AJ Styles's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of AJ Styles.

Allen Neal Jones, known as AJ Styles, is a retired American professional wrestler and current WWE talent scout. He achieved prominence through his work in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and Ring of Honor (ROH). Styles started his career in 1998, wrestling for several independent promotions and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before achieving mainstream recognition in TNA.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 3, 2013: Styles Defends TNA World Heavyweight Championship in AAA

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

November 16, 2013: Styles Debuts in Wrestle-1

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

2013: Styles wins Bound for Glory and leaves TNA

In 2013, AJ Styles won the Bound For Glory Series, earning a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match. Despite not having a contract, he defeated Bully Ray at Bound for Glory to win his second championship. After defending the title, he refused a new contract offer and left TNA with the title. TNA vacated the title on October 29th, and Styles returned to unify the titles with Magnus in his final match. Contract negotiations broke down in December, leading to Styles' departure after nearly twelve years due to a 60% salary reduction offer.

2014: Established as one of the best talents on the planet

In 2014, Ayub Nouinou of The Independent noted that AJ Styles had "established himself as one of the best talents on the planet over the last two years (2014 and 2015)".

2015: Established as one of the best talents on the planet

In 2015, Ayub Nouinou of The Independent noted that AJ Styles had "established himself as one of the best talents on the planet over the last two years (2014 and 2015)".

2016: WWE signing and best matches

In 2016, Ayub Nouinou of The Independent stated that pertaining to Styles' WWE signing "the addition of Styles would have to be considered one of the greatest signings since the turn of the millennium" and Josh Barnett noted that Styles had "some of the WWE's best matches, including multiple matches against John Cena and Roman Reigns".

March 2017: AJ Styles MVP of WWE

In March 2017, USA Today columnist Josh Barnett stated that AJ Styles "could be considered the MVP of WWE over the last year" and noted that he "is considered one of the rare performers who can have a great match with anyone".