Insight with Chris Van Vliet

AJ Styles (Best Of CVV) - Retiring in 2026, His Phenomenal Career in WWE & TNA, The Undertaker, John Cena

Dec 25, 2025
AJ Styles, a wrestling icon known for his extraordinary career in WWE and TNA, shares captivating insights from his journey. He reveals his initial decision to reject WWE in 2001 and the growth he experienced in TNA's X Division. Styles discusses memorable matches against The Undertaker and John Cena, his innovative wrestling style, and the significance of his surprise Royal Rumble debut. Looking ahead, he offers a candid take on retirement plans and life beyond the ring, expressing gratitude for his career and family.
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ADVICE

Prioritize Moments Over Constant Flips

  • Focus on moments rather than nonstop high-risk moves to make matches memorable.
  • Use small details between moves to create moments that fans recall long after the match.
ANECDOTE

Creating The Spiral Tap Move

  • AJ invented the spiral tap because he couldn't do Kidman's shooting star and wanted a unique move.
  • He developed it while trying to differentiate himself in WCW.
INSIGHT

Why AJ Left TNA In 2016

  • AJ describes TNA's collapse around 2016 as financial mismanagement after hiring big names like Hogan and Bischoff.
  • He left when asked to accept a 60% pay cut and reduced dates, which prompted his rebound to New Japan and later WWE.
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