AJ Styles' Debut: Reliving His First WWE Appearance
Okay, wrestling fans, let's take a trip down memory lane and relive the electric moment when AJ Styles, the Phenomenal One, finally stepped into a WWE ring. We're talking about his official debut, the one that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. It was a moment many thought would never happen, but when it did, boy, was it spectacular! So, buckle up as we dive deep into the details of AJ Styles' first appearance in WWE, explore the buildup, the reaction, and the impact it had on his career and the wrestling landscape.
The Rumors and Anticipation
Before we get to the actual debut, let's set the stage. For years, AJ Styles was a name synonymous with wrestling excellence, but not within the WWE. He'd carved out an incredible career in TNA (now Impact Wrestling), Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), becoming a global superstar. However, the WWE always seemed like a distant dream for many reasons, including the perceived differences in wrestling styles and the company's preference for homegrown talent. Despite this, the rumors of AJ Styles potentially joining WWE would surface periodically, each time igniting the hopes of fans who longed to see him compete on the biggest stage.
The anticipation reached fever pitch in late 2015 and early 2016. Styles had just finished up with NJPW, where he was the leader of the Bullet Club, a wildly popular faction. His contract was expiring, and whispers started circulating that he was WWE-bound. The internet wrestling community went into overdrive, analyzing every clue and rumor. Could it really be happening? Was WWE finally going to bring in one of the best wrestlers in the world who wasn't developed in-house? The excitement was palpable.
Adding fuel to the fire, other prominent Bullet Club members, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, were also rumored to be signing with WWE. This created a scenario where Styles wouldn't just be entering WWE alone; he could potentially bring a readymade stable with him, instantly shaking up the roster and creating a compelling storyline. The thought of Styles, Anderson, and Gallows wreaking havoc in WWE was incredibly enticing for fans who had followed their careers outside of WWE.
Royal Rumble 2016: The Debut
The date was January 24, 2016. The venue: the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The event: the Royal Rumble. The Royal Rumble is always one of the most anticipated WWE events of the year, known for its surprise entrants and unpredictable outcomes. This year, however, had an extra layer of excitement thanks to the swirling rumors surrounding AJ Styles.
The Royal Rumble match was already underway when the clock ticked down to zero, signaling the arrival of the third entrant. The arena went dark. Then, the familiar music hit. It wasn't just any music; it was AJ Styles' theme song, "Phenomenal." The crowd erupted. The noise was deafening. It was a moment that many fans had dreamed of for years, and it was finally happening. AJ Styles, the Phenomenal One, was in WWE.
Styles emerged from behind the curtain, looking every bit the superstar he was. The crowd chanted his name, welcoming him to the WWE with open arms. He stepped into the ring, immediately engaging with the other competitors. The commentators, including Michael Cole, JBL, and Jerry Lawler, sold the moment perfectly, emphasizing the significance of Styles' arrival and his impressive resume outside of WWE.
His performance in the Royal Rumble match was equally impressive. He lasted nearly 30 minutes, eliminating two competitors and showcasing his incredible athleticism and in-ring skills. Even though he didn't win the match, his debut was a resounding success. He proved that he belonged in WWE and that he was ready to compete with the best the company had to offer. The Royal Rumble 2016 will forever be remembered as the night AJ Styles arrived in WWE, changing the landscape of the company for years to come.
The Aftermath and Initial Feuds
Following his explosive debut at the Royal Rumble, the question on everyone's mind was: what's next for AJ Styles? WWE didn't waste any time in establishing him as a major player. He quickly entered into a feud with Chris Jericho, a veteran superstar who initially welcomed Styles but soon grew jealous of his popularity. Their feud culminated in a series of matches, including a memorable encounter at WrestleMania 32.
While some fans felt that Jericho was an odd first opponent for Styles, the feud served its purpose. It allowed Styles to showcase his skills against a seasoned performer and to get acclimated to the WWE style. Jericho, being the professional he is, helped elevate Styles and solidify his position as a top-tier talent.
After his feud with Jericho, Styles set his sights on the WWE Championship. He entered into a heated rivalry with then-champion, Roman Reigns. This feud was a significant step up for Styles, as it placed him in the main event scene against one of WWE's top stars. Their matches were intense and physical, highlighting Styles' versatility and his ability to adapt to different opponents.
Although Styles didn't win the WWE Championship immediately, his feud with Reigns proved that he was ready to compete at the highest level. It also set the stage for his eventual championship victory, which would come later in the year. The rivalry with Reigns was a crucial chapter in Styles' early WWE career, establishing him as a credible threat to anyone on the roster.
Championship Reign and Legacy
Just a few months after his debut, AJ Styles achieved what many thought was impossible: he won the WWE Championship. At Backlash 2016, he defeated Dean Ambrose (now Jon Moxley) in a thrilling match to capture his first WWE title. This victory was a testament to Styles' hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent. It also proved that WWE was willing to embrace outside talent and give them a chance to shine at the top of the card.
His championship reign was nothing short of phenomenal. He defended the title against a variety of opponents, including John Cena, Dean Ambrose, and Dolph Ziggler. His matches were consistently excellent, showcasing his ability to tell a story in the ring and to connect with the audience. Styles' championship reign helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest WWE Champions of all time.
Beyond his championship success, Styles has also been involved in numerous memorable storylines and feuds. He's faced off against some of the biggest names in WWE history, including John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and The Undertaker. He's won multiple championships, including the United States Championship and the Intercontinental Championship. He's also been a part of several iconic moments, such as his dream match against Shinsuke Nakamura and his rivalry with Samoa Joe.
Impact and Influence
AJ Styles' arrival in WWE had a profound impact on the company and the wrestling industry as a whole. It demonstrated that WWE was willing to embrace talent from outside its traditional system and to give them a chance to succeed. It also opened the door for other independent wrestlers to come to WWE and showcase their skills on a global stage.
His success in WWE has also inspired countless aspiring wrestlers around the world. He's proven that it's possible to achieve your dreams through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He's a role model for anyone who has ever been told that they're not good enough or that they don't belong. AJ Styles' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself.
Moreover, Styles' presence in WWE has elevated the overall quality of the product. His matches are consistently among the best on the show, and his storylines are always compelling. He's a true professional who is dedicated to his craft and who always puts on a great performance. AJ Styles has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on WWE, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
AJ Styles' first appearance in WWE was a moment that will live on in wrestling history. It was the culmination of years of rumors and speculation, and it exceeded all expectations. His debut at the Royal Rumble 2016 was a shock to the system, and his subsequent success in WWE has been nothing short of phenomenal. He has proven himself to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of fans and performers. So, the next time you hear the words "Phenomenal One," remember the night AJ Styles arrived in WWE and changed the game forever. What a moment, guys!