Wrestling Veteran Adapts Style to Maintain Performance Amidst Aging
Summary
– AJ Styles has officially retired his iconic “Spinal Tap” move, a decision influenced by age and reduced practice.
– Despite this, Styles delivered an impressive performance at WWE Backlash 2024, showcasing his ability to adapt to physical limitations.
– In a recent interview, Styles discussed the challenges of executing complex maneuvers as he ages, affirming his ongoing commitment to wrestling excellence.
At WWE Backlash 2024, AJ Styles’ performance was a testament to his enduring skill and adaptability in the ring, despite now being in his mid-40s. Wrestling against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Styles showcased an adjusted moveset that still captivated the audience, proving his prowess isn’t solely dependent on his more acrobatic maneuvers.
In a revealing discussion with SHAK Wrestling, AJ Styles explained his decision to retire the “Spinal Tap,” a move known for its complexity and physical demand. The decision comes as Styles acknowledges the physical limitations that accompany aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his health and safety in the ring.
“If you’ve ever heard, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’ that’s 100% the case,” Styles remarked during the interview. “It’s a very awkward way to flip and do some stuff. And I had put it [Spinal Tap] on the backburner for so long, I just lost it.”
“And it’s in my head, but if I can’t pull it off the way that I want to do it, I don’t want to do it at all. I haven’t even attempted it on a trampoline, in a pool, nothing. It’s there for the [Will] Ospreays or anybody else who wants to do it.”
Styles’ decision resonates with many athletes who face similar transitions as they age, needing to modify their approach to their sport to continue competing at a high level. His ability to still perform at top-tier events like Backlash, even without his signature move, reinforces his status as one of the best in the industry.
Fans and fellow wrestlers alike may miss the “Spinal Tap,” but Styles’ commitment to his craft and pragmatic approach to wrestling ensure he remains a formidable presence in WWE. As Styles continues evolving his style, the wrestling world watches eagerly to see how he will reinvent himself next, ensuring his performances remain phenomenal and safe.
