AJ Styles made his return to SmackDown last night -- and he turned heel in the process.
Appearing for the first time in three months, Styles showed up near the conclusion of last night's SmackDown episode. He initially helped Randy Orton and LA Knight fight off The Bloodline. But after The Bloodline retreated, Styles turned against Knight and dropped him with a lariat.
Styles exited the ring after taking out Knight, leaving Orton confused over what was going on.
Orton defeated Jimmy Uso in last night's main event. Though Orton had told Knight to stay out of his way earlier in the show, Knight helped Orton combat Solo Sikoa's interference. Roman Reigns, Jimmy, and Sikoa then attacked Orton and Knight until Styles appeared.
The last time we saw Styles, he was taken out in a Bloodline attack on the September 22 edition of SmackDown. Before that beatdown, Styles was supposed to team with John Cena against Sikoa & Jimmy at Fastlane. Knight ended up taking Styles' place in the match. Knight went on to unsuccessfully challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Crown Jewel.
Last night was Reigns' first WWE appearance since Crown Jewel. During a confrontation on the episode, Orton challenged Reigns to an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble. WWE has yet to make that title bout official.
More coverage from last night --
- WWE SmackDown spoilers for December 22 episode
- Randy Orton challenges Roman Reigns, AJ Styles returns on SmackDown
- US title contender's tournament semifinals set for next WWE SmackDown
- WWE Speed concept debuts at SmackDown taping
- WWE: Charlotte Flair will be out of action nine months due to knee injury
- WWE's Liv Morgan arrested in Florida for marijuana possession
- IC title rematch, Seth Rollins segment official for WWE Raw
- WWE SmackDown live results: Roman Reigns returns
WWE SmackDown video highlights --
Roman Reigns declares Solo Sikoa the heir apparent to The Tribal Chief
Randy Orton challenges Roman Reigns to title match at Royal Rumble
US title contender's tournament match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller
Randy Orton says he doesn't need LA Knight's help against The Bloodline
US title contender's tournament match: Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory
Roman Reigns wants Randy Orton dealt with
It's time for Damage CTRL to raise the bar and change the game
Zelina Vega & Michin vs. The Kabuki Warriors
Randy Orton vs. Jimmy Uso
AJ Styles returns, attacks LA Knight
SmackDown fallout: NFL star Aaron Jones is excited to be at SmackDown
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