Cody Rhodes needs a new challenger for the Undisputed World Title, and AJ Styles figured out a great way to jump the line.

AJ Styles is at an important moment in his career. He wanted another shot at the World Title, but SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis told Styles that he’s at the back of the line. Styles has made it clear that he doesn’t have the patience for this setback.

In the closing segment of SmackDown this week, AJ Styles addressed the WWE Universe. While he was accompanied by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, Styles explained his reasons for considering a step back from the business. Styles mentioned it might be time for him to focus on being a father instead.

Styles then invited Cody to the ring, stating that SmackDown is the house he built, and he was now handing the keys to The American Nightmare. What started as a touching moment took a dramatic turn as Cody was raising Styles’ hand in front of the fans.

Styles turned on Cody, launching a brutal attack on the Undisputed WWE World Champion. The assault concluded with a Styles Clash onto the floor from the ring steps. SmackDown ended with Styles looking very pleased with himself, and Cody was selling the attack.

WHAT THE?!@AJStylesOrg lured @CodyRhodes here to attack him! ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/58cxwXlr7Y

— WWE (@WWE) June 1, 2024

Legendary WWE Call-Back

This segment was very reminesant of another classic angle, one that fans might remember as Mark Henry’s most memorable segment that didn’t involve Mae Young giving birth to a hand.

In 2013, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry faked a retirement speech to get one over on John Cena. While wearing a now-legendary orange suit, The World’s Strongest Man acted like he had wrestled his last match, only to change his mind by attacking Cena. This time it was AJ Styles playing the same trick on Cody Rhodes.

WWE SmackDown took over Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania’s Mohegan Sun Arena with a sold-out show this week. Those fans witnessed some incredible King and Queen of the Ring Tournament matches take place.

The 2024 King and Queen of the Ring tournaments have begun in WWE, featuring matches on Raw and SmackDown. The finals will go down at a live event in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 25. Thirty-two competitors from the roster are vying for the crown, a title previously held by many notable wrestlers.

On WWE SmackDown this week, they continued their road to King & Queen of the Ring. In the first match of the night, Nia Jax defeated Naomi to advance in the tournament.

Carmelo Hayes, the former NXT Champion, won his match against Baron Corbin to advance in the tournament. Hayes secured the victory with a roll-up pin, which didn’t significantly hurt Corbin’s standing, as he was just call-up from NXT during the 2024 WWE Draft along with Hayes.

Additionally, the match featured sponsorship from “The Iron Claw” on Max, with MAX graphics on the barricades and entrance as Corey Graves mentioned the Von Erich Family biopic post-match.

Baron Corbin vs Carmelo Hayes
Brought to you by The Iron Claw. #KOTR #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/kMXHI63Wkl

— Balor Club Guy (@TheBalorClubGuy) May 11, 2024

Jade Cargill also advanced toward the 2024 Queen of the Ring crown as she defeated Piper Niven. It’s hard not to see the former TBS Champion as a favorite in the tournament. Cargill impressed throughout the match, executing a blue thunder bomb on Niven, along with perfect splashes in the corner.

Chelsea Green tried to interfere, but there was no stopping the Storm from coming as she won with a Jaded. This win for Cargill also set up a match against Nia Jax next, and that will be another incredible test for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.

JADED! ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TMXmn0OQ4X

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) May 11, 2024

Bianca Belair made her entrance as her tag team partner, Cargill, was leaving. This gave them a chance to pose as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions before the match kicked off. After a back-and-forth contest, Belair won the match to advance in the tournament.

Tama Tonga picked up the win over Angelo Dawkins to advance this week. Dawkins replaced Bobby Lashley, who had to pull out. Tonga is coming off his brother, Tanga Loa, debuting at WWE Backlash in France, so he wanted to keep that momentum going. Tonga also got to show off his new entrance on SmackDown.

Tama Tonga's Entrance ???#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/GwxXxrq2SG

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) May 11, 2024

AJ Styles and Randy Orton brought the third and final King of the Ring match of the night. The two veterans continued as Orton developed a leg injury during the match, one he sold to enhance the drama. Orton fought to keep from getting trapped in a Calf Crusher from the Phenomenal One as fans chanted The Viper on.

They fought on, and Orton delivered his signature suspended DDT, but he was unable to capitalize. The Apex Predator was able to kick out of a Phenomenal Forearm and then he hit an RKO outta nowhere to secure the win.

ring awareness pic.twitter.com/cxzfFzEuOn

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) May 11, 2024

The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments will culminate on May 25 at the Jeddah Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the finals for both tournaments will take place.

You may find the results for this year’s tournament (so far) in the space below. We have also listed the announced quarterfinal matches.

King of the Ring:

First Round Results:

• Gunther defeated Sheamus
• Ilja Dragunov defeated Ricochet
• Jey Uso defeated Finn Balor
• Kofi Kingston defeated Rey Mysterio
• Randy Orton defeated AJ Styles
• Tama Tonga defeated Angelo Dawkins
• Carmelo Hayes defeated Baron Corbin
• LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar

Quarterfinals Scheduled:

• Gunther vs. Kofi Kingston
• Jey Uso vs. Ilja Dragunov
• Tama Tonga vs LA Knight
• Carmelo Hayes vs Randy Orton

Queen of the Ring:

First Round Results:

• Iyo Sky defeated Natalya
• Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai
• Zoey Stark defeated Ivy Nile
• Shayna Baszler defeated Maxxine Dupri
• Bianca Belair defeated Candice LeRae
• Jade Cargill defeated Piper Niven
• Nia Jax defeated Naomi
• Tiffany Stratton defeated Michin

Quarterfinals Scheduled:

• Iyo Sky vs. Shayna Baszler
• Lyra Valkyria vs. Zoey Stark
• Jade Cargill vs Nia Jax
• Bianca Belair vs Tiffany Stratton

WWE King & Queen of the Ring Card:

• King of the Ring Tournament Final
  • Raw bracket winner vs. SmackDown bracket winner
• Queen of the Ring Tournament Final
  • Raw bracket winner vs. SmackDown bracket winner
• Women’s World Championship Match
  • Becky Lynch (c) vs. Liv Morgan (Singles match)
• WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
  • Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable vs. Bronson Reed (Triple threat match)
• Undisputed WWE Championship Match
  • Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Logan Paul (Singles match)

WWE 2K24 is set to have the first batch of downloadable content on May 15. The popular video game series will have five DLC packs, which fans can purchase together in a season pass for $39.99. In preparation for next week’s release, WWE 2K24 has shared a first look at ECW legend The Sandman. 

The upcoming DLC titled the ECW Punk Pack features The Sandman, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley), Terry Funk, and CM Punk as playable characters. It will mark the first time they will be playable in the last few years, including The Sandman, who hasn’t been in a WWE video game since Smackdown vs. Raw 2008. 

WWE 2K24’s X/Twitter account previewed a first look and the entrance for The Sandman. 

Let's hear it for The Sandman ?

The ECW Punk Pack for #WWE2K24 is available May 15 pic.twitter.com/adPs0h39mD

— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) May 6, 2024

More On The Sandman In WWE 2K24

Although the hardcore icon character model looks good, his appearance resembles his time in WWE. Fans may be disappointed that his signature ECW theme, Enter Sandman by Metallica, isn’t featured in his entrance. It’s also noticeable that the ECW legend doesn’t come to the ring from the crowd in the game. 

It’s unclear why WWE 2K developers didn’t include The Sandman’s signature entrance in their latest installment. Alongside the first look at the hardcore legend, WWE 2K24 revealed that he has an 86 overall. The Sandman’s stats come as a surprise, with the ECW icon having better numbers than current WWE superstars. 

The Sandman’s Overall Compared To Current WWE Superstars In The Game

The Sandman’s high overall may surprise some fans compared to active WWE talent featured in the game. WWE 2K24 has the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion rated higher than the likes of AJ Styles (85), Chad Gable (80), and Austin Theory (72). He also has a better overall than other WWE Hall of Famers featured in the game, like Booker T (85) and Harley Race (84). 

In an interview with Squared Circle Pit’s Rob Pasbani, WWE 2K24 Producer Bryan Williams explained how it’s decided to give certain wrestlers their overall. 

SEScoops’ Thomas Lowson transcribed the following quotes. 

“For us on the design side, we’re really big on character differentiation and making sure that when you select a character that they are of their appropriate hierarchy on the card. Not everybody can be a Roman Reigns. You have people that are at the tippety top of the card and then you have people that are not, but there’s no slight on anybody,” said Williams.

Williams also noted how many championships a wrestler has held and their win/loss record were considered when making the decision. 

It’s unclear why the WWE 2K developers felt The Sandman should have a better overall than several top current talent and legends. However, fans of the ECW legend will soon get a chance to put his overall to the test next week. 

WWE Backlash had a wild crowd courtesy of Lyon, France, but it also marked the end of an unbelievable streak with the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship.

Cody Rhodes put that very championship on the line against AJ Styles on Saturday and the battle became memorable in more ways than one. Not only did ‘The American Nightmare’ get a tremendous pop from the French crowd, but Rhodes actually retained his title by defeating ‘The Phenomenal One.’

However, Punk from the Burial Squad was able to dig up an insane statistic about Rhodes’ successful title defense. Backlash happened to mark the first time that specific championship was successfully defended on television without any outside interference in almost two years. The last time the title was defended without any interference had Roman Reigns beating Matt Riddle on the June 17, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown.

Reigns’ reign became notorious for having constant interference in his title fights. While the tactic was certainly frustrating for fans (and his opponents), it did create for some memorable moments. Solo Sikoa made his main roster debut by interfering in his cousin Roman’s defense against Drew McIntyre at Clash At The Castle. Jimmy Uso also happened to stab his brother Jey in the back at WWE SummerSlam, allowing Roman to retain his gold.

Rhodes vs. Styles at Backlash also marked a new moment in WWE history. Their main event fight also happened to be the first WWE Undisputed Title match on PLE that was officiated by a female. Jessika Carr donned the zebra stripes for the battle between Cody and AJ.

Cody Rhodes isn’t just excited for himself as he defends his WWE Undisputed Title at WWE Backlash, but another person standing in the ring.

Rhodes will be taking on AJ Styles in the main event of the PLE taking place in France on Saturday. It will be Cody’s first world title defense on PLE, but ‘The American Nightmare’ noted someone else has a reason to celebrate too: WWE referee Jessika Carr.

“Wanted to mention this after the contract signing, (and forgive me if I’m wrong but I don’t think I am…) It’ll also be the VERY FIRST PLE Main Event for The Undisputed WWE Title officiated by a woman [Jessika Carr].”

Wanted to mention this after the contract signing, (and forgive me if I’m wrong but I don’t think I am…)

It’ll also be the VERY FIRST PLE Main Event for The Undisputed @WWE Title officiated by a woman @WWELadyRefJess https://t.co/g26bva41sR

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) May 4, 2024

Two Georgia Boys: Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles At WWE Backlash

The Rhodes vs. Styles rivarly is a surprisingly fresh one as Cody and AJ have never faced one another, but now the two Georgia boys do it on the big stage. Styles earned his shot at the gold when he defeated LA Knight in a number one contendership match.

The two exchanged words of respect for one another during their contract signing but matters got tense when Styles went for a “from behind” attack on Rhodes after Cody defeated Carmelo Hayes.

The go-home episode of SmackDown that tension was even amped up further when Styles slapped Rhodes after the two talked their history outside of the WWE.

Rhodes and Styles happened to both share time as members of The Bullet Club, so although the two never competed in the ring, their paths are indeed quite similar.  

WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has only one goal in mind heading into the title defense against AJ Styles at Saturday’s Backlash Premium Live Event.

Rhodes finally finished his story at last month’s WrestleMania 40 when he put an end to Roman Reigns’ historic 1,316-day reign. Now, he has a lot to prove as a champion.  Speaking on Cheat Heat with Peter Rosenberg, ‘The American Nightmare’ made it clear that the upcoming match against AJ Styles is not only a ‘must-win’ for him but he also ‘must dominate.’ He said:

“I told AJ Styles, this is a dream match for some people, sure. To me, it’s a legit must win. Not just must win, but must dominate. Must show something.”

Cody wants to let everyone know that he has a lot in store for the fans. He wants to bring out his full potential and this title run is his opportunity to “validate” it. The 38-year-old champion further stated that he is never content and believes that’s the mindset of successful people. Cody Rhodes said:

“I’d like to let people know there is so much more meat on the bone. There is so much more to me and this run is the chance to validate it.
It’s the mindset of ‘you’re never doing enough. Have to keep going.’ Everyone I know who is successful has that mindset and that’s where I’m at.”

Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles’ first showdown

AJ Styles earned the title shot after defeating LA Knight on April 19 edition of SmackDown. ‘The Phenomenal One’ had been in pursuit of the WWE Undisputed Championship for a long time now. He had been in a feud with Roman Reigns but failed to dethrone ‘The Tribal Chief.’ Now, he has yet another shot at the title.

Rhodes and Styles have had illustrious careers across multiple promotions but they never crossed paths. This match will mark the first time they will go head-to-head in the squared circle. On that note, Styles did face WWE legend and Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes in TNA Wrestling. Styles successfully defended his NWA World Heavyweight title that night and he’ll hope for a similar outcome this Saturday at WWE Backlash France. However, it won’t be an easy task as Cody Rhodes has some long-term plans as the champion.

Catch WWE Backlash 2024 from LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, Lyon Metropolis, France at 1 p.m. ET. The countdown show will air live prior at noon ET. 

Cody Rhodes has reached new heights after defeating Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 40. The year-long story finally ended after Rhodes overcame the odds to end the title reign of ‘The Tribal Chief.’ In the aftermath of his career achievement, Rhodes shared great advice that JBL had given him about being a champion. 

In an interview with Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg and Stat Guy Greg, Rhodes revealed that JBL spoke to him after his title win at the ‘Grandest Stage Of Them All’ and what it meant to him. 

“He said, try not at this point to focus on any numbers, because you’ve already broken every record that matters. And I thought, oh, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear at the time. It was just from a guy who’s not a soft man, not an easy guy to get to get that type of love. So much love for the Cowboy, former WWE champion himself, John Bradshaw Layfield,” said Rhodes.

Although JBL advised Rhodes not to focus on numbers, the champion is motivated to be WWE’s most profitable superstar. In the same interview, he shared that he aims to surpass other greats like Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena. While Rhodes’s new goal is very ambitious, he has to remain focused on his next challenger, AJ Styles. 

Preview Of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles At WWE Backlash

Rhodes will have his first title defense against Styles at WWE Backlash. The event will occur at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Décines, France. At this time, Rhodes and Styles are expected to be the main event of the PLE. 

Styles earned his title opportunity after defeating LA Knight on the April 19 episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. The matchup will also be the first time Rhodes and Styles have competed against each other. 

‘The American Nightmare’ is coming into his first title defense with confidence after dethroning Reigns at WrestleMania 40. However, he can’t take Styles lightly as the challenger will try to push Rhodes to his limit to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. 

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes’s year is off to a great start after defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. He finally earned a victory over ‘The Tribal Chief’ to win the title that eluded his family successfully. What made the win more remarkable was that he overcame many odds, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s interference in the match. 

‘The Rock’ became involved in the feud after Rhodes backtracked his offer for Johnson to face Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This led to the Hollywood megastar siding with his ‘The Tribal Chief’ and joining The Bloodline(Reigns, Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso). Rhodes’s issues with Johnson also took a violent turn before ‘The Grandest Stage Of Them All’ when ‘The Final Boss’ savagely assaulted Rhodes to make him bleed.

Despite being disadvantaged, ‘The American Nightmare’ landed his signature Cross Rhodes finisher to best reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. 

Cody Rhodes On His Relationship With Dwayne Johnson 

Rhodes spoke about his victory in a recent interview on the Cheap Heat Podcast with Peter Rosenberg and Stat Guy Greg. When Rosenberg asked Rhodes about his relationship with ‘The Rock’ before WrestleMania 40, the champion revealed that he didn’t have much of a relationship with Johnson prior to their feud. 

 “…We did some dark match stuff back in the day, but Wrestlemania in Miami, I gone into his locker room to thank him for the house, and that was something that I think he remembered, whereas for me, it was just the right thing to do. We had that previous moment, but other than that, I don’t think Rock respectfully was very familiar with me, said Rhodes. 

The champion shared that he didn’t blame Johnson if he didn’t because the Hollywood megastar has too many important things to focus on. However, Rhodes shared that he enjoyed ‘The Final Boss’ getting to know him during the build toward WrestleMania 40. 

“…I enjoyed him figuring out who I was in real time as moments were happening. For example, coming down the steps with Seth Rollins, with him and Roman in the ring, I think it’s the first time he had ever heard the crowd do the whoa. I think he really took to what was going on,” said Rhodes. 

What’s Next For Cody Rhodes & Dwayne Johnson?

The night after WrestleMania 40, Rhodes and Johnson had an in-ring segment on Monday Night Raw to tease a future matchup. ‘The Final Boss’ warned the champion that he was coming for his title in the future. Rhodes accepted the challenge and claimed he would hold the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship when he returned. 

Rhodes is currently focused on defending his title against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash on May 4. The champion faces a tough matchup, and it will be the first time they will cross paths in the ring. WWE fans will unfortunately be forced to wait a little longer before they can get a dream match between Rhodes and ‘The Great One.’

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will put the title on the line against AJ Stlyes at Backlash: France, in what’ll be a first-time showdown between the two. 

Styles became the number one contender for the title on the April 19, episode of WWE SmackDown with a victory over LA Knight. The previous week, Styles had qualified for the number one contenders match by winning a triple threat that included Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio. 

Rhodes didn’t appear in person during WWE SmackDown as he has been in the UK as part of his first overseas tour as Undisputed WWE Champion. In a video promo from London’s O2 Arena, Rhodes spoke about Styles and dubbed him the modern-day ‘Excellence of Execution.’ Rhodes added that his fellow ‘Georgia Boy’ rarely misses, but he doesn’t miss either and he’s looking forward to the showdown in Lyon, France.

The Undisputed WWE Champion @CodyRhodes has a message for the No.1 Contender, @AJStylesOrg… 😤

NEXT WEEK: #WWEBacklash Contract Signing! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/696QbhMobi

— WWE (@WWE) April 20, 2024

Despite the lengthy careers of both men, this’ll be the first time that Rhodes and Styles face off in singles action. It would only be a handful of months after Styles joined WWE in January 2016 that Rhodes left the company under the bbeleif that he could become something bigger outside WWE. 

Though AJ and Cody have yet to go one-on-one, Styles knows what it’s like to step into the ring with a Rhodes. In October 2003, Styles faced the American Dream Dusty Rhodes in TNA Wrestling for Styles’ NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The Phenomenal One left with the gold that night and hopes to do the same at Backlash: France when the Undisputed WWE Championship is on the line. 

Welcome to the Daily Drop for Sunday, April 14, 2024. There is a lot going on in the pro wrestling world, so let’s not waste any time.

WWE keeps cutting people internally, as Sue Aitchison, who was a WWE Hall of Famer Warrior Award recipient in 2019, and Sid Scala was the latest to get the axe. This is interesting timing, and has a lot of fans talking about what is next, possibly even roster cuts. You may find a list of all the 2024 WWE releases and departures below.

WWE:

– Big E’s Bad News: Although he feels happy and healthy, Big E is not cleared for a return. He released a statement to fans yesterday, revealing that he may never wrestle again at this point.

– Family Feud: WWE Superstars went to battle on Family Feud. It was quite a special episode, which featured Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Bobby Lashley, SmackDown Tag Team Champion Austin Theory, and LA Knight takingon the team of Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, ‘Michin’ Mia Yim, Sonya Deville, and Zelina Vega.

– HBK vs AJ: Shawn Michaels admitted that AJ Styles is his dream opponent if he ever gets back in the ring. Of course, the Showstopper is long retired at this point.

– Rousey Hid Vital Information: Ronda Rousey admitted that she hid her concussion history from WWE.

– WWE Cutting Down on AR: The company will be doing away with a lot of the augmented reality entrances that we see on a weekly basis.

AEW:

– Dynasty Stipulation: AEW added a ladder match stipulation to the AEW World Tag Team Title match between the Young Bucks and FTR at Dynasty on April 21.

– Moxley’s Return: Jon Moxley will be back on AEW Dynamite or their 4/17 episode. He just won the IWGP Heavyweight Title, so this could be interesting.

– Omega Speaks on Punk: Kenny Omega had an interesting reaction to the Punk and Jack Perry footage airing on Dynamite.

– Riho’s Whereabouts: Riho is currently stuck in Japan, where she is dealing with visa issues.

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Pay-Per-View Events:

• AEW is coming to St. Louis, MO with AEW: Dynasty LIVE on PPV on Sunday, April 21st at Chaifetz Arena
• Backlash France is scheduled for May 4th at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France.
• WWE NXT Battleground is booked for May 26th at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, exclusively available on the WWE Network and Peacock.
• WWE Money in the Bank will be held on July 6th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, followed by WWE NXT Heatwave on July 7th at the same venue.
• WWE Bash In Berlin is marked for August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Shawn Michaels would have loved for the chance to step in the ring with AJ Styles but believes the time for such a dream showdown has come and gone. 

Styles didn’t officially join WWE until 2016, at which point Mr. WrestleMania had been retired for close to six years. Speaking recently to Gorilla Position, Michaels was asked about his dream match and set his sights on the Phenomenal One. 

“I think the one I really want to see is me and AJ. That’s where I go with. It’s also, as you know, more talent comes along and you start looking at them. I always, I still do it now. I look at them like ‘Oh boy. I could do cool stuff with him.’  But I think AJ, I think AJ and I [have] got similar styles and stuff like that so I always feel that would be what people would want to see. So that would be my go to [answer.]”

When asked if there’s a chance of the match happening or if it’ll remain in WWE 2K24, Michaels admitted that there’s slim chance of either possibility. 

 “Well [for] one, I couldn’t even play it in the game now. That’s how slow I am. But I think that time has passed. It’s time for generations to move on.”

The big ‘What If?’ Who would @ShawnMichaels face in one final match? Just imagine how PHENOMENAL this would be! 🤤 Bring the match to life in #WWE2K24 🎮🎮 #ad #WWEGP @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/fnZRDTQDB1

— Gorilla Position (@WWEGP) April 13, 2024

The Dream Match

This match never happened, though not for lack of trying by the Phenomenal One. During a 2019 interview with WWE, Styles revealed that he requested a match with Shawn but Michaels said he couldn’t do anything about it at the time.

Ultimately, the match can’t happen these days, and even if it could, Michaels would not be able to go at the level he did 20+ years ago. Nevertheless, the two men have forged incredible careers in their own rights. 

Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship win at WrestleMania 40 continues to make history as the new champion has joined a very exclusive club.

Rhodes ended the 1,316-day reign of Roman Reigns in an emotional main event to WrestleMania 40: Sunday on April 7. With this win, Rhodes becomes the fourth wrestler in history to have held the WWE World Championship and the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. He joins an elite club of talent that includes the inaugural WWE Champion Buddy Rogers, 16-time World Champion Ric Flair, and the Phenomenal AJ Styles. 

This fact was pointed out on social media by Brian R. Solomon, an author of several wrestling books. In 2022, his book ‘Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling’s Original Sheik’ won the Wrestling Observer’s ‘Best Book’ award for the year. His next book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, is scheduled to be released in 2024. 

Triple Crown History

Rhodes didn’t just join the exclusive club of WWE/NWA World Champions, but he also made history by becoming the first person in his own unique club. With his win, Rhodes became the first man to have held the WWE, NWA, and Ring of Honor World Championships. Rhodes won the NWA title from Nick Aldis at 2018’s All In show. His Ring of Honor World Championship win would come the year prior with a victory over Christopher Daniels at Best in the World 2017.

The American Nightmare is certainly riding high with his victory at WrestleMania 40: Sunday. The fans are clearly behind Rhodes who also achieved a new personal record over WrestleMania week. 

LA Knight’s WrestleMania debut proved to be a successful one as the Megastar bested AJ Styles as part of WWE WrestleMania 40: Sunday. 

Styles entered the match to new theme music from WWE entrance music regular Def Rebel. This marks Styles’ second theme in WWE after using the same song since his 2016. That theme song was actually created for fellow TNA alum James Storm but he ultimately didn’t sign with the company after debuting in WWE NXT in 2015. 

Knight also had quite the entrance as he arrived to Lincoln Financial Field in a Slim Jim-inspired sportscar. During his entrance, Knight also spoke with the winners of the Slim Jim Sweepstakes. 

The match was a back-and-forth affair from the get-go, with Styles not waiting for the bell to ring before he attacked LA Knight. In the end, it was a Blunt Force Trauma by Knight that scored the megastar his first win at his first WrestleMania. 

You can check out some highlights from the match below. 

Oh YEAH!@RealLAKnight has arrived at #WrestleMania XL!@SlimJim pic.twitter.com/2aMdeeQXsL

— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024

Congratulations to the @SlimJim #WrestleMania sweepstakes winner! YEAH! pic.twitter.com/4kRX0Pi36G

— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024

NEW MUSIC for @AJStylesOrg at #WrestleMania XL! pic.twitter.com/HPoDvv0pde

— WWE (@WWE) April 8, 2024

Issue with The Match

While competing at WrestleMania 40 was a huge proverbial spotlight on LA Knight, it was a literal spotlight that caused an issue. During the match, fans chanted for a spotlight to be turned off as it was making it difficult to watch the match. 

Right now people are chanting "turn the light off" cause there's this huge overhead light blinding everyone #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/jKAiEi4gSt

— Dominic DeAngelo | 1TS (@DominicDeAngelo) April 8, 2024

AJ Styles has expressed his eagerness to battle CM Punk despite ‘expecting a problem’ after the latter’s return to WWE.

‘The Phenomenal One’ was asked to share his thoughts on CM Punk’s return to WWE during his interview on The Ringer Wrestling Show. Styles admitted that he predicted it would be a problem to have his former rival in WWE but all seems well. The former WWE Champion further said that he would want to share the ring with Punk. He said:

“I mean, if you know anything about AJ Styles and CM Punk, you would know that we really don’t care for each other. But if you want me to ruin everything that you think you know, I can. Past performance predicts future behavior, right? Some over at AEW are my best friends – love ‘em, trust ‘em, know ‘em. And I was expecting a problem when [Punk] came here – and I was wrong. The guy looks like he’s happy to be here. He looks like a guy that I’d want to step in the ring with and tear the house down with.”

AJ Styles tells us how he really feels about CM Punk’s comeback to WWE! @DavidShoemaker @Kazeem @StatGuyGreg pic.twitter.com/JeFHvKbBg4

— The Ringer Wrestling Show (@ringerwrestling) April 4, 2024

It is no secret that AJ Styles and CM Punk have had a tumultuous relationship since the 2000s. They previously shared the ring when they were a part of the ROH roster but Styles parted ways with the promotion in 2004. That was the last time they battled each other and notably Styles has been vocal about not wanting to face Punk ever again. 

AJ Styles and CM Punk’s involvement in WrestleMania 40

AJ Styles is set to face LA Knight at this weekend’s WrestleMania 40. On the other hand, things haven’t turned out too well for CM Punk lately. ‘The Second City Saint’ scripted one of the historic moments in WWE when he made his comeback at Survivor Series: WarGames PLE last month. Without question, the pro wrestling world was shocked by what transpired in Chicago. He soon gained momentum and seemed that a title shot would be on the cards for WrestleMania 40.

However, he sustained a torn tricep during the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match which has kept him on the shelf. But he has made it clear he would be still involved in the ‘Show of Shows’ in some capacity.

With Styles changing his stance and CM Punk returning to the squared circle in the next few months, we could certainly witness the two legends work with each other again.

WrestleMania starts tomorrow, and the company’s Superstars are doing their rounds for media day. This is normally a mild-mannered affair, but things escalated quickly today with LA Knight and AJ Styles.

Knight and Styles are set to battle at WrestleMania 40, but they couldn’t wait to brawl. The two saw each other at media day, and chaos ensued.

SE Scoops is there on location, and we acquired video of the altercation. This was quite a way to build for their match. As the two fought among the media, people scattered to give them space.

AJ Styles participated in media interviews during the 9-10:30 am session. LA Knight arrived around 10:30 am as part of the second wave. He was stationed right next to Styles. Soon after, they began exchanging glances, and Knight got up to confront AJ. He then grabbed a headlock, and a brawl ensued between the two wrestlers. Security was absent for approximately three minutes during the altercation. Styles was also busted up a bit in the process, as his nose did bleed some.

The two went at it until someone from WWE, who was wearing an NXT shirt, finally stepped in to break them up. This is not over between the two at all, and they will settle things at WrestleMania.

WWE did a good job of not putting babyfaces and heels next to each other for media day. Styles and Knight should not have been next to each other, but the Phenomenal One was running a bit late in his last interview, so they happened to be beside each other as Knight came in to start his interview. They did not last long sitting next to each other until a brawl started.

A brawl just broke out at #WrestleMania media day between LA Knight and AJ styles pic.twitter.com/hmAsV0iiOD

— SEScoops (@sescoops) April 5, 2024

AJ Styles and LA Knight’s Road to WrestleMania 40

AJ Styles showed up at the Elimination Chamber, just as it looked like LA Knight may have been in a position to win the match. He attacked Knight, leaving him easy to eliminate from the chamber.

The two started a program for WrestleMania after that, with AJ Styles refusing to attend television and LA Knight showing up at his house to jump him in the process. The two have a lot of history with each other, so they will collide at the show of shows.

You can check out the WrestleMania 40 Card below

• Night 1 Matches:
  1. Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch for the Women’s World Championship
  2. Gunther (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
  3. The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) – Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
  4. Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
  5. Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi vs. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane)
  6. Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee) vs. Santos Escobar and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
  7. The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns) vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins
• Night 2 Matches:
  1. Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship
  2. Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship
  3. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
  4. Logan Paul (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens – Triple threat match for the WWE United States Championship
  5. The Pride (Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins, and Montez Ford) (with B-Fab) vs. The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam, and Rezar) (with Scarlett and Paul Ellering) – Six-man Tag Team Philadelphia Street Fight
  6. Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship (Stipulation to be determined by the result of Night 1’s main event)

It has been four years since The Undertaker wrestled his final match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. The bout which was originally supposed to be contested in a ring was changed to a cinematic match due to COVID-19 restrictions. Many fans still believe the Phenom deserved a sendoff in front of an audience but the legend himself seems to be content with it.

The Dead Man discussed the Boneyard match during the most recent episode of his podcast. Speaking about the bout being converted into a cinematic match, Taker said they were lucky to be able to shoot outside in the environment. He noted how due to the style of the match, they were able to tie in his real-life self with the different personas of his career:

“We got lucky in the sense that we got to go out of the Performance Centre. Because all the matches, Edge and I think Randy Orton, they had a hell of a match but it was so sterile because there was no reaction. We weren’t even pumping in noise at that point or didn’t have the virtual audience.

It was just them having a match in the Performance Centre, a killer match but there’s just no emotion to feed off of. That’s the thing that you live for. We were fortunate enough that we got to go off and had this cinematic match. It was cool for me because I got to kind of tie in all the characters in one.

I got to tie myself, the old school Undertaker, the American badass, everything got tied together for that match just due to the fact, the content of the interviews and the stuff that AJ was doing. That match was obviously supposed to be held in the ring. So we got really lucky that we were able to have those kinds of toys and the atmosphere.”

When Undertaker Realized This Was It

The Undertaker’s struggle with his health in the last few years of his career have been well documented. Before WrestleMania 36 there were multiple bouts Taker considered his last, only to be pulled back by the appeal of one more match. According to the Last Outlaw, the realization of the Boneyard match being ‘it’ finally hit him right before they filmed the climax of the fight:

“We were between takes. We were getting ready to, I think getting ready to go to the big finale off the top of the barn there. It was getting cold. We’ve been at it since I think we started filming around dark which was around eight o’clock. So now it’s four in the morning and my back, everything is locking up.

That’s like when I had [the realization], that’s when it finally clicked like ‘This is it dude. You’re not coming back after this one.’ It was just a moment; I was sitting there by myself and just a moment of pure clarity that just said ‘Shit. This is it right here’ Obviously I didn’t share it with anybody. We got through it.”

The WWE Hall of Famer was then asked if he feels content with the Cinematic match being the end of his wrestling journey. Taker mentioned how he always wanted to wrestle AJ Styles. He claimed that he is happy because of how poetic the bout turned out to be:

“I was happy because it was another thing like I was really fortunate enough to be involved in so many innovative matches and these crazy storylines and to be able to do this big cinematic type match which would add different layers to the product. I was happy with all that.

Deep down I always thought AJ was the Shawn Michaels of this generation. I wanted to have that kind of match that I had with Shawn with AJ in a ring, but I don’t think it would have been as poetic as what we were able to do.”

The retired legend later also revealed that AJ wanted to do even more things that would have put the spotlight on Taker in his final match. He refused however, because his body couldn’t handle it.

You can check out the full episode of the podcast below:

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

LA Knight and AJ Styles’ rivalry will come to a head this weekend at WrestleMania 40. Before he and Styles clash on the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’ this weekend, Knight spoke with Jim Varsallone and gave an overview of what fans can expect from the match.

Knight was uncharacteristically tempered when setting expectations for the match. When asked if he and Styles would steal the show, the former Million Dollar Champion said all the pieces are in place for them to make history.

“Man, look, I don’t want to throw those kind of predictions out there, you never know,” Knight said  “I don’t want to promise anything like that, but AJ’s a stud, I’m a stud. There’s a lot of tension going into this match, there’s a lot of animosity.

There’s a lot of energy going into this match. So for damn sure, it could be, as the kids say, a banger. Will it be a show-stealer? I don’t know. Maybe. We’ll let history decide that one, but you can bet your ass it’s gonna be a good one.”

LA Knight and AJ Styles’ WrestleMania Feud

Tensions between the two began to brew ahead of the 2024 Royal Rumble, when Styles unleashed a surprising attack on the brash Superstar. The following week, Styles claimed that Knight “stepped over [his] dead body” to secure a tag team match alongside John Cena at WWE Fastlane. 

Fueled by his desire for revenge, Styles later ambushed Knight with a steel chair in the 2024 Men’s Elimination Chamber match, subsequently causing him to be eliminated.

With his shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship dashed, “The Megastar” fixed his attention solely on AJ Styles. After several more weeks of fighting, WWE then confirmed that the Knight-Styles feud will now culminate at WrestleMania 40.

WWE superstar AJ Styles may get an all-new presentation for WWE WrestleMania 40 next month. He has been featured as a ‘Babyface’ and a ‘Heel’ in the past but has retained the same entrance music. However, ‘The Phenomenal One has recently hinted that he may be getting a new theme along with his new persona. 

Styles recently did a live auction on the UpUpDownDown YouTube Channel alongside Tyler Breeze. While signing merchandise for fans, Styles said they shouldn’t be surprised to hear something different when he appears at ‘The Grandest Stage Of Them All’ next month.

“…You’ll be surprised come WrestleMania when it comes to music. I probably shouldn’t have let the cat out of the bag,” said Styles. 

Breeze replied that Styles’s changing his music is a big deal, as it has been the same since his WWE debut in 2016. However, Styles feels that it’s necessary for his current persona and that it is time for him to evolve. 

“…It’s big because my music is pretty freaking awesome, but it doesn’t suit the AJ Styles that people are seeing at this moment,” said the former WWE Champion

Styles’s personality shift changed after he was taken out of action for two months by The Bloodline(Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso) last year. Styles would return with a different physique and attitude, looking to go against the faction. He also set his sights on popular ‘Babyface’ LA Knight, as he feels Knight took his spot when he was on hiatus. 

Preview Of AJ Styles vs. LA Knight At WWE WrestleMania 40

Styles is currently involved in a heated rivalry with Knight. Both prevented the other from winning crucial matches that had championship implications. They will compete at WWE WrestleMania 40 next month to settle their feud. 

On the March 29 episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown, they got into a brawl, with Knight winning the exchange. They aren’t advertised to appear on next week’s show, but it could change. However, fans reacted well to their segment and seemed excited for their matchup at the company’s biggest event of the year. 

If Styles isn’t on TV next week, fans may not hear his new theme song until he comes out for his match against Knight. The hope is that the former WWE Champion’s next entrance music will be great and add to his character. 

AJ Styles may have made a huge name for himself before coming to WWE, but a certain ex-chairman of the company had no idea who the Phenomenal One was.

Styles made a huge splash in 2016 when he was part of that year’s Royal Rumble match. While treated as a debut, Styles had competed a handful of times for WWE years earlier following the demise of WCW. 

AJ Styles and the Redacted One

Speaking during a recent Fanatics livestream, Styles stated that for all his goodwill with fans, Vince McMahon didn’t know who he was. McMahon, whom Styles avoided mentioning by name, had to be convinced to give AJ a prominent spot in the Rumble match.

“The redacted name did not know me. He had no clue who I was. So it was guys who had worked with me with TNA and whatnot that were able to say ‘Let this guy come in [the Royal Rumble match] third, be third in the Rumble, please.’ Finally he goes ‘Fine, let them!’ And then the reaction happens.”

Despite getting a huge reaction during the Rumble match, McMahon still was not convinced that Styles was a big deal, as the Phenomenal One explained: 

“He still didn’t believe them.”He was like ‘Ah it was just a fluke.’ And then the next night I had a match. It was okay but it was nothing special. He was like ‘I’ve got a hundred guys who could do what you just did.’ But what he was saying was true. 

The Redneck Rookie? 

With McMahon overseeing all of WWE’s on-screen production at the time, the promotion tried to present Styles as a brand new wrestler despite his prior accomplishments. One galling example of this was when he was bestowed the nickname of the “rookie redneck,” eight years after entering the wrestling business. It wouldn’t be until much later that WWE would come around and acknowledge AJ’s work in other companies.  

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Vince McMahon led WWE in his own way for decades. Things are much different now, as the company is operating in a much different way now. Triple H is calling the creative shots, and the change has been noticed throughout the business.

AJ Styles recently opened up about the change WWE experienced. While expressing his belief that WWE is no longer the same under Triple H’s guidance, Styles commended Triple H for his approach to talent development. He emphasized Triple H’s focus on nurturing talent and bringing out their best rather than highlighting their weaknesses, contrasting it with past practices under McMahon’s regime.

Changes in WWE

AJ Styles recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of talent treatment in WWE Styles appeared on The Battleground podcast, particularly under the leadership of Triple H compared to Vince McMahon’s tenure. According to Styles, there has been a noticeable shift in how wrestlers are perceived and valued within the company.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of talent releases, Styles conveyed empathy for performers whose careers were abruptly halted. He questioned the rationale behind releasing talent instead of providing them with opportunities to improve, advocating for a more supportive approach such as sending them back to NXT for further development.

“This isn’t the same WWE that Vince was in charge of,” Styles said during the interview. “I really believe that Triple H looks at our talent and goes, ‘Alright, let’s get them better or let’s find ways to bring out the best in them rather than show off the worst.'”

AJ Styles expressed his appreciation for Triple H’s approach to talent management in WWE, highlighting the shift in how wrestlers are valued compared to Vince McMahon’s era. Styles emphasized Triple H’s focus on improving talent rather than emphasizing their flaws, contrasting it with the past practice of releasing performers, which often devastated them.

A lot of those guys and girls, when they got released from WWE, it crushes them. I never understood why we would want to do something like that rather than just like, ‘Ok, let’s send them back to NXT, they just need a little bit more work’ or something like that.

Being released, it’ll crush you and I don’t want to see people, their lives being ruined because of a job. At the end of the day, it’s just a job, but still, it’s something they’ve worked for their whole life and then when you’re told you’re not good enough, man, that sucks.

But that’s not the way it is these days. Now, with Triple H in charge, I think he’s doing a great job of making everyone feel important.

WWE in the Future

TKO Group Holdings has WWE and UFC under one umbrella. Odds are, they will continue raking up big business for years to come, as sponsorship and huge money deals keep coming in.

Vince McMahon is no longer in the picture, and the company is arguably better off for it. The future looks bright in the post Vince era, and talent can also see the shift right in front of their eyes. Only time will tell how Triple H is remembered in pro wrestling history, but he’s off to a good start steering WWE into the future.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, as we continue on the road to WrestleMania 40. You never know what headline will pop up next, so please keep checking back for constant updates and the latest headlines.

AJ Styles jumped LA Knight at Elimination Chamber, and now the two will battle at WrestleMania 40. That being said, they might not get a lot of face time with each other prior to the showcase of the immortals.

Styles dropped a video message on social media where he proudly proclaimed that LA Knight won’t see him on SmackDown before they throw down in Philly.

The Match Setup

LA Knight was on hand this week to issue a challenge for WrestleMania. AJ Styles was there to accept that challenge, and he did so by pulling off another brutal sneak attack. Now, Knight has vowed to take Styles apart, but he will have to get his hands on him first.

AJ Styles was bold and happy to announce on Twitter/X that he will not be on SmackDown. He said that LA Knight will see him at WrestleMania 40 for their match. That being said, fans may not see much of Styles until then.

You can keep looking @RealLAKnight pic.twitter.com/AE3qa587B2

— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) March 17, 2024

Interestingly enough, that LA Knight segment on SmackDown this week was not included on the internal rundown. The fans in Memphis were certainly happy to see it go down, as they gave Knight a great ovation.

LA Knight’s Road to WrestleMania

LA Knight was a fan favorite in the Elimination Chamber, but he didn’t win the match. AJ Styles jumped him and made it very difficult for him to win the match after assaulting him out of nowhere. This week on SmackDown, LA Knight finally had a chance to talk about it. This resulted in a WrestleMania 40 challenge.

Fans flocked around LA Knight over the last year, and his popularity has grown a ton since then. Now, we will have to see how he performs on the grandest stage of them all. Odds are, even if AJ Styles isn’t on SmackDown, LA Knight will keep their feud hot with his promo work.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so many more, on the road to WrestleMania. You never know what can happen next, but we will be here with the headlines you need.

We are 22 days away from WrestleMania 40, and things are coming together. Now, LA Knight has called his shot for the show of shows, and the challenge was accepted.

LA Knight was a fan favorite in the Elimination Chamber, but he didn’t win the match. AJ Styles jumped him and made it very difficult for him to win the match after assaulting him out of nowhere. This week on SmackDown, LA Knight finally had a chance to talk about it. This resulted in a WrestleMania 40 challenge.

LA Knight Calls His WrestleMania 40 Match

Kayla Braxton introduced LA Knight for an interview during SmackDown this week, and he had a lot to say. He was very over with the Memphis fans as everyone said his catchphrases with him.

Knight brought up how AJ Styles traveled all the way to Australia to screw him out of the Elimination Chamber match. This irritated Knight in a big way, and he carried on with his promo toward the Phenomenal One.

LA Knight said that AJ Styles made a comment about how he walks around like he owns the place. Knight made it clear that he may not do that, but he will own Styles’ ass at WrestleMania.

Suddenly, in the middle of Knight’s catchphrase, Styles attacked him with a steel chair. AJ Styles accepted his WrestleMania challenge after that.

IT'S GOING DOWN! YEAH! 🔥@RealLAKnight is tired of the talkin' and challenged @AJStylesOrg to a one-on-one match at #WrestleMania! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Zg2nYI3xrh

— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2024

We will have to see how WWE books the rest of WrestleMania 40. At this point, the show of shows if coming together. You can check out the updated card (so far) below.

WrestleMania 40 Card:

• Night 1: The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns) vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins
• Night 2: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship
• Night 2: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
• Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton – Triple threat match for WWE United Stated Title
• Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship
• Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch for the Women’s World Championship
• Gunther (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
• The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Angel and Berto) vs. Four teams TBD in a Six-Pack Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
• AJ Styles vs. LA Knight in a Singles match
• Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso in a Singles match

WWE created a lot of momentum for Mania with their Elimination Chamber event. Now, we have two more reported matches coming out of the Australian show.

New WrestleMania 40 Matches

WWE already had four title matches confirmed for WrestleMania 40. With Mania being the next premium live even on the main roster, odds are fans will start seeing the card come together in rapid fashion.

Dave Meltzer reported on his Daily Update that WWE has added LA Knight vs AJ Styles to the Mania card. Also, Logan Paul will defend the US Title against Randy Orton. Both of those matches were set up before the Chamber.

“Coming off the Chamber show, those at WWE have confirmed both bouts, AJ Styles vs. LA Knight and Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton, that yesterday’s show appeared to set up. Both are right now listed for Mania.”

WrestleMania 40 will be a huge two-night event, so we will have many more matches confirmed for the show as we make our way to the extravaganza. Keep checking back with SEScoops for more information, and you can check out the updated card, including these two reported matches, below.

WrestleMania 40 Card:

• Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes: Singles match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
• Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley: Singles match for the WWE Women’s Championship
• Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch: Singles match for the Women’s World Championship
• Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre: Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship
• Jimmy Uso vs Jey Uso (reported)
• LA Knight vs AJ Styles (reported)
• Logan Paul vs Randy Orton for the United States Title (reported)

AJ Styles’ days with TNA Wrestling may be a distant memory, but the Phenomenal One was referenced on this week’s episode of iMPACT!

Styles joined TNA when the company launched in 2002 and was one of the company’s most accomplished stars before his exit in 2014. After leaving, Styles would join New Japan Pro Wrestling before making his WWE debut as part of the 2016 Royal Rumble match. 

AJ Styles Referenced in TNA Wrestling

At TNA Hard to Kill, Joe Hendry and AJ Francis began their feud with both men showcasing their musical talent. Hendry’s parody songs of wrestlers have proven to be immensely popular and this week’s TNA iMPACT! proved to be no different. 

During Hendry’s entrance for his match, Francis appeared on the titantron and mocked the Scottish wrestler. Francis made it clear he doesn’t believe in Joe and mocked Hendry for getting jumped at Hard to Kill. 

.@AJFrancis410 interrupts @joehendry entrance with a special song. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/SyVMLx8gXi

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 16, 2024

Not to be outdone, Hendry revealed his song for Francis later in the show. Referring to another AJ, Hendry used the TNA theme song of Styles to poke fun at Francis. Referencing Francis’ infamous, though life-saving botched dive in WWE, Hendry said that the former Top Dolla nullifies TNA Wrestling’s insurance whenever he goes sailing over the top rope. 

.@joehendry is ready to fly with a brand new rendition of "I Am" just for @AJFrancis410. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/aagkO663JF

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 16, 2024

Hendry didn’t stop there, as the song claimed that Francis was “banned from diving.” The Scottish wrestler shared footage of Francis partying with some attractive women who may be fine spending time on his boat “but they all laugh when you hit the top rope.”

Fans will have plenty to look forward to at the upcoming TNA No Surrender event… 

AJ Styles took a hiatus from WWE after the Bloodline attacked him. This was done so they could move LA Knight into Styles’ spot as John Cena’s tag team partner. Then, when Styles finally returned, a lot of things changed for him.

AJ Styles Goes Through Character Shift

AJ Styles, The Good Brothers and Michin were the OC, but things have been much different since Styles’ return to the picture. He has been a bit withdrawn from his faction, and now that separation is complete. Sadly, they didn’t get a lot of focus for a disbanding.

Last night’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown unveiled a notable development as AJ Styles, the leader of a prominent WWE faction, was formally declared to have severed ties with the group.

During the broadcast, Wade Barrett announced that AJ Styles is no longer associated with The OC, which includes Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Michin. While hints of this departure had been dropped over the past few weeks since AJ’s return to the ring, this marked the first direct confirmation.

The apparent rift between Styles and The OC has been apparent for months, signifying a significant shift in the storyline dynamics. Fans saw this coming, as AJ has exhibited a new demeanor since his return, but to split them without an actual angle is a bit confusing.

What’s Next

Looking forward into the future, The OC appears set to continue operating, but they are down AJ Styles at this point.

Despite their absence from television since August, WWE creative seems to have laid out plans for their future. The trio, comprising Styles, Gallows, and Anderson, last teamed up in December during house shows, where they faced off against opponents such as Pretty Deadly and Grayson Waller, as well as The Street Profits. Now, they are going their separate ways, with AJ doing his own thing, with Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and Michin as the new incarnation of The OC stable.