Why did WWE cancel AJ Styles' return on SmackDown? Likely reason revealed

AJ Styles was supposed to return to WWE SmackDown on the August 9 episode reportedly, but he never appeared on the show. The Phenomenal One wasn't part of the show in Tulsa, Oklahoma nor he was seen backstage.

It appears, though, that the main reason for his absence was that the creative team modified its plans and felt it wasn't the right time for the former two-time WWE Champion to make his return. The expectation, though, is that he will be back before Bash in Berlin in late August.

AJ Styles has been out for almost two months now, as the last time he wrestled on WWE TV was at the Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event in mid-June, where he lost to Cody Rhodes in a bout for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

In between, he appeared in a few live events as well as the Japan Tour in Osaka and Tokyo a couple of weeks ago, from July 25-27. As for the blue brand, last Friday's episode was highlighed by the return of Roman Reigns, who decimated The Bloodline and added more fuel to his feud with Solo Sikoa.

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AJ Styles in search of a last great storyline before retiring

It appears that AJ Styles is getting close to his retirement after a 26-year long career in wrestling. The wrestling legend has hinted at it several times, and admitted that he is in search of a last great storyline before retiring.

"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," AJ Styles said in an interview with The Ringer, via Fightful.

The veteran wrestler is on an expiring contract and there is no update on whether he would negotiate a new deal with WWE. Styles joined the Stamford-based company in 2016, while he began his wrestling career in 1998.