WWE has raised the stakes ahead of the Royal Rumble, with Nick Aldis personally inviting AJ Styles to appear on SmackDown in Montreal this week. This appearance could potentially mark the final chapter of AJ Styles’ wrestling career.
On January 22, 2026, WWE shared a video on Twitter where SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis officially extended an invitation to AJ Styles, referencing his upcoming match against Gunther. The bout is scheduled for the Royal Rumble on January 31st in Saudi Arabia, where a defeat might end AJ Styles’ career.
Aldis stated, “Before he puts his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, I would like to take this opportunity to officially invite AJ Styles to this week’s SmackDown. After all, SmackDown is the house that AJ Styles built. My door is always open, AJ. Think about it.”
The storyline quickly intensified. At this week’s RAW event in Ireland, Gunther kicked off the show by confirming his participation in the 2026 Royal Rumble match. However, AJ Styles surprised everyone by challenging Gunther to a one-on-one contest instead.
Initially, Gunther declined, saying there was no need to face Styles again. But he later changed his mind, stating he would only accept the match if AJ Styles put his career at risk.
Gunther is familiar with Royal Rumble dominance, holding the record for the longest traditional Rumble match at 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 40 seconds. Now, he might juggle competing in the Rumble and fighting Styles in a career-defining match for The Phenomenal One.
With SmackDown airing from Montreal this Friday, all eyes are on whether AJ Styles will show up and address this bold challenge.
Here is the full WWE SmackDown card for January 23, 2026:
– Nathan Fraser vs. Johnny Gargano
– WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Nia Jax & Rush Legend vs. Kiana James & Julia vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
– WWE Tag Team Championship: Wyatt Thicke (c) vs. MFT
– Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
– AJ Styles Invitational
Will AJ Styles accept Aldis’ invitation to SmackDown? More importantly, is he ready to put his career on the line at the Royal Rumble? Share your thoughts on this unfolding story in the comments below.
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Fan Take: This storyline is hugely significant for WWE fans as it may signal the end of AJ Styles’ illustrious career, raising emotional and dramatic stakes. It also adds a compelling layer to the Royal Rumble event, potentially shaping the future of WWE’s landscape and storytelling.
