AJ Styles Wants WWE in Japan

On this episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles shares his vision for WWE establishing a permanent presence in Japan while preserving the country’s unique wrestling culture. After WWE’s expansion into Mexico through AAA, AJ imagines a future where Japanese talent could develop under the WWE umbrella without being forced to leave home for Raw, SmackDown or NXT. AJ also explains how a Japanese WWE promotion could help revitalize the wrestling scene, create new international stars and eventually lead to a truly global WrestleMania featuring talent from WWE, NXT, AAA and Japan. AJ and Tony Giles also discuss: CM Punk’s championship victory and Sami Zayn’s surprisingly short title reign. Why fans may need to be patient before judging WWE’s current storylines. Kenny Omega’s future and whether fans will ever see him compete in WWE. Why AJ refuses to participate in the tribal warfare between WWE and AEW fans. The physical toll wrestling takes on performers, even years after their biggest matches. Avery Styles beginning his professional wrestling career and preparing for his GCW debut. The advice AJ is giving his son about storytelling, selling and creating memorable moments. Why Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker remain masters of in-ring psychology. AJ’s picks for some of the greatest villains in wrestling history. Retro gaming, James Bond 007: First Light and the newest games AJ is adding to his collection. Plus, AJ reveals the surprising new role he has taken on outside the wrestling business. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about the future of WWE, the next generation of the Styles family and the little details that separate a collection of moves from a truly great professional wrestling match. Subscribe and join AJ Styles and Tony Giles each week on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices