AJ Styles fires back at critics over controversial WWE Japan takeover comments

Styles Fires Back at Japan Disrespect Claims

AJ Styles has officially shut down allegations that he disrespected Japanese wrestling. Speaking on the July 19, 2026 episode of his video series, The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, the WWE talent scout addressed the online firestorm surrounding his recent expansion comments. Styles made it clear that his words were twisted by internet critics who jumped to conclusions.

The controversy started last week when Styles suggested WWE should buy a Japanese wrestling company. Fans immediately accused the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion of taking cheap shots at New Japan Pro-Wrestling. As Ringside News reported, Styles found himself defending his deep ties to the country's wrestling history against an angry wave of social media backlash.

Wrestling media outlets immediately picked up the story, sparking debates across social media. Some fans defended Styles, noting his genuine love for the country that made him a global icon. Others pointed out that his new corporate position makes it impossible to view his comments as simple, harmless nostalgia.

Styles rejected the idea that he targeted any particular promotion in his initial broadcast. He insisted his comments were general observations about how WWE could help revitalize a struggling international market. He fired back at the internet's reaction with typical bluntness.

"Did I ever say New Japan Pro Wrestling, I can't remember… Just a Japanese company, that's more what I was alluding to."

The timing of this controversy is significant. Styles retired from active competition on January 31, 2026, after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. Since transitioning to a WWE talent scout role, his podcast comments carry corporate weight.

The "AAA Model" Factual Blunder

The Mexico Comparison and Corporate Realities

While Styles attempted to clarify his intentions, his original pitch exposed a major gap in his corporate knowledge. He argued that WWE should buy a Japanese promotion and run it like the Mexican company AAA. The problem with this comparison is simple: WWE does not own Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

AAA is a family-owned business run by the Roldán-Peña family in Mexico. While WWE has established working relationships with international partners, they do not own the group. For a former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion to make this corporate error is highly embarrassing.

This error fuels skepticism about WWE's actual goals in Japan. Critics point out that WWE's previous international expansions, like the NXT UK brand, did not help local scenes. Instead of building the British indie scene, WWE signed away top talent and left promotions like Progress gutted.

Japanese wrestling fans are well aware of this history. The fear is that a WWE-backed promotion would act as a talent vacuum, stripping local companies of their top draws. Styles claims he wants WWE to help promotions sell out the Tokyo Dome again, but history suggests WWE's primary goal is always content acquisition and market dominance.

Defending the Friendship with Hiroshi Tanahashi

No Heat with the Ace of the Universe

The online backlash also focused on NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi. Fans accused Styles of disrespecting the legendary wrestler, who currently leads the company. Styles was quick to defend Tanahashi, highlighting their long history together in Japan.

"People [are] like, 'Oh, Tanahashi.' There ain't but one Tanahashi. The fact that Japan came out and supported him the way that I 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. So just so you know, I'm not disrespecting my friend, by the way, Tanahashi."

Before his historic WWE run, Styles was the face of the international wrestling boom. Leading the Bullet Club from 2014 to 2016, he helped establish NJPW as a legitimate alternative for western fans. That history makes his current position as a WWE talent scout seeking Japanese acquisitions particularly ironic.

Styles and Tanahashi dominated the main event picture in Japan a decade ago. Their matches are regarded as some of the finest in modern wrestling history. They wrestled several high-profile singles matches that shaped the IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture.

Here is how their major singles encounters shook out during Styles' tenure in Japan:

• King of Pro-Wrestling (October 13, 2014): Tanahashi defeated Styles to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
• Wrestle Kingdom 9 (January 4, 2015): Styles defeated Tanahashi in a singles showcase.
• G1 Climax 25 (August 14, 2015): Tanahashi defeated Styles in an A Block block-final match.

This history shows that Styles' respect for Tanahashi is earned. Their chemistry on the canvas helped elevate NJPW's global profile. Suggesting that Styles would take cheap shots at the NJPW President ignores the professional bond they built during their classic matches.

Hiroshi Tanahashi took over as NJPW President in late 2023. Since then, he has navigated a difficult financial climate while trying to preserve NJPW's traditional identity. A hostile takeover or aggressive buy-out from a global giant like WWE is the last thing NJPW's core audience wants to see, regardless of Styles' assurances.

Firsthand Information vs. Internet Rumors

The Realities of the Japanese Wrestling Market

Styles defended his comments by stating they were based on firsthand information from trusted sources inside Japan. He dismissed the idea that he was repeating internet gossip. According to Styles, the business climate in Japan remains difficult for local promotions.

The post-pandemic recovery has been slow for many Japanese companies. Gates are down, and foreign talent has become more expensive due to exchange rates. Styles argued that WWE resources could help stabilize these promotions, but fans remain highly protective of their local scene.

However, his suggestion that WWE should "put our spin on it" is exactly what worries fans. Japanese wrestling has a distinct cultural identity built on strong-style and sport-like presentation. A WWE-branded product would inevitably push American-style entertainment, which has historically struggled to find a foothold with traditional Japanese fans.

Styles may have good intentions, but his corporate role makes his comments look like a threat. As a scout, his job is to identify talent for WWE's developmental system. Suggesting that WWE buy a local company looks like a move to control the market from the ground up.

The backlash from fans shows that the wrestling world remains highly skeptical of WWE's global ambitions. Styles wanted to clarify that he has nothing but love for Japan and Tanahashi. Whether fans believe him is another story.