View source for AJ Styles

{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1977)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name         = AJ Styles
|image        = AJ Styles RR24 (1) (cropped).jpg
|caption      = Styles in 2024
|birth_name   = Allen Neal Jones
|birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1977|6|2|mf=y}}<ref name=Official/>
|birth_place  = [[Jacksonville, North Carolina]], U.S.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2"/>
|spouse       = {{marriage|Wendy Jones|2000}}
|children     = 4
|names=Air Styles<br />'''AJ Styles'''<ref name="WWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/aj-styles|title=AJ Styles|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 28, 2016}}</ref><br />Jason Styles<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saalbach |first1=Axel |title=AJ Styles - Facts |url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=350 |website=Wrestlingdata.com |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref><br />Mr. Olympia<ref name="int2002">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_38451.shtml|title=Torch Talk Flashback: A.J. Styles (2002) – talks brief WCW run, trying out for WWE in front of Ric Flair, origins in WWE|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 26, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 27, 2010}}</ref>
|height=5 ft 11 in<ref name=WWE/>
|weight=220 lb<ref name=WWE/>
|billed=[[Gainesville, Georgia]]<ref name=TNAbio/>
|trainer=[[Rick Michaels]]<ref name=SLAM/>
|debut=1998<ref name=SLAM/>
|signature=Aj Styles Signature.png}}
'''Allen Neal Jones'''<ref name=SLAM/> (born June 2, 1977),<ref name=Official/> better known by his [[ring name]] '''AJ Styles''' (or '''A.J. Styles'''), is an American [[professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]].

Jones debuted in 1998 and competed for various [[independent promotion]]s before gaining initial mainstream exposure in [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in 2001. He gained prominence after signing with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) having been described as "the cornerstone of the company since its inception";<ref name=TNAbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1602-the-phenomenal-aj-styles|access-date=August 18, 2008|title=A.J Styles bio|publisher=[[TNA Wrestling]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519202437/http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1602-the-phenomenal-aj-styles|archive-date=May 19, 2011}}</ref> he won the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] [[List of Impact World Champions|twice]], the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] [[List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions|three times]], and was the inaugural titleholder of the [[X Division Championship]], which he won [[List of Impact X Division Champions|six times]]. He is also the first TNA [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of TNA Triple Crown Champions|Triple Crown]] and [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#TNA Grand Slam Champions|Grand Slam]] champion. Jones simultaneously appeared in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) from 2002 to 2006, where he became the inaugural [[ROH Pure Champion]]. Jones has also wrestled extensively internationally, in promotions such as [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he is a two-time [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] and the [[United Kingdom]] based [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]] (RevPro), where he is a former [[RPW British Heavyweight Champion]].

Jones first appeared in the [[World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF, now WWE) in 2002, but declined a [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental contract]]. He returned to the company in 2016, and won the [[WWE Championship]] twice. With his second victory in [[Manchester, England]], Jones is recognized by WWE as the first wrestler to win the title outside [[North America]]. At 371 days, he is tied with [[Randy Savage]] for the eighth-longest reign in title history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 1, 2018 |title=The 10 longest-reigning WWE Champions of all time |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/the-10-longest-wwe-championship-reigns-of-all-time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101200304/https://www.wwe.com/article/the-10-longest-wwe-championship-reigns-of-all-time |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He also won the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] three times, the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] once, and the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] twice, becoming the second wrestler after [[Kurt Angle]] to become a TNA and WWE [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#WWE|Triple Crown]] winner and first [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Revised format (established 2015)|Grand Slam]] champion in both promotions, as well as the third man (after [[Brock Lesnar]] and Angle) to be both IWGP and WWE Champion.

Jones has headlined numerous [[pay-per-view|pay-per-view events]], including [[WrestleMania 36|WrestleMania 36 - Night 1]] and [[TNA Bound for Glory|Bound for Glory]] twice (in [[Bound for Glory (2009)|2009]] and [[Bound for Glory (2013)|2013]]), the flagship events of WWE and TNA, respectively. He ranked atop the annual ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|500]]'' in 2010, the first TNA wrestler to do so, was voted PWI [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Wrestler of the Year|Wrestler of the Year]] three times between 2016 and 2018, and Wrestler of the Decade in 2020. He also won 10 [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'']] awards, including [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)|Wrestler of the Year]] in 2015 and 2016, and was inducted in their [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 2017.

== Early life ==
Allen Neal Jones<ref name="SLAM">{{cite web |last=Milner |first=John |title=A.J Styles' bio |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/styles-aj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628235349/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/styles-aj.html |archive-date=June 28, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2008 |work=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> was born at [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune]] in [[Jacksonville, North Carolina]],<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2"/> on June 2, 1977.<ref name=Official>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajstyles.org/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903134638/http://www.ajstyles.org/|title=The Phenomenal One|publisher=A.J. Styles official website|archive-date=September 3, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2011}} Note that birth date appears only on archived version of site.</ref> He grew up in poverty with an abusive, alcoholic father.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2"/> The family's poverty was such that they could not afford cable television, which resulted in Jones being unable to watch professional wrestling, his childhood passion.<ref name=NZPWI/> He attended [[Johnson High School (Gainesville, Georgia)|Johnson High School]] in [[Gainesville, Georgia]], graduating in the class of 1996.<ref>{{cite news |author=Morales, Kristen |date=September 4, 2009 |title=Hall's star wrestler helps others get 'Made' |newspaper=[[The Gainesville Times (Georgia)|Gainesville Times]] |url=http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/23160/ |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161129161543/http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/23160/ |archive-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> Jones took up [[amateur wrestling]] in high school and became a two-time state wrestling champion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mooneyham |first1=Mike |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Did you know AJ Styles was a state wrestling champ in high school? |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/wrestling/did-you-know-aj-styles-was-a-state-wrestling-champ-in-high-school/article_cd6d74bc-aa35-11e9-b5e5-8f6f9d4aa26e.html |access-date=January 23, 2022 |website=[[The Post and Courier]]}}</ref> Jones then attended [[Anderson University (South Carolina)|Anderson University]] in [[Anderson, South Carolina]], where he was on a wrestling [[scholarship]], and studying physical education.<ref name="spencer" /> He was then invited by some of his friends to try professional wrestling.<ref name=spencer>{{cite web|url=http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1524070.html|title=Styles enjoys the circus inside a six-sided ring|work=The Daily Reporter|author=Mitchell, Russ|access-date=August 11, 2015|date=March 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201173858/http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1524070.html|archive-date=February 1, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> He entered a professional wrestling school because his friends were doing it and to find out whether he had a natural aptitude for it.<ref name="Best of AJ Styles Volume 2">{{cite video|title=Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles: Volume 2|medium=DVD|publisher=TNA Home Video|date=2007}}</ref> To supplement his income, he worked by mowing lawns and driving an ambulance.<ref name=spencer/>

== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career (1998–2001) ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}Jones was trained by [[Rick Michaels]] and debuted in 1998.<ref name=SLAM/> In the [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]-based National Championship Wrestling (NCW) [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] he wrestled as Mr. Olympia, a masked wrestler, losing to Michael Brooks in his first [[Professional wrestling match types#Singles match|singles match]].<ref name=SLAM/> By August 1999, he had won the promotion's Television Championship.<ref name=SLAM/>

From 1999 to 2001, he generally competed in less notable [[independent promotions]]. In December 1999, NCW [[merged]] with NWA Georgia to form [[NWA Wildside]], and Jones was renamed A.J. Styles. He appeared sporadically even after signing with NWA-TNA, and is a former [[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion]], having defeated Rick Michaels for the [[Professional wrestling championship|title]] on December 22, 2001, at Christmas Chaos.<ref name=SLAM/>

=== World Championship Wrestling (2001) ===
[[Atlanta]]-based [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) had observed Styles' and [[Air Paris]]' program in NWA Wildside and offered each a contract in early 2001. Styles (renamed Air Styles) and Paris were placed in a [[tag team]], which was named Air Raid. The team's [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] saw both men dress in [[G-suit]]s, with Air Raid also appearing on ''[[WCW Thunder|Thunder]]''.<ref name=SLAM/> On the March 5, 2001, episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]'', they were entered into a tournament for the newly created [[WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship]] but were eliminated in the first round by eventual winners [[Elix Skipper]] and [[Kid Romeo]].<ref name=SLAM/>

=== World Wrestling Federation appearances (2001–2002) ===
On July 9, 2001, Styles had his first World Wrestling Federation (WWF) tryout match against his trainer, [[Rick Michaels]], before the taping of ''Raw''. Styles won with a Shooting Star Press but was not offered a contract.

Styles made two more appearances for the WWF in 2002: on the January 26 episode of ''[[WWF Metal|Metal]]'' (taped on January 21), in a losing effort against [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]], and a dark match before the January 27 episode of ''SmackDown!'' (taped on January 22), where he was defeated by [[Rico Constantino]]. After these matches, WWF offered Styles a developmental deal contract, which would require Styles to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] (HWA) developmental territory was located. Styles ultimately declined the deal, as the move would interfere with his wife's college plans. Despite this, Styles wrestled one non-contracted match for HWA, on February 19 against [[Matt Stryker]] in a losing effort.

=== Independent circuit (2001–2002) ===
[[File:XWF Event.JPG|thumb|Styles coming to the ring for a [[Xcitement Wrestling Federation]] event in November 2001]]
On October 26, 2001, Styles participated in [[All Pro Wrestling]]'s [[List of All Pro Wrestling Tournaments#2001|King of the Indies]] tournament, defeating Jardi Frantz in his first-round match but was eliminated by [[Christopher Daniels]] in the quarter-finals the following night.<ref name="OWOW" /> On November 13, 2001, Styles debuted in [[Xcitement Wrestling Federation]] (XWF), competing in a [[Professional wrestling battle royal|battle royal]] against Billy Fives, Christopher Daniels, [[Juventud Guerrera]], [[Kid Kash]], [[Prince Iaukea]], [[Psicosis]] and [[Low Ki|Quick Kick]] for the XWF Cruiserweight Championship, but was unsuccessful in winning the title. Later that night, Styles defeated [[Josh Mathews]] in a match taped for XWF television. The following night, Styles was defeated by Daniels, again in a match taped for the XWF television program.

Styles debuted for [[Australia]]n promotion [[World Wrestling All-Stars]] (WWA) on February 24, 2002, making his [[pay-per-view]] debut at [[WWA Revolution|The Revolution]] against Christopher Daniels, [[Low Ki]], [[Shark Boy]], [[Mike Bucci|Super Nova]] and [[Tony Mamaluke]] in a six-way [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|survival elimination match]], in a losing effort. On April 10, Styles faced [[Jerry Lynn]] and Super Nova in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|three-way-dance]], in a losing effort.<ref name="OWOW" /> On April 12, Styles defeated Nova in a tournament semi-final match at [[WWA Eruption|The Eruption]] for the [[WWA International Cruiserweight Championship|International Cruiserweight Championship]]. Styles progressed to the final later that night in which he defeated Jerry Lynn to win the title, which he [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vacant|vacated]] soon after.<ref name="SLAM" />

On March 2, Styles debuted in the [[East Coast Wrestling Association]] (ECWA), entering the promotion's 6th annual [[ECWA Super 8 Tournament#2002|Super 8 tournament]]. He defeated [[Xavier (wrestler)|Xavier]] in the first round, as well as [[The Amazing Red]] in his semi-finals match, but was defeated in the final by [[Donovan Morgan]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=AJ Styles matches (p. 22) |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=801&page=4&s=2100 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref> On June 15, Styles debuted in Game Changer Wrestling, entering the Jersey-J Cup tournament. In the first round, Styles defeated Qenaan Creed, he then progressed to the quarter-final, defeating [[Colt Cabana]]. In the semi-final, he was defeated by Reckless Youth and was eliminated from the tournament.<ref name=":0" />

In October, Styles traveled to the UK, debuting in the [[Frontier Wrestling Alliance]] (FWA) on October 13, suffering a loss to [[Jonny Storm]] in his debut match at FWA: British Uprising.<ref name=":0" /> On October 15, Styles was defeated in an [[FWA British Heavyweight Championship]] number one contender [[Round-robin tournament|round-robin]] challenge three-way match by [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]] and Jerry Lynn at FWA: Seasons Beatings. Later that night, Styles defeated [[Jody Fleisch]] in the same round-robin challenge.<ref name=":0" /> On November 1, Styles debuted in [[IWA: Mid-South]], taking part in the promotions annual [[Ted Petty Invitational#2002 Ted Petty Invitational|Ted Petty Invitational]] tournament, but was defeated by Christopher Daniels in the first round.<ref name=":0" />

=== Ring of Honor (2002–2006)===
==== Early years (2002–2004) ====
[[File:AJ & Matt....jpg|thumb|left|upright|Styles with [[Matt Sydal]] at an ROH event in 2006]]
Styles debuted in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) at its third show, 2002's A Night of Appreciation,<ref name=roh>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults.php|title=Ring of Honor Official results|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134439/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults.php|archive-date=May 28, 2010}}</ref> and quickly became a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Main eventer|main eventer]] (e.g., performing in [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Main event|main event]] matches against [[Low Ki]] for the [[ROH World Championship]] at Honor Invades Boston).<ref name=roh/> After failing to win the title, he became the first holder of the Number One Contender's Trophy, which was viewed within the promotion as a secondary championship at the time.<ref name=roh/> At the First Anniversary Show in February 2003, Styles competed against Low Ki and [[Paul London]] in a three-way match, which was won by London. After this, Styles competed by himself and defeated [[The Backseat Boyz]] ([[Johnny Kashmere]] and [[Trent Acid]]), [[The Carnage Crew]] ([[HC Loc]] and [[Tony DeVito]]), and [[The S.A.T.]] (Joel and Jose Maximo), to receive a title shot for the [[ROH Tag Team Championship]]. He chose [[Amazing Red]] as his partner, and the two defeated The Prophecy (Christopher Daniels and Xavier) to win the championship.<ref name=roh/><ref name="ROHtag"/> Styles then [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with London, who was upset that he had chosen Red as his partner, wrestling to a [[Professional wrestling#Draw|draw]] at Night of the Grudges.<ref name=roh/> Styles and Red then defeated [[The Briscoe Brothers]] ([[Jay Briscoe|Jay]] and [[Mark Briscoe]]) on three separate occasions, but lost to The Prophecy. At Wrath of the Racket, Christopher Daniels and [[Dan Maff]] put Red out of action and Styles picked [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] as his replacement partner. Styles and Homicide beat The Prophecy,<ref name=roh/> but Styles had to vacate the title due to Red being sidelined by a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|legitimate]] injury.<ref name="ROHtag"/>

After his reign as ROH Tag Team Champion, Styles took [[Jimmy Rave]] as his protégé and attempted to become the ROH World Champion, defeating [[Bryan Danielson]] at Main Event Spectacles to become the number one contender. At War of the Wire, Styles unsuccessfully challenged [[Samoa Joe]] for the title.<ref name=roh/> He then defeated [[CM Punk]], Jimmy Rave, and [[Matt Striker|Matt Stryker]] in a one-night tournament at the [[ROH 2nd Anniversary Show|Second Anniversary Show]] to become the first [[ROH Pure Championship|ROH Pure Wrestling Champion]].<ref name=roh/> Styles defeated Punk in a rematch with [[Ricky Steamboat]] as the [[guest referee]] at At Our Best for his final match for ROH in 2004,<ref name=roh/> as TNA withdrew all of its contracted wrestlers from all ROH events and ROH vacated the title.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=August 23, 2008|author=Clevett, Jason|date=February 16, 2005|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|title=2004 a year of triumph for Ring of Honor|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929388.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109051334/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929388.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 9, 2016|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

==== Feud with Jimmy Rave (2005–2006) ====
Styles returned to Ring of Honor at the Third Anniversary Celebration: Part Two to wrestle Jimmy Rave, who accused him of stealing the ''[[Styles Clash]]'' (which he called the ''Rave Clash'') from him, though he was unsuccessful in defeating Rave.<ref name=roh/> During his feud with Rave and [[The Embassy (wrestling)|The Embassy]], Styles formed an [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Alliance|alliance]] with [[Generation Next (professional wrestling)|Generation Next]], who were also feuding with The Embassy. At Glory by Honor IV, Styles defeated Rave with [[Mick Foley]] in his corner, with the stipulation that the loser could no longer use the ''Rave''/''Styles Clash'' in Ring of Honor.<ref name=roh/> At This Means War, he defeated Generation Next leader [[Austin Aries]], who was attacked by The Embassy following the show. At Vendetta, Styles had his final match against The Embassy when he, along with Austin Aries, [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] and [[Matt Sydal]] were defeated by [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]], [[Alex Shelley]], Jimmy Rave, and [[Prince Nana]] in an [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple men teamed matches|eight-man tag match]].<ref name=roh/>

Following his feud with The Embassy, Styles set his sights on winning a championship. At A Night of Tribute, Styles faced Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal in a [[three-way match]], which Daniels won. On the first show of 2006, Styles wrestled and defeated Matt Sydal, after which the two agreed to form a tag team and challenge for the ROH Tag Team Championship, which was held by Sydal's Generation Next teammates Austin Aries and [[Roderick Strong]]. Before receiving a shot at the tag team title, Styles received a shot at the ROH World Championship when he was handpicked by Bryan Danielson, but he was unsuccessful.<ref name=roh/> At the Fourth Anniversary Show, Styles and Sydal received their shot at the ROH Tag Team Championship, but were unable to defeat the champions.<ref name=roh/>

After an absence, Styles returned at Death Before Dishonor IV, defeating [[Davey Richards]]. Styles returned at Time to Man Up, losing to Samoa Joe.<ref name=roh/> In a pre-taped [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promo]], Styles said he would be taking several months off from ROH following the match; however, ROH commentators continually referred to the match as his final match and even played a special tribute to him after it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/46934/ROH---Time-to-Man-Up-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Time to Man Up DVD Review|date=November 1, 2006|access-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref>

=== NWA: Total Nonstop Action / Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2002–2014)===
==== NWA World Heavyweight Champion (2002–2004) ====
In May 2002, Styles was signed to a non-exclusive contract by [[NWA: Total Nonstop Action]] (NWA-TNA). He appeared on the first weekly TNA pay-per-view, teaming with [[Low Ki]] and [[Jerry Lynn]] and losing to [[The Flying Elvises]] ([[Jimmy Yang]], [[Jorge Estrada]] and [[Sonny Siaki]]).<ref name=SLAM/> The following week, Styles defeated Low Ki, Jerry Lynn and [[Psicosis]] in a double elimination match to become the [[List of GFW X Division Champions|inaugural]] [[TNA X Division Champion]].<ref name=SLAM/> He won a second title on the third TNA pay-per-view, teaming with Lynn and defeating [[Allan Funk|Bruce]] and [[Lenny Lane]] in the finals of a tournament for the vacant [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/messages1/2063.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031211144212/http://www.wrestleview.com/messages1/2063.shtml |archive-date=December 11, 2003 |title=Full NWA-TNA Pay Per View Results - 7/3/02 |work=WrestleView |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=July 4, 2002 |access-date=August 14, 2024}}</ref> Styles successfully defended both titles in the following weeks but began to bicker with the veteran Lynn during their matches together. On August 7, Styles lost the X Division title to Low Ki in a three-way dance also involving Lynn.<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/a/aj-styles/|access-date=August 18, 2008|title=A.J. Styles profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207085109/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/a/aj-styles/|archive-date=December 7, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=March 2019}} The following week, he and Lynn fought [[Jeff Jarrett]] and [[Ron Killings]] to a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]], and the tag team title was held-up as a result.<ref name=OWOW/> The following week, he and Lynn fought one another in a [[Falls Count Anywhere match]] (which was won by Lynn), a [[no disqualification match]] (which was won by Styles) and a ten-minute [[Iron Man match]], which ended in a draw after both men scored three [[Professional wrestling#Pinfall|pinfalls]].<ref name=OWOW/> On August 28, Low Ki defended the X Division Championship against Lynn and Styles in a [[ladder match]] and lost the title to Lynn.<ref name=OWOW/> Recruiting [[Mortimer Plumtree]] and Sonny Siaki as allies, Styles continued to feud with Lynn in successive weeks.<ref name=OWOW/> On October 23, he defeated [[Syxx-Pac]] for the X Division Championship,<ref name=SLAM/> but lost the title to Lynn on November 6 and tried unsuccessfully to regain it throughout the remainder of the year.<ref name=SLAM/>

In 2003, Styles began focusing on the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] when, after defeating [[David Flair]] on January 15 to become the number one contender, he recruited the help of [[Larry Zbyszko]] and associated himself with [[Vince Russo]]'s [[Sports Entertainment Xtreme]] (S.E.X.) [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]].<ref name=OWOW/> Styles faced NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett on February 19, but was defeated.<ref name=OWOW/> In the course of the match, Styles became a [[fan favorite]], attacking S.E.X. as they tried to interfere on his behalf because he did not want to win in that manner. Styles briefly teamed with [[D'Lo Brown]], but disbanded for their [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world title]] aspirations, challenging each other on June 4 in a number one contenders match which was won by Styles. Styles defeated Jarrett and [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] in a three-way match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (becoming the first [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|TNA Triple Crown]]) on June 11 with assistance from Russo.<ref name=SLAM/> Throughout July 2003, Styles successfully defended the title in matches against D'Lo Brown and a myriad selection of opponents before [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|dropping]] the title back to Jarrett on October 22.<ref name=SLAM/> Following his loss, Styles reverted to being a [[fan favorite]] while Jarrett became a villain. On November 12, he teamed with [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] to defeat [[Lex Luger]] and Jeff Jarrett, though his bid for the title on December 3 was unsuccessful due to interference from [[Kid Kash]].<ref name=OWOW/>

Styles feuded with [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] and Jeff Jarrett throughout January, and on February 4, 2004, after Styles demanded a title shot, Jarrett's ally [[Don Callis]] forced him to team with Abyss in a match with the NWA World Tag Team Champions, [[Kevin Northcutt]] and [[Joe E. Legend|Legend]], which Styles' won, despite being abandoned by Abyss.<ref name=SLAM/> The following week, Styles defeated Abyss in a match to determine the sole owner of the tag team championship by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] after Jarrett interfered, but his victory was overturned by Callis, leading to another match the following week which was won by Abyss after Lex Luger interfered, thus granting Abyss sole control of the tag team championship.<ref name=SLAM/> On March 17, Abyss defeated Styles to become the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=OWOW/> Russo granted Styles a championship [[steel cage match]] against Jarret on April 21, where he won his second world title.<ref name=SLAM/> He successfully defended the title in matches with Ron Killings, Raven and Chris Harris, and on May 19 he defended against all three men in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|four-way]] title match. Styles lost the title to Killings after Jarrett interfered in the match, hitting him with a guitar.<ref name=OWOW/>

==== X Division Champion (2004–2007) ====
[[File:A J Styles 1.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Styles in 2005]]
Styles returned to the [[X Division]] shortly thereafter, winning a four-way match to become the number one contender to the X Division Championship on the June 4 episode of ''[[Impact! (TV series)|Impact!]]''.<ref name=SLAM/> On June 9, he defeated [[Frankie Kazarian]] to become a three-time X Division Champion.<ref name=SLAM/> In the following weeks, Styles feuded with Kid Kash and [[Lance Hoyt|Dallas]],<ref name=SLAM/> while successfully defending the title in matches with Kazarian and [[Mr. Águila]]. An additional match on June 23 with the debuting [[Jeff Hardy]] was interrupted by Kash and Dallas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/24/512582.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309221246/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/24/512582.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=TNA: Second anniversary nothing special|date=June 4, 2004|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> On July 28, he defended the title against Kazarian and [[Matt Bentley|Michael Shane]] in an [[Ultimate X match]].<ref name="TNA-jul.28">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/07/29/561928.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309211146/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/07/29/561928.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=TNA: Ultimate X marks co-champions|date=July 29, 2004|last=Roopansingh|first=Jaya|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> After Kash struck Styles with a [[crutch]], Shane and Kazarian simultaneously retrieved the [[Championship belt#Professional wrestling|title belt]] and became co-X Division Champions.<ref name="TNA-jul.28"/> After several abortive attempts to regain the title, Styles fought Kash in a number of matches, culminating on September 8 in a [[tables match]] which was won by Styles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/09/621994.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309215935/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/09/621994.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=TNA Wednesdays end with a whimper|date=September 9, 2004|last=Roopansingh|first=Jaya|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> In October, Styles began feuding with Petey Williams (who by then was the TNA X Division Champion) and on November 7 at [[Victory Road (2004)|Victory Road]], the first monthly [[List of TNA pay-per-view events|pay-per-view event]] held by TNA, Styles failed to regain the title from Williams.<ref name="VR04">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/08/723409.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161103125728/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/08/723409.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 3, 2016|title=Victory Road bombs|date=November 8, 2004|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

At [[Final Resolution (2005)|Final Resolution]] on January 16, 2005, Styles won the X Division Championship for a fourth time in an Ultimate X match, defeating [[Chris Sabin]] and the reigning champion Petey Williams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/17/901070.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519210915/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/01/17/901070.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=New Resolution needed by TNA|date=January 17, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles faced Christopher Daniels for the first time on the January 21 episode of ''Impact!'', and after failing to defeat him in ten minutes, qualified for a thirty-minute Iron Man match for the championship at [[Against All Odds (2005)|Against All Odds]] on February 13,<ref name="Impact-Jan.21">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/01/26/911124.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309215124/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/01/26/911124.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Impact: Hardy goes into the Abyss|date=January 26, 2005|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="AAO-05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/14/930282.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519052922/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/14/930282.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Iron Man steals Against All Odds|date=February 14, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> where Styles defeated Daniels to retain the title after initial tying and going into "[[Sudden death (sport)|sudden death]]" rules.<ref name="AAO-05"/> The feud between Styles and Daniels continued and at [[Destination X (2005)|Destination X]] on March 13, Styles lost the title to him in an [[Ultimate X match|Ultimate X Challenge]] also featuring Ron Killings and Elix Skipper.<ref name="DX05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/03/14/960363.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519191257/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/03/14/960363.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Destination X: Overbooked but fun|date=March 14, 2005|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

After defeating Abyss at [[Lockdown (2005)|Lockdown]] on April 24 to become the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/25/1019275.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519055548/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/25/1019275.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Lockdown lacks|date=April 25, 2005|last=Clevett|first= Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles won his third world championship from Jeff Jarrett at [[Hard Justice (2005)|Hard Justice]] on May 15,<ref name="HJ05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/16/1041895.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519090216/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/05/16/1041895.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Styles ends Jarrett's reign at Hard Justice|date=May 16, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="PS132">{{cite news|title=Looking at: TNA Hard Justice|work=Power Slam|publisher=SW Publishing|pages=24–25|id=132}}</ref> which he lost to [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] in a [[King of the Mountain match]] at [[Slammiversary (2005)|Slammiversary]] on June 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/20/1095889.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115120711/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/20/1095889.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2017|title=Raven crowned king at Slammiversary|date=June 20, 2005|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles then entered the [[TNA 2005 Super X Cup Tournament]], which granted the winner a shot at the X Division Championship. Styles defeated Matt Bentley in the quarter-finals and Petey Williams in the semi-finals, but lost to Samoa Joe at [[Sacrifice (2005)|Sacrifice]] on August 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/08/15/1174128.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519182726/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/08/15/1174128.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=TNA makes a great Sacrifice|date=August 15, 2005|last=LaCroix|first=Corey David|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> As Christopher Daniels (the reigning X Division champion) had interfered in the match, TNA Director of Authority Larry Zbyszko added Styles to the resultant title bout. At [[TNA Unbreakable (2005)|Unbreakable]] on September 11, Styles defeated Samoa Joe and Daniels in a critically lauded three-way match to become the X Division Champion for a fifth time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/12/1213460.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519072509/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/09/12/1213460.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Unbreakable an astounding PPV|date=September 12, 2005|last=LaCroix|first=Corey David|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="FiveStars">{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2009/06/18/daniels-feels-detroits-economy-wont-hurt-this-sundays-ppv/|title=Daniels feels Detroit's economy won't hurt this Sunday's PPV|last=Schramm|first=Chris|date=June 18, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref>

[[File: Daniels y AJ en Destination X.jpg|thumb|Styles teamed and feuded with [[Christopher Daniels]] throughout 2005.]]
At [[Bound for Glory (2005)|Bound for Glory]] on October 23, Styles successfully defended the title against Christopher Daniels in the second thirty-minute Iron Man match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1130122788.shtml|title=Bound for Glory PPV Results - 10/23/05 - Orlando (New World Champ)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=October 23, 2005|access-date=April 5, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref> The following month at [[Genesis (2005)|Genesis]] on November 13, Styles successfully defended the title against Petey Williams.<ref name=Genesis2005>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1131940865.shtml|title=Genesis PPV Results - 11/13/05 - Orlando (Former WWE star debuts)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=November 13, 2005|access-date=April 5, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref> Styles then started a feud with Joe, claiming that he had broken the unwritten "code of the X Division" by brutally beating Daniels.<ref name=Genesis2005/> At [[Turning Point 2005|Turning Point]] on December 11, Styles lost the X Division Championship to Joe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1134360328.shtml|title=Turning Point PPV Results - 12/11/05 (Sting sends a message & more)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 11, 2005|access-date=April 5, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref> Styles was unsuccessful in retaining the title in a triple threat match, also featuring Daniels, at [[Against All Odds 2006|Against All Odds]] on February 12, 2006,<ref name="AAO06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/13/1439509.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802022211/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/13/1439509.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 2, 2015|title=Against All Odds Christian Cage crowned champion|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=February 13, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> and in an [[Ultimate X match]] at [[Destination X (2006)|Destination X]] on March 12, which Daniels won.<ref name="DX06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/03/13/1485900.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107184735/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/03/13/1485900.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Destination X marks a great PPV|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=January 15, 2008|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After Daniels lost the title back to Joe, Styles joined Daniels to challenge America's Most Wanted for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. After losing to America's Most Wanted in title matches on two occasions, Styles and Daniels won the NWA World Tag Team Championship at [[Slammiversary (2006)|Slammiversary]] on June 18.<ref name="Slam06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/19/1641005.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115120721/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/06/19/1641005.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2017|title=Title held up after TNA Slammiversary|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=June 19, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> They successfully retained against [[The Latin American Xchange]] (Homicide and [[Hernandez (wrestler)|Hernandez]]) (LAX) at [[Hard Justice (2006)|Hard Justice]] on August 13,<ref name="HJ06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/08/16/1758529.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123061558/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/08/16/1758529.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2016|title=Cage turns on Sting at fiery Hard Justice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=August 14, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> only to lose the title to them in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Border Brawl]] on the August 24 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/25/1775606.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310030957/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/25/1775606.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Impact: Tag belts land at LAX|date=August 25, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> They regained the titles at [[No Surrender (2006)|No Surrender]] on September 24,<ref name="NS06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/25/1894242.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123133048/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/25/1894242.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2016|title=Ultimate X steals No Surrender|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=September 25, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> but dropped them back to LAX at [[Bound for Glory (2006)|Bound for Glory]] on October 22 in a [[Six Sides of Steel]] match.<ref name="BFG06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/10/23/2104975.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111134305/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/10/23/2104975.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 11, 2016|title=Sting new champ after Bound For Glory|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=October 23, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

On the November 2 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles pinned Chris Sabin to begin his sixth reign as the new X Division Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/03/2220031.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107184735/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/03/2220031.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Impact: Styles claims X Division title|date=November 3, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> The match was also the quarter-finals of the Fight for the Right tournament for number one contendership to Sting's NWA World Heavyweight Championship; Styles won the semi-final match on the November 9 ''Impact!'' but was pinned in the finals by Abyss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/10/2302033.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725001302/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/10/2302033.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2017|title=Impact: Abyss last king on late night|date=November 10, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> On the November 16 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles lost the X Division Championship to Daniels in a three-way match when Daniels scored the [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] pinfall on Sabin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/17/2391536.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309205856/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/17/2391536.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=Impact: Abyss last king on late night|date=November 17, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> At [[Genesis 2006|Genesis]] on November 19, Styles lost to [[Christian Cage]], which Styles blamed on Daniels, who had tried to intervene on his behalf.<ref name="genesis06">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/20/2430441.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310033140/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/20/2430441.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Questionable booking mars TNA Genesis|date=November 20, 2006|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

Styles would then turn [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and feuded with Rhino for attempting to reconcile him with Daniels and at [[Turning Point 2006|Turning Point]] on December 10 he beat Rhino,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/12/11/2736585.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111134305/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/12/11/2736585.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 11, 2016|title=Samoa Joe finally tops Angle at Turning Point|date=December 11, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and on the December 22 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles and Samoa Joe defeated Rhino and [[Kurt Angle]].<ref name="Impact-Dec.22">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/22/2932522.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115120731/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/22/2932522.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2017|title=Impact: Santa, pogo sticks and an ankle lock|date=December 22, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Rhino then defeated Styles in a [[Last Man Standing match]] at [[Final Resolution (2007)|Final Resolution]] on January 14, 2007<ref name="FR07">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/15/3383190.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107135122/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/15/3383190.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Cage, Angle on top after Final Resolution|date=January 15, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and at [[Destination X (2007)|Destination X]] on March 11 in an [[Professional wrestling match types#Scaffold match|Elevation X match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/03/12/3736821.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107135122/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/03/12/3736821.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Samoa Joe denied at Destination X|date=March 12, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

==== Various alliances (2007–2009) ====
{{main|A.J. Styles and Tomko|TNA Front Line}}
[[File:Ajentrance.jpg|thumb|left|Styles making his entrance at [[Lockdown (2007)|Lockdown]] in April 2007]]
Styles aligned with Christian Cage for [[Lockdown (2007)|Lockdown]] on April 15, forming Team Cage (later [[Christian's Coalition]]), who were defeated by Team Angle at Lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/16/4034252.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707190601/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/16/4034252.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2015|title=Lockdown pulled down by gimmick matches|date=March 16, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles teamed with [[Travis Tomko|Tomko]] to face Sting and Abyss at [[Victory Road (2007)|Victory Road]] on July 15, but were defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/16/4343726.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707085315/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/16/4343726.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2015|title=Victory Road full of surprises|date=July 16, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> At [[No Surrender (2007)|No Surrender]] on September 9, Styles and Tomko won a [[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold|ten-tag team gauntlet match]] to earn a tag team title match at [[Bound for Glory (2007)|Bound for Glory]] on October 14 against [[Team Pacman]] ([[Adam Jones (American football)|Adam Jones]] and Ron Killings),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/10/4483932.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705213956/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/10/4483932.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 5, 2015|title=No Surrender delivers on Angles and a new TV deal|date=September 10, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> where they defeated them to win the [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/10/15/4577676.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519183649/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/10/15/4577676.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Angle gets stung at Bound For Glory|date=October 15, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> They successfully defended against LAX on the November 1 episode of ''Impact!''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/02/4625680.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310092431/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/02/4625680.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Impact: Styles/Tomko-LAX deliver great main event|date=November 2, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and at [[Genesis (2007)|Genesis]] on November 11 against [[The Steiner Brothers]] ([[Rick Steiner|Rick]] and [[Scott Steiner]]).<ref name="Genesis07">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/12/4649975.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105035735/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/12/4649975.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=Booker T the surprise, but Angle still champ after Genesis|date=November 12, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Later that night, Styles and Tomko inadvertently cost Cage his match and helped Kurt Angle retain the world championship.<ref name="Genesis07"/> Over the next few weeks, Styles struggled to choose between aligning Cage and Angle,<ref name="Impact-Dec.28">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/28/4742269.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310033238/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/28/4742269.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Impact: Booker and Christian team up|date=December 28, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> until he joined [[The Angle Alliance]] at [[Final Resolution (January 2008)|Final Resolution]] on January 6, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/01/06/4755865.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925171928/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/01/06/4755865.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2015|title=Styles sides with Angle costing Cage at Final Resolution|date=January 6, 2008|last=Xamin|first=Mark|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

In February, Styles was involved in a [[Kayfabe|storyline]] in which he became accidentally married to [[Karen Angle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/15/4849761.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310040009/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/15/4849761.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Impact: Love is in the air|date=February 15, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Meanwhile, Styles and Tomko lost the TNA World Tag Team Championship to [[Frankie Kazarian|Kaz]] and [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Super Eric]] on the April 17 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/04/18/5318166.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105210439/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/04/18/5318166.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=Impact: New champs and nonsense|date=April 18, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> With Kurt constantly accusing Styles and Karen of an affair and both denying anything beyond friendship, Styles quit The Angle Alliance. In retaliation, Tomko cost Styles his King of the Mountain qualifying match against [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] on the May 22 episode of ''Impact!'', turning Styles  [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/05/23/5645456.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102343/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/05/23/5645456.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 18, 2015|title=Impact: Angle and Styles clash|date=May 23, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary (2008)|Slammiversary]] on June 8, Styles defeated Angle after a distraction by Karen, but was beat-down by Angle and Tomko after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/08/5814086.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802040820/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/08/5814086.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 2, 2015|title=Slammiversary: No gimmicks needed for thumbs up PPV|date=June 8, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> The feud continued through [[Hard Justice (2008)|Hard Justice]] on August 10, where he defeated Angle in a [[Last Man Standing match]]. They continued trading wins and on the following episode of ''Impact!'' he defeated Angle for his [[Gold medal|Olympic gold medal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/15/6456121.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105035737/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/15/6456121.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=Impact: Styles wins gold|date=August 15, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles also won the ladder rematch the following week to end their feud, but he was later asked to give Angle back his gold medal by Jeff Jarrett in an effort to try to mend things with Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/22/6532921.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310031504/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/22/6532921.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Impact: Styles reaches gold again|date=August 22, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref>

[[File: AJ Styles at TNA show.jpg|thumb|Styles at a TNA show in September 2008|242x242px]]
At [[Bound for Glory IV]] on October 12, Styles faced Christian Cage and Booker T in a three-way match in which Booker T won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/10/13/7066311.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115191554/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/10/13/7066311.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2016|title=Sting takes title at Bound for Glory|date=October 13, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Brian|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Shortly after that, Booker T, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash and Sting formed [[The Main Event Mafia]], and Styles teamed up with Samoa Joe to fight them.<ref name="Impact-Oct.23">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/24/7185111.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115191553/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/24/7185111.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2016|title=Impact: Main Event Mafia takes over Sin City|date=October 24, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]| work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> On the October 30 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles and Joe formed a faction of younger wrestlers known as [[The TNA Front Line]] to combat The Main Event Mafia, who recruited Scott Steiner.<ref name="steiner-Mafia">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/31/7259146.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101182826/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/31/7259146.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 1, 2016|title=Impact: Steiner joins the mafia|date=October 31, 2008|last=Sokol| first=Chris|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> Styles challenged Sting for the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Turning Point (2008 wrestling)|Turning Point]] on November 9<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/10/7361596.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117114647/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/10/7361596.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 17, 2015|title=Turning Point: Mafia gains momentum|date=November 9, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Brian|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> and again in an eight-man tag team match at [[Final Resolution (December 2008)|Final Resolution]] on December 7, but was unsuccessful each time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news08/1228708383.shtml|title=Final Resolution PPV Results – 12/7/08 – Orlando, FL|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 7, 2008|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref> On the January 22, 2009, episode of ''Impact!'', Angle vowed to end Styles' career and later that night beat Styles in a tables match, where Styles was injured ([[kayfabe]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1232694889.php|title=Impact Results – 1/22/09 – Orlando, FL|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=January 23, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref>

At [[TNA Against All Odds (2009)|Against All Odds]] on February 8, Styles returned by attacking Booker T and stealing his [[TNA Legends Championship]].<ref name="Martin">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1234151505.php|title=TNA Against All Odds Results – 2/8/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=February 8, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref> Styles defeated Booker T to become Legends Champion (and the first [[TNA Grand Slam|TNA Grand Slam Champion]]) at [[Destination X (2009)|Destination X]] on March 15,<ref name="Martin"/> and he retained in a rematch at [[TNA Sacrifice (2009)|Sacrifice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1243219992.php|title=Sacrifice PPV Results – 5/24/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=May 24, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary (2009)|Slammiversary]] on June 21, Styles competed in the King of the Mountain match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but was unsuccessful after Samoa Joe turned on The Front Line and helped Angle win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1245639645.php|title=Slammiversary PPV Results – 6/21/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 21, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref> Nash won Styles' Legends Championship at [[Victory Road (2009)|Victory Road]] on July 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1248058721.php|title=Victory Road PPV Results – 7/19/09|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 21, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref> Following the loss, Styles began a "Best of Three Series" against [[Matt Morgan]] for entry into the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match with Sting and Angle at [[Hard Justice (2009)|Hard Justice]] on August 16, which saw Styles winning the first match, but losing the following two, resulting in Morgan advancing to Hard Justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1249022922.php|title=Impact Results – 7/30/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=July 31, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1249626467.php|title=Impact Results – 8/6/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=August 7, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1250242324.php|title=Impact Results – 8/13/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=August 14, 2009|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref>

==== TNA World Heavyweight Champion (2009–2010) ====
On the August 20 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles was talked out of retiring by Sting, who said he had chosen Styles to carry the torch after him. At [[No Surrender (2009)|No Surrender]] on September 20, Styles won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a five-way match against Matt Morgan, Sting, Hernandez and defending champion Kurt Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_35493.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV Report 9/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Kurt Angle vs. Sting vs. Matt Morgan vs. A.J. Styles|date=September 20, 2009|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=September 20, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2009)|Bound for Glory]] on October 18, Styles retained the title against Sting, ending his undefeated streak at [[TNA Bound for Glory|Bound for Glory]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_36109.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV Report 10/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the second-half of the show with Styles vs. Sting|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 18, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 20, 2009}}</ref> Styles was mysteriously attacked by an anonymous assailant backstage leading him to believe it was Samoa Joe or Christopher Daniels, both of whom he faced the following month at [[Turning Point (2009 wrestling)|Turning Point]] on November 15 to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_36774.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV Report 11/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Daniels|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 15, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 15, 2009}}</ref> Styles continued to successfully defend the title against [[Desmond Wolfe]] on the December 10 episode of ''Impact!'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37299.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 12/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=December 10, 2009|access-date=February 26, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> against Daniels at [[Final Resolution (2009)|Final Resolution]] on December 20,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37540.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA FINAL RESOLUTION PPV REPORT 12/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Daniels, Angle vs. Wolfe|date=December 20, 2009|access-date=December 21, 2009|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> against Angle on the January 4, 2010, episode of ''Impact!''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|title=KELLER'S TNA IMPACT LIVE REPORT 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises – ongoing coverage|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 4, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 5, 2010}}</ref> and against Tomko, who had been revealed as his mystery attacker, on the January 14 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38126.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 1/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=January 14, 2010|access-date=January 15, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

At [[Genesis (2010)|Genesis]] on January 17, Styles defeated Angle in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Chance Match|Last Chance match]] to again retain the championship with assistance from [[Ric Flair]], turning heel in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_38198.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA GENESIS PPV REPORT 1/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan's TNA PPV debut|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 17, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref> On the January 21 episode of ''Impact!'', Flair announced that he had aligned himself with Styles and christened Styles "The New Nature Boy", but on the same episode [[Hulk Hogan]] announced a Genesis rematch, where if Flair were to interfere, Styles would be stripped of the title and awarded to Angle. During the match, Angle applied his signature move, the [[ankle lock]], on Styles, who reversed it and applied the same move to Angle, when suddenly referee [[Earl Hebner]], paid off by Flair, called for the bell although Angle did not submit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38325.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 1/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=January 21, 2010|access-date=January 28, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Against All Odds (2010)|Against All Odds]] on February 14, Styles retained the title against Samoa Joe, with help from Flair, in a match refereed by [[Eric Bischoff]].<ref name=AAO2010>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_39033.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA AGAINST ALL ODDS PPV REPORT 2/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe, Nastys vs. 3D|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 14, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 14, 2010}}</ref> On the March 8 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles teamed up with Ric Flair in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]], in a losing effort against Abyss and Hulk Hogan.<ref name=March82010>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml|title=TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=March 8, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> Styles defended the title against Abyss at [[Destination X (2010)|Destination X]] on March 21 in a match that went to no contest after Abyss hit Styles with a [[chokeslam]] through the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40000.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA DESTINATION X PPV REPORT 3/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Abyss, Ultimate X, Anderson vs. Angle|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 21, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 22, 2010}}</ref> At [[Lockdown (2010)|Lockdown]] on April 18, Styles successfully defended the title against [[D'Angelo Dinero]] in a steel cage match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown Results 4/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV – Styles vs. The Pope, Team Hogan vs. Team Flair, Angle vs. Anderson|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 18, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torchh|access-date=April 18, 2010}}</ref> The following day on ''Impact!'', Styles dropped the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to [[Rob Van Dam]], ending his reign at a then-record 211 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40756.shtml|title=WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 4/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast--Whole F'n New Champion|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=April 19, 2010|access-date=April 20, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles faced Van Dam in a rematch at [[TNA Sacrifice (2010)|Sacrifice]] on May 16, but was defeated again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41360.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice results 5/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV - RVD vs. Styles, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson|date=May 16, 2010|access-date=May 16, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== Fortune (2010–2012) ====
{{main|Fortune (professional wrestling)|l1=Fortune}} 
[[File:Fortune1.JPG|thumb|left|{{Not a typo|[[Fourtune]]}} hopefuls in May 2010: (from left to right) [[Desmond Wolfe]], [[Robert Roode]], Styles, and [[James Storm]]|249x249px]]
With these shortcomings, Flair adopted Kazarian as his newest protégé, thus causing Styles to become jealous and tried to impress his mentor, but after failing to defeat [[Jay Lethal]], Flair ordered him to "go home".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_41609.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 5/27: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast [updated]|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=May 27, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 4, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_41729.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast [updated]|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=June 3, 2010|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary VIII]] on June 13, Styles attempted to win Flair back by defeating Lethal, but lost again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41923.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary results 6/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - RVD vs. Sting, Hardy & Anderson, "nice surprise"|date=June 13, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Flair, who had aligned himself with Styles, Desmond Wolfe, Kazarian, [[Robert Roode]] and [[James Storm]], announced that he would reform the [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|Four Horsemen]] under the new name {{Not a typo|[[Fourtune]]}}, stating that each of them would have to earn their spots in the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276582066|title=Spoilers: TNA Impact TV tapings for June 17|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=June 15, 2010|work=WrestleView|access-date=June 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42023.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 6/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=June 17, 2010|access-date=June 18, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Victory Road (2010)|Victory Road]] on July 11, Styles and Kazarian earned their spots by defeating Samoa Joe and [[Rob Terry]] due to outside interference from Desmond Wolfe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42439.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 7/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage live on-site from Orlando - four-way TNA Title match, Flair vs. Lethal|date=July 11, 2010|access-date=July 11, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the July 22 episode of ''Impact!'', Styles defeated Terry to win the Global Championship (formerly the Legends Championship) for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42665.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 7/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=July 23, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week on ''Impact!'', Styles renamed the title the TNA Television Championship.<ref name=Impact072910>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42785.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 7/29: Tommy Dreamer announces new name for ECW faction, Hulk Hogan addresses situation|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=July 29, 2010|access-date=July 30, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> {{Not a typo|Fourtune}} (soon renamed Fortune) then feuded with [[EV 2.0]] and Styles defeated EV 2.0 leader [[Tommy Dreamer]] in a non-title [["I Quit" match]] at [[No Surrender (2010)|No Surrender]] on September 5,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_43569.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Hardy, Pope vs. Anderson|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 5, 2010}}</ref> although Fortune were defeated in a [[Lethal Lockdown match]] by EV 2.0 at [[Bound for Glory (2010)|Bound for Glory]] on October 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10-10-10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Fortune formed an alliance with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff's new stable, [[Immortal (professional wrestling)|Immortal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast|date=October 14, 2010|access-date=October 15, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Turning Point (2010 wrestling)|Turning Point]] on November 7, Fortune defeated EV 2.0 in a ten-man tag team match and, as a result, EV 2.0's Sabu was released from TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45110.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan, EV2 vs. Fortune, Team 3D "retirement" match|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=November 7, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[Final Resolution (2010)|Final Resolution]] on December 5, Styles lost the Television Championship to Douglas Williams, who had turned on Fortune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45809.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan II, several title and stipulation matches|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=December 5, 2010|access-date=December 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the February 3, 2011 episode of ''Impact!'', Fortune turned face by attacking Immortal, when they interfered in a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match between [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Anderson]] and Jeff Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_47424.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 2/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV - "they" reveal, TNA World Title match|date=February 3, 2011|access-date=February 3, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Flair, who did not take part in Fortune's turn due to an injury, returned on the February 17 episode of ''Impact!'', turning on Fortune during a match between Styles and [[Matt Hardy]] and jumping to Immortal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_47818.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV - Against All Odds fall-out, Flair's TV return, TNA World Title match|date=February 17, 2011|access-date=February 18, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles faced Flair and Hardy in a three-way street fight match on the March 10 episode of ''Impact!'', where Styles was pinned by his former mentor, with assistance from Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/11/17576141.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018090653/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/11/17576141.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Impact: Sting teams with RVD to face Hardy, Anderson|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=March 11, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[Victory Road (2011)|Victory Road]] on March 13, Styles defeated Hardy in a singles match, despite interference from Flair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_48441.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 3/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Hardy TNA Title match|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 13, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

[[File: TNA Slammiversary Aj Styles vs. Bully Ray.jpg|thumb|Styles facing [[Bully Ray]] at [[Slammiversary IX]] in June 2011]]
On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Styles was sidelined with a storyline injury after Flair helped [[Bully Ray]] perform a [[powerbomb]] on him off the entrance stage through a table.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300421966|title=Impact Results - 3/17/11|date=March 18, 2011|access-date=March 18, 2011|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929195632/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300421966|archive-date=September 29, 2012}}</ref> Styles made his return on April 17 at [[Lockdown (2011)|Lockdown]], attacking Bully Ray and helping Fortune defeat Immortal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_49368.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live all-cage match PPV - Sting vs. Anderson vs. RVD, Angle vs. Jarrett|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=April 17, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He then feuded with Tommy Dreamer, who joined Immortal to save his job;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_49849.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact report 5/5: Main-Eventers Take The Week Off, Hype For Next Week's Show|first=Matt|last=Baxendell|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=May 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Ray cost Styles his match against Dreamer at [[TNA Sacrifice (2011)|Sacrifice]] on May 15 by hitting him with a chain.<ref name=Sacrifice2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50080.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 5/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. RVD, four title matches, Chyna PPV return|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=May 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the May 26 episode of the newly rebranded ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles and Daniels defeated Ray and Dreamer in a no disqualification street fight match, with Styles [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] Dreamer to avenge his loss at Sacrifice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50380.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 5/26: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of "Impact Wrestling" - Angle vs. RVD, Street Fight, 1990s Night|date=May 26, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The feud ended at [[Slammiversary IX]] on June 12, where Ray defeated Styles in a Last Man Standing match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50710.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Anderson, Angle vs. Jarrett blow-off|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 12, 2011|access-date=June 12, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles then defeated fellow Fortune member Christopher Daniels in the main event of [[Destination X (2011)|Destination X]] on July 10.<ref name=DX2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51335.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Styles vs. Daniels, Ultimate X, RVD vs. Lynn|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 10, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After weeks of asking for a rematch, Styles finally granted Daniels one on the September 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', where Daniels won and refused to shake hands with Styles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_52654.shtml|title=TNA News: Impact Wrestling spoilers 9/1 - Bax's in-person results for next Thursday's episode|date=August 27, 2011|access-date=September 2, 2011|last=Baxendell|first=Matt|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2011)|Bound for Glory]] on October 16, Styles defeated Daniels in an [["I Quit" match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting|date=October 16, 2011|access-date=October 16, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After defeating Daniels again on the November 10 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles entered into a feud with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/28163-impact-results-11-10-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070714/https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/28163-impact-results-11-10-11/ |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Impact Results – 11/10/11 |last=Nemer |first=Paul |publisher=WrestleView |access-date=February 5, 2023}}</ref> failing to capture the championship at [[Turning Point (2011 wrestling)|Turning Point]] on November 13,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55119.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 13, 2011|access-date=November 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> tying him in an Iron-Man Match at [[Final Resolution (2011)|Final Resolution]] on December 11,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55904.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 11, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> but losing the sudden-death tie-breaker on the following ''Impact Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56050.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/15: PPV fall-out, Jarrett firing, Hardy-Ray|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=December 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the following episodes of ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles and Kazarian, the last two members of Fortune, made it to the finals of the [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#Wild Card Tournament|Wild Card Tournament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56351.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/22: Hardy & Sting team against Roode & Ray, plus Angle visits Storm's favorite bar|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=December 27, 2011|access-date=January 5, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56412.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/29: Knockouts Title match in main event, Angle vs. RVD, Genesis PPV hype|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=December 29, 2011|access-date=January 5, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the final match against [[Magnus (wrestler)|Magnus]] and Samoa Joe on the January 5, 2012, episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kazarian abandoned Styles and aligned himself with Christopher Daniels, effectively ending Fortune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56657.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 1/5: Review of final Genesis PPV hype, six-man tag main event, tournament finals|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=January 5, 2012|access-date=January 5, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== Final storylines (2012–2014) ====
In 2012, Styles feuded with the team of Kazarian and Daniels, being defeated by Kazarian at [[Against All Odds (2012)|Against All Odds]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_58034.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Against All Odds PPV results 2/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Hardy-Storm-Ray TNA Title main event|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 12, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the March 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kazarian defeated Styles in a gauntlet match; had Styles been successful, Kazarian would have to explain his alliance with Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_58733.shtml|title=Turner's TNA Impact report 3/1: Team Roode vs. Team Storm six-man tag match, Angle explains Hardy feud, M.I.A. Abyss|last=Turner|first=Scott|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=March 6, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> but defeating them at [[Victory Road (2012)|Victory Road]] in a tag team match with Mr. Anderson<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_59264.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 3/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting-Roode main event, Angle-Hardy, Storm-Ray|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 18, 2012|access-date=March 18, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> and at [[Lockdown (2012)|Lockdown]] on April 15, where the two duos were on opposing teams in the annual Lethal Lockdown match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_60411.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/15: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Storm main event, Angle-Hardy, Lethal Lockdown opener|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 15, 2012|access-date=April 15, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

TNA booked a storyline where Kazarian and Daniels had a series of photographs insinuating a relationship between Styles and TNA president [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_61291.shtml|title=Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling results 5/10: Sacrifice lead-in, Morgan and Crimson final confrontation, James Storm update, King Mo calls out TNA Champ|last=Turner|first=Scott|date=May 11, 2012|access-date=May 11, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> but later evolved into a storyline where he and Carter were helping an addicted pregnant woman named Claire Lynch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62673.shtml|title= Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results in 6/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Aries Decision 2012, BFG Series, Open Fight Night, Gut Check|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 21, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Lynch made appearances with TNA, claiming Styles was the father of an unborn baby,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_64557.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 8/23: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Hogan returns, Open Fight Night|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 23, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> but the feud was cancelled since it was criticaly panned, being awarded by [[WrestleCrap]] with the Gooker Award, a recognition to the worst of the year.<ref>{{cite web|first=RD|last=Reynolds|title=Claire Lynch: The 2012 Gooker Award Winner|url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/claire-lynch/|website=WrestleCrap|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2019}}</ref> During the Claire Lynch storyline, Styles would win the TNA World Tag Team Championship with Kurt Angle from Daniels and Kazarian at [[Slammiversary (2012)|Slammiversary]], but lost it to them the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_62289.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode vs. Sting headlines 10th Anniv. PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 10, 2012|access-date=June 10, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles  also defeated Daniels in a Last Man Standing match at [[Destination X (2012)|Destination X]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_63123.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/8: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - Roode vs. Aries, new X Division champion, Angle vs. Joe|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 8, 2012|access-date=July 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_64338.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 8/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Hardcore Justice fall-out, three BFG Series matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 16, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[No Surrender (2012)|No Surrender]] and [[Bound for Glory (2012)|Bound for Glory]], Styles and Angle unsuccessfully challenged Daniels and Kazarian for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_65007.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - BFG Series finals|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 9, 2012|access-date=September 9, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_65938.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Aries vs. Hardy, Storm vs. Roode|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 14, 2012|access-date=October 14, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On December 9 at [[Final Resolution (2012)|Final Resolution]], Styles was defeated by Christopher Daniels in what was billed as their "final match".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_67111.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA FINAL RESOLUTION PPV RESULTS 12/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Hardy vs. Roode in the main event, Aries vs. Bully|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref>

Beginning in February 2013, TNA began airing videos at Styles' home interviewing his wife, a friend, and even attempting to interview Styles himself before he angrily forced them to leave.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68961.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 2/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - TNA & Jeff Hardy return to Orlando; Angle unmasks A&E member, but cameraman misses the shot|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69112.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - final Lockdown PPV hype|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Styles, now sporting a beard, unkempt hair, and all-black attire, returned to TNA with the ''[[Compression lock#Leg slicer|Calf Killer]]'' [[submission hold]] as his new finisher, which he used to defeat James Storm in his first match back.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70102.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 4/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Styles's in-ring return, live Impact fall-out|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69310.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Lockdown PPV fall-out from Chicago|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69437.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 3/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact from Chicago - new #1 contender to TNA Title, two title matches, Lockdown fall-out|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Styles, who remained silent in the following weeks, began feuding with Kurt Angle after refusing to tell Angle whether or not he was with the [[Aces & Eights]] stable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70473.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 5/9 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Angle & Styles brawl, D-Lo Brown pouts, Knockouts tag match, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> His new gimmick was nicknamed "The Lone Wolf", since he rejected joining Aces & Eights.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 5/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Hogan returns home, A.J. in Aces & Eights?, final show in current timeslot|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70811.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary XI]] on June 2, Styles was defeated by Angle in a singles match,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_71026.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PPV RESULTS (Hour 3): Bully vs. Sting for the TNA World Title, plus Styles vs. Angle|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> but he defeated him in a rematch to earn the final spot in the [[2013 Bound for Glory Series]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_71253.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 6/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of BFG Series qualifiers, Sting bringing back Mafia, Rampage Jackson Week 2, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Throughout the following weeks, Styles participated in the Bound For Glory Series, winning the tournament and becoming the number one contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at [[Bound for Glory (2013)|Bound for Glory]] on October 20.<ref name=BFG2013>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_73317.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 9/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "No Surrender" Impact - Bully defends TNA Title, BFG Series Finals, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> The following week on ''Impact Wrestling'', Styles claimed that he was no longer under contract with TNA and insulted Dixie Carter, who responded by saying that Styles was not a great wrestler.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_73458.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 9/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of St. Louis Impact - Dixie Carter turns heel, Mafia vs. E.G.O. main event, new KO champ, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref>

In the weeks leading up to Bound for Glory, Styles continued to appear on ''Impact Wrestling'', despite not having a contract with the company, but he would defeat Bully Ray at Bound for Glory, despite interference from Aces & Eights and Carter, to win his second TNA World Heavyweight Championship and fifth world title in the company overall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_74032.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA BFG PPV RESULTS in 10/20 (Hour 3): Styles vs. Bully for the TNA Title, Sting vs. Magnus|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Styles made his first televised title defense on the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', defeating Ray in a rematch after interference from Mr. Anderson, after which he refused Carter's new contract offer and walked out of TNA with the title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_74114.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 10/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Styles vs. Bully TNA Title re-match|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> On October 29, TNA vacated the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_74134.shtml|title=TNA NEWS: Halloween Impact tonight - TNA Title announcement, PPV re-matches, Abyss, SPOILER link|access-date=October 29, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the December 2 taping of ''Impact Wrestling'' which aired on January 2, 2014, Styles returned to TNA with his championship to confront Carter and [[Magnus (wrestler)|Magnus]] (who had won a tournament to crown the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion), with Styles challenging Magnus to a title unification match on next weeks episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', which Magnus accepted.<ref>{{cite news|title=TNA NEWS: Impact SPOILER from Tuesday, preview of Wednesday's Impact TV taping|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On December 5 taping of ''Impact Wrestling'' which aired on tape delay on January 9, Magnus won to unify both titles after interference from eight other wrestlers on Magnus' behalf and [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] interfering on Styles' behalf in what would be Styles' final match with TNA.<ref>{{cite web|title=TNA news: Impact spoilers - futures of two top stars up in the air for 2014, plus news from Thurs. TV taping|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_74961.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 6, 2013|access-date=December 8, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Impact News: Official TNA World champ determined, four matches for "Genesis" Impact next week|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_75589.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=Impact: Magnus battles Styles to become the true TNA belt holder|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/10/21389651.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140114124112/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/10/21389651.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 14, 2014|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=January 14, 2014}}</ref> On December 8, it was reported that contract negotiations between Styles and TNA had broken down and that Styles would be leaving the promotion, becoming a free agent effective December 17 and ending his near twelve-year association with the company.<ref>{{cite web|title=AJ Styles leaving TNA|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/82078/aj-styles-leaving-tna.html?p=1|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=December 8, 2013|access-date=December 8, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> According to Styles he left the promotion since they made him an offer which reduced his salary about 60%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/aj-styles-left-impact-wrestling/|title=411MANIA|website=AJ Styles On Why He Left Impact Wrestling}}</ref>

=== Return to the independent circuit (2003–2005) ===
[[File:Aj as Champion.jpg|thumb|242x242px|Styles won numerous independent championships, including being a one-time [[Ballpark Brawl]] Natural Heavyweight Champion, as seen here in October 2005]]
On March 14, Styles returned to International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) and successfully challenged IWC Super Indy Champion Super Hentai for the title. On April 13, Styles defended the title in a rematch against Hentai, but the match ended in a no contest, meaning Styles retained the title. On May 10, Styles vacated the title. On August 23, Styles unsuccessfully challenged the new Super Indy Champion [[Colt Cabana]] after the match ended at a twenty-minute time limit draw, meaning Cabana retained the title. On December 12 at IWC: Call to Arms, Styles would once again challenge Cabana for the title, but again was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=40|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On April 12, Styles debuted in [[Combat Zone Wrestling]] (CZW), competing at the promotions 3rd [[CZW Best of the Best#Best of the Best 3|Best of the Best]] event. Styles teamed with [[Jason Cross]] to face [[Jay Briscoe]] and Jimmy Rave, in a losing effort. On July 20, at CZW: Deja Vu II, Styles successfully defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Rave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=14|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On September 12, Styles debuted in [[Maximum Pro Wrestling]] (MXPW), successfully challenging MXPW Television Champion [[Chris Sabin]] and [[Christopher Daniels]] in a three-way match for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=1659|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On October 4, Styles debuted in [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG), unsuccessfully challenging PWG Champion Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=12|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On November 7, Styles returned to IWA: Mid-South to take part in the promotions annual [[Ted Petty Invitational#2003 Ted Petty Invitational|Ted Petty Invitational]], which saw Styles defeating Todd Sexton is his first-round match. The following night, he defeated Jerry Lynn in the quarter-finals, but later that night would be eliminated by [[Danny Daniels]] in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2003&promotion=10|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref> On March 20, 2004, Styles returned to IWC, entering the promotions Super Indy Survivor Showdown tournament. Styles' first match in the tournament was in the semi-finals for unknown reasons, in which he defeated [[CM Punk]]. Later that night, Styles faced IWC Super Indy Champion Colt Cabana in the final in a winning effort, capturing the title. On April 17, Styles successfully defended the title against [[Homicide]], and on May 8 he did so again against Christopher Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2004&promotion=40|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On September 17, Styles returned to IWA: Mid-South, entering the promotions [[Ted Petty Invitational#2004 Ted Petty Invitational|2004 Ted Petty Invitational]]. Styles defeated Jimmy Rave in his first-round match. The following night, Styles defeated Matt Sydal in the quarter-finals. Later that night, Styles defeated Arik Cannon in the semi-finals, as well as defeating [[Bryan Danielson]] and [[Samoa Joe]] in the final to win the 2004 Ted Petty Invitational. On October 21, Styles won the vacant IWA: Mid-South Heavyweight Championship, defeating Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels, and [[Petey Williams]] in a four-way dance match. Two days later on October 23, Styles lost the title to CM Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2004&promotion=10|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On April 1, 2005, Styles returned to PWG, defeating Samoa Joe in a [[PWG Championship]] number one contender match at the promotion's All-Star Weekend – Day 1. The following night on Day 2 of All-Star Weekend, Styles successfully challenged [[Super Dragon]] for the title. Styles defended the title until August 6 at Zombies Shouldn't Run, where he lost it to [[Kevin Steen]]. On September 3, Styles entered the [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)#2005|2005]] [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)|Battle of Los Angeles]] tournament but was defeated in the finals by [[Chris Bosh (wrestler)|Chris Bosh]].

=== Mexican and Japanese promotions (2006–2013) ===
During his stay in TNA, Styles worked in various Japanese and Mexican promotions due to a partnership with TNA.

On September 17, 2006, at [[Verano de Escándalo (2006)|Verano de Escándalo]], Styles made his debut for [[Mexico|Mexican]] promotion [[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide|AAA]], as part of a cross promotion deal between TNA and AAA. Team TNA (Styles, Homicide, Low Ki, and Samoa Joe) defeated Vipers Revolution ([[Abismo Negro]], Charly Manson, [[Electroshock (wrestler)|Electroshock]] and Histeria) in a semi-final tournament match then later defeated The Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy, [[Joe Líder]] and [[Juventud Guerrera]]) in the finals.

On December 20, 2007, as part of TNA's working relationship with the [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF), Styles competed in the promotion's third event, defeating fellow TNA star [[Low Ki|Senshi]].

During a partnership between TNA and [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW), Styles made four appearances for NJPW in 2008, starting on [[January 4 Tokyo Dome Show|January 4]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom II]], where Styles teamed with Christian Cage and [[Petey Williams]] to defeat [[RISE (professional wrestling)|RISE]] ([[Milano Collection AT]], [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]] and [[Prince Devitt]]) in a six-man tag team match. On February 17, Styles lost to [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] on Day 8 of New Japan's ISM Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/njpw/circuit-3908-new-japan-ism---day-8-4572.html|title=NJPW Circuit '08 New Japan ISM - Day 8 at New Sumo Hall - Ryogoku Kokugikan wrestling results - Internet Wrestling Database|website=profightdb.com}}</ref> On August 15, Styles teamed with [[Shinjiro Otani]] to face Kurt Angle and Masahiro Chono on Day 5 of New Japan's G1 Climax – Heroes of Supremacy event, in a losing effort. The following day on Day 6 of New Japan's G1 Climax – Heroes of Supremacy show, Styles teamed with Tanahashi to face the team of Kurt Angle and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]], again in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=4&year=2008&promotion=7|title=Matches " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On July 26, 2008, Styles made his debut for [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL), taking part in the promotion's last annual 16-man elimination [[CMLL International Gran Prix#International Gran Prix 2008|International Gran Prix]] tournament, representing Team International. Styles would defeat [[Rey Bucanero]] of Team Mexico in his first match, but would later be eliminated from the tournament by [[Último Guerrero]]. Guerrero went on to lose to Team International member Alex Shelley later in the night, with Shelley winning the tournament for Team International.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=31208|title=CMLL Super Viernes - Gran Prix: CMLL vs. TNA & Leyenda De Plata 2008|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net|access-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185606/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=31208|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Styles returned to AAA on December 16, 2011, at [[Guerra de Titanes (2011)|Guerra de Titanes]], as part of the TNA invasion storyline. He faced [[El Mesías]] in a match to earn a shot at the [[AAA World Heavyweight Championship]], but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/aaa-guerra-de-titanes-2011-cobertura-y-resultados-16-de-diciembre-de-2011-la-park-vs-dr-wagner-por-el-campeonato-latinoamericano-aaa-figuras-de-tna-estaran-presentes-slguerradetitanes/|title=AAA Guerra de Titanes 2011 (Cobertura y resultados 16 de diciembre de 2011) – La Park vence a Dr. Wagner y es el nuevo Campeón Latinoamericano AAA, Los luchadores del "Consejo" toman AAA / #SLGuerradeTitanes|last=Cano Vela|first=Eduardo|date=December 16, 2011|work=SuperLuchas|language=es|access-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref> On November 3, 2013, Styles would once again return to AAA, this time to successfully defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship (which had been vacated by TNA just days before) in a rematch against El Mesías.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/101-mexico/33817-aj-styles-first-non-tna-tna-title-defense-as-his-own-sanctioning-body|title=AJ Styles' first non-TNA TNA Title defense as his own sanctioning body|work=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Weekly |access-date=December 31, 2019 |last1=Alvarez |first1=Bryan }}</ref>

On November 16, 2013, Styles made his debut for [[Japan]]ese promotion [[Wrestle-1]], successfully defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against [[Seiya Sanada]].<ref name=W1111613>{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1437|title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2013|date=November 16, 2013|access-date=November 16, 2013|work=[[Wrestle-1]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019020045/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1437|archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_74597.shtml|title=TNA news: Styles successfully defends TNA Title in Japan, former WWE talent appears after the match, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 16, 2013|access-date=November 16, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

=== Return to ROH (2014–2016) ===
Styles defeated [[Roderick Strong]] in his return match on the January 4, 2014, taping of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_75465.shtml|title=Spoiler results - 1/4 ROH TV taping in Nashville, Tenn.: Styles & Hero return to an ROH ring, plus Final Battle fall-out|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=January 4, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref> and picked up victories over [[Jay Lethal]] at the [[ROH 12th Anniversary Show|12th Anniversary Show]] and [[Chris Hero]] at the Flyin' High event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=83732&p=3|title=Complete Ring of Honor 12th Anniversary coverage|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=February 22, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwponderings.com/2014/03/22/roh-032214-flyin-high-results/|title=ROH 03/22/14 Flyin High Results|last=Mudd|first=Chris|date=March 22, 2014|access-date=March 22, 2014|work=pwponderings.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424192135/http://www.pwponderings.com/2014/03/22/roh-032214-flyin-high-results/|archive-date=April 24, 2014}}</ref> At [[All Star Extravaganza VII]], he became the number one contender for the [[ROH World Championship]] by winning a four-way match involving [[Adam Cole]], [[Michael Elgin]] and Roderick Strong, but he unsuccessfully challenged champion Jay Lethal at [[Final Battle (2015)|Final Battle]].

Styles made his final independent appearance before he began working for WWE at ROH's TV tapings in [[Duluth, Georgia]], on January 23, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/98811/aj-styles-bullet-club-nakamuranew-japan-updates.html?p=1|title=AJ Styles, Bullet Club & Nakamura-New Japan updates|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=January 9, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> At the tapings, Styles was interrupted by Jay Lethal and [[The House of Truth (professional wrestling)|The House of Truth]], followed by Roderick Strong. An ensuing brawl saw Styles' former [[Bullet Club]] stablemates Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, and The Young Bucks (who had fired Styles from the stable just over two weeks prior) assist him against various members of the ROH roster. At the end of the show, Styles proceeded to join Bullet Club in a group hug, mirroring the famous [[The Kliq#The MSG "Curtain Call"|1996 WWF Madison Square Garden "Curtain Call"]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/roh-house-show-report-duluth-aj-styles-bullet-club-curtain-call-206166|title=ROH Duluth, GA, results: AJ Styles & Bullet Club curtain call|access-date=January 25, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=January 24, 2016}}</ref>

=== Second return to the independent circuit (2014–2016) ===
[[File:Aj Styles Smash 2014 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Styles at a Smash Wrestling independent show in January 2014]]
Following his departure from TNA, Styles would begin taking independent bookings for the first time in two years, accepting as many dates as possible and more regularly. During his second run on the independent circuit, he competed in various countries around the world, most notably [[England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=801&page=20|title=Career " AJ Styles " Wrestlers Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

On March 1, 2014, Styles made an appearance for English promotion Preston City Wrestling, losing to British wrestler [[Lionheart (UK wrestler)|Lionheart]] in the main event. Following the match, Styles gave Lionheart the ''Styles Clash'', during which Lionheart improperly tucked his chin, resulting in him landing on top of his head and legitimately breaking his neck.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/83960/british-wrestler-lionheart-suffers-broken-neck.html?p=1|title=British wrestler Lionheart suffers broken neck|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=March 2, 2014|access-date=March 6, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/103-indies/35702-update-on-injury-to-uk-wrestler-lionheart|title=Update on injury to UK wrestler Lionheart|last=Lyon|first=Stephen|date=March 1, 2014|access-date=March 6, 2014|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

On February 8, Styles returned to [[Combat Zone Wrestling]] (CZW) after eleven years, defeating [[CZW World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Drew Gulak]] via disqualification, which meant that Gulak retained the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/46682-2-8-czw-ippv-results-voorhees-new-jersey-styles-gulak|title=2/8 CZW iPPV Results: Voorhees, New Jersey (Styles/Gulak)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=February 10, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=WrestleView}}</ref> In August, Styles also returned to [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) after eleven years, taking part in the promotion's annual [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)#2014|10th Battle of Los Angeles]] tournament, where on August 29 he defeated [[Brian Myers]] to make it to the quarterfinals before losing to Roderick Strong via disqualification on August 31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_80512.shtml|title=Show results - 8/31 PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 3: The Finals of huge tournament with Styles, former WWE stars, PWG champ, ROH champ, mega-tag match, Willie Mack says good-bye|date=August 31, 2014|access-date=September 1, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On March 11, 2015, Styles defeated [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Hennigan]] to win the [[FWE Heavyweight Championship]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Series variations|best of three falls match]] two falls to one; Hennigan won the first fall after hitting the [[Moonsault#Split-legged corkscrew moonsault|'' Starship Pain'']], but Styles made Hennigan [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Tap out|tap out]] to the [[Compression lock#Leg slicer|'' Calf Killer'']] shortly thereafter to score fall number two and pinned Hennigan following a ''Styles Clash'' to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|title=SHOW RESULTS - 3/11 FWE in Brooklyn, N.Y.: A.J. Styles vs. John Hennigan (Morrison), Young Bucks, Hero, TNA star, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_83801.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 12, 2015}}</ref>

On May 29, 2015, reigning [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] Styles (representing [[Bullet Club]] with manager Jonny Ferrari) defeated [[Justin Gabriel]] at [[House of Glory]] High Intensity 4 in Jamaica, New York.<ref>{{cite web|title=House of Glory On Demand High Intensity 4 description|url=https://hogondemand.pivotshare.com/media/high-intensity-4/58453|work=House of Glory On Demand|access-date=June 18, 2018|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618052905/https://hogondemand.pivotshare.com/media/high-intensity-4/58453|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=AJ Styles Vs. PJ Black full match|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=478K9bEtQFE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/478K9bEtQFE |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|work=House of Glory Youtube| date=August 7, 2015 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On June 14, Styles won the [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]] (RPW) [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship|British Heavyweight Championship]], defeating [[Marty Scurll]] at Summer Sizzler for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theindycorner.com/reviews/rpw-summer-sizzler-20150614-york-hall-london-1200-fans/|title=RPW, "SUMMER SIZZLER", 2015/06/14 York Hall, London Review · The Indy Corner|website=theindycorner.com|date=June 16, 2015}}</ref>

In September, Styles made his debut for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]], when he teamed with fellow Bullet Club members [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt and Nick Jackson) in the [[King of Trios#2015|2015 King of Trios]]. They made it to the semi-finals of the three-day-long tournament, defeating Team Fight Club ([[Trent Seven]], [[Tyler Bate]] and Dan Moloney), but were ultimately defeated in the finals by Team AAA ([[Aero Star]], [[Drago (wrestler)|Drago]] and [[Fénix (wrestler)|Fénix]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_87346.shtml|title=Show results - 9/4-9/6 Chikara King of Trios tournament in Easton, Pa.: Bullet Club's A.J. Styles & Young Bucks, Team AAA, the BWO, int'l teams, more trios|date=September 6, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On January 14, 2016, Styles wrestled a match for [[5 Star Wrestling]] in [[Sheffield]], England, where he faced [[Rey Mysterio]] for the first time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/what-s-on/out-and-about/video-rey-mysterio-and-aj-styles-to-make-5-star-wrestling-history-in-sheffield-1-7672324|title=VIDEO: Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles to make 5 Star Wrestling history in Sheffield|website=thestar.co.uk|access-date=January 16, 2016|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307225204/http://www.thestar.co.uk/what-s-on/out-and-about/video-rey-mysterio-and-aj-styles-to-make-5-star-wrestling-history-in-sheffield-1-7672324|url-status=dead}}</ref> where Styles defeated Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/aj-styles-battles-rey-mysterio-first-time-john-morrison-vs-carlito-205676|title=AJ Styles battles Rey Mysterio for the first time; John Morrison vs. Carlito|access-date=January 17, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=January 16, 2016}}</ref> Styles lost to John Morrison in a singles match which was for the inaugural 5 Star Wrestling Championship.

On January 16, Styles returned to Revolution Pro Wrestling in [[London]], England, losing the RPW British Heavyweight Championship to [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] Following the match, Styles cut a promo addressing his future and teased entering the [[Royal Rumble match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/16/116-rev-pro-in-london-styles-teases-rumble-lethal-defends-roh-title-more/|title=1/16 Rev Pro in London – Styles teases Rumble, Lethal defends ROH Title, more|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 17, 2016|date=January 17, 2016}}</ref> On February 5, Styles wrestled his final independent match (which he had pre-booked before signing with WWE), defeating Corey Hollis at Georgia Premier Wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=146572|title=GPW " Events Database " CAGE MATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2014–2016) ===
{{main|Bullet Club}}
[[File:BULLET CLUB 2015.JPG|thumb|Styles (center, being hoisted) celebrates with [[Bullet Club]] after winning the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] in February 2015]]
For the first time since the TNA-NJPW partnership in 2008, on March 27, 2014, it was reported that Styles would return to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] and had signed a contract with the company.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=March 27, 2014|title=Mar 31 2013 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Giant issue featuring nine-page Billy Robinson bio, two weeks left until WrestleMania, line-up, all the news from around the world and more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=47|quote=A.J. Styles has signed and is going to be given a major push as a singles headliner, to work with all the big guns, with a title shot at Kazuchika Okada coming sooner than later|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/36143-mar-31-2013-wrestling-observer-newsletter-giant-issue-featuring-nine-page-billy-robinson-bio-two-weeks-left-until-wrestlemania-line-up-all-the-news-from-around-the-world-and-more}}</ref> Styles' return came on April 6 at [[Invasion Attack 2014|Invasion Attack]], where he attacked [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Kazuchika Okada]] after his match and laid him out with the ''Styles Clash'' and challenged Okada to a title match, before revealing himself as the newest member of [[Bullet Club]], establishing himself as a villain in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827|title=Invasion Attack 2014|access-date=June 3, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_77512.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW PPV results 4/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Invasion Attack 2014" - Nakamura regains IC Title, A.J. Styles big angle, new NWA tag champions, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 4, 2014|access-date=June 4, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Following Invasion Attack, with Styles still working a full schedule on the American independent circuit and only booked to work NJPW's larger events,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_77836.shtml|title=Styles news: A.J. Styles announced for New Japan's G1 Climax|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 21, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> [[Karl Anderson]] was positioned as the new leader of Bullet Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11490|date=April 30, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|script-title=ja:5月度のスマホサイトは、いま一番悪いヤツら"Bullet Club"が完全ジャック!! アンダーソンの心中は?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032030/https://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11490|archive-date=May 2, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=May 1, 2014}}</ref> However, Styles was considered the leader of the [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) version of Bullet Club,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/news/bullet-club-are-coming-wotw-global-wars|title=The Bullet Club are coming to WotW & Global Wars|date=April 16, 2015|access-date=April 16, 2015|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504064052/http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/bullet-club-are-coming-wotw-global-wars|url-status=dead}}</ref> a role which was also given to him by NJPW by the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1050|title=Power Struggle|access-date=November 7, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109143912/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1050|archive-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> Styles wrestled his first match under a New Japan contract on May 3 at [[Wrestling Dontaku (2014)|Wrestling Dontaku]], where he defeated Okada with help from [[Yujiro Takahashi]] to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="WrestlingDontaku2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=838&c=6243|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2014|access-date=May 3, 2014}}</ref> With this victory, Styles became the sixth ''gaijin'' (non-Japanese) champion in the title's history and the first American champion since [[Brock Lesnar]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/48292-aj-styles-crowned-the-new-iwgp-heavyweight-champion|title=AJ Styles crowned the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=May 3, 2014|access-date=May 3, 2014|work=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558|title="新IWGP王者"AJスタイルズに直撃! 「もう誰にもIWGPを渡す気はない！俺が"カネの雨"を降らせるから心配するな！」|date=May 12, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221009/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=11558|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=May 12, 2014}}</ref> The win also made Styles the shortest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/534176/|script-title=ja:5・3内藤に挑戦の170センチ石井が"史上最小IWGP王者"にこだわり|date=April 25, 2016|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010184847/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/534176/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 17, Styles made his first successful title defense in a three-way match with Okada and Michael Elgin at the NJPW/ROH co-produced [[War of the Worlds (2014 wrestling)|War of the Worlds]] event in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78455.shtml|title=Caldwell's ROH iPPV results 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of War of the Worlds - ROH Title & IWGP Title main events, new ROH tag champs, Steen vs. Nakamura, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 17, 2014|access-date=May 17, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 25 at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], Styles defeated Okada for his second successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842|title=Back to the Yokohama Arena|access-date=May 25, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=BacktotheYokohamaArenaPWT>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78619.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 25, 2014|access-date=May 25, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles suffered his first loss in NJPW on July 21, when he was defeated by Okada in his first match in the [[2014 G1 Climax]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_79706.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW G1 Climax results 7/21 (Night 1): Complete coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Okada main event, Tanahashi, Nakamura, Shelton Benjamin, Bullet Club, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 21, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Out of his nine remaining matches in the tournament, Styles lost only one, but failed to advance to the finals due to his loss against Okada in the head-to-head match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871|title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808093933/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871|archive-date=August 8, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/50055-8-8-njpw-g-1-climax-day-11-recap-okada-suzuki|title=8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 8, 2014|work=Wrestleview}}</ref> On October 13 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2014)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Styles lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi in his third defense, after the returning [[Yoshi Tatsu|Yoshitatsu]] stopped Bullet Club's newest member, Jeff Jarrett, from interfering in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=889|title=King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=October 13, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017231408/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=889|archive-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_81243.shtml|title=PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=October 13, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

[[File:AJstyles IWGP Heavyweight Champion crop.jpg|thumb|left|Styles as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in May 2014]]
On November 8 at [[Power Struggle (2014)|Power Struggle]], Styles defeated Yoshitatsu with help from Jarrett and after the match was confronted by [[Tetsuya Naito]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898|title=Power Struggle|access-date=November 8, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111183551/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898|archive-date=November 11, 2014}}</ref> During the match, Yoshitatsu legitimately broke his neck on a botched ''Styles Clash'' in which he tucked his head, leading to NJPW pushing Styles as a "killer" and the ''Styles Clash'' as a controversial maneuver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_81977.shtml|title=NJPW news: Yoshitatsu injury update - could be out one year|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 25, 2014|access-date=January 9, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/102-japan/40606-new-japan-wrestle-kingdom-9-live-coverage-from-the-tokyo-dome-tanahashi-vs-okada-ibushi-vs-nakamura-plus-4-way-juniors-tag|title=New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 9 live results and recap: Tanahashi vs. Okada, Ibushi vs. Nakamura plus 4 way juniors tag|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 3, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2015|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|quote=They are putting over the Styles clash as being controversial and using the neck injury to Yoshitatsu to make Styles out to be a killer}}.</ref> Later in the month, Styles entered the [[2014 World Tag League]], alongside Yujiro Takahashi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707|title=『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム&公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!|date=November 11, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112222204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707|archive-date=November 12, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2014}}</ref> Despite a win over the reigning [[IWGP Tag Team Champions]], Bullet Club stablemates [[Doc Gallows]] and Karl Anderson,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=910&c=6911|title=World Tag League 2014|access-date=December 5, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210133111/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=910&c=6911|archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> Styles and Takahashi failed to advance from their block with a record of four wins and three losses due to losing to Kazuchika Okada and [[Yoshi-Hashi]] on the final day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912|title=World Tag League 2014|access-date=December 5, 2014|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210130824/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912|archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> Styles and Naito faced off in a match on January 4, 2015, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome]], where Styles was victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902|title=Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104154549/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902|archive-date=January 4, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=January 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_82579.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV - Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2015|access-date=January 4, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On January 6, 2015, Styles inserted himself back into the IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture, when he pinned Tanahashi in an eight-man tag team match, setting up a title match between the two at [[The New Beginning in Osaka (2015)|The New Beginning in Osaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13129|title=棚橋vsAJのIWGP戦が正式決定！ 後藤&柴田vsアンダーソン&ギャローズ、オメガvs田口の再戦も決定！【2・11大阪対戦カード】|date=January 6, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|access-date=January 9, 2015}}</ref> On February 11, Styles defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name=NewBeginningOsaka2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=934|title=The New Beginning in Osaka|access-date=February 11, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213111320/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=934|archive-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83264.shtml|title=NJPW news: Bullet Club takes top titles at "New Beginning" - Styles new IWGP World Champ, other title changes|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=February 11, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Styles made his first title defense on April 5 at [[Invasion Attack (2015)|Invasion Attack]], where he defeated [[2015 New Japan Cup]] winner [[Kota Ibushi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956|title=Invasion Attack 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409000342/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956|archive-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_84294.shtml|title=Show results - 4/5 NJPW "Invasion Attack" in Tokyo, Japan: A.J. Styles defends IWGP World Title in main event, ROH tag teams win both Tag Titles, Bullet Club in action, more|date=April 5, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> His five-month reign ended in his second defense on July 5 at [[Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall]], where he was defeated by Kazuchika Okada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990|title=Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall|access-date=July 5, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706044456/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=990|archive-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_86032.shtml|title=NJPW PPV news: Three title changes at Dominion PPV, big-time main event, ROH, headline matches for G1 Climax, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 5, 2015|access-date=July 5, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> From July 20 to August 14, Styles took part in the [[2015 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/80-features-and-tv-reviews/43611-the-big-audio-nightmares-guide-to-the-annual-new-japan-g1-climax|title=The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax|last=Sempervive|first=Mike|date=July 18, 2015|access-date=August 14, 2015|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Styles entered the final day with a chance to advance from his block, but a loss against Hiroshi Tanahashi cost him a spot in the finals, giving him a record of six wins and three losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1010|title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|access-date=August 14, 2015}}</ref> On October 12 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2015)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Styles received a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but was again defeated by Okada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-10-11-kazuchika-okada-vs-aj-styles-iwgp-heavyweight-title-199546|title=NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 10-11: Kazuchika Okada vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=October 11, 2015|access-date=November 9, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

In November, Styles entered the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] picture by challenging [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to a title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-2015-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-karl-anderson-ic-title-201186|title=NJPW Power Struggle live results 2015: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for IC title|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 6, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Later that month, Styles was forced to pull out of the [[G1 Tag League#2015|2015 World Tag League]], where he teamed with Yujiro Takahashi, after experiencing a back injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/aj-styles-officially-removed-njpw-tour-203006|title=AJ Styles officially removed from NJPW Tour|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Styles returned to the NJPW ring on January 4, 2016, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]], where he unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wrestle-kingdom-10-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-204791|title=Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 3, 2016|access-date=January 4, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Hours after Styles' Wrestle Kingdom 10 match, it was reported that Styles had given his notice to NJPW on the morning of January 4, announcing that he was leaving the promotion and signing with WWE.<ref name="Rose">{{cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=January 4, 2016 |title=NJPW stars Nakamura, AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson headed to WWE |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/njpw-stars-nakamura-aj-styles-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-headed-wwe-204971 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322225612/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/njpw-stars-nakamura-aj-styles-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-headed-wwe-204971 |archive-date=March 22, 2022 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref name="Caldwell">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/pwtorch-report-four-big-names-leaving-new-japan-heading-to-wwe/|title=PWTorch Report – Four big names leaving New Japan, heading to WWE|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105055406/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/pwtorch-report-four-big-names-leaving-new-japan-heading-to-wwe/|archive-date=January 5, 2016|access-date=January 4, 2016}}</ref> The following day, Styles made his final appearance for NJPW, where the rest of Bullet Club turned on him with [[Kenny Omega]] becoming the stable's new leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/98816/aj-styles-nakamuranew-japan-updates.html?p=1|title=AJ Styles & Nakamura-New Japan updates|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=January 5, 2016|access-date=January 5, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>

=== WWE (2016–present) ===
==== Feud with John Cena (2016–2017) ====
{{Main|The O.C. (professional wrestling)}}
[[File:WWE Live 2016-04-21 21-17-50 ILCE-6300 1726 DxO (28554455213).jpg|thumb|337x337px|Styles setting up for a Styles Clash on [[Chris Jericho]] at a [[house show]] in April 2016]]
After weeks of speculation and [[WWE]] themselves covering the rumors of Styles leaving NJPW for WWE,<ref>{{cite web |author=Clapp |first=John |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Are AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows coming to WWE? |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/are-aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-karl-anderson-doc-gallows-coming-to-wwe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108010705/https://www.wwe.com/inside/are-aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-karl-anderson-doc-gallows-coming-to-wwe |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Wallace |first=Dustin |date=January 12, 2016 |title=Former New Japan star Matt Bloom addresses Bullet Club rumors |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/former-new-japan-star-matt-bloom-addresses-bullet-club-rumors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117135346/http://www.wwe.com/inside/former-new-japan-star-matt-bloom-addresses-bullet-club-rumors |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> on January 20, 2016, it was confirmed that he had signed with WWE.<ref name="Rose"/><ref name="Caldwell"/> Prior to signing, Styles had also had extensive discussions with TNA and according to them, Styles had agreed to return to the promotion with Bullet Club stablemates [[Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://impactwrestling.com/aj-styles/|title=AJ Styles – Impact Wrestling|website=impactwrestling.com|access-date=January 26, 2016|date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010215226/http://impactwrestling.com/aj-styles/|archive-date=October 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> before being offered a "blow-away deal" by WWE.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Radican |first1=Sean |last2=Caldwell |first2=James |date=January 22, 2016 |title=TNA releases details on A.J. Styles talks – insight on how this played out |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/22/8777/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128174447/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/22/8777/ |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |access-date=January 23, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> After not being on WWE television since his ''[[WWF Jakked/Metal|Metal]]'' match in 2002, Styles made his re-debut in WWE on January 24 at the [[Royal Rumble (2016)|Royal Rumble]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|pay-per-view]] during the [[Royal Rumble match]] for the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]], entering at number three. Styles went on to eliminate [[Curtis Axel]] and [[Tyler Breeze]], before being eliminated by [[Kevin Owens]], lasting just under 29 minutes in the match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ryan |date=January 24, 2016 |title=Triple H won the 2016 Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125234245/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship |archive-date=January 25, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles then entered a storyline with [[Chris Jericho]], with the two exchanging victories on both ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=January 25, 2016 |title=WWE Raw Report: Who Impressed The Authority Enough To Main Event Fastlane?, Finally ... The New Day Know Something Rock Does Not, AJ Styles Makes His Raw Debut, If You Missed Something Resembling The Attitude Era ... This Raw Is For You |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99289/live-ongoing-wwe-raw-report-styles-versus-jericho.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313081735/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99289/live-ongoing-wwe-raw-report-styles-versus-jericho.html?p=1 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> and ''[[SmackDown]]'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=February 11, 2016 |title=WWE Smackdown Report: The Jericho And Styles Show, Wyatt Foreshadows A Feud?, And More |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/99752/wwe-smackdown-report-the-jericho-and-styles-show-wyatt-foreshadows-a-feud-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214211207/http://pwinsider.com/article/99752/wwe-smackdown-report-the-jericho-and-styles-show-wyatt-foreshadows-a-feud-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=February 14, 2016 |access-date=February 11, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> which ultimately led to an encounter between the two on February 21 at [[Fastlane (2016)|Fastlane]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=February 15, 2016 |title=WWE Raw Report: Stirring The Pots, IC Titles Match, New Matches For Fastlane, And Matches For Smackdown |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=99873&p=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313082400/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=99873&p=2 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date=February 15, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=February 18, 2016 |title=WWE Smackdown Report: Did Jericho Accepted The Challenge?, What Did Brock Do On His Return To Smackdown?, And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99935/wwe-smackdown-report-did-jericho-accept-the-challenge-what-did-brock-do-on-his-return-to-smackdown-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312111413/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/99935/wwe-smackdown-report-did-jericho-accept-the-challenge-what-did-brock-do-on-his-return-to-smackdown-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |access-date=February 18, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=February 12, 2016 |title=AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/aj-styles-chris-jericho |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220112144/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/aj-styles-chris-jericho |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Styles emerged victorious via submission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=February 21, 2016 |title=AJ Styles def. Chris Jericho |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/aj-styles-chris-jericho-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223102416/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/aj-styles-chris-jericho-results |archive-date=February 23, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After Fastlane, Jericho and Styles formed a tag team, dubbed "Y2AJ",<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=February 22, 2016 |title=WWE Raw Report: A Name You Probably Didn't Expect, Matches Announced For Wrestlemania, Detroit Medical Facilities Are Going To Be Busy, And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100033&p=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313093326/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100033&p=3 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date=February 22, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> and defeated [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) in two non-title matches.<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo, Richard |date=February 29, 2016 |title=WWE Raw Report: Tag Title Match Next Week, Who Is The Number One Contender For The Divas Title?, Who Gets a Title Match?, What About the Taker/Shane match?, And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100207/wwe-raw-report-tag-title-match-next-week-who-is-the-number-one-contender-for-the-divas-title-who-gets-a-title-match-what-about-the-shanetaker-match-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313093317/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100207/wwe-raw-report-tag-title-match-next-week-who-is-the-number-one-contender-for-the-divas-title-who-gets-a-title-match-what-about-the-shanetaker-match-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=March 3, 2016 |title=WWE SmackDown Report: Who Gets to Wrestle Charlotte at WrestleMania?, Miz and Ziggler Getting Ready for a Minuteman Match?, Kofi Vs. Styles and more |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100295/wwe-smackdown-report-who-gets-to-wrestle-charlotte-at-wrestlemania-miz-and-ziggler-getting-ready-for-a-minuteman-match-kofi-vs-styles-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316133505/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100295/wwe-smackdown-report-who-gets-to-wrestle-charlotte-at-wrestlemania-miz-and-ziggler-getting-ready-for-a-minuteman-match-kofi-vs-styles-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> Y2AJ failed to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] from them on the March 7 episode of ''Raw'', after which Jericho turned on Styles and attacked him, ending their team.<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo, Richard |date=March 7, 2016 |title=WWE Raw Report: Any Roadblocks On The Path To Roadblock?, How About Those Y2AJ Shirt Sales?, Who Will Be The X Factor In The Lana/Brie Situation?, And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100372&p=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313114853/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=100372&p=2 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |access-date=March 7, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> The two subsequently interfered in each other's matches,<ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=March 17, 2016 |title=WWE Smackdown Report: Dean Ambrose Tours Cincinnati, Owens vs Styles, Roman Speaks, The Divas Talk About Their Histories Together, And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100601/wwe-smackdown-report-dean-ambrose-tours-cincinnati-owens-vs-styles-roman-speaks-the-divas-talk-about-their-histories-together-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821185439/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100601/wwe-smackdown-report-dean-ambrose-tours-cincinnati-owens-vs-styles-roman-speaks-the-divas-talk-about-their-histories-together-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |access-date=March 21, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |date=March 22, 2016 |title=3/21 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322051259/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/ |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |access-date=March 25, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> leading to a match between the two at [[WrestleMania 32]] on April 3,<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=March 28, 2016 |title=3/28 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report on final WM32 hype |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/28/march28rawresults/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331090108/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/28/march28rawresults/ |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |access-date=March 28, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Trionfo, Richard |date=March 21, 2016 |title=WWE Raw Report: Vince Makes An Announcement, Kevin Owens Tries To Outsmart The Wrestlers But Did It Work?, What's Good For The Jericho Is Good For The AJ, And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100709/wwe-raw-report-vince-makes-an-announcement-kevin-owens-tries-to-outsmart-the-wrestlers-but-did-it-work-whats-good-for-the-jericho-is-good-for-the-aj-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821064238/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100709/wwe-raw-report-vince-makes-an-announcement-kevin-owens-tries-to-outsmart-the-wrestlers-but-did-it-work-whats-good-for-the-jericho-is-good-for-the-aj-and-more.html?p=1 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |access-date=March 21, 2016 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> which Styles lost.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wortman |first=James |date=April 3, 2016 |title=Chris Jericho def. AJ Styles |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/aj-styles-chris-jericho-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408035602/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/aj-styles-chris-jericho-results |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |access-date=April 3, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

On the following episode of ''Raw'', Styles defeated Jericho, [[Kevin Owens]], and [[Claudio Castagnoli|Cesaro]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]] to become the number one contender for [[Roman Reigns]]' WWE World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |date=April 4, 2016 |title=4/4 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Report on post-WM32 |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405065827/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/04/april4rawresults/ |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> In the weeks that followed, Styles reunited with former Bullet Club stablemates [[Luke Gallows]] and [[Karl Anderson]] (now known as The Club), and an alliance was teased, which Styles initially declined.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |date=May 9, 2016 |title=5/9 WWE Raw Results |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/09/omaharawmay9results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510061705/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/09/omaharawmay9results/ |archive-date=May 10, 2016 |access-date=May 18, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=April 18, 2016 |title=4/18 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete London TV Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/18/april18rawresults/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330053025/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/18/april18rawresults/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=April 19, 2016 |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425033016/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles |archive-date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Payback (2016)|Payback]] on May 1, Reigns eventually defeated Styles by pinfall after the match was restarted twice (with Styles first winning by countout and then by disqualification), despite Gallows and Anderson's interference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=May 1, 2016 |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns def. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502134756/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles-results |archive-date=May 2, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He received a rematch against Reigns at [[Extreme Rules (2016)|Extreme Rules]] on May 22 in an [[Hardcore wrestling|Extreme Rules match]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 1, 2016 |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles (Extreme Rules Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503235425/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles |archive-date=May 3, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but was unsuccessful in winning the championship due to interference from both Gallows and Anderson and [[The Usos]] (Jey and Jimmy Uso).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=May 22, 2016 |title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns def. AJ Styles (Extreme Rules Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles-extreme-rules-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525211937/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/roman-reigns-aj-styles-extreme-rules-match-results |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

On the May 30 episode of ''Raw'', Styles welcomed back a returning [[John Cena]], only to attack Cena with help from Gallows and Anderson, turning [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |date=May 30, 2016 |title=5/30 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/30/may30rawcaldwellcomplete/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602003351/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/30/may30rawcaldwellcomplete/ |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> This set up a match between Styles and Cena at [[Money in the Bank (2016)|Money in the Bank]] on June 19,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=June 3, 2016 |title=John Cena vs. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/john-cena-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606004738/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/john-cena-aj-styles |archive-date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which Styles won after interference from The Club.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Ryan |date=June 19, 2016 |title=AJ Styles def. John Cena |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/john-cena-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623054952/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/john-cena-aj-styles-results |archive-date=June 23, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Battleground (2016)|Battleground]] on July 24, The Club were defeated by Cena and [[Enzo Amore and Big Cass]] in a six-man tag team match after Cena pinned Styles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=July 24, 2016 |title=John Cena, Enzo Amore & Big Cass def. The Club |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/john-cena-enzo-amore-big-cass-the-club-result |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728021445/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/john-cena-enzo-amore-big-cass-the-club-result |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=August 7, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> During the [[2016 WWE Draft]], Styles was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] in the first round of picks, being the brand's second pick overall, while Gallows and Anderson were drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand, splitting up The Club.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 19, 2016 |title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era |url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He faced Cena once more at the [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]] pay-per-view on August 21,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=August 2, 2016 |title=John Cena vs. AJ Styles: A fight for the franchise |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/john-cena-vs-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804191845/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/john-cena-vs-aj-styles |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where he was victorious.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adkins |first=Greg |date=August 21, 2016 |title=Could AJ Styles defeat John Cena without the help of his Club cohorts? |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/john-cena-vs-aj-styles-result |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823124742/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/john-cena-vs-aj-styles-result |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After his victory over Cena, Styles claimed himself to be the "new face of WWE" and "the Face That Runs the Place".<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 23, 2016 |title=8/23 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles appears after defeating John Cena at SummerSlam, Nikki Bella returns |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/23/823-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-appears-after-defeating-john-cena-at-summerslam-nikki-bella-returns/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825072337/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/08/23/823-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-appears-after-defeating-john-cena-at-summerslam-nikki-bella-returns/ |archive-date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=September 14, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

[[File:Shakedown 06 (31650240352) crop.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Styles as [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] in December 2016]]
Due to his victory at SummerSlam, Styles immediately re-entered the renamed WWE World Championship picture and received another opportunity at the title at [[Backlash (2016)|Backlash]] against [[Dean Ambrose]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |date=August 23, 2016 |title=WWE World Champion Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/wwe-world-champion-dean-ambrose-vs-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827233523/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/wwe-world-champion-dean-ambrose-vs-aj-styles |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At Backlash on September 11, Styles defeated Ambrose to become the WWE World Champion for the first time after a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]], also his first championship in WWE and eighth world title overall.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=September 11, 2016 |title=AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose to win the WWE World Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2016/dean-ambrose-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915062142/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2016/dean-ambrose-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=September 11, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles made his first successful title defense against Ambrose in a rematch on the September 27 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' after interference from Cena.<ref>{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=September 27, 2016 |title=9/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/27/927-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929222653/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/27/927-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/ |archive-date=September 29, 2016 |access-date=September 27, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> At [[No Mercy (2016)|No Mercy]] on October 9, Styles retained the title against Cena and Ambrose in a [[triple threat match]] after pinning Cena.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=October 9, 2016 |title=WWE World Champion AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose and John Cena |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2016/aj-styles-dean-ambrose-john-cena-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013162926/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2016/aj-styles-dean-ambrose-john-cena-results |archive-date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=October 9, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] on November 20, Styles made up Team SmackDown alongside Ambrose, [[Bray Wyatt]], [[Randy Orton]] and [[Shane McMahon]] in the 5-on-5 [[Survivor Series match]], defeating Team Raw.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=November 20, 2016 |title=Team SmackDown LIVE def. Team Raw in a 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Men's Elimination Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-mens-elimination-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123075138/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-mens-elimination-match |archive-date=November 23, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2016)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 4, Styles retained the championship over Ambrose in a [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] after [[James Ellsworth (wrestler)|James Ellsworth]] interfered and pushed Ambrose off a ladder and through several tables.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=December 4, 2016 |title=WWE World Champion AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose (Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2016/aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-tlc-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220170821/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2016/aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-tlc-match-results |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 4, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles then resumed his feud with Cena leading into the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, 2017,<ref name="Smackdown12272016">{{cite web |last1=Parks |first1=Greg |date=December 27, 2016 |title=12/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including three title matches, John Cena's return |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/27/1227-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-three-title-matches-john-cenas-return/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228194940/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/27/1227-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-three-title-matches-john-cenas-return/ |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |access-date=December 27, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=December 27, 2016 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. John Cena |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/aj-styles-vs-john-cena |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126170807/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/aj-styles-vs-john-cena |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Styles was defeated for the championship, ending his reign at 140 days.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adkins |first1=Greg |date=January 29, 2017 |title=John Cena def. AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/aj-styles-vs-john-cena-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201182405/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/aj-styles-vs-john-cena-results |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=January 29, 2017 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

On February 12 at [[Elimination Chamber (2017)|Elimination Chamber]], Styles competed in an [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] against Cena, [[Baron Corbin]], Wyatt, Ambrose and [[The Miz]] for the WWE Championship,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=January 29, 2017 |title=WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/wwe-championship-elimination-chamber-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044820/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/wwe-championship-elimination-chamber-match |archive-date=March 8, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which Wyatt won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=February 12, 2017 |title=Bray Wyatt def. John Cena, The Miz, Baron Corbin, AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose in a WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/wwe-championship-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165411/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/wwe-championship-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles failed to regain the title from Wyatt in a triple threat match also involving Cena.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=February 14, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/14: Ongoing coverage of Bray defending WWE Title against Cena, Elimination Chamber follow-up |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/14/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-214-ongoing-coverage-bray-defending-wwe-title-cena-elimination-chamber-follow/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428145142/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/14/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-214-ongoing-coverage-bray-defending-wwe-title-cena-elimination-chamber-follow/ |archive-date=April 28, 2017 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> In March, Styles began a feud with SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon, due to Styles' frustration of being unable to reclaim the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=March 14, 2017 |title=AJ Styles ambushed Shane McMahon in the parking lot |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/aj-styles-ambushed-shane-mcmahon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430234528/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/aj-styles-ambushed-shane-mcmahon |archive-date=April 30, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=March 14, 2017 |title=Shane McMahon seemingly called AJ Styles out for WrestleMania |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/shane-mcmahon-seemingly-challenged-aj-styles-to-a-match-at |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318051256/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-03-14/article/shane-mcmahon-seemingly-challenged-aj-styles-to-a-match-at |archive-date=March 18, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 33]] on April 2, Styles defeated McMahon.<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 2, 2017 |title=AJ Styles def. Shane McMahon |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/shane-mcmahon-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430012551/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/shane-mcmahon-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=April 30, 2017 |access-date=April 2, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles shook hands with McMahon, turning [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=April 4, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/4: WrestleMania 33 fallout including celebration interview with Orton, rematches, Miz & Maryse, and some NXT call-ups! |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/04/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-44-wrestlemania-33-fallout-including-celebration-interview-orton-rematches-miz-maryse-call-cena-nikki/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406201303/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/04/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-44-wrestlemania-33-fallout-including-celebration-interview-orton-rematches-miz-maryse-call-cena-nikki/ |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |access-date=April 5, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref>

On the April 11 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles defeated Corbin and [[Sami Zayn]] to become the number one contender for the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] at [[Backlash (2017)|Backlash]] on May 21,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |date=April 11, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/11: Superstar Shake-up Night 2 details |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413150854/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/11/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-411-superstar-shake-night-2-details/ |archive-date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 25, 2017 |title=United States Champion Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-united-states-title-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519163146/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-united-states-title-match |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but lost his match for the title against Kevin Owens by countout.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 21, 2017 |title=United States Champion Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles via count-out |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/kevin-owens-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527013714/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2017/kevin-owens-aj-styles-results |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After Styles again became the number one contender to Owens' championship,<ref>{{cite web |last=McNeill |first=Pat |date=July 4, 2017 |title=McNEILL'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/4: John Cena Returns, Rap Battle, Naomi-Lana III & Battle Royal |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/04/mcneills-wwe-smackdown-report-74-john-cena-returns-rap-battle-naomi-lana-iii-battle-royal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722192404/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/04/mcneills-wwe-smackdown-report-74-john-cena-returns-rap-battle-naomi-lana-iii-battle-royal/ |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=July 4, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> a title match was set for [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Scott |date=July 11, 2017 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727014522/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=July 11, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> However, on July 7, two weeks before the pay-per-view, Styles defeated Owens during a [[house show]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] to capture the United States Championship for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=July 7, 2017 |title=AJ Styles wins United States Championship from Kevin Owens at Madison Square Garden Live Event |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054321/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/aj-styles-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At Battleground on July 23, Styles lost the title back to Owens,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 23, 2017 |title=Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles to become the new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727093511/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but regained it two days later on ''SmackDown Live'' in a triple threat match also involving a returning Chris Jericho.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=July 25, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/25: Surprise return, Owens gloats and Styles wants rematch, Nakamura vs. Corbin |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/25/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-725-surprise-return-owens-gloats-styles-wants-rematch-nakamura-vs-corbin/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730025342/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/25/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-725-surprise-return-owens-gloats-styles-wants-rematch-nakamura-vs-corbin/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2017)|SummerSlam]] on August 20, Styles retained the title against Owens with Shane McMahon as the special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=August 20, 2017 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens (Special Guest Referee Shane McMahon) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821092057/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/aj-styles-kevin-owens-results |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles once again defeated Owens two days later on ''SmackDown Live'' to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=August 22, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/22: Summerslam fallout including Owens-Styles-Shane controversy and a new roster member |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824064525/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/22/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-822-summerslam-fallout-including-owens-styles-shane-controversy-new-roster-member/ |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=August 22, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> In September, he began a feud with [[Tye Dillinger]] and [[Baron Corbin]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=August 29, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/29: Jinder & Rusev vs. Orton & Nakamura headlines, plus A.J. Styles U.S. Title Open Challenge, Shelton & Gable |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/29/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-829-jinder-rusev-vs-orton-nakamura-headlines-plus-j-styles-u-s-title-open-challenge-shelton-gable/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830102704/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/29/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-829-jinder-rusev-vs-orton-nakamura-headlines-plus-j-styles-u-s-title-open-challenge-shelton-gable/ |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=September 12, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/12: Vince McMahon appears to address Shane being suspended and Owens threatening to sue |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/12/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-912-vince-mcmahon-appears-address-shane-suspended-owens-threatening-sue/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220328/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/09/12/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-912-vince-mcmahon-appears-address-shane-suspended-owens-threatening-sue/ |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |access-date=September 12, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> leading to a triple threat match at [[Hell in a Cell (2017)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 8,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=September 26, 2017 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger (Triple Threat Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/aj-styles-vs-baron-corbin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101001040/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/aj-styles-baron-corbin-tye-dillinger |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=September 26, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Styles lost the title to Corbin who pinned Dillinger, ending his reign at 75 days.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=October 8, 2017 |title=Baron Corbin def. AJ Styles and Tye Dillinger to become the new United States Champion |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/aj-styles-baron-corbin-tye-dillinger-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012034112/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2017/aj-styles-baron-corbin-tye-dillinger-results |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |access-date=October 8, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Two days later on ''SmackDown Live'', Styles failed to regain the title from Corbin.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=October 10, 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/10: Sami Zayn has some explaining to do, Owens-Shane fallout, Styles challenges Corbin |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/10/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1010-sami-zayn-explaining-owens-shane-fallout-styles-challenges-corbin/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015190534/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/10/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1010-sami-zayn-explaining-owens-shane-fallout-styles-challenges-corbin/ |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref>

==== Year-long WWE Championship reign (2017–2018) ====
[[File:Styles WWE Champion WM34 crop.jpg|thumb|right|Styles as WWE Champion at [[WrestleMania 34]] in April 2018|265x265px]]
On the October 17 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles began a rivalry with then WWE Champion [[Jinder Mahal]], confronting and attacking him.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=October 17, 2017 |title=10/17 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Jinder Mahal's Survivor Series announcement, Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn opens the show |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/17/1017-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-jinder-mahals-survivor-series-announcement-bobby-roode-vs-dolph-ziggler-sami-zayn-opens-show/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018053250/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/17/1017-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-jinder-mahals-survivor-series-announcement-bobby-roode-vs-dolph-ziggler-sami-zayn-opens-show/ |archive-date=October 18, 2017 |access-date=October 17, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On October 22, Styles appeared at Raw's exclusive event [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2017)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], competing against [[Finn Bálor]] due to Bálor's original opponent Bray Wyatt not being cleared to compete,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=October 20, 2017 |title="The Demon" Finn Bálor vs. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/the-demon-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023033915/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/the-demon-finn-balor-vs-aj-styles |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=October 16, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=October 20, 2017 |title=WWE scrambling as TLC card is revamped due to medical issues; Kurt Angle to return to the ring this Sunday; Styles vs. Balor |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113033/wwe-scrambling-as-tlc-card-is-revamped-due-to-medical-issues-kurt-angle-to-return-to-the-ring-this-sunday-styles-vs-balor-.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021055956/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113033/wwe-scrambling-as-tlc-card-is-revamped-due-to-medical-issues-kurt-angle-to-return-to-the-ring-this-sunday-styles-vs-balor-.html?p=1 |archive-date=October 21, 2017 |access-date=October 20, 2017 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> where he was defeated by Bálor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=October 22, 2017 |title="The Demon" Finn Bálor def. AJ Styles |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/the-demon-finn-balor-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023184508/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2017/the-demon-finn-balor-aj-styles-results |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=October 22, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the November 7 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' in [[Manchester]], England, Styles defeated Mahal to win the WWE Championship for the second time in what marked the first time the title changed hands on ''SmackDown'' since September 2003, becoming recognized by WWE as the first titleholder crowned outside of [[North America]]<ref name="wwerecognition">{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=November 7, 2017 |title=AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal to win the WWE Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-11-07/article/aj-styles-def-jinder-mahal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108165939/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-11-07/article/aj-styles-def-jinder-mahal |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 8, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ([[Antonio Inoki]] had won the title in Japan in 1979,<ref>{{cite web |title=WWWF/WWF/WWE Heavyweight Title History |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/world_title.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111120651/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/world_title.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2017 |publisher=The History of WWE}}</ref> but this reign is unrecognized by WWE).<ref name="wwetitlehistory"/> With the win, Styles replaced Mahal in the champion vs. champion match at [[Survivor Series (2017)|Survivor Series]] against [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Champion]] [[Brock Lesnar]] on November 19,<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=November 7, 2017 |title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles (Champion vs. Champion Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108212718/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but lost.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 19, 2017 |title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar def. WWE Champion AJ Styles |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201051632/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-aj-styles-results |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 19, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Clash of Champions (2017)|Clash of Champions]] on December 17, Styles defeated Mahal via submission in his first title defense.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=December 17, 2017 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/aj-styles-jinder-mahal-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222071314/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2017/aj-styles-jinder-mahal-results |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=December 17, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> His next feud came against Kevin Owens and [[Sami Zayn]], whom he lost back-to-back matches to due to interference,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barnett |first1=Jake |date=December 26, 2017 |title=12/26 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens, the final edition of 2017 |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/26/12-26-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-edition-2017/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228090240/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/26/12-26-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-edition-2017/ |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Barnett |first1=Jake |date=January 2, 2018 |title=01/02 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn in a non-title match, The Usos vs. Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable for the Smackdown Tag Titles, U.S. Title tournament continues on the first Smackdown of 2018 |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/02/01-02-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-champion-aj-styles-vs-kevin-sami-zayn-non-title-match-usos-vs-shelton-benjamin-chad-gable-smackdown-tag-titles-first-edit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103061315/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/02/01-02-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-champion-aj-styles-vs-kevin-sami-zayn-non-title-match-usos-vs-shelton-benjamin-chad-gable-smackdown-tag-titles-first-edit/ |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> leading to a handicap championship match at the [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2018,<ref>{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=January 3, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn — 2-on-1 Handicap Match for the WWE Title |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117165611/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which Styles won.<ref>{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=January 28, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129144827/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-results |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles retained the title against Owens, Zayn, John Cena, Baron Corbin, and [[Dolph Ziggler]] in a [[six-pack challenge]] at [[Fastlane (2018)|Fastlane]] on March 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=March 12, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. John Cena, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin (Six-Pack Challenge) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/six-pack-challenge-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031513/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2018/six-pack-challenge-match-results |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

At [[WrestleMania 34]] on April 8, Styles successfully defended the title against Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura. After the match, however, Styles was subjected to a classless assault by Nakamura.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=January 29, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201085833/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 8, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Shinsuke Nakamura |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409111421/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> This led to a rematch between the two on April 27 at the [[Greatest Royal Rumble]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 18, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles to battle Shinsuke Nakamura in a WrestleMania rematch |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418214910/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where they fought to a double countout, but Styles retained the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=April 27, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a Double Count-out |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430071112/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Another rematch was made for [[Backlash (2018)|Backlash]] on May 6 with a [[Hardcore wrestling|no disqualification]] stipulation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=May 1, 2018 |title=5/1 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Final push for WWE Backlash, Miz TV with Jeff Hardy, Charlotte, Asuka, and Becky Lynch vs. Carmella, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/01/5-1-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-push-for-wwe-backlash-miz-tv-with-jeff-hardy-charlotte-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-carmella-peyton-royce-billie-kay/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502140657/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/01/5-1-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-final-push-for-wwe-backlash-miz-tv-with-jeff-hardy-charlotte-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-carmella-peyton-royce-billie-kay/ |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 27, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (No Disqualification Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505061055/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Styles and Nakamura fought to a no contest after low blowing each other, again retaining the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 6, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a No Contest |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510113954/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=May 10, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Their feud ended at [[Money in the Bank (2018)|Money in the Bank]] on June 17,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Last Man Standing Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514214108/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Styles defeated Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=June 17, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Shinsuke Nakamura (Last Man Standing Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518155006/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After retaining the title against [[Miro (wrestler)|Rusev]] at [[Extreme Rules (2018)|Extreme Rules]] on July 15,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 15, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Rusev |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2018/aj-styles-rusev-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716112041/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2018/aj-styles-rusev-results |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles became the longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history on August 14, surpassing the 280-day record set by [[John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL).<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Jeremy |date=August 15, 2018 |title=WWE News: JBL Congratulates AJ Styles On Breaking WWE Championship Record |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-jbl-congratulates-aj-styles-breaking-wwe-championship-record-cody-rhodes-shares-starrcade-discovery/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922153343/https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-jbl-congratulates-aj-styles-breaking-wwe-championship-record-cody-rhodes-shares-starrcade-discovery/ |archive-date=September 22, 2018 |access-date=August 16, 2018 |website=411Mania}}</ref>

On the July 24 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles started a feud with [[Samoa Joe]], after he was attacked by Joe.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=July 24, 2018 |title=7/24 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Championship match at SummerSlam announcement, Sanity vs. New Day in a tag tournament match, Becky Lynch vs. Carmella for a shot the Smackdown Women's Championship at SummerSlam |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/24/7-24-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-championship-match-at-summerslam-announcement-sanity-vs-new-day-in-a-tag-tournament-match-becky-lynch-vs-carmella-for-a-shot-the-smackdown-women/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725122806/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/24/7-24-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-championship-match-at-summerslam-announcement-sanity-vs-new-day-in-a-tag-tournament-match-becky-lynch-vs-carmella-for-a-shot-the-smackdown-women/ |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=July 24, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Styles retained the title at [[SummerSlam (2018)|SummerSlam]] on August 19, despite losing via disqualification.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=August 19, 2018 |title=Samoa Joe def. WWE Champion AJ Styles by disqualification |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004145902/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles' and Joe's rivalry continued over Styles' wife, Wendy, where Joe claimed he would defeat Styles and become the "new daddy",<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 21, 2018 |title=8/21 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Bludgeon Brothers vs. New Day in a No DQ match for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy, Becky Lynch explains her actions at SummerSlam, AJ Styles interview |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/21/8-21-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-bludgeon-brothers-vs-new-day-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-randy-orton-vs-jeff-hardy-becky-lynch-explains-her-actions-at-summerslam-a/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822050234/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/21/8-21-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-bludgeon-brothers-vs-new-day-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-randy-orton-vs-jeff-hardy-becky-lynch-explains-her-actions-at-summerslam-a/ |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=August 21, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> leading to a rematch at [[Hell in a Cell (2018)|Hell in a Cell]] on September 16,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=August 24, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2018/aj-styles-samoa-joe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004125620/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2018/aj-styles-samoa-joe |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which Styles won in [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#screwjob|controversial fashion]] to retain the title; Styles submitted to Joe during a roll-up, however, the referee did not see the submission and counted the pin, allowing Styles to retain the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=September 16, 2018 |title=WWE Champion AJ Styles def. Samoa Joe |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2018/wwe-champion-aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212071948/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2018/wwe-champion-aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles retained the title against Joe at [[Super Show-Down (2018)|Super Show-Down]] on October 6 by submission<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=October 6, 2018 |title=Styles and Samoa Joe are relentless in must-win WWE Title Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411063938/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and [[Crown Jewel (2018)|Crown Jewel]] on November 2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 2, 2018 |title=AJ Styles holds off Samoa Joe once again at WWE Crown Jewel |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326002459/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/aj-styles-samoa-joe-results |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

On the October 30 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles defeated [[Daniel Bryan]] to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 30, 2018 |title=10/30 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship, Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton and The Miz, Trick or Street Fight, final hype for WWE Crown Jewel |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/30/10-30-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-trick-or-street-fight-final-hype-for-wwe-crown-jewel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031091207/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/30/10-30-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-trick-or-street-fight-final-hype-for-wwe-crown-jewel/ |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On November 7, Styles surpassed the 365-day mark of his title reign, becoming the 8th man to have held the WWE Championship for a continuous reign of a full year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Csonka |first=Larry |date=November 7, 2018 |title=WWE News: AJ Styles Hits 365 Days as WWE Champion, Impact Looks at Christopher Daniels' Most Death-Defying Leaps, Poll on Miz & Daniel Bryan as Survivor Series Captains |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/aj-styles-hits-365-days-wwe-champion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107223744/https://411mania.com/wrestling/aj-styles-hits-365-days-wwe-champion/ |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=411Mania}}</ref> On the November 13 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Styles lost the WWE Championship to Bryan following a low blow, ending his reign at 371 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 13, 2018 |title=11/13 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Survivor Series shakeup due to Becky Lynch's injury, New Day vs. Big Show, Sheamus, and Cesaro, the final push for Sunday's event |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/13/11-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-survivor-series-shakeup-due-to-becky-lynchs-injury-the-final-push-for-sundays-event/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060439/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/13/11-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-survivor-series-shakeup-due-to-becky-lynchs-injury-the-final-push-for-sundays-event/ |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> Styles failed to regain the title from Bryan at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2018)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 16.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=December 16, 2018 |title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/daniel-bryan-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230948/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/daniel-bryan-aj-styles-results |archive-date=December 20, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

==== Return of The O.C. (2019–2020) ====
At [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]] on January 27, 2019, Styles once again failed to win the title, after a returning [[Erick Rowan|Rowan]] attacked Styles when the referee was incapacitated and allowed Bryan to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=January 27, 2019 |title=WWE Champion "The New" Daniel Bryan def. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/daniel-bryan-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128191059/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/daniel-bryan-aj-styles-results |archive-date=January 28, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He took part in the Elimination Chamber match at the [[Elimination Chamber (2019)|eponymous event]] on February 17, but was eliminated by [[Randy Orton]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=February 17, 2019 |title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. Kofi Kingston, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy (Men's Elimination Chamber Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/elimination-chamber-2019/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218141844/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/elimination-chamber-2019/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles and Orton then started making disparaging comments about one another, starting a feud between the two.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=February 26, 2019 |title=2/26 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston contract signing for WWE Fastlane, The Hardy Boyz vs. The Bar, Aleister Black and Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/02/26/2-26-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-daniel-bryan-and-kofi-kingston-contract-signing-for-wwe-fastlane-johnny-gargano-vs-cesaro-aleister-black-and-ricochet-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-rusev/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227182108/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/02/26/2-26-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-daniel-bryan-and-kofi-kingston-contract-signing-for-wwe-fastlane-johnny-gargano-vs-cesaro-aleister-black-and-ricochet-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-rusev/ |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |access-date=February 27, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 5, 2019 |title=3/5 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: The final push for WWE Fastlane including follow-up on Kevin Owens replacing Kofi Kingston in the WWE Championship match, R-Truth defends the U.S. Championship in an open challenge, Aleister Black and Ricochet vs. Sheamus and Cesaro |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/05/3-5-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-final-push-for-wwe-fastlane-including-follow-up-on-kevin-owens-replacing-kofi-kingston-in-the-wwe-championship-match-r-truth-defends-the-u-s-champions/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235410/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/05/3-5-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-final-push-for-wwe-fastlane-including-follow-up-on-kevin-owens-replacing-kofi-kingston-in-the-wwe-championship-match-r-truth-defends-the-u-s-champions/ |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Fastlane (2019)|Fastlane]] on March 10, after Orton interrupted [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]], Styles hit Orton with a Phenomenal Forearm out of nowhere.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=March 10, 2019 |title=AJ Styles attacked Randy Orton after a running Elias concert |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/elias-aj-styles-randy-orton-lacey-evans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418192540/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/elias-aj-styles-randy-orton-lacey-evans |archive-date=April 18, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> This led to a confrontation between the two on the March 12 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', in which Styles challenged Orton to a match at [[WrestleMania 35]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 12, 2019 |title=3/12 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Vince McMahon addresses Kofi Kingston, Shane McMahon explains his attack on Miz, Samoa Joe vs. R-Truth for the U.S. Title, The Hardys, Ricochet, and Aleister Black vs. The Bar, Rusev, and Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/12/3-12-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-vince-mcmahon-addresses-kofi-kingston-shane-mcmahon-explains-his-attack-on-miz-samoa-joe-vs-r-truth-for-the-u-s-title-the-hardys-ricochet-and-aleis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407172359/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/12/3-12-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-vince-mcmahon-addresses-kofi-kingston-shane-mcmahon-explains-his-attack-on-miz-samoa-joe-vs-r-truth-for-the-u-s-title-the-hardys-ricochet-and-aleis/ |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=March 14, 2019 |title=AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/aj-styles-randy-orton |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327233321/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/aj-styles-randy-orton |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 7, Styles defeated Orton.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wortman |first1=James |date=April 7, 2019 |title=AJ Styles def. Randy Orton |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/aj-styles-vs-randy-orton-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409044120/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/aj-styles-vs-randy-orton-results |archive-date=April 9, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> The next day, it was reported that Styles had an injury during his match with Orton and was sent home to recover.<ref>{{cite web |author=Johnson |first=Mike |date=April 8, 2019 |title=AJ Styles Injured |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/125567/aj-styles-injured-.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603182552/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/125567/aj-styles-injured-.html?p=1 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |access-date=April 8, 2019 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> Styles did not appear on the ''SmackDown Live'' following WrestleMania, and it was reported to be a hip injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=April 9, 2019 |title=Report: AJ Styles Not Scheduled To Appear On SmackDown Tomorrow Night |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-aj-styles-not-scheduled-appear-smackdown-tomorrow-night |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410214650/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-aj-styles-not-scheduled-appear-smackdown-tomorrow-night |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Fightful}}</ref>

On April 15, Styles was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the [[2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up|Superstar Shake-up]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 15, 2019 |title=WWE Superstar Shake-up 2019 results: Full list of Superstars who moved to Raw and SmackDown LIVE |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/superstar-shake-up-2019-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417090028/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/superstar-shake-up-2019-results |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |access-date=April 15, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', chief executive officer [[Triple H]] scheduled two triple threat matches, with the winners facing each other to determine the next contender against [[Seth Rollins]] for the [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]].<ref name="prowrestling.net">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 22, 2019 |title=4/22 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of the first episode following the WWE Superstar Shakeup |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/22/4-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-first-episode-following-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604043346/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/22/4-22-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-first-episode-following-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup/ |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Styles defeated fellow draftees Rey Mysterio and Samoa Joe in the triple threat match<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 22, 2019 |title=AJ Styles def. United States Champion Samoa Joe and Rey Mysterio to advance to Raw's main event |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-04-22/article/aj-styles-def-samoa-joe-rey-mysterio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702124800/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-04-22/article/aj-styles-def-samoa-joe-rey-mysterio |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=April 22, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and then defeated Baron Corbin to earn a Universal Championship match against Seth Rollins at [[Money in the Bank (2019)|Money in the Bank]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 22, 2019 |title=AJ Styles def. Baron Corbin to earn a Universal Championship opportunity at WWE Money in the Bank |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-04-22/article/aj-styles-def-baron-corbin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702124743/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-04-22/article/aj-styles-def-baron-corbin |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=April 22, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=April 22, 2019 |title=Universal Champion Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/seth-rollins-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520123231/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/seth-rollins-aj-styles |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He then began a slow heel turn as he became more aggressive in the ring, walked out on Rollins in a tag team match, and criticized Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (who had also moved back to Raw) when they lost a match for being overconfident.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 29, 2019 |title=4/29 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Alexa Bliss revealing Raw's participants in the Money in the Bank ladder matches, the build to MITB continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/29/4-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-alexa-bliss-revealing-raws-participants-in-the-money-in-the-bank-ladder-matches-the-build-to-mitb-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430032848/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/29/4-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-alexa-bliss-revealing-raws-participants-in-the-money-in-the-bank-ladder-matches-the-build-to-mitb-continues/ |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 6, 2019 |title=5/6 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns returning to Raw, the build to Money in the Bank continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/06/5-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-returning-to-raw-the-build-to-money-in-the-bank-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507030101/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/06/5-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-returning-to-raw-the-build-to-money-in-the-bank-continues/ |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 17, 2019 |title=6/17 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin reveals the special referee for the WWE Championship match at Stomping Grounds, Braun Strowman vs. The Miz vs. Ricochet vs. Cesaro vs. Bobby Lashley in a five-way for a shot at the U.S. Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/17/6-17-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-daniel-bryan-baron-corbin-reveals-the-special-referee-for-the-wwe-championship-match-at-stomping-grounds-braun-strowman-vs-the-miz-vs-ric/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618022451/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/17/6-17-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-daniel-bryan-baron-corbin-reveals-the-special-referee-for-the-wwe-championship-match-at-stomping-grounds-braun-strowman-vs-the-miz-vs-ric/ |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the event on May 19, Styles failed to win the title from Rollins.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=May 19, 2019 |title=Universal Champion Seth Rollins def. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/seth-rollins-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525203047/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/seth-rollins-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |access-date=May 19, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

In June, Styles aligned again with Gallows and Anderson under the name "The O.C." ("Original Club"),<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Seth Rollins def. United States Champion AJ Styles via Disqualification; DX and The Kliq helped Rollins turn The O.C. back after the match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-07-22/article/seth-rollins-aj-styles-dx-kliq-the-oc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723153308/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-07-22/article/seth-rollins-aj-styles-dx-kliq-the-oc |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |access-date=July 23, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> turning [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 1, 2019 |title=United States Champion Ricochet def. AJ Styles; The Club reformed to attack Ricochet after the match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-07-01/article/the-club-reunites-attacks-ricochet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702121216/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-07-01/article/the-club-reunites-attacks-ricochet |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=July 1, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and defeating Ricochet at [[Extreme Rules (2019)|Extreme Rules]] to win the United States Championship for a third time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=July 14, 2019 |title=AJ Styles def. Ricochet to become the new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/ricochet-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715042226/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/ricochet-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2019)|SummerSlam]] on August 11, Styles successfully retained the title against Ricochet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wortman |first=James |date=August 11, 2019 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Ricochet |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2019/united-states-champion-aj-styles-def-ricochet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812011015/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2019/united-states-champion-aj-styles-def-ricochet |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles then retained his title against [[Cedric Alexander]] at [[Clash of Champions (2019)|Clash of Champions]] on September 15 and [[Humberto Carrillo]] at [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel]] on October 31.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=September 15, 2019 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Cedric Alexander |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2019/aj-styles-vs-cedric-alexander-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920205729/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/2019/aj-styles-vs-cedric-alexander-results |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=October 31, 2019 |title=United States Champion AJ Styles def. Humberto Carrillo |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/aj-styles-us-title-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031203153/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/aj-styles-us-title-results |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2019)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, Styles was defeated by [[NXT North American Champion]] Roderick Strong in an interbrand triple-threat match also involving Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Laboon |first1=Jeff |date=November 24, 2019 |title=NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong def. United States Champion AJ Styles and Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-roderick-strong-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207161943/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-roderick-strong-results |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=November 24, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the November 25 episode of ''Raw'', Styles lost the title to Rey Mysterio, ending his reign at 134 days.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 25, 2019 |title=11/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of the night after Survivor Series edition with AJ Styles vs. a four-way winner for the U.S. Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka, Seth Rollins' town hall meeting |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129011421/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/ |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

Starting 2020, Styles began a feud with [[The Undertaker]] when he was defeated at [[Super ShowDown (2020)|Super ShowDown]] in a gauntlet match for the Tuwaiq Trophy<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=February 27, 2020 |title=The Undertaker returned, won the Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-showdown/wwe-super-showdown-2020/tuwaiq-trophy-gauntlet-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227211142/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-showdown/wwe-super-showdown-2020/tuwaiq-trophy-gauntlet-match-results |archive-date=February 27, 2020 |access-date=February 27, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> and lost against Aleister Black at [[Elimination Chamber (2020)|Elimination Chamber]] after interference from The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=March 8, 2020 |title=Aleister Black def. AJ Styles (No Disqualification Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2020/aleister-black-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322144854/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2020/aleister-black-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |access-date=March 8, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles and The Undertaker wrestled at [[WrestleMania 36]], where Styles was defeated in the main event of Night 1 in a [[Boneyard match]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=April 4, 2020 |title=The Undertaker def. AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/the-undertaker-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415194102/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/the-undertaker-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On April 15, both Anderson and Gallows were released from their WWE contracts as part of budget cuts stemming from the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], disbanding The O.C.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Rusev, Kurt Angle and other Superstars released |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-talent-releases-kurt-angle-drake-maverick-karl-anderson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415200651/https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-talent-releases-kurt-angle-drake-maverick-karl-anderson |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

==== Alliance with Omos (2020–2021) ====
{{main|AJ Styles and Omos}}
After a brief hiatus, Styles returned on the May 4 episode of ''Raw'', winning a gauntlet match for a spot in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[Money in the Bank (2020)|Money in the Bank]] on May 10,<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 4, 2020 |title=5/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the Last Chance gauntlet match for the final spot in the MITB ladder match, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Murphy in a non-title match, Raw Tag Champs The Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders in a non-title match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/04/5-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-last-chance-gauntlet-match-for-the-final-spot-in-the-mitb-ladder-match-wwe-champion-drew-mcintyre-vs-murphy-in-a-non-title-match-raw-tag-champs-the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925161826/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/04/5-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-last-chance-gauntlet-match-for-the-final-spot-in-the-mitb-ladder-match-wwe-champion-drew-mcintyre-vs-murphy-in-a-non-title-match-raw-tag-champs-the/ |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=May 4, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> where he failed to capture the briefcase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=May 10, 2020 |title=Otis won the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2020/otis-won-the-mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514161456/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2020/otis-won-the-mens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |archive-date=May 14, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the May 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles was traded to the brand as he was announced as a participant in the [[List of WWE tournaments#WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament (2020)|Intercontinental Championship tournament]]. He defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in the first round,<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 22, 2020 |title=5/22 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus in Intercontinental Title tournament matches, Otis and Mandy Rose vs. Dolph Ziggler and Sonya Deville, Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley in a non-title match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/22/5-22-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-jeff-hardy-vs-sheamus-in-intercontinental-title-tournament-matches-otis-and-mandy-rose-vs-dolph-zigg/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601023127/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/22/5-22-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-jeff-hardy-vs-sheamus-in-intercontinental-title-tournament-matches-otis-and-mandy-rose-vs-dolph-zigg/ |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |access-date=May 29, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> and earned a [[Bye (sports)|bye]] to the finals after his scheduled opponent [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]] was unable to compete.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Friday Night SmackDown results, May 29, 2020: Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles advance to tournament finals after unexpected semifinal circumstances |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530152613/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-05-29 |archive-date=May 30, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the June 12 episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles defeated [[Daniel Bryan]] to win the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] for the first time.<ref name="SmackDown06122020">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 12, 2020 |title=6/12 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan in the tournament final to become new Intercontinental Champion, Braun Strowman and Heavy Machinery vs. The Miz, John Morrison, and Dolph Ziggler, final hype for WWE Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/12/6-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-daniel-bryan-in-the-tournament-final-to-become-new-intercontinental-champion-braun-strowman-and-heavy-machinery-vs-the-miz/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101060012/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/12/6-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-daniel-bryan-in-the-tournament-final-to-become-new-intercontinental-champion-braun-strowman-and-heavy-machinery-vs-the-miz/ |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=June 13, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> During the following weeks, Styles made successful defenses against the likes of [[Drew Gulak]] and [[Gran Metalik]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=July 3, 2020 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: Styles vs. Gulak IC title match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-styles-vs-gulak-ic-title-match-314696 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131092533/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-styles-vs-gulak-ic-title-match-314696 |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=July 31, 2020 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: Two title matches |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-two-title-matches-316566 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004003721/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-two-title-matches-316566 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> before losing the title to [[Jeff Hardy]] on the August 21 episode of ''SmackDown'', ending his reign at 70 days.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 21, 2020 |title=8/21 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of ThunderDome, AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental Title, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro vs. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Big E vs. Sheamus, final hype for SummerSlam |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/21/8-21-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-thunderdome-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-for-the-intercontinental-title-shinsuke-nakamura-and-cesaro-vs-gran-metalik-and-lince-dorado-for-th/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823104755/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/21/8-21-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-thunderdome-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-for-the-intercontinental-title-shinsuke-nakamura-and-cesaro-vs-gran-metalik-and-lince-dorado-for-th/ |archive-date=August 23, 2020 |access-date=August 22, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Clash of Champions (2020)|Clash of Champions]] on September 27, Styles failed to regain the title in a triple threat ladder match that was won by [[Sami Zayn]].<ref name="COC2020">{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=September 27, 2020 |title=Sami Zayn def. Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles to win the Intercontinental Title (Ladder Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/09-27-2020/sami-zayn-def-jeff-hardy-and-aj-styles-intercontinental-title |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219105949/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/09-27-2020/sami-zayn-def-jeff-hardy-and-aj-styles-intercontinental-title |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

As part of the [[2020 WWE Draft|2020 Draft]] in October, Styles was drafted back to the Raw brand.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=October 9, 2020 |title=See all the results from the 2020 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103213249/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the October 19 episode of ''Raw'', Styles debuted a new bodyguard, [[Omos]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=October 19, 2020 |title=Raw results, Oct. 19, 2020: Drew McIntyre gives Randy Orton a preview of Hell in a Cell |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101034259/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-10-19 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]] |language=}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2020)|Survivor Series]] on November 22, Styles captained Team Raw to a clean sweep victory against Team SmackDown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=November 22, 2020 |title=Team Raw def. Team SmackDown the 5-on-5 Men's Survivor Series Elimination Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/11-22-2020/mens-survivor-series-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123033754/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/11-22-2020/mens-survivor-series-match-results |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the November 30 episode of ''Raw'', Styles defeated [[Keith Lee (wrestler)|Keith Lee]] and [[Matt Riddle|Riddle]] in a triple threat match to face [[Drew McIntyre]] for the WWE Championship at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2020)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 20,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=November 30, 2020 |title=11/30 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS: Keller's report on Riddle vs. Lee vs. Styles, Orton on "A Moment of Bliss," Hardy vs. Elias in a "Symphony of Destruction" match – Pro Wrestling Torch |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/11/30/11-30-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-riddle-vs-lee-vs-styles-orton-on-a-moment-of-bliss-hardy-vs-elias-in-a-symphony-of-destruction-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203134708/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/11/30/11-30-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-riddle-vs-lee-vs-styles-orton-on-a-moment-of-bliss-hardy-vs-elias-in-a-symphony-of-destruction-match/ |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zak |first=Brad |date=November 30, 2020 |title=WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles-preview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220203029/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles-preview |archive-date=December 20, 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> but he failed to win the title in a TLC match as [[The Miz]] unsuccessfully cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase during the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=December 20, 2020 |title=WWE Champion Drew McIntyre def. AJ Styles and The Miz (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Triple Threat Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/12-20-2020/drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112115425/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/12-20-2020/drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles |archive-date=January 12, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2021)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31, 2021, Styles entered the Royal Rumble match at number 25, but was eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Edge won the 2021 Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201054241/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2021)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 21, Styles competed for the WWE Championship inside the steel structure, eliminating [[Sheamus]], but was the final man eliminated by McIntyre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=February 21, 2021 |title=WWE Champion Drew McIntyre won the WWE Title Elimination Chamber Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2021/wwe-title-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415030351/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2021/wwe-title-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2021 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

On Night 1 of [[WrestleMania 37]] on April 10, Styles and Omos defeated [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Xavier Woods]]) to win the [[Raw Tag Team Championship]], becoming the twenty-second [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE (1997)|WWE Grand Slam Champion]], and the first to achieve both the WWE and TNA/Impact Grand Slam.<ref name="WM37N1">{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=April 10, 2021 |title=AJ Styles & Omos def. The New Day to become Raw Tag Team Champions |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37/the-new-day-vs-aj-styles-omos-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411040146/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37/the-new-day-vs-aj-styles-omos-results |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Defelice |first=Robert |date=April 12, 2021 |title=AJ Styles Becomes The Only Grand Slam Champion In Both WWE And TNA/IMPACT Wrestling |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-styles-becomes-only-grand-slam-champion-both-wwe-and-tnaimpact-wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412203321/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-styles-becomes-only-grand-slam-champion-both-wwe-and-tnaimpact-wrestling |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Fightful}}</ref> At [[Money in the Bank (2021)|Money in the Bank]] on July 18, Styles and Omos defeated [[The Viking Raiders]] ([[Erik (wrestler)|Erik]] and [[Ivar (wrestler)|Ivar]]) to retain the titles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=July 18, 2021 |title=Raw Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Omos def. The Viking Raiders |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/aj-styles-omos-vs-the-viking-raiders-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724081524/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/aj-styles-omos-vs-the-viking-raiders-results |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After this, Styles and Omos began feuding with Riddle and [[Randy Orton]], collectively known as [[RK-Bro]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2021 |title=Raw Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Omos vs. RK-Bro |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/aj-styles-omos-vs-team-rk-bro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817155015/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/aj-styles-omos-vs-team-rk-bro |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2021)|SummerSlam]] on August 21, Styles and Omos lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to RK-Bro, ending their reign at 133 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=August 21, 2021 |title=RK-Bro def. AJ Styles & Omos to win the Raw Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/aj-styles-omos-vs-rk-bro-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822031714/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/aj-styles-omos-vs-rk-bro-results |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2021)|Extreme Rules]] on September 26, Styles, Omos and [[Bobby Lashley]] lost to The New Day in a six-man tag team match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=September 26, 2021 |title=The New Day def. Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles & Omos |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2021/six-man-tag-team-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007043253/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2021/six-man-tag-team-match-results |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On October 21, at [[Crown Jewel (2021)|Crown Jewel]], Styles and Omos failed to regain the titles from RK-Bro.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=October 21, 2021 |title=RK-Bro defeat AJ Styles & Omos to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2021/rk-bro-vs-aj-styles-omos-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025195520/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2021/rk-bro-vs-aj-styles-omos-results |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the December 20 episode of ''Raw'', after failing to win matches over the following weeks, Styles was attacked by Omos, ending their partnership and turning face for the first time since 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |date=December 28, 2021 |title=Styles-Omos WWE update |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=154155 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629135945/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=154155 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>

==== The O.C. second reunion (2022–2023) ====
At [[Royal Rumble (2022)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, 2022, Styles entered at number one and eliminated six wrestlers before being eliminated by [[Madcap Moss]].<ref name="MenRumble">{{cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=January 29, 2022 |title=Brock Lesnar wins the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125060625/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/30-man-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles failed to win the WWE Championship at [[Elimination Chamber (2022)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 19, inside the namesake structure, after being eliminated by eventual winner [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=February 19, 2022 |title=Brock Lesnar triumphed inside the Elimination Chamber Match to capture the WWE Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2022/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219223221/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2022/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=February 20, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the February 28 episode of ''Raw'', Styles accepted an open challenge from [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] for a match at [[WrestleMania 38]], which resulted in him being attacked by Edge afterwards.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=February 28, 2022 |title=Edge vs. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/edge-vs-aj-styles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303021759/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/edge-vs-aj-styles |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On Night 2 of WrestleMania on April 3, Styles lost to Edge following a distraction from [[Damian Priest]].<ref name="WM38N2">{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Edge def. AJ Styles after a distraction by Damian Priest |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/wrestlemania-sunday/edge-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404095235/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/wrestlemania-sunday/edge-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania Backlash (2022)|WrestleMania Backlash]] on May 8, Styles again lost to Edge after interference from [[Rhea Ripley]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=May 8, 2022 |title=Edge def. AJ Styles |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2022/aj-styles-vs-edge-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509070050/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2022/aj-styles-vs-edge-results |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Styles then aligned himself with former Bullet Club stablemate [[Finn Bálor]] and [[Liv Morgan]] and challenged the newly formed faction called [[The Judgment Day]], consisting of Edge, Priest and Ripley to a six-person mixed tag team match at [[Hell in a Cell (2022)|Hell In a Cell]] on June 5,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Finn Bálor, AJ Styles & Liv Morgan vs. The Judgment Day |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/finn-balor-aj-styles-liv-morgan-vs-the-judgment-day |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531083737/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/finn-balor-aj-styles-liv-morgan-vs-the-judgment-day |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which The Judgment Day won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=June 5, 2022 |title=The Judgment Day def. Finn Bálor, AJ Styles & Liv Morgan |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2022/finn-balor-aj-styles-liv-morgan-vs-the-judgment-day-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626215949/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2022/finn-balor-aj-styles-liv-morgan-vs-the-judgment-day-results |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On June 19, Styles appeared via video message at [[Impact Wrestling]]'s [[Slammiversary (2022)|Slammiversary]], congratulating Impact on their 20 year anniversary.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haulotte |first=Kellie |date=June 19, 2022 |title=AJ Styles & More Appear In Videos At Slammiversary 2022 |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/aj-styles-more-appear-in-videos-at-slammiversary-2022/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626223956/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/aj-styles-more-appear-in-videos-at-slammiversary-2022/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |work=Wrestling Inc}}</ref>

On the July 4 episode of ''Raw'', Styles defeated The Miz and was attacked by him and [[Tommaso Ciampa|Ciampa]] after the match, starting a feud between them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 4, 2022 |title=7/4 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Money in the Bank fallout show with Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor and Damian Priest, The Miz responds to Logan Paul's SummerSlam match challenge, Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits vs. Theory and Alpha Academy |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/04/7-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-money-in-the-bank-fallout-show-with-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-finn-balor-and-damian-priest-the-miz-responds-to-logan-pauls-challenge-to/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191319/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/04/7-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-money-in-the-bank-fallout-show-with-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-finn-balor-and-damian-priest-the-miz-responds-to-logan-pauls-challenge-to/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2022)|SummerSlam]] on July 30, Styles distracted Miz during his match against [[Logan Paul]] by attacking Ciampa, causing him to lose.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=July 30, 2022 |title=Logan Paul def. The Miz |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/logan-paul-vs-the-miz-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731015609/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/logan-paul-vs-the-miz-results |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]] |quote=Ciampa looked to even the score, but he was caught by the referee and ejected from ringside. An irate Ciampa grabbed a nearby chair and refused to leave until AJ Styles' music hit. As everyone searched for The Phenomenal One, Styles flew in to level Ciampa with a Phenomenal Forearm and chase him backstage.}}</ref> On the August 1 episode of ''Raw'', Styles defeated Miz and [[Mustafa Ali]] in a triple threat match but lost to Ciampa later that night, failing to earn an opportunity at the United States Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 1, 2022 |title=8/1 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the SummerSlam fallout show with The Usos vs. The Mysterios for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, the winners of Dolph Ziggler vs. Ciampa vs. Chad Gable and AJ Styles vs. Mustafa Ali vs. The Miz meet for a shot at the U.S. Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/01/8-1-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-show-with-the-usos-vs-the-mysterios-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles-the-winners-of-dolph-ziggler-vs-ciampa-vs-chad-gable-and/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802003437/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/01/8-1-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-summerslam-fallout-show-with-the-usos-vs-the-mysterios-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles-the-winners-of-dolph-ziggler-vs-ciampa-vs-chad-gable-and/ |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Styles defeated The Miz in a no disqualification match to end their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 8, 2022 |title=8/8 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Ciampa for the U.S. Championship, the tournament for the vacant WWE Women's Tag Team Titles begins, Seth Rollins vs. Angelo Dawkins, Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/08/8-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-ciampa-for-the-u-s-championship-the-tournament-for-the-vacant-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles-begins-seth-rollins-vs-angelo-dawkins-re/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809014321/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/08/8-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-ciampa-for-the-u-s-championship-the-tournament-for-the-vacant-wwe-womens-tag-team-titles-begins-seth-rollins-vs-angelo-dawkins-re/ |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> On the August 15 episode of ''Raw'', he faced [[Bobby Lashley]] for the United States Championship in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 15, 2022 |title=8/15 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Riddle returns, Alexa Bliss and Asuka vs. Nikki ASH and Doudrop in a WWE Women's Tag Team Title tournament first-round match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/15/8-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-riddle-returns-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-nikki-ash-and-doudrop-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-te/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816005006/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/15/8-15-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-riddle-returns-alexa-bliss-and-asuka-vs-nikki-ash-and-doudrop-in-a-wwe-womens-tag-te/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the following weeks, Styles would rekindle his feud with The Judgment Day (which now included Bàlor and [[Dominik Mysterio]]), turning down numerous offers by Bàlor to join them. On the October 10 episode of ''Raw'', Styles feigned joining The Judgment Day, leading to [[Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson]] returning to WWE to aid Styles in attacking them, reforming [[The O.C. (professional wrestling)|The O.C.]].<ref name="Raw10102022">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 10, 2022 |title=10/10 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins for the U.S. Title, Johnny Gargano vs. Austin Theory, The Bloodline appear, DX's 25th Anniversary celebration |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/10/10-10-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-u-s-title-johnny-gargano-vs-austin-theory-the-bloodline-appear-dxs-25th-anniversary-celebration/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011023219/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/10/10-10-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-u-s-title-johnny-gargano-vs-austin-theory-the-bloodline-appear-dxs-25th-anniversary-celebration/ |archive-date=October 11, 2022 |access-date=October 10, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Crown Jewel (2022)|Crown Jewel]] on November 5, The O.C. lost to The Judgment Day after interference from Ripley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=November 5, 2022 |title=Judgment Day def. The O.C. |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2022/the-oc-vs-the-judgment-day-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105194239/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2022/the-oc-vs-the-judgment-day-results |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Three weeks later at [[Survivor Series: WarGames (2022)|Survivor Series]] on November 26, Styles defeated Bálor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=November 26, 2022 |title=AJ Styles def. Finn Bálor |url=https://www.wwe.com/survivor-series-2022/aj-styles-vs-finn-balor-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127075235/https://www.wwe.com/survivor-series-2022/aj-styles-vs-finn-balor-results |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw,'' The O.C. were defeated by The Judgment Day in an eight-person mixed tag team match to end their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=November 28, 2022 |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Kevin Owens ends friendship with Sami Zayn, beats Jey Uso in main event |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-kevin-owens-ends-friendship-with-sami-zayn-beats-jey-uso-in-main-event/live/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205191143/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-kevin-owens-ends-friendship-with-sami-zayn-beats-jey-uso-in-main-event/live/ |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=[[CBSSports.com]]}}</ref> On December 29, Styles suffered a legitimate broken ankle during a [[house show]], and would be out of action though the injury would not require surgery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=December 31, 2022 |title=AJ Styles suffered broken ankle at WWE house show, won't need surgery |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/aj-styles-suffered-broken-ankle-at-wwe-house-show-wont-need-surgery |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231202129/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/aj-styles-suffered-broken-ankle-at-wwe-house-show-wont-need-surgery |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |access-date=December 31, 2022 |work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

As part of the [[2023 WWE Draft]], Styles was drafted to the [[SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]].<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Full 2023 WWE Draft Results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430031156/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the May 12 episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles won the right to compete for the newly established [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2023–present)|World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Night of Champions (2023)|Night of Champions]] by first defeating [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] and [[Rey Mysterio]] in a [[triple threat match]], and then defeating [[Bobby Lashley]], who had won a similar triple threat match.<ref name="WHC">{{cite web |author= |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. AJ Styles (World Heavyweight Championship) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/seth-freakin-rollins-vs-aj-styles-world-heavyweight-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513090409/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/seth-freakin-rollins-vs-aj-styles-world-heavyweight-championship |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On May 27, at Night of Champions, Styles lost to Seth Rollins in a match to crown the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="NOC2023">{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=May 27, 2023 |title=Seth "Freakin" Rollins def. AJ Styles to win the World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/seth-freakin-rollins-vs-aj-styles-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528084951/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/seth-freakin-rollins-vs-aj-styles-results |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After a brief feud with [[Karrion Kross]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 11, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/11): Barnett's review of Jimmy Uso's "Hail to the Chief" segment, Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair, Austin Theory vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/11/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-11-barnetts-review-of-jimmy-usos-hail-to-the-chief-segment-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-austin-theory-vs-santos-escobar-f/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814125010/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/11/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-11-barnetts-review-of-jimmy-usos-hail-to-the-chief-segment-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-austin-theory-vs-santos-escobar-f/ |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Styles feuded with [[The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|The Bloodline]], losing to [[Solo Sikoa]] on the September 1 episode of ''SmackDown'' after interference from [[Jimmy Uso]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=September 1, 2023 |title=9/1 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of John Cena's return, Jimmy Uso's appearance, Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar vs. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, the final push for WWE Payback |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/01/9-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-john-cenas-return-jimmy-usos-appearance-rey-mysterio-and-santos-escobar-vs-austin-theory-and-grayson-waller-the-final-push-for-wwe-p/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926140130/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/01/9-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-john-cenas-return-jimmy-usos-appearance-rey-mysterio-and-santos-escobar-vs-austin-theory-and-grayson-waller-the-final-push-for-wwe-p/ |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> [[John Cena]] came to his aid and set up a tag team match between him and Styles against Uso and Sikoa for [[Fastlane (2023)|Fastlane]], however, Styles was taken out by Sikoa backstage on the September 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', removing him from the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 22, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/22): Barnett's review of Iyo Sky vs. Asuka for the WWE Women's Title, John Cena's appearance, The Street Profits vs. Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-22-barnetts-review-of-iyo-sky-vs-asuka-for-the-wwe-womens-title-john-cenas-appearance-the-street-profits-vs-rey-mysterio-and-santos-escobar/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926021011/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-22-barnetts-review-of-iyo-sky-vs-asuka-for-the-wwe-womens-title-john-cenas-appearance-the-street-profits-vs-rey-mysterio-and-santos-escobar/ |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> He was replaced by [[LA Knight]] the following week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 29, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/29): Barnett's review of Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley, John Cena's appearance, Grayson Waller Effect with Bobby Lashley |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-29-barnetts-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-john-cenas-appearance-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001102439/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-29-barnetts-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-john-cenas-appearance-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

====Championship pursuits (2023–2025)====
After a two-month hiatus, Styles returned on the December 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', assisting Knight and [[Randy Orton]] in fending off The Bloodline before attacking Knight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 15, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (12/15): Barnett's review of the return of Roman Reigns, Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller and Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory in tourney matches for a shot at the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-12-15-barnetts-review-of-the-return-of-roman-reigns-carmelo-hayes-vs-grayson-waller-and-kevin-owens-vs-austin-theory-in-tourney-matches-for-a-shot-at-the-u-s/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413230446/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-12-15-barnetts-review-of-the-return-of-roman-reigns-carmelo-hayes-vs-grayson-waller-and-kevin-owens-vs-austin-theory-in-tourney-matches-for-a-shot-at-the-u-s/ |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown'', The O.C. greeted Styles but he blew them off for not coming to his aid when he was taken out by The Bloodline.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=December 22, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (12/22): Barnett's review of AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa, Carmelo Hayes vs. Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley in tournament matches for a shot at the U.S. Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-12-22-barnetts-review-of-aj-styles-vs-solo-sikoa-carmelo-hayes-vs-kevin-owens-and-santos-escobar-vs-bobby-lashley-in-tournament-matches-for-a-shot-at-the-u/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413223907/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-12-22-barnetts-review-of-aj-styles-vs-solo-sikoa-carmelo-hayes-vs-kevin-owens-and-santos-escobar-vs-bobby-lashley-in-tournament-matches-for-a-shot-at-the-u/ |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Royal Rumble (2024)|Royal Rumble]] on January 27, 2024, Styles failed to capture the [[Undisputed WWE Universal Championship]] from [[Roman Reigns]] in a [[fatal four-way match]] also involving Knight and Orton.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 27, 2024|access-date=January 27, 2024|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127233116/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/01/27/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-randy-orton-vs-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 9 episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles lost to [[Drew McIntyre]] in a qualifying match for the [[Elimination Chamber match]] following a distraction from Knight.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=February 9, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (2/9): Barnett's review of Triple H addressing the WMXL Kickoff event, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate vs. DIY for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/09/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-2-9-barnetts-review-of-triple-h-addressing-the-wmxl-kickoff-event-pete-dunne-and-tyler-bate-vs-diy-for-a-shot-at-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228230539/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/09/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-2-9-barnetts-review-of-triple-h-addressing-the-wmxl-kickoff-event-pete-dunne-and-tyler-bate-vs-diy-for-a-shot-at-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles/ |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |access-date=February 9, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the [[Elimination Chamber: Perth|eponymous event]] on February 24, Styles would interfere in the Elimination Chamber match by attacking Knight with a chair and performing a Styles Clash on him with it, turning [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since December 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 24, 2024 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax for the Women's World Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Grayson Waller Effect with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/24/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-rhea-ripley-vs-nia-jax-for-the-womens-world-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-grayson-waller-effect-with-seth-rollins-and-cody-rho/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417023227/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/24/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-rhea-ripley-vs-nia-jax-for-the-womens-world-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-grayson-waller-effect-with-seth-rollins-and-cody-rho/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the March 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles was challenged by Knight to a match at [[WrestleMania XL]], which Styles accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 15, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/15): Barnett's review of The Rock and Rey Mysterio's appearances, Bayley vs. Dakota Kai, Pretty Deadly vs. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne in a WMXL ladder match qualifier |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-15-barnetts-review-of-the-rock-and-rey-mysterios-appearances-bayley-vs-dakota-kai-pretty-deadly-vs-tyler-bate-and-pete-dunne-in-a-wmxl-ladder-match-qual/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319165512/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/15/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-15-barnetts-review-of-the-rock-and-rey-mysterios-appearances-bayley-vs-dakota-kai-pretty-deadly-vs-tyler-bate-and-pete-dunne-in-a-wmxl-ladder-match-qual/ |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On Night 2 of WrestleMania XL on April 7, Styles lost to Knight.<ref name="WM40N2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 7, 2024 |title=WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Universal Championship with Bloodline Rules, Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025008/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/07/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-with-bloodline-rules-seth-rollins-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heav/ |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles participated in the [[List of WWE tournaments#Undisputed WWE Championship Eliminator Tournament (2024)|Undisputed WWE Championship Eliminator Tournament]], defeating Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio in the semifinals.<ref name="SmackDown04122024">{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 12, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/12): Barnett's review of the appearances of new champs Cody Rhodes and Bayley, Triple Threats for a shot at the WWE Universal Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-12-barnetts-review-of-the-appearances-of-new-champs-cody-rhodes-and-bailey-triple-threats-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420073415/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/12/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-12-barnetts-review-of-the-appearances-of-new-champs-cody-rhodes-and-bailey-triple-threats-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship/ |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Styles defeated Knight on the April 19 episode of ''SmackDown'' to end their feud and challenge [[Cody Rhodes]] for the [[Undisputed WWE Championship]] at [[Backlash France]].<ref name="SmackDown04192024">{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 19, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/19): Barnett's review of Bayley vs. Naomi for the WWE Women's Championship, LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Championship at WWE Backlash |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/19/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-19-barnetts-review-of-bayley-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at-wwe-backlash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518025253/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/19/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-19-barnetts-review-of-bayley-vs-naomi-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-la-knight-vs-aj-styles-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at-wwe-backlash/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the event on May 4, Styles failed to win the title, but the match received a 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer, marking his second 5-star rated match.<ref name="BacklashFrance">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 4, 2024 |title=WWE Backlash France results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso for the World Hvt. Title, Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924224014/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/ |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=May 4, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=May 10, 2024 |title=May 13, 2024 Observer Newsletter: WWE Backlash review, WrestleMania returning to Las Vegas |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/may-13-2024-observer-newsletter-wwe-backlash-review-wrestlemania-returning-to-las-vegas/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521142934/https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/may-13-2024-observer-newsletter-wwe-backlash-review-wrestlemania-returning-to-las-vegas/ |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 10, 2024 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On the May 31 episode of ''SmackDown'', Styles delivered an apparent retirement speech and called Rhodes out to the ring, which was revealed to be a ruse after he attacked Rhodes and realigned with Gallows and Anderson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 1, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/31): Barnett's review of the Queen of the Ring coronation of Nia Jax, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa vs. The Street Profits, Andrade vs. Apollo Crews |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/31/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-31-barnetts-review-of-the-queen-of-the-ring-coronation-of-nia-jax-tama-tonga-and-tanga-loa-vs-the-street-profits-andrade-vs-apollo-crews/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601083403/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/31/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-5-31-barnetts-review-of-the-queen-of-the-ring-coronation-of-nia-jax-tama-tonga-and-tanga-loa-vs-the-street-profits-andrade-vs-apollo-crews/ |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the June 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rhodes challenged Styles to an [["I Quit" match]] for the championship at [[Clash at the Castle: Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 7, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/7): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, Jade Cargill vs. Indi Hartwell, Johnny Gargano vs. Grayson Waller, Solo Sikoa anoints Tonga Loa |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/07/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-7-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-jade-cargill-vs-indi-hartwell-johnny-gargano-vs-grayson-waller-solo-sikoa-anoints-tonga-loa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608035219/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/07/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-6-7-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-and-aj-styles-jade-cargill-vs-indi-hartwell-johnny-gargano-vs-grayson-waller-solo-sikoa-anoints-tonga-loa/ |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the event on June 15, Styles again lost to Rhodes, ending their feud.<ref name="ClashCastleScotland">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Clash at the Castle results: Powell's live review of Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles in an I Quit match for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/15/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-in-an-i-quit-match-for-the-wwe-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 15, 2024|access-date=June 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615214308/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/15/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-powells-live-review-of-damian-priest-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-in-an-i-quit-match-for-the-wwe-championship/|archive-date=June 15, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 13, Styles made an appearance for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], defeating [[Naomichi Marufuji]] at ''[[Noah Destination 2024|NOAH Destination]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brennan |first=Corey |date=July 13, 2024 |title=NOAH Destination 2024 Results (7/13): AJ Styles Faces Naomichi Marufuji |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/noah-destination-2024-results-713-aj-styles-faces-naomichi-marufuji |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714174152/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/noah-destination-2024-results-713-aj-styles-faces-naomichi-marufuji |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=July 14, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref>

Styles returned as a face on the October 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', where he was confronted by [[Carmelo Hayes]]. During a match between the two that night, Styles suffered an ankle injury, causing Hayes to win the match via referee stoppage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=October 4, 2024 |title=WWE Smackdown results (10/04): Barnett's review of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa vs. Street Profits vs. DIY in a ladder match for the WWE Tag Titles, AJ Styles' return, Chelsea Green vs. Michin in a dumpster match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/04/wwe-smackdown-results-10-04-barnetts-review-of-tama-tonga-and-tonga-loa-vs-street-profits-vs-diy-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-aj-styles-return-chelsea-green-vs-michin-in-a-dump/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204100048/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/04/wwe-smackdown-results-10-04-barnetts-review-of-tama-tonga-and-tonga-loa-vs-street-profits-vs-diy-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-wwe-tag-titles-aj-styles-return-chelsea-green-vs-michin-in-a-dump/ |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Styles later confirmed that he had suffered a [[Lisfranc injury]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=October 15, 2024 |title=AJ Styles On Suffering A Lisfranc Injury On 10/4 WWE SmackDown: As The Kids Say, I'm Cooked |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-styles-suffering-lisfranc-injury-wwe-smackdown-kids-say-i-m-cooked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108192257/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-styles-suffering-lisfranc-injury-wwe-smackdown-kids-say-i-m-cooked |archive-date=November 8, 2024 |access-date=October 15, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref>

[[File:AJ Styles RR25 (1).jpg|thumb|Styles in February 2025]]

====Return from injury and TNA Slammiversary appearance (2025)====
At [[Royal Rumble (2025)|Royal Rumble]] on February 1, 2025, Styles made his first appearance since October, entering the titular match at number 21, where he eliminated [[LA Knight]] before being eliminated by [[Logan Paul]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2025 |title=2025 Royal Rumble match stats |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/article/2025-royal-rumble-match-stats |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250204144827/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/article/2025-royal-rumble-match-stats |archive-date=February 4, 2025 |access-date=February 2, 2025 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Two days later on ''Raw'', it was announced that Styles was transferred to the Raw brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 3, 2025 |title=WWE Raw results (2/3): Powell's live review of Royal Rumble winners Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair appear, CM Punk vs. Sami Zayn, and Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan in Elimination Chamber qualifying matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/03/wwe-raw-results-2-3-powells-live-review-of-royal-rumble-winners-jey-uso-and-charlotte-flair-appear-cm-punk-vs-sami-zayn-and-iyo-sky-vs-liv-morgan-in-elimination-chamber-qualifying-matches/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250204145843/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/03/wwe-raw-results-2-3-powells-live-review-of-royal-rumble-winners-jey-uso-and-charlotte-flair-appear-cm-punk-vs-sami-zayn-and-iyo-sky-vs-liv-morgan-in-elimination-chamber-qualifying-matches/ |archive-date=February 4, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 41]], Styles lost to Paul after refusing to use brass knuckles given to him by [[Karrion Kross]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 20, 2025 |title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night two with Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/20/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-cody-rhodes-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-championship-iyo-sky-vs-bianca-belair-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |access-date=April 21, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref>

On July 20, 2025 at TNA [[Slammiversary (2025)|Slammiversary]], through WWE's partnership with TNA, Styles made his first appearance at a TNA event in eleven years, during which he congratulated the newly crowned [[TNA X Division Champion]] [[Leon Slater]].<ref name="Slammiversary2025">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 20, 2025 |title=TNA Slammiversary results: Powell’s live review of Trick Williams vs. Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship, the return of AJ Styles, Masha Slamovich vs. Jacy Jayne in a title vs. title match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/07/20/tna-slammiversary-results-powells-live-review-of-trick-williams-vs-joe-hendry-vs-mike-santana-for-the-tna-world-championship-the-return-of-aj-styles-masha-slamovich-vs-jacy-jayne-in-a-tit/ |access-date=July 20, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AJ Styles Returns to TNA Wrestling This Sunday at Slammiversary – TNA Wrestling |url=https://tnawrestling.com/2025/07/18/aj-styles-returns-to-tna-wrestling-this-sunday-at-slammiversary/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Styles next began feuding with [[Dominik Mysterio]] for the Intercontinental Championship, leading to a match at [[SummerSlam (2025)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=July 15, 2025 |title=AJ Styles prays to the lord above for a title shot at SummerSlam |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2025/7/15/24467980/wwe-raw-highlights-videos-aj-styles-prays-to-the-lord-title-shot-summerslam-2025-dominik-mysterio |website=Cageside Seats |access-date=July 18, 2025}}</ref> On the second night of the event on August 3, Styles failed to win the title from Mysterio.<ref name="SSlam2025N2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 3, 2025 |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's live review of night two with John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight for the WWE Championship, Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-john-cena-vs-cody-rhodes-in-a-street-fight-for-the-wwe-championship-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-vs-iyo-sky-for-the-womens-world-cham/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804021805/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-john-cena-vs-cody-rhodes-in-a-street-fight-for-the-wwe-championship-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-vs-iyo-sky-for-the-womens-world-cham/ |archive-date=August 4, 2025 |access-date=August 3, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref> On August 16, he made an appearance for [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]], WWE's sister company, appearing at their flagship event [[Triplemanía XXXIII]] to cost Mysterio the [[AAA Mega Championship]].<ref name="Triplemanía33">{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=August 16, 2025 |title=AAA Triplemania results (8/16): Moore's live review of El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee vs. El Grande Americano in a four-way for the AAA Mega Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/16/aaa-triplemania-results-8-16-moores-live-review-of-el-hijo-del-vikingo-vs-dominik-mysterio-vs-dragon-lee-vs-el-grande-americano-in-a-four-way-for-the-aaa-mega-championship/ |access-date=August 16, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref> He failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from Mysterio on the September 1 episode of ''Raw'' in [[Paris, France]] following interference from [[Ludwig Kaiser|El Grande Americano]].<ref name="Raw09012025">{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=September 1, 2025 |title=WWE Raw results (9/1): Keller's report on Dominik vs. AJ Styles for IC Title, New Day & Waller vs. War Raiders & Penta, Pearce updates Women's Title status, Perez & Rodriguez vs. Kairi & Asuka |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2025/09/01/wwe-raw-results-9-1-kellers-report-on-dominik-vs-aj-styles-for-ic-title-new-day-waller-vs-war-raiders-penta-pearce-updates-womens-title-status-perez-rodriguez-vs-kairi-asuk/ |access-date=September 1, 2025 |work=[[PWTorch]]}}</ref>

==== Retirement plans and World Tag Team Championship (2025–present) ====
On September 23, WWE announced that Styles would face John Cena at [[Crown Jewel (2025)|Crown Jewel]].<ref>{{cite web|author=WWE.com Staff|title=John Cena vs. AJ Styles|url=https://www.wwe.com/crown-jewel-2025/john-cena-vs-aj-styles|work=[[WWE]]|date=September 23, 2025|access-date=September 23, 2025}}</ref> In an interview with [[Tokyo Sports]] on September 26, Styles stated that he plans to retire soon, noting that his match at the ''WWE SuperShow Japan'' [[house show]] would likely be his final match in [[Japan]]. Although his contract is reportedly set to expire in February 2026, he mentioned the possibility of appearing at [[WrestleMania 42]]. Styles also revealed that he intends to work as a trainer in WWE following his in-ring retirement, though the decision has not yet been finalized.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2025 |title=【ＷＷＥ】ＡＪスタイルズが２０２６年中の引退を表明「体が動けなくなる前に…」 ライバル棚橋弘至に越境メッセージ |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/360969 |access-date=October 10, 2025 |website=東スポWEB |language=ja}}</ref> On October 10, during the ''Crown Jewel: Perth'' ''Kickoff'' show, Styles confirmed his plans to retire in 2026, citing his concerns about no longer being able to perform at his expected level and his desire to spend more time with his family as reasons for his decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toolan |first=Jamie |date=October 10, 2025 |title=AJ Styles WWE Retirement Update |url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-aj-styles-retirement-update/ |access-date=October 10, 2025 |website=WrestleTalk |language=en-US}}</ref>  The following day, Styles lost his Crown Jewel match against Cena.<ref name="CrownJewel2025">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 11, 2025 |title=WWE Crown Jewel Perth results: Powell's review of Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins for the men's Crown Jewel Championship, Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton for the women's Crown Jewel Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/10/11/wwe-crown-jewel-perth-results-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-mens-crown-jewel-championship-stephanie-vaquer-vs-tiffany-stratton-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/ |access-date=October 11, 2025 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]}}</ref>

On October 17 at the ''WWE SuperShow Japan'' house show, Styles wrestled his final match on Japanese soil, defeating [[Kofi Kingston]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reuter |first=Sean |date=October 22, 2025 |title=WWE gives us a great look at AJ Styles emotional Japanese farewell |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/391881/aj-styles-emotional-goodbye-japan-wwe-video-nakamura-punk-tokyo-retire |access-date=October 23, 2025 |website=Cageside Seats}}</ref> Three nights later on ''Raw'', Styles and [[Dragon Lee (wrestler)|Dragon Lee]] won the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] by defeating [[Finn Bálor]] and [[JD McDonagh]] of [[The Judgment Day]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=Skylar |date=October 21, 2025 |title=AJ Styles & Dragon Lee Win WWE World Tag Titles On WWE Raw |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aj-styles-and-dragon-lee-win-wwe-world-tag-team-championships-on-wwe-raw?xv=20251021004939 |work=Fightful News |access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref> losing them 70 days later against [[The Usos]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pulido |first=Luis |date=December 29, 2025 |title=WWE Raw Results (12/29/2025) |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-raw-results-12-29-2025-two-title-matches-austin-theory-vs-rey-mysterio-more?xv=20251230025320 |access-date=December 29, 2025 |website=Fightful {{!}} WWE News, AEW News, Pro Wrestling Backstage News |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
In a 2016 article, ''[[Pro Wrestling Torch]]'' journalist Michael Moore noted that Styles "has long been regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world".<ref name="moore">{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Michael |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Where to Find Top Cards of 2016's Veteran Breakout Stars |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/01/collectibles-column-find-top-cards-2016s-veteran-breakout-stars/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104113247/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/01/collectibles-column-find-top-cards-2016s-veteran-breakout-stars/ |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=September 11, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> In November 2012, ''[[IGN UK]]'' columnist Matt Fowler ranked Styles at number 38 in his top 50 professional wrestlers of all-time list.<ref>{{cite web |author=Fowler |first=Matt |date=November 2, 2012 |title=Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/02/top-50-wrestlers-of-all-time?page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116065215/https://www.ign.com/articles/top-50-wrestlers-of-all-time?page=2 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |website= |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Luke Winkie of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' listed him as the 46th greatest wrestler of all time in 2016, noting that: "Honestly, in a couple years it wouldn't surprise me if A.J. belongs in the top 20."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Winkie |first=Luke |date=July 26, 2016 |title=Ranking the top 101 wrestlers of all time |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/07/26/wwe-wcw-ecw-100-best-wrestlers-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731185657/http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/07/26/wwe-wcw-ecw-100-best-wrestlers-all-time |archive-date=July 31, 2016 |access-date=August 1, 2016 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref>

Ayub Nouinou, a columnist for ''[[The Independent]]'', described him as the "crown jewel" of TNA for more than a decade, before "applying his craft" for NJPW and ROH, among others.<ref name="nouinou">{{cite web |author=Nouinou, Ayub |date=January 22, 2016 |title=AJ Styles can be the superstar that spearheads WWE into a new era |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-comment-aj-styles-can-be-the-superstar-that-spearheads-wwe-into-a-new-era-a6828211.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126124848/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-comment-aj-styles-can-be-the-superstar-that-spearheads-wwe-into-a-new-era-a6828211.html |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Nouinou went on to state that Styles had "established himself as one of the best talents on the planet over the last two years (2014 and 2015)" and noted that pertaining to Styles' 2016 WWE signing "the addition of Styles would have to be considered one of the greatest signings since the turn of the millennium".<ref name="nouinou"/> Finally, Nouinou made the prediction that "Styles can be the superstar that spearheads WWE into a new era".<ref name="nouinou"/> Josh Barnett, a columnist for ''[[USA Today]]'', stated in March 2017 that Styles "could be considered the [[Most valuable player|MVP]] of WWE over the last year". Barnett also added that in 2016 Styles had "some of the WWE's best matches, including multiple matches against [[John Cena]] and [[Roman Reigns]]", while also noting that he "is considered one of the rare performers who can have a great match with anyone".<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Josh |date=March 15, 2017 |title=Why A.J. Styles vs. Shane McMahon at WrestleMania might be better than you think |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/aj-styles-shane-mcmahon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325052348/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/aj-styles-shane-mcmahon |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2017 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> By late 2021, Philip Lindsey of [[Bleacher Report]] wrote that Styles was considered "one of the best in-ring competitors in the world. Many top stars have had some of their most memorable matches opposite this high-flying technician."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lindsey |first1=Philip |date=November 7, 2021 |title=Ranking the Top 15 WWE and AEW Stars Aged 40 and Above |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2950216-ranking-the-top-15-wwe-and-aew-stars-aged-40-and-above |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403223429/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2950216-ranking-the-top-15-wwe-and-aew-stars-aged-40-and-above |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |publisher=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref>

Many of Styles' peers have praised him as being one of the greatest in-ring performers. [[Kurt Angle]] named him as the best wrestler that he ever wrestled, calling him a "rare breed".<ref>{{cite web |last=Atkin |first=Nicolas |date=February 27, 2016 |title=Ex-WWE star Kurt Angle: Family more important than wrestling now |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/olympics/story/_/id/14852102/ex-wwe-star-kurt-angle-tna-impact-retirement-family-more-important-wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320013015/http://www.espn.co.uk/olympics/story/_/id/14852102/ex-wwe-star-kurt-angle-tna-impact-retirement-family-more-important-wrestling |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=February 28, 2016 |work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] dubbed Styles "the best wrestler on two feet",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Chapter 5: Revelation|series=Undertaker: The Last Ride|network=[[WWE Network]]|date=June 21, 2020|minutes=16}}</ref> while [[The Undertaker]], whom Styles faced in his retirement match, described him as "probably the best in the business... [the] closest to [[Shawn Michaels]] that there is."<ref>{{cite episode|title=One More Round: The Undertaker|series=Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions|network=[[WWE Network]]|date=November 22, 2020|minutes=102}}</ref> The comparison to Shawn Michaels was also made by renowned [[professional wrestling promoter]] and [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Paul Heyman]], who stated that: "He's everything that Shawn Michaels, and [[Bret Hart]], and [[Ric Flair]] were to their generation and he's updated it. He's evolved their styles to truly be the single most phenomenal in-ring performer I have ever had the honour and the pleasure of watching up close".<ref>{{cite web |last=Jefferson |first=Lake |date=November 21, 2017 |title=AJ Styles is 'on a par with Ric Flair, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels', says Paul Heyman |url=http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11136810/aj-styles-is-on-a-par-with-ric-flair-bret-hart-and-shawn-michaels-says-paul-heyman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704101942/http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11136810/aj-styles-is-on-a-par-with-ric-flair-bret-hart-and-shawn-michaels-says-paul-heyman |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |access-date=February 23, 2018 |website=[[Sky Sports]]}}</ref>

== Other media ==
In 2003, ROH released ''Evolution of a Phenom: The Best of AJ Styles'', a DVD which covers Styles from his debut to mid-2003. In 2004, ROH released ''The Phenomenon Continues: The Best of AJ Styles Vol. 2'', a follow-up DVD to the original released in 2003. Also in 2004, TNA released ''Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles'', a DVD covering Styles' best matches.

In 2006, ROH released a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Shoot|shoot interview]] featuring Styles, alongside [[Christopher Daniels]] for the promotions "Straight Shootin{{'"}} series. In 2007, TNA released ''Phenomenal: The Best of A.J. Styles Volume 2'', a follow-up DVD to the original released in 2004. Also in 2007, Styles was mentioned in the [[Insane Clown Posse]] song "Scatterbrain" off their EP ''[[Eye of the Storm (EP)|Eye of the Storm]]''.

In 2008, Styles helped develop the first TNA wrestling video game known as ''[[TNA Impact! (video game)|TNA Impact!]]'', which was released the same year on September 9.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 14, 2007 |title=TNA Wrestlers do Motion Capture for TNA Impact Video Game |url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/933905/6180964/tna-impact-official-movie-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023214852/http://www.gamespot.com/video/933905/6180964/tna-impact-official-movie-2 |archive-date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=April 2, 2008 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> In 2009, Styles was featured on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Made (TV series)|Made]]'' trying to help a young high schooler become a professional wrestler alongside [[Taylor Wilde]] and [[The Beautiful People (professional wrestling)|The Beautiful People]] ([[Angelina Love]] and [[Velvet Sky]]).

In 2011, Styles was featured in the music video for country singer [[Sarah Darling]]'s song "Something to Do with Your Hands".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1297394973|title=Sarah Darling Tag Teams with AJ Styles in Video|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|date=February 10, 2011|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 15, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220180550/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1297394973|archive-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, Styles and [[Montell Jordan]] presented the award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Record of the Year to [[Lecrae]] at the 43rd annual [[GMA Dove Award]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=April 24, 2012 |title=Recap of Styles on Dove Awards show |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_60727.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629000241/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_60727.shtml |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2012 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref>

In 2013, ROH released ''AJ Styles - Styles Clash'', a 2-disc DVD featuring Styles' best ROH matches from 2002 to 2005.

In 2016, TNA released ''The Essential AJ Styles Collection'', a 4-disc DVD set showcasing Styles' top 30 greatest TNA matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoptna.com/the-essential-aj-styles-collection.aspx|title=The Essential AJ Styles Collection|access-date=March 4, 2016|work=ShopTNA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305115923/http://shoptna.com/the-essential-aj-styles-collection.aspx|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2018, it was announced that Styles would be on the cover for ''[[WWE 2K19]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxc7hw7XU4Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Uxc7hw7XU4Y |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=WWE 2K19 Press Conference @ 8:00 am PT|author=WWE 2K|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=June 18, 2018|access-date=June 18, 2018|author-link=WWE 2K}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He selected the song "[[Survival (Eminem song)|Survival]]" by [[Eminem]] to appear in the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 18, 2018 |title=WWE 2K - News - WWE Superstars Select The WWE 2K19 Soundtrack; Now Streaming on Apple Music |url=https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k19-soundtrack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116051348/https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k19-soundtrack/ |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE 2K]]}}</ref>

=== Filmography ===
==== Television ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Series
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2009 || ''[[Made (TV series)|Made]]'' || Himself<ref>{{cite web |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=September 3, 2009 |title=AJ Styles Gets Made |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/04/aj-styles-gets-made |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409020529/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/04/aj-styles-gets-made |archive-date=April 9, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref>|| Coach<br />Episode: "Pro Wrestler: Rebecca"
|}

==== Video games ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2008
|''[[TNA Impact! (video game)|TNA Impact!]]''
|Himself
|Playable character<ref>{{cite web |last=Orry |first=James |date=September 8, 2008 |title=TNA Impact! full wrestler roster confirmed |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/tna-impact-full-wrestler-roster-confirmed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803211753/https://www.videogamer.com/news/tna-impact-full-wrestler-roster-confirmed |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=VideoGamer.com}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|''Pro Wrestling X''
|Technical consultant
|Does not appear in-game
|-
|2009
|''[[TNA Wrestling (video game)|TNA Wrestling]]''
| rowspan="12" | Himself
|Playable character
|-
|2010
|''[[TNA Impact!: Cross The Line]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2011
|''[[TNA Wrestling Impact!]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2016
|''[[WWE 2K17]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2017
|''[[WWE 2K18]]''
|Playable character
|- 
|2018
|''[[WWE 2K19]]''
|Playable character, cover star<ref>{{cite web |last=Artus |first=Matthew |date=June 18, 2018 |title=AJ Styles unveiled as WWE 2K19 cover Superstar |url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k19/article/wwe-2k19-cover-superstar-aj-styles-announcement |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508054645/https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k19/article/wwe-2k19-cover-superstar-aj-styles-announcement |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=June 18, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|''[[WWE 2K20]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2020
|''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2022
|''[[WWE 2K22]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2023
|''[[WWE 2K23]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2024
|''[[WWE 2K24]]''
|Playable character
|-
|2025
|''[[WWE 2K25]]''
|Playable character
|}

==== Web ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Series
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2010 || ''[[Marvel Superheroes: What the--?!|Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?!]]'' || [[Cannonball (Marvel Comics)|Cannonball]]|| Episode: "Winter Games: Day 9"
|-
|2016 || ''[[WWE Superstar Ink|Superstar Ink]]'' || Himself || 
|-
|2016–2020 || ''UpUpDownDown'' || Himself/Prince of Phenomenal || Regular appearances
|-
|2017 || ''Southpaw Regional Wrestling'' || Malibu Al || Regular appearances
|}

==== WWE Network ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2016
|''[[WWE Ride Along|Ride Along]]''
|rowspan="5" | Himself
|Episode: "Rockford"
|-
|2016
|''[[Stone Cold Podcast]]''
|Episode 11
|-
|2016
|''[[The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness]]''
|Episode: "Spring Break!"
|-
|2016–2020
|''[[WWE 24]]''
|4 episodes
|-
|2017
|''[[Table for 3]]''
|Episode: "Common Bonds"
|}

== Personal life ==
Jones has been married to school teacher Wendy since 2000.<ref name="xcellent">{{cite news |author=Baines, Tim |date=February 13, 2005 |title=Styles still showing he's X-cellent champ |newspaper=[[Ottawa Sun]] |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/13/929938-sun.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115101800/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/13/929938-sun.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=August 19, 2008 }}</ref> They have three sons: Ajay Covell Jones (born May 3, 2005), Avery Jones (born February 14, 2007), and Albey Jones (born September 15, 2009), and a daughter, Anney Jones (born October 8, 2014).<ref name=SLAM/><ref>* {{cite web |last=Nation |first=Ryan |title=Styles admits to Elevation X worries |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/07/3709518.html |access-date=August 18, 2008 |work=Slam Wrestling Sports! |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}
* {{cite web |last=Borash |first=Jeremy |author-link=Jeremy Borash |date=September 17, 2009 |title=Jeremy Borash (JeremyBorash) on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/JeremyBorash/status/4058225833 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701230918/https://twitter.com/JeremyBorash/status/4058225833 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2009 |website=[[Twitter]]}}8
* {{cite web |last=Styles |first=A.J. |author-link=AJ Styles |date=October 8, 2015 |title=AJStyles.Org on Twitter: 1 year ago I was blessed with something I thought I'd never have, a daughter, my Princess Anney. |url=https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg/status/652125904915795969 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305125840/https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg/status/652125904915795969 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=November 16, 2015 |website=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Their first son's middle name was taken from the last name of Jones' best friend and fellow wrestler [[Christopher Daniels]], whose real name is Daniel Covell. In 2010, Jones acquired a large tattoo down the right side of his torso which reads "AJ 05-03-05 02-14-07 09-15-09", representing his initials and birth dates of his first three children.<ref>{{cite web |last=Borash |first=Jeremy |author-link=Jeremy Borash |date=August 1, 2010 |title=First pic! AJ Styles got ink! Initials of his 3 sons and their birthdays |url=http://twitpic.com/2aocy8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043400/http://twitpic.com/2aocy8 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 2, 2010 |website=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> In 2016, he added the birth date of his fourth child, reading "10-08-14".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bucher |first=Chris |date=September 6, 2016 |title=WWE Superstar AJ Styles' Tattoos: What Do the Dates Mean? |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2016/09/wwe-superstar-aj-styles-tattoo-tattoos-on-torso-date-dates-what-do-mean-signify-initials-wife-kids/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913122821/https://heavy.com/sports/2016/09/wwe-superstar-aj-styles-tattoo-tattoos-on-torso-date-dates-what-do-mean-signify-initials-wife-kids/ |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=[[Heavy.com]]}}</ref> The family lives in [[Gainesville, Georgia]].<ref name="challenges">{{cite web |author=Clevett |first=Jason |date=April 20, 2005 |title=AJ Styles ready for new challenges |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/20/1005803.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310030821/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/20/1005803.html |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=August 19, 2008 |work=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

Jones is a devout [[Christian]], stating that in his life, "It's God first and family second."<ref name="south">{{cite web |author=Clevett, Jason |date=May 30, 2003 |title=AJ Styles: Southern Gentleman and a star |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/30/99561.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115124826/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/05/30/99561.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=August 19, 2008 |work=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name=xcellent/><ref name=NZPWI>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1168&Itemid=88|access-date=August 18, 2008|last=Cardno|first=James|title=AJ Styles Interview|publisher=New Zealand Pro Wrestling Journalists|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016140530/http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1168&Itemid=88|archive-date=October 16, 2008}}</ref> He is a fan of [[Christian hip hop]] music, and his favorite groups to listen to are the West Coast-based K2S, Lil' Raskull, FTF, and L.G. Wise. While Jones was working for TNA, he met [[GRITS]] members Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter at [[Universal Studios Florida]], TNA's former primary television taping location. Jones would become good friends with the duo, using their remix of his entrance music "I Am", later renamed "Get Ready to Fly").<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=April 6, 2018 |title=AJ Styles, Wrestlemania Superstar, Is a Huge Christian Hip-Hop Head |url=https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/sports/aj-styles-wrestlemania-superstar-huge-christian-hip-hop-head/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116182104/https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/sports/aj-styles-wrestlemania-superstar-huge-christian-hip-hop-head/ |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |work=[[Relevant (magazine)|Relevant]]}}</ref>

Jones has been accused throughout his career of being [[homophobic]] and being prejudiced against [[LGBTQ|LGBTQ+ people]] due to his use of the anti-[[gay]] slur "[[faggot]]" on numerous occasions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2018 |title=WWE Star A.J. Styles Under Fire For Repeatedly Using Gay Slurs • Instinct Magazine |url=https://instinctmagazine.com/wwe-star-a-j-styles-under-fire-for-repeatedly-using-gay-slurs/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |website=Instinct Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2020 |title=AJ Styles attacks CM Punk instead of supporting Black Lives Matter |url=https://dailyddt.com/2020/06/11/aj-styles-attacks-cm-punk-instead-supporting-black-lives-matter/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |website=Daily DDT |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A.J. Styles's Weird Right-Wing Web TV Appearance Went About As Well As Could Be Expected |url=https://deadspin.com/a-j-styless-weird-right-wing-web-tv-appearance-went-ab-1831962462/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |website=Deadspin |language=en}}</ref> [[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]] censored part of a [[NWA TNA]] segment in 2003, due to his use of inappropriate language, particularly his directing of the slur at [[Disco Inferno (wrestler)|Disco Inferno]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 5, 2013 |title=NWA-TNA Weekly PPV #37 - Scott's Blog of Doom! |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2013/04/05/nwa-tna-weekly-ppv-37/ |access-date=June 20, 2025 |website=www.blogofdoom.com |language=en-US |quote=He then challenges Gilbertti to go to the ring within the next thirty seconds before he saws off his body parts. He then calls him a “Faggot” as the rest of SEX acts like high school kids reacting to a fight.}}</ref> Management gave no consequences to Jones, but he did apologize stating that the slur "is a word you just say when you're when [[goofing off]]."<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2003 |title=AJ Styles: Southern Gentleman and a star - Slam Wrestling |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2003/05/30/aj-styles-southern-gentleman-and-a-star/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> At a 2005 [[Ring of Honor]] show, Styles used the slur against an audience member during a match against [[Cima (wrestler)|Cima]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=ROH Dragon Gate Invasion « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3383 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref> During a backstage segment at a [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] show, Styles interrupted a promo for [[Kevin Steen]] and used the slur against him.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyU9BZ8Hef4 |title=PWG: AJ Styles and Kevin Steen promo |date=June 7, 2007 |last=E C |access-date=June 20, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
{{multiple image
|direction = vertical
|image1 = AJ Double Champion.png
|caption1 = Styles has won numerous titles wrestling in [[Professional wrestling promotion|international promotions]], such as [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'s [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship]] (right hand) and being a two-time [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] while with [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (left hand).
|image2 = AJ Styles World Champion January 2010.jpg
|caption2 = In TNA, he won the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] twice and the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] three times.
|image3 = A.J. Styles Television Champion cropped.jpg
|caption3 = Winning the [[TNA Television Championship|TNA Legends/Television Championship]] (of which he is a two-time title holder) made him the first [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#TNA Grand Slam Champions|TNA Grand Slam Champion]].
|image4 = AJ_Styles,_December_2016_(cropped).jpg
|caption4 = Styles is a two-time [[WWE Champion]].
}}
*'''[[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide|AAA]]'''
** Tag Team Tournament (2006) – with [[Low Ki]] and [[Samoa Joe]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=54269 |title=AAA Sin Limite - Verano De Escandalo 2006}}</ref>
* '''All Access Wrestling'''
** AAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
* '''[[Ballpark Brawl]]'''
** Natural Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/08/18/589269.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309221236/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/08/18/589269.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2008|last=Sokol|first=Christ|title=A beauty of a Ballpark Brawl|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam Wrestling}}</ref> 
* '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'''''
** WWE Male Wrestler of the Year (2016)<ref name="Baltimore2016">{{cite web|last=Oster|first=Aaron|title=WWE 2016 end-of-year awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-wwe-2016-end-of-year-awards-20161231-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=December 31, 2016|access-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref>
** WWE Best In-Ring Moment (2016) – {{small|Styles winning the [[WWE Championship]]}}<ref name="Baltimore2016"/>
* '''Christian Wrestling Federation/Entertainment'''
** CWF/CWE Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oklafan.com/titlehistories/CWE.html|title=Christian Wrestling Entertainment - Heavyweight Title|website=Oklafan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715175925/http://www.oklafan.com/titlehistories/CWE.html|archive-date=July 15, 2009}}</ref>
* '''[[Family Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
** [[FWE Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FWE Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time, final]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailywrestlingnews.com/fwe-xix-john-morrison-vs-aj-styles-ippv-results-brooklyn-ny-3112015/|title=FWE XIX: John Morrison vs. AJ Styles iPPV Results – Brooklyn, NY 3/11/2015|access-date=April 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320073422/http://dailywrestlingnews.com/fwe-xix-john-morrison-vs-aj-styles-ippv-results-brooklyn-ny-3112015/|archive-date=March 20, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''Independent Professional Wrestling (Florida)'''
** IPW Heavyweight Championship (4 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htipw2.html|title=IPW – Independent Professional Wrestling (Florida) Heavyweight Title History|last=Knights|first=Kriss|publisher=Solie|access-date=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
* '''[[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]]'''
** [[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=SLAM/>
** [[Ted Petty Invitational]] ([[Ted Petty Invitational#2004 Ted Petty Invitational|2004]])<ref name=SLAM/>
* '''[[International Wrestling Cartel]]'''
** IWC Super Indies Championship (4 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/sitiwc2.html|title=IWC – International Wrestling Cartel Super Indies Title History|last=Westcott|first=Brian|publisher=Solie|access-date=June 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2004-03.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – March 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 4, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-03.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – March 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 5, 2008}}</ref>
** Super Indy Survivor Showdown Tournament (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3152 |title=IWC Super Indy Showdown}}</ref>
* '''Independent Wrestling Revolution'''
** IWR King of The Indies Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-01.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – January 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 5, 2008}}</ref>
* '''Maximum Pro Wrestling'''
** Max-Pro Television Championship (1 time)<ref name=SLAM/>
* '''Midwest Pro Wrestling'''
** MPW Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
* '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Heavyweight Champions|2 times]])<ref name=WrestlingDontaku2014/><ref name=NewBeginningOsaka2015/>
* '''New Korea Pro Wrestling Association'''
** NKPWA Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
* '''[[NWA Wildside]]'''
** [[NWA Wildside Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ga/ga-h.html|title=NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** NWA Wildside Television Championship (3 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ga/wildside/wild-tv.html|title=NWA Wildside Television Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
* '''[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|NWA: Total Nonstop Action / Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'''
** [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/world/nwa-h.html|title=NWA World Heavyweight Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of Impact World Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-h.html|title=TNA World Heavyweight Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[TNA X Division Championship]] ([[List of Impact X Division Champions|6 times, inaugural]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-x.html|title=TNA X Division Title history|work=wrestling-titles.com|access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref>
** [[TNA Television Championship|TNA Legends/Global/Television Championship]] ([[List of TNA Television Champions|2 times]])<ref name=OWOW/>
** [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Tag Team Champions|4 times]]) – with [[Jerry Lynn]] (1), [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] (1) and Christopher Daniels (2)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/world/nwa-t.html|title=NWA World Tag Team Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of Impact World Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Travis Tomko|Tomko]] (1) and [[Kurt Angle]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tna/tna-t.html|title=TNA World Tag Team Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of TNA Triple Crown Champions|First TNA Triple Crown Champion]] ([[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|5 times]])
** [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#TNA Grand Slam Champions|First TNA Grand Slam Champion]] ([[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Impact Wrestling (2009)|2 times]])
** [[Bound for Glory Series#2013|Bound For Glory Series (2013)]]
** [[Impact Wrestling tournaments#TNA World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contenders Tournament (2009)|TNA World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contenders Tournament (Second Bracket, 2009)]]<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1450&page=</ref>
**[[Gauntlet for the Gold]] ([[TNA Gauntlet for the Gold#Most Gauntlet for the Gold victories|2007]] – [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]]) – with Tomko<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=13667|title=TNA No Surrender 2007|work=Cagematch}}</ref>
**[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#NWA World Tag Team Championship Tournament|NWA World Tag Team Championship Tournament (2002)]] – with Jerry Lynn<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=1376 |title=NWA Total Nonstop Action #3}}</ref>
**[[TNA Year End Awards]] (10 times)
***Feud of the Year ([[Impact Year End Awards#2005 TNA Year End Awards|2005]]) <small>vs. Christopher Daniels</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/tnaimpact/tnaimpact2005/1137352176.shtml|title=Impact! Results - 1/14/06 (Christian & Rhino vs. AMW, Sting is heard)|last=Droste|first=Ryan|date=January 15, 2006|access-date=June 20, 2012|work=WrestleView}}</ref>
***Finisher of the Year ([[Impact Year End Awards#2003 TNA Year End Awards|2003]]) {{small|''[[Styles Clash]]''}}<ref name=TNA0304Awards>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1133199509.shtml|title=TNA announces plans for 2005 Year-End Awards after Turning Point PPV|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=November 28, 2005|access-date=July 15, 2011|work=WrestleView}}</ref>
***Match of the Year ([[Impact Year End Awards#2006 TNA Year End Awards|2006]]) {{small|with Christopher Daniels vs. [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] and [[Hernandez (wrestler)|Hernandez]] at [[No Surrender (2006)|No Surrender]] on September 24, 2006}}<ref name="SlamImpact122806">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/29/3059786.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018112634/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/29/3059786.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Impact: Angle gets his rematch against Mr. TNA|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=December 29, 2006|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=September 29, 2009}}</ref>
***Match of the Year (2009) <small>vs. [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] at [[Bound for Glory (2009)|Bound for Glory]] on October 18, 2009</small><ref name="Dec31">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1262327769|title=Impact Results – 12/31/09|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=January 1, 2010|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209131706/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1262327769|archive-date=February 9, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=January 1, 2010}}</ref>
***Mr. TNA (2003–2005)<ref name=SLAM/>
***Tag Team of the Year (2006) <small>with Christopher Daniels</small><ref name="SlamImpact122806"/>
***X Division Star of the Year ([[Impact Year End Awards#2004 TNA Year End Awards|2004]], 2005)<ref name=TNA0304Awards/>
* '''Pennsylvania Premiere Wrestling '''
** PPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Tommy Suede<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2715|title=PPW Tag Team Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=cagematch.net|access-date=February 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214135/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2715|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]'''
** [[PWG World Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htpwg.html|title=PWG – Pro Wrestling Guerrilla PWG Heavyweight Title History|last=Westcott|first=Brian|publisher=Solie|access-date=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2016) {{small|vs. [[John Cena]] at [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]]}}<ref name=pwi2016>{{cite web|url=http://www.oneindia.com/sports/wwe-pwi-declares-achievement-awards-2016-winners-names-2317138.html|title=WWE: PWI declares Achievement Awards 2016 winners' names|date=January 13, 2017|work=Oneindia|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2006) {{small|with [[Christopher Daniels]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm|access-date=July 15, 2008|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Tag Team of the Year|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516091636/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm|archive-date=May 16, 2008}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|Most Popular Wrestler]] (2017, 2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html#awards-most-popular-wrestler-of-the-year|title=Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-date=January 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html#awards-most-popular-wrestler-of-the-year|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/aj-styles-y-becky-lynch-lideran-los-premios-pwi-2018/|title=AJ Styles y Becky Lynch lideran los premios PWI 2018|first=Self High|last=Five|date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Wrestler of the Year|Wrestler of the Year]] (2016–2018)<ref name=pwi2016/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/readastory_8418.html|title=Wrestler of the Year 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|access-date=January 13, 2018|archive-date=January 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113150219/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/readastory_8418.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/aj-styles-becky-lynch-named-pwi-wrestler-woman-of-the-year-for-2018/|title=AJ Styles & Becky Lynch Named PWI Wrestler & Woman of the Year for 2018|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|date=January 10, 2019|work=411MANIA}}</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Decade awards|Wrestler of the Decade]] (2010s)<ref name=PWIDecade>{{cite tweet|user=OfficialPWI|number=1235597961838628864|title=Were @OfficialPWI readers correct in voting @AJStylesOrg Wrestler of the Decade? @AlCastlePWI, @BrianRSolomon, & @HarryBurkett1 have a lively discussion about this on our new podcast, which can be streamed from our website. Who would be your choice? |date=March 5, 2020 |access-date=September 20, 2020}}</ref>
** Ranked No. 1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2010/07/pwi-500-1-100.html|title="PWI 500": 1–100|date=July 30, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|access-date=September 9, 2010}}</ref>
* '''[[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85635.shtml|title=Show results - 6/14 RevPro in London: Huge show featuring Styles winning Hvt. Title, Shinsuke Nakamura & New Japan star, Cabana, Sydal, U.K. stars, more|last=Green|first=Dave|date=June 14, 2015|access-date=June 14, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
* '''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
** [[ROH Pure Championship]] ([[ROH Pure Championship#Title history|1 time, inaugural]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/roh/roh-p.html|title=ROH Pure Title history|website=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
** [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Amazing Red]]<ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship|access-date=April 5, 2010|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archive-date=April 12, 2010}}</ref>
** [[Ring of Honor tournaments#ROH Pure Wrestling Championship Tournament (2004)|ROH Pure Wrestling Championship Tournament (2004)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=26&nr=226|title=ROH Pure Wrestling Title Tournament|publisher=CageMatch|access-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083319/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=226|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''''[[Rolling Stone]]'''''
** WWE Wrestler of the Year (2016)<ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/lists/10-best-wwe-wrestlers-of-2016-w456464/aj-styles-w456465|title=10 Best WWE Wrestlers of 2016|access-date=December 21, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=December 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230230319/https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/lists/10-best-wwe-wrestlers-of-2016-w456464/aj-styles-w456465|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 4 of the [[Sports Illustrated#Male/Men's Wrestler of the Year|top 10 men's wrestlers]] in 2018<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104044607/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega|title=The Week in Wrestling: Top 10 Men's Wrestlers of 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 3, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** Ranked No. 2 of the [[Sports Illustrated#Wrestler of the Year|top 10 wrestlers]] in 2017<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/12/29/top-10-wrestlers-2017|title=Top 10 Wrestlers of the Year|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|date=December 29, 2017|access-date=December 30, 2017|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229202856/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2017/12/29/top-10-wrestlers-2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[World Wrestling All-Stars]]'''
** [[WWA International Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[WWA International Cruiserweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ictwwas.html|title=WWAS – World Wrestling All-Stars International Cruiserweight Title History|last=Palma|first=Richard|publisher=Solie|access-date=June 21, 2008}}</ref>
**WWA International Cruiserweight Championship Tournament (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=1740 |title=WWA The Eruption}}</ref>
*'''''[[Wrestlecrap]]'''''
*Gooker Award (2012) Claire Lynch ([[AJ Styles]]/[[Christopher Daniels]] [[The Addiction (professional wrestling)|and]] [[Frankie Kazarian|Kazarian]] feud).<ref>{{cite web|first=RD|last=Reynolds|title=Claire Lynch: The 2012 Gooker Award Winner|url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/claire-lynch/|website=WrestleCrap|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2019}}</ref>
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[Best Flying Wrestler]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=97&nr=129|title=Best Flying Wrestler|publisher=CageMatch|access-date=September 23, 2017}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Wrestling Maneuver|Best Wrestling Maneuver]] (2003, 2015) <small>''Styles Clash''</small><ref name=WONAwards2015/>
** [[Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2014–2016)<ref name=WONAwards2014/><ref name=WONAwards2015/><ref name="WONAwards2016">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=March 6, 2017|title=March 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Awards issue, talent departing TNA, more|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|pages=1–2|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Pro Wrestling Match of the Year|Pro Wrestling Match of the Year]] (2014) <small>vs. [[Minoru Suzuki]] on August 1</small><ref name="WONAwards2014">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2015|title=Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave's commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/40865-jan-26-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2014-awards-issue-w-results-a-daves-commentary-conor-mcgregor-and-much-more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|pages=3–19|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year)|Wrestler of the Year]] (2015, 2016)<ref name="WONAwards2015">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date = January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|pages=1, 6, 38}}</ref><ref name=WONAwards2016/>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#United States/Canada MVP|United States/Canada MVP]] (2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/03/17/bonus-show-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards/|title=BONUS SHOW: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|date=March 17, 2019|access-date=March 23, 2019|work=Post Wrestling}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (2006) {{small|[[Fight for the Right Tournament|TNA reverse battle royal]] on the October 26, 2006, episode of ''[[Impact! (TV series)|Impact!]]''}}<ref name="WONaward06">{{Citation|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=January 22, 2007|title=2006 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–12|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/december-4-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-aj-styles-minoru-suzuki-and-more-enter-hall-fame|title=December 4, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: AJ Styles, Minoru Suzuki and more enter the Hall of Fame|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 29, 2017|access-date=November 30, 2017|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
* '''[[WWE]]'''
** [[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|2 times]])<ref name="wwetitlehistory">{{cite web |title=WWE Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212121329/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship |archive-date=December 12, 2016 |access-date=December 11, 2016 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>{{efn|When Styles first won the title, it was called the WWE World Championship, but during his reign in December 2016, it was renamed to WWE Championship.}}
**[[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship|access-date=August 5, 2020}}</ref>
** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates|title=United States Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=July 7, 2017}}</ref>
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]]{{efn|His first reign was when the title was known as the Raw Tag Team Championship.}} ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|2 times]]) – with [[Omos]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/raw-tag-team-championship|title=WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)]]|access-date=April 11, 2021}}</ref> and [[Dragon Lee (wrestler)|Dragon Lee]] (1)
** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#WWE|32nd Triple Crown Champion]]
** [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE|15th Grand Slam Champion (under current format; 22nd overall)]]
**[[List of WWE tournaments#WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament (2020)|WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament (2020)]]<ref name="SmackDown06122020" />
**[[List of WWE tournaments#Undisputed WWE Championship Eliminator Tournament (2024)|Undisputed WWE Championship Eliminator Tournament (2024)]]
** [[Slammy Award]] ([[Slammy Award|1 time]])
*** Match of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]]) {{small|vs. [[The Undertaker]] in a Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
<!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180130142720/http://impactwrestling.com/talent-roster/aj-styles AJ Styles'] [[Impact Wrestling]] profile
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160117053312/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=395 AJ Styles'] [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] profile {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://www.twitch.tv/stylesclash Stylesclash] on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Styles, AJ}}
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