AJ Styles reflects on his surprise WWE debut in 2016
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 8:54 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
AJ Styles discussed his unexpected WWE debut during the 2016 Royal Rumble in a recent podcast episode. He expressed surprise that news of his entry did not leak beforehand, despite many being aware that he was joining the company. Styles entered the match at number 3 and stayed for nearly 30 minutes before being eliminated by Kevin Owens. His debut significantly raised his profile within WWE, leading to a successful tenure that included multiple championship wins over ten years. The conversation highlights the secrecy maintained by colleagues during his arrival.
- •AJ Styles debuted at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
- •He entered the match at number 3 and lasted around 30 minutes.
- •Styles was eliminated by Kevin Owens.
- •He won the WWE Championship twice during his career.
- •Styles praised colleagues for keeping his debut a secret.
- 8:54 PMWrestling Inc — AJ Styles Was Surprised His WWE Debut Didn't Leak
"AJ Styles admits he was surprised that his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble didn't leak earlier, especially since many knew about it in advance
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