The year 2016 was a pivotal one for professional wrestling, particularly for AJ Styles, who made the bold decision to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) for the WWE. What if, however, he had chosen to stay in the Japanese promotion? The ripple effects would have been immense, shaping the landscape of the global wrestling scene in profound ways.
A Thriving NJPW
Had AJ Styles remained with NJPW, the promotion would likely have continued its upward trajectory. His presence would have solidified the company’s position as a major player in the global wrestling scene, drawing in more talent and cementing its reputation as a hub for top-tier in-ring action.
“The impact of AJ Styles’ departure from NJPW was immense,” said a source close to NJPW’s management. “He was a game-changer for us, and his decision to leave left a void that was difficult to fill. If he had stayed, I believe we would have seen an even greater surge in popularity and recognition worldwide.”
Cody Rhodes: The Likely Beneficiary
One of the most immediate beneficiaries of AJ Styles’ potential stay in NJPW would have been Cody Rhodes, who at the time was still an up-and-coming talent in the promotion. With Styles by his side, Rhodes would have likely continued to learn from and be influenced by the veteran, potentially accelerating his own development as a top-tier performer.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, his career trajectory would have been significantly altered had AJ Styles remained in NJPW. “Cody was heavily influenced by AJ’s style and work ethic,” said one insider. “If AJ had stayed, Cody would have likely risen through the ranks even faster, potentially even becoming a major player in the company sooner rather than later.”
The WWE: A Different Roster
The WWE roster, as we know it today, would likely be vastly different if AJ Styles hadn’t made the move to the company in 2016. With Styles still in NJPW, the company would have had to adapt and find alternative ways to address their need for top-tier talent.
“The signing of AJ Styles was a major coup for the WWE,” said a WWE insider. “He brought a level of credibility and excitement that helped to elevate our roster and bring in new fans. If he hadn’t signed, I believe we would have had to look elsewhere for top talent, potentially leading to a different roster dynamic and a different overall product.”
The Rise of Other Talent
The absence of AJ Styles from the WWE would have also paved the way for other talent to rise to the forefront. Names like Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and KUSHIDA, all of whom were already making waves in NJPW at the time, would have likely been given more opportunities to shine in the WWE.
According to sources close to the WWE, the company would have likely taken a more measured approach to signing talent from NJPW, potentially leading to a more gradual and organic growth of their roster. “We would have had to be more selective in our signings and more patient in our development of new talent,” said the insider.
A Different WrestleMania
One of the most significant events that would have been altered by AJ Styles’ potential stay in NJPW was WrestleMania 32. Had Styles not made the move to the WWE, he likely would not have been a part of the event, and the card would have looked very different.
According to sources close to the WWE, the company would have likely opted for a different main event, potentially featuring a matchup between Roman Reigns and Triple H or a title match between The New Day and The Vaudevillains. “The card would have been significantly different without AJ Styles,” said the insider. “We would have had to adjust our plans and find alternative ways to create a compelling and exciting main event.”
Conclusion
The ‘what if’ scenario of AJ Styles staying in NJPW is a fascinating one, full of possibilities and what-ifs. The ripple effects of his decision to leave the Japanese promotion have been far-reaching, shaping the landscape of the global wrestling scene in profound ways.
While we can never know for certain what would have happened had AJ Styles stayed in NJPW, one thing is clear: the wrestling world would be a very different place today.