A former WWE performer has publicly challenged AJ Styles to a match, expressing a desire to face The Phenomenal One before his upcoming retirement. AJ Styles, known for his extensive career spanning more than 40 years across multiple wrestling promotions, announced last month that he plans to retire from professional wrestling in 2026, prior to his 50th birthday.
Styles will soon appear at the Crown Jewel event in Perth, Western Australia, where he is scheduled to compete against John Cena this Saturday. Alongside Cena, another figure from wrestling’s past has shown interest in competing against Styles before he concludes his in-ring career. In a recent interview with Wentworth Bros Entertainment, Jimmy Wang Yang, a former WWE star whose real name is James Yun, revealed that if he were to return to WWE, AJ Styles would be the first opponent he would want to face.
Jimmy Wang Yang’s Desire to Confront AJ Styles Before Retirement
Jimmy Wang Yang emphasized his long history with AJ Styles, claiming an undefeated record against him across multiple wrestling promotions and under different ring personas. Yang stated that their rivalry is an unfinished story he wishes to complete, reflecting on their past encounters in WCW, TNA, and beyond.
“Definitely AJ, because we have such history. I’m actually undefeated against AJ, that’s another trivia question for you, he’s never beat the Yang. WCW, TNA, wherever else, but never in WWE, but that’s my boy, my Georgia, so that’s who I would like to have like ‘finish the story’,” Yang said.
This challenge highlights the long-standing relationship between both wrestlers since the early 2000s, dating back to Wang Yang’s initial victories against Styles.
Historical Matches Featuring Wang Yang and AJ Styles
The two first crossed paths on March 21, 2001, during a WCW Thunder tag-team match where Wang Yang teamed with Kaz Hayashi as The Jung Dragons, defeating AJ Styles—then performing as Air Styles—and Air Paris. Their rivalry continued during the inaugural TNA event in 2002, where Wang Yang, alongside Sonny Siaki and Jorge Estrada as The Flying Elvises, secured a win over Styles, Jerry Lynn, and Low Ki.
Ricochet’s Criticism of AJ Styles
Not all feedback surrounding AJ Styles has been positive, however. AEW star Ricochet recently voiced confidence that he could outperform Styles, criticizing the veteran for not achieving significant victories in recent years. Ricochet urged AEW owner Tony Khan not to sign Styles, arguing that Styles has lost his competitive edge.
This was a really cool spot AJ Styles and Ricochet did #WWERawpic.twitter.com/674Bb00IHV
Although Styles has not yet responded to Ricochet’s remarks, the exchange has stirred debate among fans and wrestling insiders. It remains uncertain whether Styles will engage with these criticisms or choose to focus solely on his final years in the ring.
The Significance of This Challenge and Future Implications
Jimmy Wang Yang’s challenge brings renewed attention to AJ Styles’ impending retirement and his legacy within the wrestling world. Should a match between these two former rivals materialize, it would offer fans a meaningful closing chapter to their longstanding history. Meanwhile, Styles’ scheduled match with John Cena at Crown Jewel exemplifies his continued status as a top-level competitor, even in the final phase of his career.
With Styles set to retire by 2026, conversations about who he will face in his final matches are gaining momentum. The challenge from Wang Yang, combined with Ricochet’s provocative comments, underscores the mixed emotions within the wrestling community as they prepare for the end of an era led by The Phenomenal One.
#JimmyWangYang says hello to old friend as he reunites with @JohnCena, @AJStylesOrg and @mikethemiz backstage at #RAW! #WhereAreTheyNow pic.twitter.com/ZQrQ9fjiV5
— WWE (@WWE) October 16, 2016
This was a really cool spot AJ Styles and Ricochet did #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/674Bb00IHV
— Vindictive Bitch (@TheVindictive) January 19, 2021
