4 Reasons why AJ Styles must leave WWE SmackDown

AJ Styles has not appeared on WWE programming in more than three months. After losing to Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle, The Phenomenal One went to Japan, where he had an excellent match with Naomichi Marufuji. He has not been seen since, despite all signs indicating that he is healthy and available to compete.

Why is the two-time WWE Champion absent from SmackDown despite seemingly being ready to go? Why is the blue brand missing one of its biggest names despite needing all the star power it can get as it begins a new era? Is the Friday night show still a good fit for The Champ That Runs The Camp, or does he need some time away from the house that he built?

Here are four reasons why AJ Styles needs to leave WWE SmackDown

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#4: There isn't much for AJ Styles to do in the WWE SmackDown main event scene

The Phenomenal One has faced nearly every top star on the blue brand [Images from WWE.com]

WWE SmackDown may be the house AJ Styles built, but it feels like new owners have taken over in recent years. The show's recent past has been defined by The Bloodline and stars such as Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton. AJ Styles has also been in that mix, facing most of these names and often coming out on the losing end.

It currently feels like there aren't many exciting top feuds for The Phenomenal One on the blue brand. Styles might be better served by a trade to another brand, given that the next draft is many months away.

Imagining the 47-year-old appearing on RAW, NXT, or even TNA is more exciting to most fans than the prospect of mid-card or rehashed main event feuds on SmackDown.

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#3: Many dream matches await The Phenomenal one away from WWE SmackDown

Other than removing AJ Styles from WWE SmackDown, a cross-brand trade would also give him a fresh set of opponents. At 47, The Phenomenal One's time is winding down, so none should be wasted. Every opportunity should be taken to have him face current top guns like CM Punk and Damian Priest and upcoming young stars like Ilja Dragunov.

Even NXT has Oba Femi, Jevon Evans, Nathan Frazier, Wes Lee, and more. So many dream matches and feuds await the former Bullet Club leader outside his current brand. The longer he stays on the sidelines with no creative plans, the less likely we will see them.

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#2: Trading AJ Styles could be beneficial to WWE SmackDown

AJ Styles' time on WWE SmackDown has been productive, playing a key role in the journeys of stars like LA Knight and Cody Rhodes. It has also re-established him as a force to be reckoned with, with his work since the Road to WrestleMania XL earning him plaudits.

Just as Styles' presence on the blue brand has benefitted both parties, a potential exchange could do the same. Trading the Phenomenal One to another brand would mean a superstar going the opposite way, freshening up the landscape/

Bringing over someone like Drew McIntyre or Damian Priest would instantly make SmackDown much more intriguing. Additionally, in the case of someone like The Scottish Warrior, it would neatly separate him from CM Punk at the perfect time.

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#1: AJ Styles can chase world championships away from WWE SmackDown

One of the primary motivations for AJ Styles' heel turn and change in attitude on WWE SmackDown was the pursuit of gold. The Phenomenal One was desperate for one last world title reign before hanging up his boots, leading to some of his best recent work with Cody Rhodes. He came so close yet so far, and The American Nightmare has now moved on to other challengers.

He can go after other top champions in the Stamford-based promotion. Gunther is a fascinating option for a dream match between two elite performers. On the other hand, winning the NXT Title and elevating the likes of Trick Williams are intriguing prospects. Most fans would love to see him in the TNA World Championship picture one last time!