Career Timeline of AJ Styles: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how AJ Styles made an impact.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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".

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".