Jimmy Wang Yang, a former WWE star, has reignited interest in the AJ Styles vs Jimmy Yang rivalry by highlighting that he remains undefeated against AJ Styles throughout their careers. With Styles announcing his retirement is set for 2026, Yang expressed a desire to have a final match to settle their ongoing history.
Early Career Encounters Between Jimmy Yang and AJ Styles
Jimmy Wang Yang, whose real name is James Yun, crossed paths with AJ Styles during their time in WCW and TNA. Their first significant meeting occurred in June 2002 at the debut TNA event, where Yang teamed with Jorge Estrada and Sonny Siaki as the Flying Elvises. They defeated the trio of AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, and Low Ki. This victory marked one of the earliest established links between the two competitors.
Prior to that, Yang and Styles faced off in a tag team match on WCW Thunder over a year earlier. Yang, alongside Kaz Hayashi, emerged victorious against Styles and Air Paris. These encounters contributed to Yang’s unbeaten record against Styles across multiple wrestling promotions, though they have never faced each other in WWE.
Yang’s Perspective on a Potential WWE Return Match
In a recent interview with Wentworth Bros Entertainment, Jimmy Wang Yang was asked about whom he would choose to face if he returned to WWE. He named AJ Styles right away, emphasizing their shared history and his undefeated status against Styles. Yang stated,
“Definitely AJ (he’d want to face in WWE), 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’.”
— Jimmy Wang Yang
This highlights Yang’s wish to conclude their long-standing rivalry with a definitive showdown under the WWE banner.
Recent Activity and Ongoing Relevance in Wrestling
Jimmy Wang Yang last competed in January 2025 at the Warriors of Wrestling New Beginnings event. He participated in a three-way match alongside TJ Marconi and Isaiah Wolf, demonstrating his continued involvement in the wrestling scene. Meanwhile, AJ Styles’ planned retirement in 2026 adds urgency to any potential match-up between the two veterans, underscoring the significance of a final bout.
The AJ Styles vs Jimmy Yang storyline remains a compelling narrative in professional wrestling, with Yang’s undefeated claim fueling anticipation for a future confrontation. Fans watching both men’s careers will likely keep an eye on developments as Styles approaches retirement and Yang considers further returns to high-profile matches.
