AJ Styles' Long List Of Injuries In Wrestling, Explained

Highlights

• AJ Styles has demonstrated immense athleticism and charisma in his over 25-year wrestling career, captivating audiences worldwide.
• Styles' high-risk wrestling style has led to numerous injuries throughout his career, including back, hip, and ankle injuries.
• Despite setbacks, Styles has shown unwavering determination and resilience, always bouncing back stronger and more determined to deliver unforgettable performances.

In the realm of professional wrestling, where strength, agility, and resilience reign supreme, few have demonstrated as much prowess and longevity as AJ Styles. With a career spanning over 25 years, Styles has etched his name in the annals of wrestling history as one of the greatest performers to ever step foot inside the squared circle. Styles has captivated audiences around the world with his awe-inspiring athleticism, electrifying charisma, and seemingly endless arsenal of signature moves. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a testament to his unyielding spirit—the countless injuries he has endured throughout his remarkable journey. These physical setbacks have tested Styles' mettle time and time again, yet he has emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined to overcome every obstacle in his path.

AJ Styles' Wrestling Style Leaves Him More Exposed To Injuries

AJ Styles' name has become synonymous with excellence in professional wrestling. From his humble beginnings in the independent circuit to his meteoric rise on the international stage, Styles has consistently delivered awe-inspiring performances that have left an indelible mark on the industry. With championships in multiple promotions and an ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, AJ Styles' impact on professional wrestling extends far beyond his in-ring accomplishments. Styles' athletic approach to wrestling often involves taking calculated risks to create jaw-dropping moments that fans will remember for years to come.

Whether it's executing a phenomenal forearm from the top rope, soaring through the air with a 450 splash, or leaping off ladders in daring ladder matches, Styles fearlessly pushes the boundaries of what is physically possible inside the squared circle. While his risk-taking maneuvers have contributed to his status as one of the most exciting performers in wrestling, they have also exposed him to a higher likelihood of injuries.

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AJ Styles' Long List Of Injuries

Styles' awe-inspiring career has not been without its share of physical setbacks. Throughout the years, he has endured several notable injuries, demonstrating his unwavering determination to overcome adversity and continue pursuing his passion. Some of the most significant injuries he has faced include injuries to his back, hip, and ankle. In 2003, while teaming with Amazing Red, Styles suffered a back injury during his time in ROH. Unfortunately, this forced him to relinquish the tag team titles that he had worked tirelessly to secure. However, true to his resilient nature, Styles pressed on, emerging stronger from this setback.

In January 2015, Styles encountered another back injury, leading to his withdrawal from the 2015 World Tag League in NJPW. The injury proved to be a challenging hurdle for Styles, momentarily halting his momentum. Nevertheless, his indomitable spirit propelled him forward, ready to conquer new heights once he returned to full health.

At WrestleMania 35 in 2019, after triumphing over Randy Orton, Styles found himself nursing a hip injury. Despite the pain, he showcased his unwavering resolve, leaving an indelible mark on the grandest stage of them all. This injury served as a testament to his commitment to delivering unforgettable performances for his loyal fanbase. Most recently, in December 2022, during a WWE house show in Pennsylvania, Styles suffered a broken ankle while competing in a tag match as part of The OC. This unfortunate incident kept him out of action for nearly five months, marking the longest hiatus of his career. The road to recovery was undoubtedly grueling, but AJ Styles exemplified the resilience that has come to define his legendary career.

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AJ Styles Reveals His Mentality During Recent Injury Hiatus

In an interview with the Daily Mail, AJ Styles candidly revealed the circumstances surrounding his recent injury and offered insight into his mindset during the subsequent rehabilitation process. He said, “It was a simple thing, something I’ve done a million times, and usually it happens the same. I was taking a backdrop, and I could have hit my back on the apron a little bit, but in that couple of seconds of landing on the outside my ankle, depending on the mat and where it was, turned in on me and snapped." AJ added, “I knew right when I did it, it was one of those things, it was like ‘I’m done’. As far as rehab is concerned, as soon as I’m able to rehab, I’m on rehab, and it’s crazy how being in a boot for a while you forget how to there are certain things we take for granted – like walking and running and jumping."

Styles further revealed the agony of the injury, “It’s like my body had to rehab that, I actually went for another MRI because I thought something wasn’t right. But they said the reason why it’s hurting so bad is because there’s so much inflammation." Styles explained, “Once I realized that and that I wasn’t going to tear or rip anything I got after it because I wanted to get better. I was able to focus on jumping and running and stuff like that, and it was like overnight it changed." The former WWE champion concluded by saying “Once you tell your brain you can do it, you can. It was really that simple once I realized I could put forward my best effort.”

Styles also said that staying at home made him feel quite uneasy, but he did appreciate the time he got with his family. He also revealed that going down to the WWE Performance Center and seeing the new wrestlers' passion encouraged him. Styles wants to go out of wrestling strong, but his fans hope that it's not anytime soon.