Report: WWE Changed Plans For AJ Styles' Return

At WrestleMania 36, AJ Styles faced off against The Undertaker in WWE's first-ever Boneyard match. The pair fought around a graveyard and The Phenomenal One almost defeated 'Taker but The Deadman channelled his supernatural powers and eventually buried Styles alive. 

The former WWE Champion hadn't been seen since but he returned on last night's episode of Monday Night Raw as he was revealed as the final entrant in the Last Chance Gauntlet match. AJ went up against Humberto Carillo and ultimately put away his former rival by forcing him to tap out to the Calf Crusher. 

Some considered Styles' return to be somewhat premature, particularly as he was supposed to be dead. Dave Meltzer revealed on the Sunday Night's Main Event podcast that WWE originally planned to keep AJ off TV for a while longer, but ultimately plans changed a few weeks ago. 

Meltzer said: "The original idea was to keep him out longer, but I think with the ratings falling its kind of like we can't adhere to this Undertaker stipulation for a guy who's not hurt when so many guys are hurt and not coming. So, he's willing to come."

Styles will now face five other Superstars on Sunday at the Money In The Bank pay-per-view as he looks to secure a world championship opportunity and become a three-time world champion in WWE.