AJ Styles at a Glance
AJ Styles’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into ‘The Phenomenal One’s’ Career and Finances
AJ Styles, a name synonymous with high-flying athleticism, technical prowess, and a captivating persona, has solidified his place as one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated and successful performers. Beyond the accolades and championships, fans often wonder about the financial success of their favorite wrestlers. This article delves into AJ Styles’s estimated net worth, exploring his journey from the independent circuit to global stardom, while also providing insights into his personal life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Allen Neal Jones, known worldwide as AJ Styles, was born on June 2, 1977, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. His childhood was marked by financial hardship and an unstable home environment. Despite these challenges, he developed a passion for wrestling during his teenage years. He attended Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia, where he excelled in amateur wrestling, becoming a two-time state champion. His athletic foundation laid the groundwork for his future professional wrestling career. After graduating in 1996, Styles pursued higher education at Anderson University in South Carolina, before embarking on his wrestling journey.
Styles made his professional debut in 1998 in the Georgia-based National Championship Wrestling (NCW), initially wrestling under the ring name Mr. Olympia. He honed his skills in various independent promotions, including NCW and NWA Wildside. The transition to the AJ Styles moniker marked a significant point in his career, signaling the birth of the persona that would soon captivate audiences worldwide. During this time, Styles also competed in other promotions such as All Pro Wrestling, Xcitement Wrestling Federation, and the East Coast Wrestling Association, gaining experience and building a strong foundation for future success.
Rise to Prominence: TNA and NWA Years
The early 2000s were pivotal for AJ Styles, as he began to make a name for himself in the up-and-coming Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) promotion. His high-flying style and charismatic presence quickly resonated with fans. He achieved significant success in TNA and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), capturing numerous titles and establishing himself as a main event player.
Here’s a breakdown of his accomplishments during this period:
- TNA X Division Champion: Styles was the inaugural TNA X Division Champion in 2002, setting the standard for high-flying wrestling in the company.
- NWA World Tag Team Champion: He won the NWA World Tag Team Championship with Jerry Lynn, showcasing his versatility.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Styles captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a significant achievement that established him as a top star.
- Multiple X Division Championship Reigns: He won the X Division Championship multiple times, further solidifying his status as a premier performer in the division.
- NWA World Tag Team Championship (with Christopher Daniels): He formed a successful tag team with Christopher Daniels, adding another championship to his resume.
- TNA World Tag Team Championship (with Tomko): Styles showcased his tag team skills by winning the TNA World Tag Team Championship with Tomko.
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship: He reached the pinnacle of TNA by winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in 2009, holding the title for a record-breaking 211 days.
- TNA Global Championship: He captured the Global Championship, later renaming it the Television Championship.
- TNA World Tag Team Championship (with Kurt Angle): He teamed up with Kurt Angle to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship.
- Second TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Styles won his second TNA World Heavyweight Championship in 2013, defeating Bully Ray.
His nearly 12-year tenure with TNA ended in late 2013, marking the conclusion of a highly successful chapter in his career. However, his departure from TNA didn’t stop his momentum.
Global Impact: Exploring Japanese and Mexican Wrestling
During his time with TNA, AJ Styles also expanded his reach internationally, competing in various Japanese and Mexican promotions. This experience broadened his skillset and exposed him to different wrestling styles, further enriching his already diverse repertoire. His travels and performances in these promotions helped him gain a global fanbase.
He wrestled in:
- Inoki Genome Federation (IGF): A Japanese promotion.
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW): He had a significant run in NJPW, winning the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
- Wrestle-1: Another Japanese promotion where he showcased his talent.
- AAA (Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide): A major Mexican promotion.
- Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL): Another prominent Mexican promotion.
His success in Japan, particularly his IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign, further elevated his status and demonstrated his ability to thrive in diverse wrestling environments.
Independent Circuit Successes
After leaving TNA in 2013, Styles returned to the independent circuit, continuing to showcase his talents in various promotions. This period allowed him to connect with a wider range of fans and maintain his presence in the wrestling world. He remained a highly sought-after performer, adding to his legacy and drawing in fans from around the globe.
During this time, he appeared in the following promotions and won the following titles:
- Preston City Wrestling (PCW)
- Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW)
- Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG): He won the PWG Championship.
- Family Wrestling Entertainment (FWE): He won the FWE Heavyweight Championship.
- Revolution Pro Wrestling (RPW): He won the RPW British Heavyweight Championship.
- Chikara
- 5 Star Wrestling
This period showcased his continued dedication to the craft and his ability to remain a top performer in the industry. He continued to headline shows and deliver memorable performances.
WWE: A New Era of Achievements
In early 2016, AJ Styles signed with WWE, marking a significant turning point in his career. His arrival was met with great anticipation and excitement from wrestling fans worldwide. Styles quickly proved that he belonged at the top of the industry, achieving unprecedented success and winning multiple championships. His tenure in WWE has solidified his status as a legend and a main event player.
His accomplishments in WWE include:
- WWE World Champion: He won the WWE World Championship, defeating Dean Ambrose and holding the title for 140 days.
- United States Champion: He won the United States Championship, adding another title to his impressive resume.
- Second WWE Championship: He won his second WWE Championship, defeating Jinder Mahal. This victory, in Manchester, England, made him the first WWE Champion crowned outside of North America.
- Longest-Reigning WWE Champion (SmackDown): He became the longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history, holding the title for 281 days. His reign would eventually reach 371 days.
- Third United States Championship: He won his third United States Championship.
- Intercontinental Championship: He won his first Intercontinental Championship, defeating Daniel Bryan.
- Raw Tag Team Championship: He and Omos won the Raw Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 37.
AJ Styles continues to be a major player in WWE, consistently delivering captivating performances and solidifying his place as one of the most respected and successful wrestlers of all time.
AJ Styles’s Personal Life and Legacy
AJ Styles’s estimated net worth is $4 million. However, Styles’s wealth is a reflection of his success as a top performer. He consistently earns a high salary and receives royalties from merchandise sales and other ventures. Beyond his financial success, Styles’s legacy extends far beyond his championship reigns. He is known for his incredible athleticism, technical wrestling ability, and ability to connect with fans on an emotional level.
Styles married Wendy Jones in 2000, and the couple has four children: three sons (Ajay, Avery, and Albey) and a daughter (Anney). The family resides in Gainesville, Georgia, where they live a private life away from the spotlight.
AJ Styles’s career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He has consistently reinvented himself, adapted to different wrestling styles, and remained at the top of the industry for over two decades. His impact on professional wrestling is undeniable, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
/**/