AJ Styles left WWE fans in a state of shock and confusion during the latest episode of SmackDown when he hinted at retirement. Although it was later revealed to be a ruse, the reasons behind Styles’ surprising actions have left spectators intrigued and puzzled. Here are three possible explanations that might shed light on Styles’ motivations:
1. Surpassing WWE’s Most Despised Star: In a recent interview, AJ Styles expressed his desire to be more hated than Dominik Mysterio. By faking his retirement, Styles aimed to provoke a strong negative reaction from the fans, thereby enhancing his heel persona. While he may not have reached Dominik’s level of disdain just yet, Styles has made significant progress in achieving this goal.
2. Setting Up a Major Feud for SummerSlam: With SummerSlam fast approaching, Cody Rhodes needed a strong and formidable opponent to keep him engaged and invested. Reviving his feud with AJ Styles from Backlash: France would serve this purpose perfectly. This move not only offers fans a repeat of a historic dream match but also keeps Rhodes occupied until the big event.
3. Heightening the Impact of the Moment: Great heel turns often involve betrayals or emotional moments. Few moments are more emotional for a wrestler than retirement. By teasing retirement, Styles effectively manipulated the emotions of the fans, making his heel turn more impactful. The emotional rollercoaster was further intensified with conversations between Styles, LA Knight, The OC, Nick Aldis, and LA Knight.
AJ Styles’ surprising retirement tease served multiple purposes. It allowed Styles to aim for greater notoriety, set the stage for an anticipated feud, and create an unforgettable heel turn through emotional manipulation, leaving fans speculating over what to expect next from the phenomenal one.
