The world of professional wrestling continues to be filled with intrigue, and the latest revelation from Chris Jericho has sparked a heated debate among fans and insiders alike. In a recent interview, the AEW stalwart opened up about the company’s past interest in signing none other than AJ Styles, “The Phenomenal One” who recently bid farewell to the WWE.
A Glimpse into AEW’s Past Plans
According to Jericho, AEW had indeed made overtures towards AJ Styles, but ultimately, the deal didn’t materialize. The reasons behind this failed attempt remain unclear, but it’s evident that AEW’s management team saw Styles as a valuable addition to their roster. “We were all big fans of AJ, and we thought he would be a great fit for our company,” Jericho said in the interview. “However, things didn’t quite work out as planned.”
While Jericho refused to go into further detail, sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the AEW management team was impressed by Styles’ in-ring prowess and charisma, which they believed would be a perfect fit for their brand. “Cody was a huge fan of AJ’s work, and he saw an opportunity to bring him on board as a key player in the company,” an insider revealed. “Unfortunately, the negotiations ultimately broke down, and AJ decided to stay with WWE.”
Why AJ Styles Chose to Remain in WWE
Despite AEW’s interest, AJ Styles chose to remain in WWE, where he had established himself as one of the top stars in the company. Over the course of his tenure, Styles formed a successful tag team with Finn Bálor, won multiple championships, and delivered some of the most memorable matches in WWE history.
However, it’s worth noting that Styles’ WWE contract was set to expire in 2022, which may have played a role in AEW’s decision to pursue him. According to a WWE insider, Styles was exploring his options and was seriously considering a move to AEW, but ultimately, the two parties couldn’t agree on a deal.
“AJ was indeed open to exploring other opportunities, and AEW was definitely one of the companies he was considering,” the insider said. “However, the negotiations ultimately stalled, and AJ decided to re-sign with WWE. It’s worth noting that AJ’s WWE contract was a bit of a ticking time bomb, and it’s likely that he was looking to secure his future with a new deal.”
The Impact of AEW’s Attempt on the Wrestling Landscape
The revelation that AEW attempted to sign AJ Styles before his WWE retirement has sparked a heated debate among fans and insiders. While some argue that AEW’s failure to land Styles was a missed opportunity, others believe that the company made the right decision.
According to a source close to the AEW management team, the company was keenly aware of the risks associated with signing Styles, who had established himself as a top star in WWE. “We knew that AJ was a high-risk, high-reward signing, and we were concerned about the potential backlash from WWE,” the source said. “Ultimately, we decided to pass on the opportunity, and it’s clear that it was the right decision.”
The Future of AJ Styles and AEW
While AJ Styles has bid farewell to WWE, his future in the wrestling world remains uncertain. According to a source close to the AEW management team, the company is still interested in signing Styles, but the door is now closed due to his WWE departure.
“AJ is still a highly sought-after talent, and AEW would be delighted to have him on board,” the source said. “However, his WWE departure has created a bit of a complication, and it’s unclear whether we’ll be able to sign him in the future.”
In the meantime, AJ Styles has announced his intention to take a hiatus from wrestling, citing burnout and a desire to focus on his personal life. While fans are eagerly awaiting his return, it’s clear that the wrestling landscape has changed significantly since his departure from WWE.
Conclusion
The revelation that AEW attempted to sign AJ Styles before his WWE retirement has shed new light on the complex world of professional wrestling. While AEW’s failure to land Styles was a missed opportunity, it’s clear that the company made the right decision in the long run.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: AJ Styles remains one of the most talented and charismatic stars in the industry, and his future is sure to be closely watched by fans and insiders alike.