AJ Styles traded to WWE SmackDown

AJ Styles is now back on the SmackDown roster.

Prior to his Intercontinental title tournament match on tonight’s SmackDown, it was announced that Styles has been traded to the brand for “future considerations.” Styles then defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to advance to the semifinals of the Intercontinental title tournament. He pinned Nakamura after hitting the Phenomenal Forearm.

Styles will face Elias in the semifinals of the tournament on SmackDown next week. Elias advanced to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin on last Friday’s SmackDown.

On the other side of the Intercontinental title tournament bracket, Daniel Bryan defeated Drew Gulak in a first round match last week. Bryan will face either Jeff Hardy or Sheamus in the semifinals.

Styles was one of the top stars on SmackDown after the 2016 WWE Draft, holding the WWE Championship twice and calling the brand “The House That AJ Styles Built.” He moved to Raw as part of the Superstar Shake-up in April 2019.