Cedric Alexander Says Working With AJ Styles Erased Doubts That He Made the Right Career Choice

Cedric Alexander had the opportunity to work with AJ Styles several times in his career, and he says that helped solidify that he was in the right career. Alexander actually wrestled Styles a few times before there were both in WWE, but he had several chances to face Styles in WWE including a pair of challenges for the WWE United States Championship in 2019.

Alexander spoke with Justin Dhillon for The Wrestling Classic and was asked about working with Styles, who is now retired and working as a coach and talent scout for WWE. Alexander also spoke about how he’s different from where he was in the early stages of his career. You can see highlights below:

On Working With AJ Styles:

“I don’t know, man. AJ’s one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. And the fact that I was able to get a ring with him on multiple occasions and have some really, really good matches with him, it just solidifies the fact that I know I made the right choice in being a pro wrestler. I was born to do this, I was bred to do this. And you know, if I ever had any doubts before? Like, there’s there’s always a thing, like you read online people say, ‘Oh, you suck’ or whatever like that. Like bro, my heroes love wrestling with me and I have great matches with them.

“So, there’s not much people can say that would dampen in my mood when it comes to my love for wrestling. But, AJ is one of those guys like — man, he’s just, he’s the reason I’m holding this [the X-Division Title].”

On the Difference Between Him Now and Years Ago:

“Oh, smarter. I’m way smarter, way smarter now than I was. And I understand the business more, and it’s not just in terms of in-ring. It’s just about the ins and outs, and where to pick your battles. And it’s something that I wish I would have known a long time ago, better than I do now. But you know, I’m just smarter.

“Other than that, I’m just — I’m smarter, more comfortable, more dangerous in some ways. Because that time with Hurt Business has really changed how I approach wrestling. So, I think if I had gotten that kind of a treatment earlier in my wrestling career, you would see a way different person.”

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