Net Worth: $4 Million
Current Promotion: WWE (SmackDown Brand)
Major Achievements:
- First WWE Champion crowned outside North America
- Multiple-time WWE Champion, United States Champion, and Intercontinental Champion
- Known for his tenure in TNA, NJPW, and other major promotions
- Renowned for his technical wrestling and high-flying style
Early Life & Education
AJ Styles was born Allen Neal Jones on June 2, 1977, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Raised in a difficult environment with an abusive father, he found solace in sports. Styles attended Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia, where he became a two-time state wrestling champion. After high school, he pursued higher education at Anderson University in South Carolina, where he also continued wrestling.
Wrestling Career Journey
1998-2002: Early Beginnings
Styles entered the wrestling world in 1998 under the ring name “Mr. Olympia” in National Championship Wrestling (NCW). Over the next few years, he performed for several independent promotions and began using the name AJ Styles. His big break came when he joined Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2002, where he quickly became one of the promotion’s top stars, winning the ROH Tag Team Championship and later the ROH Pure Championship.
2003-2005: Independent Circuit
During this period, Styles continued to build his name across various indie promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW). His success was marked by numerous championships, including the PWG Championship and IWC Super Indy Championship.
2002-2013: TNA & NWA
In 2002, Styles made a significant mark in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He won the inaugural TNA X Division Championship and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, making him one of the most decorated wrestlers in TNA’s history. His X Division reigns and feuds, notably with wrestlers like Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe, helped define his career. Styles’ most notable achievement in TNA came in 2009 when he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and held it for a record-breaking 211 days.
2014-2016: NJPW & Independent Success
After leaving TNA in 2013, Styles became a top contender in Japanese and Mexican promotions, particularly New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice, continuing to showcase his versatility and international appeal. His tenure in Japan further solidified his status as one of the best wrestlers in the world.
2016-Present: WWE Career
AJ Styles’ most high-profile move came in 2016 when he signed with WWE. He debuted on SmackDown and quickly captured the WWE World Championship by defeating Dean Ambrose. Styles made history by becoming the first WWE Champion to be crowned outside North America. Over the years, he has won the United States Championship, WWE Championship, and Intercontinental Championship, continuing to dominate the SmackDown roster. His reign as WWE Champion in 2018-2019 remains one of the longest in SmackDown history, lasting 371 days.
Personal Life
AJ Styles married Wendy in 2000, and together they have four children. The family resides in Gainesville, Georgia. Despite his fame, Styles keeps a low profile outside of the ring, focusing on his family and his faith. Known for his grounded approach to life, Styles is also a dedicated Christian and enjoys spending time with his loved ones when he’s not wrestling.
Legacy
AJ Styles is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers of his generation. His journey from humble beginnings to global stardom has been marked by his technical prowess, high-flying ability, and commitment to his craft. Whether in the independent circuit, TNA, NJPW, or WWE, Styles’ legacy continues to grow, cementing his place as a true icon in professional wrestling.
