WWE SmackDown video highlights: AJ Styles returns, attacks LA Knight

Originally posted on F4WOnline.com | By Joseph Currier | Last updated 12/16/23

AJ Styles made his return to SmackDown last night -- and he turned heel in the process.

Appearing for the first time in three months, Styles showed up near the conclusion of last night's SmackDown episode. He initially helped Randy Orton and LA Knight fight off The Bloodline. But after The Bloodline retreated, Styles turned against Knight and dropped him with a lariat.

Styles exited the ring after taking out Knight, leaving Orton confused over what was going on.

Orton defeated Jimmy Uso in last night's main event. Though Orton had told Knight to stay out of his way earlier in the show, Knight helped Orton combat Solo Sikoa's interference. Roman Reigns, Jimmy, and Sikoa then attacked Orton and Knight until Styles appeared.

The last time we saw Styles, he was taken out in a Bloodline attack on the September 22 edition of SmackDown. Before that beatdown, Styles was supposed to team with John Cena against Sikoa & Jimmy at Fastlane. Knight ended up taking Styles' place in the match. Knight went on to unsuccessfully challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Crown Jewel.

Last night was Reigns' first WWE appearance since Crown Jewel. During a confrontation on the episode, Orton challenged Reigns to an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble. WWE has yet to make that title bout official.

More coverage from last night --