AJ Styles Recalls His Relationship With Eric Bischoff Getting Off to a Bad Start in TNA

During a recent edition of the Phenomenally Retro podcast last month, WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles discussed his working relationship with Eric Bischoff when both of them were working in TNA Wrestling. Bischoff came into TNA along with Hulk Hogan in 2010. Hogan came in to be TNA Wrestling’s new figurehead. Meanwhile, Bischoff became an executive producer and head of creative and management behind the scenes. Below are some highlights (via WrestlingInc.com):

AJ Styles on When He First Started Working With Eric Bischoff in TNA

“The first time that Eric and I started working together, it was just not–our experience wasn’t very good. had said some things regarding my Ric Flair lookalike kind of thing, and it kind of p***** Eric off, and my intention was to let him know how I feel. So we didn’t start off so well, and it’s probably my fault more than anybody’s.”

On When Things Started To Improve Between Them

“I remember when I went to ‘Lone Wolf’ AJ Styles, and I had this idea about I’ll be coming from the crowd, and I told Eric about it. He goes, ‘No, we’re not going to do that right now.’ I said ‘Okay’ and I walk off, he goes ‘Hey, hey, AJ, let me tell you why.’ After that, our relationship went through the roof.”

Styles also noted during the podcast that he has a lot of respect for his fellow WWE Hall of Famer, as Bischoff took the time to explain why something wasn’t the right move rather than brushing him off.