AJ Styles has offered an intriguing insight into his early relationship with Roman Reigns, admitting that he believed the WWE legend did not particularly like him when he first arrived in the company in 2016.
Styles made the revelation while discussing his WWE career and his first interactions with Reigns on The AJ Styles Show. According to Styles, Reigns did not know him personally at the beginning and may have viewed the incoming star as someone entering his territory and immediately competing for the spotlight.
However, the relationship changed after the two performers worked together in a memorable WWE storyline. Styles believes their matches helped Reigns understand what kind of wrestler and teammate he was, eventually leading to mutual trust and respect.
AJ Styles Believed Roman Reigns Did Not Like Him
Styles joined WWE in 2016 after already establishing himself as a major name through successful runs in TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
By the time he arrived in WWE, Reigns had already become one of the company’s biggest stars. That created an interesting dynamic because Styles was not entering WWE as an unknown newcomer. He arrived with a substantial reputation and quickly found himself involved in major storylines.
Looking back, Styles explained that he felt Reigns did not initially have a positive impression of him.
The former WWE Champion stressed that Reigns did not personally know him at the time. From Styles’ perspective, it was possible that Reigns simply wondered why someone new was arriving and immediately acting as though he belonged among WWE’s top performers.
Importantly, Styles presented the story as his interpretation rather than claiming that Reigns had directly told him he disliked him.
The 2016 Feud Changed Their Relationship
The dynamic between Styles and Reigns was put to the test almost immediately when the two became central figures in a major WWE rivalry in 2016.
Their feud produced matches at Extreme Rules and Payback, giving both wrestlers the opportunity to work together under intense pressure.
Styles believes those performances played a significant role in changing Reigns’ perception of him. Once they had shared the ring and experienced how well they could work together, the relationship became much stronger.
This is an important part of Styles’ story because he connected professional trust with in-ring chemistry. For elite wrestlers, knowing that a partner can execute sequences safely, react appropriately and deliver when the pressure is high can make a major difference.
Why the Matches Helped Build Trust
Professional wrestling relies heavily on communication between performers. Even highly experienced wrestlers must establish trust when working together, particularly during lengthy singles matches or complicated storylines.
Styles suggested that his work with Reigns allowed both men to understand each other’s abilities. Once that understanding developed, whatever uncertainty may have existed beforehand became less important.
The rivalry therefore became more than a storyline for Styles. It also helped establish a professional relationship between two wrestlers who would remain prominent WWE figures for years.
That perspective helps explain why Styles remembers the feud so positively despite believing Reigns may initially have been sceptical about him.
AJ Styles and Roman Reigns Had Strong Chemistry
The Styles-Reigns matches in 2016 quickly became notable among fans because of the contrast between the two performers.
Styles was already known for his technical ability, athleticism and experience across several major wrestling promotions. Reigns, meanwhile, was being positioned as one of WWE’s leading stars and had a powerful, physical style that complemented Styles in the ring.
The difference between their approaches created an effective wrestling dynamic. Styles could work around Reigns’ physicality while using speed and technical sequences to create openings.
Reigns could respond with power and controlled aggression, giving the matches a natural contrast that helped the feud stand out.
AJ Styles Became a Two-Time WWE Champion
Styles’ WWE career ultimately went far beyond his initial rivalry with Reigns.
The Phenomenal One became a two-time WWE Champion, establishing himself as one of the most successful performers of his generation.
His accomplishments in WWE added to an already impressive résumé that included major championship success before joining the company.
For Styles, the transition from established international star to WWE main-event performer was particularly significant because he arrived in his late 30s, an age when many wrestlers are already considered veterans.
Instead of slowing down, Styles quickly became one of WWE’s most important performers.
Their Rivalry Continued Beyond 2016
The first major Styles-Reigns rivalry took place in 2016, but the two continued to cross paths during their WWE careers.
Their most recent singles meeting came at Royal Rumble 2024, when Styles challenged Reigns for the world championship in a Fatal Four-Way Match.
Styles was unable to capture the title on that occasion, with the match involving multiple top WWE performers rather than being a straightforward one-on-one contest.
The bout served as another reminder of how long both men had remained relevant near the top of WWE’s roster.
AJ Styles Retired From In-Ring Competition in 2026
Styles’ career has since entered a different phase. The veteran announced his retirement from in-ring competition in January 2026 following his match against Gunther.
That decision brought an end to a remarkable wrestling career that included championship success in several promotions before and during his WWE tenure.
Although Styles is no longer competing regularly, his experiences and stories from his career continue to provide insight into the relationships that shaped his journey.
His comments about Reigns are particularly interesting because they reveal how professional relationships can change after wrestlers spend time working together.
Roman Reigns Remains a Major WWE Star
While Styles has stepped away from in-ring competition, Roman Reigns remains one of WWE’s central stars.
Reigns is currently positioned as the World Heavyweight Champion on WWE RAW, continuing a long-running association with championship-level storylines.
His status has evolved significantly since the 2016 rivalry with Styles. Reigns went on to become the leader of The Bloodline and developed the “Tribal Chief” character that became one of the defining personas of his WWE career.
The evolution demonstrates just how much both performers’ careers changed after their first major rivalry.
Roman Reigns to Defend World Heavyweight Championship Against Penta
Reigns is scheduled to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Penta on the upcoming episode of RAW.
The show is set to take place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, adding an international setting to an important championship match.
Penta earned the opportunity after winning a tournament designed to determine the next challenger for Reigns’ title.
The matchup gives Penta a major opportunity to establish himself against one of WWE’s most decorated current stars.
New Threats Are Targeting The Bloodline
Reigns’ championship defence is not the only issue surrounding The Bloodline on RAW.
A new faction known as 946, featuring Royce Keys and OTM, has repeatedly targeted The Bloodline, creating another storyline that could complicate Reigns’ position.
The ongoing conflict means Reigns could have to manage both his championship responsibilities and the growing threat against his faction.
For a performer whose WWE career has frequently revolved around control and dominance, the emergence of a new group creates an interesting challenge.
What AJ Styles’ Comments Reveal About WWE Locker Room Dynamics
Styles’ recollection also provides an interesting look at how wrestlers can form professional relationships through competition.
A new performer arriving with a major reputation can naturally change the dynamics within an established roster. Existing stars may not immediately know what to expect from someone who has built a reputation elsewhere.
In Styles’ case, working directly with Reigns appears to have removed much of that uncertainty.
The story also demonstrates why chemistry is so important in professional wrestling. Two performers can have very different backgrounds and styles, yet develop a strong professional bond once they understand how effectively they can work together.
Styles and Reigns: From Uncertainty to Respect
| Stage | AJ Styles and Roman Reigns |
|---|---|
| Styles joins WWE | Styles arrives in 2016 as an established international star |
| Initial relationship | Styles believed Reigns did not know or particularly like him |
| Major rivalry | The two worked together in a prominent 2016 storyline |
| In-ring chemistry | Their matches helped establish professional trust |
| Later careers | Both remained major WWE names and championship contenders |
| 2024 meeting | Styles challenged Reigns in a Royal Rumble Fatal Four-Way Match |
| 2026 status | Styles retired from in-ring competition while Reigns remained a major WWE champion |
Why the Revelation Is Interesting Years Later
Styles’ comments are notable because fans often see the polished television version of WWE relationships without knowing how performers initially interacted backstage.
His story suggests that the relationship between two top stars did not necessarily begin with immediate friendship. Instead, professional respect developed through their work together.
That makes their 2016 rivalry even more interesting in hindsight. What began as a major storyline also became an opportunity for two elite performers to understand each other’s strengths.
Styles’ explanation is also careful. He did not claim to know exactly what Reigns thought at the time, instead acknowledging that his belief was based on how he interpreted the situation.
The Lasting Legacy of AJ Styles in WWE
Styles’ WWE run will be remembered for much more than his rivalry with Reigns.
He arrived as a proven international star, immediately entered high-profile programs and eventually captured the WWE Championship twice.
His ability to remain relevant across different eras and generations of WWE performers became one of the defining aspects of his career.
Even after retiring from active competition, Styles’ perspective on his career can offer fans a different understanding of the relationships behind some of WWE’s biggest matches.
FAQs
Did AJ Styles think Roman Reigns disliked him?
Yes. Styles said he believed Reigns did not like him when he initially joined WWE, although he acknowledged that Reigns did not personally know him at the time.
When did AJ Styles join WWE?
AJ Styles joined WWE in 2016 after establishing himself as a major star in promotions including TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
When did AJ Styles and Roman Reigns first have a major WWE rivalry?
Styles and Reigns had a prominent rivalry in 2016, including matches at Payback and Extreme Rules.
Why did AJ Styles believe Roman Reigns eventually respected him?
Styles believes their matches helped Reigns understand his abilities and develop trust in him as an in-ring performer.
How many times did AJ Styles win the WWE Championship?
AJ Styles became a two-time WWE Champion during his WWE career.
When did AJ Styles retire from wrestling?
Styles retired from in-ring competition in January 2026 after wrestling Gunther.
When was the last AJ Styles vs Roman Reigns match?
Their most recent match came at Royal Rumble 2024, where Styles challenged Reigns in a Fatal Four-Way Match for the world championship.
Who will Roman Reigns face on the upcoming RAW?
Roman Reigns is scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Penta on RAW at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Cricket on thefoxdaily.com.
COMMENTS 0