Jeff Jarrett has praised AJ Styles for playing a critical role in shaping the wrestling style seen today. Speaking on Undisputed, Jarrett expressed his happiness for Styles after the wrestler’s recent retirement, highlighting their shared history in TNA Wrestling where Styles became the company’s biggest star. Jarrett emphasized that AJ Styles significantly contributed to what is now recognized as AJ Styles modern wrestling.
The Legacy of the X Division and Styles’ Impact
Jarrett reflected on the early days of the X Division, describing it as a revolutionary concept focused on no limits rather than weight restrictions. He said,
I could not be happier for the guy,
and added,
Getting to work with him was super special. It always takes me back to the creation of the X Division. At the beginning, there were so many questions and doubts about the X Division. I was adamant that it wasn’t about weight limits; it was about no limits.
This innovative approach has since influenced much of today’s wrestling industry.
He further underlined the influence of this era on modern wrestling, stating,
Look at today’s style of wrestling–the 2026 modern style–that’s the X Division from ’03, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07,
before listing practitioners like Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and Sonjay Dutt. Jarrett stressed,
You think of [Samoa] Joe, [Christopher] Daniels, Sonjay [Dutt], and so many others. And AJ is the face of that. That’s why AJ is the face of modern wrestling. I’m super grateful to have worked with him in the ring and behind the scenes with him. I feel very blessed to be a part of AJ Styles’ career.
Styles’ Retirement and Future Role in WWE
AJ Styles concluded his in-ring career at Royal Rumble 2026 and is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 42 weekend. Although he has retired from competition, Styles has signed a new contract to continue working with WWE in a non-wrestling role behind the scenes, ensuring his influence on the sport continues beyond his active years.
Jarrett’s Current Projects and Ongoing Legacy
Jeff Jarrett, inducted into both the TNA and WWE Hall of Fames, is currently with AEW. He is featured in the documentary
The Jeff Jarrett Story: Heart of a Promoter
, which debuts tonight on YouTube and CW Nashville. Jarrett’s reflections on his career, including his time working closely with Styles, add a rich perspective to the wrestling world’s evolution.
Broader Context: Industry Influence and Fan Connection
AJ Styles’ career, shaped alongside figures like Jarrett, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels, has been instrumental in elevating the sport’s style and entertainment value. Joseph Currier, a journalist with deep experience covering wrestling including for F4WOnline.com and Sports Illustrated, continues to report on these developments, sharing insights from Massachusetts where he follows sports closely, including Boston teams and Liverpool Football Club. The ongoing narratives surrounding Styles and Jarrett highlight the sport’s dynamic evolution and the lasting impact of the X Division ethos.
