Insight with Chris Van Vliet

AJ Styles (Best Of CVV) - Retiring in 2026, His Phenomenal Career in WWE & TNA, The Undertaker, John Cena

Dec 25, 2025
Guest
AJ Styles
AJ Styles, a wrestling icon known for his extraordinary career in WWE and TNA, shares captivating insights from his journey. He reveals his initial decision to reject WWE in 2001 and the growth he experienced in TNA's X Division. Styles discusses memorable matches against The Undertaker and John Cena, his innovative wrestling style, and the significance of his surprise Royal Rumble debut. Looking ahead, he offers a candid take on retirement plans and life beyond the ring, expressing gratitude for his career and family.
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ANECDOTE

Near Career-Ending Injury And Recovery

  • AJ Styles described a near career-ending tendon injury that doctors warned was usually seen in car wrecks and football.
  • He chose therapy over immediate surgery and fought back to walking and wrestling within months.
ANECDOTE

Saying No To Early WWE Offer

  • AJ recalled being offered a WWE developmental deal paying $500/week to move to Cincinnati and declining it due to family and financial reasons.
  • He says turning it down led to TNA and better timing for his career.
INSIGHT

Six-Sided Ring Shaped TNA Identity

  • AJ says the six-sided ring created TNA's identity but was harsher on bodies due to pillar placement under the mat.
  • He noticed his body felt significantly better when returning to a standard squared ring.
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