AJ Styles is currently set to compete in Pro Wrestling NOAH while still under a WWE contract. His teammate in The O.C., Luke Gallows, commended Triple H, as this would not have been possible under the previous regime.
The Phenomenal One returned to Japan to take on wrestling veteran Naomichi Marufuji in a singles match at an upcoming event. He's not the first WWE star to compete in Pro Wrestling NOAH, as Shinsuke Nakamura faced The Great Muta last year in January. Additionally, Damage CTRL member IYO SKY will wrestle Utami Hayashishita under the Marigold banner this week.
Speaking to Pro Wrestling NOAH, Luke Gallows shared that AJ Styles's match with Naomichi Marufuji would have never happened a few years ago under the previous administration, and he tipped his hat off to Triple H for making the match possible.
"I think that we kind of have to tip our hat to the new WWE, to the vision of Triple H. Just a couple of short years ago, this match would never happen. There would be no chance, for Pro Wrestling NOAH and WWE to come together, put two iconic superstars in a Pro Wrestling NOAH ring in Japan," he said.
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Luke added:
"Unfathomable, unheard of. Hats off to both companies for coming together because this is truly a dream match for not only American fans but Japanese fans as well, who AJ Styles has a legacy there," said Gallows. It's another one that's very important, and it's gonna be important in the history of professional wrestling going forward." (H/T Fightful)
AJ Styles hasn't been seen on WWE TV since Clash at the Castle
The Phenomenal One failed to dethrone Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash in France. He wanted another title opportunity, but Adam Pearce refused.
AJ then took matters into his own hands, faking his retirement and attacking Cody Rhodes so the latter would fight him again.
This led to the two stars facing each other in an 'I Quit' match at Clash at the Castle in Scotland. Cody Rhodes won the bout after forcing AJ Styles to quit. The latter hasn't been seen on WWE TV since. It'll be interesting to see what he does next.