''This kid is different''- Jeff Jarrett on former WWE Champion refusing to join the company because of his wife
WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett confirmed rumors that AJ Styles had refused to sign a deal with WWE early in his career.
The Phenomenal One became a major name during his time in TNA. Styles worked in NJPW and ROH before finally joining WWE in 2016. However, it was rumored that he had turned down a developmental deal from WWE in 2002. The company wanted him to move to Cincinnati, but he wasn't ready to do so because it would have hampered his wife's college education.
Speaking on My World, Jeff Jarrett spoke about AJ Styles' courage to turn down an offer from WWE at a time when it was the only major promotion where a newcomer could make some money. Double J remarked that he always knew Styles was different.
''He's like 23-24, he's married, in this business and he turned down a developmental deal. This kid is different. I mean, this kid's different. Period. In 2000-2001, in the post-WCW sale, it's(WWE) the only option to make money,'' said Jarrett. [15:83-16:20]
EXCLUSIVE: @AJStylesOrg feels vindicated after his win over @NXTCiampa and is more than happy to beat up @mikethemiz when needed. #WWERaw https://t.co/VmTIJ844jd
Jarrett also said that he thought Styles should have taken the deal as he was living in North Georgia at the time and could have moved to Cincinnati because it wasn't very far away.
AJ Styles eventually joined Jeff Jarrett's promotion TNA
Jeff Jarrett also spoke about Styles' time in TNA and how he wanted him to become the face of X-Division from the start. Praising the former WWE Champion, Jarrett said that Styles was a prodigy inside the ring and he knew that he had star power.
AJ Styles faced Abyss in the Lockdown 2005 main event - one of the best matches in TNA history - 17 years ago today. https://t.co/8t3d9xjCus
Styles not only became the face of the X-Division, but he also won the NWA and TNA World Championship on multiple occasions. He finally left the company in 2013 and went on to work for NJPW as part of the Bullet Club.
Please give H/T credit to My World and SportsKeeda on using the transcript.