Why WWE Booked AJ Styles To Main Event Backlash 2024

AJ Styles is heading for his first singles world title match since 2019 at the WWE Backlash France premium live event later tonight, as he challenges Cody Rhodes for his newly won Undisputed WWE Championship. Given Styles’ lack of main event focus in recent years, there is some wonder as to why he was chosen to be Rhodes’ first challenger following a historic victory at WrestleMania 40 over Roman Reigns.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this decision was made to ensure that WWE had the best possible match for the title, rather than a bout with more star power involved. Triple H made the call to not pick a red-hot challenger, but instead go with what would be the best match on paper, leading to this first-time-ever clash between Rhodes and Styles.

Another reason for this may be due to the lack of depth on the heel side on SmackDown currently, especially following the 2024 WWE Draft. Aside from The Bloodline and Styles, there aren’t too many high profile heels on the roster to choose from, unless WWE turns the likes of Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, or LA Knight.