AJ Styles announces retirement, tag team finally reunites & more - 3 potential directions for The Phenomenal One
AJ Styles is one of the most celebrated superstars in the Stamford-based promotion. The Phenomenal One is a two-time WWE Champion. However, he seems to have hit a roadblock after failing to defeat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash.
The veteran also lost to Randy Orton in the King of the Ring qualifier match earlier this month. Last week on SmackDown, Styles was asked about his future. The former WWE Champion stated that he would have a conversation with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
On this note, let's look at three potential directions for AJ Styles:
#3. AJ Styles reunites with Omos and goes after the Tag Team Championship!
While Styles is primarily a singles wrestler, his tag team with The Nigerian Giant, Omos, captured the imagination of the WWE Universe. Omos not only acted as a bodyguard for Styles, but the two men became friends. They captured the Tag Team Title as well in 2020.
Omos hasn't been able to carve a niche in the company after separating from AJ Styles. While he has faced names like Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins, the 30-year-old has not become as big a star as he had potential to become. Omos is a free agent, and Styles could convince Nick Aldis to sign him. The two men could re-unite and go after A-Town Down Under's WWE Tag Team Championship.
#2. The Phenomenal One announces retirement from in-ring action!
The Phenomenal One has achieved almost everything as a professional wrestler during his celebrated career. The 46-year-old is in the final stages of his career, something he has echoed many times during backstage interviews.
During an interview with The Ringer ahead of WrestleMania XL, AJ Styles admitted that he had reached a stage in his career where he was worried about embarrassing himself.
“I’m done. I’m going to retire. I’m getting to the point where I am worried about embarrassing myself. My brain says, ‘We can do this.’ My body is like, ‘You’re stupid! We cannot do this. We’re hurting every day when we roll out of bed!' At some point, this has to come to an end!” he said.
Styles could inform Nick Aldis about his intentions to retire. As a result, Aldis could organize a major ceremony for The Phenomenal One, where he would announce his retirement in front of his fans. After delivering a five-star match against Cody Rhodes at Backlash, there is very little for the former TNA World Champion to achieve.
#1. AJ Styles turns face and begins a feud with Santos Escobar!
At 46 years of age, AJ Styles is one of the most trusted performers in the company today. Since he is in the twilight of his career, Nick Aldis could have the former WWE Champion work with young talents. By having the younger crop work with The Phenomenal One, Aldis and WWE could build future stars. A young and fresh opponent would also help AJ push the envelope even further.
One of the top prospects on SmackDown is Santos Escobar, the leader of Legado Del Fantasma. While Escobar is not a rookie, he is still a fresh face for WWE fans. Having a feud with AJ Styles would help build his credibility. And since Santos isn't short of company, the overwhelming numbers game could force the former WWE Champion to turn babyface and reunite with The O.C.