10 Things We Learned From WWE In 2016
4. AJ Styles Can Make It Anywhere
Once upon a time, AJ Styles was the ace of TNA and one of the few good things about the organization. Nevertheless, for all his talent, he was still a star in the minor leagues. Fans wondered, hypothetically, if he could make it in WWE, and given the company's lack of interest, it seemed like an irrelevant question.
When Styles left TNA for New Japan Pro Wrestling, he showed that he was more than just a fantastic worker. As the top foreign heel in the company, he was now an anchor for a real nationwide leader in the sport. He became a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and had amazing matches with some of other best wrestlers in the world.
Still, could he do it in WWE? Fans thought they'd never know, until he left New Japan in early January. He debuted to a huge ovation at the Royal Rumble, and spent the rest of 2016 proving that he was the MVP of the company. After great matches with Roman Reigns and John Cena, he captured the WWE World Championship, ending up at the top of the heap once again - just like everywhere else.