AJ Styles to make WWE return on SmackDown with a new character and he may not be alone, says analyst
AJ Styles is all set to make his return to television on SmackDown this week. Meanwhile, WWE analyst Sam Roberts has said that the veteran may not return alone.
The Phenomenal One quietly disappeared after losing to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in an "I Quit" Match at Clash at the Castle. Despite his absence from TV, Styles remained active during the company's recent house shows in Japan and Germany, where he wrestled Shinsuke Nakamura and Cody Rhodes, respectively.
Last week on SmackDown, WWE aired a video package to announce the return of the 47-year-old stalwart to the blue brand.
Speaking on the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Sam Roberts said he would like to see AJ Styles return as a babyface.
"I would love to see him [AJ Styles] return as a good guy. I'd love to see him return as a babyface, and that's because I don't know the idea of AJ. I think he's a good villain, but I don't think he's gonna win anything right now as a villain. I don't think AJ [Styles] as a villain is gonna dethrone any world champions. So the idea of him being a villain and losing, I saw it. I saw it in the rivalry with Cody [Rhodes]. You know, he's been gone long enough that you don't need to live by that, and I'd rather see a babyface AJ Styles," Roberts said.
The WWE analyst also entertained the idea of Shinsuke Nakamura returning as a heel to feud with The Phenomenal One.
"Don't even, you know, get him in there with Gallows and Anderson, right? Maybe bring back Shinsuke [Nakamura]. Heel Shinsuke vs. babyface AJ; heel Gallows and Anderson vs. babyface AJ; these are all programs that AJ Styles can win and rebuild and remind people how good he is," he added. [56:20-57:11]
Check out the full episode below:
Is AJ Styles leaving WWE?
AJ Styles, at 47, isn't getting younger and has transitioned into a part-timer lately. Recent reports have suggested that his contract is set to expire either later this year or early next year.
As of this writing, no efforts have been made to re-sign the two-time WWE Champion. Styles previously teased his retirement during his feud with Cody Rhodes.
In 2019, the former O.C. leader made it clear that his current WWE contract would be the last of his career. Is he coming back to SmackDown for one last hurrah? Only time will tell!
If you use quotes from this article, please credit the Notsam Wrestling podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for transcription.