Dressed to the nines in a powder blue suit, AJ Styles kicked off tonight’s episode of “WWE SmackDown” by meeting with General Manager Nick Aldis. Styles expressed his desire to address his future, hinting at a significant decision he planned to reveal during the main event segment. The air was thick with anticipation, as many in the WWE Universe believed that Styles, donning what could have easily been a Mark Henry-esque salmon suit, was preparing to announce his retirement.
However, this sartorial choice was all part of an elaborate ruse. Styles was not planning to bid farewell to the ring; instead, he was plotting an ambush on the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. This move seemed to set the stage for a potential return engagement, perhaps as soon as the upcoming Clash At the Castle event in Scotland.
Throughout the evening, Styles interacted with several key figures, including LA Knight and Cody Rhodes himself. In a particularly intriguing moment, he whispered something into Rhodes’ ear, further fueling speculation about his intentions. Styles then reunited with his OC confidants, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, reminiscing about their journeys together around the globe. He admitted that he couldn’t “do this” without them and requested their presence at ringside for his announcement.
As the main event segment arrived, Styles took the mic and began to play up the emotional angle. He spoke about potentially staying home to be “a phenomenal dad,” especially with his oldest son having just graduated high school. But then, in a dramatic twist, he called out Cody Rhodes to the ring, declaring that “SmackDown” was still “the house that AJ Styles built.” He implied that it was time to pass the torch to Rhodes.
In what appeared to be a heartfelt moment, Rhodes thanked Styles on behalf of the locker room, shaking his hand and joining him in saluting the crowd. But the atmosphere of camaraderie was shattered in an instant. Styles blindsided Rhodes with a devastating clothesline, beating him down inside the ring before throwing him outside. The assault continued as Styles bounced Rhodes’ head off the ring post and concluded with a brutal Styles Clash off the ring steps. Throughout the ambush, Gallows and Anderson stood by, laughing at the carnage.
With Clash At the Castle just over two weeks away, AJ Styles’ actions have likely provoked Cody Rhodes into seeking a rematch for the WWE Championship in Scotland. Styles’ shocking betrayal has left the WWE Universe reeling, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this intense rivalry.
AJ Styles proved once again why he is known as “The Phenomenal One,” using cunning tactics and brutal force to make a statement. His fake retirement may have been a ruse, but the impact of his actions was very real, setting the stage for an explosive showdown at Clash At the Castle.
