After almost three months away from WWE programming, AJ Styles is back on SmackDown with a surprising new look!
The former WWE Champion hasn’t been seen on SmackDown since he was taken out backstage by Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline back in September. Styles was set to team with John Cena to face Uso and Sikoa at Fastlane, later being replaced by LA Knight.
It was initially reported that Styles would return on the November 10th edition of SmackDown but there was no sign of the Phenomenal One. Last week, Styles appeared in advertising for the Tribute To The Troops special edition of SmackDown following a separate report that he would return at that event.
Yet again, Styles did not appear with it later emerging that his return was delayed due to a creative decision. Last night, however, Styles finally made his long-awaited return to the company to close out the show.
After Randy Orton got a singles victory over Jimmy Uso in the show’s main event, a brawl broke out. Orton and Knight looked like they were going to be overwhelmed by Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Roman Reigns when Styles appeared and took out Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm.
The surprises didn’t end there though. A few moments after running off The Bloodline, Styles suddenly attacked Knight from behind and walked out of the arena to close the show as both Orton and The Bloodline looked on with puzzled looks.
AJ Styles came back JACKED pic.twitter.com/L2pZ7uxQdl
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) December 16, 2023
AJ Styles Returned To WWE In The Best Shape Of His Career
Fans on social media were quick to point out Styles’ physique, which has vastly improved since he last appeared on the blue brand nearly three months ago. His new all-black look also caused many to draw comparisons to his ‘Lone Wolf’ TNA gimmick.