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 He has been a bit withdrawn from his faction, and now that separation is complete.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.

WWE has a history of fantastic stables, and some of them last a long time, forging an undeniable impression with fans. The O.C. has definitely been through a lot in WWE, with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows’ release in between the stable’s runs with the company, but they may be nearing an end.

Possible Issues In The O.C.

The turmoil within The O.C. is still going, and cracks are starting to show. Uncle Allan might be growing impatient with Michin in the process.

A digital exclusive from WWE showed Michin seeking advice from Styles after her loss to Women’s Champion IYO SKY last week. She wanted to ask him if he had any advice for her after seeing the match.

Styles only asked, “Did you win?” and walked away after she shook her head to indicate that she was unable to pull down victory.

The issues within The OC arose when Styles took a two-month hiatus after an attack by Solo Sikoa. He was originally slated to team with John Cena at Fastlane, but then he was replaced by LA Knight.

Start Of Possible Issues For The O.C.

Styles returned on December 15th, and he was placed on top of the card. He first showed up to help Knight and Orton against The Bloodline, but then he made it clear that he’s all about his own success after attacking Knight. 

At SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution, Styles ignored The O.C. when they greeted him, because he was upset about their lack of support when taken out by The Bloodline months earlier. The stable is not fully disbanded, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a dismantling eventually. 

These developments suggest a potential split within The OC, but WWE has teased similar scenarios in the past, only to provide wrestlers with a fresh start. It remains to be seen if The OC will strengthen or if plans are in motion to dissolve the group. Those words from AJ Styles might also just be tough love from AJ Styles as he motivates Michin to continue her way up the women division’s ranks.

AJ Styles is set to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble in a Fatal 4-Way match. That match will also include Randy Orton and LA Knight. Perhaps this situation with the O.C. will escalate further at Tropicana Field. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiNwismmIJs

AJ Styles made his return to WWE during the December 15th episode of WWE SmackDown. This was a big surprise to close out the show. That being said, we must include a spoiler warning for this article, because it could reveal WWE’s plans for the Phenomenal One. 

Fightful Select reports, based on internal WWE sources to Fightful’s Corey Brennan, that it might not be a full-fledged heel turn for AJ Styles. This seems to stray from the impression he gave after laying out LA Knight on SmackDown last week.

Based on internal WWE sources to Fightful’s Corey Brennan, it might not be a full-fledged heel turn.

It is reported that “the direction is for Styles to be somewhat justified in his attack of LA Knight.” Another source reportedly told Fightful that “it’s a bit of a ‘choose your own adventure situation with Styles.”

It will be interesting to see if plans for AJ Styles changes along the way. AJ Styles is versatile, so he can play babyface and heel characters. It all depends on how they need to utilize the former World Champion.

During the December 22nd episode of WWE SmackDown, which was pre-taped, AJ Styles is scheduled for an in-ring promo and a match against Solo Sikoa.

WWE is set for SmackDown in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and that episode could include a big return. This is your official spoiler warning, because this article is full of them.

Spoiler for 12/15 WWE SmackDown

PW Insider reports that, “AJ Styles is expected to return tonight at Friday Night Smackdown,” This return has been a long time coming.

AJ Styles has been out of action as he sold a beatdown from Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. At the time, Styles was set to be John Cena’s tag team partner at Fastlane against the Bloodline, but then LA Knight took Styles’ spot.

It was further noted that, “AJ Styles had initially been planned for a return several weeks back, but WWE decided to hold off on the return.” It is reported that this week is more of a sure thing, as Styles will return to the road for WWE.

Status Of The OC In WWE

AJ Styles’ OC stablemates, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, returned to the ring several weeks ago, but they have only worked live events. Their television hiatus may end with Styles’ return

Fans can probably expect AJ Styles’ return to WWE SmackDown during the December 15th episode. With the Royal Rumble coming up on January 27th, that event will mark 8 years since he shocked the word by finally landing in WWE after a career outside the company.

Exclusive Insight into AJ Styles’ WWE Return

I was told on several occasions over the past 30 days that AJ Styles is set to return “imminently.” This is something that they have held back on for some reason, but it appears the Phenomenal One will be joining the company to close out 2023.

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will also be a double taping. So, AJ Styles can get two weeks’ worth of tapings out of the way on one night to really jumpstart his comeback.

Competition among promotions is always good for the workers. It appears that The OC have taken advantage of the rivalry of AEW and WWE.

The duo of Gallows and Anderson weren’t seen at Royal Rumble last month. They missed the following Raw episode as well, making people wonder about their status.

Wrestling Journalist Sean Ross Sapp hosted the most recent episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy. Hardy talked about the advantages of the AEW schedule. Sapp then revealed that The OC have negotiated a similar clause in their contract:

“People were asking why The Good Brothers were not at the Rumble or at Raw. In their new deals they said if you’re not going to use us, we don’t want to be there.”

– Sean Ross Sapp

“Just don’t send us there. [With] all due respect we will do our jobs but we don’t want to be there for not being used, and WWE said okay,”

This wasn’t the case previously as there are many stories of WWE bringing in talents to tapings for months without using them.

Gallows and Anderson returned to WWE in October 2022 after a two-year absence. They reunited with AJ Styles and started feuding with The Judgement Day.

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