AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition earlier this year after being an active performer for nearly 25+ years. He recently received a lot of criticism for a comment he made regarding professional wrestling in Japan. Styles stated that WWE should buy a promotion there which got him in a lot of controversies on the internet. The Phenomenal One recently addressed the fallout over his statement on his podcast.
After becoming the face of TNA Wrestling throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, AJ Styles joined New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2014. He immediately became one of their top stars by usurping Prince Devitt (now known as Finn Balor) as the leader of the Bullet Club and even became IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He stayed there for nearly two years before jumping ship to WWE in 2016. Styles recently pitched the idea of WWE buying a promotion in Japan which received a lot of criticism.
On the latest episode of his Phenomenally Retro podcast, the Ace and Undisputed Boss of the Bullet Club defended his claims. He stated that he was trying to just talk about any Japanese promotion and not disrespect anyone especially Hiroshi Tanahashi.
AJ Styles further said that people just think they know everything about the sport and say anything. He promised that he would never disrespect the current NJPW President.
It will be interesting to see how the internet will react to AJ's updated claims.
After losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble PLE in Saudi Arabia, Styles stepped away from in-ring competition. He had put his career on the line in the match against the Ring General and the loss marked the end of his career.
WWE organised a special celebration of AJ Styles' career on RAW in Atlanta where AJ decided to leave his wrestling gloves. He was interrupted by the Undertaker who announced that Styles will be inducted into this year's Hall of Fame. The Phenomenal One became a WWE Hall of Famer alongside Stephanie McMahon this year.
He was inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame by his best friends - The Good Brothers (Like Gallows and Karl Anderson).
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