AJ Styles concluded his decade-long WWE career having achieved numerous world championships, mid-card titles, tag team gold, and memorable matches. Considering his relatively modest size and his background as the cornerstone of TNA, Styles’ run in WWE turned out far better than many anticipated.
Despite repeatedly overcoming obstacles to become a significant figure in WWE history, Styles’ career was marred by several booking missteps that fell short of his true potential.
The AJ Styles and Omos Tag Team Was a Major Miss
Styles brought in Omos as his bodyguard during his WWE heel run, which initially added a new twist to his character. Together, they won the RAW Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 37 when Omos secured a decisive victory. However, the alliance soon unraveled with the duo losing the titles, Styles showing frustration toward Omos, and the Giants eventually turning on Omos. Rather than launching Omos into stardom, the feud ended quickly with a brief squash match, and Styles’ credibility took a hit, making him appear weak.The Lengthy Feud with Samoa Joe Felt Dragged Out
Fans were eager for a renewed rivalry between Styles and Samoa Joe in WWE, echoing their intense battles in TNA. Their 2018 feud began well, featuring personal and entertaining matches. Unfortunately, repeated rematches ended mostly in Styles’ victories or no-contest outcomes, making the feud repetitive and dull, causing it to lose momentum and waste what could have been a highlight rivalry.The OC Never Fulfilled Its Promise as a WWE Faction
In 2016, AJ Styles teamed with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows to form “The Club,” later called The OC. Despite early promise, WWE’s draft split them early, and subsequent reunions never garnered substantial momentum. The group lacked meaningful victories, compelling storylines, and character development, missing numerous chances to become a dominant force in WWE.AJ Styles Had a Quiet 2022 and 2023
Although 2024 and 2025 saw some positive moments, Styles’ recent years with WWE largely underwhelmed. In 2022, he became a frequent loser against members of Judgment Day and was relegated to lackluster U.S. Championship matches. Injuries in 2023 limited his appearances, and aside from a loss to Seth Rollins at the World Heavyweight Championship scene, his activity was minimal, making him feel like just another roster name.Three Losses to James Ellsworth Hurt Styles’ WWE Championship Credibility
Styles quickly ascended to the top of WWE after winning the WWE Championship from Dean Ambrose early in his tenure. However, his momentum took a hit when he lost on three separate occasions to James Ellsworth, a comedic mid-carder. While entertaining at times, these losses weakened Styles’ stature as champion and undermined the impact of his first title reign, which ultimately ended when he dropped the belt to John Cena at the Royal Rumble.The AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura Feud Was WWE’s Biggest Booking Flop
After their legendary encounters in New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE fans eagerly anticipated a Styles-Nakamura showdown. Nakamura, having won the 2018 Royal Rumble, chose Styles as his WrestleMania opponent, but the build-up lacked compelling drama. Their WrestleMania 34 match was slow and disappointing, followed by a drawn-out feud filled with overused low-blow spots and no-contest finishes. This mismanaged rivalry failed to match the high expectations set by their previous NJPW classics, with Styles only delivering a match worthy of the hype near the end of his WWE tenure.
Fan Take:
This look back at AJ Styles’ WWE run highlights the gap between his undeniable talent and the inconsistent booking he endured, which often squandered his potential as a top star. For WWE fans, it underscores the importance of strong storytelling and character development in truly maximizing a performer’s legacy and preserving the sport’s entertainment value.
