Reason Behind AJ Styles Not Returning on 8/9 WWE SmackDown

AJ Styles is widely celebrated as one of the best professional wrestlers by both fans and peers. Known for his high-caliber performances, Styles has continued to impress despite his age. Although he hasn’t appeared on WWE television for a while and was expected to return on SmackDown, the reason for his absence has now been revealed.

Pro Wrestling NOAH and WWE announced that AJ Styles would face off against Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024 on July 13 at Budokan Hall and fans expected a solid match and that’s what they got as he faced Marufuji in a great outing and picked up the win with thunderous Styles Clash.

AJ Styles was last seen on WWE television at the Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event, where he was defeated by Cody Rhodes. Following that, he participated in the NOAH Destination event and then competed during WWE live events in Japan.

It was previously reported that Styles was set to return during the August 9th edition of Friday Night SmackDown, but that did not happen. That’s why fans were very disappointed as they wanted to see Styles back.

According to PWInsider, AJ Styles not only missed the show but wasn’t even in attendance. Despite this, Styles is still expected to return to WWE TV and storylines before Bash in Berlin at the end of the month. It was further reported that the reason for AJ Styles’ absence was that the company had already finalized creative plans and decided it wasn’t the right time to bring him back.

We will have to wait and see whether The Phenomenal One will have a proper storyline upon his return, as he is certain to have a match at the Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event on August 31st.

Were you disappointed that AJ Styles did not make his return on Friday Night SmackDown this week? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!