AJ Styles gearing up to confront Cody Rhodes; will address the WWE Universe next week on SmackDown 

WWE star AJ Styles is the number one contender for Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship. He has now reacted to his upcoming match with The American Nightmare.

This week on SmackDown, Styles took on LA Knight to determine the next challenger for Rhodes. The two fought hard in their WrestleMania XL rematch, exchanging remarkable maneuvers. However, The Phenomenal One quickly got a thumb to the eye of Knight and picked up the win in a controversial fashion.

WWE correspondent Kayla Braxton caught up with AJ Styles on The SmackDown Lowdown. He claimed that his dislike for LA Knight did not impact his respect for Rhodes. Styles claimed that he admired the champ and said he would share his thoughts publicly next week on SmackDown.

"Just because I don't like LA Knight, doesn't mean I don't like everybody else. I have a lot of respect for Cody and you. The rest of the WWE Universe are gonna find out what I have to say next week." [0:22 - 0:37]

---

Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles will put on a show at Backlash

This week on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell claimed that he was excited to see the two stars lock horns at Backlash 2024. He pointed out that they were both Georgia boys and would have a great match in France.

"Well, these are two Georgia boys meeting up in France. Yeah, it would probably be better than that little flea market they used to wrestle in Cartersville. I bet there's a big difference there. But, good luck to them, and let's see what they do. I mean, I think they'll have a great house in France," Mantell said.

It will be interesting to see what AJ Styles has to say next week. Rhodes is also advertised for the show and the two stars could come face to face on the blue brand.

---

If you use any quotes from the article's first half, please credit WWE and add an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription.