{"id":151985,"date":"2026-01-30T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=151985"},"modified":"2026-01-30T03:07:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T08:07:24","slug":"the-phenomenal-five-top-5-best-aj-styles-matches-in-wwe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/30\/the-phenomenal-five-top-5-best-aj-styles-matches-in-wwe\/","title":{"rendered":"The Phenomenal Five: Top 5 Best AJ Styles Matches in WWE"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are only one day away from the 2026 Royal Rumble, where one man and one woman will earn the opportunity to challenge the champion of their choosing at WrestleMania 42. Both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s Royal Rumble matches will feature thirty participants, with only one person from each contest being crowned the winner.\u00a0<\/span>But for some fans, it isn\u2019t the Royal Rumble bouts catching their attention, but rather the career of AJ Styles. <\/span><\/p>\n

This Saturday, \u201cThe Phenomenal One\u201d puts his legacy on the line in a high-stakes encounter against \u201cThe Ring General\u201d Gunther, the man who has recently embraced a cold new nickname: \u201cThe Career Killer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite Styles stating in multiple interviews that 2026 will definitely be his final year in the ring, many fans are heartbroken at the prospect that his incredible career could end so early into the new year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Allen Neal Jones began his wrestling training in 1998 under Rick Michaels, making his debut for National Championship Wrestling that same year. He adopted his iconic ring name, AJ Styles, a year later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To support his family during the difficult early years, he took on various side jobs, including delivering bottled water and working as an ambulance driver. In early 2001, Styles\u2019 hard work paid off when he signed with WCW, where he was paired with Air Paris to form the tag team known as \u201cAir Raid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, his time there was cut short later that year after WWE purchased the company. In 2002, Styles famously turned down a developmental contract offer from WWE, despite impressive tryout matches. He prioritized his personal life, declining the deal because he didn\u2019t want to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio, and wanted to support his wife through her college education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Styles instead joined TNA, where he rose to acclaim from 2002 to 2013, becoming one of the promotion\u2019s cornerstone stars and achieving historic accolades. He was the inaugural X-Division Champion, the first Grand Slam Champion, and the first Triple Crown Champion, a feat he remarkably achieved five times. His five-star classic match against Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels is considered by many to be the greatest match in TNA history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Following his departure from TNA due to a contract dispute, Styles joined Japan\u2019s NJPW, where he became the leader of the Bullet Club and won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in his very first match. He became the first American to hold that prestigious title since Brock Lesnar in 2005. Following his massive success in Japan, WWE reached out to several high-profile wrestlers, with Styles being at the top of the list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Styles finally made his long-awaited WWE debut on January 24, 2016, at the Royal Rumble as the third entrant. Since joining the company, he has become the first and only superstar to be a Grand Slam Champion in both TNA and WWE. He was the first person to win the WWE Championship outside of North America and has delivered numerous historic matches, including being hand-picked by The Undertaker as his final opponent at WrestleMania 36.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image
Photo by Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma (Photos Vrac), CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From his shocking Royal Rumble debut to headlining WrestleMania, AJ Styles has spent his WWE career defying expectations and delivering classics. To celebrate his incredible tenure, we\u2019re counting down the top five matches that proved he truly is \u201cThe Phenomenal One\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins (Money in the Bank, 2019)\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before this matchup was announced, fans were clamoring for a \u201cDream Match\u201d between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles, a pairing that had never happened one-on-one. Both men have earned historic praise for their incredible work ethic, athleticism, and the technical masterclasses they deliver on any given night. Having recently been moved from SmackDown to Raw, Styles was eager to prove he remained a top-tier talent.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it was announced that the two would meet face-to-face at the 2019 Money in the Bank for the Universal Championship, fans were ecstatic. Throughout the match, Styles and Rollins showcased their technical mastery, high-flying maneuvers, and incredible pacing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the highlights of the match occurred when Styles countered a Curb Stomp by catching Rollins mid-air and transitioning into a Styles Clash, a moment many consider the greatest counter in WWE history. The match concluded with Rollins intercepting a Phenomenal Forearm, hitting a Revolution Knee, and finally connecting with a Curb Stomp to secure the victory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the aftermath, Styles looked as though he might attack Rollins, but instead offered a handshake as a sign of respect. Often described as a pro wrestling masterclass, the match didn\u2019t rely on gimmicks; instead, the two traded technical holds and high-flying maneuvers at a blistering pace, and resulted in a clean win, a rarity for the time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

4. AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns (Extreme Rules, 2016)\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

At Extreme Rules 2016, \u201cThe Phenomenal One\u201d challenged WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns in an Extreme Rules match. With an “anything goes\u201d stipulation (meaning no disqualifications or count-outs), the use of weapons was fully encouraged. The two fought throughout the arena in an electric atmosphere of pure chaos, featuring outside interference from The Usos for Reigns and The Club for Styles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The clash featured a brutal table spot where Reigns back-dropped Styles from one announce table through another, nearly breaking him in half. However, the most legendary moment came toward the end: as Styles launched for the Phenomenal Forearm, Reigns intercepted him with a mid-air Spear to secure the pinfall. It was perfectly timed and remains one of the most incredible finishes in WWE history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking place only four months after his main roster debut, the match proved that Styles belonged in the main event scene and silenced critics who claimed his \u201cindie style\u201d wouldn\u2019t mesh well with WWE powerhouses. This match is widely credited as the night the WWE realized AJ Styles wasn’t just a great “indie guy,” but a legitimate main-event titan capable of carrying the company.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3. AJ Styles vs. John Cena (Crown Jewel, 2025)\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Following John Cena\u2019s crushing loss to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, many fans were left wondering who he would face next on his retirement tour. Despite having no live appearances until Crown Jewel, Cena used social media to promote his next move, calling out AJ Styles for one final match. Triple H eventually gave his approval, setting the stage for their final showdown.<\/span><\/p>\n

This matchup didn\u2019t disappoint, as fans were engaged from start to finish. Both combatants treated this final encounter as a \u201clove letter\u201d to professional wrestling and a heartfelt thank you to all the fans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cena utilized the signature moves of several legends, most notably Randy Orton\u2019s RKO, Bray Wyatt\u2019s Sister Abigail, The Miz\u2019s Skull Crushing Finale, and The Undertaker\u2019s Tombstone Piledriver. Styles countered by hitting Sting\u2019s Scorpion Death Drop, Shawn Michaels\u2019 Sweet Chin Music, and even Samoa Joe\u2019s Coquina Clutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two never left the ring for the entire 27-minute bout, which was something that they had done before in their bout at the Royal Rumble eight years prior. The match was so exceptional that fans in the arena, as well as the commentators, never wanted it to end. <\/span><\/p>\n

The finish was incredible: Cena delivered \u201cThe Deadman\u2019s\u201d iconic Tombstone Piledriver, then followed up with one final Attitude Adjustment to win their legendary last showdown. The storytelling, the nostalgia, and their emotional post-match embrace signalled the true end of an era.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2. AJ<\/b> Styles vs. Daniel Bryan (SmackDown, June 12, 2020)\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

When looking back at Styles\u2019 many iconic matches, this one truly stands out, falling just short of the number-one spot on this list. Both Styles and Bryan have long been praised for their incredible technical ability; having them share a ring was a perfect match, like peas in a pod. <\/span><\/p>\n

The bout was so exceptional that it is still praised as one of the best televised matches in WWE history, a pay-per-view caliber encounter that took place on a standard episode of SmackDown.<\/span><\/p>\n

The match took place during the pandemic with no fans in attendance. Despite the empty arena, the two managed to put on an incredible clash, with an intensity that made you forget the building had no live audience. Competing for the vacant Intercontinental Championship, they delivered nearly 40 minutes of pure, uninterrupted technical wrestling, which is almost unheard of for a televised match.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The finish was exceptional: as Bryan went for a Running Knee, Styles caught him mid-air and delivered a devastating Styles Clash. He immediately followed up with a Phenomenal Forearm, pinning Bryan to become the new Intercontinental Champion, winning it for the first time in his career. <\/span><\/p>\n

At a time when the Intercontinental Title had lost some of its prestige, this bout single-handedly restored it. By giving two legends nearly an hour of television time to wrestle, WWE signaled that the championship once again belonged to the best performer on the roster.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. AJ Styles vs. John Cena (Royal Rumble, 2017)\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Once again, AJ Styles and John Cena find themselves on this list.\u00a0 Heading into this contest, a victory for Cena would see him tie Ric Flair\u2019s record as a 16-time world champion. This marked the third time the two icons shared the ring in a one-on-one match, with Styles having won their first two encounters, and \u201cThe Phenomenal One\u201d entering this bout as the defending WWE Champion.<\/span><\/p>\n

If fans thought their matches at Money in the Bank and SummerSlam 2016 were incredible, this encounter managed to surpass them. One of the remarkable aspects was that neither competitor ever left the ring, spending the entire contest inside the ropes. This is incredibly rare for a modern WWE main event, forcing the focus entirely onto their technical sequences and physical endurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The match was fast-paced, with both men seemingly kicking out of everything in each other\u2019s arsenal. Most notably, Styles managed to kick out of Cena\u2019s Super Attitude Adjustment from the second rope, a move that had finished many others before him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ending was spectacular: Cena caught Styles mid-air during a Phenomenal Forearm attempt and delivered two consecutive Attitude Adjustments, rolling through the first to immediately land the second. This secured the victory and officially tied Ric Flair\u2019s record of 16 world titles. The match received a thunderous standing ovation and was widely named Match of the Year by numerous media outlets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, AJ Styles didn\u2019t just meet the gold standard of professional wrestling; he set it. From his roots in TNA to his era-defining run as WWE\u2019s “Face that Runs the Place,” his journey has been historic.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The five matches are more than simple highlights; they are a blueprint for future performers on what it takes to reach the top of the mountain. If Saturday is the final time the WWE Universe sees \u201cThe Phenomenal One\u201d in action, he leaves behind a void that won\u2019t soon be filled, but a legacy that will never be forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\n

More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/b><\/strong><\/amp-ad><\/amp-ad><\/amp-ad><\/p>\n

Header photo \u2013 WWE \u2013 Stay tuned to the\u00a0<\/span>Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/span><\/a><\/u>\u00a0for more on the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, AJ Styles, and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.<\/span><\/em><\/amp-ad><\/amp-fx-flying-carpet><\/p>\n

You can check out WWE programming on\u00a0<\/span>Netflix<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>(Raw, WWE archives, WWE Unreal, and other specials),\u00a0<\/span>USA Network<\/a>\u00a0(SmackDown),\u00a0The CW<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>(NXT),\u00a0<\/span>ESPN\u00a0<\/span><\/a>(WWE PLEs),\u00a0<\/span><\/em>Tubi<\/a>\u00a0(WWE Evolve),\u00a0A&E<\/a>\u00a0(WWE Superstar Sunday \u2013 Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments) and\u00a0Peacock<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>(Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on\u00a0<\/span>YouTube.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We are only one day away from the 2026 Royal Rumble, where one man and one woman will earn the opportunity to challenge the champion of their choosing at WrestleMania 42. Both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s Royal Rumble matches will feature thirty participants, with only one person from each contest being crowned the winner.\u00a0But for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5699,"featured_media":151138,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7205,4,3],"tags":[145],"class_list":["post-151985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-aj-styles"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5699"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=151985"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":152004,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151985\/revisions\/152004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/151138"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}