AJ Styles says there were once discussions about Abyss appearing in a WWE Royal Rumble match, but the idea never came to fruition.
Speaking on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles reflected on his history with Abyss and revealed that the longtime TNA star was at one point considered for a surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble.
“There was a moment in time where we thought we were going to have him in the Royal Rumble,” Styles said. “It didn’t go through, and I hate that for him. It would have been just like a stamp on Abyss. The character finally made it to WWE. I would have loved that, but I guess somebody didn’t agree.”
Styles also spoke highly of Abyss as a performer, calling him one of the best big men he worked with during his career.
“He is right up there in my top five of big men that could do it all and was willing to do it,” Styles said. “He could go, had great moves, and a different character. He was so good.”
AJ Styles Recalls His Memorable TNA Matches With Abyss
The two had several memorable matches in TNA, including a bout at TNA Lockdown 2005 that AJ Styles said remains one of his favourites. The match took place inside a steel cage, with every contest on that card held under the same stipulation, forcing the wrestlers to find ways to make their match stand out.
“We started our first, I believe it was the first 10 minutes of our match, and the match hadn’t even started yet,” Styles said. “It was on the outside. We’re fighting all around, and then once we get in the ring, ding ding ding, the match starts.”
Styles added that the match included a variety of chaotic moments, including thumbtacks, chains, and spots involving the top and outside of the cage.
Abyss, whose real name is Chris Park, never wrestled in a WWE ring but has worked behind the scenes for WWE as a producer since 2019. He also made an on-screen appearance earlier this year during a tribute segment for Styles following his retirement.
Styles wrestled the final match of his career in January and is scheduled to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas. He now works with the company as a talent scout.
