History of AJ Styles in Timeline

Allen Neal Jones, known as AJ Styles, is a retired American professional wrestler and current WWE talent scout. He achieved prominence through his work in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and Ring of Honor (ROH). Styles started his career in 1998, wrestling for several independent promotions and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before achieving mainstream recognition in TNA.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2000: Marriage to Wendy

In 2000, AJ Styles married school teacher Wendy.

2003: ROH released Evolution of a Phenom: The Best of AJ Styles

In 2003, ROH released Evolution of a Phenom: The Best of AJ Styles, a DVD which covers Styles from his debut to mid-2003.

2003: NWA TNA segment censored for homophobic slur

In 2003, the NWA censored part of an NWA TNA segment due to AJ Styles' use of the anti-gay slur "faggot". He apologized, stating that the slur was "a word you just say when you're goofing off."

2004: ROH and TNA released DVDs about AJ Styles

In 2004, ROH released The Phenomenon Continues: The Best of AJ Styles Vol. 2, a follow-up DVD to the original released in 2003 and TNA released Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles, a DVD covering Styles' best matches.

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May 3, 2005: Birth of son Ajay Covell Jones

On May 3, 2005, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their first son, Ajay Covell Jones.

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2005: Used slur against audience member

At a 2005 Ring of Honor show, AJ Styles used the slur against an audience member during a match against Cima.

September 17, 2006: Styles Debuts in AAA at Verano de Escándalo

On September 17, 2006, AJ Styles debuted for Mexican promotion AAA at Verano de Escándalo. As part of Team TNA, Styles, along with Homicide, Low Ki, and Samoa Joe, defeated Vipers Revolution in a semi-final tournament match and later defeated The Mexican Powers in the finals.

2006: ROH released a shoot interview featuring Styles and Christopher Daniels

In 2006, ROH released a shoot interview featuring Styles, alongside Christopher Daniels for the promotions "Straight Shootin'" series.

February 14, 2007: Birth of son Avery Jones

On February 14, 2007, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their second son, Avery Jones.

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December 20, 2007: Styles Competes in IGF Event

On December 20, 2007, AJ Styles competed in Inoki Genome Federation (IGF)'s third event, defeating fellow TNA star Senshi as part of TNA's working relationship with the promotion.

2007: TNA released Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Volume 2 and Styles was mentioned in a song

In 2007, TNA released Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Volume 2, a follow-up DVD to the original released in 2004. Also in 2007, Styles was mentioned in the Insane Clown Posse song "Scatterbrain" off their EP Eye of the Storm.

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July 26, 2008: Styles Debuts in CMLL at International Gran Prix

On July 26, 2008, AJ Styles debuted for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) at the International Gran Prix tournament, representing Team International. Styles defeated Rey Bucanero in his first match but was later eliminated by Último Guerrero. Alex Shelley from Team International eventually won the tournament.

2008: Styles helped develop the first TNA wrestling video game

In 2008, Styles helped develop the first TNA wrestling video game known as TNA Impact!, which was released the same year on September 9.

2008: Styles' appearances for NJPW

Throughout 2008, AJ Styles made four appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). On January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom II, Styles teamed with Christian Cage and Petey Williams to defeat RISE. On February 17, Styles lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi. On August 15 and 16, Styles teamed with Shinjiro Otani and Hiroshi Tanahashi respectively in losing efforts against Kurt Angle and various partners during the G1 Climax – Heroes of Supremacy event.

September 15, 2009: Birth of son Albey Jones

On September 15, 2009, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their third son, Albey Jones.

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2009: Featured on MTV's Made

In 2009, AJ Styles was featured on MTV's Made trying to help a young high schooler become a professional wrestler alongside Taylor Wilde and The Beautiful People.

2010: Tattoo of Children's Birthdates

In 2010, AJ Styles acquired a large tattoo down the right side of his torso which reads "AJ 05-03-05 02-14-07 09-15-09", representing his initials and birth dates of his first three children.

December 16, 2011: Styles Returns to AAA at Guerra de Titanes

On December 16, 2011, AJ Styles returned to AAA at Guerra de Titanes as part of the TNA invasion storyline. He faced El Mesías for a shot at the AAA World Heavyweight Championship but was unsuccessful.

2011: Featured in music video

In 2011, AJ Styles was featured in the music video for country singer Sarah Darling's song "Something to Do with Your Hands".

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2012: Presented award at GMA Dove Awards

In 2012, AJ Styles and Montell Jordan presented the award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Record of the Year to Lecrae at the 43rd annual GMA Dove Awards.

February 2013: Styles' home videos and return to TNA

In February 2013, TNA began airing videos at Styles' home interviewing his wife and friends. Styles, sporting a beard and unkempt look, returned to TNA with the Calf Killer submission hold, defeating James Storm. Styles feuded with Kurt Angle after refusing to reveal whether he was with the Aces & Eights stable. His new gimmick was nicknamed "The Lone Wolf".

November 3, 2013: Styles Defends TNA World Heavyweight Championship in AAA

On November 3, 2013, AJ Styles returned to AAA and successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship (which had been vacated by TNA just days before) in a rematch against El Mesías.

November 16, 2013: Styles Debuts in Wrestle-1

On November 16, 2013, AJ Styles made his debut for Japanese promotion Wrestle-1, successfully defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Seiya Sanada.

2013: Styles wins Bound for Glory and leaves TNA

In 2013, AJ Styles won the Bound For Glory Series, earning a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match. Despite not having a contract, he defeated Bully Ray at Bound for Glory to win his second championship. After defending the title, he refused a new contract offer and left TNA with the title. TNA vacated the title on October 29th, and Styles returned to unify the titles with Magnus in his final match. Contract negotiations broke down in December, leading to Styles' departure after nearly twelve years due to a 60% salary reduction offer.

2013: ROH released AJ Styles – Styles Clash DVD

In 2013, ROH released AJ Styles – Styles Clash, a 2-disc DVD featuring Styles' best ROH matches from 2002 to 2005.

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January 4, 2014: Styles defeats Roderick Strong in ROH return match

On January 4, 2014, AJ Styles defeated Roderick Strong in his return match on Ring of Honor Wrestling.

March 1, 2014: Styles injures Lionheart in Preston City Wrestling

On March 1, 2014, AJ Styles appeared for Preston City Wrestling in England, losing to Lionheart. After the match, Styles performed the Styles Clash, resulting in Lionheart breaking his neck due to improper tucking of his chin.

March 27, 2014: Styles returns to NJPW and joins Bullet Club

On March 27, 2014, AJ Styles returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at Invasion Attack, attacking IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada and revealing himself as the new member of Bullet Club.

October 8, 2014: Birth of daughter Anney Jones

On October 8, 2014, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their daughter, Anney Jones.

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2014: Established as one of the best talents on the planet

In 2014, Ayub Nouinou of The Independent noted that AJ Styles had "established himself as one of the best talents on the planet over the last two years (2014 and 2015)".

January 4, 2015: Styles defeats Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 9

On January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, AJ Styles defeated Tetsuya Naito.

January 6, 2015: Styles sets up IWGP Heavyweight Championship match

On January 6, 2015, AJ Styles pinned Hiroshi Tanahashi in an eight-man tag team match, setting up a title match between the two for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at The New Beginning in Osaka.

2015: Styles participates in independent tournaments

In 2015, AJ Styles participated in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's Battle of Los Angeles and Chikara's King of Trios with The Young Bucks representing Bullet Club.

2015: Established as one of the best talents on the planet

In 2015, Ayub Nouinou of The Independent noted that AJ Styles had "established himself as one of the best talents on the planet over the last two years (2014 and 2015)".

January 4, 2016: Styles Unsuccessfully Challenges for IWGP Intercontinental Championship and Announces Departure

On January 4, 2016, AJ Styles unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome. Hours later, he gave his notice to NJPW, announcing his departure and intention to sign with WWE.

January 20, 2016: Styles signs with WWE

On January 20, 2016, AJ Styles officially signed with WWE after extensive discussions with TNA. Styles had agreed to return to TNA with Bullet Club stablemates Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, before being offered a "blow-away deal" by WWE.

January 23, 2016: Styles' final independent appearance before WWE

On January 23, 2016, AJ Styles made his final independent appearance before joining WWE at ROH's TV tapings in Duluth, Georgia. He was interrupted by Jay Lethal, The House of Truth, and Roderick Strong. Styles' former Bullet Club stablemates assisted him against various ROH roster members, and he joined Bullet Club in a group hug, mirroring the 1996 WWF Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call".

2016: Added daughter's birthdate to tattoo

In 2016, AJ Styles added the birth date of his fourth child, reading "10-08-14", to his tattoo.

2016: WWE signing and best matches

In 2016, Ayub Nouinou of The Independent stated that pertaining to Styles' WWE signing "the addition of Styles would have to be considered one of the greatest signings since the turn of the millennium" and Josh Barnett noted that Styles had "some of the WWE's best matches, including multiple matches against John Cena and Roman Reigns".

2016: TNA released The Essential AJ Styles Collection DVD

In 2016, TNA released The Essential AJ Styles Collection, a 4-disc DVD set showcasing Styles' top 30 greatest TNA matches.

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March 2017: AJ Styles MVP of WWE

In March 2017, USA Today columnist Josh Barnett stated that AJ Styles "could be considered the MVP of WWE over the last year" and noted that he "is considered one of the rare performers who can have a great match with anyone".