'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
AJ Styles has been away from WWE television ever since he suffered a heartbreaking loss against Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle earlier this year. However, he is set to make his much-awaited return on the upcoming edition of SmackDown. Amid the wave of excitement, fans have been wondering who The Phenomenal One could feud with upon his homecoming.
The current SmackDown roster is stacked with some prominent names, ranging from young stars, to legends and veterans. From heralding a blockbuster feud with Logan Paul, to reuniting with The O.C. for faction warfare, there are several intriguing possibilities in front of Styles. Fans could certainly witness some dream encounters upon his comeback.
Here are the top five feuds AJ Styles can have on SmackDown upon his return:
#5. LA Knight
LA Knight could be one of the stars AJ Styles starts a feud with upon his return on SmackDown. The Megastar's United States Championship could be the catalyst that reignites their feud. The Phenomenal One could chase Knight in pursuit of championship gold, leading to a rugged rivalry between the two veterans.
Besides, their previous encounter culminated at WrestleMania XL with Knight emerging victorious. With the embers of resentment burning within AJ Styles, he might come to settle the score with the United States Champion. This would also provide him a chance to redeem himself by scoring a win over his past nemesis after being on a losing spree in his last stint.
Both superstars undoubtedly have the potential to deliver an incredible storyline on SmackDown, which could even lead to a blockbuster match at this year's Crown Jewel.
#4. Grayson Waller
There is a good possibility that AJ Styles might make his return as a babyface. With such a massive character change, Grayson Waller could greet The Phenomenal One on SmackDown and poke fun at the veteran. Given that Waller is an amazing heel with good in-ring abilities, he would be an incredible match for Styles.
The former WWE Champion might get involved in a heated altercation with The Aussie Icon upon his return on SmackDown. Moreover, this will also put Grayson Waller in the spotlight, accentuating his heel persona. Therefore, a feud with AJ Styles could also help WWE build a future star in the form of Waller.
Besides, The Aussie Icon's alliance with Austin Theory could also play a massive role in this feud and lead to the breakup of A-Town Down Under.
#3. A feud with Legado Del Fantasma
AJ Styles could also be involved in faction warfare with Legado Del Fantasma upon his return. Before going on a solo path, the former WWE Champion was part of The O.C. and there is a likelihood that when he comes back he might find himself entangled in a feud with the Santos Escobar-led faction. This could eventually lead to a reunion with his former stablemates.
Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Michin could come back for one last ride with The Phenomenal One. The prospect of the rivalry between Legado Del Fantasma and The O.C. would mark an emotional reunion of Styles with his former stablemates and pave the way for an incredible faction vs. faction feud on SmackDown.
Moreover, these feuds might feature some interesting street fights and tornado tag team matches. With a high degree of competition, a culminating battle between the faction leaders Santos Escobar and AJ Styles could make this rivalry engrossing.
#2. Nick Aldis
One of the stars that fans have been clamoring to see AJ Styles go head-to-head with is SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. WWE may have already planted the seeds of their potential feud a few months ago. However, this may finally come to fruition tonight, with Aldis possibly revealing himself as the reason behind the prolonged absence of The Phenomenal One.
This could lead to a rivalry between the two stars moving forward. Besides, it was also teased earlier that Styles apparently had issues with the SmackDown GM due to the lack of opportunities he has been receiving on the roster. It could eventually turn into a full-blown rivalry and a blockbuster singles match later on.
Moreover, this feud could also pave the way for Nick Aldis' WWE in-ring debut. In essence, this rivalry could definitely bring a seismic shift to the SmackDown landscape, keeping fans excited.
#1. AJ Styles could feud with Logan Paul
Logan Paul vs. AJ Styles has been regarded as a dream match in WWE. Currently, The Maverick has been on a hiatus from the sports entertainment giant. However, he could also make a shocking return on the show tonight or on next week's episode of SmackDown to set up a feud with The Phenomenal One.
This could begin a fresh feud for Styles upon his return, which the latter would be looking for. Paul returning and confronting the former WWE Champion could ultimately lead to a blockbuster match at this year's Crown Jewel. The WWE shows in Saudi Arabia are known to host dream matches and blockbuster showdowns.
Therefore, Logan Paul vs. AJ Styles could be a marquee match that could add grandeur to the spectacle. With both superstars' impressive in-ring prowess and similar wrestling styles, this showdown has the potential to deliver a classic five-star match. Moreover, a match of this magnitude will garner huge buzz, sending the WWE Universe into a frenzy.
