AJ Styles Recalls Keeping His WWE Debut At 2016 Royal Rumble a Secret

AJ Styles made his WWE debut 10 years ago at the 2016 Royal Rumble, a moment that he recently looked back on. The WWE Hall of Famer made his first appearance in WWE at the 2016 Rumble, coming out third in the match. He lasted almost 30 minutes to kick off a 10-year run in WWE that ended at the 2026 Rumble with his retirement.

Styles spoke with James Sweetnam for a new interview promoting the UK tour leading into the 2027 Royal Rumble and was asked about his debut. He recalled how they managed to keep it a secret.

“Well, the the fact that we were able to keep it kind of a secret was unbelievable,” Styles said. “I didn’t fly into Orlando; I flew into Tampa to kind of keep it more of a secret. And even though I was in the back around the boys, nobody ever said anything. So, that was a good thing.”

He continued, “And you know, it was a thought that AJ Styles could make it to the Royal Rumble. And the fact that when you heard this music that you’ve never heard before, then AJ Styles walks out, it was a — man, a moment in time I’ll never forget.”

The 2027 Royal Rumble will take place in February at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. A specific date has yet to be revealed.

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