AJ Styles Always Thought He’d Be World Champion

AJ Styles, who won the WWE World Heavyweight Title earlier this month, never doubted he would be a world champion in professional wrestling. 

Styles discussed those aspirations and more in an interview with hardcoregamer.com. 

"There was a part of me that you couldn't tell me that I wasn't gonna be champion," Styles said. "I told my wife–my girlfriend at the time–that it would pay off and it certainly has. I’ve been wrestling for 17 years and in 2001, I got hired by WCW and this is how I’ve made my living ever since.”

By defeating Dean Ambrose at Backlash to become WWE Champion, Styles became the first wrestler ever to win the WWE, NWA and TNA world titles, as well as the IWGP Heavyweight Title–the top championship in New Japan Pro Wrestling. 

Styles was battling a back injury toward the tail end of his time in NJPW. That back issue flared up again earlier this year, but during the interview, Styles said he had fully recovered from the injury–and clarified the affected area.

"Actually, it wasn’t a back thing–it was a butt thing!" Styles said. "The gluteus minimus, which pulls on everything was pulling my back and everything. A little DDP Yoga and I’m on my way."

Styles made his WWE debut in January as part of the Royal Rumble match. The 39-year-old took nearly 20 years to make his first appearance for WWE but does not appear ready to leave anytime soon, looking to continue with the company even after his in-ring career eventually comes to an end.

"I enjoy putting together matches – maybe it’ll be down at the Performance Center. I definitely want to stay in WWE and I see as many great kids down there," he said.