Three possible opponents for AJ Styles on WWE SmackDown tonight (January 23, 2026)
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The Phenomenal One will return to the Blue brand.
‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles will return to Friday Night SmackDown tonight in Montreal, after an invitation from General Manager Nick Aldis. Styles is currently gearing up for an intense showdown against Gunther, where his career will be on the line.
The two will battle in the rematch at the Royal Rumble PLE next Saturday. That said, Styles’ arrival on the Blue brand has intrigued fans who have speculated multiple dream matchups for him tonight at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
As the Phenomenal One prepares for his first SmackDown appearance since October 2024, let us take a look at the top three potential fan-favorite matchups for Styles tonight on WWE SmackDown.
3. Matt Cardona
Zack Ryder, aka Matt Cardona, recently made his return on the Blue brand. Notably, the two former TNA stars have never battled in singles action, even in TNA. GM Nick Aldis might change this and book the two stars in an epic showdown, similar to Styles’ first clash with Gunther two weeks ago.
Also Read: WWE SmackDown Updated Preview (January 23, 2026): Match card, news, timings & where to watch
2. Carmelo Hayes
United States Champion Carmelo Hayes has been putting on an absolute classic weekly during his open challenges, which has become a staple of SmackDown programming since Sami Zayn brought it back.
Styles’ appearance could answer the open challenge and battle for the U.S. title. The Phenomenal One still has no problem in movement inside the squared circle and fans will get another classic, keeping the legend of the open challenge alive.
1. Randy Orton
Another fan-favorite showdown for AJ Styles is against a familiar foe in Randy Orton. The Viper is currently scheduled to compete in the fatal four-way at SNME to determine the number one contenders for the Undisputed title.
However, ahead of the match on Saturday, Orton could revive his rivalry with Styles, even for one night and for a change of pace, giving fans a nostalgic showdown before both men refocus on their respective paths after tonight.
When and where will the January 23, 2026, episode of SmackDown take place?
The January 23 episode of SmackDown will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Will the show have an early start time for international fans?
No, the show will return to its original time slot for international fans until the next episode from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
When and where will the January 24 edition of SNME take place?
The January 24 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to emanate live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What matches have been announced for the show?
• Giulia & Kiana James vs Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax & Lash Legend – #1 Contenders triple threat match for the Women’s Tag Team titles• The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) (c) vs The MFTs – WWE Tag Team titles• Trick Williams vs Damian Priest• Nathan Frazer vs Johnny Gargano
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.