The October 4 episode of WWE SmackDown was filled with significant moments, including the much-anticipated return of AJ Styles after months off of TV. Unfortunately, his return to television was marred by a setback during the show’s opening match with Carmelo Hayes.
Hayes initially declined the offer from the man he called an “old-timer” but accepted the bout when WWE United States Champion LA Knight offered him a title match if he could defeat the Phenomenal One. Styles suffered an injury mid-match, causing it to be called off, with Hayes being declared the winner.
AJ Styles’ injury is legitimate, despite hopes that it was just a storyline. He’s scheduled to undergo an MRI this week to assess the severity of the injury, according to Dave Meltzer.
It appears this is the moment Styles was hurt:
While Hayes got the win, he won’t be facing Knight for the United States title just yet. During SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis said that he would not grant the title match due to the nature of Hayes’ win, and that his focus was on Styles and his health.
Styles addressed his situation on social media:
We’re wishing AJ Styles a speedy recovery.
This marked the second injury WWE faced last week, as Braun Strowman also suffered a groin tear during his Last Monster Standing match on Raw.