5 Things fans have likely forgotten about AJ Styles

He is a former United States champion and a former two-time WWE Heavyweight champion. But for all that AJ Styles has achieved in WWE, there is a great deal that isn't mentioned about him. Styles has made some indelible memories for fans in WWE, whether it was his debut at the Royal Rumble, his heel turn on John Cena or his matches against Brock Lesnar and Daniel Bryan. However, for all that fans will remember about AJ Styles, there are a number of things that are forgotten.

These are storylines, relationships or opportunities that may have come and gone which fans forgot, or never knew about. They may have been forgotten because they were such a poor representation of Styles and everyone wanted them forgotten. Thankfully the good has outweighed the bad. What were these storylines, situations or characters that are tied to Styles that fans are likely to have forgotten? Here are five things fans forgot about AJ Styles.

#5 He auditioned for WWE

At one time, Styles first tried out for the company to which would be home to him 15 years later. Photo / TheTechTimes.com

Often when discussing the early days of AJ Styles, it is mentioned that he began his career in WCW. As part of the tag team Air Raid, Styles was showcased in matches against the Jung Dragons. Most know that he spent the majority of his career with TNA/Impact Wrestling. However, what tends to be forgotten was that Styles did have a tryout with WWE in between his time in WCW and TNA.

In a match against the Hurricane, Styles showcased a great deal of athleticism that can still be seen today. His move set, if anything, has only continued to blossom and evolved. Fans can only imagine what would have happened had Styles early audition turned into a contract. Everything happens for a reason, and in the case of AJ Styles, it would be nearly 14 years later where he would have his opportunity with WWE.

#4 Claire Lynch storyline

Lynch was amongst the most revered characters in TNA history

It is often identified as one of the worst storylines in TNA's history. And when one of the worst storylines is linked to one of the greatest performers of our generation, it becomes something fans want to forget. In the storyline, Styles was apparently the father of a child with a woman named Claire Lynch. Lynch was attempting to blackmail and extort him, claiming that she would reveal photos of the two of them together.

But later it was revealed that in the pictures of her in bed with Styles, he was unconscious, and the baby was revealed to be a doll. He has won multiple championships and faced some of the greatest challengers the world has ever seen, but the mere mention of Claire Lynch would get most fans to voice a collective ‘Poor AJ Styles'. It was a storyline fans are likely to forget because it was so poorly handled, and was in fact quite embarrassing for all involved.

#3 'The Nature Boy' AJ Styles

To be the man? At one time, AJ Styles called himself the nature boy.

One of the storylines that were intended to bring out a different side of Styles was when he was mentored by ‘The Nature Boy' Ric Flair. He came to the ring draped in the long robes that are so closely associated with the Nature Boy. The problem was it looked incredibly awkward and did not suit 'The Phenomenal One'.

It was believed that a reason why he was given this Nature Boy-like character was to help showcase personality and charisma that some felt was lacking. To see him today it is clear nothing could be further from the truth. Styles comes to the ring with a sense of confidence and believability that has made him one of the greatest performers in the world. It is unfortunate that he was forced to have this gimmick, and it is certainly something fans have forgotten about Styles.

#2 TNA initially held him back

At one time, TNA didn't have the faith in him that eventually came about.

Before anyone rises to the top of their field they need to run through various stages in order to be considered a major player in their company. AJ Styles faced these sorts of challenges during his time in TNA/Impact Wrestling. When he first joined the company, he was held back and wasn't seen in the same light as other more established talent were.

While the reasons may have ranged from believability to charisma, to mic skills, in retrospect it's hard to believe the man considered the promotion's franchise talent wasn't initially held in especially high regard. The former X-division and TNA Heavyweight champion have certainly come a long way since his early days in the company. As time passed, it is clear that holding Styles back was the wrong decision, and doing so just postponed the inevitable.

#1 His rivalries with Samoa Joe work for one reason

Bound by a friendship that goes beyond promotion, Styles, and Joe will seemingly be connected forever.

Great enemies come from two men or women knowing each other all too well. Superman needs his Lex Luther and Batman needs The Joker. In the case of AJ Styles, his feuds and matches against Samoa Joe have been so effective in both the WWE and TNA/Impact Wrestling for a simple reason: trust. When two talents are so connected with one another, they can say or do anything to the other and the result is usually magic.

In the case of Joe and Styles, their rivalries have worked as well as they have because they are the best of friends. If you can't trust your best friend to work with you effectively, then who can you trust? Styles and Joe have worked so well with one another because regardless of what they may say and do to each other within the confines of the ring, their friendship goes well beyond the squared circle.