Will AJ Styles return to WWE before 2024 ends? The truth disclosed

AJ Styles was last seen on WWE TV in a match against Carmelo Hayes on the October 4, 2024, episode of SmackDown. The match ended via referee stoppage, allowing Hayes to pick up the victory. It was revealed that The Phenomenal One injured his ligament and the bout had to be stopped.

Since then, fans have speculated about AJ Styles' status and whether he will return before the year ends. Unfortunately, the WWE Universe will not see The Phenomenal One in action in 2024. It has been reported by Sportskeeda Wrestling's Dr. Chris Featherstone that Styles is not expected to return before 2025 commences.

"I was informed not to expect him on TV for the remainder of the year," Featherstone tweeted.

It has also been reported that WWE remaining quiet on AJ Styles' injury is rather strange, especially since he legitimately got hurt in October.

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WWE Superstar names AJ Styles as his dream opponent

The Phenomenal One has worked tirelessly for years to cement his legacy in the Stamford-based promotion. His strong fanbase is evidence of what the superstar is capable of, and viewers yearning to see him back on WWE TV speaks volumes about his popularity.

During an interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter in April 2024, Pete Dunne revealed that the two-time WWE Champion was his dream opponent. The Bruiserweight said he grew up admiring The Phenomenal One and had been following Styles' career since his time on the independent circuit and in TNA Wrestling.

"I wrestled him recently in a four-way, but I grew up admiring AJ Styles a lot. I was a big fan of obviously his independent stuff at that time and that early TNA stuff. We had the wrestling channel back in the UK. And he was on it a lot, and he was somebody I looked up to a lot."

It remains to be seen whether Styles will return to WWE in January 2025 when RAW moves to Netflix. The ongoing transfer window will allow superstars to switch brands.