AJ Styles says he does not want Smackdown to be the "B show."
Since the brand split in 2016, AJ Styles has been featured heavily on Smackdown, insisting on being introduced as "The Face That Runs The Place." As one of Smackdown's first round draft picks, Styles held the WWE World Championship for several months and wrestled Smackdown Commissioner Shane McMahon at Wrestlemania 33. In an interview with Inside the Ropes, Styles looked back at the success of Smackdown and explained the competition between the two brands.
"I do understand we're all under the same umbrella, I know we're all WWE, but I feel like there is that competition with Raw. We are battling against them. When it comes to attendance, we want to put butts in seats. We don't want to be the B show. A lot of people see it like that, but we don't want to see it. I think we surprised a lot of people by the talent we had and everything we did and making these huge stars," said Styles.
He continued by pointing out The Miz, Maryse, and Dean Ambrose as talents Smackdown helped promote before the Superstar Shakeup. Styles called The Miz "one of the best 'bad guys' in the business" and Ambrose "the workhorse." He explained the talent on Smackdown got an opportunity to show their skills. Ambrose, The Miz, and Maryse were moved to Raw as part of the Superstar Shakeup.
Styles is currently feuding with Kevin Owens for the WWE United States Championship. He will face the champion Owens at WWE Backlash on May 21st.
Styles answered more questions for Inside the Ropes on their YouTube Channel.
