5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Big feud for Braun Strowman delayed, Returning star set to win Intercontinental Championship? (May 22nd, 2020)

#4 Is AJ Styles' future the Intercontinental gold?

AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura

AJ Styles took on Shinsuke Nakamura in the first round of the Intercontinental Championship tournament. Since King Corbin competed on RAW against WWE Champion Drew McIntyre just earlier this week, it seemed as though Styles' appearance would be limited as well.

However, it was revealed that Styles is now a permanent member of the SmackDown roster again - just one year after his move to RAW. We'll admit, we're a bit surprised to see him back on SmackDown so quickly. A year-long run on RAW wasn't bad at all, especially since he had a WWE United States Championship run and a memorable feud and match with The Undertaker as well.

But all said and done, AJ Styles has always felt more like a "SmackDown" Superstar, particularly since he was the most important star in the Blue brand from the summer of 2016 to early 2019.

He beat Shinsuke Nakamura in another solid match-up and we believe that he's going to be the overwhelming favorite to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship tournament. He faces Elias in the semifinals next week.