AJ Styles set to make his debut for major wrestling promotion after losing the "I Quit" Match against Cody Rhodes
After losing an "I Quit" Match to Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle Scotland, AJ Styles has decided his next move in professional wrestling. The Phenomenal One is set to return to Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH.
Before signing with WWE, Styles competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 2014 to 2016. He is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and was the leader of the Bullet Club, taking over the faction from the departing Prince Devitt, now known as Finn Bálor.
During NOAH's latest event in Yokohama, AJ Styles appeared via video to announce that he would be facing Naomichi Marufuji at the NOAH event on July 13, 2024. The former WWE Champion also asked the Japanese legend to tear the house down with him.
Check out AJ Styles' announcement below.
WWE and NOAH have worked together in the past. In 2023, Shinsuke Nakamura appeared at the New Year Show and defeated The Great Muta, who retired later that year.
The Stamford-based company has also been working with other promotions, including All Japan Pro Wrestling. In December 2023, NXT sensation Charlie Dempsey made his AJPW debut. At AJPW's New Year Giant Series, he unsuccessfully challenged Katsuhiko Nakajima for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship.
The global juggernaut has also been working closely with TNA Wrestling. At NXT Battleground 2024, current Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace unsuccessfully challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Championship. Meanwhile, Tatum Paxley appeared at TNA: Against All Odds to challenge Grace for her title.