AJ Styles Turned Down AEW Again and Again, Stayed Locked In on WWE Until the Very End

AJ Styles Turned Down AEW Again and Again, Stayed Locked In on WWE Until the Very End

AJ Styles had plenty of chances to jump ship to AEW—but he never took the bait. According to a new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW made multiple attempts over the years to lure The Phenomenal One away from WWE, dating all the way back to 2019. Despite the growing buzz around Tony Khan’s new promotion and the promise of blockbuster dream matches, Styles consistently chose to stay put.

At the time of AEW’s launch, Styles was firmly established as one of WWE’s top stars. He was heavily featured on television, financially secure, and had no incentive to walk away from a company where he felt valued. That comfort level played a major role in his repeated decisions to pass on AEW’s offers.

Even as AEW evolved into a major force—opening the door to potential clashes with Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, and MJF—Styles’ stance reportedly never changed. Internally, the belief remained strong that he viewed WWE as his true home and had little interest in testing free agency elsewhere.

Styles’ in-ring future, however, remains a hot topic. The 48-year-old recently retired following his loss to GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, but speculation hasn’t slowed down. After a conversation with Stephanie McMahon, Styles famously teased fans with a “never say never” comment about wrestling again.

Adding more intrigue, Styles recently filed trademarks for “Phenomenal AJ Styles” and “P1.” While some fans quickly connected the move to AEW rumors, most see it as a smart step to protect his legacy and brand—rather than a signal of an imminent comeback outside WWE.

For now, one thing is clear: when AEW came calling, AJ Styles never wavered.