In a notable development on the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, it was officially revealed that AJ Styles is no longer associated with The O.C. (The Original Club).
The Phenomenal One had a long-standing connection with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, dating back to their time together in the Bullet Club in Japan and later in WWE.
The trio of Styles, Gallows, and Anderson first united in WWE in 2016, but Gallows and Anderson were released in 2020. They reconnected with Styles upon their return to the company in 2022 and added Mia Yim to their ranks when she returned under Triple H’s management.
However, tensions within the group had been apparent, especially with AJ Styles expressing displeasure towards Gallows and Anderson for not supporting him against The Bloodline. Styles had been seen less frequently with the group since his return from injury in December 2023.
Drew McIntyre defeats AJ Styles and is the first man to qualify for the Elimination Chamber! #Smackdown pic.twitter.com/KHz6ugFlLH
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 10, 2024
The formal dissolution of The O.C. was announced by Wade Barrett during the recent SmackDown episode, making it clear that AJ Styles is no longer part of the faction.
AJ Styles, operating as a lone competitor in recent weeks, faced Drew McIntyre in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying match on SmackDown. However, due to a distraction from LA Knight, Styles suffered a defeat, missing the opportunity to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40.
As the storyline unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how AJ Styles navigates his path forward as an individual competitor and if any further developments arise in his relationship with former O.C. members.
LA Knight’s involvement in the storyline and upcoming matches on SmackDown will likely play a role in shaping the narrative for AJ Styles.
