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, known as AJ Styles, is a prominent American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's Raw brand. Styles is recognized for his exceptional in-ring skills, athletic prowess, and charismatic persona. He has achieved significant success throughout his career, holding multiple championships in various wrestling promotions, including WWE, TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling), and NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling). He is widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2002: WWF/WWE Metal and SmackDown Appearances

In 2002, AJ Styles had two appearances for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). This included a match on Metal, and a dark match before SmackDown. Styles later declined a developmental contract with WWF.

2005: Styles Uses Homophobic Slur at ROH Show

During a 2005 Ring of Honor show, AJ Styles used a homophobic slur against an audience member during a match against CIMA.

January 22, 2009: Tables Match Injury (Kayfabe)

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

January 5, 2012: Fortune Ends

On January 5, 2012, Kazarian abandoned AJ Styles during the final match against Magnus and Samoa Joe, aligning himself with Christopher Daniels and effectively ending Fortune.

March 1, 2014: PCW Match and Injury to Lionheart

On March 1, 2014, AJ Styles appeared for Preston City Wrestling, losing to Lionheart and inadvertently causing a neck injury to Lionheart after a Styles Clash.

2014: Yoshitatsu's Injury and Styles Clash Controversy

In November 2014, during a match with Yoshitatsu, Yoshitatsu broke his neck on a botched Styles Clash, leading to NJPW portraying Styles as a "killer" and the Styles Clash as a controversial maneuver.

2015: Styles Uses Homophobic Slur at PWG Show

During a backstage cut during a 2015 Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show, AJ Styles used a homophobic slur against Kevin Steen. He also referred to an opponent's manager as a "douchebag with a faggity bow tie".

2015: Injury and IWGP Intercontinental Championship Picture

In November 2015, AJ Styles entered the IWGP Intercontinental Championship picture and later pulled out of the 2015 World Tag League due to a back injury.

January 4, 2016: IWGP Intercontinental Championship Challenge and NJPW Departure

On January 4, 2016, AJ Styles unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 10 and gave his notice to NJPW.

January 29, 2017: AJ Styles loses the WWE Championship to John Cena

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 26, 2020: AJ Styles participates in Royal Rumble

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

January 31, 2021: AJ Styles participates in Royal Rumble

On January 31, 2021, AJ Styles entered the Royal Rumble match but was eliminated by Braun Strowman.

January 29, 2022: AJ Styles competes in Royal Rumble

On January 29, 2022, AJ Styles entered the Royal Rumble match, eliminating six wrestlers before being eliminated by Madcap Moss.

January 27, 2024: AJ Styles competes for Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2024, at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles failed to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from Roman Reigns in a fatal four-way match also involving LA Knight and Randy Orton.