Allen Neal Jones, popularly known as AJ Styles, is currently a part of the Stamford-based promotion. In WWE, Styles thoroughly entertains the fans as a member of the SmackDown roster. In addition to that, he acts as the leader of the stable, ‘The O.C’.
However, he was previously missing from WWE for over 50 days. With that, fans often wondered about the reason for his hiatus. It is to be noted that, earlier, AJ Styles was involved in a feud with The Bloodline. This led to a match between him and Solo Sikoa, which the latter won following an interference from Jimmy Uso.
Moving ahead, AJ Styles and John Cena were all set for a tag team match at Fastlane against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. However, before the match, AJ Styles was brutally attacked by Solo Sikoa, which led to his being scrapped from the Fastlane match. Later, WWE Superstar LA Knight replaced him at the PPV event.
With that, AJ Styles went on a hiatus and didn’t make an appearance on WWE television. The on-screen storyline played that Styles was missing from in-ring action owing to the brutal beatdown by Solo Sikoa. However, the actual reason for his hiatus has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, it might be assumed that he was kept away from WWE television for storyline development purposes. With that, fans wondered when their favorite superstar would make his return to the squared circle. Not to mention, Styles’ return came sooner than later.
AJ Styles made his return to WWE and presented a heel turn
After being absent from WWE television for over 50 days, AJ Styles recently made his return to the promotion on the December 15, 2023, episode of SmackDown. However, his return was quite shocking and moved many fans.
Toward the end of the episode, Styles appeared to help LA Knight and Randy Orton against The Bloodline. He then took care of the stable members, and while everything seemed fine, Styles suddenly attacked Knight from behind.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED???? 🤯👀@AJStylesOrg just took out @RealLAKnight in front of @RandyOrton and #TheBloodline! WHY?? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/S4MnPMC6nR
— WWE (@WWE) December 16, 2023
Thus, Styles turned heel upon his return by attacking LA Knight. It was indeed shocking for everyone present and everyone watching. With that, it now remains to be seen if the returning superstar will open up more about his behavior in the upcoming days.
However, his fans might be shocked, yet they might be relieved to see their favorite superstar make his return to the ring. Now, it remains to be seen what the Stamford-based promotion has in store for Styles, since he will now be presented to the fans with a sudden character change.