AJ Styles Concerned for Son Avery Styles as 19-Year-Old Begins Wrestling Career

AJ Styles has opened up about his concerns for his 19-year-old son Avery Styles as the young wrestler begins making his own name in professional wrestling. Avery has already generated attention during the opening weeks of his career, but his famous surname has also brought expectations that his father believes could create unnecessary pressure.

Avery recently defeated Alex Lev during his GCW debut on July 31 in Omaha, following an earlier appearance for Squared Circle Action where AJ Styles was in his corner. The early results have naturally attracted attention because Avery is beginning his career with one of wrestling’s most recognizable surnames attached to him.

For AJ, however, the biggest priority is not how quickly his son reaches the next level. It is making sure he gets there safely.

Speaking on The AJ Styles Show with Tony Giles, the former WWE Champion explained that he believes Avery sometimes feels pressure to perform at a higher level or attempt things that may not be necessary simply because he is AJ Styles’ son.

That concern reveals a side of professional wrestling that is often overlooked when a second-generation performer enters the business: the family name can open doors, but it can also create an enormous burden to prove that the wrestler deserves to be there independently.

Why AJ Styles is concerned about his son’s wrestling journey

AJ Styles understands better than most what it takes to build a sustainable wrestling career. His own journey was not based on being the son of an established superstar. He had to develop his reputation through years of independent wrestling, international competition and major promotions before becoming one of WWE’s most respected performers.

Avery is starting from a very different position.

Before he has wrestled enough matches to establish his own identity, fans already know exactly who his father is. Every move can potentially be compared with AJ. Every successful performance can be attributed partly to his lineage. Every mistake can be magnified because audiences know the name.

That is the pressure AJ is worried about.

His concern is not that Avery lacks enthusiasm. Quite the opposite. The young wrestler appears eager to impress, and that eagerness can become dangerous if it encourages him to take unnecessary risks before he has developed the experience required to perform them safely.

What did AJ Styles say about Avery’s early wrestling career?

AJ acknowledged that he is happy to see his son embracing professional wrestling and finding early success. However, he believes the expectations surrounding the Styles name can influence Avery’s decision-making.

“The unfortunate thing is, I feel like he’s under a lot of pressure because of who his dad is.”

AJ went on to explain that he sometimes sees his son attempting things that he believes are unnecessary, particularly when the long-term consequences of an injury could be far more damaging than the short-term reaction from an audience.

His message is essentially about perspective: one impressive moment is not worth sacrificing months or years of a developing career.

That is advice that applies to almost every young wrestler, but it becomes even more important for someone entering the business under a famous surname.

Avery Styles has already made an early impression

Avery Styles’ wrestling journey is still in its infancy, but he has already begun collecting meaningful experiences.

The 19-year-old made his debut for Squared Circle Action a month before his GCW appearance, with his father in his corner. He then competed in his GCW debut against Alex Lev on July 31 in Omaha, securing a victory.

Those early appearances provide Avery with something that cannot be gained through family connections: actual match experience.

The distinction is important. Having AJ Styles as a father may attract attention, but wrestling matches still require timing, conditioning, ring awareness and the ability to communicate with an audience.

Every match gives Avery an opportunity to develop those skills.

The biggest challenge: escaping the shadow of AJ Styles

The surname “Styles” is an advantage and a challenge at the same time.

AJ Styles is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished wrestlers of his generation. His career includes major championship achievements, high-profile matches and an international reputation that existed long before his WWE run.

For Avery, that means comparisons are almost unavoidable.

Fans may look at his wrestling style and ask whether he has inherited AJ’s athletic ability. They may compare his entrance, moves, promos or match psychology with his father. Even when Avery does something completely original, the family connection will remain part of the conversation.

The healthiest approach may therefore be to treat AJ’s legacy as background rather than a blueprint.

Avery does not need to become another AJ Styles. He needs to become the best version of Avery Styles.

Why taking unnecessary risks can hurt a young wrestler’s development

AJ’s comments also highlight a fundamental reality of professional wrestling: longevity is often more valuable than a single spectacular moment.

A young wrestler may feel pressure to impress a crowd by attempting a dangerous maneuver or pushing beyond their current level. The audience may react positively, but the consequences of a serious injury can last far longer than the applause.

AJ specifically pointed to the possibility of a knee injury requiring surgery and potentially keeping Avery out for nine months.

For an established wrestler, an extended absence can be difficult. For a 19-year-old at the beginning of his career, it can be particularly disruptive because every month away from the ring represents lost experience.

That is why AJ’s advice focuses on putting things “in the right order.” Developing fundamentals should come before trying to prove that he can perform every spectacular maneuver immediately.

AJ Styles’ advice is really about building a career, not just winning matches

The most important part of AJ’s comments is that he is thinking about Avery’s career several years into the future.

A successful wrestling career requires much more than athletic ability. Wrestlers need to understand timing, storytelling, character development, crowd psychology, conditioning and injury management.

Those skills develop over hundreds of matches.

If Avery remains healthy and continues gaining experience, he has time to discover his own style and strengths. There is no need to establish everything during his first few appearances.

That long-term approach is particularly valuable for a teenager entering a physically demanding industry.

Avery’s path is different from his father’s

It would be easy to view Avery’s journey as a continuation of AJ Styles’ career, but the circumstances are completely different.

AJ spent years establishing himself outside WWE before reaching the company. Avery, meanwhile, has entered wrestling with an enormous amount of attention already attached to his name.

That creates a strange paradox.

AJ had to fight to become known. Avery has to fight to become known for something other than his father.

That could become one of the most important challenges of his early career.

If Avery develops a distinctive wrestling identity, the Styles name could eventually become an advantage rather than a burden. But getting there will require patience and a willingness to develop gradually.

AJ Styles’ parenting perspective adds another layer

There is also a clear difference between AJ speaking as a wrestling veteran and AJ speaking as a father.

As a wrestler, he understands why a young performer wants to impress an audience. As a parent, he understands the consequences if that desire goes too far.

That explains why his concern is focused less on whether Avery wins or loses and more on whether he gets through the early stages of his career without a major injury.

The wrestling industry rewards confidence, but confidence without restraint can become dangerous. AJ’s experience allows him to recognize that distinction earlier than most people could.

What Avery Styles needs to focus on next

If AJ’s advice is followed, Avery’s immediate objective should be development rather than rushing toward a major spotlight.

• Build fundamentals: Strong basics can provide the foundation for more advanced wrestling later.
• Improve ring awareness: Understanding positioning and timing becomes increasingly important as match intensity rises.
• Develop his own identity: Avery needs to become recognizable for his own qualities rather than simply being AJ Styles’ son.
• Prioritize longevity: Avoiding unnecessary risks can protect the career he is only beginning to build.
• Gain experience: More matches will allow him to learn what works naturally for him.

None of these goals require Avery to rush.

AJ Styles also questions WWE’s decision involving The Motor City Machine Guns and The New Day

While discussing wrestling on his podcast, AJ Styles also addressed another major subject: WWE’s decision to release The Motor City Machine Guns and The New Day.

Styles expressed significant respect for both tag teams and questioned whether allowing them to leave WWE was the right decision.

“It’s difficult because I want to see them do well because they work really hard. I have so much respect for these two tag teams and know what they’re capable of.”

Styles went further, saying he was not convinced releasing both teams was a smart move.

His comments are notable because Styles has spent years working alongside and against some of the industry’s best tag teams. His assessment therefore reflects the perspective of a veteran who understands the value experienced teams can bring to a wrestling roster.

Why AJ Styles’ comments about established tag teams matter

The Motor City Machine Guns and The New Day represent two very different forms of tag-team experience.

The Motor City Machine Guns built their reputation over many years through their in-ring chemistry and technical style. The New Day, meanwhile, became one of WWE’s most recognizable teams through a combination of wrestling ability, character work and long-term storytelling.

From AJ’s perspective, losing established performers means losing more than individual wrestlers. A company also loses experience, chemistry and performers who can help elevate younger talent.

That point connects surprisingly well with his concerns about Avery.

A young wrestler needs experienced people around him to learn from, and established veterans can play an important role in helping newer performers understand how to work safely and tell better stories.

The Motor City Machine Guns have already found their next destination

The situation surrounding the Motor City Machine Guns has developed quickly. The team has already joined AEW following its WWE departure, appearing on Collision.

That means the question is no longer whether the duo will continue wrestling. They have already moved into another major wrestling environment.

For fans, the move provides an opportunity to see whether the team can reproduce its previous success outside WWE.

The New Day’s situation is less clear based on the information available in the report, with the group having not provided a comparable update.

AJ Styles is watching two different wrestling stories unfold

There is an interesting connection between AJ’s two recent discussions.

On one side, he is concerned that his son may feel pressure to do too much too soon. On the other, he is questioning the departure of experienced tag teams that have already proven themselves at a high level.

Both situations highlight the importance of experience in professional wrestling.

Avery needs time to develop. Established wrestlers such as the Motor City Machine Guns and The New Day already have years of experience that can benefit a roster.

For AJ, the business appears to be about more than individual wins and losses. He is thinking about how performers develop, how careers are managed and how wrestling companies use the talent they have.

What could be next for Avery Styles?

At only 19, Avery has an enormous amount of time to develop his wrestling career. His early victories have created interest, but they should be viewed as the beginning rather than proof that he has already reached his potential.

The most compelling part of his story will be watching whether he can establish an identity separate from his father’s achievements.

Having AJ Styles in his corner can provide invaluable guidance, particularly when it comes to understanding the physical and psychological demands of wrestling. But eventually, Avery will have to create his own reputation through his own performances.

If he can combine his natural enthusiasm with patience and smart career management, the Styles name could become a foundation rather than a source of pressure.

Conclusion: AJ Styles wants his son to build a career that lasts

AJ Styles’ concern for Avery Styles is ultimately rooted in a desire to protect his son’s long-term wrestling career. The 19-year-old has already enjoyed an encouraging start, including a GCW victory over Alex Lev, but his father’s comments show that early success can also bring unexpected pressure.

The biggest challenge for Avery will be resisting the temptation to prove everything immediately. He has a famous surname, a legendary father and an audience already interested in his progress. None of those things need to be turned into pressure to perform dangerous moves before he is ready.

AJ’s message is simple: develop, stay healthy and think beyond the next match.

At the same time, his comments about The Motor City Machine Guns and The New Day show that he remains deeply invested in the wider wrestling industry and the way established talent is treated.

For Avery, however, the immediate priority is much more personal. He does not need to become the next AJ Styles. He needs to become the first great version of Avery Styles.