Nick Aldis, currently the WWE SmackDown general manager and a backstage producer since 2023, praised AJ Styles for his significant early support during their time in TNA Wrestling. Aldis first encountered Styles back in 2008 when he began his career in TNA Wrestling as Brutus Magnus, only a few years into his professional wrestling journey. Reflecting on those formative years, Aldis credited AJ Styles with helping him develop his career and offering valuable guidance when he was inexperienced.
Support and Respect Among TNA Wrestlers
In a recent WWE YouTube video, Aldis recounted the encouragement and mentorship he received from AJ Styles during his early days with TNA. He shared,
“When I came into TNA, I was so green. I was absolutely out of my depth, and a handful of guys in TNA really took me under their wing and helped me and, you know, gave me my career, and AJ’s one of those people.”
Aldis added,
“So grateful to him. I’ve had several matches with him that really meant a lot to me in my career.”
Nick Aldis Hails AJ Styles as a Defining Figure in Wrestling
Aldis expressed high praise for AJ Styles’ influence on the sport’s evolution, stating,
“When I think of AJ, I just hope that AJ understands that many of us consider him really the greatest of the generation, and when the history books are written, when they talk about the evolution of the in-ring performance of this industry, I believe that chapter will begin with AJ Styles.”
?Nick Aldis, WWE SmackDown General Manager
Aldis’ Career Journey in and Beyond TNA
Nick Aldis left TNA Wrestling in June 2015 after holding the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and capturing the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice alongside Doug Williams and Samoa Joe. After a stint with the NWA, Aldis returned to a version of TNA Wrestling in 2022, participating in the Multiverse of Matches event alongside Mickie James. This return led to a brief run culminating at Rebellion in 2023 before he transitioned to WWE later that year.
Peers and WWE Stars Acknowledge AJ Styles’ Legacy
Other wrestling figures such as Petey Williams and Dan Engler have also reflected on their experiences with AJ Styles during his TNA tenure. Additionally, numerous WWE stars expressed heartfelt tributes following AJ Styles’ final match, further highlighting the respect and admiration he has garnered throughout his career.
AJ Styles’ Enduring Influence on Professional Wrestling
AJ Styles’ role in shaping modern wrestling techniques and mentoring rising stars like Nick Aldis emphasizes his lasting impact on the sport. As many consider him among the greatest wrestling talents of this generation, his influence continues to resonate across promotions such as WWE, TNA, and NWA. With Aldis now in a leadership position at WWE, the early support Styles provided reflects the ongoing legacy of his career and the bonds he forged within the wrestling community.
