AJ Styles arrived in WWE in 2016 already celebrated for his Hall of Fame-level performances in promotions like TNA and NJPW, securing his reputation as one of the greatest wrestlers ever. His WWE journey further elevated his legacy, highlighted by several standout matches, though not every bout enhanced his status, as some encounters negatively impacted his record in WWE.
AJ Styles vs. Cody Rhodes at WWE Backlash 2024: A Historic Clash
One of AJ Styles’ most memorable WWE moments came when he faced Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at Backlash 2024. This match featured an exceptionally passionate audience, regarded by many as one of the loudest crowds in WWE history, which amplified the intensity and importance of the contest. Initially underestimated as a routine match, it ultimately turned into a classic that expanded both wrestlers’ legacies dramatically. Rhodes emerged victorious, but the performance by both men cemented their places at the top of WWE.
AJ Styles vs. Omos on WWE RAW 2021: A Low Point for Styles
After teaming up to capture the RAW Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 37, AJ Styles and Omos seemed to be on a promising path together before WWE abruptly ended their partnership. Their feud culminated in a match on RAW that was widely considered disappointing, mainly because Styles was unexpectedly crushed in under four minutes. This loss, where a multi-time world champion appeared diminished, was a stark downturn in Styles’ WWE career trajectory.
AJ Styles Faces The Undertaker in WrestleMania 36’s Boneyard Match
AJ Styles had the rare honor of being the last opponent in The Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania streak. Their cinematic Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36 offered a unique, creative farewell to The Undertaker, giving the storied veteran a satisfying sendoff. Styles played a pivotal role in making this match compelling and memorable, marking a significant and respected moment in his WWE legacy.
AJ Styles in the 2022 WWE Title Elimination Chamber: A Widely Criticized Battle
The 2022 men’s Elimination Chamber match is often cited as one of the worst iterations of this format, and unfortunately, AJ Styles was part of this disappointing card. The match became notorious for Brock Lesnar’s dominating entrance, where he eliminated opponents rapidly and claimed the WWE Championship. The overall execution was poorly received, and Styles’ involvement in this lackluster bout affected perceptions of his WWE run during that period.
AJ Styles vs. John Cena at Royal Rumble 2017: A Classic WWE Title Encounter
Prior to their even more famous SummerSlam 2016 meeting, Styles and John Cena’s Royal Rumble 2017 match stood out as one of the last great WWE Title battles featuring Cena. This encounter showcased Styles near his peak performance, delivering a match that fans regard as one of the finest championship contests in WWE history. Their bout continues to be celebrated for its high skill level and storytelling.
AJ Styles’ Participation in Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet at WWE Super ShowDown 2020
AJ Styles’ presence in the 2020 Saudi Arabia event Super ShowDown included competing in the unusual Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet match. This contest is largely remembered for its brief conclusion, with Styles being swiftly defeated by The Undertaker in what became Undertaker’s final official in-ring match. The match itself was minimal and did little justice to Styles’ stature, resulting in a negative note on his record.
AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 33: Showcasing Styles’ Versatility
At WrestleMania 33, AJ Styles played a critical role in elevating Shane McMahon’s performance, helping deliver one of McMahon’s best matches ever. This bout was among the highlights of the event and demonstrated Styles’ ability to carry and enhance the quality of matches while contributing significantly to his own acclaimed WWE legacy.
AJ Styles’ Struggles in WWE WrestleMania 41 Against Logan Paul
One of the more difficult periods in AJ Styles’ WWE career became apparent during WrestleMania 41, where he wrestled Logan Paul. This match is often viewed as Paul’s weakest performance and showed a clear decline in Styles’ in-ring capabilities compared to his prime years. The slow and uneven pace of the match detracted from the event’s overall quality and harmed Styles’ WWE reputation.
AJ Styles vs. John Cena at SummerSlam 2016: Defining Moment in WWE
While their Royal Rumble encounter is praised higher, the AJ Styles and John Cena match at SummerSlam 2016 remains crucial in establishing Styles’ WWE main event status. Winning cleanly against Cena, Styles proved he could stand toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s biggest stars. This performance was instrumental in affirming his image as one of the best wrestlers in the world during his debut year in WWE.
AJ Styles’ Unexpected Losses to James Ellsworth on WWE SmackDown 2016
In a surprising and unpopular storyline, AJ Styles faced James Ellsworth multiple times in 2016 on SmackDown, with Styles losing all three matches despite being the reigning WWE Champion. Although these outcomes involved interference from Dean Ambrose, Ellsworth’s victories as a comedic underdog damaged Styles’ credibility as a dominant titleholder, which caused frustration among fans and critics alike, complicating Styles’ legacy during that period.
