Chris Jericho details past AEW interest in Phenomenal One during GamesHub interview
Summary
– AEW previously pursued AJ Styles before his WWE retirement
– Chris Jericho confirms talks during GamesHub interview
– Styles remained with WWE and transitioned out of in-ring competition
AEW once made a serious push to sign AJ Styles before his eventual retirement from in-ring competition in WWE.
Speaking in an interview with GamesHub, Chris Jericho revealed that AEW had targeted Styles when his WWE contract was nearing expiration. Jericho explained that the company believed Styles would have been a major addition given his reputation and experience.
He praised Styles as both a performer and a person, but also noted that moving between WWE and AEW is not always seamless. Jericho pointed out that years spent under WWE’s system can shape how talent approaches the business compared to AEW’s structure.
Despite renewed speculation earlier this year following Styles’ retirement announcement, a move to AEW never came together. Styles instead stayed with WWE in a non-wrestling role after stepping away from active competition.
Jericho added that jumping to another promotion immediately after retiring may not appeal to every wrestler, though he acknowledged that situations can always change over time.
AJ Styles is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas, further cementing his legacy. He has also remained active with fans through his official podcast.
