The loss AJ Styles suffered in the Money in the Bank qualifying match on the RAW (June 2) caused some fan speculation, with many suggesting that the loss could mark the start of the end of his WWE career. Critics who whip up exit rumors need to take a break.
According to PWInsider, Styles is solidly scheduled in RAW tapings in the future and there are no signs that WWE is looking to take his act off television in near future. Great news for those who have been following the steps of this veteran.
It is evident that WWE is breaking brand lines to feature a big name like AJ even on Monday nights despite his official roster status with SmackDown. His confrontation with CM Punk, his first ring encounter in WWE since the Royal Rumble, brought fireworks and evidence that he still gets audiences burning.
Signs of a renewed WWE focus
Reporters indicate that Creative has no intentions of marginalizing him. With Money in the Bank looming, his frequent appearances allude to the future, whether he will challenge for the Intercontinental title or engage in some new feuds. According to Fightful Select Sean Ross Sapp, AJ was set to have his contract expire this year, but WWE could keep him on to guarantee he gets one more big send-off, perhaps after his injuries.
Styles made his return to the Royal Rumble earlier this year, and despite nagging injuries at the end of last year, he still showed he has not lost his edge. Interestingly, WWE teased that he might soon face Dominik Mysterio in the Intercontinental championship bout, which will be a storyline leading to Night of Champions on June 28.
AJ has a resume to die for, two-time WWE Champion, numerous championships and feuds with the likes of John Cena to Cody Rhodes. Today, WWE appears to be eager to exploit that heritage. Be it after hardware, grooming of up-and-comers, or again clashing with CM Punk, he is in the thick of things.