Ryan Carse of The Tag Rope recently spoke with AJ Styles while he was on tour with 5 Star Wrestling last week in the UK. The full interview can be found at this link, and below are some interview highlights:
On missing out on his chance at the big-time with WCW closing in 2001:
“It was a little depressing, not only that [WCW] went out of business, but the fact that WWE did not pick me up. But in retrospect, it was the best thing that ever happened to me because I wasn’t ready to be in WCW and I wasn’t ready to be in WWF at the time. It was great getting back onto those indies and really learning. I learned so much going to Ring of Honor, it was a big learning curve for me at the beginning because everything was different, things were done different in the North East than they were in the South East. But it was a great thing that happened to me, it was the best thing that could’ve happened.”
On his veteran role in the main event scene:
“The truth of the matter is that guys don’t get very good until they’re in their 30’s, and it’s because of that experience that you need in your 20’s, to be this star in your 30’s. And when you’re in your 30’s, you finally get it. So it’s all about experience.”
On if he feels like he’s reaching his prime as a performer:
“I do. I’ve acquired so much knowledge over my tenure in being a pro wrestler that it’s really starting to pay off now. A lot of people will say, “You know, he doesn’t do some of the stuff that he used to”, but it’s not that I don’t do it, I just do it at the right time.”
On whether WWE is an aspiration:
“You know, I’m always going to do what’s best for my family. That’s my first priority, my job is to take care of them, any way that I can. Wherever that business takes me, I’m taking care of them, that’s where I’ll go.”
In related news, Styles responded to John Cena’s Instagram post by posting the following:
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
