Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Styles made no secret of his surprise over WWE‘s decision to end Sami Zayn’s first reign as Undisputed WWE Champion after just nine days.
Zayn won the title on June 27 at Night of Champions, defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther in a Triple Threat Match. However, on the July 6 episode of Raw, Gunther attacked Rhodes ahead of the rematch, opening the door for CM Punk to take his place and defeat Zayn.
On the latest episode of the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles said he didn’t understand the change, but asked fans to wait for the next chapters before condemning the creative direction.
“I don’t understand. And it’s not for me to understand, I get it. I didn’t write the show, I don’t know what’s happening. But I’m hoping there is an actual reason. And from what I saw on the internet, the backstage with Sami after the match, he’s pretty pissed off.
“Let’s see where this story goes before we start getting, mad about everything that’s going on. By the way, CM Punk looks like a million bucks right now.
“There is a story that’s happening, so before we get our panties in a wad and just be as negative as we (can), let’s see what happens, because this may be a transition in where Sami is a totally different character and that might be what we need. It might be another match to do.
“What is the next match that we’re looking forward (to) with CM Punk? Is it him and Cody? Remember going back months ago, ‘Hey, if you want another (title shot) just ask.’
“I’m just throwing this out there, we’re 90% wrong on most of the stuff that we’re talking about. Is it Cody and freaking Punk, Sami comes out, Helluva Kicks both of them. Match is thrown out, there’s no winner. Sami’s pissed off Sami right now. And then it leads to the three-way?
“So, let’s see where it goes is all I’m saying, before we start judging and being mad, even though I didn’t want a transitional champion, let’s see where it goes.”
Styles’ theory gained more weight following Zayn’s reaction to the loss. In an exclusive video released by WWE, the former champion appeared visibly furious backstage and accused Punk of several things.
The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk had already been pointed to as one of WWE’s top plans for SummerSlam. Styles believes Zayn’s frustration could put him in the middle of that program, turning the confrontation into a possible Triple Threat Match.