AJ Styles is pushing back after fans accused him of taking a shot at Japanese wrestling.
Speaking on the latest episode of his Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles said his previous remarks about WWE expanding into Japan had been taken completely out of context. According to Styles, he never mentioned New Japan Pro-Wrestling and was discussing wrestling in Japan as a whole, not targeting any one promotion.
Did I ever say New Japan Pro Wrestling?… Just a Japanese company. That’s more what I was alluding to. And people are like, ‘Oh, Tanahashi.’ There ain’t but one Tanahashi.
And the fact that Japan came out and supported him the way that I did says a lot about that country because… definitely one of my favorite guys in the wrestling business. Just a heart of gold.
No Disrespect Intended
Styles also made it clear that he would never intentionally disrespect Hiroshi Tanahashi, whom he considers a close friend.
So just so you know, I’m not disrespecting my friend, by the way, Tanahashi. You don’t know him like I do. I promise you. So I would never disrespect that guy.
He went on to explain that his original comments weren’t based on online speculation, but on information he’d received from people he trusts.
This is also what I’ve heard through other people, not on the internet. That’s why I even said what I said because I heard it from, you know, firsthand information. But whatever. Internet knows everything. I’ll just keep it at that.
Do you think AJ Styles’ comments were taken out of context, or can you understand why they sparked such a strong reaction? Let us know in the comments below.
