Finn Balor to be replaced by WWE veteran as Judgment Day leader, Royal Rumble return? - 4 Ways AJ Styles could make his comeback in 2025

It has been nearly three months since AJ Styles last showed up on SmackDown. An ankle injury in his match against Carmelo Hayes has sidelined him since then, but it appears he might return soon.

The question is what he could do once he is back in WWE. With that in mind, we take a look at four ways the Phenomenal One could make his return.

#4. He could take over The Judgment Day

Former WWE Champion AJ Styles (Photo credit: WWE.com)

This has been a turbulent period for Judgment Day. Finn Balor hasn't led the faction to success, and we could see changes occur.

One possibility is that Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan, and Raquel Rodriguez will depart, while Balor will keep JD McDonagh and Carlito with him.

Thus, AJ Styles could return by showing up on RAW (or SmackDown if The Judgment Day moves there during the Transfer Window) and taking over the faction.

It will be interesting to see what happens, especially how Finn Balor reacts to this and whether he approves of AJ Styles's move.

#3. He could make a surprise return as No.30 at the Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble is a Premium Live Event where WWE Superstars return from injury or for another stint with the company. AJ Styles could be such a case.

The Phenomenal One could show up as a surprise entrant at No.30 and try to win the Royal Rumble Match and secure a title shot at WrestleMania 41. This would make sense, allowing WWE Creative to push him and make him a contender.

#2. AJ Styles could re-ignite his feud with Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura showed up on SmackDown a few weeks ago for the first time since moving to the blue brand in late April. However, his run has succeeded since he dethroned LA Knight and became the new United States Champion.

With that in mind, The Phenomenal One could return to SmackDown and re-ignite his feud with Nakamura, challenging him to a title match. The two superstars have had illustrious careers outside of WWE but have battled each other very few times during their time with the Stamford-based company (e.g., WrestleMania 34 back in 2018 for the WWE Championship).

Thus, WWE Creative could re-ignite their feud and make AJ Styles a title contender upon his comeback.

#1. The Phenomenal One could attack Solo Sikoa and The New Bloodline

AJ has unfinished business with Solo Sikoa since the latter was part of The Bloodline and helped Roman Reigns defeat Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight to retain his Universal Championship a year ago.

Fast forward to today, The Phenomenal One could attack Solo and The New Bloodline and re-ignite the feud with him. He could do so by either assaulting Sikoa on SmackDown or showing up on the RAW premiere on Netflix and costing Solo his Tribal Combat against Roman Reigns.

On that occasion, The New Bloodline's leader would seek revenge, and the two could go against each other on the blue brand for the first time in more than 15 months.