Despite generally believing that AJ Styles may lose to Gunther at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble, I thought his promo on “SmackDown” was impressive. It was great to see both Styles and Gunther on the show, especially since “SmackDown” is famously known as Styles’ territory, and they both fit right in.
As WWE continues to produce three-hour shows every Friday, there’s no reason not to have talent from both brands showcase their skills at major events, particularly at significant homecoming occasions where wrestlers travel from across the globe to places like Saudi Arabia.
While I typically lean towards the idea that Styles’ WWE career might conclude after tomorrow’s match, I find myself second-guessing that assumption. In his promo, Styles seemed determined to convince everyone that he’s embarking on a retirement tour that will feature big names like Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and CM Punk. He reassured fans about the upcoming match, declaring he’d give Gunther a run for his money, while the crowd cheered him on.
Gunther, for his part, claimed he would make Styles submit, but Styles countered by recalling a previous match where Gunther was the one to tap out. His argument was compelling, leaving me uncertain about the outcome of their clash. Anticipation is high for what will unfold tomorrow.
Whether we see more of Gunther’s reputation as a “Career Killer” or witness Styles embark on a John Cena-inspired farewell tour, both outcomes hold significance. If this is indeed Styles’ last match in WWE, he certainly made a memorable effort to showcase his value one last time. His appearance was a highlight in what otherwise might have been a lackluster go-home show.
Fan Take: This news matters to wrestling fans because AJ Styles has been a pivotal figure in the industry, and his potential departure could mark the end of an era. The outcome of this match will not only influence Styles’ legacy but also set the stage for future rivalries and storylines in WWE.
