Exploring 3 Reasons Why AJ Styles Returned Only to Turn Heel on WWE SmackDown

In September, The Bloodline attacked AJ Styles, sending him on a two-and-a-half-month hiatus. The latter was rumored to return on the November 10 edition of WWE SmackDown but was unable to show up. This week on the blue brand episode, he made a comeback aiding Randy Orton and LA Knight from The Bloodline, only to turn heel later.

When Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa attacked Orton and Knight after the main event match, Styles appeared to help the baby faces. When fans thought he would align himself with the baby faces, he ambushed Knight, turning heel. But why did he do so? Let’s discuss this in detail.

AJ Styles is angry over being replaced by LA Knight at Fastlane

A couple of months ago, John Cena was involved in a feud with The Bloodline. ‘The Phenomenal One’ stepped up to aid Cena against the heel faction. Both of them were scheduled for a tag team match against Uso and Sikoa. But Styles couldn’t make it to the match as The Bloodline attacked him backstage.

LA Knight filled in for Styles at Fastlane and even picked up a big win along with his tag team partner at the premium live event. ‘The Phenomenal One’ could be angry over the fact that Knight replaced him. Thus, he turned heel on 12/15 SmackDown and assaulted Knight upon his return. What other reasons could have prompted Styles to turn?

Is Styles looking to align with The Bloodline

Another reason could be that he is planning to align himself with The Bloodline. The Bloodline is the most dominant faction in SmackDown right now. It is important to notice that Drew McIntyre also aligned himself with The Judgement Day for an ulterior motive.

The same could hold for Styles. Style might have some ulterior motive to accomplish, and joining The Bloodline may help him reach closer to his goal.

Styles wants a change in character and strategy

‘The Phenomenal One’ had been a face for quite a while now. If we look at his record as a babyface in the past two years, his run has been somewhat decent. But, he had no title wins during the period. Therefore, he might want to change things a bit and adopt a different strategy by turning heel and freshen up his character.

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By changing his character and turning heel, Styles might be planning to draw more heat, which will ultimately bring more attention to him and open the chances of fresh feuds.

Why do you think Styles turned heel at SmackDown this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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