It was only two years, but AJ Styles had a truly legendary New Japan run: he was an incandescent IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

5 comments

1. Truly an incredible run. His G1 performances were particularly memorable. So many classics!

2. One of the most accomplished wrestlers across multiple platforms. It sucks how he’s barely doing anything now in the dub

3. You can talk all you want about the work ethic of Tanahashi, the rise of Okada and the stellar performances of Kenny Omega. But for money, AJ Styles was the man who brought eyes back on New Japan.

4. The first time I ever noticed New Japan was when AJ Styles made his debut in 2014.

5. In 2014-15, NJPW had peak Tana, peak Okada, peak King of Strong Style and peak Ishii, yet AJ was arguably the best wrestler in the world!