AJ Styles, a former WWE Champion, is anticipated to return to WWE television before the Bash In Berlin pay-per-view event on August 31. Although he was expected to make a comeback on the August 9 episode of SmackDown, WWE decided at the last minute to postpone his return due to pre-established creative plans. Styles has been absent from WWE programming since his loss to Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle on June 15, 2023, but he has participated in matches for Pro Wrestling NOAH and live events in Japan during his hiatus. Reports from PWInsider indicate that discussions are ongoing regarding his return, and fans speculate that he may appear at the Bash In Berlin event itself. Despite the disappointment surrounding his absence, anticipation remains high for his eventual reintegration into WWE storylines.