Former WWE Champion Returning IMMINENTLY

WWE set to be boosted by major return very, very soon.

by Andy H Murray
AJ Styles
WWE.com

AJ Styles is expected to be back on WWE television for the 10 November episode of SmackDown, reports Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite.

This would end a month-and-a-half-long exile for the former WWE Champion, who has been off-screen since suffering a Bloodline beatdown on the blue brand's 22 September show.

Said Bloodline angle would suggest a potential storyline with the leading SmackDown group and its leader, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who defends his title against LA Knight at Crown Jewel 2023 this weekend. Styles' post-return creative direction hasn't been confirmed, though.

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AJ last wrestled for WWE on the 15 September SmackDown, where the Judgment Day's Finn Balor defeated him. Since then, AJ has been off the road entirely, not even working untelevised live events.

While the circumstances surrounding his latest break aren't clear, Styles has been only semi-active in 2023 before the Bloodline angle, with an ankle injury sidelining him from December 2022 until this May. He was then installed as a United States Championship contender, though he failed to wrest the belt from Austin Theory's clutches in several unsuccessful attempts, both televised and untelevised.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.