AJ Styles sparked widespread discussion following his segment on the September 8 episode of WWE RAW, drawing attention to the ongoing AJ Styles WWE RAW promo debate. Eric Bischoff, a former TNA executive familiar with Styles’ career, shared his opinion on whether the wrestler’s intense comments were genuine or part of a planned storyline.
During RAW, Styles secured a victory over El Grande Americano in a nine-minute match. Prior to the bout, Styles delivered a promo during a commercial break, where he mentioned former WWE talents Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows and suggested that someone behind the scenes no longer wants him at WWE. This segment quickly became a focal point for speculation.
Eric Bischoff’s Take on the Authenticity of Styles’ Promo
Bischoff, who worked closely with Styles during his time at TNA, spoke about the promo on his 83 Weeks podcast. He expressed his belief that what appeared heartfelt might actually be a scripted angle designed to build intrigue.
“It’s a great premise for a solid angle going forward,” Bischoff said. “That’s my take on it. I did see the clip, and it was on social media, so I was able to see it. I almost sent AJ a text saying, ‘That was an awesome, awesome interview,’ because it was heartfelt. It reminded me of AJ back in TNA when it was the homegrown stars kind of premise. That was a big thing for AJ back in the day at TNA. It reminded me of that, which is why I smell story as opposed to a real issue. Could be wrong.”
—Eric Bischoff, Hall of Famer
The promo’s timing aligns with ongoing speculation about Styles’ WWE future. Recent reports from Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated indicate Styles has explored options outside WWE as his contract approaches expiration in 2026, adding to the uncertainty.
Evaluating AJ Styles’ Current Wrestling Performance
AJ Styles is widely recognized as one of the leading wrestlers globally, with a career spanning more than two decades, including two WWE Championship reigns. Despite being older than many of his peers, he continues to be a formidable competitor inside the ring.
Bischoff offered his perspective on Styles’ current in-ring capabilities, highlighting the wrestler’s enduring skill even as age affects some aspects of his performance.
“AJ’s a phenomenal performer. He’s an amazing performer. And, to this day, even though he’s gotten older, probably lost a beat or two in terms of his speed and some of his abilities in the ring, but he’s made up for it in so many ways. It really doesn’t matter. I would be disappointed and very surprised if AJ doesn’t have one really big run left in him over the next couple of years in WWE because he’s too solid of a performer.”
—Eric Bischoff, Hall of Famer
The Broader Context: WWE’s Upcoming Events and Styles’ Role
Alongside his commentary on Styles, Bischoff also shared thoughts on WWE’s announcement that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia, signaling the company’s continuing expansion into international markets. This context adds pressure and opportunity for top talents like Styles moving forward.
The AJ Styles WWE RAW promo debate remains a significant storyline element, fueling speculation about his future and creative direction within WWE. With his contract set to expire in 2026, Styles’ next moves could profoundly affect the wrestling landscape in the years ahead.
