WWE potentially sending top faction to rival promotion

WWE continues to make surprising moves in the new era under Triple H. The pro wrestling pioneer has worked with several rival promotions in the last year, and that is continuing into what could be the biggest summer in the history of the company. New details have just been revealed on potential plans for a top main roster faction.

AJ Styles worked for multiple Japanese promotions while making his name in TNA, and then he spent almost two years signed to NJPW before joining the Stamford-based promotion in January 2016. The two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion is now set to return to Japan as WWE and Pro Wrestling NOAH have announced him for NOAH's Destination 2024 event on Saturday, July 13 at Budokan Hall in Tokyo. There have also been reports of The O.C. joining Styles in Japan.

Styles will make his NOAH debut against Japanese wrestling legend Naomichi Marufuji, who just won the GHC Tag Team Championship with Takashi Sugiura at Sunday's event where the AJ Styles match was announced.

The Phenomenal One's status with The O.C. had been up in the air, but he recently reunited with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson on SmackDown. Now it looks like the former Bullet Club members may be returning to Japan together as PWInsider reports that word among talents yesterday was that Styles may not be the only WWE Superstar being sent to work for NOAH.

WWE sources are under the impression that Anderson and Gallows will likely travel to Japan with Styles, to represent The O.C. and be in his corner. It was not clear if Mia Yim would also make the trip.

Shinsuke Nakamura also worked a Pro Wrestling NOAH event on January 1, 2023. He defeated WWE Hall of Famer, The Great Muta, as a part of his retirement tour. An executive from NOAH's parent company recently revealed details on the working relationship with the Stamford-based promotion.

WWE legend on AJ Styles' post-retirement future

AJ Styles recently pulled off a viral angle on SmackDown when he faked retirement in order to attack Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

The Phenomenal One was praised for his performance, with many comparing it to the famous fake retirement speech from Mark Henry. AJ turned 47 years old earlier this month and is likely in the last few years of his in-ring career.

Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's WrestleBinge, the legendary Dutch Mantell said he doesn't think Styles would enjoy working as a backstage agent or producer once his wrestling days are over.

"I even had a thought. I said, 'What the hell will he do when he retires?' Well, I think he's got a couple of businesses anyway, but I don't think he will be happy being an agent. That's a pain in the a** too. But they even had me thinking that. But again, great angle and well-executed," Dutch Mantell said. [From 17:51 onwards]

Check out his comments in the video below:

Styles and Rhodes opened Saturday's Clash at the Castle: Scotland PLE in Glasgow. The American Nightmare retained the Undisputed WWE Championship in an "I Quit!" Match that lasted almost 28 minutes.