AJ Styles' Phenomenal journey to the top

On Sunday, AJ Styles accomplished what seemed impossible a few years ago. The sub-six foot pro wrestler, famous as one of the three biggest names in the history of TNA (along with Sting and Kurt Angle), and also the most “homegrown” superstar that promotion ever had in the main event, AJ Styles is now the reigning WWE Champion.

It’s not just unlikely, it’s downright remarkable. Even more so than the Daniel Bryan win at WrestleMania 30, or the rise of any other “smaller” or “indie” superstar in past few years in WWE (Finn Balor and Kevin Owens in particular), AJ Styles ascension to the top of the ladder is the greatest example of just how much things have changed with Vince’s promotion. The influence of Triple H is all over this, which is even more remarkable when you consider his own reputation during his full-time wrestling days.

Honestly the whole thing still feels like a dream….but a very good dream. How did we get here?

Styles—real name Allen Jones—began training as a wrestler in 1998 after leaving college midway through his term (he had received a partial scholarship as an amateur wrestler). He spent the next couple years bouncing around small, independent promotions, being just good enough not to embarrass himself, but generally not great enough to get any major publicity or big contracts. At the time there were three places to land: The WWF, ECW and WCW. ECW was not his style (or vice-versa) and the WWF by all accounts never even knew his name (He had adopted the AJ Styles persona by the end of 1999).

WCW however, did discover Styles and offered him a small contract. This was in late 2000 and in February of 2001, Styles made his WCW debut on an episode of Thunder, losing a throwaway tag match while showing a hint of what he was capable of. A week later he won a match (against Disco Inferno!) but again it was a go-nowhere bout that no one paid any attention to. A few weeks later he made his Nitro debut, competing in a tournament to crown the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions. He and his partner lost to the eventual champs and a couple weeks later, on Thunder, they lost again. Styles was going nowhere in WCW, but at least he had a job…

Oh wait.

One week later, WCW folded, Vince McMahon bought the rights and history for pennies, and quickly acquired whatever top talent he could in the cheapest way possible (seriously, the guy was a billionaire at the financial peak of his career, but he was too cheap to sign Goldberg). Most of the big names sat out their contracts, the midcard talent was scooped up and the jobbers were sent packing.

AJ Styles was given a tryout in the WWF, working two matches in January of 2002. On an episode of Metal (like a “D” show, comparable to “Superstars”) he lost to The Hurricane. A couple weeks later he worked a dark match before a Smackdown taping and lost to…Rico? Remember Rico? Don’t bother googling. WWE declined to sign him but did offer him a development contract through their satellite promotion, Heartland Wrestling (based out of Cincinnati). Back then, being in “developmental” was nothing like being sent to NXT. He might have spent years in Cincinnati, never to see the light of day on Raw or Smackdown. Styles declined the very low-ball offer and found his way elsewhere.

It was in Ring of Honor that Styles first blossomed into the man who would become the AJ Styles we know today. Almost as soon as he joined the promotion (in 2002) he was pushed as a featured talent and though he never won the ROH World Title, he did spend two years working with some of the best wrestlers around (guys like Brian Danielson, Samoa Joe and CM Punk) which helped him quickly to develop a varied and skilled moveset.

Almost as soon as he signed with ROH he also inked a deal with TNA (the two promotions essentially rose out of the ashes of the defunct ECW and WCW), becoming the start-up wrestling company’s first signed-talent. Both promotions allowed (initially) for their wrestlers to work with other companies, and Styles spent the next two years being a top player for the two biggest non-WWE wrestling brands in North America. Within his first year in both companies he won the top non-World title prizes available (the ROH #1 Contenders trophy and the TNA X-Division championship). He also held the tag titles for both promotions.

A year after debuting with TNA, Styles won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (which was partnered with the TNA promotion for the first several years of the company’s existence). He ended up being one of only two men (along with TNA founder Jeff Jarrett) to hold the NWA title three times with TNA. Once the company switched to their own world title, AJ was own of the first people to win it. But after dropping the title, he meandered around the aimless promotion for years before being given another chance to be the top superstar. By then, the once-promising “young” talent, had become a disgruntled “veteran,” frustrated by an incompetent manager that didn’t appreciate what she had in him. Instead of building the whole show around him, Dixie Carter kept turning to cast-aways and has-beens. Hulk Hogan, Rob Van Dam, Sting, even guys like Ric Flair, Mick Foley and Kevin Nash were given more time, more attention, and more money.

After more than a decade of loyal performing and being the heart and soul of the company, Dixie asked Styles to take a paycut. He refused, negotiations stalled, AJ was stripped of his World Title (that’s right, they asked the World Champ to take a paycut…which just goes to show how little Dixie Carter understood anything about pro wrestling) and he was done.

WWE showed no interest.

After bouncing around between Ring of Honor and some even-smaller independent groups, Styles landed in New Japan Pro Wrestling and, as he’d done in ROH and TNA, quickly shot up the ladder to become a guy worth building the show around. In fact, in his first match with the company, he won the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship, becoming only the 6th (out of 27) non-Japanese superstar to do so, and the first since Brock Lesnar won the strap in 2005. He dominated the New Japan scene for two years, leading the Bullet Club (essentially a 21st century version of the nWo) and—now free from TNA’s stench—being recognized as one of, if not the, top wrestlers in the world.

By this point, things had changed in WWE.

You can argue it started with CM Punk’s pipebomb, which brought the company the greatest mainstream exposure (directed at a wrestler/angle) since the Attitude Era, but Punk was not the guy to lead such a revolution. He was the martyr who suffered to jump-start it. Still, the fans embraced Punk’s call for new talent to be pushed, and responded by hijacking Raw and forcing Daniel Bryan into the main event of WrestleMania 30. At the same time, Triple H was embracing a corporate role in WWE and was learning to love the little indie guys he looked down on for so many years. Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Samoa Joa and others all found a place in WWE—which they might not ever have found before—thanks to NXT.

AJ Styles waited a long time to reach the mountain top but when he finally got the offer to join the WWE, the timing could not have been more perfect. Unlike the others just mentioned, he jumped straight to the main roster, debuting at the Royal Rumble as a (badly kept secret) surprise entrant, lasting deep into the contest. From there he feuded with Chris Jericho, challenged the then-unstoppable Roman Reigns for the WWE Title, turned heel on John Cena and became the top villain on the Smackdown brand. Just as he did at Ring of Honor, TNA and New Japan, within a year of signing he has shown himself to be a guy talented enough to build the show around.

Last Sunday, the WWE made it clear they plan on doing just that.

What a journey AJ Styles has had. He started out as a cruiserweight that the WWF didn’t even want when WCW folded and became arguably the biggest name they had yet to sign. And when he did finally sign, they didn’t sent him to development. They didn’t drop him into midcard purgatory. They gave him a main-event debut, booked him to defeat The Man John Cena, clean (!) on the second biggest show of the year, and then put the top championship in the company around his waist.

That’s a big deal, too. Vince is very protective of the actual WWF/E Championship lineage. A guy like Dolph Ziggler or Great Khali may be able to say they were “world champions” but they only held the (Big Gold) World Heavyweight Title. That belt may mean something to most wrestling fans, but it means zilch to Vince McMahon. His belt, his championship, the WWE World Title is “the most prestigious prize in the industry” (as he has his puppets on commentary bark out at least three times a month). Whether it’s the top belt on Mondays or ~~Thursdays…Fridays…~~Tuesdays, it will always carry top billing in the mind of McMahon.

The fact that it is now around the tattooed waist of a newly-signed, almost 40 year old, “short southerner from TNA” just shows how AJ has managed to connect with the “audience of one” that is Vince McMahon. More than anything else over the past several months, the finish to WWE Backlash demonstrated how it really is a new era in WWE.

Ain’t it phenomenal?

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

1 Comment

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Deadman TCB

3 years ago

Awful article. Very revisionist, learn how to write.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you