AJ Styles Invited To SmackDown Ahead Of Career-Defining Royal Rumble Match – AJ Styles is officially headed back to WWE SmackDown, just days before one of the most pivotal matches of his career. In a new social media video, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis formally invited Styles to appear on this Friday’s episode of the blue brand, reinforcing the significance of the moment by calling SmackDown “the house that AJ built.”
The invitation comes at a critical point for Styles, who is set to put his entire WWE career on the line at the Royal Rumble. At the Premium Live Event, Styles will challenge Gunther in a high-stakes match that could determine whether he continues competing in WWE. With retirement looming if he loses, Styles’ SmackDown appearance is expected to carry added weight, both emotionally and storyline-wise.
Styles’ history with SmackDown runs deep. He has long been associated with the brand, holding the WWE Championship during one of SmackDown’s most consistent periods and delivering numerous high-profile matches that helped define the modern era of the show. Aldis’ public invitation appears designed not only to hype the Royal Rumble bout, but also to frame Styles’ potential final days in WWE within the environment where much of his legacy was built.
While it has not been confirmed what Styles will do on Friday night, his presence alone is likely to shift the tone of the show. With Gunther looming and the career stipulation hanging over him, any words or actions from Styles could provide clues about his mindset heading into the Royal Rumble. Fans will also be watching closely to see whether Gunther responds or if WWE chooses to keep the two apart until the bell rings.
In addition to Styles’ appearance, SmackDown features a loaded lineup this week, including multiple championship implications and major singles matches.
Here is the current lineup for SmackDown on January 23:
- Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Number One Contenders Match: Nia Jax and Lash Legend vs. Kiana James and Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
- WWE Tag Team Championships: Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. MFT
- Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
- AJ Styles appearance
With Royal Rumble weekend approaching and Styles’ future hanging in the balance, Friday’s SmackDown is shaping up to be a must-watch episode.
AJ Styles Invited To SmackDown Ahead Of Career-Defining Royal Rumble Match
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