3 Biggest Storylines Heading Into the Royal Rumble

Credit: WWE on Twitter

2. The Birth Of The Real AJ Styles

Nobody has carried the blue brand over the past couple of years more than AJ Styles, a constant and consistent top player on Tuesday nights. The Phenomenal One has dubbed SmackDown Live as The House That AJ Styles Built, but someone has been tearing down that house as of late.

The heel turn and subsequent WWE Championship reign of The New Daniel Bryan caught everyone by surprise. Bryan was stuck in neutral as a babyface, but since his heel turn, his character has been totally rejuvenated to the point where he is one of the top heels in the business after a legendary legacy as a babyface in years past.

Bryan retained his title against Styles at TLC, but after Styles won a Triple Threat Match a few weeks ago, he earned the right to challenge Bryan again for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. The bigger picture, however, surrounding this match is the recent change in the character of The Phenomenal One.  Styles is still that same guy that is universally loved by the WWE Universe, but he’s been different ever since being challenged by Mr. McMahon.

Mr. McMahon wanted to see a different side of Styles, and after a right hand to his face, The Real AJ Styles was born. This new/old look for Styles has paid dividends already with several impressive moments, including a brawl with Bryan in the concession area on a recent SmackDown. Bryan has had the upper hand since his title win, but it appears as if Styles is gaining it back at the perfect time.

The New Daniel Bryan caught everyone off guard, but The Real AJ Styles could have the last laugh at the Royal Rumble and become a three-time WWE Champion.