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 to WWE, performing on the Raw brand. He is celebrated for his exceptional in-ring abilities, including high-flying maneuvers and technical prowess. Styles has achieved considerable success throughout his career, holding championships in various wrestling promotions worldwide, including WWE. His career began in 1998, and he has wrestled for promotions such as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), before joining WWE in 2016. He is regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2002: WWF Developmental Contract Declined

In 2002, after two more appearances for the WWF, AJ Styles was offered a developmental deal contract but declined it due to his wife's college plans.

February 12, 2006: Unsuccessful Title Retainment

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

2006: Feud with The Embassy and ROH Tag Team Championship shot

In 2006, After his feud with The Embassy, AJ Styles failed to win the ROH World Championship and also failed to win the ROH Tag Team Championship with Matt Sydal.

January 14, 2007: Loss to Rhino in Last Man Standing Match

On January 14, 2007, at Final Resolution, AJ Styles lost to Rhino in a Last Man Standing match during their feud.

January 22, 2009: Styles Injured in Tables Match

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

January 5, 2012: Fortune Ends

On January 5, 2012, 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.

March 1, 2014: AJ Styles injures Lionheart

On March 1, 2014, AJ Styles appeared for Preston City Wrestling, losing to Lionheart. Styles injured Lionheart after the match, giving him the Styles Clash, which broke Lionheart's neck.

January 4, 2016: Styles unsuccessfully challenges Nakamura for IWGP Intercontinental Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 10

On January 4, 2016, at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome, AJ Styles unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. It was reported hours later that Styles had given his notice to NJPW that morning.

January 29, 2017: Styles loses WWE Championship to John Cena at Royal Rumble

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

January 27, 2019: Styles fails to win WWE title at Royal Rumble

At the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2019, AJ Styles was attacked by Rowan, allowing Daniel Bryan to retain the WWE Championship. Styles was unsuccessful in winning the title.