On the September 8, 2025, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, AJ Styles delivered a rare and candid promo during a commercial break that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Facing El Grande Americano in a singles match, Styles used his platform to voice apparent backstage frustrations, suggesting that someone within WWE’s hierarchy may be working against him, negatively impacting his career momentum.
The Commercial Break Promo That Got Everyone Talking
Before his match with El Grande Americano, Styles took advantage of the commercial break to speak directly to the live audience and millions watching worldwide via WWE’s streaming platforms. The atmosphere shifted as the normally composed “Phenomenal One” openly expressed feeling isolated in the company.
Styles stated, “For the first time in my career, I’ve got no one watching my back. Gallows, Anderson, they’re not here, Michin’s on SmackDown. It’s like someone orchestrated a way for me not to win anymore.” He then challenged the fans to draw their own conclusions about who might be behind this. His pointed words implied a vendetta against him, culminating in the promise to “beat the piss out of Grande Americano tonight so the person that doesn’t want me here can feel some of his pain and mine also.”[1][2][4]
The promo was met with stunned silence and a buzz of speculation both in the arena and on social media, fueling theories about internal backstage tensions impacting Styles’ career trajectory.
What’s Behind AJ Styles’ Words? Context on His WWE Journey
AJ Styles’ reference to former allies Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, who were released earlier this year, spotlights significant changes in his support network. Gallows and Anderson returned to WWE in 2022 as part of The O.C. faction alongside Styles and Michin but parted ways with WWE in February 2025. Meanwhile, Michin moved to SmackDown, leaving Styles without his longtime compatriots on Raw.
Sources close to WWE reveal that Styles has felt the impact of these departures keenly. According to a WWE insider, “AJ has been navigating a tougher path recently without his usual allies. It’s clear from his promo that he feels sidelined, and that someone in the backstage hierarchy isn’t fully behind his push. His words aren’t just heat — they reflect genuine frustration.”
This sentiment adds a layer of complexity to Styles’ position in WWE. Though still a talented and respected in-ring performer, his momentum seems stymied, perhaps contributing to his rare public airing of grievances on the mic.
The Match and Aftermath: A Statement Victory
Following the intense promo, Styles went on to defeat El Grande Americano, securing his first singles win in two weeks. The match itself was competitive, with interference attempts by other masked luchadores failing to stop Styles, who ultimately received assistance from Dragon Lee. Lee later confirmed backstage that he had Styles’ back, reigniting hopes among fans that Styles could rebuild meaningful alliances that could bolster his standing on Raw[4].
The victory was more than just a win in the record books — it served as a declaration from Styles that despite the backstage obstacles, he intends to fight on. Wrestling analysts note this as a pivotal moment signaling Styles’ potential return to prominence if he can capitalize on fresh alliances like the one hinted with Dragon Lee.
What This Could Mean for WWE’s Backstage Dynamics
Speculation is rife about who Styles may have been referencing in his promo—some observers believe he was indirectly addressing WWE’s creative team or powerful executives who control wrestler pushes and storylines. Others see the promo as a strategic nudge to garner sympathy and generate authentic heat heading into future storylines.
A veteran wrestling source commented, “AJ’s promo is the kind of backstage shoot rarely seen on WWE television. It speaks volumes about what’s going on behind the scenes. Whether it’s creative frustration or real tension with management, it’s clear AJ is feeling undervalued and wants to change the narrative on raw.”
Stories like these often indicate underlying turmoil that could lead to significant roster shifts or changes in booking philosophy. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely how WWE responds to this high-profile candidness.
Final Thoughts
AJ Styles’ commercial break promo on September 8, 2025, WWE Raw was an unfiltered expression of backstage hardship and isolation within the company. By openly airing his frustrations about lost allies and hinting at a shadowy force working against him, Styles showcased a side of wrestling rarely seen live on WWE television.
The promo has sparked widespread discussion about WWE’s backstage culture and Styles’ future, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the show. Whether this leads to renewed momentum for Styles or further challenges, the Phenomenal One remains a compelling figure in WWE’s evolving landscape. Fans can only wait and see if his promise to “beat the pain” translates into meaningful storyline developments moving forward.