Shane McMahon has reflected on his WrestleMania 33 matchup with AJ Styles during an interview with Cory Graves. Speaking with Graves on his WWE podcast After the Bell, Shane shared how he’s “very proud” of what he and AJ accomplished.
“I think that surprised a lot of people actually because I’m not really known to wrestle in the normal sense of collar-and-elbow tie-up or whatever. I’m learned, again, from Dr. Tom [Prichard] and also from many other things. Can I do it? Yes, and that was part of the story that we got to showcase.”
Shane McMahon revealed how he had been excited about their bout. He believed it was a “good showcase” for Styles, who was “ascending” in WWE at the time before sharing he felt “privileged” to have been able to share the ring with him.
“When whoever you’re in there with is appreciative, and you pull it off and you rock it, you get that adulation from the crowd, and you get, more importantly, the respect from the boys. Collectively, I say boys, but the locker room when you come back through. Those are, as you’re well aware as a performer, there’s no bigger drum than that.”
SmackDown Superstar AJ Styles has reflected on his feud with “The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar during a recent Twitch stream. The two Superstars clashed at Survivor Series 2017 in a Champion vs. Champion matchup.
“The Phenomenal One” explained how putting the match together was Lesnar was “a lot of fun” for him. Styles believes that the bout came together well and remains a matchup that he is proud of.
“It was a true David vs. Goliath thing with him beating the c**p out of me at the beginning and making people think, ‘Oh, AJ’s got no chance’ and then all of a sudden it was, ‘Oh my God – maybe he does have a chance.’ That was a really cool and fun match. Brock’s so great, too. I loved working with him.”
At the time, AJ Styles was SmackDown’s WWE Champion. Lesnar, conversely, was Raw’s Universal Champion. Despite his best efforts, however, “The Phenomenal One” was unable to beat Lesnar at Survivor Series, losing to him in approximately 15 minutes after receiving an F5.
Despite the loss, AJ Styles stressed how much fun he had competing against Lesnar and that he loved working with him and delivering that experience for the WWE Universe.
SmackDown Superstar AJ Styles has confirmed that he had discussions with All Elite Wrestling last year when his WWE contract was set to expire. Styles revealed the news during a recent Twitch stream.
During the stream, Styles conversed with fans online. He revealed that “there were talks” before pointing out how “it’s a business.” Styles then highlighted how his contract with WWE was going to expire, opening up a conversation with AEW.
AJ Styles explained how he’s good friends with Matt and Nick Jackson. He added that, although discussions had been had with The Young Bucks, they never reached a point to actively discuss money. He then reiterated how, ultimately, “it’s all business.”
Styles would ultimately re-sign with WWE. According to Matt Jackson, had Styles signed with AEW, they would have had a Bullet Club reunion at Madison Square Garden. This proposed storyline would have seen Styles reunited with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
AJ Styles recently shared which WWE Superstars he would want in a WWE Bullet Club. Styles immediately pointed to Bullet Club founder Finn Balor. He also included Undisputed Era—and former Bullet Club member—Adam Cole. However, he admitted that without Gallows and Anderson, it made the idea a harder sell for him.
It’s well known that AJ Styles left Raw to join the SmackDown roster because he was unhappy in the Red Brand but latest reports suggest that he is having problems competing on Friday nights as well.
Dave Meltzer mentioned on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that The Phenomenal One has to miss his son’s football games due to SmackDown’s schedule and he is not happy about it.
This wasn’t a problem when he originally moved to the Blue Brand as shows were being taped in advance back then but the introduction of WWE Thunderdome has changed things as the shows are airing live once again.
Meltzer also noted that since the WWE drafts are scheduled for October, Styles is likely to ask to be moved back again and he has the leverage for his request to be considered.
For those who don’t know, AJ Styles left Raw because of his issues with Paul Heyman who was running the show at the time. Heyman had apparently lied to the former World Champion about the firing of Gallows and Anderson.
Though Heyman was also removed from his position not long afterwards. He has since returned to SmackDown as the manager of Roman Reigns and this could be another reason for Styles to want to return to Raw during the upcoming drafts.
AJ Styles returned to his twitch stream recently where the former World Champion answered questions from fans related to many topics such as his time in NJPW, his relationship with Kenny Omega and more.
Talking about his stint in the Bullet Club, the Phenomenal One claimed that he was never the leader of the group and he just happened to swap places with Finn Balor when The Prince was going out of NJPW and he was coming in.
A fan then asked Styles about the possibility of forming a bullet club-like faction in WWE and which stars he would like to have in his club if it happens. Replying to it, AJ took the names of Finn Balor and Adam Cole:
“Well certainly, Finn is one of those guys,” Styles said. “I’d have to throw Adam Cole in there as well. It’s hard to know which guys I’d put in there; that’s a tough question.
It’s not just what guys would get along,” said AJ Styles “it’s what guys you have stuff in common with. With Gallows and Anderson not there, that makes it really tough for me. I don’t know who else.”
The former World Champion also reiterated his comments about wanting to team with Finn Balor in WWE and form a tag team with the NXT Champion.
AJ Styles said that he hopes to get the opportunity to win the tag titles at some point before he retires. So he will be able to say that he has done what very few others have done – winning all the titles in WWE.
AJ Styles was asked about a potential match with CM Punk during a recent Twitch Stream.
This is where the former WWE Champion stated that this contest will never happen and it’s probably due to their history.
“Nope,” Styles said. “That will never happen… I don’t have to go into detail about that one. I think it’s pretty obvious where things stand. I’m not a fan.”
So what is their bad blood exactly? It all dates back to earlier this year in the wake of George Floyd’s killing. Punk first tweeted about other people showing their true colors by expressing their words and actions.
This got a response from a fan who wrote, “Seeing AJ Styles promote streams and shit but couldn’t be bothered to post anything made it clear how he feels. That was a tough unfollow…”
Punk referenced AJ Styles’ history of ‘insensitive’ remarks by responding, “Well. Come on. That one has been obvious for years.”
Thus, if Punk ever does make a WWE return and he wrestles again, which is a big IF, fans shouldn’t expect him to see him share the ring with Styles.
“From the contacts that I have and the information I have received, WWE wants us to interact with our fans and that includes streaming. They want you to have a YouTube channel. There are things they want you to do to interact with fans. The information we got was a little vague at first, but we’re going to get together and talk about what needs to happen.”
He confessed how some things were being done that WWE Superstars “knew we couldn’t do.” Styles explained how these options were on the “borderline” of what they could and could not do, before adding how “those things will be answered.”
AJ Styles then stressed how streaming and YouTube did not fall into that category and will not be “taken away.” He reiterated how WWE “wants us to stream and interact with our fans.”
AJ Styles On Owning His Name
When first informed about the issues with third-party platforms, Superstars were reportedly informed that WWE contractually owned not only their ring names but also their real names. This would allegedly remain true until a Superstar is no longer under contract with WWE.
Styles explained how he actually has rights to his own name, not WWE:
“Let me just let you guys know – I own my name. That’s how I’ve been able to use it no matter where I’ve been. I’ve given permission for WWE to use it as long as I’m with them. Therefore, it’s their property as long as I’m under contract.”
He added how he will continue using his name for streaming purposes. Styles noted how the name issue wasn’t a problem for him as he was happy to pivot his streaming usernames if it came to it.
During a recent Twitch session, Styles opened up about his personal experiences with coronavirus. He clarified how “I had that like a month-and-a-half ago, whenever it was to the point where the CDC says you have to be quarantined for ten days.”
Styles stressed how he got tested for the virus before returning home for ten days. He isolated himself in the basement of his home. According to Styles, the scheduling WWE had set for him allowed him to quarantine without impacting plans to have him on TV. Having safely isolated, Styles noted how he was able to simply “go back to work” without issue.
AJ Styles acknowledged how his case isn’t necessarily representative of everyone who has caught COVID, however. He stressed how he’s okay before noting how “had I not been tested I never would have never known I had it and I could have spread it.”
Styles then credited WWE’s testing procedure and how it let him know he not only had COVID but had to take the next steps accordingly.
Speaking on his podcast, 83 Weeks, Bischoff revealed how he has “never signed a 1-year deal” in his life before adding how he “never would.” He admitted he doesn’t want to get involved in anything long-term unless it’s a project he knows he’ll enjoy. Bischoff noted how his interest in a long-term deal is driven by his desire to “really connect” and engage with the material.
“Same with WWE when I was under contract. When I was there as an employee last summer, I was an employee; I didn’t have a contract. There were no contracts, but when I was under contract, they were all 2 and 3-year agreements. I never signed a 1-year agreement ever.”
Eric Bischoff: AJ Styles’ Wasn’t A “Big Draw” Outside Of TNA
During the show, Eric Bischoff looked back on his time in TNA Wrestling and one of its stars: AJ Styles. He explained why he personally didn’t feel how AJ Styles was a draw in the company at the time.
According to Bischoff, outside of TNA and its core audience, “not a lot of people knew AJ Styles.” He acknowledged Styles’ in-ring ability but stressed how he fell into a “younger developing category” compared to other roster members.
“He had been in the business for 8 years. He wasn’t really a big draw outside of the TNA core audience because he hadn’t had the exposure, not because he wasn’t good enough.”
Bischoff expressed how this isn’t the case in WWE, pointing to Styles’ success within the promotion. However, he stressed that back in TNA, not many people knew who he was “outside of the bubble.”
AJ Styles infamously left the Raw roster to get away from Paul Heyman but the ECW founder has since found his way onto the Blue Brand’s roster as well.
The Phenomenal One returned for his weekly twitch stream recently where he talked about a number of things including his most memorable title win, Shane McMahon possibly taking over Raw and more.
A fan asked Styles about Reigns’ pairing with the former Raw Executive Director during the stream and the former TNA star said that it’s surprising for him too:
“It’s surprising, isn’t it, he fought with Brock for so long and now he’s associating himself with Paul Heyman. It’s surprising. I would love to know how that came about.”
AJ also commented on the reports of Brock Lesnar becoming a free agent and rumors about his future, claiming that he doesn’t know what the future holds for the Beast Incarnate:
“Is Brock done? Are we not going to see him anymore? Is his contract up? I don’t know. I hear the rumors just like you guys. Everyone always assumes that we know what’s going on, but that’s rarely ever the case.”
For those who don’t know, Roman Reigns returned to WWE programming during the SummerSlam PPV. He attacked Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt after their match on the show, turning heel in the process.
Reigns then aligned himself with Paul Heyman on the following episode of SmackDown and Heyman has since helped the Big Dog recapture the Universal Championship.
Former World Champion AJ Styles returned for his Twitch Stream recently to talk with fans and he discussed a number of things including the story behind his ring name and more.
The Phenomenal One first talked about his early career and how his stint with WCW came to be. Though he said that he is glad that WWE did not pick him up when the company took over WCW because he was not ready.
Styles finally made it into WWE in 2016 and the former World Champion debuted with a new theme song which has since become synonym with his name. However, he revealed that the song was originally made for James Storm:
“As far as entrance music goes, when I first started with WWE, I got in contact with our guy and he goes, ‘Hey, tell me kind of what you like, what you don’t like.’ And I was like, ‘Dude, I’m kind of a rap guy.’
I just told him a bit of what I liked” said AJ Styles “And that’s what they came up with – the music that I have, which is awesome, but, truth be told, it was made for James Storm when he was doing NXT.”
After leaving TNA in early 2015, James Storm made a couple of appearances for WWE and he was offered a development contract with the company.
Though the former TNA Champion chose not to sign with the promotion and he returned to Impact Wrestling in January 2016, around the same time when AJ Styles made his WWE debut.
While Ricochet hasn’t been able to score a lot of big wins in the main roster so far, many believe that he will be a big star in the future and it appears that AJ Styles is one of the names who believe in the high flying star.
The former World Champion recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump where he talked about things like Jeff Hardy being a great tag team competitor and more.
Talking about the former NXT North American Champion, Styles said that Ricochet is one of the best high fliers he has ever seen and claimed that the young star will go on to become a much bigger name than he is now:
“Well, I can tell you, Ricochet is definitely one of the best high fliers that I’ve ever seen, he’s unbelievable; he’s a talent that will go on to be a much bigger name than he is now. Everything he does just seems so effortless. I have so much respect for him and where he’s come from.”
AJ Styles also responded to the praise from Bret Hart saying that he has gotten to know Bret over the years and it means a lot for him to have someone like the Hitman sing his praise.
Styles is currently set to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Jeff Hardy at this week’s episode of SmackDown and it’s believed that this bout will lead to a rematch between the two at the upcoming SummerSlam PPV.
It’s a well-known fact that AJ Styles is close friends with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson and the Phenomenal One had stated before that he spent all his time backstage in WWE with the Good Brothers.
The former TNA star returned for his Twitch stream recently where he answered questions from fans, and talked about things like who should be the next Intercontinental Champion and more.
Since Gallows and Anderson are no longer with the company, a fan asked who is Styles’ closest friend on the WWE roster now and AJ took the name of Xavier Woods from The New Day and Samoa Joe:
“I think that out of everyone – he’s on the injured list right now, but still, probably the guy I’ve known the longest is Xavier Woods/Austin Creed, I’m trying to think who else would be in there. Like, Samoa Joe would be my closest on RAW.”
Styles also praised both Dolph Ziggler and Jeff Hardy for their selling saying that Ziggler is one of the best in WWE right now and Jeff Hardy is right up there with the Show Off.
Last week’s episode of SmackDown saw the WWE TV debut of Joseph Parks aka Abyss. The company then announced that AJ Styles will defend his IC against Hardy at this week’s episode of the show.
AJ Styles’ WWE debut at Royal Rumble 2016 is considered to be one of the most impressive debuts in the history of the company; however, Vince McMahon didn’t feel the same at first.
The Phenomenal One recently returned to his weekly Twitch stream where he talked about things like Gallows and Anderson signing with Impact, how he doesn’t get the time to watch other promotions and more.
During the talk, Styles revealed that Mr McMahon thought that the reaction he got during his Royal Rumble debut was a fluke and the boss had to be convinced to let him be on Raw the next night:
“The reaction that I got at the Royal Rumble 2016 was awesome, it was amazing, but Vince didn’t really believe that – [he thought] that it was a fluke, basically.” said AJ, “That’s what he thought it was. I wasn’t even going to be on RAW the next day, but they convinced him otherwise.”
AJ also recalled the time Vince McMahon sat him down and explained what he was expecting from the former TNA star. He had one chance to show the boss what he wanted and Styles was successful at doing that.
AJ Styles has become one of the top stars of WWE roster after gaining the trust of Vince McMahon and he has won over half a dozen championships in the company since then, including two world title reigns.
WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles will reportedly defend the title against Jeff Hardy at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view.
WWE has not announced Hardy vs. Styles as of this writing, but PWInsider reports that this was the planned direction for the SmackDown episode that is taping in Orlando today at the Performance Center. This is the episode that will air tomorrow night on FOX.
This would be the first we’ve seen of the Hardy vs. Styles feud on SmackDown. Hardy wrapped his feud with Sheamus a few weeks ago, and Styles has successfully defend the title over Drew Gulak, Matt Riddle and Gran Metalik in recent weeks.
Below is the current line-up for the 2020 SummerSlam pay-per-view, which will air live on August 23rd:
– WWE United States Champion Apollo Crews defends against MVP
– RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defend against Andrade & Angel Garza
– RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Asuka
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defends against the winner of the Tri-Brand Battle Royal on SmackDown
– WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman defends against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt
– Seth Rollins vs. Dominik Mysterio (Mysterio will be allowed to use weapons)
– WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Randy Orton
Pro wrestling personality and former TNA backstage employee Jim Cornette recently discussed Dixie Carter and her influence on the TNA product. Cornette was responding to recent comments from WWE Superstar AJ Styles on his Drive Thru podcast.
AJ Styles stated “Do I believe Dixie ruined IMPACT? Well, it was TNA back then, and 100%. IMPACT, there was a time when it was really gaining ground. The problem was, Dixie wanted to be WWE-lite and that’s not what people wanted. They wanted to see something else. All she had to do was let us do what we do, it was really that simple. Had she left it to the writers, I think TNA would still be around and be bigger than what they are, but not knowing what’s best for business? She hurt TNA”
Jim Cornette on Dixie Carter
“Dixie had talent she liked” Jim Cornette began on the Drive Thru. “And I’m not saying that in an inappropriate way. She thought that Hernandez, and she was correct in this, should be a Latino Mexican superstar at one point. I fully agreed with that.”
Cornette would then elaborate further on this, blaming Vince Russo for ‘destroying’ the potential they had with LAX member Hernandez. “Unfortunately for Hernandez? She’d [Dixie] picked an idiot to write her show [Vince Russo] who didn’t know how to get that guy over. And when I left? That was the end of that [Hernandez’s run], because he [Russo] didn’t understand it.”
Jim Cornette would then blame Dixie Carter for bringing in Vince Russo to oversee the writing of the product, thus somewhat agreeing with AJ Styles. “Dixie was responsible for creative in terms of who she hired to be in charge of it. And Jeff Jarrett to his credit, while he was there was able to balance most of the bullsh*t out with actual sh*t that made sense. OR, wouldn’t harm talent when you presented him with a better way to do it.”
“Dixie may have sat in on a few production meetings, not that many” Jim Cornette would continue. “Sometimes she wasn’t there at television and other times she would get there right before taping started. She’d be flying in from somewhere, she’d get there just in time to get her makeup done to go out in front of the fans and take post pictures holding the TNA title belt. But if you had a creative question, or if I did? I went to Jeff Jarrett.”
Do you agree with Cornette’s assessment? Let us know in the comments
Speaking during a Twitch stream, “The Phenomenal One” addressed his former O.C. stablemates’ comments. Styles admitted he didn’t know what to make of it, adding how fans “know how I feel about that.”
“Yeah, Gallows and Anderson are trying to get me back [in Impact Wrestling] is what they said. Never say never but I also have said that I would like to finish my career in the WWE. So, we will see.”
Styles acknowledged how Impact Wrestling has “a lot going on right now,” especially after its influx of former WWE Superstars. He stressed how Impact’s roster was good beforehand, but with the addition of The Good Brothers, EC3, Eric Young and more, “they’ve upped it just a little bit more.”
Looking at the prospects on the horizon for Gallow and Anderson, AJ Styles expressed how thrilled he was for his friends, saying, “Man, I am so happy for those guys. I’m happy they’re happy, you know what I mean? ‘Cause there was a tough time there for all of us. So, they’re kicking tail right now anyway.”
Gallows and Anderson were released earlier this year as a cost-cutting measure by WWE due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on business.
Former WWE Superstars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows have made it clear: they want to see AJ Styles back in Impact Wrestling. Speaking with Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda, The Good Brothers also shared Styles’ reaction to their decision to sign with Impact Wrestling.
Luke Gallows revealed how Styles called them when he “knew that it was actually confirmed.” He acknowledged how Styles’ WWE schedule is so hectic and that they, in turn, have been “busier than we’ve ever been.”
He revealed how they’d been occupied putting plans in place, but Styles let them know he was happy for them and their decision during a phone call. Gallows then noted how neither he nor Anderson “ever actually went to AJ for advice on whether we should do it or not.”
At this point, Karl Anderson chimed in with their ultimate ambition. According to him, he and Luke Gallows want to entice Styles back to Impact Wrestling, where he once enjoyed several years as one of their top stars.
“Ultimately, we’re going to talk AJ Styles into coming back to IMPACT. That’s what we’re doing every single day. We’re texting him and telling him to come back.”
AJ Styles recently moved to SmackDown following issues with Paul Heyman on Monday Night RAW. He subsequently won the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
After appearing on Slammiversary, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows recently made their Impact Wrestling in-ring debut, which you can see below:
Current WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles has revealed who he believes can be blamed for ruining TNA’s Impact Wrestling show. As far as he’s concerned, blame can be fully attributed to Dixie Carter.
Reflecting on his time working for the promotion during a Twitch stream, Styles confessed how he loved Vince Russo as a person. However, when it came to working creatively together, he admitted they often “butted heads.”
“[…] but I realized when we butted heads, it was because he was getting things from Dixie the whole time. It must have been very difficult to work with this woman who has no idea how wrestling works and wanted everything to be done to it and it didn’t make any sense.”
Style then stressed how “Do I believe Dixie ruined IMPACT? Well, it was TNA back then, and 100%.”
He explained how, at the time, Impact was gaining positive momentum. Styles believes the problem stemmed from Dixie Carter’s need to be “WWE-lite,” something Styles claimed people weren’t interested in.
AJ Styles argued how instead of providing WWE-lite, fans were eager for “something else.” He shared how all Dixie Carter had to do was “let us do what we do.” He added how—had she left the creative direction to the writers—TNA would still be around and would probably be more popular than they currently are as Impact Wrestling. Styles added how, because Dixie Carter didn’t know what was best for business, she ultimately ended up hurting TNA.
Randy Orton didn’t let up on AJ Styles as he poked fun at the WWE Intercontinental Champion for his interesting belief.
For a few years, there has been an ongoing joke about Styles believing that the earth is flat. Earlier this week, Orton made fun of Styles for the belief by writing the following in a response to RJ City:
“They council me, they understand Multiple musical notes F**k you for doing this to me bro. As @AJStylesOrg would say, ‘frick’…. also he’s a flat earther. Lets talk about THAT.”
Styles recently talked about this topic on his official Twitch channel.
“For instance, the whole flat Earth thing. I’m with you guys. Randy Orton likes to be a turd…I’m like, come on! There are some interesting things that come up, and I was like, wow, that’s interesting. You know? But it was never, ‘It’s flat! It’s flat! You’re gonna fall!’ It’s never been like that. Just because I said that was interesting I’m now a flat Earther? I’m like, alright then.”
Orton saw the latest comments made by Styles and trolled him yet again, as seen below:
AJ Styles confessed that the reason he requested to move to SmackDown was because he “couldn’t stand looking” at Heyman. He stressed how he “just can’t stand a liar.”
He explained how, as grown men, he couldn’t understand why Heyman felt the need to lie. This led his feelings of animosity to grow to the point where, if an opportunity presented itself on SmackDown, he was willing to jump at it.
AJ Styles: WWE Talent Despise Paul Heyman
AJ Styles shared how fans wouldn’t believe how many people “despise” Paul Heyman because of his lies. He then claimed that Heyman would “find ways to throw them under the bus when he screwed up.”
According to Styles, Heyman would do this so they would get in trouble instead of him. It’s a claim Styles said he’s heard from “several, several different people.” He added how it was hard to find someone who actually liked Heyman.
“I didn’t know this, I just assumed everybody liked him and I was the only one. Vince is a very smart man and he can see through a lot of crap and I think he finally saw what everybody already knew and said ‘you know what man, you’ve done some great things in the past [but] you’re just not well-liked here, maybe hit the bricks. We’ll let you be the advocate for Brock Lesnar. You do it well, you can’t deny that. He’s good at that. I think that’s as far as it needs to go.'”
AJ Styles on Paul Heyman: "I talked to a lot of guys about this situation and you wouldn't believe how many people that I worked with despise this guy because of his lies…. It was almost kinda hard to find someone who liked him." pic.twitter.com/ZvhugqoGq3
AJ Styles then stated how the only person Heyman can blame is himself:
“Just don’t lie to people man. This is the business that he, I don’t want to say grew up in but found a way to be successful in – probably by lying. I’m not the first guy to say this, as I found out.”
AJ Styles has previously shared how he believed Heyman recommended that Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson be released by WWE as a cost-cutting measure due to COVID-19.
WWE decided to book a big match between Matt Riddle and AJ Styles on SmackDown instead of saving it for its Extreme Rules pay-per-view event.
Styles successfully retained the Intercontinental Title during Friday’s episode of SmackDown from Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. The finish of the match that aired on FOX saw Riddle get rolled up for the quick loss. After the match, Baron Corbin came out and attacked Riddle to further their feud.
The former NXT star made his SmackDown debut on the June 19th episode of the show when he interrupted Styles’ Intercontinental Title celebration in the opening segment.
They were then booked in a non-title match that saw Riddle go over Styles, which kicked off the feud.
The former UFC star wrapped up his successful run under the NXT banner when he competed in a Fight Pit match against Timothy Thatcher with special guest referee Kurt Angle during the May 27th episode of NXT.
WWE booking this championship match on the go-home episode of SmackDown for this Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view event caught some fans off guard as they believed it could’ve been saved for the PPV. However, based on the feedback on social media, it was a well-received match.
New SmackDown Superstar Matt Riddle will be challenging Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles tonight on the broadcast. Riddle made his ‘main roster’ debut just a few short weeks ago, defeating AJ Styles in a non-title match.
In a spoiler for tonight’s match, AJ Styles will not be dropping the title just yet. According to a report by Fightful, Styles wins the match against the former UFC fighter. After the match, Baron Corbin will join Styles in a beatdown of the ‘Original Bro.’
Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles Match Preview
WWE released the following preview for the massive match tonight:
“The Face That Runs The Place” will face a challenge from The Bro who is set on running the show as AJ Styles puts the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Matt Riddle.
The Original Bro made an emphatic statement when he defeated The Phenomenal One in his SmackDown in-ring debut. At that time, the Intercontinental Champion would only grant a non-title matchup for Riddle, and Styles was distracted by his rival Daniel Bryan; who was watching from ringside among a host of blue brand Superstars. When the championship matchup was revealed to Styles during an interview with Sarah Schreiber, the titleholder promised things would be different for the neophyte with no other distractions at play.
Are Friday nights about to become “The Bro Show,” or will the Intercontinental Champion extend his Phenomenal reign?
Tune in to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX at 8/7 C to see who leaves with the title!
Current WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles has shared his thoughts on Roman Reigns’ current hiatus away from in-ring action. Reigns made the decision to not attend his Universal Championship match at WrestleMania 36 due to coronavirus concerns.
Speaking with The Irish Sun, Styles stressed how it’s impossible to deny Reigns’ star power. “The Phenomenal One” referred to Reigns as “one of the biggest stars in WWE” adding how “He’s WWE. I mean, he’s the guy. so to get him back would be a big help.”
Styles then reflected on his interactions with Reigns since he first debuted in WWE back in 2016. He relayed how he was known as an “indie guy” and was presented with a perfect scenario against Reigns.
“This guy from Japan just walked right in there and step in the ring with Roman Reigns. Now the perfect scenario was in place because not everybody loved Roman. Now he is definitely one of the biggest stars but not everyone loved Roman then and so you have this indiedarling, right? And it was like, oh, they made it easy for me to be in there with Roman, because Roman is such a huge star.”
AJ Styles explained how it only got better from there when he had the chance to compete against Reigns. He reflected on his championship opportunity against “The Big Dog” and shared how their match was “unbelievable.”
“I’ve watched it back. Wow. I can’t believe we did all this stuff that was really good,” Styles confessed. “So, yeah, Roman Reigns is a big part of the reason why my career’s where it’s at.”
AJ Styles will defend his Intercontinental Championship during tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. He faces off against SmackDown’s newest Superstar, Matt Riddle.
WWE’s current Intercontinental champion AJ Styles has denied rumors regarding his move from RAW to SmackDown. Reports suggested that Styles had essentially been bullied off of Monday Night RAW and that the “Phenomenal One” was upset with Paul Heyman after Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were released by the promotion.
Speaking on a recent Mixer stream, Styles addressed the rumors head-on:
“[…] there were some rumors going around that AJ Styles left Raw to go to SmackDown because he was being bullied. That may be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Styles stated. “I’m a grown man. If there was some bullying going on that upset me enough to leave Raw and go to SmackDown, I would handle it…”
Styles then turned his attention to the supposed Heyman animosity regarding his former OC members. He stressed how “that’s now what it was at all. Not even close.” AJ Styles then shared a snippet of what he, Gallows and Anderson know by labeling Heyman a liar.
“He’s a liar, now you know. I’m sure you’ve heard that before if you go back to his ECW days, you’ll hear that. He’s a bold-faced liar. That’s my take on that.”
Styles’ former teammates, Gallows and Anderson, were let go by WWE as a cut cutting measure due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on business. They joined several other WWE Superstars and backstage personnel in being released.