AJ Styles Once Revealed the Wholesome Reason Why He Turned Down Lucrative WWE Contract in 2002

AJ Styles has excelled in his WWE run. After years spending the best years of his career in TNA and wrestling for other promotions, Styles finally signed with WWE in 2016. But did you know Styles could have part of WWE as early as 2002? However, “The Phenomenal One” chose to turn down a deal with the company. There was a wholesome reason why AJ Styles chose to turn down a potential WWE contract in 2002.

In a revelation that adds a layer of depth to his career, AJ Styles previously shared the heartfelt reason why he turned down the contract back in 2002. A decision that would ultimately set him on a path to join WWE much later.

AJ Styles’ other choice over a WWE contract in 2002

An episode of WWE Untold from 2021 highlighted AJ Styles’ remarkable WWE debut during the 2016 Royal Rumble match. This insightful 30-minute special delved into Styles’ journey as a professional wrestler and the significant moments leading up to his WWE debut. Interestingly, AJ Styles’ Royal Rumble introduction wasn’t his initial interaction with WWE.

Back in 2001, after the closure of WCW, Styles had a few dark matches in WWE and even faced The Hurricane on Jakked. This match happened in 2002 on an episode of the WWE show The Metal. 

He had also faced Rick Michaels previously. His performances caught the company’s attention, and they extended a contract offer. However, Styles made a heartfelt decision to decline the opportunity, prioritizing his wife’s dream of becoming a teacher. He wanted to ensure she could pursue her aspirations. 

Styles ultimately chose not to sign the developmental deal with WWE in Cincinnati. He chose to opt for a different path with TNA Wrestling. In a recent tweet, the reason has resurfaced. Reflecting on his decision, Styles had shared previously, “I said ‘I really appreciate this, but I can’t move to Cincinnati and disrupt my family.’ I feel like my wife’s dream came first with her wanting to be a teacher. And I didn’t want to mess that up”

Styles also playfully quipped about his wife’s decision to marry him, acknowledging her dedication to her education and her dream of becoming a teacher.

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AJ Styles’ remarkable journey in WWE is a testament to his unwavering dedication and personal values. His 2016 debut was a hit among the WWE Universe. 

AJ Styles’ game-changing WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble

On January 24, 2016, the WWE hosted the 2016 Royal Rumble at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, and it was different from previous Rumble events. For the first time since 1992, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship itself was on the line, with Roman Reigns, the reigning champion, entering the match as the first participant. It was an eventful night brimming with unexpected twists and turns that lay ahead.

Rusev, now known as Miro in AEW, was the second entrant in the Royal Rumble match, swiftly eliminated by Reigns. As the crowd counted down eagerly, a new theme song filled the arena, and the words “I Am Phenomenal” flashed on the big screen, heralding the arrival of AJ Styles. 

The audience erupted in applause, and commentators, including Michael Cole, Byron Saxton, and JBL, emphasized Styles’ status as the hottest free agent in sports entertainment. Styles held his own against Reigns, eliminating Tyler Breeze and Curtis Axel while spending nearly 29 minutes in the match. 

His impressive debut as a WWE Superstar hinted at even greater moments to come in his career. What are your thoughts regarding AJ Styles’s career and the reason he turned down that contract in 2002? Do you think it was the right move? Let us know in the comments below. 

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