AJ Styles started his wrestling career in 1998 and he spent the next two decades proving his excellence in the ring by travelling across the globe and competing at the highest levels at various promotions.
However, it took him a long time to join WWE and during a recent episode of The Bump, the former WWE Champion discussed the reason behind his late arrival in the company.
Styles first mentioned how he didn’t stay in one place to face the average Joe’s and discussed how smaller sized wrestlers were not given a chance back when he started:
“I didn’t just stay in one place and face your average Joe’s, I faced Kurt Angle. I mean, this guy was a former Olympic champion. A lot of those guys that were in the WWE came to where I was working. Then, I went to New Japan and did stuff over there.
“I would’ve been there earlier [WWE] if I could’ve. Sometimes, things work out the way they do. It’s a different time.” said AJ Styles. “Guys aren’t as big as they used to be. Guys my size are getting a chance, when back then, guys my size weren’t given the chance to be in the ring.”
The Phenomenal One also talked about his WrestleMania 33
match against Shane McMahon saying that he has a lot of respect for Shane and
their match was one of the better Mania matches he has had so far.
While it took time for AJ Styles to finally arrive in the company, he has claimed his rightful position in the WWE roster since his debut in 2016.
With multiple world title victories under his belt, it’s safe to say that he has earned his position as one of the greatest WWE stars in the history of the promotion. You can check out the episode of The Bump featuring Styles below:
AJ Styles has opened up about his recent Boneyard matchup with The Undertaker. Styles participated in the pre-recorded cinematic-style clash, which aired this past weekend during WrestleMania 36. Taking to Mixer, Styles shared his thoughts on the style of their bout and whether he believes WWE should continue pursuing this alternative.
Styles shared he was pleased with how the Boneyard match turned out. He believes that the majority of wrestling fans would agree that it delivered. He did note that for every 100 people, perhaps 2 or 3 fans didn’t enjoy the match.
“The Phenomenal One” acknowledged that it was different and that he “understands” why people may have had issues with it. He then pointed out that this week’s matchup between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa was “also a different match.” Those Superstars also clashed in a pre-recorded bout that acted as the main event for this week’s episode of NXT.
AJ Styles On Move Cinematic Matches & Reshoots
Whether WWE should continue with this type of matchup, however, has become a debated topic. Especially in relation to The Undertaker. Styles spoke about how he believes “less is more” and that if WWE delivers too many too soon, then “they’re not special.”
“So we gotta watch out with how many matches we do,” he said. “I think… every now and again, it’s a good thing. As great as it was, I don’t think it’s something we should do a lot because we’ll ruin it. I’m not saying the matches but, it’s special.”
According to AJ Styles, the Boneyard match disregarded reshoots completely. He shared that the match was shot “pretty much straight through.” There were no retapes, though there were some cut scenes. He revealed the only time they stopped was to get footage of the action from different angles. However, “if they didn’t have that shot, we didn’t redo it. We just went with what we got.”
Night One of WrestleMania 36 was headlined by WWE’s cinematic Boneyard matchup. The bout saw The Undertaker take on AJ Styles in a pre-recorded movie-style clash. During WWE show The Bump, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared how it was probably the best performance he had ever seen from AJ Styles.
Bully Ray praised several matches from across WrestleMania weekend. He shared that the Boneyard matchup was his favorite. He noted how the concept was an out the box idea, especially with The Undertaker showing up as The American Badass.
After the match, Bully Ray text Styles. He referenced the fact they have a history together, having both worked in the same companies before WWE. The Hall of Famer then relayed how he told Styles his match “was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen you involved in.”
He stressed how the match “didn’t include one wrestling move” and that wrestling moves didn’t matter. Instead, it was all about the storytelling and the spectacle. He explained how he had never been more emotionally invested in AJ Styles than during this match.
Bully Ray Proposes A Dream Match
Bully Ray argued how this match represented a rebirth for The Undertaker. He acknowledged how The Undertaker can’t continue to wrestle throughout the year, noting how he has maybe one or two matches left in him.
However, if ‘Taker continues to compete in cinematic matchups like the Boneyard Match, he wouldn’t be unhappy about that decision. If WWE does continue to pursue this style for The Undertaker going forward, Bully Ray explained it’s the perfect scenario to deliver a matchup between ‘Taker and Sting.
The boneyard match between Undertaker and AJ Styles was the highlight of night 1 of WrestleMania 36 and its production received praise from the fans. Whatculture has a new report on the bout and it reveals some interesting details behind the production of this first-ever match between the two wrestling veterans.
Some photos of the match’s production have surfaced online as well which you can check out below.
The chosen location was in Florida, but it was reportedly not anywhere near the performance center. The company hired an outside production unit to build the set. It took five days to complete the whole thing and eight hours to shoot the match.
Triple H and Michael Hayes were in charge of the production. The set was originally intended to be used for a promo but the quality impressed the WWE executives when they arrived and the concept for the unique bout was born.
Using Metallica’s ‘Now That We’re Dead’ song was always the plan but the set up for Undertaker’s entrance was changed.
The original plans for his entrance included an abandoned ditch and a bridge as well but the production crew warned them that it was city property and the company did not have enough time to get the shooting permit.
Undertaker & Styles Improvised
Interestingly, the trash talk between the two stars which many believe added a layer to the match wasn’t part of the original script and it was improvised after both Taker and Styles requested for it.
Triple H happily obliged to this request and after seeing the results, the Game eventually encouraged the participants to do as much talking as they felt they should.
The Undertaker made the decision to re-shoot his window attack on AJ Styles from a different angle. However, he ended up smashing the glass in the process. Both the breaking of the glass and the blood spike from the Dead Man’s arm were unintentional.
The final moments of the match also had an improvised spot. AJ Styles’ hand that was coming out of the grave after Taker buried him was a prop that Triple H and Michael Hayes had spotted earlier and they wanted to use it in the match.
However, the Executives couldn’t figure out what to do with it until the end and this is where Undertaker stepped in. He suggested the use of the hand, which was a call back to his own desperate bid for survival back at In Your House: Buried Alive in October 1996.
It seems that the improvisations in this match worked out in the favor of the involving stars as it made the match more interesting and the bout has been receiving high praise from the fans and WWE stars alike.
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio Mark Henry recently discussed the WrestleMania 36 Boneyard Match between AJ Styles and The Undertaker. The bout took place on Night 1 of the event, and was arguably one of the most memorable main event matches in ‘Mania history. With a ‘cinematic’ feel to it, ‘Taker and AJ would fight to ‘bury’ each other alive to win the match.
The Worlds’ Strongest Man on WrestleMania 22
Mark Henry himself faced The Undertaker back at WrestleMania 22. There was talk at the time that Vince McMahon liked the idea of giving Henry the win in that match, and breaking the (then) undefeated Streak. Henry would of course not win, however he described on the Busted Open show just how important a match against the ‘Deadman’ was for his career. The ‘World’s Strongest Man’ would also go on to say just how important this match was for AJ Styles’ WWE career.
Importance of facing The Undertaker
“Yeah, it was really big for me, career wise and development wise” Henry began. “I had been in wrestling for a long time already. And I was getting it, and when that time came? I was prepared and I was ready. And I was able to give something back. But nonetheless, [it was] the high point of my career man. It did so much for me.”
“Just being spoke of in the same breath as the legend? The Phenom? The one that is the Deadman? It adds to your career, so amazing.”
Mark Henry
Mark Henry would finish by stating just how important he feels this is for AJ Styles’ career. “AJ Styles will come away from this match not just the ‘Phenomenal’ AJ Styles. He’ll be in inserted into the annals of The Undertaker and you’ll be linked to his career. And just being linked? Just being spoke of in the same breath as the legend? The Phenom? The one that is the Deadman? It adds to your career, it’s so amazing.”
“The American Badass” Undertaker showed up at WrestleMania
Although Henry made these comments before the match was aired live, it will be interesting to see just how this match affects AJ Styles going forward. There’s likely chance that Styles will get a rematch against ‘Taker in a more ‘traditional’ setting at the likes of a SummerSlam if the COVID-19 situation is under control at that point.
AJ Styles vs. The Undertaker is in the books. The Undertaker was able to beat Styles in a Boneyard Match at the WWE WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view event. The Undertaker brought back the biker gimmick.
It took place in a graveyard and featured The Undertaker fighting off Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and some druids. The match ended when Taker put him in a hole and placed dirt on him.
Undertaker’s Feud with AJ Styles & The OC
The feud started after Styles took some shots at him on Monday Night RAW through promos. Then The Undertaker made an appearance at the WWE Super ShowDown event during the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy Gauntlet Match that saw Andrade, Bobby Lashley, Erick Rowan, AJ Styles, R-Truth, and Rey Mysterio compete.
Once The OC took out Mysterio backstage, we saw footage of Taker laying out Karl Anderson and Gallows before heading out to the ring.
Taker attacked Styles by hitting a chokeslam then pinned him. Fast forward, Taker also cost Styles his No DQ Match against Aleister Black when Taker made the save for Black at the Elimination Chamber event.
WWE confirmed the WrestleMania match on March 16th episode of RAW when the two stars signed a contract for the contest. WWE later changed the contest from a singles bout to a Boneyard Match.
AJ Styles recently did an interview with Newsweek where he spoke about a wide range of topics including WWE’s decision to split WrestleMania 36 into a two-night event.
The first night will take place on Saturday and the second night the following day. He was asked if WWE should make the event a two-night show going forward.
“I think we’ve got to do something, as a company. There are a lot of matches in one night, too many if you ask me. Either we cut down on the matches or have two nights. Either way is fine with me.
At the end of the day, it’s up to the fans and whether they are willing to show up. And at the same time, maybe give someone a chance who can’t afford two days they can see one day or pick the night and the matches they want to see. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Next year, we’ll see what happens.”
Since the launch of WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network, the length of these pay-per-view events have been extended.
The big four shows – Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, Survivor Series, and SummerSlam – can last anywhere from four to six hours long.
This year’s WrestleMania is expected to have a four-hour main card with a one-hour pre-show.
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently discussed the events of the Monday Night RAW. This week’s episode was once again filmed with no live audience, and a lot of the promo work was shot ‘backstage.’
Bully would compare the work between the ‘big 4’ promos on the show; notably Kevin Owens, Edge, Undertaker and Paul Heyman.
Bully Ray on Edge and Undertaker
“‘Takers promo was good, Edge’s promo was great,” Bully Ray began. “They were all [the big four], you know, all of them did a phenomenal job. But there was a reason why Edge’s was better. But man, all of these people talking to us. Edge made me want to put my hands in my pocket and pull out money to plop down on a pay per view.”
This will of course be Edge’s first singles match back in a WWE ring since 2011, following his return from a neck injury that kept him out of action. It was originally believed that Edge would never be able to return, but seemingly he has the fire and passion to cut some of the best promo work of his career over the past few months.
Selling Fans on a PPV
“And whenever I’m teaching students at the Team 3d Academy, and I’m teaching them about the art of the promo? I say I tell them you have one job at the end of this promo” Bully Ray elaborated.
“That one job is that when you’re done talking, no matter what you say, and no matter how long you say it for. Whether that’s one second, one minute, or five minutes. The idea is to make the fan want to put their hands in their pocket and plunk down 20 bucks for a T shirt. Plunk down 50 bucks for a pay per view, plunk down whatever for a ticket. And those four promos last night from ‘Taker, Edge. Owens and Paul? They all made me want to do it.”
“The only part I don’t think I liked? Is when ‘Taker said: ‘you mentioned her.’”
– Bully Ray
Bully Ray would then go into why he felt Edge’s promo was better, citing the fact that Undertaker’s may have felt a little bit more ‘scripted’ in execution. “Taker had me hook line and sinker” Bully began. “The only part I don’t think I liked? Is when ‘Taker said: ‘you mentioned her.’ [He] was telling AJ ‘you mentioned her,’ I knew that he was talking about his wife Michelle. But then when he had to go ahead and say her whole name Michelle McCool? I went, ‘Ah, don’t tell me her whole name I know her whole name already!’ that felt a little forced to me.”
Styles Clash vs Faithbreaker
Ray would then move on to the fact that Undertaker was trying to bring the Styles Clash vs Faithbreaker conversation into the story. With Michelle McCool seemingly ‘borrowing’ AJ’s move in the early 2010’s.
“Bringing up the name of the finish that Michelle McCool used, which is basically the styles clash, I guess she had given another name? That felt a little bit forced.”
“I personally never saw Michelle McCool use the finish. I know they showed me maybe footage once of it. I’m really not associating Michelle McCool with the Styles Clash, so it almost came across to me like Undertaker was really pushing his wife. To get over her. That part right there felt like a little bit of a round peg in a square hole. So that’s why I said his stuff was good because I loved everything that he did. And I especially loved his holy trinity line.”
The overwhelming feeling from both Bully Ray and co-host Dave LaGreca was that the promos from Monday Night RAW were more than enough to convince people to purchase WrestleMania 36 this weekend. For the first time ever the event is being held over two nights, and will now be available to purchase on FITE TV.
Do you feel that Edge’s and Undertaker’s promos were enough to get you to watch WrestleMania this weekend? Let us know in the comments
WWE has added a stipulation to the upcoming match between AJ Styles and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36.
During Monday’s episode of RAW, Styles cut a promo about how he has the perfect match for their upcoming contest and it was right in the wheelhouse of Taker.
He challenged the legendary pro wrestler to a Boneyard Match. Styles also poked fun at Taker recently appearing in a Save The Tigers video during his promo. For those who are wondering what this match is, WWE has yet to confirm the exact rules.
In related news, WWE has changed the SmackDown Women’s Title match at WrestleMania 36.
Last week on Friday Night SmackDown, Paige announced that Bayley would defend the SmackDown Women’s Title in a Six-Pack Challenge Elimination Match with Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, Tamina Snuka, Naomi, and Sasha Banks.
WWE edited their WrestleMania 36 match listing on the official website that now shows it being a Fatal 5-Way Elimination Match. Brooke is the star who was removed from the listing.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on why Brooke was removed from the match.
WWE presents the WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view event as a two-night event on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5 in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. Both nights start at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT will air on the WWE Network.
After weeks of speculation, WWE has confirmed The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles for its biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 36.
WWE confirmed the match on Monday’s episode of RAW on the USA Network when the two stars signed a contract for the contest.
After Styles signed the contract in the backstage area, he sent Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows to the ring to give Taker the contract. Taker took them out before signing it.
Their first encounter came at the Super ShowDown show last month when Taker attacked Styles in the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy Gauntlet Match by hitting a chokeslam then pinned him to not only win the match but to kick off his next feud under the WWE banner.
Fast forward, Taker also cost Styles his No DQ Match against Aleister Black when Taker made the save for Black.
WWE presents the WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view event on Sunday, April 5, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. Here’s the card:
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre
WWE Universal Champion Goldberg vs. Roman Reigns
WWE NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
WWE RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler
AJ Styles joined FS1’s WWE Backstage this week. During his appearance, he was asked about his upcoming matchup against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36.
This past Monday night on RAW, Styles delivered a promo that referenced ‘Taker by his real name and suggested he was past his prime. Despite his promos disrespect, Styles confessed he is excited to grapple ‘The Deadman.’
“Come on, I don’t think I said anything that one of our fans wouldn’t have said themselves,” he argued. “Let’s talk about the retirement, putting his fist up, what a beautiful moment that was, and he came back!”
He continued, “Listen, he’s The Undertaker right, so much respect for this guy and everything he’s done for our business. Hopefully we get in the ring together, I’m excited about it.”
AJ Styles’ Bucket List Match
AJ Styles referred to this matchup as a “bucket list” item for anyone in the pro wrestling business. “I mean really, it’s The Undertaker guys. It’s huge, I want to be able to learn from this man. How much can I learn from this man?”
He continued, “I have studied him for years, the matches with Shawn [Michaels] are unbelievable. I want to know what he knows and the only way to get it is to get in the ring with him.”
Styles stressed that he’s not done yet and that he’s keen to keep learning. He admitted that getting older means Superstars can’t do things they used to. Instead, they have to learn and adapt in order to keep performing and moments that “have the most impact.”
AJ Styles and The Undertaker face off at WrestleMania 36. The event takes place on April 5 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
AJ Styles’ WWE debut is one of the most iconic debuts of all time and the Phenomenal One has gone on to become one of the top stars of the company since then.
However, the former World Champion didn’t know how he would
be treated by the fans and management before coming in, and according to
Styles, he was ‘terrified’ before his WWE debut.
The former TNA star was the guest on the latest episode of WWE Backstage and while talking about his first night in the company, AJ recalled how the experience was intimidating:
“I was terrified,” Styles said. “We went over
the match, and they took me out of the trailer where they were hiding me, and I
saw Road Dogg and I didn’t want to let him go. I’m in someone else’s house.
It’s their home.
I’m a guest. I don’t live there yet. I didn’t know until
literally days before, I didn’t know. I don’t think many people knew. It was
huge for me and intimidating. I’m a 38 year old man coming to the WWE for the
first time, it’s intimidating.”
AJ Styles made his WWE debut at Royal Rumble in January
2016. He has since become one of the top stars of the company and has won a
number of championships in the promotion, including winning the world
championship twice.
Styles is currently scheduled to face the Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. You can check out an updated match card for the event at this link.
WWE Superstar AJ Styles joined FS1’s WWE Backstagethis week where he opened up about his role as a locker room leader. During his time on the show, he also offered some words of encouragement to a couple of frustrated WWE Superstars.
With a career has extensive as Styles’, there are plenty of Superstars eager to learn from ‘The Phenomenal One.’
“I don’t think they’re green, they’ve earned their way into the WWE but it is a roller coaster ride,” Styles said. “There is going to be ups, there’s going to be downs. You have the internet saying this and that and a lot of it is not true.”
He continued, “I want to talk to those people, I want to sit down with them and say listen: ‘Keep doing what you’re doing, keep working, keep learning and you’ll get to where you need to be. How’s everything at home? Is everything great? Think about that stuff, your bills are being paid, think about the positives in your life, don’t think about your job.’ As much as we love this business at the end of the day it’s still a job.”
AJ Styles With Words Of Encouragement
When asked to name a few Superstars he believes will be WWE’s next big stars, AJ Styles was quick to name Ricochet, Cedric Alexander and Shayna Baszler.
“Ricochet, definitely, this guy is unbelievable, the talent that he has,” Styles shared. “Cedric Alexander, another guy, unbelievable. Shayna Baszler. There are opportunities for these athletes, and they will come if they are not already. These guys were high for a moment, I’ve gotten beat by Cedric, beat by Ricochet, it’s okay, we’re gonna get there. I see these guys on their way up. Just because you’re on the downturn doesn’t mean you’re not going to come back up. We just got to wait our turn sometimes.”
He confessed that he’s been in a similar situation and has shared their frustrations. Styles added that he has felt that way in WWE. He explained how it comes down to accepting the idea that “[…] it’s not my turn it’s somebody else, I’ll just wait and do the best I can with what I’ve got.”
AJ Styles is scheduled to face off against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. The event takes place on April 5 from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
WWE Backstage had seen a big drop in viewership numbers just last week and the show has made a record for low viewership this week once again.
This week’s episode of the WWE series which featured AJ
Styles and Xavier Woods as the special guests drew only 35,000 viewers,
according to Showbuzz Daily.
This is not only the lowest viewership the show has garnered
this year but it’s the lowest number it has done since its official premiere in
October last year.
WWE Backstage did a 0.01 rating in the 18-49 demographic this week and the show’s numbers were delayed because it once again failed to make it into the Cable Top 150.
In comparison, last week’s episode of the show, which was built around the return of Jeff Hardy, had drawn 56,000 viewers.
During the WWE Backstage episode, WWE had announced the return of Jeff Hardy for this week’s SmackDown and the company has since confirmed the appearance of former world champion John Cena for the show as well.
Though the SmackDown episode seems to be in jeopardy due to the coronavirus outbreak. While WWE has denied the reports of the show being canceled, they have revealed that they are putting contingency plans in place.
You can check out their statement on the matter here.
The winner of the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble match is set to face off against WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36. However, in a recent interview with Adi Kft & EGO Total from Israel, Drew McIntyre revealed which other Superstar he would love to have a one-on-one match with: “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles.
When asked whom he’d like to compete against, Drew McIntyre admitted there were several Superstars he’d love to clash with. For him, however, it’s AJ Styles. He noted how, for some reason, they’ve been like ships passing in the night.
“[…] but the number one guy who I keep missing over the years – we are like ships crossing each other over the night – we missed the chance on IMPACT and the independent scene. Promoters are trying to book this match for a long time, but for some reason or another I couldn’t make it, he couldn’t make it.”
McIntyre continued, “When I came back to Raw he was on SmackDown. Now we are both on Raw, and that would be AJ Styles. I don’t think, I know we could have great matches and do a lot of cool things together. It’s been years coming so I am looking forward for it.”
Drew McIntyre challenges Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. The event takes place on April 5th from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Current NXT Champion Adam Cole has revealed who his WrestleMania dream match would be against. For the black-and-gold brand Superstar, there’s only one name that comes to mind: “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles.
“[…] if I could have a WrestleMania match with anybody right now in WWE, really in the world, I would love to wrestle AJ Styles at WrestleMania,” Cole told FLO WWF. “I’ve wrestled him a couple of times before. He’s one of the absolute best I’ve ever faced before, but I’ve never beat him.”
“So he’s a guy I definitely want to get the chance to get in the ring with again. But, to me, when I think about, like, the top 3 lists of the best performers on the planet today, AJ Styles is always on my list. [He’s] just an unbelievably great athlete and I think we could have a really, really great match, especially on a stage like WrestleMania. Yeah, so AJ Styles would be my pick.”
Adam Cole Versus AJ Styles
The Undisputed Era had a run-in with AJ Style and his O.C. cohorts, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, a few months ago. The O.C. invaded NXT, attacking Cole and his stablemates before the show had a chance to start.
They would end up in the main event of that episode against the team of Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle and Keith Lee. Following their NXT appearance, it was reported that AJ Styles attempted to pitch a matchup between the two stables for last year’s Survivor Series.
Adam Cole is scheduled to defend his NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: Portland. The event takes place on February 16th from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
If you use any quotes from this article, please provide a H/T to SEScoops.
A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE Super ShowDown PPV.
On Monday’s episode of RAW, it was announced that United States Champion Andrade, Bobby Lashley, Erick Rowan, AJ Styles, R-Truth, and Rusev will battle in a Gauntlet Match to earn the right to receive the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy.
It’s possible that WWE could add more stars to this contest. This also means that Styles is cleared or will be cleared come the day of the show after suffering a shoulder injury at the Royal Rumble.
WWE presents the Super ShowDown pay-per-view event on Thursday, February 27, 2020 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd International Stadium that will air on the WWE Network. Here is the updated card:
Updated WWE Super ShowDown Card
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Ricochet
WWE Universal Champion Bray Wyatt vs. Goldberg
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. John Morrison & The Miz
Roman Reigns vs. Baron Corbin – Steel Cage Match
Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy Gauntlet Match: Andrade, Bobby Lashley, Erick Rowan, AJ Styles, R-Truth, Rusev
What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has shared his thoughts on O.C. leader AJ Styles. In an interview with Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda, Angle stressed how he believes Styles to be just as good in the ring as he was 10 years ago. He noted how Styles should have been a member of the WWE locker room a decade ago.
Kurt Angle’s Phenomenal Praise
“Oh, I think WWE should have brought him in ten years ago,” Angle shared. “Unfortunately they didn’t but they got him. AJ’s still going strong. I’d say he’s every bit as good as he was ten years ago so I just hope his career continues on and he can give us a few more years.”
Angle added how, although Styles has been wrestling for over 20 years, including his experience as an amateur wrestler, he is consistently one of the best performers in the business, let alone WWE. He explained how, for him, “The Phenomenal One” might be one of the best wrestlers in the world, and has been for the past 8 years.
Kurt Angle and AJ Styles previously worked together before their time in WWE. They were both signed to IMPACT Wrestling, where they wrestled together on several occasions before crossing paths in WWE.
AJ Styles was on his Mixer channel last night playing video games and talking about his recent injury. Styles suffered a shoulder injury during the Royal Rumble match after taking a Spear from Edge in a rather dramatic fashion. Styles did a flip when taking the move and ended up landing on his shoulder.
During his Mixer stream last night, Styles emphasized that the injury was not Edge’s fault in the least.
“Just so everything is clear, Edge did nothing, absolutely 100% nothing wrong. His move, his spear, everything was perfect the way he did it. If there is any blame put on anybody about what I’m dealing with, my shoulder, it’s me. 100% me. I was ‘over-brothered’ as they say. I just went crazy with my bump there. The only problem with flipping over the way that I did was the first thing to hit was my left shoulder. And I thought I had dislocated my shoulder.”
Styles continued to talk about the moments following his injury.
“They wanted to get me out of there right away and I told them I can’t roll under the bottom rope. That’s not how the Rumble works. I said ‘I’m staying in, somebody is going to have to throw me over.’”
It was reported on a recent Wrestling Observer Radio that Styles hopes to be fully recovered in 4-6 weeks. This would mean he’s back in time for WrestleMania.
WWE put on a great show in Royal Rumble but it appears that not all stars made it out of the event unharmed as the former World Champion AJ Styles suffered an injury.
Fans had noted that AJ seemed banged up after taking a spear from Edge and it was strange that he was eliminated from the Royal Rumble match before all the members of the OC came out.
Now a report from PWinsider confirms these suspicions and it reveals that Styles suffered an injury on his left arm during the match this Sunday.
According to reports, AJ suffered the damage after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder while taking the spear from the returning Edge. While he did get back up, the former Champion was still seen holding his left arm.
A referee then communicated with the OC member on the apron and Styles was eliminated by Edge. You can check out the spot in which he seemingly suffered the injury below:
AJ Styles was talking to these fools before that suspect elimination.. Must've hurt his shoulder taking that spear from Edge #RoyalRumblepic.twitter.com/gEVontovCm
AJ Styles was attended by the medics right after his elimination and per the reports; he was seen with his arm wrapped up and with ice backstage after the incident.
So far there is no word yet on the severity of the injury so
it’s hard to say if he will be missing any time but we’ll keep you posted on
his status.
AJ Styles has looked back on what was one of the more special debuts in the history of WWE, which was no doubt a memorable night for him.
Styles recently spoke with Yahoo Sports where he talked about competing in the 30-Man WWE Royal Rumble Match. Styles made his WWE debut in 2016 at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.
Styles brought up how you have to think about it all as not only is it one of the biggest pay-per-views in WWE, it’s WWE in general. He recalled it being his first time under contract, working for a company that is easily the biggest in the world.
AJ Styles Looks Back On His WWE Debut
Styles talked about how he was a little nervous about it and remembering if anyone knew who he was despite him working in TNA, which he called a little place in Orlando, and in Japan.
“I was a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I was in a position that gave me the opportunity to really shine,” Styles recalled. “When I walked out for the Royal Rumble, there was only one man in the ring. I went No. 3 and the spotlight was on me. The fans had no idea whose music was playing and then when they figured out who it was, it was even more exciting because they had no idea what would happen and they had no idea that AJ Styles was coming to WWE.”
Styles lasted almost 30 minutes in his debut before being eliminated by Kevin Owens. His career took off starting that night in WWE.
He continued, “It couldn’t have been any better. Once I step into the ring, those jitters and that nervousness goes away, that doesn’t exist anymore. Walking down the aisle, yes, you’re still feeling it.”
WWE Superstar AJ Styles has revealed why he isn’t a fan of social media. Speaking with Busted Open Radio, Styles opened up about his opinion, commenting on how he wished “social media didn’t exist.”
“[…] it’s terrible,” Styles stated. “I honestly wish social media didn’t exist, and [these] are arguments that I have with my own wife about things that… it’s like, listen, if some crazy stuff happened, happened when we were kids, we just didn’t know about it but now, you know everything about anything that goes on because of social media. It’s terrible. I wish we didn’t have it guys. I really do.”
AJ Styles On Contemplating Retirement
When asked by host Mark Henry if he was close to retirement, Styles confirmed he believes he is. He reflected on how, as he has gotten older, his energy levels aren’t where they once were.
“You can see that starting to deplete and I’ve said this before, I don’t want to be that AJ Styles that everybody goes, ‘Wow, I wish he could still do that’ or, ‘Oh wow, he’s really slow.’ I don’t want that. I wanna be the AJ Styles that people will remember and go out that way. Will I be like I was when I was 25? There’s no way. It’s just not possible.”
Styles is currently involved in a storyline against “The Viper” Randy Orton. Their feud further developed last week on Monday Night RAW after a supposedly injured Orton managed to surprise Styles with an RKO.
From 2004 to 2010, TNA Wrestling used a 6-sided ring. Some fans loved the unique feel to the ring but others were less enthusiastic. During WWE Network’s recent Table for 3 episode with Sting, Jeff Jarrett, and AJ Styles, the 3 former TNA stars talked about the polarizing 6-sided ring.
“Internally, that was a nightmare battle,” Jarrett said about getting the 6-sided ring approved.
“I hated it,” Sting said. “Too many years wrestling in the squared circle.”
“I told Hulk that,” Jarrett continued. “I said ‘why do you hate it?’ and he said ‘ah brother, it’s just not right.’”
“It’s the only thing that got us shelf space in the toy market,” Jarrett continued. “They didn’t care about action figures, they didn’t care about talent, ‘oh you got a 6-sided ring? That will sell, we want it.’”
“I grew to love it,” Styles said. “I thought it made us so different from anything anybody else was seeing. It was kind of like with cagefighting, it looked like that. It made it more sports-oriented being so different to that box ring. We had 6-sides and looked like MMA kind of, it was different. I loved that look to the point where when I heard we were going to lose it, I was mad.”
“You and a few others were vocal,” Jarrett said to Styles.
“I wasn’t complaining when it was gone,” Sting added.
Highlights from the Table for 3 episode can be viewed in the player below:
The WWE Network is slated to air a new episode of Table For 3 on Monday night starring AJ Styles, Sting, and Jeff Jarrett where the three former TNA icons talk about a wide range of topics.
WWE’s YouTube channel released this clip where they talked about the six-sided ring that was used in TNA, now known as Impact Wrestling.
Sting talked about how he hated it. When asked why he thinks that, the WWE Hall of Famer stated he had too many years wrestling in the squared circle and that, “It just changed the dynamic of everything. You know, I suppose it’s good for some and not so good for others.”
Jarrett chimed in by stating that Hulk Hogan didn’t like the ring either but did point out that their unique ring is the only thing that got them shelf space in the toy market.
Styles gave his take by noting that he was a fan of the ring because he thought “It made us so different from anything anybody else was seeing, you know with cage fighting.”
He added, ”It made it more sport-oriented, being so different than the box ring. It looked like MMA.”
It appears as though things are far from over between Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles and Roderick Strong. Following their Triple Threat match at this past Sunday’s Survivor Series, the Superstars have been lashing out at each other via social media.
Strong would emerge victorious from their hard-fought clash, stealing the win at the last moment from Styles. WWE soon posted a video interview with Strong where he addressed that night’s success. Styles responded to Strong’s words, writing “Enjoy it, Roddy. You know where I’ll be every Monday night. #WWERaw #SurvivorSeries”
If Styles’ challenge wasn’t enough, Nakamura then got involved, claiming that Strong’s win was simply “lucky” and that he’ll end up paying for it. The current Intercontinental Champion then promised that he and Styles weren’t done yet, alluding that all three men have unfinished business with each other despite all representing different WWE brands.
“Congrats @roderickstrong.but it was just lucky. You’ll pay for this soon maybe. @AJStylesOrg, we’re not done yet. Anyway I was standing tall in the ring…. tallest. #SurvivorSeries #RAW #SmackDown #NXT #AnStupidEra”
Strong would see Nakamura’s insult, responding to the “King of Strong Style” that he was open to a 1-on-1 matchup any time.
I am open to a 1 on 1 match up any time my friend. Let’s see if it was luck! https://t.co/ivS1InwMNN
His victory on Sunday wasn’t the only win for the Undisputed Era. NXT Champion Adam Cole would also successfully defend his gold against “The Bruiserweight” Pete Dunne, subsequently being referred to as NXT’s “Iron Man” by Triple H.
