AJ Styles Didn't Know WWE Move Was Possible When He Left NJPW
AJ Styles joined WWE in 2016
Jul 8, 2021
AJ Styles has revealed that a desire to return to the United States from NJPW opened the door for his move to WWE.
Styles made a shock debut for WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble, entering the match third. The Phenomenal One had departed NJPW in early January, putting pen-to-paper on a contract with Vince McMahon's promotion.
The 44-year-old has now revealed he didn't necessarily know a move to WWE was a possibility when he decided to leave Japan, and was simply looking to return home to the USA after a stint overseas.
However, a chat with Terry Taylor led to a conversation with Triple H, and the ball on a move to WWE rolled on from there.
Speaking to Ryan Satin on the Out Of Character Podcast, Styles said: "I just thought it was time and I didn't know if WWE was an option. Uh, luckily I was able to talk to Terry Taylor who talked to Triple H who finally got in contact with me and the ball started rolling from there.
"I wasn't trying to hurt Japan or anything you know but it was just one of those things where I was, I think I needed to be home. Whether that was WWE, TNA, somewhere else, you know. I just wanted to get back home and I am thankful that WWE helped me feel at home once I got there."
