Former WWE Champion AJ Styles, who was set to make his return last Friday on WWE SmackDown, did not come to fruition. Styles, last seen at Clash at the Castle in June in a WWE Undisputed Championship match against Cody Rhodes, has been absent from WWE programming since then.
Following his loss to Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle, Styles remained away from WWE. However, he competed in Pro Wrestling NOAH, where he defeated Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024 on July 13 at Budokan Hall in Japan.
Reports last week indicated that AJ Styles was scheduled to return on WWE SmackDown in Tulsa, Oklahoma. However, the show featured appearances of Roman Reigns, who attacked the new Bloodline members. Despite this, AJ Styles did not make his anticipated return. The show featured stars such as Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and LA Knight, but AJ Styles’ return did not materialize.
Reports shed light on why AJ Styles did not appear on the show. It was revealed that WWE had already finalized creative plans and decided it wasn’t the right time to bring Styles back. Following the scrapping of his return, Styles issued a major statement.
Styles, who has been absent from WWE since June, competed in Pro Wrestling NOAH during this period. He was also present at WWE’s recent Japan tour, which occurred a week prior to SummerSlam. Styles has since reflected on his time wrestling in Japan, making a huge statement.
AJ Styles reflects on his time in wrestling in Japan
WWE recently completed a three-day tour in Japan, featuring several stars performing for Japanese fans. Styles, who has been absent from WWE programming, was present during the tour. A recent WWE YouTube video featured Superstars talking about wrestling in Japan. Styles mentioned that he has traditionally worn a special mask for major shows in Japan. He hinted that this might be his last time wrestling in Japan.
He stated, “If you don’t know already, when I’m in Japan, ever since I was with the Bullet Club, I had a mask made for the big shows of the year, and now it’s tradition that I have a mask when I walk out (in Japan). This possibly could be the last one you see on AJ Styles, so let’s get it.”
Former WWE Champion AJ Styles, who turned 47 in June, seems to be winding down his legendary career in professional wrestling.
