In a recent WWE segment, AJ Styles pulled off a clever ruse during his retirement promo by attacking Cody Rhodes, sending a powerful message to the SmackDown roster. Styles initially met Nick Aldis backstage to request TV time to discuss his future. During the show’s final moments, he made his way to the ring, hinting at hanging up his boots temporarily. However, the situation quickly escalated as Cody entered to bid farewell, only to be blindsided by Styles.
Discussing the segment on Wrestling’s Smack Talk podcast, Mantell acknowledged that while some sharp-eyed fans saw through the storyline, the angle was effectively executed. He noted that while AJ Styles excelled in the ring, his mic skills were not his strongest suit. Despite this, the dramatic turn of events on screen managed to charm the audience and boost the angle.
Mantell, expressing his perspective as a wrestling enthusiast, shared his enjoyment of how the segment unfolded. He expressed satisfaction at seeing AJ Styles reenter the title picture following his setback at Backlash France. The unexpected twist in the storyline left Mantell intrigued and eager to see the narrative develop further, emphasizing the impact of AJ’s character evolution.
The upcoming episodes of SmackDown promise an intense confrontation between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, setting the stage for a compelling rivalry. As fans anticipate the aftermath of Styles’ ambush, all eyes are on Cody’s response to the attack on the blue brand.