As one of the most accomplished and beloved superstars in the WWE today, AJ Styles has spent his illustrious career facing off against some of the best in the business. However, despite his numerous high-profile encounters, Styles has long expressed a lingering sense of regret regarding one notable exception: never wrestling the legendary Shawn Michaels.
A Career-Defining Match That Never Came to Be
In a recent, candid interview, Styles opened up about the opportunity to step into the ring with Michaels, widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. “It’s something that’s always been on my mind, even to this day,” Styles confessed. “Shawn Michaels is a huge influence on my career, and the thought of sharing the ring with him was always a tantalizing prospect.”
The two wrestling icons have a long history of mutual respect, with Styles frequently name-dropping Michaels as a benchmark for excellence. The possibility of their collaboration has long been a topic of discussion among WWE fans, and Styles admits that the mere thought of facing Michaels is still a source of inspiration.
What Might Have Been: A Potential Showdown for the Ages
While their on-screen rivalry never came to fruition, Styles and Michaels have crossed paths on numerous occasions, both in and out of the ring. According to sources close to Styles, the two were once slated to engage in a highly anticipated showdown at a major WWE event, but ultimately, the project was put on hold due to unforeseen creative differences.
” AJ was excited to finally get in the ring with Shawn, but when the creative team started to brainstorm ideas, it became clear that their visions for the match didn’t quite align,” revealed a WWE insider. “Unfortunately, the project never gained traction, and the match that could have been never materialized.”
The Legacy of Shawn Michaels and Why AJ Styles Respects Him So Much
Shawn Michaels, a WWE Hall of Famer, has built a career spanning over three decades, cementing his place as one of the industry’s all-time greats. His storied rivalry with The Undertaker, as well as his memorable matches with Bret Hart and Steve Austin, have become an integral part of WWE lore.
Styles, who has often cited Michaels as a primary inspiration, has built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and charismatic superstars on the WWE roster. His wrestling style, which seamlessly blends athleticism and creativity, has drawn comparisons to the very same qualities that make Michaels such a beloved figure.
When asked about his admiration for Michaels, Styles replied, “He’s a true artist, and his passion for the craft is something that I’ve always strived to emulate. Shawn’s unwavering dedication to his craft has inspired me to push myself to new heights, and I can only hope to leave a similar lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.”
The Possibility of a Post-Retirement Rivalry
While the opportunity to face Michaels in the ring may have passed, Styles remains hopeful that a post-retirement collaboration could still be on the horizon. “You never know what the future holds,” Styles said with a hint of optimism. “Maybe one day, we’ll both be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and we can finally share the ring for a match that will go down in history.”
With Styles continuing to thrive in the WWE, and Michaels enjoying a well-deserved post-retirement life, the prospect of their rivalry unfolding in the years to come remains a tantalizing possibility. One thing is certain, however: regardless of whether they ever share the ring, AJ Styles will always cherish the influence that Shawn Michaels has had on his career, and the enduring legacy that their careers have left on the world of professional wrestling.