This week on Monday Night RAW, AJ Styles challenged Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship, marking his second attempt to claim the title since his loss to Dirty Dom at SummerSlam last month. Despite coming close to victory, Styles was denied the championship after El Grande Americano unexpectedly interfered in the match, costing him the win.
With consecutive setbacks in his pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship, Styles now faces uncertainty about his path forward in WWE. The 48-year-old veteran appears to have lost momentum, leaving fans to speculate about his next career move following this significant defeat.
Demand for a Fair Rematch Could Shape Styles’ Next Move
One plausible future for Styles involves confronting WWE match official Adam Pearce to secure a fair rematch against Dominik Mysterio. Given that interference from El Grande Americano altered the match’s outcome, Styles might insist on stipulations that guarantee a clean fight without outside interference. This potential showdown could be scheduled for WWE’s upcoming event, Wrestlepalooza, providing a definitive conclusion to their rivalry for the Intercontinental Championship.
Potential Rivalry With El Grande Americano Sparks New Storyline
Another likely direction revolves around Styles seeking retribution against El Grande Americano, who played a crucial role in spoiling his championship opportunity. WWE has recently elevated Americano’s profile, and a feud between these two could generate compelling television and fresh narratives for RAW. For Styles, this feud would offer a new chapter beyond his recent involvement with The Judgment Day faction, allowing him to refocus his character and engage audiences through a personal vendetta against the luchador.
Character Shift: Styles’ Possible Heel Turn to Revitalize His Role
Given the series of match losses, AJ Styles may opt for a dramatic change by turning heel, shedding his traditional babyface role. Such a character transformation would allow Styles to adopt a more serious and aggressive persona, reinvigorating his presence on WWE programming. A darker turn could open access to numerous fresh rivalries and story arcs, providing renewed energy and unpredictability to his role on Monday Night RAW.
Taking a Break: AJ Styles’ Potential Hiatus From WWE Action
Alternatively, Styles might consider stepping away from WWE temporarily to recover from recent setbacks and physical demands. A short hiatus or self-imposed exile could serve as a chance for the veteran to refresh mentally and physically. WWE has a history of allowing top performers to take breaks to recharge and reinvent themselves, and this pause could set the stage for a powerful return in the near future after some rest.
The Road Ahead for The Phenomenal One
AJ Styles’ recent defeat on RAW has left his WWE future at a crossroads, with several possible paths that could significantly shape his storyline and career trajectory. Whether seeking a fair rematch, sparking a new rivalry, reinventing his character through a heel turn, or taking a much-needed break, each choice carries the potential to impact RAW’s evolving landscape.
As WWE continues to develop its narrative, fans will closely watch how Styles responds to these obstacles, anticipating how these four possible directions might redefine the veteran superstar’s journey in professional wrestling.
