AJ Styles Suggests WWE Should Get Further Involved in Japanese Wrestling

Before coming to WWE, AJ Styles became one of the top American wrestling stars in Japan during his career. The popularity of Styles, Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and others helped New Japan get a foothold in America during the mid to late 2010s. The departures of these men, along with the emergence of All Elite Wrestling & various global issues, have led to wrestling in Japan not getting quite the same attention it did several years ago.

The effect WWE has had on AAA in Mexico has led to some wondering if WWE could achieve the same results elsewhere. AJ Styles believes that WWE’s work with AAA has been great, and a similar approach to Japan would help wrestling in that country. He discussed the topic on the latest edition of Phenomenally Retro, some highlights are below.

AJ Styles on How WWE Could Help Revitalize Japanese Wrestling With Their Involvement:

“From what I’ve heard, things aren’t quite like they used to be, and not in a good way, ever since COVID; it kind of got knocked down a little bit. I think COVID really hurt Japanese wrestling. So I want to see a comeback. I would love to see that because, again, gosh, possibilities, bro.

You talking about Forbidden Doors, man. Bring on the Triple A, the freaking Smackdown, Raw, the NXT…You want to talk about a Wrestlemania, holy cow! Oh my gosh. Can you imagine that WrestleMania? Oh yeah, it’s two days, but guess what? You’re gonna see every performer that you want to see in those two days, right? They’re all part of the WWE umbrella, we’re going to see it all at WrestleMania for the first time ever. Triple A, NXT, Raw, and SmackDown. I’m getting cold chills, dude…

I would love WWE to find a way to be in Japan, kind of like the way AAA is. We’re not changing what they’re doing. We’re not trying to change the culture. We’re just putting our spin on it.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Phenomenally Retro with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.