10 current wrestlers who were legends even before joining WWE

#1 AJ Styles

The greatest wrestler outside WWE for almost 15 years

We began this list with the first of the two best in-ring performers in WWE right now, and we end it with the other one - The reigning WWE Champion AJ Styles.

Despite being in WWE for a little over 2 years, AJ Styles has swiftly climbed to the top of the ladder and established himself as one of the most protected and vital members of the WWE roster just because of his profess as the greatest professional wrestler.

Before January 2016, Styles was the biggest wrestler outside of WWE, the Indie equivalent to WWE's John Cena.

Even though he worked extensively for TNA between 2002 and 2014, where he was dubbed Mr. TNA, Styles was also well known for his work in independent promotions as well.

His 2-year tenure with NJPW in 2014-15 propelled him into the superstardom that he failed to achieve during his TNA run, and he has not looked back ever since.

Apart from two reigns with WWE's top prize, Styles won a number of titles during his 14-year career before WWE.

He won a total of 19 titles in TNA, which include 5 reigns as World Champion. He was also the company's first Grand Slam Champion, which he achieved 4 more times.

In NJPW, he was a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the leader of the Bullet Club. His other accolades include one reign as PWG World Champion and being the inaugural ROH Pure Champion.

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Who do you think was the best wrestler before joining the WWE? Sound off in the comments section below!