In a recent interview, one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures, Chris Jericho, shed light on a fascinating piece of AEW history. The company’s past interest in AJ Styles, one of the most sought-after stars in the industry, has long been a topic of speculation among fans and pundits alike. According to Jericho, AJ Styles was indeed a target for AEW at a point in time when his WWE contract was set to expire.
AEW’s Pursuit of AJ Styles
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, the AEW president, have revealed that the company’s management team explored the possibility of signing AJ Styles to a lucrative contract. This move would have undoubtedly bolstered AEW’s roster and provided a significant boost to the company’s profile. However, it appears that WWE, aware of AEW’s interest, took steps to retain their prized asset.
AJ Styles’ WWE tenure has been nothing short of phenomenal, with the former TNA superstar capturing multiple championships and delivering unforgettable matches. His departure would have undoubtedly sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, leaving fans and promotions alike wondering what the future held for “The Phenomenal One.”
WWE’s Calculated Approach to Free Agency
According to a WWE insider, the company’s approach to AJ Styles’ impending free agency was a calculated one. With Styles’ contract set to expire, WWE management knew that the 42-year-old superstar was likely to command a significant payday from any promotion willing to sign him. Rather than risk losing Styles to AEW or another competitor, WWE chose to offer him a new deal that would keep him under contract for the foreseeable future.
This strategic move not only ensured that AJ Styles remained a part of the WWE roster but also sent a strong message to other potential free agents: if you want to remain among the industry’s elite, you’ll need to be willing to accept WWE’s terms.
The Aftermath of AJ Styles’ WWE Deal
So, what happened next? While the specifics of AJ Styles’ new deal remain private, it’s clear that WWE was willing to go to great lengths to retain their star performer. With Styles now tied to the WWE for the foreseeable future, AEW’s pursuit of the superstar appears to have been for naught. However, as one industry insider noted, the failed recruitment attempt may ultimately benefit AEW in the long run.
“The attempted signing of AJ Styles by AEW could have been a major coup for the company,” said the insider. “However, WWE’s willingness to match or exceed AEW’s offer likely sent a strong message to Cody Rhodes and the AEW management team: we’re not afraid to play hardball when it comes to retaining our top talent.”
The Implications of AEW’s Pursuit of AJ Styles
The pursuit of AJ Styles by AEW raises important questions about the state of free agency in professional wrestling. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, promotions are increasingly willing to invest in top talent to stay ahead of the competition.
However, as WWE’s calculated approach to AJ Styles’ free agency demonstrates, it’s clear that the big players in the industry are not afraid to do whatever it takes to retain their star performers. This raises the stakes for potential free agents, who must now navigate a complex web of offers and counter-offers to secure the best possible deal.
Conclusion
The attempted signing of AJ Styles by AEW serves as a reminder that the world of professional wrestling is a complex and ever-changing landscape. As promotions vie for the attention of top talent, fans and pundits alike are left to wonder what the future holds for the industry’s biggest stars.
One thing is certain, however: in a world where free agency is increasingly paramount, WWE’s willingness to play hardball in the pursuit of AJ Styles sends a clear message to the industry’s top performers: if you want to remain among the elite, be prepared to accept the best offer on the table.