AJ Styles' possible retirement, WWE veteran shares honest thoughts
After being absent from WWE television since June 2024, AJ Styles returned last week on SmackDown. Unfortunately for Styles, his first match back last Friday proved detrimental to his immediate future.
Various reports have been made about whether the injury he sustained during his match against Carmelo Hayes was legitimate or part of a storyline. Still, as of this writing, it is unclear. Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer was asked about The Phenomenal One's future in WWE.
Speaking on Keepin' It 100, Meltzer pointed to the two-time WWE Champion's ability to perform at the highest level. Styles, 47, has no rhyme or reason to leave the company at this point, like how superstars had to in the past:
"It wouldn't stun me, but guys never retire, especially when they can still go. And [AJ Styles] can still go," Dave Meltzer said.
The veteran journalist reminded about Christian Cage, who moved to AEW in 2021 after he was unable to negotiate a good deal with WWE.
"I don't see [Styles] leaving the company. The only way guys are usually going to make the decision to retire, for real, is because they're bodies hurting so bad. Like if it were Vince [McMahon], and Vince were to go, 'AJ, you're 47 years old, I think it's time to go,' I think AJ at that point calls up AEW and goes, 'Hey, you got something?' That's what Christian did. That's not exactly what he did, but that's kind of what he did," he added.
Further examples of late WWE Hall of Famers Randy Savage and Roddy Piper were also mentioned. Meltzer noted that they had "revitalized" their careers in WCW.
Will AJ Styles appear this week on WWE SmackDown?
The latest update is that AJ Styles suffered a freak injury last week and that it is, in fact, legitimate. However, its seriousness is unclear as of this writing. Styles shared a message on social media to the WWE Universe following SmackDown, informing fans that he would keep them updated.
This week, during the Q&A on Backstage Pass, Joe Lowry hosted wrestling legend Bill Apter and WrestleVotes. They touched upon many topics, including The Phenomenal One's injury.
According to WrestleVotes, AJ Styles legit injured himself during his match against Carmelo Hayes:
"You know I heard right away on Friday that it was legit and I haven't heard anything else since, so it makes me believe that it is. As unfortunate as it is, I think it'll make the eventual comeback even stronger."
The Phenomenal One appears to have ignited a rivalry with Carmelo Hayes, which in turn is revolving around United States Champion LA Knight.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis refused to grant Hayes a title match against The Megastar last week despite the former NXT Champion's victory over Styles via forfeit. Where this angle goes from here bears watching.
If you use any of the quotes, please credit the original source and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.