AJ Styles has clarified recent comments about WWE potentially purchasing a Japanese wrestling promotion after facing backlash from fans who believed he was referring to New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The former WWE Champion recently suggested that he would like to see WWE acquire a Japanese promotion to help expand the company’s overseas presence. The remarks prompted criticism from some fans, who argued that Japanese wrestling does not need WWE’s involvement, while others believed AJ Styles was taking a shot at New Japan, where he wrestled before signing with WWE in 2016.
Speaking on his Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles insisted he never specifically mentioned New Japan and said he was not trying to disrespect the promotion or its president, Hiroshi Tanahashi.
“Did I ever say New Japan Pro Wrestling? I can’t remember. Just a Japanese company. That’s more what I was alluding to,” Styles said. “People are like, ‘Oh, Tanahashi.’ There ain’t but one Tanahashi and the fact that Japan came out and supported him the way that it did says a lot about that country because he’s definitely one of my favorite guys in the wrestling business. Just a heart of gold.”
AJ Styles Says He Would Never Disrespect Hiroshi Tanahashi
AJ Styles went on to make it clear that he has too much respect for Hiroshi Tanahashi to intentionally criticise him or the promotion.
“So just so you know, I’m not disrespecting my friend, by the way, Tanahashi. You don’t know him like I do. I promise you. I would never disrespect that guy. But, you know. People are gonna say what they say because they think they know everything about wrestling.”
Styles competed for New Japan between 2014 and 2016, becoming a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion before departing for WWE. Tanahashi, meanwhile, remains one of the most decorated stars in New Japan history and currently serves as the promotion’s president.
