Cody Rhodes believes AJ Styles fundamentally altered the landscape of professional wrestling, elevating the art form and inspiring a generation of performers. The sentiment comes following Styles’ retirement from in-ring competition at the Royal Rumble in January and his subsequent announcement as the latest inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. Rhodes, reflecting on Styles’ career, emphasized the profound impact “The Phenomenal One” had on how WWE presents its athletes and matches.
Rhodes witnessed firsthand the emotional tribute to Styles on the February 23rd episode of Monday Night Raw in Atlanta, Georgia, a moment capped by a surprise appearance from The Undertaker who revealed Styles’ Hall of Fame selection. According to Rhodes, Styles possessed Hall of Fame caliber talent even before joining WWE, and his decade within the company only solidified that status. The impact of Styles extends beyond championships and victories; it’s about a shift in presentation and performance standards.
“He changed the way we do pro wrestling,” Rhodes stated during an interview, as reported by WrestleTalk.com. “And he also showed people what you can do — I felt like when he came back in Orlando for the Royal Rumble [2016], he could have retired around that period of time, and he had an entire two or three runs. And pound-for-pound, if we’re talking about the measuring contest and these things like that, pound-for-pound, that guy might be the strongest guy in wrestling. I signify, genuinely a super athlete.”
A Shared History and a Lasting Legacy
Rhodes and Styles share a competitive history, having clashed in high-profile matches at Backlash and Clash at the Castle in 2024. Although both men were once members of the Bullet Club stable, their paths didn’t directly cross during their time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). This shared background, though, underscores a mutual respect and understanding of the evolving wrestling world.
The influence of Styles isn’t lost on the current generation of WWE stars. Rhodes noted he’s been closely observing Je’Von Evans, a rising talent who, like Styles before him, is challenging established norms within the industry. This observation highlights a cyclical nature within professional wrestling, where innovators pave the way for those who follow.
“Which is why I’ve been thinking about Je’Von [Evans] a lot too, because he’s changing the nature of how these things go,” Rhodes added. “And he’s in there with guys who don’t wrestle like him. Will we adjust? Will he adjust? How’s it going to go? But I’m very happy for AJ. He was genuinely surprised. I love what we’re doing with The Undertaker [telling people they’re going into the Hall of Fame].”
Preparing for the Future, Honoring the Past
Both Rhodes and Evans are currently preparing for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, scheduled for the United Center in Chicago. Joining them in the contest will be Trick Williams, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and Jey Uso. The winner of this grueling match will earn the right to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Yahoo Sports provides further coverage of the upcoming match and its implications.
Despite retiring from active competition, AJ Styles’ future with WWE remains secure. Reports indicate he has agreed to a new contract that will observe him transition into a behind-the-scenes role within the company, allowing him to continue contributing to the sport he helped redefine. This move ensures his expertise and influence will continue to shape the next generation of WWE Superstars.
The Evolution of Professional Wrestling
The praise from Rhodes isn’t simply about Styles’ in-ring ability, but about his ability to adapt and thrive in different wrestling environments. Styles’ success in promotions like Ring of Honor, NJPW, and ultimately WWE, demonstrates a versatility that few performers possess. He wasn’t just a great wrestler; he was a catalyst for change, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to elevate their own performances. The impact of AJ Styles on professional wrestling is a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and unwavering commitment to the craft.
As WWE continues to evolve, the legacy of AJ Styles will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for future generations. His influence can be seen in the increasing emphasis on athleticism, storytelling, and innovative match presentations. The Hall of Fame induction is a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Fans can gaze forward to seeing the Men’s Elimination Chamber match unfold in Chicago, and the subsequent championship clash at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. The future of WWE is being written now, but the foundation laid by performers like AJ Styles will continue to shape the industry for years to reach.
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