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A former WWE champion was recently taken off television and went on a short hiatus. The latest reports suggest that the legendary superstar is expected to return soon.
AJ Styles has been absent from WWE TV since losing an 'I Quit' match to Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle. Styles returned to action one month later in an inter-promotional match against Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024 in Japan. He also wrestled in WWE's three-day tour of Japan in late July.
According to PW Insider Elite (H/T Rajah), The Phenomenal One was supposed to return this past Friday on SmackDown. However, different plans were already in place for him and those in power reportedly felt it wasn't right to bring him back just yet.
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Styles was not backstage and didn't fly out to Tulsa, Oklahoma, but is still expected to return this month. He will likely be brought back to television before the Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event on August 31.
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AJ Styles is one of the elder statesmen of the main roster. He's still a valuable part of the company although it's been reported that his contract will be expiring sometime this year.
AJ Styles hinted at possibly retiring after WWE exit
In an interview with The Ringer back in April before WrestleMania 40, AJ Styles opened up about his future. Styles teased the possibility of retirement once he exits WWE. His mind continues to tell him to continue wrestling, but his body is not what it used to be despite looking like he's in the best shape of his life.
"I'm anxious to see what story comes next. I'm getting close. I'm getting close to the end. I want to have that story and match to go with it before I leave the WWE. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most," Styles said. [H/T Fightful]
AJ Styles has been wrestling since 1998 and has been with WWE since 2016. He's 47 years old and has had a lot of bumps and bruises in his career from TNA Wrestling to New Japan, and the biggest wrestling company in the world.
