Reported reason why AJ Styles didn't return to WWE SmackDown this week
AJ Styles has been absent from WWE TV for a while. A potential real reason behind his absence from SmackDown this week has been revealed.
The Phenomenal One hasn't been seen on TV programming since failing to dethrone Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash at the Castle. Amidst his absence, Styles made a one-off return to Pro Wrestling NOAH Destination, where he wrestled Naomichi Marufuji.
Earlier this week, rumors suggested that The Lone Wolf would return on the August 9 episode of SmackDown. However, AJ Styles was nowhere to be seen on the show, leaving fans wondering about his return plans.
According to PWInsider, The Phenomenal One wasn't present backstage this past Friday despite being initially scheduled to appear on the show. The word making the rounds is that WWE decided not to bring him back on TV yet, though he is still expected to be back in time for Bash in Berlin on August 31.
AJ Styles open to facing multi-time WWE World Champion
AJ Styles recently opened up about CM Punk's WWE return.
The Straight Edge Superstar has silenced his critics again despite unpopular beliefs stemming from his tumultuous time in All Elite Wrestling.
In an interview with the Ringer Wrestling Show, Styles revealed that he expected trouble when Punk came back to WWE last year. However, The Phenomenal One realized he was wrong about CM Punk as he thinks the RAW star appears to be having the time of his life. He also said he wants to share the ring with The Second City Saint in the near future.
"Past performance predicts future behavior, right? Some over at AEW are my best friends. Love 'em, trust 'em, know 'em. I was expecting a problem when he came here and I was wrong. The guy looks like he is happy to be here. He looks like the guy that I want to step in the ring with and tear the house down with."
Styles and Punk have had issues in the past, but WWE Superstars have shown time and again that they're willing to put their differences aside for the sake of the business.
Will the two wrestling stalwarts cross paths in the future? Only time will tell.