During last night’s WWE RAW in Milwaukee, AJ Styles delivered a surprising promo off-air during a commercial break, hinting at backstage conflicts within WWE. The Phenomenal One directly referenced someone behind the scenes who apparently does not want him to remain part of the company, highlighting the tension surrounding his position. This incident, which took place just before his match against El Grande Americano 2.0, has fans and insiders speculating about the forces working against Styles in WWE.
Styles openly mentioned Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, pointing out that they were no longer available to support him, which suggested deliberate efforts to leave him without his usual allies for important matches. This move has fueled rumors that certain backstage figures may be orchestrating a scenario to push him out of WWE as he nears the closing chapter of his in-ring career.
Unveiling Possible Backstage Adversaries Targeting AJ Styles
The central question emerging from Styles’ candid words is: Who in WWE might be plotting against him? This article explores three key backstage figures who could be working against AJ Styles, driven by motivations ranging from creative decisions to long-term planning for WWE’s future.
The Rock’s Potential Role in AJ Styles’ WWE Trajectory
One unexpected individual possibly linked to this backstage drama is The Rock. Looking back at an interview with Sports Illustrated shortly after WrestleMania last year, Styles expressed interest in a match involving The Rock, stating,
“I’m interested, but only if that means The Rock is turning babyface. I’m not interested in being a mediocre bad guy. I want to bring this to a whole new level.” —AJ Styles, interview with Justin Barrasso
At that time, Styles was still a villain, fresh from a strong showing against Cody Rhodes at WWE Backlash in Lyon. Currently, Styles has returned to being a well-liked babyface wrestler, while The Rock remains a controversial figure due to his absence from WWE programming since John Cena’s heel turn at the Elimination Chamber event.
The Rock has not officially retired from WWE and has remained a hot topic, especially given the strained dynamics among top stars like Cena, Rhodes, and Roman Reigns. Introducing a rivalry between The Rock and AJ Styles or a related feud could bring fresh energy to WWE storylines. With Wrestlepalooza marking WWE’s debut on ESPN later this month, having The Rock involved in some capacity, potentially as an adversary or intermediary, would be a logical and strategic move.
Triple H’s Influence and Possible Obstruction of AJ Styles
Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been in charge of WWE creative for over three years, during which fans have frequently criticized how AJ Styles has been utilized. Notably, Triple H brought Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson back to WWE in 2022 after their stints in AEW, NJPW, and IMPACT Wrestling, but they were significantly underused and ultimately released again earlier this year.
This history fuels speculation that Triple H may have deliberately limited Styles’ backing, impacting the trajectory of his matches and storylines. Given that Triple H has the final say on creative decisions, including talent releases, his role could be perceived as an obstacle for AJ Styles. This tension could even be woven into a storyline where Styles becomes an anti-authority figure, challenging the leadership that has seemingly sidelined his allies.
Paul Heyman’s Controversial Role in WWE’s Backstage Landscape
Another influential backstage presence is Paul Heyman, known for shaping WWE’s creative directions despite not always holding an official position. When Heyman served as Executive Director of RAW in 2019, AJ Styles was confined primarily to the United States Championship scene, and The Good Brothers were not presented as key players.
During the pandemic, Gallows and Anderson were released as part of cost-cutting measures, prompting Styles to accuse Heyman of dishonesty. Styles claimed that Heyman had assured him he would have fought to keep The Good Brothers if he had been properly informed, but Heyman later denied knowledge of their release plans.
“he would have fought for them.” —AJ Styles
This conflict fueled suspicion that Heyman may have played a significant role behind the scenes in their departure. As Styles approaches retirement, WWE could develop a storyline where Heyman pushes for The Phenomenal One’s exit, potentially sparking a feud involving Seth Rollins and introducing The Good Brothers’ short-term return.
Future Directions: AJ Styles’ Legacy and Final WWE Arc
With AJ Styles nearing the end of his wrestling career, the unfolding backstage drama could become a pivotal storyline in WWE’s upcoming programming. Whether Styles culminates his run by capturing the World Heavyweight Championship from Seth Rollins or is ultimately forced into retirement by Rollins remains uncertain. Regardless, this narrative promises strong emotional investment and an intense final chapter for one of WWE’s most respected performers.
Though Styles and Heyman have publicly insisted that there is no real-life animosity between them, the tension is ripe for on-screen drama. The involvement of other key figures like The Rock and Triple H will add layers to the story, promising compelling developments in the coming months. These backstage dynamics not only heighten anticipation among fans but may also signal significant shifts in WWE’s roster and creative landscape as 2024 progresses.
