Jeff Jarrett, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most influential figures in modern professional wrestling, has once again put the spotlight on AJ Styles calling him “next level” in a recent interview that’s reigniting conversations about the Phenomenal One’s legacy. Jarrett, who worked alongside Styles during their time in TNA Wrestling and later crossed paths in WWE, offered a rare glimpse into what made Styles stand out among the industry’s elite.
The Phenomenal One’s Rise
AJ Styles’ journey from the independent circuit to becoming a global superstar is the stuff of wrestling legend. But according to Jarrett, it was Styles’ athletic prowess and relentless work ethic that truly set him apart from his peers. “AJ was just next level,” Jarrett said. “His athleticism—you know? There would be maybe a Morphoplex executive or a Spike executive—I’ll call it that—watching him perform, and they’d just shake their heads. They couldn’t believe what they were seeing.”
Jarrett’s comments come at a time when Styles is still a major player in WWE, headlining pay-per-views and mentoring younger talent. But it’s his early years in TNA that many consider the foundation of his greatness. Styles was a cornerstone of TNA’s X Division from the company’s inception, helping to define its high-flying, fast-paced style.
The Heart and Soul of TNA
Jarrett, who was instrumental in shaping TNA’s creative direction, described Styles as the heart and soul of the promotion. “By 2010, AJ wasn’t just a top guy—he was the guy,” Jarrett recalled. “He had evolved from a homegrown Georgia boy into a complete performer. His interview skills, his character work, his in-ring ability—it all came together. He was the face of TNA.”
Jarrett also revealed that TNA once tried to position Styles as the “new Ric Flair,” hoping to pass the torch to the next generation. However, the experiment didn’t pan out as planned. “We tried to make AJ the new Ric Flair, but it was a mess,” Jarrett admitted. “Ric is Ric. He’s a legend, and you can’t just replace him. The booking didn’t work, and it ended up negating any reason for fans to hate or like AJ. It was a creative misstep.”
The Cost of Losing a Legend
AJ Styles’ departure from TNA in December 2013 marked the end of an era. Jarrett believes that Styles’ exit was the final nail in the coffin for the original TNA fanbase. “AJ was the biggest star to come out of TNA and go on to become a WWE World Champion,” Jarrett said. “When he left, it felt like the heart of the company walked out the door.”
The circumstances surrounding Styles’ exit were complicated. According to Jarrett, TNA was trying to reduce Styles’ salary by about 60 percent, a move that ultimately led to the breakdown of contract negotiations. “It was a cost-cutting measure, and it’s business,” Jarrett explained. “But AJ was loyal to the brand, and I’m super grateful for that. He could have gone somewhere else at any time, but he stayed because he believed in TNA.”
Sources close to the situation revealed that Styles was willing to make sacrifices to stay with TNA, but the financial gap was too wide to bridge. “AJ wanted to stay, but the numbers just didn’t work,” said a TNA insider. “It was a tough decision for everyone involved.”
The Aftermath: A New Chapter Begins
After leaving TNA, Styles signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he quickly rose to the top and became a member of the Bullet Club. He won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in just under a month, cementing his status as a global superstar. “It feels as if that wouldn’t have happened if he would have stayed in TNA,” Jarrett said. “AJ’s career took off in a way that no one could have predicted.”
Styles’ success in New Japan paved the way for his eventual move to WWE, where he has continued to excel. He’s headlined WrestleMania, won multiple championships, and become a mentor to the next generation of wrestlers. “AJ’s legacy is secure,” Jarrett said. “He’s one of the greatest to ever do it.”
The Legacy of a Legend
As Styles continues to make waves in WWE, Jarrett’s comments serve as a reminder of just how special the Phenomenal One truly is. “AJ was next level,” Jarrett said. “He wasn’t just a great wrestler—he was a once-in-a-generation talent. I’m proud to have worked with him and to have seen him grow into the legend he is today.”
According to a WWE insider, Styles’ influence extends far beyond the ring. “AJ is respected by everyone in the locker room,” the insider revealed. “He’s a leader, a mentor, and a role model. His work ethic is unmatched, and he’s always willing to help the younger guys.”
Looking Ahead
As AJ Styles continues to write his legacy, one thing is clear: his impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. From his early days in TNA to his current status as a WWE mainstay, Styles has proven time and again that he’s on a level all his own. And as Jeff Jarrett so aptly put it, “AJ was just next level.”