At long last, it looks like AJ Styles is finally returning to WWE.

AJ has been off WWE TV for a considerable amount of time, yet Dave Meltzer has stated that WWE’s plan (as of right now) is for the former WWE Champion to return this week on SmackDown:

“AJ Styles is going to be back on Friday, or he’s supposed to be back on Friday. He was supposed to be back a few weeks ago but wasn’t. That’s the plan right now…”

It was previously reported that AJ vs. Roman Reigns was the plan for the Royal Rumble; however, it looks like Reigns will be feuding with Randy Orton.

Also advertised for SmackDown this week is the SmackDown return of CM Punk, which will mark Punk’s first SmackDown appearance since early 2014.