AJ Styles' status for WWE SmackDown revealed - Reports

WWE is set to present its first show of 2025 in just a few hours. The blue brand will kick off the new year with a live SmackDown from Phoenix, AZ. With one controversial change already confirmed for tonight, the WWE Universe is speculating on additional surprises and swerves, and the rumored return of AJ Styles is a hot topic of discussion.

The Phenomenal One unsuccessfully chased the Undisputed WWE Championship earlier this year until returning to Japan in mid-July for a big win over Naomichi Marufiji at Pro Wrestling NOAH's Destination event. AJ returned to SmackDown on October 4 to face Carmelo Hayes, but the 47-year-old suffered an injury, giving Hayes the win via referee stoppage. The inaugural ROH Pure Champion later confirmed he had a complex foot injury, known as a Lisfranc fracture.

Styles visited TNA Final Resolution in Atlanta on December 13, which fueled rumors of his WWE return in a major way. The speculation picked up this week ahead of the first SmackDown of 2025, and the big RAW Netflix premiere on Monday. However, early word from backstage at the Footprint Center in Phoenix indicates that his return is planned for another time.

AJ has not been officially ruled out for tonight's SmackDown, but PWInsider notes that there has been no talk of the wrestling legend being in The Valley of The Sun for tonight's show. At last word, Styles was still recovering from his foot injury.

The Georgia Pitbull was no longer using crutches backstage at the TNA pay-per-view last month, but word then that AJ still was not at 100%. It remains to be seen if Styles has been medically cleared to compete since then. The first-ever TNA Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion was at Final Resolution visiting as he lives in the area.