Roman Reigns shared rare and heartfelt comments about AJ Styles following Styles’ retirement from WWE competition during this year’s Royal Rumble. The WWE superstar praised Styles, emphasizing not only their professional rivalry but also their personal connection, revealing new insights into the man behind the persona.
AJ Styles recently gave his first interview since stepping away from in-ring action at the Royal Rumble, speaking with Stephanie McMahon. During the conversation, Styles was honored with a special video tribute featuring reflections from several of his WWE colleagues. Roman Reigns also took part, offering a glimpse into their relationship beyond the scripted battles seen by fans.
Roman Reigns Shares Personal Stories About AJ Styles in Their WWE Tenure
On the show
“What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon,”
Roman Reigns opened up about his friendship with AJ Styles and looked back on their memorable rivalry when Styles first joined WWE. Reigns described Styles as an exceptional teammate and competitor, highlighting their shared respect despite the intense narrative rivalry on screen.
The 2026 Royal Rumble winner expressed his belief that their rivalry had untapped potential, which remained unexplored after Reigns fully embraced his role as The Tribal Chief. Despite this, Reigns conveyed deep admiration for Styles’ commitment and character.
In a surprising revelation, Reigns mentioned a bond beyond wrestling — their mutual interest in video games — referring to Styles as an “old-a** video game brother,” illustrating a side of their relationship invisible to many fans.
“Hell of a worker, hell of a teammate. Just an old-a** video game brother, you know what I mean? But that reflects, I think, who he is as a person. The discipline he has, being involved in professional wrestling, being on the road, but continuing to stay true to being a family man, being a father. Just happy that I was able to mix it up with him when our time came years ago. It would have been cool to run it back and do it again, you know, explore new chapters, and what we could do together, because there’s just a, pun intended—there’s phenomenal chemistry there. So, have fun. Be safe, brother. We’ll see you down the road,” Roman Reigns said.
The Impact of AJ Styles and Roman Reigns’ Rivalry in WWE History
AJ Styles’ rivalry with Roman Reigns marked an important chapter shortly after Styles’ debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Following a feud with Chris Jericho, Styles engaged in two intense WWE Championship matches against Reigns at major events. Their feud reached its peak with an Extreme Rules encounter for the World Title, showcasing their in-ring chemistry and storytelling ability.
Through their competitive encounters, both performers cemented their legacies as top-tier athletes within WWE. Reigns’ acknowledgment of their partnership and rivalry highlights the respect shared between two defining wrestlers of their era.
Why Roman Reigns’ Reflections on AJ Styles Matter to Wrestling Fans
Roman Reigns’ candid remarks shed light on the person behind AJ Styles’ public persona — a dedicated family man and fiercely loyal friend. Despite the high-pressure world of professional wrestling, Styles’ character offscreen demonstrated steadfast discipline and warmth, as noted by Reigns.
Fans gain a deeper appreciation for the bonds forged behind the scenes and the genuine respect that can exist between fierce competitors. Reigns’ comments also hint at the possibility of future collaborations, should circumstances allow, fueling excitement about what might have been and what could still be possible.
As WWE honors AJ Styles’ contributions and legacy, this rare glimpse from Roman Reigns underscores the importance of personal connections in a demanding profession and invites fans to celebrate not just a phenomenal wrestler but also a remarkable individual.
