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Tag: AJ Styles

  • Video: AJ Styles Speaks On TNA “Making Themselves Look Like Crap”

    Video: AJ Styles Speaks On TNA “Making Themselves Look Like Crap”

    In late 2015 TNA issued a statement claiming AJ Styles had backed out of an agreed & signed deal for their Pop TV debut, after they found out he was actually signing with WWE. In an interview with Brian Fritz to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32, The Phenomenal One commented on the contract situation with TNA. TNA had also claimed to sign Karl Anderson when they had not, which opens them up to a contract tampering lawsuit from NJPW.

    “I had signed a letter of intent,” Styles said. “I agreed to ‘this is what you said you were going to pay me, so you can send it to legal,’ there was no contract whatsoever involved. What we signed was nothing. It was not a contract in any shape or form.”

    Styles, who is booked to face Chris Jericho at Sunday’s event, says he feels he made the right decision by joining WWE. AJ made his WWE return on January 24, 2016, at the Royal Rumble, after previously appearing for the company on an episode of WWF Metal in 2002.

    “I thought [TNA] did a great job of making themselves look like crap by putting out that statement,” Styles said. “Just let it go. Things didn’t work out. From what I’m hearing, man did I make a great decision coming here. I’m not shameful of what I’ve done in the past with another company, but I’m disappointed.”

    We’ll have live play-by-play coverage of WrestleMania 32 right here on Sunday night, and live coverage of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony tonight.

  • AJ Styles Interview: Not Using Styles Clash In WWE, Nakamura’s Debut & More

    AJ Styles Interview: Not Using Styles Clash In WWE, Nakamura’s Debut & More

    AJ Styles spoke with Nick Schwartz of Fox Sports this week promote WrestleMania. Many fans have wondered why Styles is not using Styles Clash as his finisher in WWE. There’s been speculation that the move was formally banned for being too dangerous, but AJ sets the record straight:

    “I think that a lot of people think the Styles Clash is banned, you can’t do that anymore,” he said. “It’s not necessarily that, there’s some guys that are just too big to get that in. The roster of the WWE is a big roster, so you have to improvise – but part of being an entertainer is that you’ve got to be able to adapt to every situation and be able to hit stuff on guys or are bigger than you or smaller than you. For me, it’s not that big of a deal.”

    This Friday night at NXT Takeover: Dallas, Shinsuke Nakamura makes his NXT debut against Sami Zayn. Styles worked with Nakamura in New Japan Pro Wrestling, with the two of them putting on a Match of the Year contender back at WrestleKingdom on January 4th. Styles says Nakamura is going to make a huge impact when he arrives and people should not underestimate him because of his flashy persona.

    “Shinsuke Nakamura is probably one of the best wrestlers I’ve ever been in the ring with. He’s very unorthodox. Everything he does is with knockout power. He’s a guy who is very flamboyant so don’t let his Michael Jackson antics fool you, this guy is deadly. He will knock you out. [He’s a] great athlete, can’t say enough great things about him. I know personally how good he is.”

    As for his top goal in WWE, AJ said of course he wants to main event WrestleMania one day, but the thing he wants most is respect from his peers.

    AJ Styles makes his WrestleMania debut this Sunday against Chris Jericho.

  • WWE SmackDown Spoilers For March 31, 2016

    WWE SmackDown Spoilers For March 31, 2016

    WWE taped the following matches and segments for SmackDown this week in Brooklyn, NY at the Barclays Center. WWE will additionally be airing footage from the WrestleMania Axxess fan events on Thursday’s episode, which is the go-home show before WrestleMania 32 on Sunday.

    – AJ Styles def. Heath Slater: The Social Outcasts cut a promo to open up the show. Slater had Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas and Adam Rose at ringside for the match. Styles got the pinfall after hitting Slater with his Springboard Forearm.

    – D-Von Dudley def. Jey Uso: Bubba Ray Dudley was in D-Von’s corner and Jimmy Uso was in Jey’s corner. D-Von got the victory after hitting Jey with a spinebuster.

    – Dean Ambrose def. Erick Rowan: Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman came out with Rowan during this one, but were sent to the back. Ambrose got the win after hitting Rowan with his Dirty Deeds finisher.

  • AJ Styles Interview: Skipping NXT, Kevin Owens, Reigns-Hunter

    AJ Styles Interview: Skipping NXT, Kevin Owens, Reigns-Hunter

    This week AJ Styles sat down for an interview with Digital Spy to promote WrestleMania 32. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    The WWE Title picture & WrestleMania main event:

    “I think that Roman Reigns is the guy for the job right now. I think him and Triple H are going to tear it up at WrestleMania. It’s a very exciting match that I think a lot of people wanna see.”

    Not going to NXT:

    “I wasn’t able to make that decision. But I’m very happy to be on the main roster…(Finn Balor) the perfect guy [to be holding the belt]. And he’s doing a wonderful job. He’s not the only reason NXT is doing so well but he’s definitely a big part of it.”

    Facing Kevin Owens again:

    “Then I go after a title and if it’s around Owens’s waist then I’m going to go after it. Kevin and I have wrestled before so we know each other very well, so it’s easy for us to get in the ring and do great things.”

    AJ will be making his Wrestlemania debut against Christ Jericho this Sunday.

  • AJ Styles Wants Bobby Roode & Eric Young In WWE, Talks Jericho Kicking Out Of Styles Clash

    AJ Styles Wants Bobby Roode & Eric Young In WWE, Talks Jericho Kicking Out Of Styles Clash

    AJ Styles is all for the idea of Bobby Roode and Eric Young heading to WWE after his two former colleagues quit TNA earlier this month. In an interview with Digital Spy to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32, AJ Styles talked about who he would like to see join the WWE roster.

    “There’s some guys who used to wrestle for the other company in the US that are not working there any more… Bobby Roode and Eric Young,” AJ said, “I would want to see those guys make their way on over.”

    The former TNA World Champion was also asked about Chris Jericho kicking out of The Styles Clash, which has seldomly been seen executed on WWE TV since Styles’ WWE debut.

    “It is what it is. I’ve had people kick out of the Styles Clash before – it’s not something that hasn’t happened before,” AJ answered. “It’s just one of those things. It was part of the match and it was a very good one! The finish came shortly after that with the Calf Crusher. It was still a great match.

    “I hope to have more than one main weapon. I have the Phenomenal Forearm as we’re calling it now, the Calf Crusher – the Styles Clash is still available. I like to have a lot of alternative moves to hit people with and whatever seems to work is what I’ll go with.

  • Looking At AJ Styles’ MSG Debut (Video), Rev Pro Hosting Global Cruiserweight Qualifiers

    Looking At AJ Styles’ MSG Debut (Video), Rev Pro Hosting Global Cruiserweight Qualifiers

    – WWE documented AJ Styles’ Madison Square Garden debut this past Friday night. (Results)

    – This year’s Money in the Bank PPV will be taking place from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena on Sunday, June 19th. Tickets go on sale next Friday, April 8th.

    – The UK’s Revolution Pro Wrestling announced today that they will be hosting qualifying matches for WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series. As previously reported, PROGRESS Wrestling and EVOLVE will also be hosting qualifying matches in the coming months.

  • WWE SmackDown Results For March 17, 2016

    WWE SmackDown Results For March 17, 2016

    This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown is taped in Cincinnati, Ohio at the U.S. Bank Arena and will feature WWE Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens in action against AJ Styles.

    – Roman Reigns comes out and grabs the mic to start off the show. He reportedly got a lot of boos and “What” chants during his promo about Triple H.

    https://twitter.com/JuniorUpstart/status/709897785114497024

    – Backstage, AJ Styles said the WWE Universe can chant whatever they want, despite what Chris Jericho tells them. Kevin Owens interrupts him and they talk trash to set up for their match later tonight.

    – Dolph Ziggler def. The Miz: Ziggler won with a superkick at 8:58 after what was described as “back and forth action.”

    – Michael Cole conducted a short sit-down interview with Kalisto, who accepts Ryback’s challenge for a U.S. Title match at WrestleMania.

    – A pre-taped video shows Dean Ambrose cutting a promo about his hometown. He spoke about training to fight for his life, and how Cincinnati taught him everything.

    https://twitter.com/lunaticfr1nge/status/709903285281497088

    – Bubba Ray (w/D-Von) def. Goldust: D-Von teased using a table early but didn’t. Bubba’s trash talk to Goldust was so loud that people in the upper decks could hear it. Bubba got most of the offense and won with a cheap shot and pin at 3:17. R-Truth and The Usos run out to save Goldust from a post-match beat down.

    – Charlotte comes out and invites Becky Lnych and Sasha Banks to the ring. They talk trash to each other until Becky and Sasha double team Charlotte.

    – WWE announces they will be returning to Cincinnati on Sept 26th for RAW.

    – The New Day comes out and cuts a promo on the League of Nations. Big E challenges them to a three-on-four match at WrestleMania.

    – Kofi Kingston def. King Barett: Both sides attempted to interfere during the match, which lead to a brawl at rignside. Barrett was rolled up for the 1-2-3 at 4:34.

    – Dean Ambrose was shown at a local pub cutting another promo about his street fight with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.

    https://twitter.com/lunaticfr1nge/status/709913027244650496

    – The Social Outcasts come out and cut a promo about the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale at WrestleMania 32. Eventually Dean Ambrose interrupts to a big pop and lays them all out with a Singapore cane. Ambrose cuts a promo saying he’s going to see Brock Lesnar at next week’s SmackDown.

    – Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles: Described as a “solid match” with back and forth action. Styles attempted the Styles Clash at one point, but Owens got out. Later in the match, Owens went for a top rope brainbuster but AJ got out of that. AJ set up for The Phenomenal Forearm, but Chris Jericho came out and distracted him. This lead to Owens hitting a Popup Powerbomb for the win at 9:24.

    – After the match, Jericho beats down AJ. Owens was about to join in when Dean Ambrose comes out for the save. AJ hits the forearm on Jericho, and Ambrose hits the Dirty Deeds on Owens to end the show.

  • AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens IC Title Match Announced For SmackDown

    AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens IC Title Match Announced For SmackDown

    WWE announced on Tuesday afternoon that Intercontinental champion Kevin Owens will defend against AJ Styles on this week’s SmackDown. The show will be taped later tonight from Cincinnati, Ohio at the U.S. Bank Arena.

    As always, join here for our weekly live coverage of WWE’s SmackDown tapings.

  • Details On Why AJ Styles Is Using The Calf Crusher Instead Of The Styles Clash

    Details On Why AJ Styles Is Using The Calf Crusher Instead Of The Styles Clash

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09uZoCbI-6E

    There had reportedly been talk within WWE about whether AJ Styles would be allowed to use his Styles Clash finisher or not. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Vince McMahon found out about Yoshitatsu suffering a broken neck from the move and was concerned. As a result, the company decided the calf crusher would be AJ Styles’ new finisher.

    Up until his Fastlane match with Chris Jericho, Styles had only used the Styles Clash one before, against Curtis Axel. According to The Observer, Jericho wanted the move in his match and the spot was approved by management.

    It should be noted that the Styles Clash is not banned, but it won’t be AJ’s primary finisher.

  • AJ Stlyes Talks About Temptations On The Road, His Faith & More

    AJ Stlyes Talks About Temptations On The Road, His Faith & More

    AJ Styles recently spoke with Rapzilla.com about his faith and being a huge fan of Christian hip-hop.

    Styles said he’s been a devout Christian since high school when he went to see a play about two teens who were killed in a car wreck. One of them went to heaven and one of them went to hell. After the play, the audience was asked to close their eyes and raise their hands if they wanted to give their lives to Jesus.

    “I knew I didn’t want to go to Hell,” Styles said. “We all had our eyes closed and I was amongst friends. And I thought everybody would raise their hands, and they didn’t. I was the only one. That night I accepted Jesus, and my life started changing.”

    Even as a religious man, he is still tempted by certain ‘sins’ that are available to a famous wrestler traveling the word. However, his love for his family and God keep him on the right path.

    “There are some things that are maybe a little bit harder because there are attractive women around but you can’t forget who you are and what you have. I love my wife, I love my kids and at the end of the day is it really worth it to live with that guilt?”

    Head to RapZilla.com to read more about AJ’s faith and why he considers himself such a huge fan of Christian hip-hop music.

  • TNA Releasing 4-Disc DVD Set About AJ Styles

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asE4E7OnHRo

    TNA is set to release a DVD set about AJ Styles soon. According to WrestlingDVDNetwork.com, TNA has compiled 12 hours of content over 4 discs for “The Essential AJ Styles Collection.”

    Here is the synopsis:

    The Ultimate 4 Disc set has over 12 hours of classic AJ Styles, wrestling in 30+ matches. You will see all of AJ’s best matches spanning his entire TNA career.

    It’s well known that AJ Styles became a household name through years of hard work and dedication, and providing TNA fans with some phenomenal wrestling. Soon you can add the definitive AJ Styles Collection to your TNA Wrestling DVD home library.

    Stay tuned for more info on how you can get your 4 Disc set soon!

  • WWE Returning To Japan, See AJ Styles’ Entrance In 360 Degrees & More

    WWE Returning To Japan, See AJ Styles’ Entrance In 360 Degrees & More

    – WWE is returning to Japan this summer with live events scheduled for July 1st and 2nd at Sumo Hall. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 16th. For more information, visit WWE.co.jp.

    – Rey Mysterio will be headlining an indy show for Northeast Wrestling next Friday night, March 4th from Newburgh, New York. He’ll be facing Caleb Konley. Other big names appearing on the show include Matt Hardy, Jerry Lawler and Dalton Castle.

    – WWE has released the following “360 degree” video of AJ Styles’ entrance. Once the video below is playing, click and drag on the screen to change your vantage point. This was filmed at Monday’s RAW from Detroit.

  • AJ Styles & Kevin Owens To Have First WWE Match At MSG Live Event

    AJ Styles & Kevin Owens To Have First WWE Match At MSG Live Event

    AJ Styles and Kevin Owens have had numerous singles matches against each other, but never in WWE until now. Owens has been booked to defend his Intercontinental Title against Styles at WWE’s Madison Square Garden show on March 25th. The event is being promoted as “Daniel Bryan Night.”

    Here is the updated card for 3/25:

    – Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Triple H and Sheamus

    Intercontinental title match
    – Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles

    United States title match
    – Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio

    – Big Show vs. Bray Wyat

    Other names scheduled for the show include Ric Flair, The New Day, Kane, The Dudley Boyz, The Usos, Rusev, Ryback, The Miz and The Wyatt Family.

  • AJ Styles Talks To Michael Cole About Taking The “Long Route” To WWE

    AJ Styles Talks To Michael Cole About Taking The “Long Route” To WWE

    AJ Styles was interviewed by Michael Cole for this week’s WWE.com sit-down interview. Here are some highlights:

    – When asked if he ever expected to wind up in WWE, Styles said, “It’s nuts.” Fans can’t believe it and he can’t either. He took the long route to get here.

    – In response to “Why now?” AJ said it’s all about timing. Styles said he wasn’t ready to join WWE when WCW was purchased and his contract wasn’t picked up. He had to go through everything since then in order to be ready for his current WWE run.

    – Cole said AJ is in now his prime after getting experience all over the world. They spoke about his Royal Rumble debut. AJ was worried nobody would know who he was. He was in his own bubble wrestling around the world and had no idea if fans in the “WWE bubble” would know who he was. He said the reaction was so wild he could have melted.

    – They spoke about AJ’s feud with Chris Jericho. AJ said their stories are very similar, which is why they make a good tag team.

    – When asked about the biggest difference about WWE compared to everywhere else he’s worked, Styles said, “Catering!” He said ‘the grass actually is greener’ here and feels like he’s finally made it to the big leagues. Everything is so professional in WWE and he immediately felt comfortable int he WWE locker room.

    Check out the full interview here:

  • Stephen Amell Raffling Slammy For A Great Cause, Kurt Angle On Duck Dynasty & More

    – WWEShop.com is now selling AJ Styles replica gloves.

    – WWE Diva Paige will be attending Portland Comic Con this Saturday. For more information, visit WizardWorld.com.

    – Kurt Angle will be appearing on tonight’s episode of Duck Dynasty on A&E.

    – Actor Stephen Amell is selling his Slammy Award to raise money for Elijah Mainville (aka “Drax Shadow”), an 8-year old child battling Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer. Donate $5 (or more!) to this GoFundMe Campaign and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win the Slammy.

    Slammy Raffle

    Facebook! It is finally time to raffle off my Slammy in support of Elijah Mainville, aka Drax Shadow. Elijah is 8 years old and has been fighting cancer for far too long. $5 to Elijah's GoFundMe page – https://www.gofundme.com/elijahismyhero – gets you a ticket and a chance to win the Slammy. (Autographed by me and Stardust.) $10 gets you two tickets and so on… Feel free to try and buy the raffle out with an outlandish donation. Raffle will run through the week… My bet is there'll end up being more than one prize! Let's do some good!

    Posted by Stephen Amell on Tuesday, February 16, 2016

  • Preview For Tonight’s WWE SmackDown TV Taping

    Preview For Tonight’s WWE SmackDown TV Taping

    WWE will be in the house at the Moda Center in Portland, OR tonight to tape this week’s episode of SmackDown. The episode will air this Thursday at 8PM ET on the USA Network.

    Here’s what’s scheduled for tonight’s taping:

    – Chris Jericho will wrestle AJ Styles in a rematch.

    – Brock Lesnar will be making an appearance.

    – The fallout from Monday’s RAW.

    – There will likely be at least one more match added to WWE’s Fastlane PPV.

    Other Superstars advertised to appear include Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Big Show, Bray Wyatt and more. We will have full results from tonight’s taping later tonight.

  • AJ Styles Interview: His Time In Japan, Joining WWE, Nakamura & More (Video)

    AJ Styles Interview: His Time In Japan, Joining WWE, Nakamura & More (Video)

    https://youtu.be/ccKowGpp4mk

    AJ Styles recently spoke with our friend Ryan Carse of The Tag Rope, a quarterly pro wrestling magazine. The Phenominal One spoke about a wide range of topics, including his time wrestling in Japan, early memories of breaking onto the independent circuit, thoughts on Shinsuke Nakamura and much more. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    Returning to the independent circuit after leaving TNA:

    “I tell you what’s liberating, is the fact that you were able to bet on yourself, and it paid off. A lot of people wouldn’t do that, there’s a lot of chance you’re taking when you do something like that but it’s very liberating to feel like, ‘Okay, I did that, and I did it all on my own, and I created a new AJ Styles and separated myself from something that people only knew me as TNA AJ Styles’. Now they knew me as Bullet Club AJ Styles, which is hard to do and I was very happy that I was able to do that.”

    The most important thing he learned in Japan:

    “Just because people weren’t making a lot of noise doesn’t mean they weren’t paying attention. The Japan crowds are very different from the UK and American crowds; they’re really paying attention, watching and loving professional wrestling for what it is. The pure sport that it is. You gotta love that. There’s a lot of respect in Japan and you don’t realise it and first, but then you just really love it once you get to know what’s going on.”

    Which Japanese wrestler he learned the most from:

    “Wrestling [Hiroshi] Tanahashi, I really feel like that I learned just because I don’t see what’s going on, doesn’t mean he doesn’t. Sometimes, I don’t feel the crowd or I don’t see them so I can’t see the reactions because I’m in a hold or he’s in a hold. But there was a time when I had him in a Calf Killer for what seemed like, ‘Oh man, this is too long’, but he saw something I didn’t, and literally we had people crying in the front row.

    Shinsuke Nakamura:

    “First of all, Shinsuke’s awesome. He’s his own wrestler, there’s nobody like him, he’s very unorthodox but he’s his own man. You won’t see another wrestler and go, ‘Shinsuke copied him’, that’s not it. If anything, you could say he does a little Michael Jackson stuff, which makes him so different from everybody else, he’s flamboyant; this guy has all the tricks of the trade. At the same time, he will kick your head off.”

  • AJ Styles Speaks On Meeting Vince McMahon & His Character In WWE

    AJ Styles Speaks On Meeting Vince McMahon & His Character In WWE

    AJ Styles was Chris Jericho’s guest on the latest Talk is Jericho podcast over at  PodcastOne.com. During the discussion, Styles revealed the first encounter he had with Vince McMahon, where they talked about how he would be portrayed on WWE television. Styles said,

    “Him and I did sit down and talk and we talked about this character. I know this character who he’s talking about because I was [a] heel. This guy whose had to fight for everything.”

    “The character that he explained to me is very close, very similar to [the guy I am]. He brought it up ‘this is the way you need to be. You’re not the tallest guy, you’re not the biggest guy, but you’re a pit bull.’ I know that guy, I could be that guy.”

    Styles also revealed that he found out he would be in the Royal Rumble match just days before the event.

    You can listen to the full podcast here.

  • Jim Ross Blog: WWE’s Use Of AJ Styles, Fastlane Main Event, Sunny Side Up

    Jim Ross Blog: WWE’s Use Of AJ Styles, Fastlane Main Event, Sunny Side Up

    WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are the highlights of what JR wrote about:

    Is AJ Styles Too Small To Draw Money In WWE?

    “Anyone who thinks that talents like AJ Styles are too small to draw big money are fooling themselves and are truly living in the enhanced 80’s. Or, they’ve never had their ass whipped by a smaller guy especially amateur wrestlers who are under 200 pounds. Stars are not judged by pounds and inches but by talent, charisma and athleticism.”

    Sunny Side Up:

    “Vivid Video has announced that Tammy Stych’s adult film is available at their website plus Tammy has an autobiography coming out in the next few days. I will have Tammy on our Podcast in the coming weeks.”

    WWE Fastlane Main Event:

    “With three fan favorites in the main event of Fast Lane it’s obvious that at least one of them will be booed. Might be a long night in the uniquely booked match involving Reigns, Lesnar and Ambrose. Feels like it will be a challenging night for Mr Reigns. It’s baffling that Roman isn’t cast as a villain but you already knew that, right?”

  • AJ Styles To Make Madison Square Garden Debut In March

    AJ Styles To Make Madison Square Garden Debut In March

    After making his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in January, AJ Styles already has his first Madison Square Garden appearance booked. TheGarden.com is advertising that Styles will appear at WWE’s live event at MSG on March 25th. His opponent hasn’t been announced.

    Related: Chris Jericho Speaks On AJ Styles In WWE: “He’s Going To Be Over Big Time”

    Here’s what’s currently being advertised for the 3/25 live event:

    – Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus (with Triple H).

    – 30-minute Iron Man match for the Intercontinental Title: Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens.

    – U.S. Title: Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio.

    – Big Show vs. Bray Wyatt.

    Names also scheduled to appear at the event include AJ Styles, Ric Flair, New Day, The Dudleys, The Usos, Rusev, Ryback, The Wyatts, and The Miz.

    Who do you think AJ should wrestle at Madison Square Garden? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Chris Jericho Speaks On AJ Styles In WWE: “He’s Going To Be Over Big Time”

    On episode 216 of his podcast, Jericho Spoke spoke at length about AJ Styles making his debut in WWE at the Royal Rumble. Jericho talked about when he first saw AJ enter the dressing room that day.

    “I think the big buzz of the night and one of the big, huge surprises was the debut of AJ Styles in the WWE, which was a huge, huge get for us. We’ve been waiting to have him for a long time,” Jericho said. “One of the hottest free agents in the world today finally in the WWE and it was really cool because in the first night, in the Rumble, I came in the ring. He and [Roman] Reigns were the only ones in there. All three of us just kind of stood there and it was a really good buzz.”

    Jericho added, “when he [came] into the dressing room [prior to the Royal Rumble], I felt a little bit, not bad for him, but I understood what he was going through because he shows up there when we’re having the meeting for the Royal Rumble, because he was probably hiding all day or whatever it was, and he comes into the meeting and he knows some people, but he’s standing in the back and kind of being quiet and doesn’t want to step on anybody’s toes.”

    Jericho says he was surprised by being booked in a match with Styles the next night on RAW. He had previously stated that it was Vince McMahon’s idea to put them in the ring together on Monday.

    “We worked the next night on RAW, which was another surprise. And when it was pitched to me, it was pitched to me one way and then I had an idea to kind of go another way, so, hopefully, if things keep going the way we hope, you might see another Jericho/Styles match, so we’ll see.” Jericho continued, “I was really happy with [the match]. It was fun. It was fun to get in there with a new guy and kind of suss each other out a little bit. And now, it will only get bigger and more intense as we go forward.”

    Jericho predicted a bright future for the former TNA World Champion in WWE. Jericho said that in two nights with WWE, more people who know AJ Styles is than they did for the last 15 years.

    “I have no doubt that AJ Styles is going to be over big time in the WWE. He already is, just from his fans that he [has] got, but there [are] a lot of people who have never heard of AJ Styles and don’t know who he is or what he brings to the table. And at the Royal Rumble, we let them know a little bit and we let them know a little bit more on RAW. I love that people were like, ‘Jericho said, ‘welcome to the big leagues, kid’. He [has] been in TNA.’ Listen, I agree. He [has] been all over the world, but the WWE is the big leagues! That’s the truth. It’s not being arrogant or being dismissive of his past, but the WWE is the big leagues. It’s where everybody wants to be if you’re in the [professional] wrestling business. I don’t care what you say. Everybody wants to be in the WWE because this is the big leagues. This is the big time. The biggest pro wrestling company in the world, ever, in front of the biggest stage, the biggest crowds, the most worldwide influence. You go from being the biggest worldwide independent star and in two nights, more people know who AJ Styles is right now than they did for the entire 15 years of his career up to it, so that’s not demeaning. That’s the truth, and if you don’t like it, you’re just living in dreamland because nothing beats being in the WWE.”

    Related: Details On AJ Styles’ First WWE Feud

  • Chris Jericho Reveals Who Booked His RAW Match With AJ Styles

    Chris Jericho Reveals Who Booked His RAW Match With AJ Styles

    When a fan tweeted on Tuesday thanking Triple H for making the Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles match on RAW, Jericho replied to correct him. According to Jericho, it was none other than Vince McMahon’s idea to put him in the ring with Styles.

    Despite reports of Triple H assuming more control behind-the-scenes in WWE, back in October we reported that Vince McMahon had begun micro-managing the company more. Declining RAW ratings reportedly influenced Vince’s decision to begin overseeing all aspects of the company more than he had been previously.

  • Mick Foley Comments On AJ Styles WWE Debut

    WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley posted the following on Facebook about AJ Styles joining WWE. Foley is impressed at what he’s seen so far and ponders what could be in store for the former TNA & IWGP champion at WrestleMania 32.

    HIS FUTURE LOOKS PHENOMENALI really hoped AJ Styles would debut on the main roster. I hoped he would be able to…

    Posted by Mick Foley on Tuesday, January 26, 2016

  • Finn Balor Congratulates Triple H, Unseen AJ Styles Debut Footage, Sandow Thanks Rumble Crowd & More

    – NXT Champion Finn Balor took a photo with Triple H backstage after the Royal Rumble and congratulated him on his big title win:

    – Damien Sandow thanked fans for the huge crowd reaction he got during his match on the Royal Rumble Kickoff show:

    https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/691425839771193344

    – WWE has released the following ‘unseen footage’ of AJ Styles’ debut in the Royal Rumble:

    – Here’s a look Triple H’s new side-plates on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship:

  • Details On AJ Styles’ First WWE Feud

    Details On AJ Styles’ First WWE Feud

    AJ Styles had an impressive showing during Sunday night’s WWE Royal Rumble match before getting tossed out by Kevin Owens. This was the kickoff to a Styles-Owens feud, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer.

    WWE.com has a feature looking at Styles’ arrival, calling him a game-changer. While touting his track record, there was conveniently no mention of TNA. “After conquering the independent circuit and Japan, A.J. Styles wants to show WWE why he’s so phenomenal. Hold on tight.”

    WWEShop.com is selling new AJ Styles t-shirts, with many sizes currently unavailable due to strong sales.

    Styles tweeted the following during the Rumble PPV: