Report: AJ Styles Was Offered A WWE Contract He Couldn’t Refuse
AJ Styles was offered a “blow-away offer” to jump ship from ROH/NJPW to WWE according to a report from PWTorch. Whatever that means, it is clearly significantly more than the six-figure deal ROH reportedly offered.
To be blunt, AJ Styles is not joining the ranks of WWE because he views it as a superior brand or something equivalent to the major leagues of professional wrestling. AJ Styles is first and foremost about making a living that can help healthily support his family.
“The thing that makes wrestling most interesting to me is going to be the business that occurs after the match is over,” Styles told Donald Wood of Ring Rust Radio in December. “A lot of people frown on that and say money isn’t everything. Well I say it depends on how much you have saved. My goal when I retire is to not be in a wheelchair or walk with a limp. Wherever I go, I will do my best, work harder than anybody there, and that’s just what I do. I only have one gear and if someone is looking for that and I can support my family while doing it, then that is what I will do.”
Keep in mind that while WWE has been promoting Bullet Club on social media, AJ Styles has not yet finalized the contract, but seeing as he has been taken off of numerous upcoming tour dates for both ROH and NJPW, in all likelihood the deal is inevitable. It is also still possible for him to have a farewell tour if he wishes.
ROH has been attempting to reach exclusive contracts with its primary talent considering that WWE has been going on a raid as of late. An example of this is with The Young Bucks, who took the deal to stay with ROH.
The way I see it, is that people have to understand that AJ has a family to support, and regardless of how he is used, WWE is offering what is, to him, most important. People also have to come to terms with the fact that he would like to save up some money and not have to wrestle well into his 50s, risking a fatal injury that disables him. I’ve been in a wheelchair my whole life, so trust me, it sucks.
Fans of AJ shouldn’t have to worry too much though. Let’s be realistic, if WWE is throwing a ridiculous sum of money at the guy, they probably have some big plans. It’s even been rumored that he could skip NXT and debut in the Royal Rumble match. Also, if that happens, John better look for a new writer to cover news because I’ll probably have a heart attack from pure excitement of the moment.
Do you think AJ Styles is a money-grubbing jackass, or are you thrilled that he’s most likely joining WWE? Personally, I’m beyond ready. He is undoubtedly one of the best wrestlers to have ever graced the business.