History of AJ Styles in Timeline
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.
June 2, 1977: Allen Neal Jones Born
On June 2, 1977, Allen Neal Jones, who is better known as AJ Styles, was born. He is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE.
1996: High School Graduation
In 1996, Allen Neal Jones graduated from Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia. He also won two state wrestling championships during high school.
1996: WWF Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call"
On January 23, 2016, at the end of the show, AJ Styles proceeded to join Bullet Club in a group hug, mirroring the famous 1996 WWF Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call".
1998: Professional Wrestling Debut
In 1998, AJ Styles debuted in professional wrestling after being trained by Rick Michaels. He wrestled as Mr. Olympia in National Championship Wrestling (NCW).
1998: AJ Styles' Debut
In 1998, AJ Styles debuted in professional wrestling and competed for various independent promotions. This marked the beginning of his career in the wrestling industry.
August 1999: Television Championship Win
In August 1999, AJ Styles won the Television Championship in the Georgia-based National Championship Wrestling (NCW) promotion.
December 1999: NWA Wildside Formation
In December 1999, National Championship Wrestling (NCW) merged with NWA Georgia to form NWA Wildside, and Allen Neal Jones was renamed A.J. Styles.
2000: Marriage to Wendy
In 2000, AJ Styles married Wendy, a school teacher.
March 5, 2001: WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship Tournament
On March 5, 2001, A.J. Styles (renamed Air Styles) and Air Paris, known as Air Raid, participated in a tournament for the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship on Nitro but were eliminated in the first round.
July 9, 2001: First WWF Tryout Match
On July 9, 2001, AJ Styles had his first WWF tryout match against his trainer, Rick Michaels, before the taping of Raw. Styles won the match.
October 26, 2001: All Pro Wrestling's King of the Indies Tournament
On October 26, 2001, AJ Styles competed in All Pro Wrestling's King of the Indies tournament. He won his first-round match but was eliminated in the quarter-finals the following night.
November 13, 2001: Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF) Debut
On November 13, 2001, AJ Styles debuted in Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF), competing in a battle royal for the XWF Cruiserweight Championship.
December 22, 2001: NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship
On December 22, 2001, at Christmas Chaos, A.J. Styles defeated Rick Michaels for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship.
2001: WCW Mainstream Exposure
In 2001, AJ Styles gained initial mainstream exposure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This was a significant step in his career, marking his entry into a more prominent wrestling organization.
May 2002: TNA Signing and X Division Championship Win
In May 2002, AJ Styles signed with NWA: Total Nonstop Action (NWA-TNA). He won the inaugural TNA X Division Championship.
2002: ROH Appearance
In 2002, AJ Styles appeared in Ring of Honor (ROH). This marked a period where he wrestled extensively for both TNA and ROH.
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.
2002: Featured in ROH matches
In 2002, AJ Styles was featured in ROH matches, later released in the "AJ Styles - Styles Clash" DVD in 2013.
2002: AJ Styles' Metal match in 2002
On January 20, 2016, After not being on WWE television since his Metal match in 2002, AJ Styles made his re-debut in WWE.
February 2003: ROH First Anniversary Show
In February 2003, at ROH's First Anniversary Show, AJ Styles competed against Low Ki and Paul London in a three-way match.
July 2003: NWA World Heavyweight Championship Defenses
Throughout July 2003, AJ Styles successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in matches against D'Lo Brown and various other opponents.
2003: ROH Releases "Evolution of a Phenom: The Best of AJ Styles"
In 2003, Ring of Honor (ROH) released "Evolution of a Phenom: The Best of AJ Styles", a DVD covering AJ Styles' career from his debut to mid-2003.
February 4, 2004: NWA World Tag Team Championship Win
On February 4, 2004, AJ Styles teamed with Abyss and won the NWA World Tag Team Championship after defeating Kevin Northcutt and Legend, despite being abandoned by Abyss during the match.
March 20, 2004: IWC Super Indy Champion
On March 20, 2004, AJ Styles returned to IWC, entering the promotions Super Indy Survivor Showdown tournament. Styles' faced IWC Super Indy Champion Colt Cabana in the final in a winning effort, capturing the title.
2004: ROH Departure
In 2004, AJ Styles had his final match for ROH after TNA withdrew all of its contracted wrestlers from ROH events. He defeated CM Punk in a rematch with Ricky Steamboat as the guest referee.
2004: IWA Mid-South 2004 Ted Petty Invitational Win
In 2004, AJ Styles returned to IWA Mid-South and won the 2004 Ted Petty Invitational after defeating Jimmy Rave, Matt Sydal, Arik Cannon, Bryan Danielson, and Samoa Joe. On October 21, 2004, Styles also won the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship but lost it two days later.
2004: ROH and TNA Release AJ Styles DVDs
In 2004, ROH released "The Phenomenon Continues: The Best of AJ Styles Vol. 2", a follow-up DVD. Also in 2004, TNA released "Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles", a DVD covering Styles' best matches.
2004: TNA Releases "Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles"
In 2004, TNA released "Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles", a DVD covering Styles' best matches.
January 21, 2005: First Match Against Christopher Daniels
On January 21, 2005, AJ Styles faced Christopher Daniels for the first time. Although he failed to defeat Daniels in ten minutes, Styles qualified for an Iron Man match for the X Division Championship.
May 3, 2005: Birth of Ajay Covell Jones
On May 3, 2005, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their first son, Ajay Covell Jones. His middle name was taken from Christopher Daniels.
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.
2005: Featured in ROH matches
In 2005, AJ Styles was featured in ROH matches, later released in the "AJ Styles - Styles Clash" DVD in 2013.
2005: Brock Lesnar Championship
In 2014, With the win over Okada, Styles became the sixth gaijin (non-Japanese) champion in the title's history and the first American champion since Brock Lesnar in 2005.
September 17, 2006: AAA Debut at Verano de Escándalo
On September 17, 2006, AJ Styles debuted for Mexican promotion AAA at Verano de Escándalo, as part of Team TNA. They defeated Vipers Revolution and The Mexican Powers in a tournament.
2006: ROH Departure
In 2006, AJ Styles concluded his time in Ring of Honor (ROH). During his tenure, he became the inaugural ROH Pure Champion.
2006: ROH Tag Team Championship Shot
In 2006, AJ Styles teamed with Matt Sydal and received a shot at the ROH Tag Team Championship at the Fourth Anniversary Show, but they were unable to defeat the champions, Austin Aries and Roderick Strong.
2006: ROH Releases Shoot Interview with AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels
In 2006, ROH released a shoot interview featuring AJ Styles, alongside Christopher Daniels for the promotions "Straight Shootin'" series.
February 14, 2007: Birth of Avery Jones
On February 14, 2007, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their second son, Avery Jones.
December 20, 2007: IGF Victory Over Senshi
On December 20, 2007, AJ Styles competed in the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), defeating Senshi.
2007: TNA Releases "Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Volume 2" and Styles Mentioned in Insane Clown Posse Song
In 2007, TNA released "Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Volume 2". Also in 2007, AJ Styles was mentioned in the Insane Clown Posse song "Scatterbrain".
February 2008: Accidental Marriage Storyline
In February 2008, AJ Styles was involved in a storyline where he became accidentally married to Karen Angle, creating tension and conflict within The Angle Alliance.
July 26, 2008: CMLL Debut at International Gran Prix Tournament
On July 26, 2008, AJ Styles debuted for CMLL, representing Team International in the International Gran Prix tournament. He defeated Rey Bucanero but was eliminated by Último Guerrero.
2008: Styles Helps Develop TNA Impact! Video Game
In 2008, AJ Styles helped develop the first TNA wrestling video game known as TNA Impact!, which was released the same year on September 9.
2008: NJPW Appearances in 2008
In 2008, AJ Styles made four appearances for NJPW, starting on January 4 where he teamed with Christian Cage and Petey Williams to defeat RISE. On February 17, 2008, Styles lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi. On August 15 and 16, 2008, Styles teamed in losing efforts with Shinjiro Otani and Hiroshi Tanahashi, respectively.
2008: First TNA-NJPW Partnership
In March 2014, AJ Styles returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for the first time since the TNA-NJPW partnership in 2008.
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).
September 15, 2009: Birth of Albey Jones
On September 15, 2009, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their third son, Albey Jones.
2009: Styles Featured on MTV's Made
In 2009, AJ Styles was featured on MTV's Made trying to help a young high schooler become a professional wrestler alongside Taylor Wilde and The Beautiful People (Angelina Love and Velvet Sky).
January 4, 2010: TNA World Heavyweight Championship Defense
On January 4, 2010, AJ Styles successfully defended his TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Kurt Angle.
2010: AJ Styles gets a Tattoo
In 2010, AJ Styles acquired a large tattoo down the right side of his torso which reads "AJ 05-03-05 02-14-07 09-15-09", representing his initials and birth dates of his first three children.
2010: PWI 500 Top Rank
In 2010, AJ Styles was ranked atop the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500, becoming the first TNA wrestler to achieve this recognition.
December 16, 2011: AAA Return at Guerra de Titanes
On December 16, 2011, AJ Styles returned to AAA at Guerra de Titanes, facing El Mesías unsuccessfully for a shot at the AAA World Heavyweight Championship.
2011: Styles Featured in Sarah Darling's Music Video
In 2011, AJ Styles was featured in the music video for country singer Sarah Darling's song "Something to Do with Your Hands".
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.
2012: Styles Presents Award at GMA Dove Awards
In 2012, AJ Styles and Montell Jordan presented the award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Record of the Year to Lecrae at the 43rd annual GMA Dove Awards.
February 2013: TNA Airs Styles' Home Videos
Beginning in February 2013, TNA began airing videos at AJ Styles' home interviewing his wife, a friend, and even attempting to interview Styles himself before he angrily forced them to leave.
November 3, 2013: AAA Return and TNA World Heavyweight Championship Defense
On November 3, 2013, AJ Styles returned to AAA and successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against El Mesías.
November 16, 2013: Wrestle-1 Debut and TNA Championship Defense
On November 16, 2013, AJ Styles debuted for Wrestle-1, successfully defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Seiya Sanada.
2013: ROH Releases "AJ Styles - Styles Clash" DVD
In 2013, ROH released "AJ Styles - Styles Clash", a 2-disc DVD featuring Styles' best ROH matches from 2002 to 2005.
January 2, 2014: Returns to TNA with the Championship
On the December 2 taping of Impact Wrestling which aired on January 2, 2014, AJ Styles returned to TNA with his championship to confront Carter and Magnus.
January 4, 2014: ROH Return Victory over Roderick Strong
On January 4, 2014, AJ Styles defeated Roderick Strong in his return match on Ring of Honor Wrestling.
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.
March 27, 2014: Reported Return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling
On March 27, 2014, it was reported that AJ Styles would return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the TNA-NJPW partnership in 2008.
October 8, 2014: Birth of Anney Jones
On October 8, 2014, AJ Styles and his wife Wendy welcomed their daughter, Anney Jones.
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.
January 4, 2015: Victory Over Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 9
On January 4, 2015, AJ Styles defeated Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome.
January 6, 2015: Inserted himself back into the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
On January 6, 2015, AJ Styles inserted himself back into the IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture, when he pinned 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, AJ Styles defeated John Hennigan to win the FWE Heavyweight Championship in a best of three falls match.
May 29, 2015: House of Glory Victory Over Justin Gabriel
On May 29, 2015, as the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion, AJ Styles defeated Justin Gabriel at House of Glory High Intensity 4.
2015: Leader of the Ring of Honor (ROH) version of Bullet Club
By the end of 2015, AJ Styles was considered the leader of the Ring of Honor (ROH) version of Bullet Club, a role which was also given to him by NJPW.
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: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Award
In 2015, AJ Styles won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter award for Wrestler of the Year.
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.
2015: Chikara King of Trios Tournament
In September of 2015, AJ Styles teamed with The Young Bucks in the Chikara King of Trios tournament, reaching the semi-finals but losing to Team AAA.
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 14, 2016: 5 Star Wrestling Match in England
On January 14, 2016, AJ Styles wrestled for 5 Star Wrestling in Sheffield, England, defeating Rey Mysterio and losing to John Morrison.
January 20, 2016: Signing with WWE
On January 20, 2016, AJ Styles signed with WWE after discussions with TNA. He was offered a "blow-away deal" by WWE.
January 23, 2016: Final Independent Appearance Before WWE
On January 23, 2016, AJ Styles made his final independent appearance for ROH, interrupted by Jay Lethal and The House of Truth, before reuniting with Bullet Club.
2016: AJ Styles adds to his Tattoo
In 2016, AJ Styles added the birth date of his fourth child, reading "10-08-14" to his tattoo.
2016: WWE Return and Championship Win
In 2016, AJ Styles returned to WWE and won the WWE Championship twice. His return marked a significant milestone in his career.
2016: Wrestler of the Year
In 2016, AJ Styles was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year. This accolade is a recognition of his performance and impact in the wrestling industry.
2016: TNA Releases "The Essential AJ Styles Collection"
In 2016, TNA released "The Essential AJ Styles Collection", a 4-disc DVD set showcasing Styles' top 30 greatest TNA matches.
2017: Hall of Fame Induction
In 2017, AJ Styles was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
January 28, 2018: AJ Styles retains the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble
On January 28, 2018, AJ Styles retained the WWE Championship in a handicap match against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble.
2018: PWI Wrestler of the Year
In 2018, AJ Styles was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year for the third time.
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.
2020: Wrestler of the Decade
In 2020, AJ Styles was named Wrestler of the Decade by PWI, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in professional wrestling.
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.
February 1, 2025: AJ Styles returns at Royal Rumble and moves to Raw
On February 1, 2025, AJ Styles made his first appearance since October, entering the Royal Rumble match and was then transferred to the Raw brand on February 3.
