Top star nearing retirement? - 4 signs AJ Styles will lose at WWE Night of Champions

A big-time match is set to take place at WWE Night of Champions 2023, where two of the best in-ring stars will clash. Not only will they compete, but they'll do so for the coveted World Heavyweight Championship.

Seth Rollins and AJ Styles are the two superstars set to battle in Saudi Arabia. The bout is much anticipated, both because it will crown the World Heavyweight Champion and because of who's involved.

Styles and Rollins are amazing wrestlers who will no doubt be first-ballot Hall of Famers as their careers come to an end. They made a name for themselves prior to joining World Wrestling Entertainment but became even bigger stars upon joining the promotion.

Still, the question on everybody's mind is who will win the big-time bout? While either star could become champion, there are a few signs indicating that The Phenomenal One will not be the one leaving Saudi Arabia as champion. This article will look at a handful of those possible indications.

Below are four signs AJ Styles will lose at WWE Night of Champions.

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#4. AJ Styles is a SmackDown star

One of the key reasons why AJ Styles will seemingly lose at WWE Night of Champions is the brand he's on. The Phenomenal One is a member of SmackDown as a result of the 2023 WWE Draft.

Of course, it has already been established that if a SmackDown star were to win the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament that they would simply move to Monday Night RAW. Still, he was likely drafted to the blue brand for a reason.

Plus, there's the issue of The O.C. as AJ is joined by Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Mia Yim on SmackDown. If AJ wins the title and moves to RAW, where would that leave his stablemates? Given how messy a win by Styles could potentially be, Seth Rollins feels like the obvious choice.

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#3. His WWE contract is seemingly expiring next year

The O.C. on SmackDown

Another reason why AJ Styles may lose at WWE Night of Champions comes down to his age and the time remaining on his contract. The Phenomenal One is 45 years old and will be turning 46 next month. While he's still an excellent wrestler, time waits for none.

Additionally, his contract is allegedly expiring in 2024. Given his age, many believed his latest contract would be the last one he would sign. If that's accurate, Styles may retire next year.

Of course, there's always the chance that AJ will sign a new contract and continue to wrestle for the Stamford-based promotion, but for now, WWE likely doesn't know what Styles' future will look like. As a result, they may choose not to give him the belt.

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#2. Seth Rollins' on-screen push points to a major win for The Visionary

AJ Styles potentially losing at Night of Champions isn't even all about him. While he's a fantastic wrestler, and the article itself is about why he may lose, the truth is he may lose simply because the company's on-screen push for Seth is so strong.

Seth Rollins is one of the most popular stars in the entire company. He, alongside the likes of Cody Rhodes, the LWO, Sami Zayn, and Becky Lynch, dominates the babyface side of WWE.

Beyond his popularity, Seth has made it his goal to win the World Heavyweight Championship. He also defeated Omos at Backlash 2023, which gave The Visionary a lot of momentum. AJ may lose simply because the push and focus have gone to Rollins.

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#1. New feuds are being teased for AJ Styles on Friday Night SmackDown

Grayson Waller and AJ Styles

The final major sign that indicates AJ Styles isn't winning the World Heavyweight Championship at Night of Champions is his booking on Friday Night SmackDown. The Phenomenal One seemingly has two major feuds lined up.

First and foremost, Styles is seemingly set to feud with Karrion Kross. The big man and Scarlett had a vignette where he made his intentions clear on the most recent edition of WWE SmackDown. The two are set to clash this week, but it could become an ongoing feud.

In addition to Kross, Grayson Waller could be set to feud with Styles. The former NXT star feuded with AJ once before, but the two have already had a stare-down with clear tension between them since Grayson joined WWE's main roster.

With two feuds on SmackDown seemingly lined up for AJ Styles, a World Heavyweight Championship win and a move to RAW feels unlikely.