A.J. Styles is set to face John Cena at the Royal Rumble on January 29 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. However, there were plans to have Styles vs. The Undertaker at the same event but it did not go thought because of one reason.
According to PWInsider.com (subscription required), Styles vs. The Undertaker did not happen because of the firing of managing writer Tom Casiello early December last year. The report added that the focus shifted to John Cena around the time Casiello was dismissed.
It should be noted that Casiello was the biggest influence in the recent women's evolution in both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live. However, he also frequently gets into arguments with other members of the creative team like Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn.
The friction between McMahon and Casiello was the reported reason for his firing. However, the former managing writer had nothing but praise for Vince and the McMahon Family. He added that he was let go because the WWE wanted to save some money, per Cageside Seats.
The WWE have already shelved the idea of Styles vs. The Undertaker as Cena returned with a vengeance last week. He cut an arrogant promo that got everyone thinking about a possible heel turn. Nevertheless, it would have been great to see The Undertaker face off against the best wrestler in the world today.
There were a lot of ways for the WWE to book Cena vs. Styles III for WrestleMania 33 rather than push it earlier at the Royal Rumble. "The Phenomenal One" could have faced The Undertaker first at the Royal Rumble.
Then Cena wins the Royal Rumble Match and challenges the winner of Styles vs. Taker at WrestleMania 33. Cena vs. Styles III or Cena vs. Taker will surely help sell out 'Mania and the WWE could have gone even further with Styles vs. Cena vs. Taker in a Triple Threat Match.
However, the WWE has moved with Styles vs. Cena III really happening while the plans for The Undertaker are still uncertain. According to FOX Sports, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels are set to appear on the January 9 episode of Monday Night Raw.
There were rumors of a possible Roman Reigns vs. The Undertaker match at WrestleMania 33 and the WWE could be going that way. Nonetheless, these are just purely speculative at the moment and plans will likely change heading into the Royal Rumble.
Check out the video below to see The Undertaker's return to SmackDown Live. And for more WWE news, rumors and updates, just follow me on Twitter @johnnyrundown.