It’s been a while since fans have seen AJ Styles as he’s been absent from WWE programming since June. Ahead of Friday Night SmackDown last week it was reported that Styles was scheduled to return, but ultimately he never appeared.

PWInsider is now reporting that AJ Styles didn’t return on SmackDown last week because WWE officials felt as if it was the wrong time to bring him back. Styles is still expected to return to television before the Bash In Berlin premium live event.

Despite his recent absence from television AJ Styles has had quite the year so far as he faced off against LA Knight at WrestleMania 40 then went on to kick off a feud with Cody Rhodes.

The Phenomenal One challenged Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash in France, but he failed to capture the title. Styles challenged The American Nightmare one more time for the belt in an I Quit match at Clash at the Castle and Rhodes picked up the victory once again.

AJ Styles has not appeared on WWE programming since Clash at the Castle, but he did compete at the NOAH Destination event last month and he also wrestled at the recent WWE live events in in Japan as well.

Stay tuned for more updates on plans for AJ’s return.