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, famously known as AJ Styles, is a prominent American professional wrestler currently signed with WWE, where he actively competes on the Raw brand. Styles has had a very successful career in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1996: Curtain Call

On January 23, 2016, Styles proceeded to join Bullet Club in a group hug, mirroring the famous 1996 WWF Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call".

1998: Debut in Professional Wrestling

In 1998, Jones debuted in professional wrestling and competed for various independent promotions. This marks the beginning of his professional wrestling career.

1998: Professional Wrestling Debut

In 1998, Jones was trained by Rick Michaels and debuted in the Georgia-based National Championship Wrestling (NCW) promotion as Mr. Olympia.

August 1999: Won NCW Television Championship

In August 1999, Jones won the Television Championship in the National Championship Wrestling (NCW) promotion, marking his first title win in professional wrestling.

December 1999: NCW Merged to form NWA Wildside

In December 1999, National Championship Wrestling (NCW) merged with NWA Georgia to form NWA Wildside, and Jones was renamed A.J. Styles.

March 5, 2001: WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship Tournament

On March 5, 2001, Styles, then known as Air Styles, and Air Paris were entered into a tournament for the newly created WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship, but were eliminated in the first round.

July 9, 2001: WWF Tryout Match

On July 9, 2001, Styles had his first World Wrestling Federation (WWF) tryout match against his trainer, Rick Michaels, and won, but was not offered a contract.

October 26, 2001: All Pro Wrestling's King of the Indies Tournament

On October 26, 2001, Styles participated in All Pro Wrestling's King of the Indies tournament, where he won his first-round match against Jardi Frantz but was eliminated by Christopher Daniels in the quarter-finals the following night.

November 13, 2001: Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF) Debut

On November 13, 2001, Styles debuted in Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF), competing in a battle royal for the XWF Cruiserweight Championship, but was unsuccessful in winning the title. He later defeated Josh Mathews in a match taped for XWF television.

December 22, 2001: Won NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship

On December 22, 2001, at Christmas Chaos, Jones defeated Rick Michaels for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, adding another title to his achievements.

2001: Mainstream Exposure in WCW

In 2001, Jones gained initial mainstream exposure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This event marks his entry into a more prominent wrestling organization.

February 24, 2002: World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA) Debut

On February 24, 2002, Styles debuted for Australian promotion World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA), making his pay-per-view debut at The Revolution in a six-way cruiserweight survival elimination match.

May 2002: Signed with NWA: Total Nonstop Action (NWA-TNA)

In May 2002, Styles signed a non-exclusive contract with NWA: Total Nonstop Action (NWA-TNA). He appeared on the first weekly TNA pay-per-view and became the inaugural TNA X Division Champion.

2002: Joins Ring of Honor (ROH)

In 2002, Jones began appearing in Ring of Honor (ROH), where he would later become the inaugural ROH Pure Champion, showcasing his talent in various promotions.

2002: First WWF Appearance

In 2002, Jones made his first appearance in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), but declined a developmental contract at the time.

2002: WWF Metal and Smackdown Appearances

In 2002, Styles made two more appearances for the WWF, including a match on Metal against The Hurricane and a dark match before SmackDown! against Rico Constantino. Styles declined a developmental deal contract from WWF because the move would interfere with his wife's college plans.

February 2003: ROH First Anniversary Show

In February 2003, at the ROH First Anniversary Show, Styles competed against Low Ki and Paul London in a three-way match, which was won by London. He would later become the ROH Tag Team Champion with Amazing Red.

July 2003: NWA World Heavyweight Championship Title Defense

Throughout July 2003, AJ Styles successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in matches against D'Lo Brown and a variety of opponents.

February 4, 2004: NWA World Tag Team Championship Win

On February 4, 2004, after demanding a title shot, AJ Styles was forced by Don Callis to team with Abyss in a match against NWA World Tag Team Champions, Kevin Northcutt and Legend. Despite being abandoned by Abyss during the match, AJ Styles won the match and the championship.

March 20, 2004: IWC Super Indy Survivor Showdown

On March 20, 2004, Styles returned to IWC, entering the promotions Super Indy Survivor Showdown tournament. Styles' first match in the tournament was in the semi-finals for unknown reasons, in which he defeated CM Punk. Later that night, Styles faced IWC Super Indy Champion Colt Cabana in the final in a winning effort, capturing the title.

2004: Final ROH match and ROH Pure Wrestling Championship

In 2004, AJ Styles had his final match for ROH at At Our Best, where he defeated CM Punk with Ricky Steamboat as the guest referee, retaining the ROH Pure Wrestling Championship. Styles vacated the title after TNA withdrew its contracted wrestlers from all ROH events.

2004: Ted Petty Invitational

In 2004, Styles returned to IWA: Mid-South, entering the promotions Ted Petty Invitational. He won the Invitational by defeating Bryan Danielson and Samoa Joe in the final. On October 21, Styles won the vacant IWA: Mid-South Heavyweight Championship, defeating Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels, and Petey Williams in a four-way dance match. Two days later on October 23, Styles lost the title to CM Punk.

January 16, 2005: X Division Championship Win

On January 16, 2005, at Final Resolution, AJ Styles defeated Chris Sabin and Petey Williams in an Ultimate X match to win the X Division Championship for a fourth time.

April 1, 2005: PWG Championship

On April 1, 2005, Styles returned to PWG, defeating Samoa Joe in a PWG Championship number one contender match at the promotion's All-Star Weekend – Day 1. The following night on Day 2 of All-Star Weekend, Styles successfully challenged Super Dragon for the title.

2005: TNA Super X Cup Tournament and X Division Championship

In 2005, AJ Styles entered the TNA Super X Cup Tournament, ultimately winning the X Division Championship for a fifth time at Unbreakable by defeating Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels in a three-way match.

February 12, 2006: X Division Title Unsuccessful Retaining

On February 12, 2006, AJ Styles was unsuccessful in retaining the X Division title in a triple threat match also featuring Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe, at Against All Odds.

September 17, 2006: AAA Debut at Verano de Escándalo

On September 17, 2006, Styles made his debut 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 and The Mexican Powers in a tournament.

2006: Final run in Ring of Honor

In 2006, AJ Styles faced Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal in a three-way match at A Night of Tribute. He wrestled and defeated Matt Sydal to form a tag team, challenging for the ROH Tag Team Championship at the Fourth Anniversary Show but was unable to defeat the champions.

2006: End of ROH Tenure

In 2006, AJ Styles' time in Ring of Honor (ROH) came to an end after a successful run, during which he became the inaugural ROH Pure Champion and a significant figure in the promotion.

December 20, 2007: IGF Competition

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

January 6, 2008: Joins The Angle Alliance

On January 6, 2008, at Final Resolution, AJ Styles joined The Angle Alliance, siding with Kurt Angle after struggling to choose between Angle and Christian Cage.

July 26, 2008: CMLL Debut and International Gran Prix

On July 26, 2008, Styles made his debut for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), taking part in the promotion's last annual 16-man elimination International Gran Prix tournament, representing Team International. Styles would defeat Rey Bucanero of Team Mexico in his first match, but would later be eliminated from the tournament by Último Guerrero.

2008: NJPW Appearances

In 2008, during a partnership between TNA and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Styles made four appearances for NJPW, starting on January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom II, where Styles teamed with Christian Cage and Petey Williams to defeat RISE (Milano Collection AT, Minoru and Prince Devitt) in a six-man tag team match. On February 17, Styles lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi on Day 8 of New Japan's ISM Tour. On August 15 and 16, Styles teamed with Shinjiro Otani and Hiroshi Tanahashi in losing efforts.

2009: Headlined Bound for Glory

In 2009, Jones headlined Bound for Glory, which is the flagship event of TNA, showcasing his prominence in the wrestling promotion.

January 4, 2010: TNA World Heavyweight Championship Defense

On January 4, 2010, AJ Styles successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Kurt Angle on Impact!.

2010: Ranked atop PWI 500

In 2010, Jones ranked atop the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500, marking the first time a TNA wrestler achieved this honor, acknowledging his status as a top wrestler.

February 3, 2011: Fortune Turns Face

On February 3, 2011, on Impact!, Fortune, including AJ Styles, turned face by attacking Immortal, who interfered in a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match between Mr. Anderson and Jeff Hardy.

December 16, 2011: AAA Return at Guerra de Titanes

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

January 5, 2012: Fortune Ends

On January 5, 2012, on Impact Wrestling, during the final match of the Wild Card Tournament against Magnus and Samoa Joe, Kazarian abandoned AJ Styles and aligned himself with Christopher Daniels, effectively ending Fortune.

2012: Bound for Glory Series and Final Resolution

Throughout 2012, AJ Styles competed in the Bound for Glory Series but was eliminated on August 30 after losing to Samoa Joe. On September 9 at No Surrender and October 14 at Bound for Glory, Styles and Angle unsuccessfully challenged Daniels and Kazarian for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. On December 9 at Final Resolution, Styles was defeated by Christopher Daniels in what was billed as their "final match".

February 2013: TNA Videos

Beginning in February 2013, TNA began airing videos at Styles' home interviewing his wife, a friend, and even attempting to interview Styles himself before he angrily forced them to leave. Styles, now sporting a beard, unkempt hair, and all-black attire, returned to TNA with the Calf Killer submission hold as his new finisher, which he used to defeat James Storm in his first match back.

November 3, 2013: AAA Return to Defend TNA Title

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

November 16, 2013: Wrestle-1 Debut

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

2013: Headlined Bound for Glory

In 2013, Jones headlined Bound for Glory for the second time, which is the flagship event of TNA, reaffirming his top-tier status in the wrestling promotion.

2013: Turning Point

On November 11, 2013, Styles was pinned by James Storm in a three-way number one contender's match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Turning Point, also involving Bobby Roode, preventing him from receiving another title opportunity until Bound for Glory 2013 as per the pre-match stipulation.

January 2, 2014: Return to TNA with Championship

On the December 2 taping of Impact Wrestling which aired on January 2, 2014, Styles returned to TNA with his championship to confront Carter and Magnus (who had won a tournament to crown the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion), with Styles challenging Magnus to a title unification match on next weeks episode of Impact Wrestling, which Magnus accepted.

January 4, 2014: ROH Return Match

Styles defeated Roderick Strong in his return match on the January 4, 2014, taping of Ring of Honor Wrestling, and picked up victories over Jay Lethal at the 12th Anniversary Show and Chris Hero at the Flyin' High event.

March 1, 2014: Preston City Wrestling Appearance and Lionheart Injury

On March 1, 2014, Styles made an appearance for English promotion Preston City Wrestling, losing to British wrestler Lionheart in the main event. Following the match, Styles gave Lionheart the Styles Clash, during which Lionheart improperly tucked his chin, resulting in him landing on top of his head and legitimately breaking his neck.

March 27, 2014: Return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling

On March 27, 2014, it was reported that AJ Styles would return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and had signed a contract with the company, marking his return to NJPW since 2008.

January 4, 2015: Match against Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 9

On January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, AJ Styles faced Tetsuya Naito in a match, where Styles was victorious.

January 6, 2015: Inserted himself back into IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture

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

March 11, 2015: FWE Heavyweight Championship Win

On March 11, 2015, Styles defeated John Hennigan to win the FWE Heavyweight Championship in a best of three falls match. Styles made Hennigan tap out to the Calf Killer to score fall number two and pinned Hennigan following a Styles Clash to win the title.

May 29, 2015: House of Glory High Intensity 4

On May 29, 2015, Styles, reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion (representing Bullet Club with manager Jonny Ferrari) defeated Justin Gabriel at House of Glory High Intensity 4 in Jamaica, New York.

2015: Won Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler of the Year

In 2015, Jones won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter award for Wrestler of the Year, marking a significant recognition of his skills and achievements in the wrestling world.

2015: King of Trios

In 2015, Styles made his debut for Chikara, when he teamed with fellow Bullet Club members The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) in the 2015 King of Trios. They made it to the semi-finals of the three-day-long tournament, defeating Team Fight Club (Trent Seven, Tyler Bate and Dan Moloney), but were ultimately defeated in the finals by Team AAA (Aero Star, Drago and Fénix).

January 4, 2016: IWGP Intercontinental Championship match and NJPW departure

On January 4, 2016, AJ Styles wrestled at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome, unsuccessfully challenging Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Later that day, Styles gave his notice to NJPW, announcing his departure and signing with WWE.

January 14, 2016: Match against Rey Mysterio

On January 14, 2016, AJ Styles competed in a wrestling match for 5 Star Wrestling in Sheffield, England. He faced Rey Mysterio for the first time, and Styles emerged victorious. Styles also lost to John Morrison in a singles match for the inaugural 5 Star Wrestling Championship.

January 20, 2016: Signed with WWE

On January 20, 2016, it was confirmed that AJ Styles had signed with WWE after weeks of speculation. He had also discussed returning to TNA with Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson before WWE offered him a "blow-away deal".

January 23, 2016: Final Independent Appearance Before WWE

On January 23, 2016, Styles made his final independent appearance before he began working for WWE at ROH's TV tapings in Duluth, Georgia. Styles was interrupted by Jay Lethal and The House of Truth, followed by Roderick Strong. Styles' former Bullet Club stablemates assisted him against various members of the ROH roster. Styles proceeded to join Bullet Club in a group hug.

2016: Return to WWE and WWE Championship Win

In 2016, Jones returned to WWE and won the WWE Championship twice, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2016: Voted PWI Wrestler of the Year

In 2016, Jones was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year, solidifying his standing as one of the top wrestlers in the industry.

January 29, 2017: Lost the WWE World Championship to John Cena

On January 29, 2017, at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles was defeated by John Cena for the WWE World Championship, ending his reign at 140 days.

2017: Inducted into Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

In 2017, Jones was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions and lasting impact on the professional wrestling industry.

January 28, 2018: WWE Championship Title Retention at Royal Rumble

On January 28, 2018, AJ Styles retained the WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap championship match at the Royal Rumble.

2018: Voted PWI Wrestler of the Year

In 2018, Jones was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year for the third time, marking another significant achievement in his professional wrestling career.

January 27, 2019: Failed to win the WWE title at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2019, at Royal Rumble, AJ Styles failed to regain the WWE title, after Rowan attacked Styles when the referee was incapacitated and allowed Bryan to retain the title.

January 26, 2020: Royal Rumble Elimination

On January 26, 2020, at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles entered the Royal Rumble match at number 18 but was eliminated by Edge.

2020: Named Wrestler of the Decade by PWI

In 2020, Jones was named Wrestler of the Decade by Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI), recognizing his sustained excellence and impact on the wrestling industry over the past ten years.