AJ Styles moved to SmackDown due to issues with Paul Heyman. Styles is reported to have been furious before requesting a move.
AJ Styles switched brands last month, coming back to SmackDown after a year long stint with RAW. It is now being reported that the move transpired due to the ‘Phenomenal One’s’ strained relationship with the then executive Director of Raw, Paul Heyman.
Also read: Roman Reigns provides update on WWE return
Dave Meltzer revealed on the Wrestling Observer Forum that Styles was furious and blamed Heyman for the firings of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Styles did not feel like Heyman did enough to fight for his friends, both of whom were released from the WWE.
AJ Styles moved to SmackDown due to issues with Paul Heyman
“Actually, the reason was that he was furious that Gallows & Anderson were fired,” Meltzer explained. “Blamed Heyman. Classic case of JR/JJ/Laurinaitis syndrome.
“Vince is the one who made the decision but I suppose he felt Heyman could have fought him on it. So, he wanted to go to the side where the guy in charge isn’t fighting Vince on something like that either.”
Heyman was removed as the head of creative for Monday Night RAW this past Thursday. However, he still has a WWE performer’s contract.
Gallows and Anderson, on the other hand, will officially become free agents on July 15th. The pair are reportedly interested in working for New Japan Pro Wrestling once again. They are also looking to work in a company in the U.S with Impact Wrestling looking like their likeliest destination.
Styles move to SmackDown saw him win the Intercontinental title for the first time in his WWE Career. He is now a triple crown champion and is only a tag title away from being a Grand Slam Champion in the promotion.
Click here for more WWE News
