Iconic Figure Reflects on AJ Styles’ Unique Impact
Few names carry as much weight in the modern wrestling landscape as AJ Styles. Over two decades, “The Phenomenal One” has earned respect globally as a WWE Champion, TNA World Heavyweight Champion, and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, cementing his legacy as one of wrestling’s most influential stars. Now, legendary wrestler and promoter Jeff Jarrett has opened up about what made Styles truly special.
On a recent episode of his podcast, “My World with Jeff Jarrett,” the WWE Hall of Famer and TNA co-founder didn’t mince words: “AJ was just next level,” Jarrett said, reflecting on a career that spanned both locker rooms and boardrooms[6]. “His athleticism—you know, there would be maybe a Morphoplex executive or a Spike executive—I’ll call it the suits, they always wanted to know, ‘Who’s the guy?’ And for years, AJ was the guy.”[6]
The Cornerstone of TNA’s Rise
Jarrett, who played a pivotal role in launching TNA Wrestling (now Impact), singled out Styles as the anchor of the company’s defining X Division—a style of high-flying, high-impact wrestling that set TNA apart from WWE in its early days. “He was, from day one, the anchor of the X Division,” Jarrett noted[1]. “His skill set, every year, he got better. He got better on the mic. He got better on character development, his athletic ability; I’ll say, [he] continued to fine-tune it, and all that kind of stuff.”[2]
TNA’s original vision was to showcase athleticism and innovation, and Styles perfectly embodied that ethos. “AJ Styles is the biggest star to come from the beginnings of TNA to WWE World Champion,” Jarrett remarked, emphasizing how Styles’ growth mirrored the promotion’s own journey from upstart to global player[5].
Loyalty, Leverage, and Legacy
Behind the scenes, Styles’ contract negotiations became the stuff of wrestling lore. According to Jarrett, Styles always carried himself with quiet professionalism but held undeniable leverage: “At the end of the day, AJ Styles, every time he came to the table, he was never abrasive, but at the end of the day, you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he had leverage because could he go somewhere else? Yep, all the time,” Jarrett said[2]. “He was very loyal to the brand, and I’m super grateful for that. But his skill set, every year, he got better.”[2]
A WWE insider who worked with both Jarrett and Styles during their WWE runs noted, “AJ always had this quiet confidence. He earned his place, and everyone respected that—management, agents, even other top guys. It’s rare to see someone with that kind of equity in every locker room he’s been in.”
The Pivot Point: AJ’s Impact on TNA’s Future
Jarrett explained that Styles’ departure from TNA in 2013 wasn’t just another roster move—it was a watershed moment for the company. “When he said, ‘I’m out,’ from a brand perspective, forward-facing, I would imagine that was the final nail in the coffin for the original OG TNA fan,” Jarrett admitted[2]. While he acknowledged the controversial creative decisions during the “Hulk Hogan era,” Jarrett maintained that losing Styles—a homegrown star who embodied TNA’s identity—was especially damaging to its core audience[2].
Trial by Fire: The Flair Experiment
Jarrett also touched on TNA’s attempts to position Styles as the company’s answer to Ric Flair in 2010. While Styles’ in-ring work and promo skills had matured, the creative direction was confused: “From a booking standpoint, a creative standpoint, from an overall promoter skillset standpoint, it was destined to fail because you negated any reason to either hate or like AJ,” Jarrett explained[4]. “It was a complete mess, dude.”[4]
Despite the misfires, Styles’ resilience and adaptability shone through. “He just kept getting better,” Jarrett said, highlighting Styles’ ability to evolve even when booking didn’t play to his strengths[2].
AJ Styles’ WWE Journey: From Doubt to Dominance
When Styles debuted in WWE in 2016, many questioned whether his unique style could thrive in a WWE environment. Instead, he silenced doubters by winning the WWE Championship and main-eventing WrestleMania.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed, “There was a lot of interest from the creative team in how AJ would adapt. He not only adapted—he set a new standard. Vince [McMahon] quickly realized AJ was a cornerstone, not just another import.”
The Lasting Influence
Jarrett’s praise underscores a larger truth: AJ Styles is a rare talent who not only succeeded in every major promotion but also elevated each one by his presence. His loyalty, professionalism, and relentless improvement have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Conclusion: A “Next Level” Talent
Jeff Jarrett’s reflections paint a portrait of a wrestler who was always ahead of his peers. “AJ was just next level,” he repeated, a sentiment echoed by fans and insiders alike[6]. From the early days of TNA to the highest peaks of WWE, AJ Styles’ journey is a testament to what happens when world-class talent meets unwavering dedication.
For wrestling fans, promoters, and aspiring wrestlers, the lesson is clear: true greatness isn’t just about winning titles—it’s about transforming every environment you enter. AJ Styles didn’t just make history; he changed the business.