WWE fan-favorite AJ Styles has been sidelined by injury for months now but has dropped a social media update about his current status to tide fans over.
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On Twitter/X, a user with the handle @VitaminCttv asked the wrestler "Hey AJ, how are you healing up, any updates when you're coming back to the ring ?"
Man of the people as he is, Styles responded, saying, "I'll be honest, this injury is challenging."
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Styles has been sidelined since October 4, 2024, when he suffered a foot injury during a match with Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown.
Initially framed as a storyline injury, it was later confirmed that Styles had sustained a real Lisfranc injury, a serious mid-foot injury that can involve torn ligaments or broken bones, often requiring a lengthy recovery.
Styles had made his long-awaited return to WWE television after a few months off, with rumors swirling that he was about to embark on a retirement storyline.
The match with Hayes was expected to be a key part of that angle, but the injury altered those plans.
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Styles himself took to social media to confirm the severity of his condition, writing, "It's called a Lisfranc injury. Look it up, it sucks! I thought when I took off my boot, I would have a bone sticking out of my foot."
The injury occurred when Styles landed awkwardly during a quebrada, with the pain worsening as the match went on, leading to its abrupt stoppage. Reports later clarified that the injury occurred during an Ushigoroshi spot, when Styles' leg gave out and the referee called for the match to end.
One of the standout moments of Styles' WWE career was his heated rivalry with John Cena in 2016 and 2017, which saw both men deliver unforgettable matches.
The two are close in age, which has led fans to speculate about a potential final showdown between the two legends—especially with Cena's retirement from in-ring competition at the end of the year.
Despite not being heavily featured throughout 2024, Styles was still involved in some high-profile moments, including WWE Title matches and a memorable appearance in the Royal Rumble.
His potential return to the ring, though, remains uncertain as he continues to recover from the Lisfranc injury.
Given the nature of Lisfranc injuries, which often require long recovery times, Styles' future in the ring is up in the air.
While he's in great shape for his age, his battle-worn body and the demands of rehab may make his return more challenging.
However, there is hope. Many athletes have returned from similar injuries, especially if surgery isn't required—suggesting that Styles could return sooner than expected.
Some speculate that he may even make a surprise appearance at the 2025 Royal Rumble, the same event where he made his WWE debut nearly a decade ago.
Whatever the timeline for his recovery, one thing is clear: AJ Styles' incredible 25-year wrestling career may be nearing its end, but the Phenomenal One isn't finished yet.
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