AJ Styles to 'retire' from WWE? - 3 biggest signs Cody Rhodes will retain his title at Clash at the Castle
Cody Rhodes is preparing to put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against AJ Styles this Saturday at Clash at the Castle. The two superstars are set to compete in an "I Quit" match, which has especially raised concerns over The Phenomenal One's future in the promotion.
Styles teased retirement on WWE television and has openly talked about approaching the end of his career in interviews. Many believe he should win a World Title again before he leaves, and while that may be true, it may not happen at Clash at the Castle.
Here, we look at three signs hinting at Cody Rhodes successfully retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash at the Castle in Glasgow, Scotland. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1. WWE's real plan behind the "I Quit" match
AJ Styles faked his retirement on SmackDown to blindside Cody Rhodes and attack him in the closing moments of the blue show. The following week, Styles demanded a title match and a frustrated champion granted the shot before they engaged in a brawl.
Although retiring a legend would elevate The American Nightmare's championship reign, it is unlikely for AJ Styles to hang his boots after he loses. Instead, he may say, "I Quit," but only take a brief break before making a phenomenal return, pun intended. Adding the aforementioned stipulation was the best way to script a retirement angle without booking one.
#2. Potential title change at Clash at the Castle
The upcoming edition of Clash at the Castle will have both WWE World Titles on the line. While Cody Rhodes will look to defend his title against AJ Styles, Drew McIntyre is set to challenge Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship in arguably the biggest match of the night.
The Scottish Warrior is inching closer to a fairytale victory, but it is highly unlikely for both titles to change hands at the PLE. McIntyre has a better chance of winning his title match, and thus, we may see AJ Styles suffer another defeat in his bid to dethrone Cody Rhodes.
#3. This title match could be used as a stepping stone to AJ Styles' actual farewell
Cody Rhodes is determined to make AJ Styles say the words "I Quit" when the two lock horns at Clash at the Castle. WWE also used an emotional angle, tucking at retirement strings a couple of weeks ago. While there may be truth to rumors surrounding The Phenomenal One's plans to retire soon, the promotion wouldn't let him go without a proper farewell.
His upcoming match against Cody Rhodes is technically a rematch from Backlash France, where he had failed to beat The American Nightmare. Another loss would send The Phenomenal One over the edge, who could get his much-deserved break before adding new vicious elements to his heel persona upon return on SmackDown.
AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes have had an entertaining rivalry, and the build-up to their match at Clash at the Castle was surprisingly shot. If and when The Phenomenal One gets truly involved in the last feud of his career as an active wrestler, the storytelling will likely be a lot more compelling, and the stakes will be higher.