WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash discussed the future of AJ Styles on the latest episode of his podcast, Kliq This. Speaking prior to the “Career Threatening Match” between Styles and Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Nash reacted to real-world reports that Styles has secured the legal rights to his ring name and the nickname “The Phenomenal One.”
The Trademark Implications
Nash noted that the timing of the trademark acquisition caught his attention, specifically regarding what it might signal for Styles’ future in the industry. He speculated on whether owning the rights to the name “AJ Styles” allows the performer options outside of World Wrestling Entertainment.
“I looked at the little tiny things like, AJ got his the rights to his name and his ‘Phenomenal One’… that came out like today,” Nash observed. “And I’m thinking, so does that… mean he’s going someplace else?”.
The Finality of the Career Stipulation
Addressing the setup for the match between Styles and Gunther, Nash emphasized the severity of the “Career Threatening Match” stipulation. In professional wrestling, retirement stipulations are often used for dramatic effect, but Nash argued that the wording leaves little room for a reversal.
“If it’s your career, you can’t go back on it,” Nash stated. “So it’s… do you put them over? Gunther couldn’t do that now, right? You can do anything. It’s how you do it, I guess”.
Nash also commented on how WWE typically operates within its own narrative bubble, suggesting that if Styles does leave, the company will likely treat it as a total departure.
“Gunther can say he doesn’t have a career… but that means to me that, you know, there’s in that universe, the WWE Universe, no other wrestling exists,” Nash explained. “It’s kind of like Marvel… there’s not a whole lot of talk during a Marvel film about f***ing Batman”.
“The Main Dog of the Bullet Club”
Reflecting on Styles’ longevity, Nash highlighted the physical toll accumulated over decades of performing a high-risk style. He pointed to Styles’ tenure in Japan as a pivotal and physically demanding period.
“Dude, that motherf***er was running in Japan when that Bullet Club was on fire, and he was like, f***ing, he was the main dog of the Bullet Club,” Nash recalled.
Nash contrasted Styles’ career trajectory with his own, noting that he entered the wrestling business with pre-existing injuries, whereas Styles has accumulated damage through years of high-flying maneuvers.
“He was a high flyer for a lot of f***ing years, you know, he did a lot of s**t,” Nash said. “You look at the amount of bumps that he’s taken, and it’s like, I can’t even… I was f***ed up before I got into… the business”.
Life After Wrestling
When discussing what retirement might look like for Styles, Nash offered insight into the performer’s personality off-camera. Nash suggested that Styles is likely prepared for a quiet life away from the spotlight.
“I know AJ pretty well, and he’s not some flamboyant motherf***er,” Nash said. “I’ll guarantee he still lives in Gainesville, Georgia, just in a nicer house with more property”.
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