The landscape of Friday Night SmackDown has undergone a seismic shift since Drew McIntyre emerged victorious in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship on January 9. As McIntyre revels in the glory of his third world title reign, a familiar and formidable presence is set to make a return to the blue brand.
News has broken that AJ Styles is poised to make his long-awaited comeback to SmackDown on tonight’s episode after a 112-day absence, sending shockwaves through the wrestling community. Speculation is rife that The Phenomenal One could be the one to halt McIntyre’s championship reign before it gains momentum.
AJ Styles’ return to SmackDown comes at a crucial juncture, with Nick Aldis extending an official invitation to the two-time World Champion for tonight’s show in Montreal. While Styles is currently embroiled in a high-stakes feud with Gunther on RAW, his appearance on SmackDown could potentially blur the lines of the brand split.
Historically, WWE has used such cross-brand appearances to ignite explosive rivalries. With the Royal Rumble on the horizon, Styles may be eyeing a shot at the biggest prize on Friday nights. A surprise challenge to McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship could be in the cards for tonight’s episode.
The history between McIntyre and Styles adds an intriguing layer to the potential showdown. While Styles has been a thorn in McIntyre’s side in the past, the current version of McIntyre is a more ruthless and determined champion. On the other hand, Styles is fighting to preserve his legacy and career, adding an element of desperation to his in-ring performances.
While major title changes often occur at Premium Live Events, the new era of WWE has shown that anything can happen on television. If Aldis is looking to make a statement, the champion could find himself facing a challenge he never anticipated from The Phenomenal One.
If Styles were to dethrone McIntyre on tonight’s episode, it would not just be a match but a statement of intent. It would also set the stage for a fierce showdown with Gunther at the Royal Rumble, signaling that Styles is prepared for war.
While the possibility of Styles capturing the championship may seem unlikely, WWE has a history of delivering unexpected twists and turns. Fans will have to tune in to tonight’s episode of SmackDown to see if this potential clash of titans comes to fruition.
A potential title change with Styles defeating McIntyre could inject new life into the blue brand, showcasing the clash of styles between brute force and finesse. It would underscore the notion that no reign is safe when a Phenomenal legend returns to the ring, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown at the Royal Rumble.
In conclusion, AJ Styles’ return to SmackDown and a potential championship showdown with Drew McIntyre could be a masterstroke by the creative team, ushering in a new era of excitement and unpredictability on the blue brand. Fans will be eagerly awaiting tonight’s episode to see if this dream match becomes a reality.
