Ever since the news broke that WWE was looking to sign several New Japan Pro Wrestling stars, including AJ Styles, fans have begun fantasy booking and speculating about when and how they would debut.
But there have been no rumors confirmed by anyone of serious influence to make people lean one way or the other, but one that does seem to have stuck is that many expect Styles to make his debut as a surprise in the Royal Rumble this Sunday.
It would appear that the former TNA World Champion has been alerted to these rumblings, and during an independent show in England, Styles dropped the biggest tease yet that he could appear.
Major Tease
Styles performed for Revolution Pro Wrestling's High Stakes event in England's capital, London, where he took on popular independent wrestler, Zack Sabre, and whilst the in-ring action was of course, great quality, it's what happened after the match that peaked the crowd, and the internet's interest.
After the match had finished, and Sabre cleared the ring, the former Bullet Club leader would take to the microphone to thank the fans, and more importantly, tease his appearance in the Rumble, the first time Styles had publicly acknowledged the rumor.
He told the crowd that if, "There's a spot in the Royal Rumble..." but was cut off by the fans telling him, "You deserve it," which of course, he does (should it eventually happen) but he after thanking the passionate audience, he quickly got back on track, delivering his clear message about his future.
"If you put me in the Royal Rumble, I'll kick some arse for you guys!" Was the message he gave, before soaking up what will likely prove to be his final indie date on English soil for some time, and he left in a big way, with the biggest hint yet, that he could pop up in Orlando on Sunday.
Ring of Honor- One Last Time
These rumors were escalated today by Ring of Honor's announcement that one of the company's biggest ever stars will be taking part in this Saturday's show in Atlanta, when Styles takes part in his final appearance for the company.
Whilst the phenomenal one, has not been announced for a match, likely due to him wanting to protect himself ahead of his imminent WWE run, but he will be taking photo's and signing autographs for the fans, as they get the opportunity to bid him farewell.
Styles has played a crucial role in ROH's development, and it seems only fitting that they would be the final stop on his journey prior to the big leagues, and it appears that's exactly what is going to happen, as the company state themselves, "You never know where you may see him next!"
Potential Rumor Killer
Even though it's pretty much set in stone that Styles will be appearing in the WWE sometime in the very near future, no one is certain when it will take place, which has led fans to guess that the most opportune time is the Rumble, as one of WWE's famous surprise.
But the latest rumor to do the rounds, throughout various media outlets today, states that Styles will in fact, not be appearing at the Rumble itself but rather the Monday Night Raw afterwards.
There are fears within the WWE that Styles might not get the reaction most fans are hoping for, as a lot of casual fans will be unaware of who he is, but they may also not want to risk another fan backlash, should he not go on to win the Rumble, which would likely be the plan should he appear anyway.
Which makes pushing his debut back to RAW the safe option, but right now WWE is in need of a big moment to get the fans more positive about the product, and a huge Royal Rumble debut could be exactly what both Styles and the company need, for things to start in a positive way.
What do you think about all the rumors regarding AJ Styles and the Royal Rumble? Have your say, and let us know your opinions by commenting, or tweeting us @Vavel_Wrestling.