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Phenomenal, an adjective describing something extraordinary and when defining AJ Styles career, it’s easy to realise why he was titled “The Phenomenal One”. From an amateur to a legend, Styles applied his diverse abilities across the globe.
Earning respect from fans and colleagues alike, evident by Kurt Angle telling ESPN in 2016, “I would have to say the best wrestler I wrestled was AJ Styles. He’s a special talent, he is a rare breed…’’. A massive statement made by an icon like Angle and Styles unquestionably has the credentials to support this praise.
Dubbed as Mr TNA, he acquired the honour of being the first TNA Triple Crown winner by acquiring the TNA X Division Champion, NWA Tag Team Title and NWA World Heavyweight Title. Styles became the only TNA superstar to reach the pinnacle of the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 wrestlers on the planet in 2010.
Styles made Ring of Honor history by becoming the inaugural ROH Pure Champion. Arriving on NJPW territory, Styles became only the sixth gaijin to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, a prestige he acquired in his debut match. These accolades barely scratch the surface of AJ Styles nineteen-year career.
Having been unsuccessful in WWE back in 2002, Styles marched into Vince McMahan’s company looking to embark on a new chapter in his growing legacy. Debuting in iconic fashion, Styles went on to brilliant matches with Chris Jericho and Roman Reigns.
Although coming up short in these feuds, WWE realised his immense talents. They finally endorsed him in the form of a “clean” victory over their franchise star John Cena. WWE would not regret their decision as they struck gold in 2016 with Styles. Look no further than Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Wrestling Observer Newsletter naming AJ Styles the number one professional wrestler in the world in 2016.
It's proved that acquiring Styles might be WWE’s biggest signing to date. Having reached a prominent status in WWE already, there is still a lot that AJ Styles needs to do to round off a perfect career.
Here are five things AJ Styles must accomplish in WWE.
#1 Win the Royal Rumble
“The hottest free agent in sports entertainment”, exclaimed Michael Cole. That statement will tell you what WWE thought of AJ Styles even before he set his foot in a WWE ring after 14 years. Over 15 thousand stunned fans in the Amway centre united in a thunderous ovation to his arrival. Styles popularity was blazing hot, therefore WWE let him bypass NXT to make the greatest Royal Rumble debut of all time. Unfortunately, the Rumble ended with a familiar face taking the win.
John Cena, Batista, Triple H, and Randy Orton all won their second Royal Rumble since the turn of the decade. These are superstars have been in the main event before and were going right back there. From questionable decisions of younger talent not going over rematches that no fan wanted to see, to the most hated main event in Wrestlemania history -- it is turning into a disaster. It’s time that the Royal Rumble gives validation to a winner fans demand.
The PPV has been special for Styles as he made his unforgettable debut in the marquee match in 2016. The following year he defended the WWE Championship and the 2018 edition should be a ticket to Wrestlemania for him. Styles winning will make history, however, more importantly, it will set up a long-awaited rematch with a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
#2 The main event of Wrestlemania
There is a reason Wrestlemania is called “The Showcase of the Immortals", as we have seen thrilling main events over the years. From the iconic moment of Hulk Hogan body slamming Andre the Giant to Undertaker and Shawn Michaels delivering the greatest main event in the PPV’s history. Recently the main event has become “the guys” yard, making for a mixed reception from fans and critics. WWE now has the chance to deliver a main event that might top Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels.
Styles has shown WWE over the past 22 months that he can carry a PPV main event with ease. Therefore, he deserves to close off Wrestlemania 34. The only opponent Styles can ensure a 5-star classic with at Wrestlemania is, Shinsuke Nakamura. The King of Strong Style will capture the WWE title eventually and it would be historic for his career. Moreover, it will set up the biggest rematch WWE can do.
The narrative is their NJPW history, as Styles lost the original placing a burden on his shoulders and doubt in his mind. Styles' uncertainty can force him to bring in Gallows and Anderson, heightening his chances of winning while allowing himself to turn heel in the process. A 5-star classic with an excellent build would make this the hottest angle heading into the show of shows. Wrestlemania is where legends are born and validity stamped on legacies. On this night AJ Styles should reach the apex of his career.
#3 Showdown with Brock Lesnar
A clash of experienced athlete vs the seasoned veteran. Both decorated athletes that do have a similar history. “Former IWGP Champion, same as Brock Lesnar’’, the former WWE champions attained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in their debut match. The only men in WWE to hold both titles. Both impressed the management and the fans alike in their ‘rookie’ year by beating the franchise star, becoming WWE Champion, and producing exceptional performances at the Royal Rumble.
Fans could oppose this contest due to the size difference, but this is not a battle of size but resilience. Styles can endure a thrashing as well give one. AJ is a maestro at switching his in-ring offence to correspond with his opponent ensuring the highest-quality fight from every challenge. Lesnar has destroyed every monster he has faced. Styles is no giant, but his skill in between those ropes will make it hard for Lesnar to take him to suplex city.
Rumours are circulating that Lesnar might be leaving after Wrestlemania 34. Therefore, we might not get to see this dream match. If proven otherwise, Styles should be the first man on the beast’s radar. Fans have been clamouring for Brock vs an underdog. Daniel Bryan and Finn Balor were cheered relentless to step up. Now a draft for either man will set up, “The Beast” vs “The (Georgian) Pit-bull”.
#4 Become the top guy on Raw
AJ Styles brought legitimacy back to WWE’s ‘’B show’’. Styles became a cornerstone for the blue brand by elevating opponents to exceptional performances, to the point there was no bad AJ Styles match. The WWE Title’s significance rose, as feuds against John Cena, Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin culminated in excellent matches. James Ellsworth and Shane McMahan’s stock rapidly increased, by being in a programme with the phenomenal one.
The next WWE Draft must send Smackdown’s megastar to the flagship show. Styles has the qualities to be the ‘top guy’ on any brand. He has the in-ring skills, massive crowd reactions, but only lacks Raw’s top prize. The Universal Title has had mixed title runs, to say the least. Short title reigns by Finn Balor, Goldberg, and a disappointing time with Kevin Owens. The young title needs a founding legacy. Placing the belt than on the best wrestler on the planet will raise its standard.
Post Wrestlemania 34 next year, all signs pointed towards Roman Reigns being the Universal Champion. Thus, now the first in line should be AJ Styles challenging Reigns. Previously, the WWE Title defences between these two produced some of the best matches of Reigns career. If Styles does unseat Roman, limitless dream matches can be realised. From Samoa Joe to Seth Rollins and finally seeing Finn Balor face the man that took his place in the Bullet club and speaking of the Bullet Club….
#5 Reform the Bullet Club and wage war with The Shield
The Bullet Club was one the most dominant factions in wrestling. They followed no one and broke all rules, often compared to the NWO. Bullet Club members Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Finn Balor are on Raw but WWE failed to capitalised off their momentum. Finn Balor teased the idea of a reunion, but at the same time shot it down. Thus, sending the good brothers to Smackdown with Styles is a money move.
Styles' creditability is undisputed and his placement on the SmackDown hierarchy can rehabilitate Gallows and Anderson into the world-beaters they are. SmackDown Live is Styles house and The Club can run it. The reason for getting The Club on the blue brand is to set up a confrontation with The Shield. Hopefully, WWE will give us a Shield reunification soon. Having the Shield dominate Raw and The Club dominate SmackDown Live will make this colossal encounter more epic.
Survivor Series has become the brand warfare show. The traditional Survivor Series match requires 5 members per team. Representing Smackdown Live should be The Club and two other roster members. Team Raw must include The Shield, another Raw superstar, and Finn Balor. The most interesting dynamic would be Balor`s dilemma. Whether to keep loyalty to his brand or the group he created. When its all said and done, AJ Styles can say he led the club into the biggest faction war in WWE.
