WWE News: AJ Styles Doesn’t Address Ankle Injury On ‘Talking Smack,’ Puts Down Dolph Ziggler
It’s been almost a year since AJ Styles debuted in the WWE. He appeared at the Royal Rumble as a surprise entrant against Roman Reigns in the second position. It was based in Orlando, which Impact Wrestling called home for multiple years. So, there was a hunch the former-NJPW Intercontinental champion had a date with the WWE in January of 2016. The reaction from the WWE Universe couldn’t have been better. Styles was even silenced with emotion when the moment was at its climax.
One year later, he’s made a name for himself at WrestleMania and SummerSlam, and he now has an entire brand to showcase his star power. Smackdown Live is AJ Styles’ brand, just like Edge and the Undertaker before him. That’s why it’s very important not to let Styles jump ship to WWE Raw unless the WWE Draft changes that next year. Keeping a star on one brand creates loyalty among the viewers. Plus, the Phenomenal One makes it entertaining every Tuesday night.
As the months go by, Styles creates more of a legacy tied to his name. Even Jim Ross believes he’s the current-day Shawn Michaels. There will never be another Heartbreak Kid, but Styles is coming close. WWE’s booking of the Georgia-native isn’t hurting either. Styles is slated to keep the WWE championship until closer to WrestleMania 33. There’s no doubt he’ll lose it at some point, but maintaining a main event picture is a vital process.
On the December 13 edition of Smackdown Live, Dolph Ziggler won a battle royal to become the no. 1 contender for the WWE championship. It appears Ambrose is out of the title scene, and John Cena isn’t supposed to come back until December 27. The face who runs the place is ready for another big match once again. That is, from what has been reported. On Talking Smack, AJ Styles wouldn’t discuss his ankle injury and talked down to Dolph Ziggler.
“AJ did say his ankle is “fine” and he seems confident for the December 27th WWE Title defense against Dolph Ziggler. There’s still no official word on when AJ will defend against James Ellsworth but the match is coming.”
“I’m going to beat Dolph Ziggler. That’s what I do. I’ve been saying this, that I’m going to beat these guys, then I do. Like, you can bet on it. This is what’s going to happen. Dolph Ziggler is good. He’s not phenomenal.”
Ziggler was caught backstage with WWE.com and talked about his victory on Tuesday night against three other competitors. He showed passion like he normally does. Ziggler most likely won’t win the WWE championship, but it will be good to see him there after his incredible feud with the Miz for the Intercontinental championship. Their matches showed a ton of passion and wrestling skill.
It told a story, rather than just two random wrestlers putting on a fake fight. For now, AJ Styles is the priority, especially when it comes to his health and future. In a recent article by the Inquisitr, an update was uncovered about Styles’ ankle and a potential trade to WWE Raw. Hopefully, that never happens. He doesn’t need to go to Monday nights and be wasted.
Tuesday nights are where Styles belongs in the WWE. As for his ankle, that’s a different story. Multiple WWE reports say he should be fine for the Royal Rumble, but an Instagram picture of his ankle receiving an IV wasn’t a good sign. As of this writing, he hasn’t received bad news regarding an MRI or X-ray. We’ll continue to monitor the WWE champion’s condition as it develops.
[Featured Image by WWE]
