Challenges Faced by AJ Styles: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and AJ Styles faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

January 14, 2007: Loss to Rhino at Final Resolution

On January 14, 2007, at Final Resolution, AJ Styles was defeated by Rhino in a Last Man Standing match.

January 22, 2009: Injured by Kurt Angle

On January 22, 2009, Kurt Angle vowed to end AJ Styles' career. Later that night on Impact!, Angle beat Styles in a tables match, where Styles was injured in storyline (kayfabe).

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.

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.