WWE News & Rumor Roundup: AJ Styles injured, big title match cancelled, huge debut teased on SmackDown before Bad Blood 2024
We are back with another exciting edition of WWE News & Rumor Roundup. Today's list looks at AJ Styles's recent SmackDown injury and what happened afterward. Additionally, we have a massive update on a huge debut planned for the blue brand and a shocking exit from SmackDown after five years.
Below are the most significant stories that have dominated the WWE headlines over the last 24 hours. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1. AJ Styles injured on WWE SmackDown before Bad Blood
AJ Styles suffered what seems to be a serious injury on SmackDown's final edition before Bad Blood. The Phenomenal One locked horns with Carmelo Hayes in an impromptu match during which his attempt to a springboard off the middle rope ended with a bad landing. Later, he collapsed, and the referee was forced to end the match, but Styles looked visibly frustrated.
WWE shared an update later on the show that AJ Styles had to be rushed to the hospital as he was seen leaving on crutches. Fans are concerned over the Phenomenal One's injury and await an update, wishing the former world champion a speedy recovery.
#2. Nick Aldis cancels massive title match involving top SmackDown star
The abovementioned match between AJ Styles and Carmelo Hayes was booked after the former NXT Champion interrupted The Phenomenal One. An added stipulation to the match would be for Hayes to get a shot at the United States Championship if he beat Styles.
Although Carmelo Hayes won via referee stoppage after Styles' injury, the SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made a bold decision. He refused to grant Hayes his match for the United States Championship despite LA Knight attacking the heel. Aldis insisted Styles was his priority, seemingly canceling a potential Hayes va Knight for the gold until further notice.
#3. WWE reportedly teased the legendary tag team's debut on SmackDown
This week, on the blue brand, fans were shown mysterious vignettes that aroused curiosity among the viewers. The videos featured police lights, silhouettes of two people walking, and Detroit city before playing the words "Coming Soon." Recent backstage reports suggest the vignettes teased the debut of the legendary tag team, The Motor City Machine Guns.
They are highly regarded for their achievements across ROH, NJPW, TNA, and the independent circuit. It was recently reported that The Motor City Machine Guns have signed with WWE, and the duo is seemingly headed to the blue brand.
#4. Roman Reigns to leave WWE SmackDown soon - Reports
Roman Reigns has long been the biggest name on SmackDown, but the Original Tribal Chief is now seemingly headed to the Monday Night show - WWE RAW. As per the latest reports, Reigns will be moved to RAW once the show goes live on Netflix, marking his return to the red brand after five years.
On the other hand, Cody Rhodes will remain on SmackDown, which allows the creative team to put their two biggest babyfaces on different shows. Recent reports have also claimed that Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes will lock horns at Crown Jewel in November. However, before that, the two are set to team up to take on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag team match at Bad Blood tomorrow.
#5. Top heel to dethrone Jey Uso as the Intercontinental Champion soon?
Jey Uso defeated Born Breakker in an epic clash to win the Intercontinental Championship, marking his first singles championship victory in WWE. Fans have long felt he deserved the accolade, and the former Bloodline member is expected to enjoy a memorable reign.
However, the latest reports have hinted at the one RAW Superstar who will dethrone Jey Uso for the title, and it is none other than Dominik Mysterio. Rhea Ripley choosing Jey and thriving with him after being dumped by Dominik Mysterio has set up an intense rivalry between the two stars, and they are seemingly slated for a massive title feud that will reportedly end with the Intercontinental Championship changing hands.