AJ Styles' return to WWE programming did not go as he expected.
AJ Styles returned to WWE SmackDown in the episode's opening on October 4. He reflected upon being remorseful for what he had done in his previous run leading up to his I Quit Match with Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WWE Clash at the Castle.
He would be interrupted by Carmelo Hayes, who would poke fun at him for being "an old-timer." AJ Styles would challenge Carmelo to a match right then and there, but Carmelo initially declined before being goaded into the match by WWE United States Champion LA Knight. Knight said that if Carmelo could defeat AJ, he would offer him a shot at the United States Championship.
Unfortunately, an injury occurred during the match, forcing the match to come to an abrupt halt. AJ Styles appeared to have hurt his foot. Carmelo was awarded the win by forfeit and would be hit with a BFT by Knight.
AJ Styles was able to limp away from the ring on his own. Fightful will continue to provide any and all updates on his status as more information is made available.
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