AJ Styles attracted widespread attention when he aired a shoot-style promo during a commercial break on RAW, but only for international viewers. In the segment, Styles suggested that “someone” within WWE did not want him in the company, referencing the recent releases of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, which left him feeling isolated. This rare shoot angle, which blurred the lines between reality and storyline, was unusual as it never aired on the U.S. broadcast but was instead shown exclusively overseas.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that holding the promo back from U.S. audiences made it appear even more genuine to fans worldwide, with many believing Styles was speaking off-script. Social media quickly spread the clip in the U.S., amplifying speculation about Styles’ status with WWE. Styles’ contract is currently set to expire in February after a short-term extension earlier this year, and his recent Instagram post featuring an hourglass fueled rumors that retirement might be imminent.
Significant Changes in WWE’s Traditional Post-Holiday Live Events
This year, WWE will forgo its traditional post-Christmas live event at Madison Square Garden, a longstanding New York City fixture. Instead, the December 26 show will be held in Baltimore, Maryland – a notable change linked to WWE’s decision to schedule a RAW episode in Boston on November 17, marking John Cena’s final hometown appearance. Although WWE has reduced the frequency of U.S. live events over the past year, earlier reports indicated that holiday shows would still continue, making this shift particularly noteworthy.
Mark Henry Reacts Enthusiastically to AJ Lee’s WWE Return
On last week’s WWE SmackDown episode, AJ Lee made a surprise return during the main event, eliciting an emotional response from Mark Henry. Speaking on the Busted Open After Dark podcast, Henry described being moved to goosebumps when CM Punk started the segment. He admitted how much the moment energized him during the broadcast.
Listening to that arena tonight brought back so many memories. And we heard John Cena talking about it at the beginning of the show, but when CM Punk got in that ring, boy, the hair stood up on my arms. I started doing like The Rock, with the goosebumps, slapping my arm. I didn’t do that, but I did get excited. I got on the edge of my seat. I leaned in and I was really paying attention.
—Mark Henry, WWE Legend and Commentator
Henry also expressed his joy at AJ Lee’s unexpected comeback, likening it to winning the lottery.
We all speculated, we all had these visions of grandeur and these thoughts that AJ Lee would come back to WWE. Well, it happened tonight. I was smiling like I won the lotto.
—Mark Henry, WWE Legend and Commentator
Kofi Kingston Advocates for Xavier Woods’ First Singles Championship
Kofi Kingston recently voiced that it is long overdue for Xavier Woods to earn a singles title in WWE. Despite Woods’ decorated Tag Team Championship history, Kingston stressed that Woods’ in-ring abilities and charisma make him deserving of a solo championship run. The comments came during an interview on the Battleground podcast.
For Xavier to have a singles title, I know that’s important to him. It’s long overdue. He’s amazing on the mic, he’s amazing in the ring. His physique, his body gamed up.
—Kofi Kingston, WWE Superstar
Kingston further stressed his commitment to advocating for Woods to receive this opportunity, highlighting their effort to pressure WWE official Adam Pearce.
He deserves to have singles gold, it’s long overdue. We’re going to keep on putting the pressure on the bald headed tyrant, Adam Pearce, and we’re going to force him to make that happen at some point in time.
—Kofi Kingston, WWE Superstar
New Commentary Team Debuts for WWE SmackDown Broadcast
This week, Vic Joseph and Booker T transitioned from calling NXT on Tuesday nights to handling commentary duties on Friday’s WWE SmackDown episode. They filled in for the regular commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves, who officially became the permanent SmackDown commentary team last week. Cole confirmed their permanent roles during last week’s show, while Friday’s broadcast was particularly busy with the announcement of WrestleMania 43, the SmackDown show, and the WWE x AAA: Worlds Collide event airing immediately afterward.
Updated Match Card for September 20th Wrestlepalooza Pay-Per-View
Wrestlepalooza’s September 20th pay-per-view event has released an updated lineup featuring key championship and high-profile matches, intensifying fan anticipation for the major show. The showcased bouts include:
1. Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre – A battle between two top-tier wrestlers vying for the premier title.
2. Women’s World Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer – A championship clash highlighting prominent female competitors.
3. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar – A highly anticipated match featuring two of WWE’s biggest names.
4. The Usos vs. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker – A tag team showdown featuring dominant teams.
5. CM Punk and AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch – A mixed tag team match combining veteran stars with current top performers.
Implications of AJ Styles’ Raw Promo and WWE’s Event Strategy
AJ Styles’ unorthodox shoot promo during an international RAW broadcast has stirred considerable discussion among WWE fans and analysts, as it challenges conventional promo boundaries and sparks questions about Styles’ future with the company. With his contract expiring soon and ambiguity surrounding his status, this segment could indicate internal tensions and possible transitions.
The change in WWE’s live event scheduling, particularly shifting the traditional Madison Square Garden show to Baltimore, coupled with John Cena’s hometown sendoff in Boston, reflects WWE’s evolving strategy as it adapts its event distribution in the U.S. market. These decisions may signal a broader realignment of WWE’s touring and broadcasting approach moving forward.
