AJ Styles Must Be Utilized as a Top Draw After WWE Raw, SmackDown Brand Split

In the world of ultimate WWE fantasy booking, AJ Styles would likely be part of every brand-split scenario imaginable. Luckily for fans and WWE, this is no longer a fantasy.

His presence in WWE may still seem surreal to fans. He was arguably the last big name left to make the jump to Vince McMahon's company, and now he's become a fixture. But he's become much more than that; he's also a main event star.

WWE must capitalize on him on for the upcoming brand split.

The company has a prime opportunity to do something big here. Styles is a major talent with name recognition and worldwide fame. He's ready-made for superstardom, and he's shown that from the moment he arrived.

In an environment where Roman Reigns continues to need help getting over, it should be an easy decision to book Styles as a top draw.

He just doesn't need help. Despite what WWE chooses to do with him, Styles can make it work. He's been in the game for 18 years and has already achieved success. There's no learning curve for him, and WWE doesn't need to worry about his ability to succeed.

Styles is ready for the big time now. He can do whatever is asked of him, and WWE needs to bank on his versatility for the changes that are coming.

It's no longer just John Cena's company, as other stars are coming into their own. The Shield is ruling the main event scene now, as Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Reigns are warring over the WWE Championship.

Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Rusev have all become strong midcard stars. Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews are working hard to establish themselves, while Enzo and Big Colin Cassady are perhaps the hottest act in WWE. Then there are veteran guys such as Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton, who will be back eventually. 

Of course, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura are patiently waiting for their turn in NXT.

Each one of these Superstars can be booked, promoted and spotlighted as WWE's best. The company has many options to choose from and many different directions to go. But in the thick of it all is Styles.

Fans pop for him; they've accepted him and want to see him. He can work anyone on the roster and put on a five-star match. No matter what the company needs from him, he can deliver. He's been waiting for this moment his whole career, and now it's his time to shine.

Even a world title run should not be out of the realm of possibility.

With the brand split could come another separation of titles, which means two different opportunities for Styles to wear championship gold. Beating Roman to become WWE world heavyweight champion may not have been in the cards, but winning a world title tournament could be.

Styles could become the face of Tuesday Night SmackDown, while one of The Shield founders could rule Monday Night Raw.

A world championship may not even need to happen for Styles; he can still get over as a top draw regardless of what WWE gives him. The possibilities are endless. He's earned his place in the company as well as the chance to prove he can work at the very top.

All he needs is the right booking and support from WWE to make it happen. 

Tom Clark can regularly be seen on Bleacher Report. His podcast, Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Android, Windows Phone and online here.