In a shocking revelation, wrestling legend Chris Jericho has opened up about the time All Elite Wrestling (AEW) seriously considered signing AJ Styles, a move that would have potentially altered the landscape of professional wrestling.
The Phenomenal One’s Near-Departure
According to sources close to AJ Styles, there was a period when the former WWE Champion was seriously considering leaving the WWE for AEW. This was before Styles had announced his retirement from full-time competition in 2022. While the details surrounding the negotiations remain unclear, it’s understood that AEW had been in talks with Styles’ team about a possible deal.
AEW’s Interest in AJ Styles
Chris Jericho, a key figure in AEW and a long-time rival of AJ Styles, has shed light on the company’s interest in signing the former WWE Champion. In a recent interview, Jericho revealed that AEW had been seriously looking at bringing Styles into the fold, a move that would have undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.
“AEW was definitely interested in AJ Styles, and we had some conversations with his team,” Jericho revealed. “I think they saw him as a game-changer, someone who could bring a level of credibility and star power to the company. Of course, things didn’t work out, and AJ ultimately decided to stay with WWE.”
WWE’s Response to AEW’s Advances
Sources close to WWE have revealed that the company was aware of AEW’s interest in AJ Styles and had been working hard to retain the services of the beloved Superstar. WWE’s efforts to keep Styles in the fold were undoubtedly a major factor in his decision to stay, with the company offering him a lucrative contract extension that would keep him tied to the organization for years to come.
“AEW was definitely sniffing around AJ, but WWE knew how important he was to the company,” a WWE insider revealed. “We made him a very attractive offer, and I think that was a big factor in his decision to stay. AEW was willing to do a lot to get him, but ultimately, it was too little, too late.”
The What-If Scenario
While it’s impossible to know for certain how things would have played out, it’s intriguing to consider the impact that AJ Styles joining AEW would have had on the wrestling landscape. With Styles’ incredible talent, charisma, and marketability, it’s likely that he would have become a top star in AEW, potentially even challenging for the AEW World Championship.
As for WWE, the company would have undoubtedly been left to wonder what could have been. The loss of Styles would have been a significant blow, particularly given his long history with the company and his many accomplishments as a WWE Superstar.
“It’s hard to say what would have happened if AJ had joined AEW,” Jericho said. “I think he would have been a great addition to the roster, and he would have been a top star in no time. But at the end of the day, it’s all speculation, and we’ll never know what could have been.”
The Current State of AJ Styles
After announcing his retirement from full-time competition in 2022, AJ Styles has been making sporadic appearances for WWE, including a recent stint as a coach on the NXT 2.0 brand. While it’s unclear what the future holds for Styles, it’s evident that he remains a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling.
As for AEW, the company continues to grow and evolve, with a roster that boasts some of the biggest names in the industry. While the loss of AJ Styles is undoubtedly a significant one, AEW remains committed to signing top talent and building a reputation as one of the premier professional wrestling organizations in the world.
In the end, the what-if scenario surrounding AJ Styles’ potential departure for AEW serves as a reminder that the world of professional wrestling is always full of surprises, and nothing is ever certain. One thing is clear, however: AJ Styles remains one of the greatest Superstars in the history of professional wrestling, and his legacy continues to captivate fans around the world.