Absent WWE Star Set To Return This Friday On SmackDown

WWE is set to hold a massive Tribute To The Troops episode of SmackDown this coming Friday night from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island, with a number of segments and matchups already announced including the return of CM Punk to the blue brand, Charlotte Flair battling Asuka in a one-on-one match, Bobby Lashley battling Karrion Kross in a WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament First Round Match and Dragon Lee facing Santos Escobar in a WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament First Round Match.

Dave Meltzer stated on a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio Program that “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles is set to make his return to the company this Friday on SmackDown after being off of WWE TV since the September 15th episode when he lost to Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion Judgment Day’s Finn Balor. Styles, who was written off of TV after he was attacked by the Bloodline, was supposed to make his return a few weeks ago, but that never happened.