AJ Styles to make heartbreaking announcement on WWE in-ring future on SmackDown tonight? Chances explored

AJ Styles returned to SmackDown after nearly four months and seemed to have a face turn while addressing the WWE Universe. At the same time, Carmelo Hayes showed up and confronted him, with the two having a match right after the segment.

If Hayes was able to defeat the Phenomenal One, he would get an opportunity to face LA Knight for the United States Championship. During the match, AJ Styles suffered an ankle injury and was forced to leave the ring, with Carmelo claiming the win via injury stoppage.

There was no concrete update on whether this injury was real or part of the storyline, but Jackie Redmond eventually took to X (fka Twitter) and confirmed that the former WWE Champion was indeed injured and would have to undergo an MRI to reveal its full extent.

"Coming out of SmackDown last night, I can confirm that AJ Styles suffered a “mid foot ligament sprain” also known as a Lisfranc injury. AJ will have an MRI later this week to determine the severity of the injury," Redmond wrote.

As it seems this injury could force him to miss time, AJ could show up on SmackDown this Friday and give a heartbreaking update saying that he was taking time off to recover and had no idea when and if he would return.

Styles has already hinted at retirement once his current contract with WWE expires, and this time he could announce that he takes time off before returning for one last run with WWE.

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AJ Styles reacts to ankle injury he suffered on SmackDown

AJ Styles wanted to make a fresh start on SmackDown after his four-month hiatus, but the ankle injury he sustained will sideline him again, even though it is unclear how much time he will miss.

Taking to his X account, the Phenomenal One seemed disappointed after the injury but was trying to keep up his spirits.

"I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ll keep you updated," Styles wrote.

Having a face turn now, it is unclear what will be next for the former world champion. We don't expect him to go after Cody Rhodes again, but Kevin Owens, who turned heel at Bad Blood, could be a likely opponent.