WWE Rumors: AJ Styles’ Debut Date With WWE Set — New Plans Discussed For Star

There is no word yet that AJ Styles has actually signed a contract with WWE, but it’s about as much of a “done deal” as it can be without actually having his name on the dotted line. The world truly believes that he’s going to debut in the Royal Rumble this Sunday, but WWE may have other plans in mind. It now appears as if the former Bullet Club member is going to debut at the Monday Night Raw after the big event.

F4WOnline is reporting that the former TNA World Champion will finally make his long-awaited big-time WWE debut a week from tonight. This is far from guaranteed or set in stone, but it is the latest rumor.

As always, WWE could change their minds 10 times in the next week alone. Even with that being said, Styles has to come to an agreement with the company and sign a deal. Who knows if that may end up falling through?

Here’s the big problem: Not all casual wrestling fans know who AJ Styles is. He’s known around the world as he was the face of TNA from the beginning until just recently, and he has wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and many other promotions.

This is why WWE is leaning away from introducing him by being an entrant in the Royal Rumble. Not only would he likely be eliminated at some point, but WWE wants to have him brought forth in a way that will be easier to explain to all the fans.

Right now, the WWE creative team is apparently creating vignettes to introduce AJ Styles to all WWE fans, not just hardcore wrestling junkies.

As for the other names reportedly coming from NJPW? They are likely going to start in NXT first so fans can get used to Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Shinsuke Nakamura, who may all see themselves get different ring names upon arriving in WWE as well.

It’s known that Shinsuke Nakamura will be heading down to NXT in Orlando sometime next month. Anderson’s current contract with NJPW is up as of February 1, and then he is expected to report to NXT. Gallows is already a free agent and could be in NXT or WWE anytime now.

As for AJ Styles? With the rumors of him heading to WWE and even the company reporting on the rumors, which they never do, this is too big of a deal for him to head to NXT. Everything is leading to him heading to WWE, as he was written out of NJPW. WrestleZone is now reporting that Ring of Honor has announced Styles’ final event for the promotion.

“In addition to the hard-hitting, fast-paced professional wrestling that only ROH showcases, fans in Duluth with have an opportunity to send off ROH Legend and hometown star ‘The Phenomenal One’ AJ STYLES!

“Don’t miss your chance to meet and greet this ROH Legend at his LAST ROH APPEARANCE – you just don’t know where you may see him next!”

This is a monumental moment for wrestling, one that is similar to the arrival of Sting in WWE back in late 2014. Wrestling fans around the world have wanted to see Styles in WWE for a long time and hope it’s finally going to happen.

The possible feuds and matches that could come from his arrival are making fans more excited than ever. Just thinking about these possible feuds for Styles makes any wrestling fans smile.

• Finn Balor
• Daniel Bryan
• Samoa Joe
• Brock Lesnar
• Hideo Itami
• Sami Zayn

AJ Styles is very close to arriving in WWE, or so everyone really and truly hopes. The creative team always wants to surprise though and make sure a big debut gets the biggest impact possible. That is exactly why Styles likely won’t show up at the Royal Rumble, an already big event, but show up the next evening on Monday Night Raw.

[Image via TNA]