IMPACT
WWE star AJ Styles has recalled his time with TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, believing that the company didn’t ever see him as ‘the guy’.
While Styles joined WWE in 2016 following a stint with NJPW, many wrestling fans recognised the popular star from his 12 year stint with IMPACT Wrestling.
Despite his tenure with the promotion and numerous TNA title wins, Styles doesn’t believe that the company ever viewed him as their top star.
Speaking on Mark Andrews’ My Love Letter to Wrestling podcast, Styles noted:
“Well I think ‘the guy’ for IMPACT is what most people saw me but I wasn’t the guy to them. I was just A.J. Styles who had been here but their guy was more of a guy who had been from WWE.
“I think that’s who they looked to, to do pretty much everything. I don’t think I was ever that guy for them, at least in their eyes. I think in the fans’ eyes, they go, that’s our guy.
“But as far as the Dixie Carters of the world, they were like, ah, it’s more Kurt (Angle) or Sting. It’s not A.J., you know?
Styles made his WWE debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble match, immediately facing off against then-WWE Champion Roman Reigns.
The Phenomenal One has recalled his first interactions with Vince McMahon following his debut, which you can read more about right here.
At Night of Champions, Styles will face off against Seth Rollins for the new World Heavyweight Championship.
The card for WWE Night of Champions 2023 on Saturday, May 27 is as follows:
World Heavyweight Championship – Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins vs. AJ Styles
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship – Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (c) vs. Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa
Raw Women’s Championship – Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka
SmackDown Women’s Championship – Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Natalya
Intercontinental Championship – Gunther (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus
Transcription via POST Wrestling.
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