WWE News: AJ Styles recalls his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble

What’s the story?

Following the recent turn of events on this week’s episode of Smackdown Live, WWE Champion AJ Styles seemed to be in an optimistic mood, as earlier in the day “The Phenomenal One” tweeted out regarding his upcoming WWE title defence at the Royal Rumble and also recalled his memorable WWE debut from 2016.

I debuted in @AmwayCenter 2 years ago at #RoyalRumble. No matter how long you’re in this business, emotions can always get the best of you & you put your foot in your mouth. NOW I’m walking into the same event as @WWE Champion against 2 guys I despise as much as they despise me.

— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) January 3, 2018

In case you didn’t know…

It was during the 2016 Royal Rumble when the WWE Universe and the entire wrestling world finally witnessed one of the most historic debuts in WWE history as former TNA World Champion and IWGP Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles finally stepped foot inside a WWE arena.

Styles, who entered at #3 during the 2016 Royal Rumble match, has had one of the most successful debut years in WWE history, as “The Phenomenal One” captured the WWE Title shortly after making his debut. AJ is also a former WWE US Champion and is currently in his second reign as WWE Champion.

The heart of the matter

On this week’s episode of Smackdown Live, the WWE Universe learned that AJ Styles’ next WWE title defense will be against not one, but two of the best superstars in the WWE roster today as “The Phenomenal One” gets set to put his title on the line in a 2-on-1 handicap match against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

Earlier today on Twitter, AJ Styles would recall his WWE debut from two years ago as he wrote out that emotions can always get the best out of one in the wrestling business. Styles then proclaimed that two years after his debut at the Amway Center, he is now all set to walk into the same event as the WWE Champion against two guys whom he despises and vice-versa.

What’s next?

After two back-to-back defeats in singles competition against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn respectively, AJ Styles now has the uphill task of battling both Owens and Zayn at the same time on January 28th, 2018 at the Royal Rumble PPV. This will be AJ Styles’ toughest challenge as WWE Champion till date as he will look forward to defending his title successfully against two former NXT Champions in a 2-on-1 handicap match.

Author’s Take

A triple threat match between the three men for the WWE Title sounds much more appealing and the ideal option to me, however, it will also be interesting to note how this 2-on-1 match unfolds at the Royal Rumble and if Owens and Zayn are able to cooperate with each other successfully or not.