AJ Styles' history in Japanese wrestling promotions

AJ Styles has built the strong foundations of his career during his time in Japan.

AJ Styles has been credited as one of the most talented and dynamic in-ring performers with a career spanning over twenty years in the wrestling business. Before the entire world knew him as The Phenomenal One, Styles was building himself as a top name in the industry with his strong foundations built in the native land of Japan.

The former WWE champion had a remarkable run in the Japanese wrestling circuit, beginning in 2008 in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). This set the tone for his magnanimous stardom and fame, and he eventually ran with the biggest wrestling giant, WWE, beginning in 2016.

AJ Styles most recently fought Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Destination 2024 as a promotion for WWE’s Japan Tour. So, here let’s look back at his top records in Japanese promotion

3. Championships

The Phenomenal One went straight for the richest prize in the native land of Japan in NJPW. He won the IWGP World Heavyweight title two times in his career in Japan. The first reign began when he defeated the Japanese legend Kazuchika Okada at Wrestling Dontaku in 2014.

Styles’ next reign began the following year by outlasting Hiroshi Tanahashi at The New Beginning in Osaka, making him one of Japan’s most renowned World Champions.

2. Top Matches

AJ Styles has produced an array of top-level matches during his time in NJPW. His victory over Kazuchika Okada at Wrestling Dontaku 2014 to win his first IWGP title is considered a pivotal moment in his career. Other top matches that Styles was a part of included his bouts with Minoru Suzuki at G1 Climax 2014, Kota Ibushi at G1 Climax 2015, Hiroshi Tanahashi at King of Pro-Wrestling 2014 and Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestle Kingdom 10, Tetsuya Naito – G1 Climax 2015 and once again against Kazuchika Okada at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall 2015.

1. Bullet Club

AJ Styles joined the popular faction, The Bullet Club in 2014, assuming its leadership after Finn Balor joined the global juggernaut, WWE. Upon his arrival, he launched a surprise attack on Kazuchika Okada, which set the stage for his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestling Dontaku, which he won.

The former WWE United States Champion’s run with The Bullet Club solidified the faction’s dominance in NJPW. Under his leadership, Bullet Club expanded its influence, blending high-flying action with ruthless tactics. Moreover, AJStyles’ alliance with key members like his now O.C. cohorts, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, and The Young Bucks, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson helped put the stable on the map and helped Bullet Club garner massive attention.

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