On the October 17 episode of "SmackDown", Styles began a rivalry with then WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal, by confronting and attacking him. On October 22, Styles appeared at Raw's exclusive event , competing against Finn Bálor due to Bálor's original opponent Bray Wyatt not being cleared to compete, where he was defeated by Bálor. On the November 7 episode of "SmackDown" in Manchester, England, Styles defeated Jinder Mahal to win the WWE Championship for the second time in what marked the first time the title changed hands on "SmackDown" since September 2003, becoming recognized by WWE as the first titleholder crowned outside of North 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, which he would go 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.