom he lost back-to-back matches to due to interference, which led to a handicap championship match at the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2018 which Styles won. Styles then successfully defended the title against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, John Cena, Baron Corbin, and Dolph Ziggler in a six-pack challenge at Fastlane on March 11. Styles then started a feud with Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura. At WrestleMania 34 on April 8, Styles defeated Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship, and after the match, Styles was subjected to a classless assault by Nakamura, heating up their feud. Styles went on to retain his title against Nakamura on three different events: Greatest Royal Rumble on April 27 by double countout, Backlash on May 6 in a no disqualification match that ended in a no contest, and Money in the Bank on June 17, where Styles ended the feud after winning a Last Man Standing match. After a successful defense against Rusev at Extreme Rules on July 15, Styles became the longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history on August 14, surpassing the 280-day record set by John "Bradshaw" Layfield. On the July 24 episode of SmackDown, Styles started a feud with Samoa Joe, after he was attacked by Joe. Styles retained the title at SummerSlam on August 19, despite losing via disqualification. Styles' and Joe's rivalry continued following SummerSlam over Styles' wife, Wendy, where Joe claimed he would defeat Styles and become the "new daddy", leading to a rematch at Hell in a Cell on September 16, where Styles defeated Joe in controversial fashion to retain the title; Styles submitted to Joe during a roll-up, however, the referee did not see the submission and counted the pin allowing Styles to retain the title. Styles went on to retain the title against Joe at Super Show-Down on October 6 by submission and Crown Jewel on November 2. At Super Show-Down, Daniel Bryan become the number one contender for Styles' title,