10 Things You Didn't Know About WWE Superstar AJ Styles
Somebody wasn't too keen on the idea of having AJ enter the 2016 Royal Rumble in the number three position?!
8. Family First
It's a hidden gem that's not so hidden - in January 2002, Styles worked a match for WWE a local enhancement, losing to Shane "Hurricane" Helms in a five-minute exhibition. The match is notable for Styles taking Hurricane's rarely-seen Vertebreaker finish, and has been a YouTube staple for a number of years.
After this match, as well as an untelevised match against then-developmental talent Rico, Styles himself was offered a developmental deal by WWE.
However, Styles turned them down. As part of the deal, Styles would have had to relocate to Cincinnati (where the Heartland Wrestling Association territory was located), which would have conflicted with his wife Wendy's college education.
Styles chose to pass on WWE's offer, since Wendy's plans were already in motion. Months later, Jeff Jarrett offered Styles an opportunity with his start-up NWA: Total Nonstop Action promotion, which ended up being more geographically convenient for him and his wife.
How different wrestling would be if Styles weren't TNA's star performer from the go.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
