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Nick Aldis invites AJ Styles to appear on WWE SmackDown

Posted: Jan 23rd 2026 By: Joseph Currier

An appearance by AJ Styles is in the works for WWE SmackDown this Friday night.

On Monday’s Raw episode, it was announced that Styles would be putting his career on the line when he faces off against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. WWE has now followed up on that by posting a video with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis inviting Styles to Friday’s show. Aldis said he is looking forward to chatting with an old friend.

“Before he puts his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, I’d like to take this chance to formally invite the Phenomenal AJ Styles to SmackDown this week,” Aldis said. “I would love to have a chat with an old friend. After all, SmackDown is the house that AJ Styles built. My door is always open, AJ. Think about it.”

Styles is legitimately set to retire at some point in 2026 — and WWE has worked that into his feud with Gunther. They faced off on the January 12 edition of Raw with Gunther getting the win. He tricked Styles by tapping out behind the referee’s back, then used a low blow when Styles thought the match was over. Styles wanted a rematch, but Gunther would only agree to face him again if Styles put his career on the line.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada is hosting SmackDown on Friday and WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event the following night. The Royal Rumble will then be held in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, January 31.
WWE SmackDown (Friday, January 23) —

WWE Tag Team Champions The Wyatt Sicks defend against The MFTs
Women’s Tag Team title number one contender’s match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia & Kiana James vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend
Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano
Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams
AJ Styles invited to appear