Ex-WWE champion recalls backstage atmosphere surrounding AJ Styles' departure from major promotion over a decade ago
AJ Styles debuted in WWE in 2016. Before joining the Stamford-based company, The Phenomenal One was with TNA Wrestling from 2002 to 2014. Meanwhile, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion T.J. Perkins recently shared his recollection of the backstage reaction to The Phenomenal One's departure from the Nashville-based promotion.
Styles and Perkins achieved significant success in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, with AJ becoming a multi-time world champion and The Pinoy Boy winning the X Division Championship.
However, the former Bullet Club member left TNA Wrestling in 2014 due to a contract dispute, as he felt the company undervalued his contributions and offered him an insufficient salary. Styles' exit seemingly left a lasting impact on the locker room.
In a recent interview on the That's Wrestling! podcast, T.J. Perkins, who was part of the former IMPACT Wrestling 11 years ago, discussed the overall locker room atmosphere when the 47-year-old departed the company. The 40-year-old star recalled a sense of understanding backstage at TNA Wrestling in 2014 when AJ Styles left, with a prevailing feeling that the company respected the individual choices of its wrestlers.
"But it felt like it was a collective message that, 'Anybody who wants to be here, can be here. Anybody who doesn't; doesn't have to, and we're willing to let that guy walk out the door,'" Perkins said. [From 51:47 to 52:05]
You can watch the full interview below:
AJ Styles sends a cryptic message amid his WWE absence
The former WWE World Champion last appeared on television on the October 4, 2024, edition of SmackDown. During his match against Carmelo Hayes, AJ Styles suffered a Lisfranc injury, forcing an immediate stoppage of the contest.
On Instagram, The Phenomenal One shared an update about someone rage quitting during gaming. The SmackDown Superstar is known for occasionally losing his temper while playing video games.
"I can’t believe someone would rage quit," he wrote.
Check out AJ Styles' IG post below:
It remains uncertain whether the 47-year-old WWE star will be able to return from injury in time for the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
If you use any quotes from the first half of this article, please credit That's Wrestling! and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
