5 matches that were also contested outside WWE 

#3 AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe took place in IMPACT Wrestling before WWE

AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe in WWE

AJ Styles and Samoa Joe first had matches in TNA/IMPACT Wrestling before winding up in WWE. They were a part of the X-Division, which was designated for high-flyers and those with exceptional ability. Some of the greatest matches in the history of IMPACT Wrestling have involved AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and AEW backstage worker Christopher Daniels.

AJ Styles, Samoa Joe & Christopher Daniels competed in TNA’s first and only five star match in history at TNA Unbreakable 2005. pic.twitter.com/9X8Gcbw4ev

— Wrestling Facts (@WrestlingsFacts) July 3, 2020

Of course, AJ and Samoe Joe reignited their war in WWE, with Samoa Joe as the heel targeting AJ Styles' family in some of the most dastardly promos we have witnessed in some time.

AJ Styles told WWE commentator Corey Graves on the After The Bell podcast:

"There are so many things about [Samoa] Joe that are great. This guy always finds a way to do what he does best. In my personal opinion, he’s one of the best wrestlers I’ve ever seen. You have no idea how awesome he is. If you only knew how great he was with his kicks and punches and everything he does, it’s just brilliant." AJ Styles said (h/t 411mania.com)

AJ Styles defeats Samoa Joe to retain his WWE Championship at #WWECrownJewel pic.twitter.com/Q5PEgDUuwz

— BODYSLAM.NET (@BodySlamDotNet) November 2, 2018