AJ Styles has finally addressed how he feels about other wrestlers using his iconic moves — including Will Ospreay borrowing the Phenomenal Forearm in AEW.
For fans expecting Styles to guard his signature offense like a championship title, the WWE Hall of Famer had a very different reaction.
Speaking on the latest episode of his Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles explained that he actually wants younger wrestlers to continue using his moves long after his retirement.
Rather than locking the move-set away in a wrestling vault, Styles seems happy to pass the torch — or in this case, the forearm.
“Please, please use it,” Styles said when discussing wrestlers asking permission to use his moves. “Anybody who wants to use it, it’s all yours. The Phenomenal Forearm, use it.”
Styles specifically mentioned Ospreay, who has used the move during his AEW run. Instead of taking issue with it, Styles encouraged it outright.
“It’s out there. I know Ospreay does it. Do it, dude. It doesn’t bother me, not one bit,” Styles added. “AJ Styles isn’t going to use it anymore. I hope it can find itself in professional wrestling for a long time.”
AJ Styles praises Will Ospreay’s Wrestling evolution
Styles also discussed Ospreay beyond just the move comparisons. The former WWE Champion praised the AEW star’s growth and admitted he still believes Ospreay would fit perfectly in WWE someday.
“Will’s the man, dude. I would love to have him in WWE — he’s an amazing talent,” Styles said. “I think he’s figured out a lot about himself, and what he can do, and what looks good and makes sense.”
At the same time, Styles acknowledged concerns about Ospreay’s hard-hitting style, comparing it to his own approach during his active career.
“Sometimes we worry about him hurting himself because he’s balls to the walls,” Styles explained. “But I get it, man. You’ve got one gear.”
Styles retired earlier this year after losing to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame shortly afterward. Even in retirement, however, it appears “The Phenomenal One” still wants his influence felt across wrestling — one forearm at a time.
Read more: Ludwig Kaiser’s AAA Appearance Cancelled After Florida Arrest
