Why WWE Brought AJ Styles Back To Raw Early

'The Phenomenal One' is back on television much earlier than planned.

AJ Styles
WWE.com

AJ Styles mounted a successful return to WWE Raw last night, securing his spot in the upcoming men's Money in the Bank ladder match by defeating Humberto Carrillo in the final fall of a lengthy gauntlet match, tapping the up-and-comer out with a Calf Crusher after Carrillo had already bested Angel Garza and Austin Theory.

'The Phenomenal One' continued the beatdown after the bell, then cut a promo claiming he will do anything to win MITB. A productive first televised appearance since his literal burial by The Undertaker's hand in WrestleMania 36's wild Boneyard Match.

It is believed that WWE had actually planned on holding off on Styles' return for even longer but brought him back in an attempt at easing sliding ratings. This is the word of Dave Meltzer on the Sunday Night's Main Event podcast, who claimed WWE wanted a lengthier absence to sell the effects of said Boneyard war.

Advertisement

Edge and Randy Orton will return to Raw next week as well. This could also be ratings-related, though the obvious cure to the ongoing slide still feels like the fans and their noise returning to the arenas - something that isn't possible right now.

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.