Nearly nine months after making his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles holds one of the two biggest singles titles in the company as he beat Dean Ambrose Sunday at Backlash to become WWE World Champion.

After a brawl through the crowd that eventually found its way back into the ring, the 39-year-old hit a low blow on Ambrose while the referee wasn’t looking, leading to a Styles Clash and pin for the new champion.

It’s the first WWE title for Styles, a former IWGP, TNA, and NWA World Champion.

Styles signed with WWE earlier this year after a multi-year run in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and the indies. A longtime TNA star, Styles left that company in December 2013 after a memorable and successful 11 year run.

Styles’ NJPW run was one of legend with fantastic matches against the promotion’s top stars like Okada, Tanahashi, and Nakamura. 

Since coming to WWE, Styles has been involved in several world title matches and big programs including a recent run with John Cena that saw Styles pin Cena at SummerSlam in one of the night’s best matches.

Styles joins Smackdown women’s champion Becky Lynch, and Smackdown tag team champions Heath Slater/Rhyno as those leaving Richmond, VA, with titles.

Get a full recap of all the Backlash action on Wrestling Observer Radio late Sunday night.