AJ Styles Says NXT Was Not An Option For Him

AJ Styles has given some insight into his initial WWE negotiations when speaking with Cathy Kelley on WWE Now.

Styles said that because he was not the youngest guy, going through NXT was not an option for him unless he was only going to be there briefly to get used to how WWE works.

Styles does however admit that although everything worked out for him, sometimes he is jealous of those who went through the NXT system because of the bonds it allowed them to create.

In the interview Styles credited WWE’s signing of Samoa Joe for him getting hired by the promotion, offering his opinion that Joe’s work ethic and ability opened WWE eyes to the fact that there was a lot of talent in TNA/Impact Wrestling.

“I think Joe is the reason why I was able to come here because they said, ‘this guy is a good talent. Very professional. Maybe there are some guys from over there that can get the job done and are professional to do it.’ I think he set the tone”

Styles said that although he does not reflect on the mistakes TNA made in letting talent like him and Joe get away, he finds it “unbelievable what TNA had”, with the majority of the top talent now employed by WWE.