AJ Styles‘ name has been cleared amid long-standing rumors suggesting he ended a WWE Diva’s career, as Christy Hemme recently addressed the matter. Hemme, a former WWE Diva and winner of Diva Search, clarified where the injury that affected her wrestling career actually originated. The topic has resurfaced as discussions about AJ Styles career rumors cleared continue to circulate.
Christy Hemme Explains the Origin of Her Injury
Christy Hemme retired from in-ring competition in December 2009 while with TNA Wrestling but remained on-screen with the company until 2016. Earlier reports claimed she suffered a neck injury during a training session with AJ Styles. Wrestling, Inc., however, revealed Hemme never required neck surgery but underwent a neurocranial realignment instead.
In a recent interview on The Velvet Ropes with SoCal Val, Hemme dismissed the rumors linking AJ Styles to her injury. She pinpointed the injury’s cause to a match with wrestler Awesome Kong, during which she sustained neck trauma from being thrown repeatedly into the turnbuckle.
“I remember I was in a match with Kong. I got thrown into the turnbuckle and going numb from the neck down. … I got thrown again in the turnbuckle and it happened again. It was stuck a little bit longer, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I just remember thinking, ‘This is really serious.’ And so when I came backstage afterwards, I told Brad Holman, this is our doctor… I said, ‘I’m feeling this thing in my neck or my head or my back.’ And that’s when I went and got my MRI, and I had two protrusions in my spine that were sitting on my spine. You can’t wrestle with that,” Hemme said. [H/T Ringside News]
Career Endings and Recent Developments for AJ Styles
Hemme’s final wrestling match occurred on November 14, 2009, at Northeast Wrestling’s Autumn Ambush event, where she defeated Lea Morrison. AJ Styles, who enjoyed a successful career including two WWE Championship reigns, officially retired at the 2026 Royal Rumble after a career-threatening loss to Gunther.
Upcoming WWE Tribute for AJ Styles
With AJ Styles’ WWE contract reportedly expiring soon, conversations between him and the company indicate a potential new role beyond active competition. Following his appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast and supportive remarks from Triple H about a coaching future, it appears Styles may continue his WWE journey in a different capacity.
To honor his career, WWE announced a tribute episode scheduled for February 23 in Atlanta, Georgia, close to Styles’ residence in Gainesville. Whether he will attend in person remains a point of interest for fans and industry observers alike.
The clarification surrounding Christy Hemme’s injury helps dispel misinformation about AJ Styles’ involvement, providing a clearer understanding of the events that shaped both their careers. As Styles transitions from wrestler to possible coach or mentor, the wrestling world watches closely to see what the next chapter holds for The Phenomenal One.
