WWE is coming out of SummerSlam with strong momentum on the road to Bash In Berlin, Bad Blood, Crown Jewel, and Survivor Series: WarGames. It's now being revealed that one of the biggest names in pro wrestling history is set to return soon.
AJ Styles has been away from live television since saying "I Quit!" to Cody Rhodes in mid-June at Clash at the Castle: Scotland, with Rhodes' WWE Championship on the line. The 26-year industry veteran represented WWE at Pro Wrestling NOAH's Destination 2024 event in mid-July, where he defeated the legendary Naomichi Marufuji. AJ then worked all three of WWE's non-televised live events in Japan at the end of July.
The Phenomenal One is finally headed back to TV. A new report from PWInsider notes that Styles is scheduled to return on Friday's SmackDown from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
There had been speculation on Styles and The O.C. returning before SummerSlam as the former Bullet Club leader was advertised for the July 19 SmackDown. However, the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska was using a dated advertisement.
WWE confirms Roman Reigns return to SmackDown
AJ Styles is not the only major name set to return on the post-SummerSlam edition of SmackDown on FOX. It was revealed earlier that Roman Reigns is booked for the show as the follow-up to his big return at SummerSlam on Saturday.
Officials confirmed the return of The Tribal Chief to SmackDown on tonight's post-SummerSlam RAW. The original Tribal Chief made his surprise return on Saturday to help Cody Rhodes retain the Undisputed Championship over Solo Sikoa in the Bloodline Rules main event.
"HE'S. BACK. Roman Reigns returns to #SmackDown THIS FRIDAY!" the company wrote with the graphic below.
SummerSlam was Reigns' first appearance since losing the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL back in April. Sikoa had taken over The Bloodline with new members as of late, ejecting Paul Heyman and Jimmy Uso while sending warning shots to Roman.