Why AJ Styles Didn’t Make His SmackDown Return This Week As Initially Expected

Prior to this week’s episode of SmackDown, it was reported that AJ Styles was set to make his return to WWE television, having only been working on house shows recently. Yet, after he didn’t appear, many fans on social media were left wondering what his current status with WWE is.

However, confirming there is no need to worry, PWInsider.com has reported that WWE canceled his comeback due to having already decided that week’s creative plans. Still, despite this, the former WWE Champion is expected to be back soon as he is scheduled to be involved in Bash in Berlin at the end of the month.

47-year-old Styles made his name in TNA after spending over a decade in the promotion, only departing because they wanted to reduce his salary by 60%. At the time, it was thought this could result in the end of Styles’ pro wrestling career in American mainstream wrestling. Yet, after a very successful run in New Japan, he received an offer from WWE and, subsequently, became one of the company’s most prominently featured performers.