WWE just raised the stakes ahead of the Royal RumbleNick Aldis has personally invited AJ Styles to SmackDown this week in Montreal, and it could be AJs final stop before his career is on the line.
On January 22, 2026, WWE uploaded a video to Twitter featuring SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who issued the formal invitation in light of Styles upcoming match with GUNTHER. The matchnow set for the Royal Rumble on January 31 in Saudi Arabiacould end AJ Styles career if he loses.
The storyline has intensified quickly. During this weeks RAW in Ireland, GUNTHER opened the show and confirmed that hell be entering the 2026 Royal Rumble match. But AJ Styles had other planscoming out to challenge The Ring General to a one-on-one match instead.
GUNTHER initially declined, claiming there was no reason to face Styles again. However, the Intercontinental Champion later changed his tune, telling AJ hed only accept the match if Styles put his career on the line.
GUNTHER is no stranger to Royal Rumble dominancehe holds the record for longest time in a traditional Rumble match at 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 40 seconds. Now, he may be pulling double duty: entering the Rumble and facing Styles in what could be a career-ending bout for The Phenomenal One.
With SmackDown airing this Friday from Montreal, all eyes are on whether AJ Styles will show upand what hell have to say about the biggest gamble of his career.
WWE SmackDown January 23, 2026 Full Card
- Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano
- #1 Contenders Match for WWE Womens Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Kiana James & Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
- WWE Tag Team Championships: Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. MFT
- Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
- AJ Styles Invited
Will AJ Styles accept Aldis invitation and appear on SmackDown? And more importantly is he ready to risk it all at the Royal Rumble? Let us know what you think about this brewing situation in the comments below.
