4 possible consequences of AJ Styles losing 'I Quit match' at WWE Clash at the Castle

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes raised the stakes for his title defense against AJ Styles on the latest episode of SmackDown. The two collided at Backlash France, but The Phenomenal One was unhappy with the outcome. He lured Rhodes into a vicious attack after faking his retirement.

Let's have a look at the aftermath if AJ Styles is forced to say "I Quit" at Clash at the Castle 2024 Premium Live Event.

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#4. Signs part-time WWE contract

When working in an industry that heavily relies on taking hits and bumps regularly, the talents need time off to regain stamina.

AJ Styles has spent decades hitting next-to-impossible moves in the ring to take down his opponents. If he fails to win the Undisputed WWE Championship and is forced into submission and says "I Quit," Styles could take time off to recuperate from television.

In the meantime, when his WWE contract expires, Styles could sign a part-time deal. This is not new to the industry, as many names such as Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns had part-time schedules while being top faces of the company.

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#3. Continues attacks on Cody Rhodes through The O.C.

After being in the industry for two decades, AJ Styles picked up a few lifelong allies on the way.

His association with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows extends to their time in the infamous Bullet Club faction. In 2016, the trio reunited in WWE, and then six years later, Mia Yim got added to the stable during their feud with The Judgment Day. Over the past year, all members have been on shaky ground, especially with Styles turning heel and distancing himself from the group.

However, following the events that transpired on last week's episode of SmackDown, Anderson and Gallows sided with The Phenomenal One. If AJ Styles loses at Clash at the Castle 2024, he could continue to pull the strings by using The Good Brothers to attack Cody Rhodes and do his dirty work.

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#2. Competes in TNA Wrestling to promote WWE's healthy partnership

WWE is solidifying its relationship with TNA Wrestling and it is evident by Jordynne Grace's addition to the match card of NXT Battleground 2024.

For those unfamiliar, AJ Styles is synonymous with the promotion where he spent 14 years of his wrestling career. He made a video appearance for the 20th edition of Slammiversary in 2022.

Capitalizing on this connection to its fullest, WWE could send AJ Styles to compete in TNA Wrestling if he loses to Cody Rhodes at the Clash at the Castle 2024 Premium Live Event. This would prove to be a fruitful step towards WWE and TNA Wrestling's partnership.

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#1. Takes time off after contract expiration

AJ Styles first stepped foot in a wrestling ring 25 years ago. His aura and in-ring capacities led him to become a sought-after talent in his TNA Wrestling days.

Before his feud with Cody Rhodes leading up to Backlash France, the former WWE Champion addressed retirement plans. Without a definitive timeline in mind, Styles cited his 'sparing bump card' to reduce the toll of in-ring aggressiveness on his body.

Styles made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Since then, he has become an integral part of the roster, becoming a two-time WWE Champion and current heel portrayal. His rivalry with The American Nightmare is on an intense build-up that led to it becoming an "I Quit" match which will be held at the Clash at the Castle 2024 Premium Live Event.

The Phenomenal One's WWE contract is set to expire this year, thus making a potential loss at Clash at the Castle a perfect farewell, at least briefly. He could spend some time away and return with a vengeance a few months later. Styles could also make an impactful return at the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.