Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on AJ Styles, Kenny Omega and More

Two of the best wrestlers of the modern era headline this collection of backstage WWE and AEW rumors.

What is next for AJ Styles ahead of his special tribute episode of WWE Raw on Monday? How long will Kenny Omega be out of action following a beatdown at the hands of Swerve Strickland on Dynamite?

Find out the answer to those questions and more with these insider reports.

Latest on AJ Styles

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Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported that AJ Styles was at the WWE Performance Center Wednesday, though it was unclear why The Phenomenal One was there.

The two-time WWE champion retired after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble on January 31.

Bryan Alvarez noted that the company plans to bring talent from SmackDown to Raw in Atlanta on Monday when WWE pays tribute to Styles.

It remains to be seen if the tribute will serve as his swan song in WWE or the start of something new for the 48-year-old. Could it be a new role on WWE programming to keep him around and in front of the audience?

Regardless of what comes of it, Styles long ago earned a momentous night in front of fans, friends, and family to honor one of the most influential wrestlers of the last two decades.

Kenny Omega Schedule Update

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Kenny Omega was written off of AEW television for the moment Wednesday night on Dynamite following a Vertebreaker by Swerve Strickland through the announce table.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported: "Omega took on Swerve Strickland on AEW Dynamite, but will not be wrestling at the upcoming Revolution PPV for AEW. We're told that he informed AEW of the scheduling conflict a number of months ago, which is why the match ended up on the February 18 Dynamite."

He added that an Omega appearance at Revolution is still possible.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter previously noted that the scheduling conflict is an appearance at the Capcom Cup at Ryōgoku Kokugikan.

The hiatus is expected to last about a month, after which Omega could return seeking revenge on Strickland, potentially setting up a high-profile rematch at AEW Dynasty in April or Double or Nothing in May.

Greater Emphasis on SmackDown Creative

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Ibou of Self Made Pro reported: "I got told that at the last creative meeting, they had to go through every single roster member and give them something to do for SmackDown."

That would explain the increase in Superstars across the two-hour show, including the return of Apollo Crews to television after a lengthy absence, as well as a moment that saw Kit Wilson crack up Damian Priest, R-Truth, and Nick Aldis in a backstage vignette.

Considering the run time and the abundance of Superstars at its disposal, it is an indictment on the creative team for not already utilizing everyone to their fullest potential rather than booking the same stars in multiple segments or scheduling longer matches to eat up television time.

Allowing talent to appear on television, and giving them something to do in front of the audience, will almost always heighten the possibility that they heat back up and become contributors to the overall product.