The wrestling world has been buzzing since AJ Styles delivered a cryptic and emotionally charged promo during a commercial break on the September 8 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. What started as an isolated moment of frustration has evolved into one of the most talked-about segments in recent WWE programming, prompting the veteran performer to address the speculation surrounding his status within the company.
The Promo That Started It All
During the commercial break before his scheduled match against El Grande Americano, Styles grabbed a microphone and spoke directly to the live audience with a rare candor typically reserved for locker room conversations.[1] “The Phenomenal One” vented his frustrations about his current position on the Raw roster, highlighting a stark shift in his wrestling career. For the first time, he expressed being completely isolated, lacking the support system that had defined his tenure with WWE.
“For the first time in my career, I’ve got no one watching my back,” Styles explained during the segment.[1] He specifically referenced the absences of longtime allies Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, as well as fellow team member Michin, who was transferred to SmackDown. The implications were clear: something felt orchestrated, intentional, designed to undermine his ability to compete at the highest level.
The promo took an even more direct turn when Styles acknowledged the unconventional nature of his statement. “I’m telling you something that you’re probably not supposed to hear, but somebody doesn’t want me here,” he continued.[1] This worked-shoot style delivery blurring the lines between reality and storyline left fans and industry observers scrambling to interpret whether this was narrative storytelling or a genuine expression of backstage frustrations.
Speculation and Context
The timing of Styles’s promo aligned with broader speculation about his WWE future.[1] He had previously posted cryptic imagery on social media, including an hourglass, which many interpreted as hints about his contract status. Adding fuel to the fire, his son was observed engaging with fans who were critical of his father’s booking decisions, suggesting dissatisfaction extended beyond the wrestler himself.
However, these developments came despite Styles signing a one-year contract extension earlier in 2025. His current agreement runs through February, leaving the door open for potential roster moves or contract negotiations down the road.[1]
According to a WWE insider close to the production team, the off-air promo was actually part of a larger creative direction being explored for Styles’s character arc.[2] “What AJ did during that commercial break was designed to plant seeds with the audience,” the source explained. “Whether it develops into a major storyline or serves as character development remains to be seen, but it definitely got people talking.”
The Nature of the Segment
One of the most intriguing aspects of the promo has been its authenticity—or perceived authenticity. Some reports initially claimed the segment was an off-script moment kept quiet from WWE’s own digital team.[7] However, subsequent reporting has suggested this narrative doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The promo appears to have been produced content, though its presentation and Styles’s delivery made it feel far more organic and unfiltered than typical WWE programming.
The decision to air the promo during a commercial break actually served a dual purpose. It created an exclusivity factor for live attendees and those watching uncut feeds, while simultaneously allowing it to circulate through social media and fan communities, amplifying its reach beyond traditional WWE viewership.[1] In an era where wrestling promotion extends far beyond television broadcasts, this strategy proved remarkably effective.
Impact on WWE’s Booking Philosophy
Styles’s promo highlights an ongoing tension in professional wrestling between maintaining kayfabe (the fictional narrative) and acknowledging real-world frustrations that resonate with audiences. By name-dropping actual released talent and referencing real roster movements, Styles grounded his promo in recognizable reality, making his character’s grievances feel legitimate and urgent.[3]
The segment also reflects WWE’s current approach to storytelling, where emotional authenticity and vulnerability often outperform polished, over-produced promos. Audiences increasingly respond to moments that feel less like performance and more like genuine human expression, even within the context of predetermined entertainment.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for The Phenomenal One?
As Styles navigates this interesting period in his WWE career, the implications of his September promo remain unclear. Will it develop into a major storyline involving a mystery antagonist within the company? Could it lead to a significant match at an upcoming premium live event? Or does it represent a genuine expression of frustration that WWE aims to address through improved booking and creative direction?
Industry observers believe the promo served as a pressure release valve for Styles, allowing him to voice frustrations while keeping them within WWE’s controlled environment rather than having them play out across independent media or rival wrestling promotions.[6] By giving their top stars a creative outlet to express grievances, WWE can channel that energy into compelling storytelling.
Regardless of where this narrative threads lead, one thing is certain: AJ Styles remains one of WWE’s most compelling and versatile performers. His ability to captivate an audience—whether through high-flying offense in the ring or emotionally charged promos that blur fiction and reality—keeps fans invested in his career trajectory.
The Bigger Picture
The off-air promo phenomenon also demonstrates how WWE content has evolved in the streaming era. With programming available across Netflix, Peacock, and traditional cable networks, moments that occur during commercial breaks are no longer lost to time—they’re captured, shared, and analyzed across digital platforms within minutes.[5] This transformation means WWE’s storytelling now extends into these previously overlooked segments, creating additional layers to character development and narrative arcs.
As WWE continues to navigate the complexities of managing a massive roster with diverse creative needs, how they handle Styles’s ongoing story will speak volumes about their commitment to keeping top-tier talent satisfied and engaged. For now, fans remain captivated by the mystery surrounding whether someone truly doesn’t want AJ Styles in WWE, or whether this is simply the most compelling chapter yet in his ongoing saga with the company.[1]