AJ Styles finally addresses AEW Dynamite tribute by 31-year-old star previously linked to WWE

AJ Styles has finally addressed the tribute paid to him on AEW Dynamite by a popular star who was previously linked to WWE. His reaction might surprise some.

This week on AEW Dynamite, 31-year-old star Will Ospreay put the AEW International Championship on the line against MJF. In a war that lasted almost a full hour, MJF ultimately picked up the win. During the match, Ospreay hit the Styles Clash and received a lot of flak.

Back in November, Will Ospreay was linked to WWE, with reports stating that he is keeping an open mind and having a conversation with the company. Ultimately, he signed a multi-year deal with AEW, which began this year. Due to his flashy in-ring style, he has been the subject of criticism from wrestling fans before.

AJ Styles, who directly inspired Will Ospreay, took the move on AEW Dynamite as a form of appreciation. He didn't understand why people were bothered by Ospreay using his move, as it happens all the time in wrestling.

"Why do you think it bothers me that someone else is doing my move? We all do it. Its [sic] wrestling! I think if nothing else, it shows appreciation," AJ responded.

What was fans' real issue with Will Ospreay's use of AJ Styles' move?

As we mentioned, Will Ospreay has been influenced by AJ Styles, which likely explains his current wrestling style. However, it wasn't just that he hit the Styles Clash that bothered fans.

It had more to do with the fact that the Styles Clash was used as more of a transitionary move rather than a devastating finisher. This type of criticism dates back to decades before the DDT, previously a finisher, began being implemented as a standard move in a wrestler's arsenal, not a finisher.

Ospreay did the Ric Flair Strut and hit the Cross Rhodes and the Styles Clash all in one match. Ultimately, it wasn't enough, as he lost his title.