Ex-WWE IC Champion questions AJ Styles' motive ahead of SmackDown

After last week's show-closing cliffhanger on Friday Night SmackDown, WWE Superstar AJ Styles became the talk of wrestling town. He teased retirement for good during the segment but ultimately decided to put away Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes instead. Wade Barrett wants answers as much as the rest of the fans do.

While raising AJ's hand, The American Nightmare celebrated with his previous challenger in the middle of the ring. Styles turned things around by hitting Rhodes with a clothesline, followed by a Styles Clash off the top of the steel steps.

On Instagram, WWE posted the video of the one-sided beatdown from last week. Corey Graves and Wade Barrett, who were seated at the commentary table, were shocked at the turn of events. Barrett left a comment on social media, simply with the word:

"WHY????? 🥸," wrote Wade Barrett.

Check out Barrett's comment below:

Wade Barrett sends a message to John Cena.

Considering Cody's confirmation that he will be there for WWE Clash at the Castle: Scotland scheduled to air live from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on June 15, a match against The Phenomenal One is highly likely. If the bout is made official tonight, then it would mark their second encounter after Backlash in May. That match was awarded 5 stars by Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer.

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Will WWE consider booking Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles II at a later date?

World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest missed King and Queen of the Ring, making his upcoming title defense against Drew McIntyre only his second in a premium live event since WrestleMania XL. All signs point to their match headlining the upcoming event.

Dave Meltzer predicted that the company could hold off Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles II for Money in the Bank on July 6 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. The event will mark the final stop before SummerSlam.

Heading towards The Biggest Party of the Summer, perhaps the sports entertainment giant has some big plans for Cody Rhodes. If that is the case, then The American Nightmare needs a strong victory beforehand. Styles is certainly a legit main event player who can take a loss and not be affected by it.