AJ Styles to announce his retirement on WWE SmackDown after suffering a serious injury? Chances explored
AJ Styles's return to WWE TV was an unfortunate affair as The Phenomenal One suffered an injury in his first match back on SmackDown. With Styles seemingly in the twilight phase of his career, many have been worried that he could end up hanging up his wrestling boots after the recent setback.
Styles already gave fans the retirement scare earlier this year when he faked his retirement just to attack Cody Rhodes. However, the former Bullet Club leader lost to the American Nightmare in an 'I Quit' match following which he stayed off TV programming for nearly four months.
AJ Styles returned to SmackDown a couple of weeks ago where he faced Carmelo Hayes. However, The Phenomenal One ended up suffering an injury during the match. He recently revealed that he has a Lisfranc fracture, stating that he "is cooked," in today's terms.
Styles has always made it clear that he plans to retire at the right time so he can spend time with family. Following the recent setback, many have been wondering if this could be the moment he decides to hang up his boots. However, the answer is no. As things stand, the 47-year-old is unlikely to retire and should return for at least one final run. He is, although, expected to be out of action for the next few months.
Jim Cornette pointed out that WWE broke a major old rule after AJ Styles got injured on SmackDown
AJ Styles' return to the blue brand did not turn out the way he would have hoped. While the star looked set to start a fresh run, he suffered an injury in his first match back and lost due to referee stoppage.
Styles was helped to the back and taken to the nearby medical facility. However, Jim Cornette pointed out that WWE used the term "hospital" on SmackDown, breaking a longstanding rule.
"They actually said, this is why I bring this up, Brian did you notice where they said that he went? They said, 'he went to the hospital.' They used that word. He's been taken to the hospital for X-rays. So another Vince McMahon rule bites the dust," said Cornette.
AJ Styles joined WWE in 2016 after making a name for himself around the world. The Phenomenal One is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. However, Styles is now 47 and likely to not continue for long. His next run is expected to be his last as a full-timer with WWE.