On September 8, during WWE Raw in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AJ Styles surprised fans with a brief but impactful pipe bomb promo delivered during a commercial break before his match against El Grande Americano. The Phenomenal One’s message, which referenced his current standing within WWE, renewed discussions about his career amid recent retirement hints and backstage tensions involving company executives.
Context Behind AJ Styles’ Unscripted Message and Its Implications
Styles has recently been in the spotlight after teasing his retirement on Instagram and following comments from his son, who echoed concerns from fans that Paul “Triple H” Levesque may be undermining Styles through his current booking decisions. During the Raw broadcast at Fiserv Forum, Styles broke from the usual script to address the live audience directly, revealing backstage dynamics by saying some people apparently do not want him in WWE anymore. He also mentioned that his longtime allies Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are no longer with WWE and that Michin is now associated with SmackDown.
Reactions from WWE Superstars and Allies to AJ Styles’ Statement
The promo quickly gained attention from various WWE performers and insiders. Luke Gallows responded on social media, humorously stating,
“I’m going to start charging royalties for pipe-bombs.”
Michin showed public support by sharing the clip and captioning it,
“I’ll have your back forever, Uncle Al (Allen ‘AJ Styles’ Jones).”
These reactions demonstrate the close ties AJ Styles maintains within the wrestling community and highlight the resonance of his candid remarks.
Broader Wrestling Community Responds to AJ Styles’ Unfiltered Address
Beyond those directly involved, AJ Styles’ pipe bomb prompted commentary from other prominent wrestling personalities, reflecting the impact of his words on the industry. The promo, delivered mid-show and off the usual script, has led fans and fellow wrestlers alike to speculate on Styles’ future and WWE’s direction regarding veteran talent. His willingness to speak openly about behind-the-scenes issues marks a rare moment in the company’s recent programming.
What AJ Styles’ Promo Means for WWE’s Future Storylines
The significance of AJ Styles’ candid message lies in its challenge to WWE’s authority and creative choices, especially concerning established stars. By calling attention to his treatment and the absence of his longtime collaborators, Styles has sparked conversations that could influence upcoming booking decisions and fan perspectives. WWE’s response and subsequent storylines may reveal how the company plans to address this growing tension within its roster.
