I. Origins and Early Ascent
Allen Neal Jones – born June 2, 1977 – grew up a wrestling fan in the American South and quickly developed a passion for the sport’s athleticism and storytelling. After training under seasoned wrestlers, Styles debuted professionally in the late 1990s. Even in those early days, his style was distinct: a seamless blend of high-impact strikes, aerial maneuvers, and uncanny ring psychology that made him stand out on smaller shows. Word spread rapidly among fans and promoters alike that someone special had arrived.
By the early 2000s, Styles had become one of the cornerstones of TNA Wrestling (Total Nonstop Action, later Impact Wrestling). There, as “The Phenomenal One,” he built his brand and reputation from the ground up. TNA’s focus on athletic matches and young talent meshed perfectly with Styles’s strengths. Over more than a decade in the company, he captured numerous championships – including multiple TNA World Heavyweight and X-Division titles – and became the face of an era defined by innovation and risk-taking. Rarely short on confidence, Styles insisted that every match be competitive, competitive in a way that elevated both competitors.
The significance of his TNA work cannot be overstated: long before the explosion of independent wrestling on social media and streaming platforms, Styles was delivering match-of-the-year candidates on a weekly national show, exposing casual fans to a new model of in-ring excellence. In doing so, he pushed peers and successors alike to raise their game.
II. Japan and the Global Breakthrough
After years in North America, Styles’s career reached a new peak when he ventured to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). There, he aligned himself with the infamous Bullet Club, a faction that became a cultural force in wrestling worldwide. Styles’s leadership in Bullet Club helped bridge the gap between Japanese and Western audiences, and his timeless matches against stars like Hiroshi Tanahashi further burnished his credentials.
In NJPW, Styles captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice, cementing his status as a true global star. His Japanese run expanded his tactical repertoire and deepened his understanding of wrestling as a performance art that crosses linguistic and cultural barriers.
Perhaps more importantly, his time abroad helped build the momentum that would lead to his eventual signing with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) – arguably the most prominent stage in professional wrestling.
III. WWE Stardom and “The Phenomenal One” Legacy (2016–2025)
AJ Styles’s WWE debut came in 2016, inserted directly into the infamous Royal Rumble match—a one-shot, all-world showcase that immediately signified his importance. In a landscape crowded with icons, veterans, and rising stars, Styles quickly distinguished himself as a main event-level performer. Over nearly a decade in WWE, he became known not only for his technical mastery but also for his storytelling: the way he could make a rival feel personal, a match feel urgent, and a fan feel invested.
During his WWE tenure, Styles amassed a decorated résumé:
- Multiple WWE Championship reigns.
- Intercontinental and United States title victories.
- Legendary feuds against names like John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and others.
- Memorable WrestleMania performances and pay-per-view highlights.
His presence elevated every match he was in: from high-stakes title bouts to deeply personal rivalries, Styles maintained a standard of excellence that rarely faltered, even as the industry and its performers evolved around him.
IV. 2025: A Career Approaching the Sunset
By 2025, AJ Styles was in his late 40s—a stage in wrestling where many performers shift roles, embrace mentorship, or reduce in-ring activity. Rather than quietly fading away, Styles entered this period with reflection, pragmatism, and openness about his future.
A. 2025 Royal Rumble and RAW Move
In early 2025, Styles made a stirring return at the Royal Rumble, entering at #21. Although he made an impact—eliminating LA Knight—it was Logan Paul who ultimately ousted him from the match, a moment that was both competitive and symbolic of the generational shift underway. Shortly afterward, it was officially announced that Styles had been assigned to WWE RAW—a shift that placed him on the company’s flagship weekly program with a renewed roster of opponents and opportunities.
Moving to RAW gave Styles fresh challenges and narrative avenues. With stars like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, and Gunther dominating the red brand’s storylines, Styles was well-positioned to continue contributing in impactful ways—either as a competitor or as a mentor figure within the locker room.
B. WrestleMania 41 and Ongoing Rivalries
At WrestleMania 41 in 2025, Styles engaged in a high-profile match against Logan Paul. A fierce and dramatic contest culminated in a Paul victory, bolstered by narrative interference and strategic disruption.
This match reflected the broader evolution of Styles’s character and role in WWE: while still a top-tier performer capable of delivering electric performances, he increasingly served as both a testing ground for emerging stars and as a symbol of wrestling tradition confronting new entertainment paradigms.
C. SummerSlam and Intercontinental Title Pursuits
The summer of 2025 saw Styles chase the Intercontinental Championship, engaging in a spirited feud with Dominik Mysterio. Although he challenged fiercely—including at SummerSlam Night 1—he ultimately did not capture the title.
While some fans may have hoped for another championship run, the very fact that Styles remained in elite contention underscored his enduring relevance, even as audiences and storylines shifted.
D. Retirement Plans Announced
Amid these matches and storylines, Styles began speaking candidly about his future. In interviews surrounding WWE’s tours—particularly in Japan—he confirmed that 2026 would be his final year as an active competitor.
Styles explained that unlike many performers who merely fade out, he wanted to control his narrative and departure—leaving the ring on his own terms and with dignity intact. He spoke emotionally about Japan, a country that shaped his wrestling identity and to which he hoped to bring one last performance before returning home for a final chapter.
V. The Phenomenal’s Farewell Tour and Final Matches (2026)
The year 2026 brought the culmination of AJ Styles’s in-ring journey.
A. Return to TNA
In early January 2026, Styles made a poignant appearance at TNA’s iMPACT debut on the AMC Network, marking his first return to the promotion that helped build his early career in over a decade.
This moment wasn’t a full return to TNA as a wrestler under contract; rather, it was a symbolic passage—the Phenomenal One revisiting his roots as he prepared to close the book on an era. To many fans, this signified a full-circle moment: from his early TNA days to global superstardom, and finally back home once more.
B. Royal Rumble 2026: Last Stand
At the 2026 Royal Rumble, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Styles faced one of his toughest opponents: Gunther, WWE’s World Heavyweight Champion. Billed as a career-on-the-line match, this struggle was the culmination of years of storytelling and a poetic closing chapter to Styles’s WWE tenure.
After a fierce battle, Styles succumbed to Gunther’s submission hold, marking the official end of his WWE in-ring career. Post-match, Styles removed his gloves—symbolizing the conclusion of an era—but then slipped them back on, leaving fans with a poignant visual that sparked speculation about potential future appearances outside WWE. Whether that means a return to TNA for a farewell bout, public appearances, or even occasional special matches, his legacy remains alive in multiple spaces.
C. WWE Retirement Announcement and Hall of Fame
Shortly after the Royal Rumble, Styles made an emotional and heartfelt retirement announcement during an episode of WWE RAW in Atlanta, Georgia—his hometown region.
His words were filled with gratitude—to fans, to family, and to those who shaped his journey. In a surprise moment that touched fans worldwide, The Undertaker rode in on a motorcycle and announced that Styles would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a prestigious accolade that suits his storied career.
VI. Legacy Beyond the Ring
AJ Styles’s impact on professional wrestling extends far beyond wins, losses, or championship reigns. His legacy resides in several arenas:
A. In-Ring Craft and Innovation
Styles redefined what it meant to be an athletic and technically proficient wrestler in the modern era. His matches were blueprints for younger performers: crisp, dynamic, and emotionally resonant. From his signature Phenomenal Forearm to his ability to tell multi-layered stories within the confines of a match, Styles set a new standard for what top-tier wrestling could look like.
B. Cross-Cultural Influence
Styles wasn’t merely a U.S. or WWE star – he was a global performer. His success in Japan, Europe, and on worldwide tours helped bridge wrestling cultures. His leadership in factions like Bullet Club influenced wrestling styles around the world, and his adaptability made him a superstar in any promotion.
C. Inspiration to Future Generations
Countless wrestlers across NXT, AEW, NJPW, and the independent circuit cite Styles as a profound influence. Whether they admired his technical prowess, his ability to elevate partners, or his championship mindset, many performers view him as a benchmark of excellence.
D. Balancing Stardom With Humility
Perhaps most remarkable is Styles’s attitude. Throughout his career, he emphasized respect—respect for opponents, for fans, and for the tradition of wrestling itself. In an industry often rooted in ego, Styles stood out as a professional committed to the craft and to leaving the business better than he found it.
VII. After the Curtain Falls
As AJ Styles transitions to life outside of day-to-day competition, his influence continues. Whether mentoring upcoming talent, advising promotions, or joining commentary or training roles, he possesses a wealth of knowledge few can match. His wife, family, and personal life are now in sharper focus, and Styles himself has voiced a desire to prioritize those aspects after years of touring and performing.
While Styles has acknowledged that wrestling will always be part of him, he also recognizes the importance of stepping away while still at the peak of self-respect and fan admiration.
VIII. Closing Reflection
AJ Styles’s story is not simply about matches won or titles claimed. It is about the artistry of performance, the power of resilience, and the influence of dedication. From small independent venues to sold-out arenas around the world, Styles performed with purpose – every bump, every hold, every moment calculated to elevate those around him and to honor the audience watching.
In wrestling’s ever-changing landscape, few performers encapsulate transition, evolution, and excellence the way AJ Styles does. His career serves as a testament to what is possible when natural talent meets unwavering discipline. As “The Phenomenal One” walks into retirement, he leaves behind a blueprint for success and an enduring legacy that will be studied, celebrated, and cherished by wrestling fans and performers for years to come.
The Knowledge Base 
Leave a comment