WWE planning major return for tonight's SmackDown
Legendary wrestler, sidelined since October due to injury, was recently spotted without crutches and may be close to returning to WWE.
AJ Styles, absent from WWE since October due to a Lisfranc foot fracture, may be close to returning to the ring. WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura will defend his title against LA Knight on the next SmackDown, and rumors suggest Styles might appear after the match.
Styles has been recovering from an injury sustained during a match against Carmelo Hayes. Recently, he was seen without crutches or an orthopedic boot, suggesting his recovery is progressing ahead of schedule.
Nakamura has dominated SmackDown since his return in November. With the United States Championship defense set against LA Knight, there’s a possibility that Styles could interrupt the post-match celebrations, initiating a rivalry between the two.
A rivalry between Styles and Nakamura on SmackDown could elevate the mid-card division during the Road to WrestleMania. Nakamura needs a strong opponent to solidify his reign, and Styles, with his WWE legacy, would be a natural choice.
Plans for the WWE United States Championship at Royal Rumble 2025
As the Royal Rumble approaches, questions have emerged about a possible United States Championship defense by Nakamura at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With two traditional Royal Rumble Matches scheduled – one men’s and one women’s – plus likely world title defenses, a United States Championship defense seems unlikely.
However, Nakamura might defend his title before the Royal Rumble, possibly at Saturday Night’s Main Event in San Antonio, Texas. Another possibility is his participation in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match, seeking an opportunity for WrestleMania 41.