In a recent interview, AEW’s Chris Jericho opened up about the company’s past interest in signing AJ Styles, one of the most iconic and highly sought-after wrestlers in the industry. According to Jericho, AEW seriously considered bringing “The Phenomenal One” into their fold before his WWE retirement, a move that could have potentially altered the course of Styles’ career.
AEW’s Ambitious Plans
As Jericho revealed in his interview, AEW’s interest in AJ Styles was more than a casual inquiry. The company had a genuine desire to sign the wrestling superstar, with a plan in place to integrate him into their roster. However, according to sources close to Cody Rhodes, AEW’s President and CEO, the company ultimately decided against pursuing the deal.
According to a WWE insider, the decision not to sign AJ Styles was likely due to the complexity of the negotiations and the high asking price from WWE. Styles had been a key figure in the company for over a decade, and his value to WWE was considered priceless.
The What-If Scenario
While we’ll never know for certain what would have happened if AJ Styles had joined AEW, it’s fascinating to consider the potential implications of such a move. Would Styles have become a cornerstone of the AEW roster, teaming with Cody Rhodes and other top stars to take on WWE’s best? Or would he have carved out his own path, perhaps even becoming a leader within the company?
Sources close to AJ Styles suggest that while the wrestler was flattered by AEW’s interest, he had no desire to leave WWE. According to these sources, Styles was content with his role in the company and saw no reason to make a change.
WWE’s Reaction
As news of AEW’s interest in AJ Styles spread, WWE insiders began to speculate about the potential impact on the company. Some saw it as a major coup for AEW, while others believed that Styles would have been a key loss for WWE.
According to a WWE insider, the company’s leadership was aware of AEW’s interest and took steps to ensure that Styles remained committed to WWE. This insider revealed that WWE offered Styles a lucrative contract extension, which he ultimately accepted.
The Consequences of ‘What If?’
While AJ Styles may have been an attractive target for AEW, the company’s decision to pass on signing him ultimately had little impact on their overall success. In fact, AEW’s roster has continued to grow and evolve, with the company signing numerous top talent in recent years.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes reveal that the company’s focus has shifted towards building a strong in-house talent pool, rather than relying on high-profile signings from other promotions. This approach has paid dividends, with AEW’s roster now boasting a diverse range of exciting young talent.
Conclusion
The news that AEW considered signing AJ Styles before his WWE retirement is a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional wrestling’s inner workings. While we’ll never know what could have been, it’s clear that both WWE and AEW are committed to building their respective rosters with the best talent available.
In the words of a WWE insider, “The business of professional wrestling is always evolving, and companies must be willing to adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the curve. AEW’s interest in AJ Styles was just one of many examples of this, and it’s clear that both companies are committed to building a strong roster for the future.”
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