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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=AJ Styles
|name = AJ Styles
|image=AJ Styles in April 2016.jpg
|image = AJ Styles Apr 2018.jpg
|caption=Styles in April 2016
|caption = Styles pada bulan April 2018
|birthname=Allen Neal Jones
|birthname = Allen Neal Jones
|names = Air Styles<br/>A.J. Styles<br/>'''AJ Styles'''<ref name="WWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/aj-styles|title=AJ Styles|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 28, 2016}}</ref><br/>Mr. Olympia<ref name="int2002">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_38451.shtml|title=Torch Talk Flashback: A.J. Styles (2002) – talks brief WCW run, trying out for WWE in front of Ric Flair, origins in WWE|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 26, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 27, 2010}}</ref>
|birth_date= {{birth date and age|1977|6|2|mf=y}}
|height = 180 cm<ref name=WWE/>
|birth_place= [[Jacksonville, North Carolina]], U.S.
|weight = 99 kg<ref name=WWE/>
|resides=[[Gainesville, Georgia]], U.S.
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|6|2}}
|spouse={{marriage|Wendy Jones<br>|August 5, 2000}}
|birth_place = [[Jacksonville, North Carolina]], [[USA]]
|children=4
|resides=[[Gainesville, Georgia]], [[USA]]
|spouse = {{marriage|Wendy Jones<br/>|August 5, 2000}}
|children = 4
|website={{url|ajstyles.org}}
|website={{url|ajstyles.org}}
|names=Air Styles<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/a/aj-styles/|accessdate=August 18, 2008|title=A.J. Styles profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><br>A.J. Styles<ref name=OWOW/><br>'''AJ Styles'''<ref name=OWOW/><ref name=WWE/><br>Mr. Olympia<ref name="int2002">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_38451.shtml|title=Torch Talk Flashback: A.J. Styles (2002) – talks brief WCW run, trying out for WWE in front of Ric Flair, origins in WWE|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 26, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 27, 2010}}</ref>
|height={{height|ft=5|in=11}}<ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/aj-styles|title=AJ Styles|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=January 28, 2016}}</ref>
|weight={{convert|218|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=WWE/>
|billed=Gainesville, Georgia<ref name=TNAbio/>
|billed=Gainesville, Georgia<ref name=TNAbio/>
|trainer=[[Rick Michaels]]<ref name=SLAM/>
|trainer = [[Rick Michaels]]<ref name=SLAM/>
|debut=1998<ref name=SLAM/>
|debut = 1998<ref name=SLAM/>
}}
}}
'''Allen Neal Jones''' ({{lahirmati||2|6|1977}}), lebih dikenal dengan [[nama ring]] '''AJ Styles''' (atau '''A.J. Styles'''), adalah [[Gulat profesional|pegulat profesional]] Amerika yang saat ini bergabung dengan [[WWE]], di mana ia tampil di [[WWE brand extension|merek]] [[Smackdown (merek WWE)|Smackdown]]. Ia juga dikenal ketika berada [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA, sekarang dikenal sebagai Impact Wrestling) dari 2002–2014 dan [[Gulat Pro Jepang Baru|New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) dari 2014–2016.
'''Allen Neal Jones''' (born June 2, 1977), best known by the [[ring name]] '''A.J. Styles''' (also stylized as '''AJ Styles'''), is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown brand]] and is the current [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] in his second reign.<ref name=WWE/> Long regarded as one of the world's best professional wrestlers,<ref name="moore">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/01/collectibles-column-find-top-cards-2016s-veteran-breakout-stars/|title=Where to Find Top Cards of 2016's Veteran Breakout Stars|last=Moore|first=Michael|date=September 1, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 11, 2016}}</ref> Styles has headlined numerous [[pay-per-view]] events internationally.


Styles debuted in 1998 and competed for various [[independent circuit|independent promotion]]s, before gaining his first mainstream exposure in [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in 2001. From 2002–2013 he became widely known for his tenure in [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA), who described him as "the cornerstone of the company since the inception in 2002".<ref name=TNAbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1602-the-phenomenal-aj-styles|accessdate=August 18, 2008|title=A.J Styles bio|publisher=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA Wrestling]]|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519202437/http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1602-the-phenomenal-aj-styles|archivedate=May 19, 2011}}</ref> Within that organization, Styles held the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] [[List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions|three times]] and the [[Impact Global Championship|TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] [[List of Impact Global Champions|twice]], and was the inaugural titleholder of the [[Impact X Division Championship|X Division Championship]], which he won [[List of Impact X Division Champions|six times]]. Styles is the first professional wrestler to complete the [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of TNA Triple Crown Champions|TNA Triple Crown]] (five times) and the [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#TNA Grand Slam Champions|TNA Grand Slam]] (two times).
Ia memulai debutnya pada tahun 1998 dan berkompetisi untuk berbagai [[Sirkuit independen|promosi independen]] sebelum mendapatkan perhatian media mainstream di [[Gulat Kejuaraan Dunia|World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) pada tahun 2001. Styles dikenal luas setelah menandatangani kontrak dengan TNA, yang menggambarkannya sebagai "landasan perusahaan sejak awal";<ref name="TNAbio2">{{Cite web|title=A.J Styles bio|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1602-the-phenomenal-aj-styles|publisher=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA Wrestling]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519202437/http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1602-the-phenomenal-aj-styles|archive-date=May 19, 2011|access-date=August 18, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> ia memenangkan [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] [[Daftar Juara Dunia Dampak|dua kali]], [[Kejuaraan Kelas Berat Dunia NWA|NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship]] [[Daftar Juara Dunia Kelas Berat NWA|tiga kali]], dan merupakan pemegang gelar pertama [[Kejuaraan Divisi X Dampak|X Division Championship]], yang ia menangkan [[Daftar Juara Divisi X Dampak|enam kali]]. Ia juga merupakan juara [[Triple Crown (gulat profesional)|Triple Crown]] TNA dan [[Grand Slam (gulat profesional)|Grand Slam]] pertama.<ref name="AJ ROH2">{{Cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=December 30, 2013|title=AJ Styles - Ring Of Honor Update And More Roh News|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/82498/aj-stylesring-of-honor-update-and-more-roh-news.html?p=1|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=June 17, 2014}}</ref> Styles secara bersamaan muncul di [[Cincin Kehormatan|Ring of Honor]] (ROH) dari 2002 hingga 2006, di mana ia menjadi juara [[Kejuaraan Murni ROH|ROH Pure]] pertama, dan bergulat di NJPW antara 2014 dan 2016, di mana ia memenangkan [[Kejuaraan Kelas Berat IWGP|IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] dua kali.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014|title=AJ's Schedule|url=http://www.ajstyles.org/schedule.html|publisher=Ajstyles.org|access-date=June 17, 2014}}</ref>


Styles pertama kali muncul di [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF, sekarang WWE) pada tahun 2002, tetapi menolak [[Kelompok Tani|kontrak pengembangan]] . Ia kembali ke perusahaan pada tahun 2016, dan memenangkan [[WWE Championship]] dua kali; dengan kemenangan keduanya di [[Manchester]], Styles diakui oleh WWE sebagai pegulat pertama yang memenangkan gelar di luar [[Amerika Utara]] . Pada 371 hari, ini adalah pertahanan terlama kedelapan dalam sejarah gelar itu. Ia juga memenangkan [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] tiga kali, dan [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] dan [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Raw Tag Team Championship]] masing-masing sekali, sehingga menjadi pegulat kedua (setelah [[Kurt Angle]]) yang meraih [[Triple Crown (gulat profesional)|Triple Crown]] di TNA/Impact dan WWE, dan yang pertama meraih [[Grand Slam (gulat profesional)|Grand Slam]] di TNA/Impact dan WWE.
In 2010, Styles became the first TNA-contracted wrestler to be ranked number one on the annual ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' (''PWI'') ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' list. He simultaneously appeared in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) from 2002–2006, where he became the inaugural [[ROH Pure Championship|ROH Pure Champion]]. In 2014, Styles signed with [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) and won his first of two [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]]s in his debut match, later becoming the third leader of the [[Bullet Club]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajstyles.org/schedule.html|title=AJ's Schedule|publisher=Ajstyles.org|date=2014|accessdate=June 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="AJ ROH">{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/82498/aj-stylesring-of-honor-update-and-more-roh-news.html?p=1|first=Mike|last=Johnson|title=AJ Styles - Ring Of Honor Update And More Roh News|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=December 30, 2013|accessdate=June 17, 2014}}</ref> Styles has also won various titles on international independent circuits, including the [[PWG World Championship]].


Lama dianggap sebagai salah satu pegulat profesional terbaik di dunia,<ref name="moore">{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Michael|date=September 1, 2016|title=Where to Find Top Cards of 2016's Veteran Breakout Stars|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/01/collectibles-column-find-top-cards-2016s-veteran-breakout-stars/|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> Styles telah menjadi headline untuk beberapa acara [[Tayangan berbayar|pay-per-view]], termasuk acara premier masing-masing WWE dan TNA, [[WrestleMania]] dan [[Bound for Glory (wrestling pay-per-view)|Bound for Glory]]. Ia menduduki peringkat teratas ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|500]]'' tahun 2010, pegulat TNA pertama yang melakukannya, terpilih sebagai PWI [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Wrestler of the Year|Wrestler of the Year]] 3 kali antara 2016 dan 2018, dan Wrestler of the Decade tahun 2020. Styles juga memenangkan 10 penghargaan [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'']], termasuk [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)|Wrestler of the Year]] tahun 2015 dan 2016, dan dimasukkan dalam [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] mereka tahun 2017.
Styles first appeared in WWE (then the World Wrestling Federation, or the WWF) in 2002, but turned down a [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental contract]] he was offered with the company. He signed a multi-year contract with WWE fourteen years later in January 2016, making his re-debut that month and going on to win the [[WWE Championship]] in September. Both ''PWI'' and the ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' (WON) voted him Wrestler of the Year for 2016. With his second WWE Championship victory in [[Manchester]], [[England]] in November 2017, Styles was recognized by WWE as the first wrestler to win the title outside of [[North America]]—this reign became the longest in SmackDown history under the brand extension. Also that year, he was inducted into the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|''WON'' Hall of Fame]].


== Early life ==
== Kehidupan awal ==
Allen Neal Jones<ref name=SLAM>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/styles-aj.html|accessdate=July 15, 2008|title=A.J Styles' bio|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling|last=Milner|first=John}}</ref> was born at [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune]] in [[Jacksonville, North Carolina]]<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2"/> on June 2, 1977.<ref name=Official>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajstyles.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903134638/http://www.ajstyles.org/|title=The Phenomenal One|publisher=A.J. Styles official website|archivedate=September 3, 2011|accessdate=August 22, 2011}} Note that birth date appears only on archived version of site.</ref> He grew up in poverty with an abusive, alcoholic father.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2"/> The family's poverty was such that they could not afford cable television, which resulted in Jones being unable to watch professional wrestling.<ref name=NZPWI/> He attended [[Johnson High School (Gainesville, Georgia)|Johnson High School]] in [[Gainesville, Georgia]], graduating in the class of 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/23160/|archive-url=https://archive.is/20161129161543/http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/23160/|dead-url=yes|archive-date=November 29, 2016|title=Hall's star wrestler helps others get 'Made'|author=Morales, Kristen|publisher=Gainesville Times|accessdate=August 11, 2015|date=September 4, 2009}}</ref> Jones left [[Anderson University (South Carolina)|Anderson University]] in [[Anderson, South Carolina]], where he was on a partial wrestling [[scholarship]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/people/college.htm|title=Wrestler's Colleges|website=pwwew.net|accessdate=February 28, 2016}}</ref> to try professional wrestling.<ref name=spencer>{{cite web|url=http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1524070.html|title=Styles enjoys the circus inside a six-sided ring|work=The Daily Reporter|author=Mitchell, Russ|accessdate=August 11, 2015|date=March 21, 2009}}</ref> He entered a professional wrestling school because his friends were doing it and to find out whether he had a natural aptitude for it.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2">{{cite video|title=Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles: Volume 2|medium=DVD|publisher=TNA Home Video|date=2007}}</ref> To supplement his income, he worked by mowing lawns and driving an ambulance.<ref name=spencer/>
Allen Neal Jones<ref name="SLAM">{{cite web|last=Milner|first=John|title=A.J Styles' bio|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/styles-aj.html|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628235349/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/styles-aj.html|archive-date=June 28, 2015|access-date=July 15, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> lahir di Kamp Pangkalan Korps Marinir Lejeune di [[Jacksonville, Carolina Utara]],<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2">{{cite video|title=Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles: Volume 2|medium=DVD|publisher=TNA Home Video|date=2007}}</ref> pada 2 Juni 1977.<ref name="Official">{{cite web|title=The Phenomenal One|url=http://www.ajstyles.org/|publisher=A.J. Styles official website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903134638/http://www.ajstyles.org/|archive-date=September 3, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2011}} Note that birth date appears only on archived version of site.</ref> Dia tumbuh dalam kemiskinan dengan ayah yang kasar dan pecandu alkohol.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2" /> Kemiskinan keluarga sedemikian rupa sehingga mereka tidak mampu membeli televisi kabel, yang mengakibatkan Jones tidak dapat menonton gulat profesional kesukaan masa kecilnya.<ref name="NZPWI" /> Dia bersekolah di Johnson High School di [[Gainesville, Georgia]], lulus pada angkatan 1996.<ref>{{cite news|author=Morales, Kristen|date=September 4, 2009|title=Hall's star wrestler helps others get 'Made'|url=http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/23160/|newspaper=[[The Gainesville Times (Georgia)|Gainesville Times]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161129161543/http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/23160/|archive-date=November 29, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Jones mengambil [[gulat amatir]] di sekolah menengah dan menjadi juara gulat negara bagian dua kali.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mooneyham|first1=Mike|date=July 19, 2019|title=Did you know AJ Styles was a state wrestling champ in high school?|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/wrestling/did-you-know-aj-styles-was-a-state-wrestling-champ-in-high-school/article_cd6d74bc-aa35-11e9-b5e5-8f6f9d4aa26e.html|website=[[The Post and Courier]]|access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> Jones kemudian kuliah di [[Universitas Anderson]] di [[Anderson, Carolina Selatan]]. Ia mendapatkan [[beasiswa]] gulat, dan mempelajari pendidikan jasmani.<ref name="spencer">{{cite web|author=Mitchell, Russ|date=March 21, 2009|title=Styles enjoys the circus inside a six-sided ring|url=http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1524070.html|work=The Daily Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201173858/http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1524070.html|archive-date=February 1, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ia kemudian diajak oleh beberapa temannya untuk mencoba gulat profesional.<ref name="spencer" /> Dia masuk sekolah gulat profesional karena teman-temannya melakukannya dan untuk mengetahui apakah dia memiliki bakat alami untuk itu.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2" /> Untuk menambah penghasilannya, ia bekerja sebagai pemotong rumput dan pengemudi ambulans.<ref name="spencer" />


== Referensi ==
== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career (1998–2002) ===
Jones was trained by [[Rick Michaels]] and debuted in 1998.<ref name=SLAM/> In the [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]-based National Championship Wrestling (NCW) [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] he wrestled as Mr. Olympia, a masked wrestler, losing to Michael Brooks in his first [[Professional wrestling match types#Singles match|singles match]].<ref name=SLAM/> By August 1999, he had won the promotion's Television Championship.<ref name=SLAM/>

From 1999 to 2001, he generally competed in less notable [[Independent circuit|independent promotions]]. In December 1999, NCW [[Mergers and acquisitions|merged]] with NWA Georgia to form [[NWA Wildside]], and Jones was renamed A.J. Styles. He appeared sporadically even after signing with NWA-TNA, and is a former [[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship|NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion]], having defeated [[Rick Michaels]] for the [[Professional wrestling championship|title]] on December 22, 2001 at Christmas Chaos.<ref name=SLAM/>

[[Atlanta]]-based [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) had observed Styles' and [[Air Paris]]' program in NWA Wildside and offered each a contract in early 2001. Styles (renamed Air Styles) and Paris were placed in a [[tag team]], which was named Air Raid.<ref name=SLAM/> The team's [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] saw both men dress in [[G-suit]]s, with Air Raid appearing on ''[[WCW Thunder|Thunder]]'' three times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2001&promotion=2|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On the March 5, 2001 episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]'', they were entered into a tournament for the newly created [[WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship]], but were eliminated in the first round by eventual winners [[Elix Skipper]] and [[Kid Romeo]].<ref name=SLAM/>

On July 9, 2001, Styles had his first WWF tryout match against his trainer, Rick Michaels, before the taping of Raw. Styles won with a Shooting Star Press but was not offered a contract.

On October 26, 2001, Styles participated in [[All Pro Wrestling]]'s [[List of All Pro Wrestling Tournaments#2001|King of the Indies]] tournament. He defeated Jardi Frantz in his first round match, but was eliminated by [[Christopher Daniels]] in the quarter finals the following night.<ref name="cagematch.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2001&promotion=94|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On November 13, 2001, Styles debuted in [[Xcitement Wrestling Federation]] (XWF), competing in a [[Professional wrestling battle royal|battle royal]] against Billy Fives, Christopher Daniels, [[Juventud Guerrera]], [[Kid Kash]], [[Prince Iaukea]], [[Psicosis]] and [[Low Ki|Quick Kick]] for the XWF Cruiserweight Championship, but was unsuccessful in winning the title. Later that night, Styles defeated [[Josh Mathews]] in a match taped for XWF television. The following night, Styles was defeated by Daniels, again in a match taped for the XWF television program.<ref name="cagematch.net"/>

Styles made two more appearances for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 2002: on the January 26 episode of Metal (taped on January 21), in a losing effort against The Hurricane, and in a dark match prior to the January 27 episode of SmackDown! (taped on January 22), where he was defeated by Rico Constantino. After these matches, WWF offered Styles a developmental deal contract, where it would require Styles to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) developmental territory was located, Styles ultimately declined the deal, as the move would interfere with his wife's college plans. Despite this, Styles wrestled one non-contracted match for HWA, on February 19 against Matt Stryker in a losing effort.

Styles debuted for [[Australia]]n promotion [[World Wrestling All-Stars]] (WWA) on February 24, 2002, making his [[pay-per-view]] debut at [[List of WWA pay-per-view events#The Revolution|WWA: The Revolution]] against Christopher Daniels, [[Low Ki]], [[Shark Boy]], [[Mike Bucci|Super Nova]] and [[Tony Mamaluke]] in a six-way [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|survival elimination match]], in a losing effort. On April 7, Styles teamed with Chuck E. Chaos to face [[Jerry Lynn]] and Super Nova in a losing effort. On April 10, Styles faced Lynn and Nova in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|three-way-dance]], in a losing effort. On April 12, Styles defeated Nova in a tournament semi-final match at [[List of WWA pay-per-view events#The Eruption|WWA: The Eruption]] for the [[WWA International Cruiserweight Championship]]. Styles progressed to the final later that night in which he defeated Jerry Lynn to win the title, which he [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vacant|vacated]] soon after.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2002&promotion=37|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On March 2, Styles debuted in the [[East Coast Wrestling Association]] (ECWA), entering the promotion's 6th annual [[ECWA Super 8 Tournament#2002|Super 8 tournament]]. He defeated [[Xavier (wrestler)|Xavier]] in the first round, as well as [[The Amazing Red]] in his semi-finals match, but was defeated in the final by [[Donovan Morgan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2002&promotion=21|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On June 15, Styles debuted in Game Changer Wrestling, entering the Jersey-J Cup tournament. In the first round, Styles defeated Qenaan Creed, he then progressed to the quarter-final, defeating [[Colt Cabana]]. In the semi-final, he was defeated by Reckless Youth, and was eliminated from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2002&promotion=710|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

In October, Styles traveled to the UK, debuting in the [[Frontier Wrestling Alliance]] (FWA) on October 13, suffering a loss to [[Jonny Storm]] in his debut match at FWA: British Uprising. On October 15, Styles was defeated in a [[FWA British Heavyweight Championship]] number one contender [[Round-robin tournament|round robin]] challenge three-way match by [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]] and Jerry Lynn at FWA: Seasons Beatings. Later that night, Styles defeated [[Jody Fleisch]] in the same round robin challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2002&promotion=38|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On November 1, Styles debuted in [[IWA: Mid-South]], taking part in the promotions annual [[Ted Petty Invitational#2002 Ted Petty Invitational|Ted Petty Invitational]] tournament, but was defeated by Christopher Daniels in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2002&promotion=10|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== Ring of Honor (2002–2006)===
==== Early years (2002–2004) ====
[[File:AJ & Matt....jpg|thumb|left|upright|Styles with [[Matt Sydal]] at an ROH event in 2006]]
Styles debuted in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) at its third show, 2002's A Night of Appreciation,<ref name=roh>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults.php|title=Ring of Honor Official results|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134439/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults.php|archivedate=May 28, 2010}}</ref> and quickly became a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Main eventer|main eventer]] (e.g., performing in [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Main event|main event]] matches against [[Low Ki]] for the [[ROH World Championship]] at Honor Invades Boston).<ref name=roh/> After failing to win the title, he became the first holder of the Number One Contender's Trophy, which was viewed within the promotion as a secondary championship at the time.<ref name=roh/> At the One Year Anniversary Show in February 2003, Styles competed against Low Ki and [[Paul London]] in a three-way match, which was won by London. After this, Styles competed by himself and defeated [[The Backseat Boyz]] ([[Johnny Kashmere]] and [[Trent Acid]]), [[The Carnage Crew]] ([[Matt Knowles|HC Loc]] and [[Tony DeVito]]), and [[The S.A.T.]] (Joel and Jose Maximo), to receive a title shot for the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Championship]]. He chose [[Amazing Red]] as his partner, and the two defeated [[The Prophecy (professional wrestling)|The Prophecy]] (Christopher Daniels and Xavier) to win the championship.<ref name=roh/><ref name="ROHtag"/> Styles then [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with London, who was upset that he had chosen Red as his partner, wrestling to a [[Professional wrestling#Draw|draw]] at Night of the Grudges.<ref name=roh/> Styles and Red then defeated [[The Briscoe Brothers]] ([[Jay Briscoe|Jay]] and [[Mark Briscoe]]) on three separate occasions, but lost to The Prophecy. At Wrath of the Racket, Christopher Daniels and [[Dan Maff]] put Red out of action and Styles picked [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] as his replacement partner. Styles and Homicide beat The Prophecy,<ref name=roh/> but Styles had to vacate the title due to Red being sidelined by a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|legitimate]] injury.<ref name="ROHtag"/>

After his reign as ROH Tag Team Champion, Styles took [[Jimmy Rave]] as his protégé and attempted to become the ROH World Champion, defeating [[Daniel Bryan|Bryan Danielson]] at Main Event Spectacles to become the number one contender. At War of the Wire, Styles unsuccessfully challenged [[Samoa Joe]] for the title.<ref name=roh/> He then defeated [[CM Punk]], Jimmy Rave, and [[Matt Striker|Matt Stryker]] in a one night tournament at the [[ROH 2nd Anniversary Show|Second Anniversary Show]] to become the first [[ROH Pure Championship|ROH Pure Wrestling Champion]].<ref name=roh/> Styles defeated Punk in a rematch with [[Ricky Steamboat]] as the [[Referee (professional wrestling)#Special referees|guest referee]] at At Our Best for his final match for ROH in 2004,<ref name=roh/> as TNA withdrew all of its contracted wrestlers from all ROH events and ROH vacated the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929388.html|title=2004 a year of triumph for Ring of Honor|author=Clevett, Jason|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling|accessdate=August 23, 2008|date=February 16, 2005}}</ref>

==== Feud with Jimmy Rave (2005–2006) ====
Styles returned to Ring of Honor at the Third Anniversary Celebration: Part Two to wrestle Jimmy Rave, who accused him of stealing the ''[[Facebuster#Belly-to-back inverted mat slam|Styles Clash]]'' (which he called the ''Rave Clash'') from him, though he was unsuccessful in defeating Rave.<ref name=roh/> During his feud with Rave and [[The Embassy (wrestling)|The Embassy]], Styles formed an [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Alliance|alliance]] with [[Generation Next]], who were also feuding with The Embassy. At Glory by Honor IV, Styles defeated Rave with [[Mick Foley]] in his corner, with the stipulation that the loser could no longer use the ''Rave''/''Styles Clash'' in Ring of Honor.<ref name=roh/> At This Means War, he defeated Generation Next leader [[Austin Aries]], who was attacked by The Embassy following the show. At Vendetta, Styles had his final match against The Embassy when he, along with Austin Aries, [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] and [[Evan Bourne|Matt Sydal]] were defeated by [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]], [[Alex Shelley]], Jimmy Rave, and [[Prince Nana]] in an [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|eight-man tag match]].<ref name=roh/>

Following his feud with The Embassy, Styles set his sights on winning a championship. At A Night of Tribute, Styles faced Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal in a [[Professional wrestling matches#Basic non-elimination matches|three-way match]], which Daniels won. On the first show of 2006, Styles wrestled and defeated Matt Sydal, after which the two agreed to form a tag team and challenge for the ROH Tag Team Championship, which were held by Sydal's Generation Next teammates Austin Aries and [[Roderick Strong]]. Before receiving a shot at the tag team title, Styles received a shot at the ROH World Championship when he was handpicked by Bryan Danielson, but he was unsuccessful.<ref name=roh/> At the Fourth Anniversary Show, Styles and Sydal received their shot at the ROH Tag Team Championship, but were unable to defeat the champions.<ref name=roh/>

After an absence, Styles returned at Death Before Dishonor IV, defeating [[Davey Richards]]. Styles returned at Time to Man Up, losing to Samoa Joe.<ref name=roh/> In a pre-taped [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promo]], Styles said he would be taking several months off from ROH following the match; however, ROH commentators continually referred to the match as his final match and even played a special tribute to him after it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/46934/ROH---Time-to-Man-Up-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Time to Man Up DVD Review|date=November 1, 2006|accessdate=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2002–2013)===
==== NWA World Heavyweight Champion (2002–2004) ====
In May 2002, Styles was signed to a non-exclusive contract by [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA). He appeared on the first weekly TNA pay-per-view, teaming with [[Low Ki]] and [[Jerry Lynn]] and losing to [[The Flying Elvises]] ([[Jimmy Yang]], [[Jorge Estrada]] and [[Sonny Siaki]]).<ref name=SLAM/> The following week, Styles defeated Low Ki, Jerry Lynn and [[Psicosis]] in a double elimination match to become the [[List of GFW X Division Champions|inaugural]] [[GFW X Division Championship|TNA X Division Champion]].<ref name=SLAM/> He won a second title on the third TNA pay-per-view, teaming with Lynn and defeating [[Allan Funk|Bruce]] and [[Lenny Lane]] in the finals of a tournament for the vacant [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=OWOW/> Styles successfully defended both titles in the following weeks, but began to bicker with the veteran Lynn during their matches together. On August 7, Styles lost the X Division title to Low Ki in a three-way dance also involving Lynn.<ref name=OWOW/> The following week, he and Lynn fought [[Jeff Jarrett]] and [[Ron Killings]] to a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]], and the tag team title was held-up as a result.<ref name=OWOW/> The following week, he and Lynn fought one another in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Falls Count Anywhere match|Falls Count Anywhere match]] (which was won by Lynn), a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|no disqualification match]] (which was won by Styles) and a ten-minute [[Iron Man match]], which ended in a draw after both men scored three [[Professional wrestling#Pifall|pinfalls]].<ref name=OWOW/> On August 28, Low Ki defended the X Division Championship against Lynn and Styles in a [[ladder match]] and lost the title to Lynn.<ref name=OWOW/> Recruiting [[Mortimer Plumtree]] and Sonny Siaki as allies, Styles continued to feud with Lynn in successive weeks.<ref name=OWOW/> On October 23, he defeated [[Sean Waltman|Syxx-Pac]] for the X Division Championship,<ref name=SLAM/> but lost the title to Lynn on November 6 and tried unsuccessfully to regain it throughout the remainder of the year.<ref name=SLAM/>

In 2003, Styles began focusing on the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] when, after defeating [[David Flair]] on January 15 to become the number one contender, he recruited the help of [[Larry Zbyszko]] and associated himself with [[Vince Russo]]'s [[Sports Entertainment Xtreme]] (S.E.X.) [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]].<ref name=OWOW/> Styles faced NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett on February 19, but was defeated.<ref name=OWOW/> In the course of the match, Styles became a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]], attacking S.E.X. as they tried to interfere on his behalf because he did not want to win in that manner. Styles briefly teamed with [[D'Lo Brown]], but disbanded for their [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world title]] aspirations, challenging each other on June 4 in a number one contendership match which was won by Styles. Styles defeated Jarrett and [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] in a three-way match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (becoming the first [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|TNA Triple Crown]] winner in the process) on June 11 with assistance from Russo, thus [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turning]] into a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]].<ref name=SLAM/> Throughout July 2003, Styles successfully defended the title in matches against D'Lo Brown and a myriad selection of opponents before [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|dropping]] the title back to Jarrett on October 22.<ref name=SLAM/> Following his loss, Styles reverted to being a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] while Jarrett became a villain. On November 12, he teamed with [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] to defeat [[Lex Luger]] and Jeff Jarrett, though his bid for the title on December 3 was unsuccessful due to interference from [[Kid Kash]].<ref name=OWOW/>

Styles feuded with [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] and Jeff Jarrett throughout January, and on February 4, 2004 after Styles demanded a title shot, Jarrett's ally [[Don Callis]] forced him to team with Abyss in a match with the NWA World Tag Team Champions, [[Kevin Northcutt]] and [[Joe E. Legend|Legend]], which Styles' won, despite being abandoned by Abyss.<ref name=SLAM/> The following week, Styles defeated Abyss in a match to determine the sole owner of the tag team championship by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] after Jarrett interfered, but his victory was overturned by Callis, leading to another match the following week which was won by Abyss after Lex Luger interfered, thus granting Abyss sole control of the tag team championship.<ref name=SLAM/> On March 17, Abyss defeated Styles to become the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=OWOW/> Russo granted Styles a championship [[steel cage match]] against Jarret on April 21, where he won his second world title.<ref name=SLAM/> He successfully defended the title in matches with Ron Killings, Raven and Chris Harris, and on May 19 he defended against all three men in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|four-way]] title match. Styles lost the title to Killings after Jarrett interfered in the match, hitting him with a guitar.<ref name=OWOW/>

==== X Division Champion (2004–2007) ====
{{see also|A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels}}
[[File:A J Styles 1.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Styles in 2005]]
Styles returned to the [[X Division]] shortly thereafter, winning a four-way match to become the number one contender to the X Division Championship on the June 4 episode of ''[[Impact! (TV series)|Impact!]]''.<ref name=SLAM/> On June 9, he defeated [[Frankie Kazarian]] to become a three-time X Division Champion.<ref name=SLAM/> In the following weeks, Styles feuded with Kid Kash and [[Lance Hoyt|Dallas]],<ref name=SLAM/> while successfully defending the title in matches with Kazarian and [[Mr. Águila]]. An additional match on June 23 with the debuting [[Jeff Hardy]] was interrupted by Kash and Dallas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/24/512582.html|title=TNA: Second anniversary nothing special|date=June 4, 2004|last=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> On July 28, he defended the title against Kazarian and [[Matt Bentley|Michael Shane]] in an [[Ultimate X match]].<ref name="TNA-jul.28">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/07/29/561928.html|title=TNA: Ultimate X marks co-champions|date=July 29, 2004|last=Roopansingh|first=Jaya|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> After Kash struck Styles with a [[crutch]], Shane and Kazarian simultaneously retrieved the [[Championship belt#Professional wrestling|title belt]] and became co-X Division Champions.<ref name="TNA-jul.28"/> After several abortive attempts to regain the title, Styles fought Kash in a number of matches, culminating on September 8 in a [[tables match]] which was won by Styles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/09/621994.html|title=TNA Wednesdays end with a whimper|date=September 9, 2004|last=Roopansingh|first=Jaya|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> In October, Styles began feuding with Petey Williams (who by then was the TNA X Division Champion) and on November 7 at [[Victory Road (2004)|Victory Road]], the first monthly [[List of TNA pay-per-view events|pay-per-view event]] held by TNA, Styles failed to regain the title from Williams.<ref name="VR04">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/08/723409.html|title=Victory Road bombs|date=November 8, 2004|last=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

At [[Final Resolution (2005)|Final Resolution]], Styles won the X Division Championship for a fourth time in an Ultimate X match, defeating [[Chris Sabin]] and the reigning champion Petey Williams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/17/901070.html|title=New Resolution needed by TNA|date=January 17, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles faced Christopher Daniels for the first time on January 21, 2005, and after failing to defeat him in ten minutes, qualified for a thirty-minute Iron Man match for the championship at [[Against All Odds (2005)|Against All Odds]],<ref name="Impact-Jan.21">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/01/26/911124.html|title=Impact: Hardy goes into the Abyss|date=January 26, 2005|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="AAO-05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/14/930282.html|title=Iron Man steals Against All Odds|date=February 14, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> where Styles defeated Daniels to retain the title after initial tying and going into "[[Sudden death (sport)|sudden death]]" rules.<ref name="AAO-05"/> The feud between Styles and Daniels continued and at [[Destination X (2005)|Destination X]] on March 13, Styles lost the title to him in an [[Ultimate X match|Ultimate X Challenge]] also featuring Ron Killings and Elix Skipper.<ref name="DX05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/03/14/960363.html|title=Destination X: Overbooked but fun|date=March 14, 2005|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

After defeating Abyss at [[Lockdown (2005)|Lockdown]] to become the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/25/1019275.html|title=Lockdown lacks|date=April 25, 2005|last=Clevett|first= Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles won his third world championship from Jeff Jarrett at [[Hard Justice (2005)|Hard Justice]],<ref name="HJ05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/16/1041895.html|title=Styles ends Jarrett's reign at Hard Justice|date=May 16, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="PS132">{{cite news|title=Looking at: TNA Hard Justice|work=Power Slam|publisher=SW Publishing|pages=24–25|id=132}}</ref> which he lost to [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] in a [[King of the Mountain match]] at [[Slammiversary (2005)|Slammiversary]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/20/1095889.html|title=Raven crowned king at Slammiversary|date=June 20, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles then entered the [[TNA 2005 Super X Cup Tournament]], which granted the winner a shot at the X Division Championship. Styles defeated Matt Bentley in the quarter-finals and Petey Williams in the semi-finals, but lost to Samoa Joe at [[Sacrifice (2005)|Sacrifice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/08/15/1174128.html|title=TNA makes a great Sacrifice|date=August 15, 2005|last=LaCroix|first=Corey David|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> As Christopher Daniels (the reigning X Division champion) had interfered in the match, TNA Director of Authority Larry Zbyszko added Styles to the resultant title bout. At [[TNA Unbreakable|Unbreakable]], Styles defeated Samoa Joe and Daniels in a critically lauded three-way match to become the X Division Champion for a fifth time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/12/1213460.html|title=Unbreakable an astounding PPV|date=September 12, 2005|last=LaCroix|first=Corey David|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref><ref name=FiveStars/>

[[File:Daniels y AJ en Destination X.jpg|thumb|Styles teamed and feuded with [[Christopher Daniels]] throughout 2005]]
At [[Bound for Glory (2005)|Bound for Glory]], Styles successfully defended the title against Christopher Daniels in the second thirty-minute Iron Man.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1130122788.shtml|title=Bound for Glory PPV Results - 10/23/05 - Orlando (New World Champ)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=October 23, 2005|accessdate=April 5, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref> The following month at [[Genesis 2005|Genesis]], Styles successfully defended the title against Petey Williams.<ref name=Genesis2005>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1131940865.shtml|title=Genesis PPV Results - 11/13/05 - Orlando (Former WWE star debuts)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=November 13, 2005|accessdate=April 5, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref> Styles then started a feud with Joe, claiming that he had broken the unwritten "code of the X Division" by brutally beating Daniels.<ref name=Genesis2005/> At [[Turning Point 2005|Turning Point]], Styles lost the X Division Championship to Joe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1134360328.shtml|title=Turning Point PPV Results - 12/11/05 (Sting sends a message & more)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 11, 2005|accessdate=April 5, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref> Styles was unsuccessful in retaining the title in a triple threat match, also featuring Daniels, at [[Against All Odds 2006|Against All Odds]],<ref name="AAO06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/13/1439509.html|title=Against All Odds Christian Cage crowned champion|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=February 13, 2006|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> and in an [[Ultimate X match]] at [[Destination X (2006)|Destination X]], which Daniels won.<ref name="DX06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/03/13/1485900.html|title=Destination X marks a great PPV|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=January 15, 2008|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After Daniels lost the title back to Joe, Styles joined Daniels to challenge America's Most Wanted for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. After losing to America's Most Wanted in title matches on two occasions, Styles and Daniels won the NWA World Tag Team Championship at [[Slammiversary (2006)|Slammiversary]].<ref name="Slam06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/19/1641005.html|title=Title held up after TNA Slammiversary|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=June 19, 2006|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> They successfully retained against [[The Latin American Xchange]] (Homicide and [[Hernandez (wrestler)|Hernandez]]) (LAX) at [[Hard Justice (2006)|Hard Justice]],<ref name="HJ06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/08/16/1758529.html|title=Cage turns on Sting at fiery Hard Justice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=August 14, 2006|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> only to lose the title to them in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Border Brawl]] on the August 24 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/25/1775606.html|title=Impact: Tag belts land at LAX|date=August 25, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> They regained the title at [[No Surrender (2006)|No Surrender]],<ref name="NS06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/25/1894242.html|title=Ultimate X steals No Surrender|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=September 25, 2006|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> but dropped them back to LAX at [[Bound for Glory (2006)|Bound for Glory]] in a [[Cage match|Six Sides of Steel]] match.<ref name="BFG06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/10/23/2104975.html|title=Sting new champ after Bound For Glory|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=October 23, 2006|accessdate=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

On the November 2 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles pinned Chris Sabin to begin his sixth reign as the new X Division Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/03/2220031.html|title=Impact: Styles claims X Division title|date=November 3, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> The match was also the quarter-finals of the Fight for the Right tournament for number one contendership to Sting's NWA World Heavyweight Championship; Styles won the semi-final match on the November 9 ''Impact!'' but was pinned in the finals by Abyss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/10/2302033.html|title=Impact: Abyss last king on late night|date=November 10, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> On the November 16 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles lost the X Division Championship to Daniels in a three-way match when Daniels scored the [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] pinfall on Sabin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/17/2391536.html|title=Impact: Abyss last king on late night|date=November 17, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> At [[Genesis 2006|Genesis]], Styles lost to [[Christian Cage]], which Styles blamed on Daniels, who had tried to intervene on his behalf.<ref name="genesis06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/20/2430441.html|title=Questionable booking mars TNA Genesis|date=November 20, 2006|last=Kapur|first=Bob|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

Styles next feuded with Rhino for attempting to reconcile him with Daniels and at [[Turning Point 2006|Turning Point]] he beat Rhino,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/12/11/2736585.html|title=Samoa Joe finally tops Angle at Turning Point|date=December 11, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and on the December 22 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles and Samoa Joe defeated Rhino and [[Kurt Angle]].<ref name="Impact-Dec.22">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/22/2932522.html|title=Impact: Santa, pogo sticks and an ankle lock|date=December 22, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Rhino then defeated Styles in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] at [[Final Resolution (2007)|Final Resolution]]<ref name="FR07">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/15/3383190.html|title=Cage, Angle on top after Final Resolution|date=January 15, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and at [[Destination X (2007)|Destination X]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Scaffold match|Elevation X match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/03/12/3736821.html|title=Samoa Joe denied at Destination X|date=March 12, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

==== Various alliances (2007–2009) ====
{{main article|A.J. Styles and Tomko|The TNA Front Line}}
[[File:Ajentrance.jpg|thumb|left|Styles making his entrance at [[Lockdown (2007)|Lockdown]]]]
Styles aligned with Christian Cage for [[Lockdown (2007)|Lockdown]], forming Team Cage (later [[Christian's Coalition]]), who were defeated by Team Angle at Lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/16/4034252.html|title=Lockdown pulled down by gimmick matches|date=March 16, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles teamed with [[Travis Tomko|Tomko]] to face Sting and Abyss at [[Victory Road (2007)|Victory Road]], but were defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/16/4343726.html|title=Victory Road full of surprises|date=July 16, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> At [[No Surrender (2007)|No Surrender]], Styles and Tomko won a [[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold|ten-tag team gauntlet match]] to earn a tag team title match at [[Bound for Glory (2007)|Bound for Glory]] against [[Team Pacman]] ([[Adam Jones (American football)|Adam Jones]] and Ron Killings),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/10/4483932.html|title=No Surrender delivers on Angles and a new TV deal|date=September 10, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> where they defeated them to win the [[GFW World Tag Team Championship|TNA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/10/15/4577676.html|title=Angle gets stung at Bound For Glory|date=October 15, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> They successfully defended against LAX on the November 1 episode of ''Impact!''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/02/4625680.html|title=Impact: Styles/Tomko-LAX deliver great main event|date=November 2, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and at [[Genesis (2007)|Genesis]] against [[The Steiner Brothers]] ([[Rick Steiner|Rick]] and [[Scott Steiner]]).<ref name="Genesis07">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/12/4649975.html|title=Booker T the surprise, but Angle still champ after Genesis|date=November 12, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Later that night, Styles and Tomko inadvertently cost Cage his match and helped Kurt Angle retain the world championship.<ref name="Genesis07"/> Over the next few weeks, Styles struggled to choose between aligning Cage and Angle,<ref name="Impact-Dec.28">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/28/4742269.html|title=Impact: Booker and Christian team up|date=December 28, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> until he joined [[The Angle Alliance]] at [[Final Resolution (January 2008)|Final Resolution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/01/06/4755865.html|title=Styles sides with Angle costing Cage at Final Resolution|date=January 6, 2008|last=Xamin|first=Mark|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

In February 2008, Styles was involved in a [[Kayfabe|storyline]] in which he married [[Karen Jarrett|Karen Angle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/15/4849761.html|title=Impact: Love is in the air|date=February 15, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Meanwhile, Styles and Tomko lost the TNA World Tag Team Championship to [[Frankie Kazarian|Kaz]] and [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Super Eric]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/04/18/5318166.html|title=Impact: New champs and nonsense|date=April 18, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> With Kurt constantly accusing Styles and Karen of an affair and both denying anything beyond friendship, Styles quit The Angle Alliance. In retaliation, Tomko cost Styles his King of the Mountain qualifying match against [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/05/23/5645456.html|title=Impact: Angle and Styles clash|date=May 23, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary (2008)|Slammiversary]], Styles defeated Angle after a distraction by Karen, but was beat-down by Angle and Tomko after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/08/5814086.html|title=Slammiversary: No gimmicks needed for thumbs up PPV|date=June 8, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> The feud continued through [[Hard Justice (2008)|Hard Justice]], where he defeated Angle in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]]. They continued trading wins and on the following episode of ''Impact!'' he defeated Angle for his [[Gold medal|Olympic gold medal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/15/6456121.html|title=Impact: Styles wins gold|date=August 15, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles also won the ladder rematch the following week to end their feud, but he was later asked to give Angle back his gold medal by Jeff Jarrett in an effort to try to mend things with Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/22/6532921.html|title=Impact: Styles reaches gold again|date=August 22, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

[[File:AJ Styles at TNA show.jpg|thumb|upright|Styles at a TNA show in 2008]]
At [[Bound for Glory IV]], Styles faced Christian Cage and Booker T in a three-way match in which Booker T won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/10/13/7066311.html|title=Sting takes title at Bound for Glory|date=October 13, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Brian|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Shortly after that, Booker T, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash and Sting formed [[The Main Event Mafia]], and Styles teamed up with Samoa Joe to fight them.<ref name="Impact-Oct.23">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/24/7185111.html|title=Impact: Main Event Mafia takes over Sin City|date=October 24, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]| work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> On the October 30 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles and Joe formed a faction of younger wrestlers known as [[The TNA Front Line]] to combat The Main Event Mafia, who recruited Scott Steiner.<ref name="steiner-Mafia">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/31/7259146.html|title=Impact: Steiner joins the mafia|date=October 31, 2008|last=Sokol| first=Chris|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles challenged Sting for the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Turning Point (2008 wrestling)|Turning Point]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/10/7361596.html|title=Turning Point: Mafia gains momentum|date=November 9, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Brian|accessdate=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and again in an eight-man tag team match at [[Final Resolution (December 2008)|Final Resolution]], but was unsuccessful each time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news08/1228708383.shtml|title=Final Resolution PPV Results – 12/7/08 – Orlando, FL|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 7, 2008|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref> On the January 22, 2009 episode of ''Impact!'', Angle vowed to end Styles' career and later that night beat Styles in a tables match, where Styles was injured ([[kayfabe]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1232694889.php|title=Impact Results – 1/22/09 – Orlando, FL|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=January 23, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref>

At [[Against All Odds (2009)|Against All Odds]], Styles returned by attacking Booker T and stealing his [[TNA Legends Championship]].<ref name="Martin">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1234151505.php|title=TNA Against All Odds Results – 2/8/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=February 8, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref> Styles defeated Booker T to become Legends Champion (and the first [[TNA Grand Slam|TNA Grand Slam Champion]]) at [[Destination X (2009)|Destination X]],<ref name="Martin"/> and he retained in a rematch at [[Sacrifice (2009)|Sacrifice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1243219992.php|title=Sacrifice PPV Results – 5/24/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=May 24, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary (2009)|Slammiversary]], Styles competed in the King of the Mountain match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but was unsuccessful after Samoa Joe turned on The Front Line and helped Angle win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1245639645.php|title=Slammiversary PPV Results – 6/21/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 21, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref> Nash won Styles' Legends Championship at [[Victory Road (2009)|Victory Road]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1248058721.php|title=Victory Road PPV Results – 7/19/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 21, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref> Following the loss, Styles began a "Best of Three Series" against [[Matt Morgan]] for entry into the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match with Sting and Angle at [[Hard Justice (2009)|Hard Justice]], which saw Styles winning the first match, but losing the following two, resulting in Morgan advancing to Hard Justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1249022922.php|title=Impact Results – 7/30/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=July 31, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1249626467.php|title=Impact Results – 8/6/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=August 7, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1250242324.php|title=Impact Results – 8/13/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=August 14, 2009|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 26, 2010}}</ref>

==== TNA World Heavyweight Champion (2009–2010) ====
On the August 20 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles was talked out of retiring by Sting, who said he had chosen Styles to carry the torch after him. At [[No Surrender (2009)|No Surrender]], Styles won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a five-way match against Matt Morgan, Sting, Hernandez and defending champion Kurt Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_35493.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV Report 9/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Kurt Angle vs. Sting vs. Matt Morgan vs. A.J. Styles|date=September 20, 2009|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=September 20, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2009)|Bound for Glory]], Styles retained the title against Sting, ending his undefeated streak at [[TNA Bound for Glory|Bound for Glory]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_36109.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV Report 10/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the second-half of the show with Styles vs. Sting|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 18, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 20, 2009}}</ref> Styles was mysteriously attacked by an anonymous assailant backstage leading him to believe it was Samoa Joe or Christopher Daniels, both of whom he faced the following month at [[Turning Point (2009 wrestling)|Turning Point]] to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_36774.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV Report 11/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Daniels|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 15, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref> Styles continued to successfully defend the title against [[Nigel McGuinness|Desmond Wolfe]] on the December 10 episode of ''Impact!'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37299.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 12/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=December 10, 2009|accessdate=February 26, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> against Daniels at [[Final Resolution (2009)|Final Resolution]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37540.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA FINAL RESOLUTION PPV REPORT 12/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Daniels, Angle vs. Wolfe|date=December 20, 2009|accessdate=December 21, 2009|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> against Angle on the January 4, 2010 episode of ''Impact!''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|title=KELLER'S TNA IMPACT LIVE REPORT 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises – ongoing coverage|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 4, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 5, 2010}}</ref> and against Tomko, who had been revealed as his mystery attacker, on the January 14 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38126.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 1/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=January 14, 2010|accessdate=January 15, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

At [[Genesis (2010)|Genesis]], Styles turned into a villain and defeated Angle in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Chance match|Last Chance match]] with assistance from [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_38198.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA GENESIS PPV REPORT 1/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan's TNA PPV debut|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 17, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 18, 2010}}</ref> On the January 21 episode of ''Impact!'', Flair announced that he had aligned himself with Styles and christened Styles "the New Nature Boy", but on the same episode [[Hulk Hogan]] announced a Genesis rematch, where if Flair were to interfere, Styles would be stripped of the title and awarded to Angle. During the match, Angle applied his signature move, the [[ankle lock]], on Styles, who reversed it and applied the same move to Angle, when suddenly referee [[Earl Hebner]], paid off by Flair, called for the bell although Angle did not submit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38325.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 1/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=January 21, 2010|accessdate=January 28, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Against All Odds (2010)|Against All Odds]], Styles retained the title against Samoa Joe, with help from Flair, in a match refereed by [[Eric Bischoff]].<ref name=AAO2010>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_39033.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA AGAINST ALL ODDS PPV REPORT 2/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe, Nastys vs. 3D|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 14, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 14, 2010}}</ref> On the March 8 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles teamed up with Ric Flair in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]], in a losing effort against Abyss and Hulk Hogan.<ref name=March82010>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml|title=TNA IMPACT RESULTS ⅜: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=March 8, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 9, 2010}}</ref> Styles defended the title against Abyss at [[Destination X (2010)|Destination X]] in a match that went to no contest after Abyss hit Styles with a [[chokeslam]] through the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40000.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA DESTINATION X PPV REPORT 3/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Abyss, Ultimate X, Anderson vs. Angle|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 21, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 22, 2010}}</ref> At [[Lockdown (2010)|Lockdown]], Styles successfully defended the title against [[D'Angelo Dinero]] in a steel cage match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown Results 4/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV – Styles vs. The Pope, Team Hogan vs. Team Flair, Angle vs. Anderson|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 18, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torchh|accessdate=April 18, 2010}}</ref> The following day on ''Impact!'', Styles dropped the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to [[Rob Van Dam]], ending his reign at a then-record 211 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40756.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 4/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast--Whole F'n New Champion|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=April 19, 2010|accessdate=April 20, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles faced Van Dam in a rematch at [[Sacrifice (2010)|Sacrifice]], but was defeated again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41360.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice results 5/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV - RVD vs. Styles, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson|date=May 16, 2010|accessdate=May 16, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== Fortune (2010–2012) ====
{{main article|Fortune (professional wrestling)|l1=Fortune}}
[[File:Fortune1.JPG|thumb|upright|left|{{Not a typo|[[Fortune (professional wrestling)|Fourtune]]}} hopefuls: (from left to right) [[Nigel McGuinness|Desmond Wolfe]], [[Bobby Roode|Robert Roode]], Styles, and [[James Storm]]]]
With these shortcomings, Flair adopted Kazarian as his newest protégé, thus causing Styles to become jealous and tried to impress his mentor, but after failing to defeat [[Jay Lethal]], Flair ordered him to "go home".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_41609.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 5/27: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast [updated]|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=May 27, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 4, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_41729.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast [updated]|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=June 3, 2010|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary VIII]], Styles attempted to win Flair back by defeating Lethal, but lost again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41923.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary results 6/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - RVD vs. Sting, Hardy & Anderson, "nice surprise"|date=June 13, 2010|accessdate=June 13, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Flair, who had aligned himself with Styles, Desmond Wolfe, Kazarian, [[Robert Roode]] and [[James Storm]], announced that he would reform the [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|Four Horsemen]] under the new name {{Not a typo|[[Fortune (professional wrestling)|Fourtune]]}}, stating that each of them would have to earn their spots in the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276582066|title=Spoilers: TNA Impact TV tapings for June 17|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 15, 2010|work=WrestleView|accessdate=June 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42023.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 6/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=June 17, 2010|accessdate=June 18, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles and Kazarian earned their spots by defeating Samoa Joe and [[Rob Terry]] due to outside interference from Desmond Wolfe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42439.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 7/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage live on-site from Orlando - four-way TNA Title match, Flair vs. Lethal|date=July 11, 2010|accessdate=July 11, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the July 22 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles defeated Terry to win the Global Championship (formerly the Legends Championship) for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42665.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 7/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=July 22, 2010|accessdate=July 23, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week on ''Impact!'', Styles renamed the title the TNA Television Championship.<ref name=Impact072910>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42785.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 7/29: Tommy Dreamer announces new name for ECW faction, Hulk Hogan addresses situation|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=July 29, 2010|accessdate=July 30, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> {{Not a typo|Fourtune}} (soon renamed Fortune) then feuded with [[ECW Originals|EV 2.0]] and Styles defeated EV 2.0 leader [[Tommy Dreamer]] in a non-title [["I Quit" match]] at [[No Surrender (2010)|No Surrender]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_43569.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Hardy, Pope vs. Anderson|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 5, 2010}}</ref> although Fortune were defeated in a [[Lethal Lockdown|Lethal Lockdown match]] by EV 2.0 at [[Bound for Glory (2010)|Bound for Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10-10-10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal|date=October 10, 2010|accessdate=October 10, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Fortune formed an alliance with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff's new stable, [[Immortal (professional wrestling)|Immortal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast|date=October 14, 2010|accessdate=October 15, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Turning Point (2010 wrestling)|Turning Point]], Fortune defeated EV 2.0 in a ten-man tag team match and, as a result, EV 2.0's Sabu was released from TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45110.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan, EV2 vs. Fortune, Team 3D "retirement" match|date=November 7, 2010|accessdate=November 7, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[Final Resolution (2010)|Final Resolution]], Styles lost the Television Championship to Douglas Williams, who had turned on Fortune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45809.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan II, several title and stipulation matches|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=December 5, 2010|accessdate=December 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the February 3 episode of ''Impact!'', Fortune turned into fan favorites by attacking Immortal, when they interfered in a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match between [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Anderson]] and Jeff Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_47424.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 2/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV - "they" reveal, TNA World Title match|date=February 3, 2011|accessdate=February 3, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Flair, who did not take part in Fortune's turn due to an injury, returned on the February 17 episode of ''Impact!'', turning on Fortune during a match between Styles and [[Matt Hardy]] and jumping to Immortal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_47818.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV - Against All Odds fall-out, Flair's TV return, TNA World Title match|date=February 17, 2011|accessdate=February 18, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles faced Flair and Hardy in a three-way street fight match on March 10, where Styles was pinned by his former mentor, with assistance from Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/11/17576141.html|title=Impact: Sting teams with RVD to face Hardy, Anderson|date=March 11, 2011|accessdate=March 11, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[Victory Road (2011)|Victory Road]], Styles defeated Hardy in a singles match, despite interference from Flair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_48441.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 3/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Hardy TNA Title match|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 13, 2011|accessdate=March 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

[[File:TNA Slammiversary Aj Styles vs. Bully Ray.jpg|thumb|Styles facing [[Bubba Ray Dudley|Bully Ray]] at [[Slammiversary IX]]]]
On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Styles was sidelined with a storyline injury after Flair helped [[Bubba Ray Dudley|Bully Ray]] perform a [[powerbomb]] on him off the entrance stage through a table.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300421966|title=Impact Results - 3/17/11|date=March 18, 2011|accessdate=March 18, 2011|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|work=WrestleView|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929195632/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300421966|archivedate=September 29, 2012}}</ref> Styles made his return on April 17 at [[Lockdown (2011)|Lockdown]], attacking Bully Ray and helping Fortune defeat Immortal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_49368.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live all-cage match PPV - Sting vs. Anderson vs. RVD, Angle vs. Jarrett|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=April 17, 2011|accessdate=April 17, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He then feuded with Tommy Dreamer, who joined Immortal to save his job;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_49849.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact report 5/5: Main-Eventers Take The Week Off, Hype For Next Week's Show|first=Matt|last=Baxendell|date=May 5, 2011|accessdate=May 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Ray cost Styles his match against Dreamer at [[Sacrifice (2011)|Sacrifice]] by hitting him with a chain.<ref name=Sacrifice2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50080.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 5/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. RVD, four title matches, Chyna PPV return|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 15, 2011|accessdate=May 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the May 26 episode of the newly rebranded ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles and Daniels defeated Ray and Dreamer in a no disqualification street fight match, with Styles [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] Dreamer to avenge his loss at Sacrifice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50380.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 5/26: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of "Impact Wrestling" - Angle vs. RVD, Street Fight, 1990s Night|date=May 26, 2011|accessdate=June 3, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The feud ended at [[Slammiversary IX]], where Ray defeated Styles in a Last Man Standing match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50710.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Anderson, Angle vs. Jarrett blow-off|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 12, 2011|accessdate=June 12, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles then defeated fellow Fortune member Christopher Daniels in the main event of [[Destination X (2011)|Destination X]].<ref name=DX2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51335.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Styles vs. Daniels, Ultimate X, RVD vs. Lynn|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 10, 2011|accessdate=July 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After weeks of asking for a rematch, Styles finally granted Daniels one on the September 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', where Daniels won and refused to shake hands with Styles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_52654.shtml|title=TNA News: Impact Wrestling spoilers 9/1 - Bax's in-person results for next Thursday's episode|date=August 27, 2011|accessdate=September 2, 2011|last=Baxendell|first=Matt|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2011)|Bound for Glory]], Styles defeated Daniels in an [["I Quit" match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting|date=October 16, 2011|accessdate=October 16, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After defeating Daniels again on the November 10 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles entered into a feud with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/impact/article_55052.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 11/10: Sting grants Storm a rematch against gloating heel Roode, plus Ronnie from Jersey Shore wrestles|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|date=November 10, 2011|accessdate=November 10, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> failing to capture the championship at [[Turning Point (2011 wrestling)|Turning Point]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55119.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 13, 2011|accessdate=November 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> tying him in an Iron-Man Match at [[Final Resolution (2011)|Final Resolution]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55904.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 11, 2011|accessdate=December 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> but losing the sudden-death tie-breaker on the following ''Impact Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56050.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/15: PPV fall-out, Jarrett firing, Hardy-Ray|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 15, 2011|accessdate=December 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the following episodes of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles and Kazarian, the last two members of Fortune, made it to the finals of the [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#Wild Card Tournament|Wild Card Tournament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56351.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/22: Hardy & Sting team against Roode & Ray, plus Angle visits Storm's favorite bar|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|date=December 27, 2011|accessdate=January 5, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56412.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/29: Knockouts Title match in main event, Angle vs. RVD, Genesis PPV hype|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=December 29, 2011|accessdate=January 5, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the final match against [[Magnus (wrestler)|Magnus]] and Samoa Joe on the January 5, 2012 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kazarian abandoned Styles and aligned himself with Christopher Daniels, effectively ending Fortune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56657.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 1/5: Review of final Genesis PPV hype, six-man tag main event, tournament finals|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=January 5, 2012|accessdate=January 5, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== Final storylines (2012–2013) ====
On the February 9 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kazarian, now seemingly a reluctant associate of Daniels, helped him defeat Styles in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/kellerstake/article_57952.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling blog 2/9: Evaluating the final Against All Odds PPV hype, Garett the future of the business|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|date=February 10, 2012|accessdate=February 12, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Three days later at [[Against All Odds (2012)|Against All Odds]], Styles was defeated by Kazarian in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_58034.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Against All Odds PPV results 2/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Hardy-Storm-Ray TNA Title main event|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 12, 2012|accessdate=February 12, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the March 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kazarian defeated Styles in a gauntlet match; had Styles been successful, Kazarian would have to explain his alliance with Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_58733.shtml|title=Turner's TNA Impact report 3/1: Team Roode vs. Team Storm six-man tag match, Angle explains Hardy feud, M.I.A. Abyss|last=Turner|first=Scott|date=March 2, 2012|accessdate=March 6, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Mr. Anderson then aligned with Styles, defeating them in a match at [[Victory Road (2012)|Victory Road]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_59264.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 3/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting-Roode main event, Angle-Hardy, Storm-Ray|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 18, 2012|accessdate=March 18, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> and at [[Lockdown (2012)|Lockdown]], where the two duos were on opposing teams in the annual Lethal Lockdown match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_60411.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Storm main event, Angle-Hardy, Lethal Lockdown opener|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 15, 2012|accessdate=April 15, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the May 10 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kazarian revealed that he originally aligned himself with Daniels to keep him from revealing Styles' secret, but changed his mind after learning what the secret was, at which point Daniels revealed a series of photographs insinuating a relationship between Styles and TNA president [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_61291.shtml|title=Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling results 5/10: Sacrifice lead-in, Morgan and Crimson final confrontation, James Storm update, King Mo calls out TNA Champ|last=Turner|first=Scott|date=May 11, 2012|accessdate=May 11, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

At [[Sacrifice (2012)|Sacrifice]], Daniels and Kazarian cost Styles his match against Kurt Angle, who nonetheless saved Styles from a beatdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_61356.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 5/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-RVD main event, Angle-Styles, Hardy-Anderson |last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 13, 2012|accessdate=May 13, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 31, Styles defeated Daniels in the main event of ''Impact Wrestling'', after which Daniels and Kazarian played audio of a phone conversation to prove an affair between Styles and Carter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_61970.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact in new timeslot - Roode vs. Sting|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 31, 2012|accessdate=May 31, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary (2012)|Slammiversary]], Styles and Angle defeated Daniels and Kazarian to win their TNA World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_62289.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode vs. Sting headlines 10th Anniv. PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 10, 2012|accessdate=June 10, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles entered the [[Bound for Glory Series#2012|2012 Bound for Glory Series]], where he was eliminated in the opening gauntlet match by Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62447.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 6/14: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - TNA World Title match, Ultimate X starts the show|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 14, 2012|accessdate=June 14, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the June 21 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles and Carter revealed their secret—they were not having an affair, but were helping an addicted pregnant woman named Claire Lynch overcome her problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62673.shtml|title= Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 6/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Aries Decision 2012, BFG Series, Open Fight Night, Gut Check|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 21, 2012|accessdate=June 21, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week on ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles and Angle lost the TNA World Tag Team Championship back to Daniels and Kazarian, after which Daniels admitted that Styles and Carter had told the truth about Claire, but claimed that they had left out the part about Styles being the father of her unborn baby.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62763.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 6/28: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - BFG Series, Tag Title main event|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 28, 2012|accessdate=June 28, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles defeated Daniels in a Last Man Standing match at [[Destination X (2012)|Destination X]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_63123.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode vs. Aries, new X Division champion, Angle vs. Joe|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 8, 2012|accessdate=July 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> and again in a Bound for Glory Series match and, per the pre-match stipulations, earned the right to get a paternity test on Claire's baby.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_64338.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 8/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Hardcore Justice fall-out, three BFG Series matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 16, 2012|accessdate=August 22, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week on ''Impact Wrestling'' it was revealed that Claire was not pregnant after all and her attorney revealed Daniels' and Kazarian's plot to blackmail Styles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_64557.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 8/23: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Hogan returns, Open Fight Night|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 23, 2012|accessdate=August 23, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the August 30 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles was eliminated in the 2012 Bound for Glory Series after losing to Samoa Joe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_64745.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 8/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - three big BFG Series matches including Styles-Joe|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 30, 2012|accessdate=August 30, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[No Surrender (2012)|No Surrender]] and [[Bound for Glory (2012)|Bound for Glory]], Styles and Angle unsuccessfully challenged Daniels and Kazarian for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_65007.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - BFG Series finals|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 9, 2012|accessdate=September 9, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_65938.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Aries vs. Hardy, Storm vs. Roode|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 14, 2012|accessdate=October 14, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles was pinned by James Storm in a three-way number one contenders match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at [[Turning Point (2012 wrestling)|Turning Point]], also involving Bobby Roode, preventing him from receiving another title opportunity until Bound for Glory 2013 as per the pre-match stipulation.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA TURNING POINT PPV RESULTS 11/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Hardy-Aries, top titles at-stake|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_66565.shtml}}</ref> On December 9 at [[Final Resolution (2012)|Final Resolution]], Styles was defeated by Christopher Daniels in what was billed as their "final match".<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA FINAL RESOLUTION PPV RESULTS 12/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Hardy vs. Roode in the main event, Aries vs. Bully|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_67111.shtml}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles said he was tired of doing the right thing and that he was going to do his own thing from there.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 12/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of PPV fall-out episode|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67224.shtml}}</ref>

Beginning in February 2013, TNA began airing videos at Styles' home interviewing his wife, a friend, and even attempting to interview Styles himself before he angrily forced them to leave.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 2/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - TNA & Jeff Hardy return to Orlando; Angle unmasks A&E member, but cameraman misses the shot|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68961.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - final Lockdown PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69112.shtml}}</ref> Styles, now sporting a beard, unkempt hair and all-black attire, returned to TNA as a heel and with the ''[[Compression lock#Leg slicer|Calf Killer]]'' [[Submission hold|submission]] [[Professional wrestling holds|hold]] as new finisher.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 4/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Styles's in-ring return, live Impact fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70102.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Lockdown PPV fall-out from Chicago|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69310.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact from Chicago - new #1 contender to TNA Title, two title matches, Lockdown fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69437.shtml}}</ref> Styles, who remained silent in the following weeks, Styles began feuding with Kurt Angle after refusing to tell Angle whether he was with the [[Aces & Eights]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 5/9 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Angle & Styles brawl, D-Lo Brown pouts, Knockouts tag match, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70473.shtml}}</ref> On the May 23 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', he seemingly joined the Aces & Eights as they attacked Angle, only to attack them, cementing his status as a "[[Lone wolf (trait)|lone wolf]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 5/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Hogan returns home, A.J. in Aces & Eights?, final show in current timeslot|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70811.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary XI]], Styles was defeated by Angle in a singles match,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PPV RESULTS (Hour 3): Bully vs. Sting for the TNA World Title, plus Styles vs. Angle|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_71026.shtml}}</ref> but he beat him in a rematch to earn the final spot in the [[Bound for Glory Series#2013|2013 Bound for Glory Series]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 6/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of BFG Series qualifiers, Sting bringing back old stable, Rampage Jackson Week 2, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_71253.shtml}}</ref> The following weeks, Styles participated in the Bound For Glory Series, winning the tournament and become the number one contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at [[Bound for Glory (2013)|Bound for Glory]].<ref name=BFG2013>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_73317.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 9/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "No Surrender" Impact - Bully defends TNA Title, BFG Series Finals, more}}</ref> The following week on ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles claimed he was no longer under contract with TNA and insulted Dixie Carter, who responded by saying that Styles was not a great wrestler.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 9/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of St. Louis Impact - Dixie Carter turns heel, Mafia vs. E.G.O. main event, new KO champ, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_73458.shtml}}</ref> In the weeks leading up to Bound for Glory, Styles continued to appear on ''Impact Wrestling'' despite not having a contract with the company, but he would defeat Bully Ray at Bound for Glory, despite interference from Aces & Eights and Carter, to win his second TNA World Heavyweight Championship and fifth world title in the company overall.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA BFG PPV RESULTS 10/20 (Hour 3): Styles vs. Bully for the TNA Title, Sting vs. Magnus|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_74032.shtml}}</ref> Styles made his first televised title defense on the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', defeating Ray in a rematch after interference from Mr. Anderson, after which he refused Carter's new contract offer and walked out of TNA with the title.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 10/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Styles vs. Bully TNA Title re-match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_74114.shtml}}</ref> On October 29, TNA vacated the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_74134.shtml#.U6OXF_l_vtU|title=TNA NEWS: Halloween Impact tonight - TNA Title announcement, PPV re-matches, Abyss, SPOILER link|accessdate=October 29, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the December 2 taping of ''Impact Wrestling'' which aired on January 2, Styles returned to TNA with his championship to confront Carter and [[Magnus (wrestler)|Magnus]] (who had won a tournament to crown the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion), with Styles challenging Magnus to a title unification match on next weeks episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', which Magnus accepted.<ref>{{cite news|title=TNA NEWS: Impact SPOILER from Tuesday, preview of Wednesday's Impact TV taping|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Magnus won to unify both titles after interference from eight other wrestlers on Magnus' behalf and [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] interfering on Styles' behalf in what would be Styles' final match with TNA.<ref>{{cite web|title=TNA news: Impact spoilers - futures of two top stars up in the air for 2014, plus news from Thurs. TV taping|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_74961.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 6, 2013|accessdate=December 8, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Impact News: Official TNA World champ determined, four matches for "Genesis" Impact next week|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_75589.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=Impact: Magnus battles Styles to become the true TNA belt holder|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/10/21389651.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=January 14, 2014}}</ref> On December 8, it was reported that contract negotiations between Styles and TNA had broken down and that Styles would be leaving the promotion, becoming a free agent effective December 17 and ending his near twelve-year association with the company.<ref>{{cite web|title=AJ Styles leaving TNA|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/82078/aj-styles-leaving-tna.html?p=1|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=December 8, 2013|accessdate=December 8, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> According to Styles, he left the promotion since they made him an offer, reducing his salary about 60%.<ref>https://411mania.com/wrestling/aj-styles-left-impact-wrestling/</ref>

==== Mexican and Japanese partnerships (2006–2013) ====
During his stay in TNA, Styles worked in various Japanese and Mexican promotions due to a partnership with TNA.

On September 17, 2006 at [[Verano de Escándalo (2006)|Verano de Escándalo]], Styles made his debut for [[Mexico|Mexican]] promotion [[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide|AAA]], as part of a cross promotion deal between TNA and AAA. Team TNA (Styles, Homicide, Low Ki and Samoa Joe) defeated Vipers Revolution ([[Abismo Negro]], Charly Manson, [[Electroshock (wrestler) |Electroshock]] and Histeria) in a semi finales tournament match then later defeating The Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy, [[Joe Lider]] and [[Juventud Guerrera]]) in the finals.

On December 20, 2007, as part of TNA's working relationship with the [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF), Styles competeted on the promotion's third event, defeating fellow TNA star [[Low Ki|Senshi]].

During a partnership between TNA and [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling|New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW), Styles made four appearances for NJPW in 2008, starting on [[January 4 Tokyo Dome Show|January 4]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom II]], where Styles teamed with Christian Cage and [[Petey Williams]] to defeat [[RISE (professional wrestling)|RISE]] ([[Milano Collection A.T.|Milano Collection AT]], [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]] and [[Finn Bálor|Prince Devitt]]) in a six-man tag team match. On February 17, Styles lost to [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] on Day 8 of New Japan's ISM Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/njpw/circuit-3908-new-japan-ism---day-8-4572.html|title=NJPW Circuit '08 New Japan ISM - Day 8 at New Sumo Hall - Ryogoku Kokugikan wrestling results - Internet Wrestling Database|website=profightdb.com}}</ref> On August 15, Styles teamed with [[Shinjiro Otani]] to face Kurt Angle and Masahiro Chono on Day 5 of New Japan's G1 Climax – Heroes of Supremacy event, in a losing effort. The following day on Day 6 of New Japan's G1 Climax – Heroes of Supremacy show, Styles teamed with Tanahashi to face the team of Kurt Angle and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]], again in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2008&promotion=7|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On July 26, 2008, Styles made his debut for [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL), taking part in the promotions last annual 16-man elimination [[CMLL International Gran Prix#International Gran Prix 2008|International Gran Prix]] tournament, representing Team International. Styles would defeat [[Rey Bucanero]] of Team Mexico in his first match, but would later be eliminated from the tournament by [[Último Guerrero]]. Guerrero went on to lose to Team International member Alex Shelley later in the night, with Shelley winning the tournament for Team International.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=31208|title=CMLL Super Viernes - Gran Prix: CMLL vs. TNA & Leyenda De Plata 2008 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

Styles returned to AAA on December 16, 2011 at [[Guerra de Titanes (2011)|Guerra de Titanes]], as part of the TNA invasion storyline. He faced [[Ricky Banderas|El Mesías]] in a match to earn a shot at the [[AAA Mega Championship|AAA World Heavyweight Championship]], but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/aaa-guerra-de-titanes-2011-cobertura-y-resultados-16-de-diciembre-de-2011-la-park-vs-dr-wagner-por-el-campeonato-latinoamericano-aaa-figuras-de-tna-estaran-presentes-slguerradetitanes/|title=AAA Guerra de Titanes 2011 (Cobertura y resultados 16 de diciembre de 2011) – La Park vence a Dr. Wagner y es el nuevo Campeón Latinoamericano AAA, Los luchadores del "Consejo" toman AAA / #SLGuerradeTitanes|last=Cano Vela|first=Eduardo|date=December 16, 2011|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish|accessdate=December 15, 2013}}</ref> On November 3, 2013, Styles would once again return to AAA, this time to successfully defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship (which had been vacated by TNA just days before) in a rematch against El Mesías.<ref>{{cite web|title=AJ Styles' first non-TNA TNA Title defense as his own sanctioning body|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/101-mexico/33817-aj-styles-first-non-tna-tna-title-defense-as-his-own-sanctioning-body}}</ref>

On November 16, 2013, Styles made his debut for [[Japan]]ese promotion [[Wrestle-1]], successfully defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against [[Seiya Sanada]].<ref name=W1111613>{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1437|title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2013|date=November 16, 2013|accessdate=November 16, 2013|work=[[Wrestle-1]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019020045/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1437|archivedate=October 19, 2013|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_74597.shtml|title=TNA news: Styles successfully defends TNA Title in Japan, former WWE talent appears after the match, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 16, 2013|accessdate=November 16, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

=== Return to the independent circuit (2003–2005) ===
[[File:Aj as Champion.jpg|thumb|225px|Styles won numerous independent championships, including being a one-time Ballpark Brawl Natural Heavyweight Champion]]
On March 14, Styles returned to International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) and successfully challenged IWC Super Indy Champion Super Hentai for the title. On April 13, Styles defended the title in a rematch against Hentai, but the match ended in a no contest, meaning Styles retained the title. On May 10, Styles vacated the title. On August 23, Styles unsuccessfully challenged new Super Indy Champion [[Colt Cabana]] after the match ended at a twenty-minute time limit draw, meaning Cabana retained the title. On December 12 at IWC: Call to Arms, Styles would once again challenge Cabana for the title, but again was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=40|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On April 12, Styles debuted in [[Combat Zone Wrestling]] (CZW), competing at the promotions 3rd [[CZW Best of the Best#Best of the Best 3|Best of the Best]] event. Styles teamed with [[Jason Cross]] to face [[Jay Briscoe]] and Jimmy Rave, in a losing effort. On July 20, at CZW: Deja Vu II, Styles successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Rave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=14|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On September 12, Styles debuted in [[Maximum Pro Wrestling]] (MXPW), successfully challenging MXPW Television Champion [[Chris Sabin]] and [[Christopher Daniels]] in a three-way match for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=1659|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On October 4, Styles debuted in [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG), unsuccessfully challenging PWG Champion Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=12|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On November 7, Styles returned to IWA: Mid-South to take part in the promotions annual [[Ted Petty Invitational#2003 Ted Petty Invitational|Ted Petty Invitational]], which saw Styles defeating Todd Sexton is his first round match. The following night, he defeated Jerry Lynn in the quarter-finals, but later that night would be eliminated by [[Danny Daniels]] in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=10|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On March 20, 2004, Styles returned to IWC, entering the promotions Super Indy Survivor Showdown tournament. Styles' first match in the tournament was in the semi-finals due to unknown reasons, in which he defeated [[CM Punk]]. Later that night, Styles faced IWC Super Indy Champion Colt Cabana in the final in a winning effort, capturing the title. On April 17, Styles successfully defended the title against [[Homicide]], and on May 8 he did so again against Christopher Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2004&promotion=40|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On September 17, Styles returned to IWA: Mid-South, entering the promotions [[Ted Petty Invitational#2004 Ted Petty Invitational|2004 Ted Petty Invitational]]. Styles defeated Jimmy Rave in his first round match. The following night, Styles defeated Matt Sydal in the quarter finals. Later that night, Styles defeated Arik Cannon in the semi-finals, as well as defeating [[Daniel Bryan|Bryan Danielson]] and [[Samoa Joe]] in the final to win the 2004 Ted Petty Invitational. On October 21, Styles won the vacant IWA: Mid-South Heavyweight Championship, defeating Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels and [[Petey Williams]] in a four-way dance match. Two days later on October 23, Styles lost the title to CM Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2004&promotion=10|title=Matches « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On April 1, 2005, Styles returned to PWG, defeating Samoa Joe in a [[PWG World Championship|PWG Championship]] number one contender match at the promotion's All-Star Weekend – Day 1. The following night on Day 2 of All-Star Weekend, Styles successfully challenged [[Super Dragon]] for the title. Styles defended the title until August 6 at Zombies Shouldn't Run, where he lost it to [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]]. On September 3, Styles entered the [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)#2005|2005]] [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)|Battle of Los Angeles]] tournament, but was defeated in the finals by [[Chris Bosh (wrestler)|Chris Bosh]].

=== Return to ROH (2014–2016) ===
Styles defeated [[Roderick Strong]] in his return match on the January 4, 2014 taping of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_75465.shtml|title=Spoiler results - ¼ ROH TV taping in Nashville, Tenn.: Styles & Hero return to an ROH ring, plus Final Battle fall-out|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=January 4, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 1, 2014}}</ref> and picked up victories over [[Jay Lethal]] at the [[ROH 12th Anniversary Show|12th Anniversary Show]] and [[Chris Hero]] at the Flyin' High event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=83732&p=3|title=Complete Ring of Honor 12th Anniversary coverage|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=February 21, 2014|accessdate=February 22, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwponderings.com/2014/03/22/roh-032214-flyin-high-results/|title=ROH 03/22/14 Flyin High Results|last=Mudd|first=Chris|date=March 22, 2014|accessdate=March 22, 2014|work=pwponderings.com|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424192135/http://www.pwponderings.com/2014/03/22/roh-032214-flyin-high-results/|archivedate=April 24, 2014|df=}}</ref> At [[All Star Extravaganza VII]], he became the number one contender for the [[ROH World Championship]] by winning a four-way match involving [[Adam Cole]], [[Michael Elgin]] and Roderick Strong, but he unsuccessfully challenged champion Jay Lethal at [[Final Battle (2015)|Final Battle]].

Styles made his final independent appearance before he began working for WWE at ROH's TV tapings in [[Duluth, Georgia]] on January 23, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/98811/aj-styles-bullet-club-nakamuranew-japan-updates.html?p=1|title=AJ Styles, Bullet Club & Nakamura-New Japan updates|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=January 4, 2016|accessdate=January 9, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> At the tapings, Styles was interrupted by Jay Lethal and [[The House of Truth]], followed by Roderick Strong. An ensuing brawl saw Styles' former [[Bullet Club]] stablemates Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson and The Young Bucks (who had fired Styles from the stable just over two weeks prior) assist him against various members of the ROH roster. At the end of the show, Styles proceeded to join Bullet Club in a group hug, mirroring the famous [[The Kliq#The MSG "Curtain Call"|1996 WWF Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call"]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/roh-house-show-report-duluth-aj-styles-bullet-club-curtain-call-206166|title=ROH Duluth, GA, results: AJ Styles & Bullet Club curtain call|accessdate=January 25, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

=== Second return to the independent circuit (2014–2016) ===
[[File:Aj Styles Smash 2014 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Styles at a Smash Wrestling independent show in January 2014]]
Following his departure from TNA, Styles would begin taking independent bookings for the first time in two years, accepting as many dates as possible and more regularly. During his second run on the independent circuit, he competed in various countries around the world, most notably [[England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=20|title=Career « AJ Styles « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On March 1, 2014, Styles made an appearance for English promotion Preston City Wrestling, losing to British wrestler [[Lionheart (wrestler)|Lionheart]] in the main event. Following the match, Styles gave Lionheart the ''Styles Clash'', during which Lionheart improperly tucked his chin, resulting in him landing on top of his head and legitimately breaking his neck.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/83960/british-wrestler-lionheart-suffers-broken-neck.html?p=1|title=British wrestler Lionheart suffers broken neck|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=March 2, 2014|accessdate=March 6, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/103-indies/35702-update-on-injury-to-uk-wrestler-lionheart|title=Update on injury to UK wrestler Lionheart|last=Lyon|first=Stephen|date=March 1, 2014|accessdate=March 6, 2014|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

On February 8, Styles returned to [[Combat Zone Wrestling]] (CZW) after eleven years, defeating [[CZW World Heavyweight Championship|CZW World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Drew Gulak]] via disqualification, which meant that Gulak retained the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/46682-2-8-czw-ippv-results-voorhees-new-jersey-styles-gulak|title=2/8 CZW iPPV Results: Voorhees, New Jersey (Styles/Gulak)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=February 10, 2014|accessdate=February 11, 2014|work=WrestleView}}</ref> In August, Styles also returned to [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) after eleven years, taking part in the promotion's annual [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)#2014|10th Battle of Los Angeles]] tournament, where on August 29 he defeated [[Curt Hawkins|Brian Myers]] to make it to the quarterfinals before losing to Roderick Strong via disqualification on August 31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_80512.shtml|title=Show results - 8/31 PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 3: The Finals of huge tournament with Styles, former WWE stars, PWG champ, ROH champ, mega-tag match, Willie Mack says good-bye|date=August 31, 2014|accessdate=September 1, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On March 11, 2015, Styles defeated [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Hennigan]] to win the [[FWE Heavyweight Championship]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of a singles match|best of three falls match]] two falls to one; Hennigan won the first fall after hitting the ''Starship Pain'' (a [[Moonsault#Split-legged moonsault|split-legged]] [[Moonsault#Corkscrew moonsault|corkscrew moonsault]]), but Styles made Hennigan [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Tap out|tap out]] to the ''Calf Killer'' shortly thereafter to score fall number two and in the end Styles pinned Hennigan following a ''Styles Clash'' to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|title=SHOW RESULTS - 3/11 FWE in Brooklyn, N.Y.: A.J. Styles vs. John Hennigan (Morrison), Young Bucks, Hero, TNA star, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_83801.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 12, 2015}}</ref>

On May 29, 2015, reigning [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] Styles (representing [[Bullet Club]] with manager Jonny Ferrari) defeated [[Justin Gabriel]] at [[House of Glory]] High Intensity 4 in Jamaica, New York. <ref>{{cite web|title=House of Glory On Demand High Intensity 4 description|url=https://hogondemand.pivotshare.com/media/high-intensity-4/58453|work=House of Glory On Demand}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=AJ Styles Vs. PJ Black full match|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=478K9bEtQFE|work=House of Glory Youtube}}</ref>

On June 14, Styles won the [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]] (RPW) [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship|British Heavyweight Championship]], defeating [[Marty Scurll]] at Summer Sizzler for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theindycorner.com/reviews/rpw-summer-sizzler-20150614-york-hall-london-1200-fans/|title=RPW, "SUMMER SIZZLER", 2015/06/14 York Hall, London Review · The Indy Corner|website=theindycorner.com}}</ref>

In September, Styles made his debut for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]], when he teamed with fellow Bullet Club members [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt and Nick Jackson) in the [[King of Trios#2015|2015 King of Trios]]. They made it to the semi-finals of the three-day-long tournament, defeating Team Fight Club ([[Trent Seven]], [[Tyler Bate]] and Dan Moloney), but were ultimately defeated in the finals by Team AAA ([[Aero Star]], [[Drago (wrestler)|Drago]] and [[Fénix (wrestler)|Fénix]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_87346.shtml|title=Show results - 9/4-9/6 Chikara King of Trios tournament in Easton, Pa.: Bullet Club's A.J. Styles & Young Bucks, Team AAA, the BWO, int'l teams, more trios|date=September 6, 2015|accessdate=September 8, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On January 14, 2016, Styles wrestled a match for [[5 Star Wrestling]] in [[Sheffield]], [[England]], where he faced [[Rey Mysterio]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/what-s-on/out-and-about/video-rey-mysterio-and-aj-styles-to-make-5-star-wrestling-history-in-sheffield-1-7672324|title=VIDEO: Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles to make 5 Star Wrestling history in Sheffield|website=thestar.co.uk}}</ref> Styles pinned Mysterio with the ''Styles Clash''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/aj-styles-battles-rey-mysterio-first-time-john-morrison-vs-carlito-205676|title=AJ Styles battles Rey Mysterio for the first time; John Morrison vs. Carlito|accessdate=January 17, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Styles lost to John Morrison in a singles match which was for the inaugural 5 star wrestling championship.

On January 16, Styles returned to Revolution Pro Wrestling in [[London]], [[England]], losing the RPW British Heavyweight Championship to [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] Following the match, Styles cut a promo addressing his future and teased entering the [[Royal Rumble]] [[Royal Rumble match|match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/16/116-rev-pro-in-london-styles-teases-rumble-lethal-defends-roh-title-more/|title=1/16 Rev Pro in London – Styles teases Rumble, Lethal defends ROH Title, more|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 17, 2016}}</ref> On February 5, Styles wrestled his final independent match (which he had pre-booked before signing with WWE), defeating Corey Hollis at Georgia Premier Wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=146572|title=GPW « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2014–2016) ===
{{main article|Bullet Club}}
[[File:BULLET CLUB 2015.JPG|thumb|Styles (center, being hoisted) celebrates with [[Bullet Club]] after winning the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] in February 2015]]
For the first time since the TNA-NJPW partnership in 2008, on March 27, 2014, it was reported that Styles would return to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] and had signed a contract with the company.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=March 27, 2014|title=Mar 31 2013 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Giant issue featuring nine-page Billy Robinson bio, two weeks left until WrestleMania, line-up, all the news from around the world and more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=47|quote=A.J. Styles has signed and is going to be given a major push as a singles headliner, to work with all the big guns, with a title shot at Kazuchika Okada coming sooner than later|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/36143-mar-31-2013-wrestling-observer-newsletter-giant-issue-featuring-nine-page-billy-robinson-bio-two-weeks-left-until-wrestlemania-line-up-all-the-news-from-around-the-world-and-more}}</ref> Styles' return came on April 6 at [[Invasion Attack 2014|Invasion Attack]], where he attacked [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Kazuchika Okada]] after his match and laid him out with the ''Styles Clash'' and challenged Okada to a title match, before revealing himself as the newest member of [[Bullet Club]], establishing himself as a villain in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827|title=Invasion Attack 2014|accessdate=June 3, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_77512.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW PPV results 4/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Invasion Attack 2014" - Nakamura regains IC Title, A.J. Styles big angle, new NWA tag champions, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 4, 2014|accessdate=June 4, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Following Invasion Attack, with Styles still working a full schedule on the American independent circuit and only booked to work NJPW's larger events,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_77836.shtml|title=Styles news: A.J. Styles announced for New Japan's G1 Climax|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 21, 2014|accessdate=May 1, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> [[Karl Anderson]] was positioned as the new leader of Bullet Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11490|date=April 30, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|script-title=ja:5月度のスマホサイトは、いま一番悪いヤツら"Bullet Club"が完全ジャック!!　アンダーソンの心中は?|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032030/https://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11490|archivedate=May 2, 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=May 1, 2014}}</ref> However, Styles was considered the leader of the [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) version of Bullet Club,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/news/bullet-club-are-coming-wotw-global-wars|title=The Bullet Club are coming to WotW & Global Wars|date=April 16, 2015|accessdate=April 16, 2015|work=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> a role which was also given to him by NJPW by the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1050|title=Power Struggle|accessdate=November 7, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109143912/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1050|archivedate=November 9, 2015}}</ref> Styles wrestled his first match under a New Japan contract on May 3 at [[Wrestling Dontaku (2014)|Wrestling Dontaku]], where he defeated Okada with help from [[Yujiro Takahashi]] to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="WrestlingDontaku2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=838&c=6243|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2014|accessdate=May 3, 2014}}</ref> With this victory, Styles became the sixth ''gaijin'' (non-Japanese) champion in the title's history and the first American champion since [[Brock Lesnar]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/48292-aj-styles-crowned-the-new-iwgp-heavyweight-champion|title=AJ Styles crowned the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=May 3, 2014|accessdate=May 3, 2014|work=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558|title="新IWGP王者"AJスタイルズに直撃! 「もう誰にもIWGPを渡す気はない！俺が"カネの雨"を降らせるから心配するな！」|date=May 12, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221009/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558|archivedate=May 12, 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=May 12, 2014}}</ref> The win also made Styles the shortest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/534176/|title=５・３内藤に挑戦の１７０センチ石井が"史上最小ＩＷＧＰ王者"にこだわり|date=April 25, 2016|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=April 25, 2016}}</ref> On May 17, Styles made his first successful title defense in a three-way match with Okada and Michael Elgin at the NJPW/ROH co-produced [[War of the Worlds (2014 wrestling)|War of the Worlds]] event in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml|title=Caldwell's ROH iPPV results 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of War of the Worlds - ROH Title & IWGP Title main events, new ROH tag champs, Steen vs. Nakamura, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 17, 2014|accessdate=May 17, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 25 at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], Styles defeated Okada for his second successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842|title=Back to the Yokohama Arena|accessdate=May 25, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name=BacktotheYokohamaArenaPWT>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78619.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 25, 2014|accessdate=May 25, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles suffered his first loss in NJPW on July 21, when he was defeated by Okada in his first match in the [[G1 Climax#2014|2014 G1 Climax]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_79706.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW G1 Climax results 7/21 (Night 1): Complete coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Okada main event, Tanahashi, Nakamura, Shelton Benjamin, Bullet Club, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 21, 2014|accessdate=July 21, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Out of his nine remaining matches in the tournament, Styles lost only one, but failed to advance to the finals due to his loss against Okada in the head-to-head match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871|title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808093933/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871|archivedate=August 8, 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=August 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/50055-8-8-njpw-g-1-climax-day-11-recap-okada-suzuki|title=8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=August 8, 2014|accessdate=August 8, 2014|work=Wrestleview}}</ref> On October 13 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2014)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Styles lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi in his third defense, after the returning [[Yoshi Tatsu|Yoshitatsu]] stopped Bullet Club's newest member, Jeff Jarrett, from interfering in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=889|title=King of Pro-Wrestling|accessdate=October 13, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017231408/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=889|archivedate=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_81243.shtml|title=PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more|date=October 13, 2014|accessdate=October 13, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

[[File:AJstyles IWGP Heavyweight Champion crop.jpg|thumb|left|Styles as the [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] in May 2014]]
On November 8 at [[Power Struggle (2014)|Power Struggle]], Styles defeated Yoshitatsu with help from Jarrett and after the match was confronted by [[Tetsuya Naito]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898|title=Power Struggle|accessdate=November 8, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111183551/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898|archivedate=November 11, 2014}}</ref> During the match, Yoshitatsu legitimately broke his neck on a botched ''Styles Clash'' in which he tucked his head, leading to NJPW pushing Styles as a "killer" and the ''Styles Clash'' as a controversial maneuver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_81977.shtml|title=NJPW news: Yoshitatsu injury update - could be out one year|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 25, 2014|accessdate=January 9, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/102-japan/40606-new-japan-wrestle-kingdom-9-live-coverage-from-the-tokyo-dome-tanahashi-vs-okada-ibushi-vs-nakamura-plus-4-way-juniors-tag|title=New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 9 live results and recap: Tanahashi vs. Okada, Ibushi vs. Nakamura plus 4 way juniors tag|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 3, 2015|accessdate=January 9, 2015|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|quote=They are putting over the Styles clash as being controversial and using the neck injury to Yoshitatsu to make Styles out to be a killer}}.</ref> Later in the month, Styles entered the [[G1 Tag League#2014|2014 World Tag League]], alongside Yujiro Takahashi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707|title=『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム＆公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!|date=November 11, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112222204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707|archivedate=November 12, 2014|deadurl=yes|accessdate=December 5, 2014}}</ref> Despite a win over the reigning [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]], Bullet Club stablemates [[Luke Gallows|Doc Gallows]] and Karl Anderson,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=910&c=6911|title=World Tag League 2014|accessdate=December 5, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210133111/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=910&c=6911|archivedate=December 10, 2014}}</ref> Styles and Takahashi failed to advance from their block with a record of four wins and three losses due to losing to Kazuchika Okada and [[Nobuo Yoshihashi|Yoshi-Hashi]] on the final day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912|title=World Tag League 2014|accessdate=December 5, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210130824/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912|archivedate=December 10, 2014}}</ref> Styles and Naito faced off in a match on January 4, 2015 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 9|Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome]], where Styles was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902|title=Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104154549/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902|archivedate=January 4, 2015|deadurl=yes|accessdate=January 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_82579.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV - Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2015|accessdate=January 4, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On January 6, 2015, Styles inserted himself back into the IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture, when he pinned Tanahashi in an eight-man tag team match, setting up a title match between the two at [[The New Beginning in Osaka (2015)|The New Beginning in Osaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13129|title=棚橋vsAJのIWGP戦が正式決定！ 後藤＆柴田vsアンダーソン＆ギャローズ、オメガvs田口の再戦も決定！【2・11大阪対戦カード】|date=January 6, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref> On February 11, Styles defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name=NewBeginningOsaka2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=934|title=The New Beginning in Osaka|accessdate=February 11, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213111320/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=934|archivedate=February 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83264.shtml|title=NJPW news: Bullet Club takes top titles at "New Beginning" - Styles new IWGP World Champ, other title changes|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 11, 2015|accessdate=February 11, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles made his first title defense on April 5 at [[Invasion Attack (2015)|Invasion Attack]], where he defeated [[New Japan Cup#2015|2015 New Japan Cup]] winner [[Kota Ibushi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956|title=Invasion Attack 2015|accessdate=April 5, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409000342/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956|archivedate=April 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_84294.shtml|title=Show results - 4/5 NJPW "Invasion Attack" in Tokyo, Japan: A.J. Styles defends IWGP World Title in main event, ROH tag teams win both Tag Titles, Bullet Club in action, more|date=April 5, 2015|accessdate=April 5, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> His five-month reign ended in his second defense on July 5 at [[Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall]], where he was defeated by Kazuchika Okada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990|title=Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall|accessdate=July 5, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706044456/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990|archivedate=July 6, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_86032.shtml|title=NJPW PPV news: Three title changes at Dominion PPV, big-time main event, ROH, headline matches for G1 Climax, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 5, 2015|accessdate=July 5, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> From July 20 to August 14, Styles took part in the [[G1 Climax#2015|2015 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/80-features-and-tv-reviews/43611-the-big-audio-nightmares-guide-to-the-annual-new-japan-g1-climax|title=The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax|last=Sempervive|first=Mike|date=July 18, 2015|accessdate=August 14, 2015|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Styles entered the final day with a chance to advance from his block, but a loss against Hiroshi Tanahashi cost him a spot in the finals, giving him a record of six wins and three losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1010|title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=August 14, 2015}}</ref> On October 12 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2015)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Styles received a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but was again defeated by Okada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-10-11-kazuchika-okada-vs-aj-styles-iwgp-heavyweight-title-199546|title=NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 10-11: Kazuchika Okada vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=October 11, 2015|accessdate=November 9, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

In November, Styles entered the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] picture by challenging [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to a title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-2015-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-karl-anderson-ic-title-201186|title=NJPW Power Struggle live results 2015: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for IC title|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=November 6, 2015|accessdate=December 9, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Later that month, Styles was forced to pull out of the [[G1 Tag League#2015|2015 World Tag League]], where he teamed with Yujiro Takahashi, after suffering a back injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/aj-styles-officially-removed-njpw-tour-203006|title=AJ Styles officially removed from NJPW Tour|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=December 5, 2015|accessdate=December 9, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Styles returned to the NJPW ring on January 4, 2016 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10|Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]], where he unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wrestle-kingdom-10-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-204791|title=Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 3, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Hours after Styles' Wrestle Kingdom 10 match, it was reported that Styles had given his notice to NJPW on the morning of January 4, announcing that he was leaving the promotion and signing with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/njpw-stars-nakamura-aj-styles-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-headed-wwe-204971|title=NJPW stars Nakamura, AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson headed to WWE|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=January 4, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/pwtorch-report-four-big-names-leaving-new-japan-heading-to-wwe/|title=PWTorch Report – Four big names leaving New Japan, heading to WWE|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105055406/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/pwtorch-report-four-big-names-leaving-new-japan-heading-to-wwe/|archivedate=January 5, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2016}}</ref> The following day, Styles made his final appearance for NJPW, where the rest of Bullet Club turned on him with [[Kenny Omega]] becoming the stable's new leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/98816/aj-styles-nakamuranew-japan-updates.html?p=1|title=AJ Styles & Nakamura-New Japan updates|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=January 5, 2016|accessdate=January 5, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>

=== WWE ===
==== The Club and feud with John Cena (2016) ====
[[File:Styles2 in April 2016.jpg|thumb|250px|Styles performing one of his signature poses at a WWE house show in April 2016]]
After weeks of speculation and [[WWE]] themselves covering the rumors of Styles leaving NJPW for WWE,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/are-aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-karl-anderson-doc-gallows-coming-to-wwe|title=Are AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows coming to WWE?|author=Clapp, John|work=wwe.com|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=January 5, 2016|accessdate=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/former-new-japan-star-matt-bloom-addresses-bullet-club-rumors|title=Former New Japan star Matt Bloom addresses Bullet Club rumors|author=Wallace, Dustin|work=wwe.com|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=January 12, 2016|accessdate=June 20, 2016}}</ref> on January 20, 2016 it was confirmed that he had signed with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/njpw-stars-nakamura-aj-styles-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-headed-wwe-204971|title=NJPW stars Nakamura, AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson headed to WWE|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=January 4, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/pwtorch-report-four-big-names-leaving-new-japan-heading-to-wwe/|title=PWTorch Report – Four big names leaving New Japan, heading to WWE|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105055406/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/pwtorch-report-four-big-names-leaving-new-japan-heading-to-wwe/|archivedate=January 5, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2016}}</ref> Prior to signing, Styles had also had extensive discussions with TNA and according to them, Styles had agreed to return to the promotion with Bullet Club stablemates [[Gallows and Anderson|Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://impactwrestling.com/aj-styles/|title=AJ Styles – Impact Wrestling|website=impactwrestling.com|accessdate=January 26, 2016}}</ref> before being offered a "blow-away deal" by WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/22/8777/|title=TNA releases details on A.J. Styles talks – insight on how this played out|date=January 22, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128174447/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/22/8777/|archivedate=January 28, 2016|deadurl=yes|accessdate=January 23, 2016}}</ref> After not being on WWE television since his ''[[WWF Jakked/Metal|Metal]]'' match in 2002, Styles made his re-debut in WWE on January 24 at the [[Royal Rumble (2016)|Royal Rumble]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|pay-per-view]] during the [[Royal Rumble#Match|eponymous match]] for the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]], entering at #3 and receiving a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Pop|loud ovation]], thus establishing him as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubZR-cfkSDQ|title=WWE Network: AJ Styles makes his WWE debut in the Royal Rumble Match: Royal Rumble 2016|date=January 24, 2016|accessdate=January 24, 2016}}</ref> Styles went on to eliminate [[Curtis Axel]] and [[Tyler Breeze]], before being eliminated by [[Kevin Owens]], lasting just under 29 minutes in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/2016rumblenews/|title=Rumble News – two title changes, A.J. Styles, new Divas feud, Rumble, more|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 26, 2016}}</ref> Styles then entered a storyline with [[Chris Jericho]], with the two exchanging victories on both ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99289/live-ongoing-wwe-raw-report-styles-versus-jericho.html?p=1|title=WWE Raw Report: Who Impressed The Authority Enough To Main Event Fastlane?, Finally ... The New Day Know Something Rock Does Not, AJ Styles Makes His Raw Debut, If You Missed Something Resembling The Attitude Era . . . This Raw Is For You|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=January 25, 2016|accessdate=January 25, 2016}}</ref> and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/99752/wwe-smackdown-report-the-jericho-and-styles-show-wyatt-foreshadows-a-feud-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE Smackdown Report: The Jericho And Styles Show, Wyatt Foreshadows A Feud?, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=February 11, 2016|accessdate=February 11, 2016}}</ref> which ultimately led to an encounter between the two on February 21 at [[Fastlane (2016)|Fastlane]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=99873&p=2|title=WWE Raw Report: Stirring The Pots, IC Titles Match, New Matches For Fastlane, And Matches For Smackdown|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=February 15, 2016|accessdate=February 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99935/wwe-smackdown-report-did-jericho-accept-the-challenge-what-did-brock-do-on-his-return-to-smackdown-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE Smackdown Report: Did Jericho Accepted The Challenge?, What Did Brock Do On His Return To Smackdown?, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=February 18, 2016|accessdate=February 18, 2016}}</ref> where Styles emerged victorious via submission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100003&p=2|title=Complete WWE Fast Lane PPV Coverage|author=Johnson, Mike|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=February 21, 2016|accessdate=February 21, 2016}}</ref> After Fastlane, Jericho and Styles formed a tag team, dubbed "Y2AJ",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100033&p=3|title=WWE Raw Report: A Name You Probably Didn't Expect, Matches Announced For Wrestlemania, Detroit Medical Facilities Are Going To Be Busy, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=February 22, 2016|accessdate=February 22, 2016}}</ref> and went on to defeat [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) in two non-title matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100207/wwe-raw-report-tag-title-match-next-week-who-is-the-number-one-contender-for-the-divas-title-who-gets-a-title-match-what-about-the-shanetaker-match-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE Raw Report: Tag Title Match Next Week, Who Is The Number One Contender For The Divas Title?, Who Gets a Title Match?, What About the Taker/Shane match?, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=February 29, 2016|accessdate=February 29, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100295/wwe-smackdown-report-who-gets-to-wrestle-charlotte-at-wrestlemania-miz-and-ziggler-getting-ready-for-a-minuteman-match-kofi-vs-styles-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE SmackDown Report: Who Gets to Wrestle Charlotte at WrestleMania?, Miz and Ziggler Getting Ready for a Minuteman Match?, Kofi Vs. Styles and more|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=March 3, 2016|accessdate=March 3, 2016}}</ref> This led to a match for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]] on the March 7 episode of ''Raw'', which Y2AJ failed to win, after which Jericho turned on Styles and attacked him, officially ending their team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100372&p=2|title=WWE Raw Report: Any Roadblocks On The Path To Roadblock?, How About Those Y2AJ Shirt Sales?, Who Will Be The X Factor In The Lana/Brie Situation?, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=March 7, 2016|accessdate=March 7, 2016}}</ref> The two subsequently interfered in each other's matches,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100601/wwe-smackdown-report-dean-ambrose-tours-cincinnati-owens-vs-styles-roman-speaks-the-divas-talk-about-their-histories-together-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE Smackdown Report: Dean Ambrose Tours Cincinnati, Owens vs Styles, Roman Speaks, The Divas Talk About Their Histories Together, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=March 17, 2016|accessdate=March 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/|title=3/21 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=March 25, 2016}}</ref> leading to Styles challenging Jericho to a match at [[WrestleMania 32]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100709/wwe-raw-report-vince-makes-an-announcement-kevin-owens-tries-to-outsmart-the-wrestlers-but-did-it-work-whats-good-for-the-jericho-is-good-for-the-aj-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE Raw Report: Vince Makes An Announcement, Kevin Owens Tries To Outsmart The Wrestlers But Did It Work?, What's Good For The Jericho Is Good For The AJ, And More|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=March 21, 2016|accessdate=March 21, 2016}}</ref> which Jericho ultimately accepted on the March 28 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/28/march28rawresults/|title=3/28 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report on final WM32 hype|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 28, 2016}}</ref> At WrestleMania 32 on April 3, Styles lost to Jericho.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wortman|first=James|title=Chris Jericho def. AJ Styles|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/aj-styles-chris-jericho-results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=April 3, 2016}}</ref>

On the following episode of ''Raw'', Styles pinned Jericho in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]] also involving the returning [[Cesaro (wrestler)|Cesaro]] and [[Kevin Owens]] to become the number one contender for [[Roman Reigns]]' WWE World Heavyweight Championship to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/|title=4/4 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Report on post-WM32|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 4, 2016}}</ref> In the weeks that followed, Styles reunited with former Bullet Club stablemates [[Luke Gallows]] and [[Karl Anderson]] (later known as The Club) and an alliance, which Styles initially denied, was teased.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=5/9 WWE Raw Results|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/09/omaharawmay9results/|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=May 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/18/april18rawresults/|title=4/18 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete London TV Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 18, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 25, 2016}}</ref> At Payback on May 1, Reigns eventually defeated Styles by pinfall after the match was restarted twice (with Styles first winning by countout and then by disqualification), despite Gallows and Anderson's interference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/01/payback2016results/|title=WWE Payback 2016 Results|author=Caldwell, James|website=PWTorch.com|date=May 1, 2016|accessdate=May 1, 2016}}</ref> Styles received a rematch against Reigns for the championship at [[Extreme Rules (2016)|Extreme Rules]] in an [[Hardcore wrestling|Extreme Rules match]], but was unsuccessful due to interference from both Gallows and Anderson and [[The Usos]] (Jey and Jimmy Uso).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/22/extremerulesliveresults/|title=5/22 WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results – Caldwell's Ongoing Live Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 22, 2016|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 22, 2016}}</ref>

The following night on ''Raw'', Styles failed to qualify for the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[Money in the Bank (2016)|Money in the Bank]] against Kevin Owens. On the May 30 episode of ''Raw'', he welcomed back a returning [[John Cena]], only to attack Cena with help from Gallows and Anderson, turning heel in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/30/may30rawcaldwellcomplete/|title=5/30 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|date=May 30, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 31, 2016}}</ref> This set up a match between Styles and Cena at Money in the Bank on June 19, which Styles won after interference from The Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/19/619-wwe-mitb-ppv-results-caldwells-ongoing-live-report/|title=6/19 WWE MITB PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 19, 2016}}</ref> At [[Battleground (2016)|Battleground]] on July 24, The Club took on Cena and [[Enzo and Cass|Enzo Amore and Big Cass]] in a six-man tag team match, where they lost after Cena pinned Styles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/john-cena-enzo-amore-big-cass-the-club-result|title=Cena & The Realest Guys in the Room shut down The Club|access-date=August 7, 2016}}</ref> During the [[2016 WWE draft]] on July 19, Styles was drafted to [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] in the first round of picks, being the brand's second pick overall, while Gallows and Anderson were drafted to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]], splitting up The Club.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=July 19, 2016}}</ref> Styles faced Cena once more at [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]] on August 21, defeating him cleanly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|title=8/21 WWE Summerslam Results – CALDWELL's Complete Live Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 21, 2016}}</ref> After his victory over Cena, Styles claimed himself to be the "new face of WWE" and "the Face That Runs the Place".<ref>{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=8/23 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles appears after defeating John Cena at SummerSlam, Nikki Bella returns|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/23/823-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-appears-after-defeating-john-cena-at-summerslam-nikki-bella-returns/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 23, 2016|accessdate=September 14, 2016}}</ref>

==== Championship reigns (2016–2017) ====
[[File:Shakedown 06 (31650240352) crop.jpg|thumb|left|Styles as [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] in December 2016]]
Due to his victory at SummerSlam, Styles immediately re-entered the renamed WWE World Championship picture and received another opportunity at the title at [[Backlash (2016)|Backlash]] against [[Dean Ambrose]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=WWE World Champion Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/wwe-world-champion-dean-ambrose-vs-aj-styles|work=WWE|accessdate=August 23, 2016}}</ref> At the pay-per view on September 11, Styles defeated Ambrose to become the WWE World Champion for the first time after a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]], also his first championship in WWE and eighth world title overall.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose to win the WWE World Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2016/dean-ambrose-vs-aj-styles-results|work=WWE|accessdate=September 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/11/backlashppvresults/|title=9/11 WWE Backlash Results – CALDWELL's Complete PPV Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 11, 2016}}</ref> Styles made his first successful title defense against Ambrose in a rematch on the September 27 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' after interference from John Cena.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE announces WWE World Championship rematch set for next week's 9/27 Smackdown Live|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/67318-wwe-announces-wwe-world-championship-rematch-set-next-weeks-927-smackdown-live/|work=Wrestleview|accessdate=September 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/27/927-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/|title=9/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report|last=Parks|first=Greg|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 27, 2016}}</ref> At [[No Mercy (2016)|No Mercy]] on October 9, Styles retained the title against Cena and Ambrose in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] after pinning Cena.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=WWE World Champion AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose and John Cena|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2016/aj-styles-dean-ambrose-john-cena-results|work=WWE|accessdate=October 9, 2016}}</ref> On the October 11 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles suffered a humiliating non-title match loss to [[Job (professional wrestling)|enhancement talent]] [[James Ellsworth (wrestler)|James Ellsworth]] after Ambrose (who was the special guest referee) interfered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Orr|first=James|title=Smackdown Live results: WWE world heavyweight champ AJ Styles SHOCKED by resident jobber James Ellsworth, Kane disappears in main event|url=https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/wwe/1959033/smackdown-live-results-wwe-world-heavyweight-champ-aj-styles-shocked-by-resident-jobber-james-ellsworth-kane-disappears-in-main-event/|work=[[The Sun (UK)]]|date=October 12, 2016|accessdate=October 15, 2016}}</ref> [[List of WWE SmackDown on-air personalities#Authority figures|SmackDown General Manager]] [[Daniel Bryan]] subsequently gave Ellsworth a WWE World Championship match against Styles on the October 18 ''SmackDown Live'' episode, which Styles lost via disqualification, but kept the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/18/1018-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-2/|title=10/18 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=October 18, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 18, 2016}}</ref> Despite their animosity, Ambrose and Styles were part of Team SmackDown at [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] on November 20, where their team ultimately prevailed, despite the two attacking each other and causing each other's elimination during the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=KELLER'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/20: Goldberg vs. Lesnar, Raw vs. Smackdown, The Miz vs. Sami Zayn, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/20/kellers-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-report-1120-goldberg-vs-lesnar-raw-vs-smackdown-miz-vs-sami-zayn/|publisher=''Pro Wrestling Torch''|accessdate=November 21, 2016}}</ref> On the November 22 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles lost to Ellworth in a ladder match after interference from Ambrose, earning him a SmackDown contract and future championship match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-11-22/article/james-ellsworth-aj-styles-agree-to-ladder-match|title=James Ellsworth def. AJ Styles in a Ladder Match to win a SmackDown LIVE contract|date=November 22, 2016|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=November 23, 2016}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2016)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 4, Styles defeated Ambrose in a [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] to retain the title after Ellsworth interfered and turned on Ambrose.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=WWE World Champion AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose (Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2016/aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-tlc-match-results|work=WWE|accessdate=December 4, 2016}}</ref> Ellsworth explained that since he had already beaten Styles three times, he helped Styles because he wanted to defeat him again, this time for the renamed WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE TLC 2016 live review: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose in a TLC match for the WWE Championship, The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/12/04/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-miz-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-intercontinental-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=December 4, 2016}}</ref> On the December 20 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles squashed Ellsworth in under a minute to retain the championship and end their feud.<ref name="Smackdown12202016">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/20/1220-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/|title=12/20 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=December 20, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=December 20, 2016}}</ref> On the December 27 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]] and [[Baron Corbin]] in a triple threat match to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/27/1227-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-three-title-matches-john-cenas-return/|title=12/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report, including three title matches, John Cena's return|last=Parks|first=Greg|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=December 27, 2016}}</ref> Styles lost the title to Cena at the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, 2017, ending his reign at 140 days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Adkins|first1=Greg|title=John Cena def. AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/aj-styles-vs-john-cena-results|website=wwe.com|publisher=WWE|accessdate=January 29, 2017}}</ref>

On February 12 at [[Elimination Chamber (2017)|Elimination Chamber]], Styles competed in an [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] against Cena, Baron Corbin, [[Bray Wyatt]], [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] Dean Ambrose and [[The Miz]] for the WWE Championship, where he lasted until the final two before being eliminated by Wyatt, who became the new champion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=2/12 Powell's WWE Elimination Chamber 2017 live review: John Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz vs. Baron Corbin vs. Bray Wyatt in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/02/12/212-powells-wwe-elimination-chamber-2017-live-review-john-cena-vs-aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-vs-miz-vs-baron-corbin-vs-bray-wyatt-elimination-chamber-match-wwe/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=February 12, 2017}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles failed to regain the title from Wyatt in a triple threat match also involving Cena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/14/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-214-ongoing-coverage-bray-defending-wwe-title-cena-elimination-chamber-follow/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/14: Ongoing coverage of Bray defending WWE Title against Cena, Elimination Chamber follow-up|date=February 14, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 14, 2017}}</ref> On the February 21 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', following Royal Rumble winner [[Randy Orton]]'s unwillingness to challenge Wyatt at [[WrestleMania 33]] for the WWE Championship, Styles competed in a 10-man [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to determine Orton's replacement and lasted until the final two, where the match ended in a draw after he and [[Luke Harper]] eliminated each other simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/15/214-wwe-talking-smack-review-daniel-bryan-announces-battle-royal-replace-orton-opponent-wyatt-wrestlemania-bliss-learns-patriots-won-plus-crews/|title=2/14 WWE Talking Smack Review: Daniel Bryan announces Battle Royal to replace Orton as opponent for Wyatt at WrestleMania, Bliss learns Patriots won, plus Crews|last=Elbe|first=Craig|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 15, 2017}}</ref> The following week, he defeated Harper to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/21/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-221-results-battle-royal-determine-new-no-1-contender-wwe-championship-wrestlemania/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/21: Results of Battle Royal to determine a new no. 1 contender for WWE Championship at WrestleMania|date=February 21, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 21, 2017}}</ref>, but Orton betrayed Wyatt and reclaimed his right to face him at WrestleMania 33,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/28/228-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-real-time-report-including-luke-harper-vs-j-styles-1-contenders-match-mickie-james-vs-becky-lynch-two-three-falls/|title=2/28 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including Luke Harper vs. A.J. Styles in a #1 contender's match, Mickie James vs. Becky Lynch in two-out-of-three falls|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=February 28, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 28, 2017}}</ref> leading to a match between Styles and Orton on the March 7 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', where Styles lost his number one contendership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/7: Styles vs. Orton to earn WWE Title shot at WM33, Cena & Nikki vs. Ellsworth & Carmella|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/07/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-37-styles-vs-orton-earn-wwe-title-shot-wm33-cena-nikki-vs-ellsworth-carmella/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref>

On the March 14 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles ambushed SmackDown Commissioner [[Shane McMahon]] (who Styles blamed for him not challenging for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania) when he arrived at the arena and slammed his head into the window of a parked car.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/aj-styles-ambushed-shane-mcmahon|title=AJ Styles ambushed Shane McMahon in the parking lot|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=March 14, 2017|accessdate=March 15, 2017}}</ref> Afterwards, SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan confronted Styles and—in storyline—fired him for his actions before having security escort Styles out of the building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 3/14/17 (McMahon responds to AJ Styles)|date=March 14, 2017|work=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 15, 2017}}</ref> However, later that night, McMahon returned to the arena and announced that he would face Styles at WrestleMania 33,<ref>{{cite web|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/shane-mcmahon-seemingly-challenged-aj-styles-to-a-match-at|title=Shane McMahon seemingly called AJ Styles out for WrestleMania|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=March 14, 2017|accessdate=March 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/shane-mcmahon-vs-aj-styles|title=Shane McMahon vs. AJ Styles|date=March 21, 2017|last=Clapp|first=John|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=March 21, 2017}}</ref> where Styles defeated McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=AJ Styles def. Shane McMahon|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/shane-mcmahon-vs-aj-styles-results|work=WWE|accessdate=April 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=April 2, 2017}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles shook hands with McMahon, thus turning face in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/04/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-44-wrestlemania-33-fallout-including-celebration-interview-orton-rematches-miz-maryse-call-cena-nikki/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/4: WrestleMania 33 fallout including celebration interview with Orton, rematches, Miz & Maryse, and some NXT call-ups!|date=April 4, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 5, 2017}}</ref>

On the April 11 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles defeated Baron Corbin and [[Sami Zayn]] to become the number one contender for the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/11: Superstar Shake-up Night 2 details|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 11, 2017}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]] on May 21, Styles lost his match against Kevin Owens for the United States Championship by countout after Owens got Styles' leg trapped in an announce table.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=5/21 Powell's WWE Backlash Live Review: Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/05/21/521-powells-wwe-backlash-live-review-randy-orton-vs-jinder-mahal-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-aj-styles-u-s-championship-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-dolph-ziggler/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref> At [[Money in the Bank (2017)|Money in the Bank]] on June 18, Styles was unsuccessful in winning the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Baron Corbin won the 2017 Money in the Bank contract|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=June 19, 2017}}</ref> After Styles became once again the number one contender to Owens' championship, a title match was set for [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/04/mcneills-wwe-smackdown-report-74-john-cena-returns-rap-battle-naomi-lana-iii-battle-royal/|title=McNEILL'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/4: John Cena Returns, Rap Battle, Naomi-Lana III & Battle Royal|date=July 4, 2017|last=McNeill|first=|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=July 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens|work=WWE|accessdate=July 11, 2017}}</ref> However, Styles defeated Owens during a WWE live event at [[Madison Square Garden]] on July 7 to capture the United States Championship for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=AJ Styles wins United States Championship from Kevin Owens at Madison Square Garden Live Event|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden|work=WWE|accessdate=July 7, 2017}}</ref> At Battleground on July 23, Styles lost the title back to Owens,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/23 Powell's WWE Battleground Live Review: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Championship, John Cena vs. Rusev in a flag match|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/23/723-powells-wwe-battleground-live-review-jinder-mahal-vs-randy-orton-punjabi-prison-match-wwe-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-u-s-championship-john-cena-vs-rusev/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=July 23, 2017}}</ref> but regained it two days later on ''SmackDown Live'' in a triple threat match also involving a returning Chris Jericho, thus becoming a two-time United States Champion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/25: Surprise return, Owens gloats and Styles wants rematch, Nakamura vs. Corbin|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/25/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-725-surprise-return-owens-gloats-styles-wants-rematch-nakamura-vs-corbin/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=July 25, 2017}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2017)|SummerSlam]] on August 20, Styles defeated Owens to retain the title with Shane McMahon as the special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens (Special Guest Referee Shane McMahon)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results|work=WWE|accessdate=August 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2017 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins for the Raw Tag Titles|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/08/20/powells-wwe-summerslam-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-samoa-joe-vs-roman-reigns-wwe-universal-championship-jinder-mahal-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-wwe-champio/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=August 20, 2017}}</ref> After once again defeating Owens two days later on ''SmackDown Live'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/22: Summerslam fallout including Owens-Styles-Shane controversy and a new roster member|date=August 22, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 22, 2017}}</ref> Styles revived John Cena's U.S. open challenge,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/29/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-829-jinder-rusev-vs-orton-nakamura-headlines-plus-j-styles-u-s-title-open-challenge-shelton-gable/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/29: Jinder & Rusev vs. Orton & Nakamura headlines, plus A.J. Styles U.S. Title Open Challenge, Shelton & Gable|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=August 29, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 5, 2017}}</ref> successfully defending the title two times on ''SmackDown Live'' against [[Tye Dillinger]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/12: Vince McMahon appears to address Shane being suspended and Owens threatening to sue|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/12/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-912-vince-mcmahon-appears-address-shane-suspended-owens-threatening-sue/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 12, 2017}}</ref> who was also in a rivalry with [[Baron Corbin]] about who should answer Styles' challenge, leading to a triple threat match at [[Hell in a Cell (2017)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 8,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/aj-styles-vs-baron-corbin|work=WWE|accessdate=September 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=10/08 Powell's WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show coverage: Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable vs. Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/08/1008-powells-wwe-hell-cell-kickoff-show-coverage-shelton-benjamin-chad-gable-vs-zack-ryder-mojo-rawley/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=October 8, 2017}}</ref> where Styles lost the title to Corbin who pinned Dillinger, thus ending his reign at 75 days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Baron Corbin def. AJ Styles and Tye Dillinger to become the new United States Champion|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/aj-styles-baron-corbin-results|work=WWE|accessdate=October 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Hell in a Cell 2017 live review: Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon in a Falls Count Anywhere HIAC match, New Day vs. The Usos in an HIAC match for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/08/powells-wwe-hell-cell-2017-live-review-kevin-owens-vs-shane-mcmahon-falls-count-anywhere-hiac-match-new-day-vs-usos-hiac-match-smackdown-tag-titles-jinder-mahal-vs-s/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=October 8, 2017}}</ref>

==== Longest reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history (2017–present) ====
After failing to regain the title from Corbin on ''SmackDown Live'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/10/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1010-sami-zayn-explaining-owens-shane-fallout-styles-challenges-corbin/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/10: Sami Zayn has some explaining to do, Owens-Shane fallout, Styles challenges Corbin|date=October 10, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 11, 2017}}</ref> Styles began a rivalry with current WWE Champion at the time [[Jinder Mahal]], by confronting and attacking him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/17/1017-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-jinder-mahals-survivor-series-announcement-bobby-roode-vs-dolph-ziggler-sami-zayn-opens-show/|title=10/17 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Jinder Mahal's Survivor Series announcement, Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn opens the show|date=October 17, 2017|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=October 17, 2017}}</ref> During that time, Styles also appeared at Raw's exclusive event [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2017)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on October 22,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title="The Demon" Finn Bálor vs. AJ Styles|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/the-demon-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles|work=WWE|accessdate=October 16, 2017}}</ref> competing against [[Finn Bálor]] due to Bálor's original opponent [[Bray Wyatt]] not being cleared to compete<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113033/wwe-scrambling-as-tlc-card-is-revamped-due-to-medical-issues-kurt-angle-to-return-to-the-ring-this-sunday-styles-vs-balor-.html?p=1|title=WWE scrambling as TLC card is revamped due to medical issues; Kurt Angle to return to the ring this Sunday; Styles vs. Balor|last=Johnson|first=Mike|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=October 20, 2017|accessdate=October 20, 2017}}</ref> in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title="The Demon" Finn Bálor def. AJ Styles|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/the-demon-finn-balor-aj-styles-results|work=WWE|accessdate=October 22, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Styles WWE Champion WM34 crop.jpg|thumb|Styles as WWE Champion at [[WrestleMania 34]]]]
On the November 7 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' in Manchester, England, Styles defeated WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and won the title in what marked the first time the title changed hands on ''SmackDown'' since September 2003,<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/7 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Jinder Mahal vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, The Usos vs. Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Becky Lynch vs. James Ellsworth|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/07/117-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-jinder-mahal-vs-aj-styles-wwe-championship-usos-vs-shelton-benjamin-chad-gable-smackdown-tag-titles-becky-lynch-vs-james-ellsw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=November 7, 2017}}</ref> claiming his second WWE Championship and becoming recognized by WWE as the first titleholder crowned outside of [[North America]]<ref name="wwerecognition">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-11-07/article/aj-styles-def-jinder-mahal|title=AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal to win the WWE Championship|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|date=November 7, 2017|publisher=WWE|accessdate=November 8, 2017}}</ref> ([[Antonio Inoki]] had won the title in Japan in 1979,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/world_title.htm|title=WWWF/WWF/WWE Heavyweight Title History|publisher=The History of WWE|accessdate=November 8, 2017}}</ref> but this reign is unrecognized by WWE).<ref name="wwetitlehistory"/> With the win, Styles replaced Mahal in the champion vs. champion match at Survivor Series on November 19 against [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Champion]] [[Brock Lesnar]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles (Champion vs. Champion Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles|work=WWE|accessdate=November 7, 2017}}</ref> which he would go on to lose.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar def. WWE Champion AJ Styles|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-aj-styles-results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=November 19, 2017}}</ref> At [[Clash of Champions (2017)|Clash of Champions]] on December 17, Styles defeated Mahal via submission in his first title defense.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/aj-styles-jinder-mahal-results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=December 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Clash of Champions 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn put their WWE careers on the line vs. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan as referees|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/17/powells-wwe-clash-champions-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-jinder-mahal-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-put-wwe-careers-line-vs-randy-orton-shinsuke-nak/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=December 17, 2017}}</ref>

Styles' next feud came against [[Kevin Owens]] [[Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn|and]] [[Sami Zayn]], whom he lost back-to-back matches to due to interference.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=12/26 Barnett’s WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens, the final edition of 2017|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/26/12-26-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-edition-2017/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=December 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=01/02 Barnett’s WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn in a non-title match, The Usos vs. Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable for the Smackdown Tag Titles, U.S. Title tournament continues on the first Smackdown of 2018|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/02/01-02-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-champion-aj-styles-vs-kevin-sami-zayn-non-title-match-usos-vs-shelton-benjamin-chad-gable-smackdown-tag-titles-first-edit/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 2, 2018|accessdate=January 3, 2018}}</ref> As a result, SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan made a handicap championship match at [[Royal Rumble (2018)| Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn — 2-on-1 Handicap Match for the WWE Title|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|date=January 3, 2018|publisher=WWE|accessdate=January 3, 2018}}</ref> which Styles won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn|last=Melok|first=Bobby|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=WWE|accessdate=January 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-2018-live-review-mens-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-kane-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-han/|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2018 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Kane for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match for the WWE Championship|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=January 28, 2018}}</ref> Styles then successfully defended the title against Zayn, Owens, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|six-pack challenge]] at [[Fastlane (2018)|Fastlane]] on March 11.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/six-pack-challenge-match-results|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. John Cena, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin (Six-Pack Challenge)|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|accessdate=March 11, 2018|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/11/wwe-fastlane-2018-live-review-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dolph-ziggler-vs-john-cena-six-way-wwe-championship-usos-vs-new-day-sm/|title=WWE Fastlane 2018 live review: AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena in a six-way for the WWE Championship, The Usos vs. New Day for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Charlotte Flair vs. Ruby Riott for the Smackdown Women's Championship|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=March 11, 2018}}</ref> Styles began feuding with the 2018 Royal Rumble winner [[Shinsuke Nakamura]], who chose to challenge Styles for the WWE Championship at [[WrestleMania 34]], marking their first encounter against each other since Wrestle Kingdom 10. At the event on April 8, Styles defeated Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Shinsuke Nakamura|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|publisher=WWE|accessdate=April 8, 2018}}</ref> After the match, Styles was subjected to a classless assault by his opponent, turning Nakamura into a [[heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] and heating up their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-wwe-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-as/|title=Powell's WrestleMania 34 live review: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=April 8, 2018}}</ref> He would defend the title against Nakamura at the following three events, [[WWE Greatest Royal Rumble|Greatest Royal Rumble]] by double count-out, at [[Backlash (2018)|Backlash]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|No Disqualification match]] that ended in a [[No contest (combat sports)|no contest]]<ref>https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2018/5/1/17309474/wwe-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-no-dq-match-backlash-smackdown</ref> and [[Money in the Bank (2018)|Money in the Bank]], where Styles ended the feud after winning a Last Man Standing match. After a successful defense against [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]] at [[Extreme Rules (2018)|Extreme Rules]], he became the longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history, surpassing the 280-day record set by [[John Layfield|John Bradshaw Layfield]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-jbl-congratulates-aj-styles-breaking-wwe-championship-record-cody-rhodes-shares-starrcade-discovery/|title=WWE News: JBL Congratulates AJ Styles On Breaking WWE Championship Record|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|date=August 15, 2018|website=411mania|access-date=August 16, 2018}}</ref> Styles then defended the title against [[Samoa Joe]] at [[SummerSlam (2018)|SummerSlam]], retaining the title, despite losing via disqualification. Styles and Joe's rivalry continued following SummerSlam, leading to a rematch at [[Hell in a Cell (2018)|Hell in a Cell]], where Styles defeated Joe in [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#screwjob|controversial fashion]] to retain the title; Styles submitted to Joe during a roll-up, however, the referee did not see the submission and counted the pin allowing Styles to retain the title. As a result, Styles and Joe faced off again in a no-disqualification, no-countout match at [[WWE Super Show-Down|Super Show-Down]], where Styles defeated Joe by submission to retain the title. After [[Daniel Bryan]] defeated [[The Miz]] in a number one contender's match that same night, it was announced that Styles would defend the WWE Championship against Bryan at [[WWE Crown Jewel|Crown Jewel]].

== Reception ==
In a 2016 article, ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' journalist Michael Moore noted that Styles "has long been regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world".<ref name="moore">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/01/collectibles-column-find-top-cards-2016s-veteran-breakout-stars/|title=Where to Find Top Cards of 2016's Veteran Breakout Stars|last=Moore|first=Michael|date=September 1, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 11, 2016}}</ref> In November 2012, ''[[IGN]] UK'' columnist Matt Fowler ranked Styles at number 38 in his top 50 professional wrestlers of all-time list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/11/02/top-50-wrestlers-of-all-time?page=2|title=TOP 50 WRESTLERS OF ALL TIME|author=Fowler, Matt|website=UK.IGN.com|date=November 2, 2012|accessdate=February 29, 2016}}</ref>

Ayub Nouinou, a columnist for ''[[The Independent]]'', described him as the "crown jewel" of TNA for more than a decade, before "applying his craft" for NJPW and ROH, among others. Nouinou went on to state that Styles had "established himself as one of the best talents on the planet over the last two years (2014 and 2015)" and noted that pertaining to Styles' 2016 WWE signing "the addition of Styles would have to be considered one of the greatest signings since the turn of the millennium". Regarding Styles' financial value to WWE, Nouinou stated that "there is no doubt that "The Phenomenal One" can be a huge [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Draw|draw]] for the company in all departments – whether that be merchandise, television ratings or pay-per-view buys". Nouinou also noted the impact in which [[List of WWE personnel#WWE Corporate|WWE chairman]] [[Vince McMahon]]'s perspective on professional wrestlers that may be "too small", may have potentially changed following the signing of Styles, stating that "the acquisition of Styles signifies a change in McMahon's philosophy. Instead of sticking to the stereotypical views of what a main event superstar should look like, it seems like WWE may have accepted that both wrestling ability and the ability to entertain should be prioritised above everything else". Finally, Nouinou made the prediction that "Styles can be the superstar that spearheads WWE into a new era".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-comment-aj-styles-can-be-the-superstar-that-spearheads-wwe-into-a-new-era-a6828211.html|title=AJ Styles can be the superstar that spearheads WWE into a new era|author=Nouinou, Ayub|work=The Independent|date=January 22, 2016|accessdate=February 29, 2016}}</ref>

[[Gold medal#Olympic Games|Gold medalist]], industry veteran and [[WWE Hall of Fame]]r [[Kurt Angle]] made the following statement in a February 2016 ''[[ESPN]]'' interview regarding Styles' wrestling ability: "I would have to say the best wrestler I wrestled was AJ Styles. He's a special talent, a rare breed and I believe he's going to do really well in the WWE".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/olympics/story/_/id/14852102/ex-wwe-star-kurt-angle-tna-impact-retirement-family-more-important-wrestling|title=Ex-WWE star Kurt Angle: Family more important than wrestling now|last=Atkin|first=Nicolas|date=February 27, 2016|work=ESPN|accessdate=February 28, 2016}}</ref>

In March 2017, Josh Barnett, a columnist for ''[[USA Today]]'', stated that Styles "could be considered the [[Most valuable player|MVP]] of WWE over the last year". Barnett also added that in 2016 Styles had "some of the WWE's best matches, including multiple matches against John Cena and Roman Reigns", while also noting that he "is considered one of the rare performers who can have a great match with anyone".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/aj-styles-shane-mcmahon|title=Why A.J. Styles vs. Shane McMahon at WrestleMania might be better than you think|last=Barnett|first=Josh|date=March 15, 2017|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

[[Paul Heyman]], a renowned [[professional wrestling promoter]] and [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], made the following statement after [[Survivor Series (2017)|Survivor Series]] in November 2017: "He's everything that [[Shawn Michaels]], and [[Bret Hart]], and [[Ric Flair]] were to their generation and he's updated it. He's evolved their styles to truly be the single most phenomenal in-ring performer I have ever had the honour and the pleasure of watching up close".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11136810/aj-styles-is-on-a-par-with-ric-flair-bret-hart-and-shawn-michaels-says-paul-heyman|title=AJ Styles is 'on a par with Ric Flair, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels', says Paul Heyman|last=Jefferson|first=Lake|date=November 21, 2017|website=[[Sky Sports]]|access-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref>

== Other media ==
In 2003, ROH released ''Evolution of a Phenom: The Best of AJ Styles'', a DVD which covers Styles from his debut to mid-2003. In 2004, ROH released ''The Phenomenon Continues: The Best of AJ Styles Vol. 2'', a follow-up DVD to the original released in 2003. Also in 2004, TNA released ''Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles'', a DVD covering Styles' best matches.

In 2006, ROH released a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Shoot|shoot interview]] featuring Styles, alongside [[Christopher Daniels]] for the promotions "Straight Shootin'" series. In 2007, TNA released ''Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Volume 2'', a follow-up DVD to the original released in 2004. Also in 2007, Styles was mentioned in the [[Insane Clown Posse]] song "Scatterbrain" off their EP ''[[Eye of the Storm (EP)|Eye of the Storm]]''.

In 2008, Styles helped develop the first TNA wrestling video game known as ''[[TNA Impact! (video game)|TNA Impact!]]'', which was released the same year on September 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/933905/6180964/tna-impact-official-movie-2|title=TNA Wrestlers do Motion Capture for TNA Impact Video Game|accessdate=April 2, 2008}}</ref> In 2009, Styles was featured on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Made (TV series)|Made]]'' trying to help a young high schooler become a professional wrestler alongside [[Taylor Wilde]] and [[The Beautiful People (professional wrestling)|The Beautiful People]] ([[Angelina Love]] and [[Velvet Sky]]).

In 2011, Styles was featured in the music video for country singer [[Sarah Darling]]'s song "Something to Do with Your Hands".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1297394973|title=Sarah Darling Tag Teams with AJ Styles in Video|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|date=February 10, 2011|work=WrestleView|accessdate=February 15, 2011|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220180550/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1297394973|archivedate=February 20, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, Styles and [[Montell Jordan]] presented the award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Record of the Year to [[Lecrae]] at the 43rd annual [[GMA Dove Award]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_60727.shtml|title=Recap of Styles on Dove Awards show|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 24, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=July 21, 2012}}</ref>

In 2013, ROH released ''AJ Styles - Styles Clash'', a 2-disc DVD featuring Styles' best ROH matches from 2002 to 2005.

In 2016, TNA released ''The Essential AJ Styles Collection'', a 4-disc DVD set showcasing Styles' top 30 greatest TNA matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoptna.com/the-essential-aj-styles-collection.aspx|title=The Essential AJ Styles Collection|accessdate=March 4, 2016|work=ShopTNA}}</ref>

In 2018, it was announced that Styles would be on the cover for ''[[WWE 2K19]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxc7hw7XU4Y|title=WWE 2K19 Press Conference @ 8:00 am PT|author=[[WWE 2K]]|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=June 18, 2018|accessdate=June 18, 2018}}</ref>

=== Filmography ===
==== Television ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Series
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2009 || ''[[Made (TV series)|Made]]'' || Himself<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/04/aj-styles-gets-made|title=AJ Styles Gets Made|first=Matt|last=Fowler|date=September 3, 2009|publisher=}}</ref> || Coach<br />Episode: "Pro Wrestler: Rebecca"
|}

==== Music videos ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Artist
!Song
!Role
|-
|2011 || [[Sarah Darling]] || "Something to Do with Your Hands"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsz7l3pJrok|title=Sarah Darling - AJ Styles(Something To Do With Your Hands)|author=fan4wrestling|date=December 28, 2011|via=YouTube}}</ref> || Mr. Handy
|}

==== Video games ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2008 || ''[[TNA Impact! (video game)|TNA Impact!]]'' || Himself || Playable character<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/tna_impact/news/tna_impact_full_wrestler_roster_confirmed.html|title=TNA Impact! full wrestler roster confirmed|publisher=VideoGamer.com}}</ref>
|-
|2008 || ''Pro Wrestling X'' || Technical consultant || Does not appear in-game
|-
|2009 || ''[[TNA Wrestling (video game)|TNA Wrestling]]'' || Himself || Playable character
|-
|2010 || ''[[TNA Impact!: Cross the Line]]'' || Himself || Playable character<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K7yRAH7B78|title=TNA Impact: Cross the line for PSP -Gameplay - Aj Styles vs Sting|author=nikolaij95|date=June 27, 2010|via=YouTube}}</ref>
|-
|2011 || ''[[TNA Wrestling Impact!]]'' || Himself || Playable character
|-
|2016 || ''[[WWE 2K17]]'' || Himself || Playable character<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://wwe.2k.com|title=WWE 2K|website=2k.com}}</ref>
|-
|2017 || ''[[WWE 2K18]]'' || Himself || Playable character<ref name="auto1"/>
|-
|2018 || ''[[WWE 2K19]]'' || Himself || Playable character, Cover star<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k19/article/wwe-2k19-cover-superstar-aj-styles-announcement|title=AJ Styles unveiled as WWE 2K19 cover Superstar|last=Artus|first=Matthew|publisher=WWE|date=June 18, 2018|accessdate=June 18, 2018}}</ref>
|}

==== Web ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Series
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2010 || ''[[Marvel Superheroes: What the--?!|Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?!]]'' || Cannonball || Episode: "Winter Games: Day 9"
|-
|2016 || ''[[WWE Superstar Ink|Superstar Ink]]'' || Himself ||
|-
|2016–present || ''UpUpDownDown'' || Himself/Prince of Phenomenal || Regular appearances
|-
|2017–present || ''Southpaw Regional Wrestling'' || Malibu Al || Regular appearances
|}

==== [[WWE Network]] ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2016 || ''[[WWE Ride Along|Ride Along]]'' || Himself || Episode: "Rockford"
|-
|2016 || ''[[Stone Cold Podcast]]'' || Himself || Episode 11
|-
|2016 || ''[[The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness]]'' || Himself || Episode: "Spring Break!"
|-
|2016–present || ''[[WWE 24]]'' || Himself || 4 episodes
|-
|2017 || ''[[Table for 3]]'' || Himself || Episode: "Common Bonds"
|}

== Personal life ==
Jones has been married to school teacher Wendy since 2000.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2017/01/aj-styles-wife-wendy-jones-name-wedding-married-family-son-daughter-children/|title=Wendy Jones, AJ Styles’ Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|author=Morrow, Brendan|website=Heavy.com|date=January 25, 2017|accessdate=March 31, 2017}}</ref><ref name=xcellent>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/13/929938-sun.html|title=Styles still showing he's X-cellent champ|author=Baines, Tim|publisher=Ottawa Sun|accessdate=August 19, 2008|date=February 13, 2005}}</ref> They have three sons, Ajay Covell Jones (born May 3, 2005), Avery Jones (born February 14, 2007), and Albey Jones (born September 15, 2009), and a daughter, Anney Jones (born October 8, 2014).<ref name=SLAM/><ref name=Heavy>{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2016/01/aj-styles-wwe-twitter-wife-wendy-jones-kids-children-family-tattoo-theme-wrestling/|title=AJ Styles: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|author=Amato, Laura|website=Heavy.com|date=January 28, 2016|accessdate=August 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/07/3709518.html|accessdate=August 18, 2008|last=Nation|first= Ryan|title=Styles admits to Elevation X worries|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling Sports!}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JeremyBorash/status/4058225833|title=Jeremy Borash (JeremyBorash) on Twitter|date=September 17, 2009|accessdate=September 18, 2009|last=Borash|first=Jeremy|authorlink=Jeremy Borash|publisher=[[Twitter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg/status/652125904915795969|title=AJStyles.Org on Twitter: 1 year ago I was blessed with something I thought I'd never have, a daughter, my Princess Anney.|date=October 8, 2015|accessdate=November 16, 2015|last=Styles|first=A.J.|publisher=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Their first son's middle name was taken from the last name of Jones' best friend and fellow wrestler [[Christopher Daniels]], whose real name is Daniel Covell. In 2010, Jones acquired a large tattoo down the right side of his torso which reads "AJ 05-03-05 02-14-07 09-15-09", representing his initials and birth dates of his first three children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twitpic.com/2aocy8|title=First pic! AJ Styles got ink! Initials of his 3 sons and their birthdays|date=August 1, 2010|accessdate=August 2, 2010|last=Borash|first=Jeremy|authorlink=Jeremy Borash|publisher=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> In 2016, he added the birth date of his fourth child, reading "10-08-14".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4qvihTivhA|title=AJ Styles gets a new tattoo: Superstar Ink|date=August 26, 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref> The family lives in [[Gainesville, Georgia]].<ref name=Heavy/><ref name=challenges>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/20/1005803.html|title=AJ Styles ready for new challenges|author=Clevett, Jason|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling|accessdate=August 19, 2008|date=April 20, 2005}}</ref>

Jones is a devout [[Christianity|Christian]], stating that in his life, "It's God first and family second."<ref name=south>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/30/99561.html|title=AJ Styles: Southern Gentleman and a star|author=Clevett, Jason|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling|accessdate= August 19, 2008|date=May 30, 2003}}</ref><ref name=xcellent/><ref name=NZPWI>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1168&Itemid=88|accessdate=August 18, 2008|last=Cardno|first=James|title=AJ Styles Interview|publisher=New Zealand Pro Wrestling Journalists|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016140530/http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1168&Itemid=88|archivedate=October 16, 2008|df=}}</ref> He is a big fan of [[Christian hip hop]] music, and boasts that he can "school almost any rapper" on the genre's history. His favorite groups to listen to are the West Coast-based K2S, Lil' Raskull, FTF, and L.G. Wise. While Jones was working for TNA, he met [[GRITS]] members Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter at [[Universal Studios Florida]], TNA's former primary television taping location. Jones would become good friends with the duo, using their remix of his entrance music "I Am" (renamed "Get Ready to Fly") from 2009 through 2013 and continues to stay in touch with them to this day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapzilla.com/rz/features/interviews/12763-wwe-superstar-aj-styles-says-he-can-school-anyone-on-christian-hip-hop|title=WWE Superstar AJ Styles Says He Can 'School' Anyone on Christian Hip-Hop|author=Sarachik, Jason|date=February 22, 2016|accessdate=February 27, 2016|work=Rapzilla}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
[[File:AJ Double Champion.png|thumb|225px|Styles has won numerous titles wrestling in [[Professional wrestling promotion|international promotions]], such as [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'s [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship]] (right hand) and being a two-time [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] while with [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (left hand)]]
[[File:AJ Styles World Champion January 2010.jpg|thumb|225px|In TNA, he won the [[Impact World Championship|TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] twice and the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] three times.]]
[[File:A.J. Styles Television Champion cropped.jpg|thumb|225px|Winning the [[TNA Television Championship|TNA Legends/Television Championship]] (of which he is a two-time title holder) made him the first [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#TNA Grand Slam Champions|TNA Grand Slam Champion]]]]
[[File:Shakedown 44 (31797670645).jpg|thumb|225px|Styles is a two-time and current [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]]]]
* '''All Access Wrestling'''
** AAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
* '''Ballpark Brawl'''
** Natural Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/08/18/589269.html|accessdate=June 21, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Christ|title=A beauty of a Ballpark Brawl|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>
* '''Christian Wrestling Federation/Entertainment'''
** CWF/CWE Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oklafan.com/titlehistories/CWE.html|title=Christian Wrestling Entertainment - Heavyweight Title|website=Oklafan|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715175925/http://www.oklafan.com/titlehistories/CWE.html|archivedate=July 15, 2009}}</ref>
* '''[[Family Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
** [[FWE Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FWE Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailywrestlingnews.com/fwe-xix-john-morrison-vs-aj-styles-ippv-results-brooklyn-ny-3112015/|title=FWE XIX: John Morrison vs. AJ Styles iPPV Results – Brooklyn, NY 3/11/2015|access-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320073422/http://dailywrestlingnews.com/fwe-xix-john-morrison-vs-aj-styles-ippv-results-brooklyn-ny-3112015/|archive-date=March 20, 2015|dead-url=yes|df=}}</ref>
* '''Independent Professional Wrestling (Florida)'''
** IPW Heavyweight Championship (4 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htipw2.html|title=IPW – Independent Professional Wrestling (Florida) Heavyweight Title History|last=Knights|first=Kriss|publisher=Solie|accessdate=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
* '''[[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]]'''
** [[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=SLAM/>
** [[Ted Petty Invitational]] ([[Ted Petty Invitational#2004 Ted Petty Invitational|2004]])<ref name=SLAM/>
* '''International Wrestling Cartel'''
** IWC Super Indies Championship (4 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/sitiwc2.html|title=IWC – International Wrestling Cartel Super Indies Title History|last=Westcott|first=Brian|publisher=Solie|accessdate=June 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2004-03.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – March 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=July 4, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-03.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – March 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=July 5, 2008}}</ref>
* '''Independent Wrestling Revolution'''
** IWR King of The Indies Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-01.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – January 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=July 5, 2008}}</ref>
* '''Maximum Pro Wrestling'''
** Max-Pro Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=SLAM/>
* '''Midwest Pro Wrestling'''
** MPW Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
* '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWGP Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=WrestlingDontaku2014/><ref name=NewBeginningOsaka2015/>
* '''New Korea Pro Wrestling Association'''
** NKPWA Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
* '''[[NWA Wildside]]'''
** [[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship|NWA Wildside Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ga/ga-h.html|title=NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** NWA Wildside Television Championship (3 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ga/wildside/wild-tv.html|title=NWA Wildside Television Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
* '''Pennsylvania Premiere Wrestling '''
** PPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Tommy Suede<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2715|title=PPW Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]'''
** [[PWG World Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htpwg.html|title=PWG – Pro Wrestling Guerrilla PWG Heayweight Title History|last=Westcott|first=Brian|publisher=Solie|accessdate=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2016) {{small|vs. [[John Cena]] at [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]]}}<ref name=pwi2016>{{cite web|url=http://www.oneindia.com/sports/wwe-pwi-declares-achievement-awards-2016-winners-names-2317138.html|title=WWE: PWI declares Achievement Awards 2016 winners' names|date=January 13, 2017|publisher=Oneindia|accessdate=January 16, 2017}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2006) <small> with [[Christopher Daniels]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm|accessdate=July 15, 2008|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Tag Team of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516091636/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm|archivedate=May 16, 2008}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Popular Wrestler |Most Popular Wrestler]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html#awards-most-popular-wrestler-of-the-year|title=Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|accessdate=April 12, 2018}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Wrestler of the Year|Wrestler of the Year]] (2016, 2017)<ref name=pwi2016/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/readastory_8418.html|title=Wrestler of the Year 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|accessdate=January 13, 2018}}</ref>
** Ranked No. 1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWi 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2010/07/pwi-500-1-100.html|title="PWI 500": 1–100|date=July 30, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|accessdate=September 9, 2010}}</ref>
* '''[[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85635.shtml|title=Show results - 6/14 RevPro in London: Huge show featuring Styles winning Hvt. Title, Shinsuke Nakamura & New Japan star, Cabana, Sydal, U.K. stars, more|last=Green|first=Dave|date=June 14, 2015|accessdate=June 14, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
* '''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
** [[ROH Pure Championship]] ([[ROH Pure Championship#Title history|1 time, inaugural]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/roh/roh-p.html|title=ROH Pure Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Amazing Red]]<ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship|accessdate=April 5, 2010|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archivedate=April 12, 2010}}</ref>
** [[Ring of Honor tournaments#ROH Pure Wrestling Championship Tournament (2004)|ROH Pure Wrestling Championship Tournament (2004)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=26&nr=226|title=ROH Pure Wrestling Title Tournament|publisher=CageMatch|accessdate=September 3, 2017}}</ref>
* '''''[[Rolling Stone]]'''''
** WWE Wrestler of the Year (2016)<ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/lists/10-best-wwe-wrestlers-of-2016-w456464/aj-styles-w456465|title=10 Best WWE Wrestlers of 2016|accessdate=December 21, 2016|publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref>
* '''[[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'''
** [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/world/nwa-h.html|title=NWA World Heavyweight Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Tag Team Champions|4 times]]) – with [[Jerry Lynn]] (1), [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] (1) and Christopher Daniels (2)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/world/nwa-t.html|title=NWA World Tag Team Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[TNA Television Championship|TNA Legends/Global/Television Championship]] ([[List of TNA Television Champions|2 times]])<ref name=OWOW/>
** [[Impact Global Championship|TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of Impact Global Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-h.html|title=TNA World Heavyweight Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[Impact World Tag Team Championship|TNA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of Impact World Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Travis Tomko|Tomko]] (1) and [[Kurt Angle]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-t.html|title=TNA World Tag Team Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[Impact X Division Championship|TNA X Division Championship]] ([[List of Impact X Division Champions|6 times, inaugural]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-x.html|title=TNA X Division Title history|work=wrestling-titles.com|accessdate=September 25, 2016}}</ref>
** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of TNA Triple Crown Champions|First TNA Triple Crown Champion]] ([[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|5 times]])
** [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#TNA Grand Slam Champions|First TNA Grand Slam Champion]] ([[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|2 times]])
** [[Bound for Glory Series#2013|Bound For Glory Series (2013)]]
** [[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold|Gauntlet for the Gold]] ([[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold#List of Gauntlet for the Gold winners|2007]] – Tag Team) – with Tomko<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=13667|title=TNA No surrender 2007 9/9/07 - Results}}</ref>
** Feud of the Year (2005) <small>vs. Christopher Daniels</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/tnaimpact/tnaimpact2005/1137352176.shtml|title=Impact! Results - 1/14/06 (Christian & Rhino vs. AMW, Sting is heard)|last=Droste|first=Ryan|date=January 15, 2006|accessdate=June 20, 2012|work=WrestleView}}</ref>
** Finisher of the Year (2003) {{small|''[[Facebuster#Belly-to-back inverted mat slam|Styles Clash]]''}}<ref name=TNA0304Awards>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1133199509.shtml|title=TNA announces plans for 2005 Year-End Awards after Turning Point PPV|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=November 28, 2005|accessdate=July 15, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref>
** Match of the Year (2006) {{small|with Christopher Daniels vs. [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] and [[Hernandez (wrestler)|Hernandez]] at [[No Surrender (2006)|No Surrender]] on September 24, 2006}}<ref name="SlamImpact122806">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/29/3059786.html|title=Impact: Angle gets his rematch against Mr. TNA|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=December 29, 2006|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=September 29, 2009}}</ref>
** Match of the Year (2009) <small>vs. [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] at [[Bound for Glory (2009)|Bound for Glory]] on October 18, 2009</small><ref name="Dec31">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1262327769|title=Impact Results – 12/31/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=January 1, 2010|work=WrestleView|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130209131706/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1262327769|archivedate=February 9, 2013|deadurl=yes|accessdate=January 1, 2010}}</ref>
** Mr. TNA (2003–2005)<ref name=SLAM/>
** Tag Team of the Year (2006) <small>with Christopher Daniels</small><ref name="SlamImpact122806"/>
** X Division Star of the Year (2004)<ref name=TNA0304Awards/>
* '''[[World Wrestling All-Stars]]'''
** [[WWA International Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[WWA International Cruiserweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ictwwas.html|title=WWAS – World Wrestling All-Stars International Cruiserweight Title History|last=Palma|first=Richard|publisher=Solie|accessdate=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[Dave Meltzer#Rating system|5 Star Match]] (2005) <small>vs. [[Samoa Joe]] and Christopher Daniels at [[TNA Unbreakable|Unbreakable]] on September 11</small><ref name="FiveStars">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/15/pf-9808061.html|title=Daniels feels Detroit's economy won't hurt this Sunday's PPV|last=Schramm|first=Chris|date=June 18, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=March 10, 2012}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Flying Wrestler|Best Flying Wrestler]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=97&nr=129|title=Best Flying Wrestler|publisher=CageMatch|accessdate=September 23, 2017}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Wrestling Maneuver|Best Wrestling Maneuver]] (2003, 2015) <small>''Styles Clash''</small><ref name=WONAwards2015/>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2014–2016)<ref name=WONAwards2014/><ref name=WONAwards2015/><ref name="WONAwards2016">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=March 6, 2017|title=March 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Awards issue, talent departing TNA, more|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|pages=1–2|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Pro Wrestling Match of the Year|Pro Wrestling Match of the Year]] (2014) <small>vs. [[Minoru Suzuki]] on August 1</small><ref name="WONAwards2014">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2015|title=Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave's commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/40865-jan-26-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2014-awards-issue-w-results-a-daves-commentary-conor-mcgregor-and-much-more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|pages=3–19|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)|Wrestler of the Year]] (2015, 2016)<ref name=WONAwards2015>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date = January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|pages=1, 6, 38}}</ref><ref name=WONAwards2016/>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/december-4-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-aj-styles-minoru-suzuki-and-more-enter-hall-fame|title=December 4, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: AJ Styles, Minoru Suzuki and more enter the Hall of Fame|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=November 29, 2017|accessdate=November 30, 2017|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
* '''[[WWE]]'''
**[[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|2 times, current]])<ref name="wwetitlehistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|title=WWE Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=December 11, 2016}}</ref>{{efn|When Styles first won the title, it was called the WWE World Championship, but during his reign in December 2016, it was renamed to WWE Championship.}}
** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates|title=United States Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=July 7, 2017}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Commonscat}}
[[commons:Category:A.J. Styles]]


[[Kategori:Pegulat Amerika Serikat]]
== External links ==
<!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
{{Commons category|A.J. Styles}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{WWE superstar}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/aj-styles|title=ROH profile}}
* {{cite web|url=http://impactwrestling.com/talent-roster/aj-styles|title=Impact Wrestling profile}}
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117053312/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=395|date=January 17, 2016|title=NJPW profile}} {{ja icon}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{IMDb name|name=Allen Jones}}

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{{NWA World Tag Team Championship}}
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{{RPW British Heavyweight Championship}}
{{ROH Pure Championship}}
{{ROH World Tag Team Championship}}
{{TNA Television Championship}}
{{TNA World Heavyweight Championship}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Styles, A.J.}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Bullet Club members]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:NWA World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:People from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina]]
[[Category:People from Gainesville, Georgia]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from North Carolina]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:WWF/WWE World Heavyweight Champions]]

Revisi terkini sejak 30 Mei 2024 08.40

AJ Styles
Styles pada bulan April 2018
Nama lahirAllen Neal Jones
Lahir2 Juni 1977 (umur 47)
Jacksonville, North Carolina, USA
Tempat tinggalGainesville, Georgia, USA
Pasangan
Wendy Jones
​
​
(m. 2000)​
Anak4
Situs webajstyles.org
Karier gulat profesional
Nama ringAir Styles
A.J. Styles
AJ Styles[1]
Mr. Olympia[2]
Tinggi180 cm (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Berat99 kg (218 pon)[1]
Asal dariGainesville, Georgia[3]
Dilatih olehRick Michaels[4]
Debut1998[4]

Allen Neal Jones (lahir 2 Juni 1977), lebih dikenal dengan nama ring AJ Styles (atau A.J. Styles), adalah pegulat profesional Amerika yang saat ini bergabung dengan WWE, di mana ia tampil di merek Smackdown. Ia juga dikenal ketika berada Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, sekarang dikenal sebagai Impact Wrestling) dari 2002–2014 dan New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) dari 2014–2016.

Ia memulai debutnya pada tahun 1998 dan berkompetisi untuk berbagai promosi independen sebelum mendapatkan perhatian media mainstream di World Championship Wrestling (WCW) pada tahun 2001. Styles dikenal luas setelah menandatangani kontrak dengan TNA, yang menggambarkannya sebagai "landasan perusahaan sejak awal";[5] ia memenangkan TNA World Heavyweight Championship dua kali, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship tiga kali, dan merupakan pemegang gelar pertama X Division Championship, yang ia menangkan enam kali. Ia juga merupakan juara Triple Crown TNA dan Grand Slam pertama.[6] Styles secara bersamaan muncul di Ring of Honor (ROH) dari 2002 hingga 2006, di mana ia menjadi juara ROH Pure pertama, dan bergulat di NJPW antara 2014 dan 2016, di mana ia memenangkan IWGP Heavyweight Championship dua kali.[7]

Styles pertama kali muncul di World Wrestling Federation (WWF, sekarang WWE) pada tahun 2002, tetapi menolak kontrak pengembangan . Ia kembali ke perusahaan pada tahun 2016, dan memenangkan WWE Championship dua kali; dengan kemenangan keduanya di Manchester, Styles diakui oleh WWE sebagai pegulat pertama yang memenangkan gelar di luar Amerika Utara . Pada 371 hari, ini adalah pertahanan terlama kedelapan dalam sejarah gelar itu. Ia juga memenangkan United States Championship tiga kali, dan Intercontinental Championship dan Raw Tag Team Championship masing-masing sekali, sehingga menjadi pegulat kedua (setelah Kurt Angle) yang meraih Triple Crown di TNA/Impact dan WWE, dan yang pertama meraih Grand Slam di TNA/Impact dan WWE.

Lama dianggap sebagai salah satu pegulat profesional terbaik di dunia,[8] Styles telah menjadi headline untuk beberapa acara pay-per-view, termasuk acara premier masing-masing WWE dan TNA, WrestleMania dan Bound for Glory. Ia menduduki peringkat teratas Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 tahun 2010, pegulat TNA pertama yang melakukannya, terpilih sebagai PWI Wrestler of the Year 3 kali antara 2016 dan 2018, dan Wrestler of the Decade tahun 2020. Styles juga memenangkan 10 penghargaan Wrestling Observer Newsletter, termasuk Wrestler of the Year tahun 2015 dan 2016, dan dimasukkan dalam Hall of Fame mereka tahun 2017.

Kehidupan awal

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Allen Neal Jones[4] lahir di Kamp Pangkalan Korps Marinir Lejeune di Jacksonville, Carolina Utara,[9] pada 2 Juni 1977.[10] Dia tumbuh dalam kemiskinan dengan ayah yang kasar dan pecandu alkohol.[9] Kemiskinan keluarga sedemikian rupa sehingga mereka tidak mampu membeli televisi kabel, yang mengakibatkan Jones tidak dapat menonton gulat profesional kesukaan masa kecilnya.[11] Dia bersekolah di Johnson High School di Gainesville, Georgia, lulus pada angkatan 1996.[12] Jones mengambil gulat amatir di sekolah menengah dan menjadi juara gulat negara bagian dua kali.[13] Jones kemudian kuliah di Universitas Anderson di Anderson, Carolina Selatan. Ia mendapatkan beasiswa gulat, dan mempelajari pendidikan jasmani.[14] Ia kemudian diajak oleh beberapa temannya untuk mencoba gulat profesional.[14] Dia masuk sekolah gulat profesional karena teman-temannya melakukannya dan untuk mengetahui apakah dia memiliki bakat alami untuk itu.[9] Untuk menambah penghasilannya, ia bekerja sebagai pemotong rumput dan pengemudi ambulans.[14]

Referensi

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  1. ^ a b c "AJ Styles". WWE. Diakses tanggal January 28, 2016. 
  2. ^ Powell, Jason (January 26, 2010). "Torch Talk Flashback: A.J. Styles (2002) – talks brief WCW run, trying out for WWE in front of Ric Flair, origins in WWE". Pro Wrestling Torch. Diakses tanggal January 27, 2010. 
  3. ^ Kesalahan pengutipan: Tag <ref> tidak sah; tidak ditemukan teks untuk ref bernama TNAbio
  4. ^ a b c Milner, John. "A.J Styles' bio". Slam! Wrestling. Canadian Online Explorer. Diarsipkan dari versi asli tanggal June 28, 2015. Diakses tanggal July 15, 2008. 
  5. ^ "A.J Styles bio". TNA Wrestling. Diarsipkan dari versi asli tanggal May 19, 2011. Diakses tanggal August 18, 2008. 
  6. ^ Johnson, Mike (December 30, 2013). "AJ Styles - Ring Of Honor Update And More Roh News". Pro Wrestling Insider. Diakses tanggal June 17, 2014. 
  7. ^ "AJ's Schedule". Ajstyles.org. 2014. Diakses tanggal June 17, 2014. 
  8. ^ Moore, Michael (September 1, 2016). "Where to Find Top Cards of 2016's Veteran Breakout Stars". Pro Wrestling Torch. Diakses tanggal September 11, 2016. 
  9. ^ a b c Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles: Volume 2 (DVD). TNA Home Video. 2007. 
  10. ^ "The Phenomenal One". A.J. Styles official website. Diarsipkan dari versi asli tanggal September 3, 2011. Diakses tanggal August 22, 2011.  Note that birth date appears only on archived version of site.
  11. ^ Kesalahan pengutipan: Tag <ref> tidak sah; tidak ditemukan teks untuk ref bernama NZPWI
  12. ^ Morales, Kristen (September 4, 2009). "Hall's star wrestler helps others get 'Made'". Gainesville Times. Diarsipkan dari versi asli tanggal November 29, 2016. Diakses tanggal August 11, 2015. 
  13. ^ Mooneyham, Mike (July 19, 2019). "Did you know AJ Styles was a state wrestling champ in high school?". The Post and Courier. Diakses tanggal January 23, 2022. 
  14. ^ a b c Mitchell, Russ (March 21, 2009). "Styles enjoys the circus inside a six-sided ring". The Daily Reporter. Diarsipkan dari versi asli tanggal February 1, 2016. Diakses tanggal August 11, 2015. 
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