The Worst Wrestling Match Featuring AJ Styles: Is It History or Hollywood Stunt?
Professional wrestling fans often debate the merits and demerits of various matches. One name is frequently brought up in these discussions: AJ Styles, an enigmatic performer known for his style, storytelling, and well-received matches. But what about the less favorable encounters? Let's delve into the specific matches that have earned AJ Styles a not-so-favorable reputation in the wrestling world.
Highlighting the Most Controversial Matches
When considering the worst wrestling matches featuring AJ Styles, a few matches stand out. Each of these encounters has its unique set of issues, ranging from confusing storylines to disappointed fan reactions. Let's take a closer look at a few of them:
1. TNA Match Against Kurt Angle
One of the more polarizing matches for AJ Styles is his numerous encounters with Kurt Angle in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). These bouts, while showcasing excellent professional wrestling talent, are often criticized for their sheer intensity and lack of clear narrative. In 2010, an intense and grueling match against Kurt Angle was highly anticipated by fans but ultimately fell short of expectations. Many felt that the match was a sign of TNA’s willingness to push its performers to the brink, potentially at the expense of storytelling and entertainment value.
2. WWE Feud with Hirooki Goto
AJ Styles’ push for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2020 was marked with a memorable last match against the long-standing and respected Hirooki Goto. The match was meant to solidify Styles as a legitimate contender in the storied company. However, the match itself is remembered for its confusion and lack of impactful moments. Many fans felt that the match, despite high-stakes implications, failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion, leaving a lasting impression of confusion and disappointment.
3. WWE Feud with Kazarian
It’s not just his TNA matches that have faced criticism; AJ Styles’ stint in WWE saw him tangled in feuds that are often cited as misguided. His time with Robert Kazarian, an accomplished wrestler with a rather mysterious persona, resulted in a match that many fans considered to be a misstep. The storyline was criticized for being too convoluted and the match itself was panned for its lack of impact and clarity. The feud focused too much on supporting Kazarian’s angle rather than allowing Styles to shine, resulting in a match that didn’t live up to the immense talent showcased by both wrestlers.
4. WWE Feud with Matt Hardy
Add to this, his rivalry with Matt Hardy was more about creating turbidity than producing a compelling story. Their feud in WWE, which included several matches and storylines, often felt like a disconnection from real wrestling entertainment. Fans and critics alike felt that the storyline did not provide enough depth to justify the high stakes and personalized attacks. The matches themselves were less about showcasing stellar wrestling and more about the spectacle and gimmickry, which is not always well-received in the professional wrestling world.
Why Do These Matches Stand Out?
The aforementioned matches have left a lasting impact not just for their poor execution but for what they represent in the larger context of professional wrestling. These matches are often cited for their focus on spectacle over substance, which is a common criticism in the industry. They also serve as cautionary tales for current and future wrestlers, reminding them of the delicate balance between entertainment value and meaningful storytelling.
Despite these setbacks, AJ Styles has a legacy that includes some of the best and most memorable matches in wrestling history. He is an artist in the sport whose mastery of storytelling continues to be a testament to his skill. Fans who loved these matches and those who did not can still appreciate his overall contribution to the world of sports entertainment. The key takeaway from these less-than-stellar matches is the importance of maintaining narrative clarity and ensuring that even high-stakes matches can also provide the entertainment and satisfaction expected by the audience.
In Conclusion
The worst wrestling matches of AJ Styles, be it the grueling TNA matches, the confusing WWE feuds, or the overly convoluted storylines, serve as a mirror to the wrestling industry. They highlight the balance between spectacle and substance, entertainment and storytelling. While these matches may not have lived up to expectations, they also contribute to the narrative of AJ Styles’ career, reminding us of the continuous strive for excellence in the world of professional wrestling.