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AJ Styles was already a well-known pro wrestler before he appeared as a surprise entrant in the 2016 Men's Royal Rumble match. However, he was initially given a chance to start his professional career in WWE in 2002 but declined it for personal reasons.
AJ Styles had a tryout match in WWE (then WWF) in 2001 but wasn't signed to a contract. He appeared for the promotion in 2002 and was finally offered a developmental deal but turned it down for his wife. Despite this, he had a successful career in various promotions, including Ring of Honor, NJPW, and TNA.
On an episode of WWE Untold, AJ Styles revealed he turned down a WWE offer in 2002 to help his wife, Wendy, pursue her teaching career. However, it all paid off, as The Phenomenal One became a global sensation before kickstarting his run in the sports entertainment juggernaut. That said, Vince McMahon did not turn down signing the former world champion over two decades ago.
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"I was offered a developmental deal, but that developmental deal consisted of me moving to Cincinnati. I ended up talking to Johnny Ace, and I said, 'I really appreciate this, but I can't move to Cincinnati and disrupt my family.' I feel like my wife's dream came first, with her wanting to be a teacher, and I didn't want to mess that up. Lo and behold, I think it was the best decision I ever made." [H/T Fightful]
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AJ has been married to Wendy Jones since 2000. They have three sons and one daughter.
Has Wendy ever appeared in WWE with AJ Styles?
Despite already playing the role of a mother, teacher, and wife in real life, Wendy has also shown support for her husband on-screen in both WWE and TNA.
In 2012, TNA introduced a group called Aces & Eights. The stable, led by The Dudley Boyz, eventually tried to recruit Styles. The company had a mini-interview with Wendy to further intensify the storyline, asking if she thought her husband would join the faction.
Wendy was also heavily involved during the 2018 feud between AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. The latter regularly mentioned her on TV and said that once he defeated her husband, he would become the family's "new daddy."
What is AJ Styles up to in WWE?
Styles is currently a part of the SmackDown brand, leading The O.C. The faction includes Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and 'Michin' Mia Yim. The former WWE Champion was also involved in a program with The Bloodline alongside John Cena before being hurt in kayfabe.
It is safe to say that Styles and Wendy's hard work and sacrifices paid off in the long run.
