One last shot, rekindling a bitter feud & more - 4 directions for AJ Styles when he returns to WWE SmackDown this week
Roman Reigns made his anticipated WWE return at SummerSlam, and SmackDown will be his next stop. The Head of the Table wasn't the only star announced for a big appearance this Friday.
Former WWE Champion AJ Styles' homecoming was also advertised. Styles has been competing overseas in Japan thanks to Triple H's regime, which allowed performers to compete in certain other promotions.
Many expect Reigns to call out Solo Sikoa and possibly address Cody Rhodes. As for The Phenomenal One, what will he do? AJ Styles could do one of the next four things when he returns to SmackDown this week.
#4. A parallel of returns with Roman Reigns
Reigns triumphantly made his WWE return to take out Solo Sikoa in the main event of SummerSlam. Fans have been clamoring for it for months.
Styles was one of the first challengers for Rhodes after he won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Roman Reigns. He hasn't been away as long as The Tribal Chief with his last televised match taking place in June at Clash at the Castle.
Since Roman will be hailed as a hero returning from war, Styles may mock the fact that Reigns terrorized SmackDown for the last four years. He could equate it to how Jey Uso was given a pass or quickly forgiven by most people even though he cost someone like Drew McIntyre the title multiple times. The Phenomenal One won't like how he's treated and he'll probably lash out.
#3. The Phenomenal One vs. The American Nightmare one last time
Bash in Berlin is the next premium live event on the schedule. SummerSlam had seven bouts, so every title may not make the card for Germany. Rhodes will have some sort of presence on the card due to being the top star of the company.
Bad Blood is next up on the schedule, taking place on October 5. AJ and Cody clearly have bad blood due to the fake retirement Styles pulled during his feud over the title.
The former WWE Champion could go after The American Nightmare one last time. He could apologize for his fake retirement or take things even further. They could even agree to the "last title shot while Rhodes is Champion" stipulation since that has been used a few times recently.
#2. Gunning for Tag Team gold on SmackDown
After winning the WWE Tag Team Titles on the final episode of SmackDown before SummerSlam, The Bloodline is a marked team. They utilized every member of the faction to take the titles from #DIY.
The O.C. has been bouncing back and forth between SmackDown and NXT while Styles has been overseas. New champions mean new challengers.
It's been a long time since Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows were tag team champions in the company. Styles could take a slight step back while his friends attempt to topple the new-look Bloodline.
#1. Rekindling the feud with LA Knight
If LA Knight is busy with someone else like Carmelo Hayes, Santos Escobar, or another challenger, he won't be expecting a blindside attack from Styles. The two feuded to end 2023, culminating with a featured bout at WrestleMania 40.
Knight won that match and feud, building momentum en route to capturing the United States Title last SummerSlam. Styles probably watched as his bitter rival achieved success that he hasn't had over the last few years. It could lead to a big match at the Bash in Berlin or at Bad Blood in Atlanta in early October.