This week's SmackDown included a fantastic main event, a Stratton tease, and an odd AJ Styles injury. Was it an angle?

AJ Styles appeared to suffer a leg injury in his first WWE match in months, and here's an update on his status.

AJ Styles is back, as he made his return on the October 4 episode of WWE SmackDown. AJ Styles had not appeared on WWE programming since he lost to Cody Rhodes at WWE Clash at the Castle. He wrestled at NOAH Destination 2024 in July,

After securing a win over AJ Styles in his return match, Carmelo Hayes wound up eating a BFT from the United States Champion. It remains to be seen where this storyline goes, as SmackDown GM Nick Aldis refused to grant Hayes the title match as per prior stipulation.

AJ Styles returned to WWE on "SmackDown," but he limped to the back without putting much weight on a leg possibly injured during a match with Carmelo Hayes.

WWE SmackDown is not phoning in their final show before Bad Blood. Friday's show features a triple threat ladder match for the WWE tag team championships and the return of two-time WWE champion AJ Styles.