An update has emerged regarding WWE’s plans for AJ Styles ahead of his anticipated potential retirement match.
AJ Styles will be putting his storied 27 year career on the line at the 2026 Royal Rumble PLE on Saturday, January 31, with “The Phenomenal One” being goaded into accepting GUNTHER’s challenge on the January 19 episode of WWE Raw.
In an interesting development ahead of the match, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has taken to social media to issue a formal invitation to his old friend to attend the January 23 episode of SmackDown in Montreal, QC.
Aldis said:
“Good morning everyone it’s your SmackDown GM Nick Aldis.
“Before he puts his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, I’d like to take the chance to formally invite “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles to SmackDown this week.
“I would love to have a chat with an old friend. After all SmackDown is the house that AJ Styles built.
“My door’s always open AJ, think about it.”
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AJ Styles has yet to respond to Aldis’ offer at the time of writing, but we will provide updates if/when he does.
.@RealNickAldis invites @AJStylesOrg to SmackDown this week… 👀
📺: FRIDAY 8e/7c on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/6mUdcumdUy
— WWE (@WWE) January 22, 2026
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