**AJ Styles Injures Ankle During WWE SmackDown Match, Tests to Follow**

AJ Styles experienced a legitimate injury during his match against Carmelo Hayes on WWE SmackDown. The incident occurred on Friday night when Styles appeared to hurt his ankle mid-match, causing the bout to end prematurely. Initially, it was thought that the injury was part of the storyline, but reports from Dave Meltzer have confirmed its authenticity.

"AJ Styles' injury on Friday was real, not part of any storyline. He's scheduled for an MRI to determine its severity," Meltzer revealed in a recent Daily Update. Following the initial report, Jackie Redmond confirmed on Saturday that Styles had suffered a mid-foot ligament sprain.

Styles himself addressed the situation on social media, expressing a positive outlook despite the setback: "I believe everything happens for a reason. I'll keep you updated," he posted.

Further insights were provided by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, who noted that WWE insiders clarified parts of the situation. "The flip where he sold the knee was supposed to be a work. The actual injury occurred during the move where he landed on the knee," Sapp explained.

Interestingly, Meltzer pointed out that other injuries seen at WWE Bad Blood, such as Bayley's knee injury and Drew McIntyre's back injury, were scripted parts of the storyline, highlighting the contrast with Styles' authentic injury.

This match against Hayes was Styles' first appearance on WWE programming since June's Clash at the Castle. However, he had continued wrestling in various capacities, including house shows, a European tour in August, and a match for Pro Wrestling NOAH at Destination 2024.