WWE fans have long been fascinated by the idea of what could have been if AJ Styles, one of the company’s most beloved and respected superstars, had decided to join AEW. In a recent interview, wrestling legend Chris Jericho shed light on a previously unknown chapter in Styles’ career, revealing that AEW had indeed seriously considered signing the “Phenomenal One” before his eventual retirement from WWE.
AEW’s Early Pursuit of AJ Styles
According to Jericho, AEW’s interest in AJ Styles dates back to a time when the company was still in its formative stages. At the time, AEW was building its roster and looking to poach top talent from WWE. The promotion had already made a splash by signing high-profile names like Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Jon Moxley, and it seemed like a natural fit to add another superstar of Styles’ caliber to the mix.
“AEW was definitely interested in bringing AJ in, but I think it was a case of AJ being in a different place in his career at the time,” Jericho explained in a recent interview. “He was still riding high with WWE, and I’m not sure he was ready to make the jump to AEW. Plus, let’s be honest, AEW was still a relatively new company at the time, and I’m not sure AJ was ready to take that risk.”
AJ Styles’ WWE Tenure
AJ Styles has been a mainstay of WWE’s roster since his debut in 2016, and during his time with the company, he has won numerous championships, including the WWE Championship and the WWE Universal Championship. Styles’ in-ring style and charisma have made him a fan favorite, and his legacy in WWE is cemented as one of the greatest superstars of all time.
AEW’s Growth and the Changing Landscape
Since AEW’s early days, the company has undergone significant growth and evolution, establishing itself as a major player in the world of professional wrestling. With a roster that includes some of the biggest names in the industry, AEW has proven itself to be a formidable competitor to WWE, and its influence has been felt across the entire wrestling landscape.
Sources Close to Cody Rhodes Reveal the Truth
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, the current AEW President and CEO, have revealed that the company’s interest in AJ Styles was a serious one, and that talks between the two parties were ongoing for several months.
“Cody was adamant that he wanted AJ in AEW, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen,” a source close to Rhodes revealed. “However, AJ ultimately decided to stay with WWE, and Cody respected his decision. The two parties have remained in touch over the years, and AJ has even made appearances for AEW, but it was never meant to be a serious signing.”
The What-If Scenario
The idea of AJ Styles joining AEW is an intriguing one, and it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if the “Phenomenal One” had made the jump to the promotion. Would Styles have become an even bigger star in AEW, or would he have struggled to adapt to the new environment? One thing is certain, however: AJ Styles’ legacy in WWE is cemented, and his place in the history books is secure.
Conclusion
Chris Jericho’s revelation about AEW’s past interest in AJ Styles serves as a reminder that the world of professional wrestling is always full of what-ifs and maybes. While we’ll never know for certain what could have been, one thing is clear: AJ Styles is a WWE legend, and his contributions to the company will be remembered for generations to come.
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