AJ Styles Reflects on Past Rivals in Intense Raw Promo: Unveiling Old Foes and Current Stakes

AJ Styles Voices Isolation, Secures Victory Amidst Team Turmoil

By Archyde News Staff | September 9, 2025

Professional Wrestling Superstar Aj Styles recently articulated feelings of isolation leading up to his match against El Grande Americano on WWE Raw, referencing the dissolution of his former team, The OC. This development signals a potential shift in Styles’ strategy as he navigates a singles competition without his established allies.

A Lone Wolf Emerges

Prior to his confrontation with Americano, Styles publicly stated he currently lacks reliable backup, highlighting the departures of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, as well as michin’s relocation to SmackDown. The veteran wrestler voiced a belief that someone intentionally orchestrated these changes to leave him vulnerable. He emphatically declared his intention to defeat Americano, seeking to inflict a measure of the pain he feels onto whoever is responsible for his perceived isolation.

Despite interference from multiple masked luchadores during the match, Aj Styles achieved victory over El Grande Americano. This win was significantly aided by Dragon Lee, who later affirmed his support for Styles in a backstage interview.

The OC’s Disbandment and Aftermath

Styles further lamented the absence of former partners Anderson, Gallows, and Omos in a post-match promo following the previous week’s Raw broadcast. The OC, which originally reformed in 2022 with Anderson, Gallows, and Michin, ultimately disbanded as Anderson and Gallows were released from their WWE contracts in February of this year. Michin remains active on SmackDown but has faced challenges,including a recent loss against Giulia in a United States title match.

wrestler	Current Status	Last Known Association
AJ Styles	Active on Raw	Formerly The OC
Karl Anderson	Released (february 2025)	The OC
Luke Gallows	Released (February 2025)	The OC
Michin	Active on SmackDown	The OC

Did You Know? The dissolution of successful tag teams and factions is a common narrative device in professional wrestling, often used to propel individual storylines and create new conflicts.

The unfolding situation raises questions about the future of Aj Styles’ career within WWE. Will he continue to pursue a solitary path, or will he seek to forge new alliances?

The Evolution of Factions in WWE

The use of factions-groups of wrestlers allied for mutual benefit-has been a cornerstone of professional wrestling for decades. From the iconic Four Horsemen in the NWA to D-Generation X in the WWF/WWE, these groups have consistently generated compelling storylines and elevated the careers of their members. The dynamics within factions are often rife with internal conflict, betrayals, and power struggles, adding layers of complexity and drama that captivate audiences. The current situation with Aj Styles echoes these long-standing traditions, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these narratives.

Pro Tip: keep an eye on Dragon Lee’s involvement with Styles. A new alliance could dramatically shift the balance of power in WWE.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is currently happening with AJ Styles? Aj Styles is currently competing as a singles competitor on WWE Raw after the disbanding of his team, The OC.
• Why did The OC break up? karl Anderson and Luke gallows were released from their WWE contracts, leading to the team’s dissolution.
• Where is michin now? Michin currently wrestles on SmackDown but has not found recent success in title matches.
• Who helped AJ Styles win his match against El Grande Americano? Dragon Lee intervened to assist AJ Styles in securing the victory.
• Is AJ Styles looking for a new team? Aj Styles has expressed feeling isolated and might potentially be seeking new alliances, or pursuing a solo career.

What do you think will be AJ Styles’ next move? Share your predictions in the comments below!

How did AJ Styles portray his rivalry with Kurt Angle in the promo,and what specific aspect of Angle did he emphasize?

The Phenomenal One Revisits History

Last night’s Monday Night Raw saw AJ Styles deliver a blistering promo,a masterclass in wrestling psychology,where he didn’t just address his present challenges,but meticulously revisited the ghosts of rivalries past. The segment, quickly trending on social media with hashtags like #ajstyles and #WWERaw, focused heavily on how those battles shaped him into the competitor he is today.Styles’ reflections weren’t simply nostalgic; they were strategically woven into a narrative building towards his upcoming match, hinting at a renewed intensity and a deeper understanding of his opponents.

Key Rivals Highlighted in the promo

Styles didn’t shy away from naming names, and the choices were telling. Several key figures from his illustrious career were brought up, each representing a different facet of his wrestling journey.

Kurt Angle: The Olympic Gold Medalist and wrestling legend was referenced as the man who initially tested Styles’ mettle on the biggest stage, specifically recalling their TNA (now Impact Wrestling) clashes. Styles emphasized Angle’s technical prowess and how adapting to that style forced him to evolve.

Christopher daniels: A long-time rival dating back to the early days of TNA, Daniels was portrayed as the embodiment of Styles’ early struggles for recognition.The promo highlighted their numerous high-stakes matches and the constant need to prove himself against a veteran performer.

Shinsuke Nakamura: Their legendary series of matches in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) were a focal point.Styles spoke of the respect he holds for Nakamura, acknowledging the sheer athleticism and unpredictable nature of their encounters. He specifically mentioned the “Bombs Away” match at Wrestle Kingdom 10 as a turning point.

John Cena: The 16-time World Champion was discussed as the ultimate test of Styles’ WWE career. The promo touched upon the pressure of facing Cena and the importance of those matches in establishing Styles as a main event player in WWE.

Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley): Styles acknowledged Ambrose’s chaotic energy and unpredictable offense as a notable challenge, recalling their intense rivalry over the Intercontinental Championship.

The Meaning of Past Battles for Current Stakes

The brilliance of the promo lay in how Styles connected these past rivalries to his present situation. He wasn’t just reminiscing; he was drawing parallels. He stated that each opponent forced him to adapt, to innovate, and to push his limits.

this self-analysis served a clear purpose: to demonstrate that he’s prepared for any challenge. The promo heavily implied that his current opponent – details of whom were deliberately vague, fueling speculation – will be met with the full force of a wrestler who has been forged in the fires of competition against the very best. This tactic is a classic example of wrestling storytelling, using history to build anticipation and elevate the stakes.

Analyzing Styles’ Promo Style: A Psychological Warfare Masterclass

AJ Styles is renowned for his in-ring ability, but his promo work is often underrated. This particular segment showcased several key elements of his style:

Authenticity: Styles consistently delivers promos that feel genuine and emotionally resonant. He doesn’t rely on over-the-top theatrics,instead opting for a more grounded and relatable approach.

Strategic storytelling: Every word is carefully chosen to advance the narrative. The references to past rivals weren’t random; they were meticulously selected to highlight specific aspects of his character and his planning.

Subtle Intimidation: while not overtly aggressive, the promo carried an undercurrent of menace. Styles’ calm and collected demeanor, coupled with his pointed reflections, created a sense of foreboding for his upcoming opponent.

Impact Wrestling & NJPW roots: A Reminder of Styles’ journey

The promo served as a potent reminder of AJ Styles’ extensive career before WWE. His time in Impact Wrestling and NJPW were not glossed over, but celebrated as integral parts of his growth. This acknowledgment is significant, as it appeals to long-time wrestling fans who have followed Styles’ career for years. It also reinforces the narrative that Styles is a global superstar,not simply a WWE creation. This is a smart move for brand building and maintaining fan engagement.

Fan Reaction and Future Implications

The response to the promo has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is buzzing with speculation about who Styles will face next.Theories range from a rematch with Nakamura to a first-time encounter with a rising star. The ambiguity surrounding his opponent is a deliberate tactic, designed to maximize anticipation and generate buzz.

The promo has successfully re-established AJ Styles as a dominant force in WWE, reminding fans of his incredible talent and his unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s a testament to his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, and a clear indication that he’s far from finished adding to his already legendary career.The use of social media engagement following the promo is expected to continue driving viewership and interest in styles’ future matches.