10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About AJ Styles

10. Grew Disenfranchised By Life In TNA

AJ Styles worked for TNA between 2002 and 2014, before being unable to agree terms on a new contract with the promotion. At the launch of the new company in '02, Styles offered up an exciting package of potential and high-flying moves. He was already well on his way to becoming one of the hottest stars on the independent wrestling scene by the time management in TNA were bigging him up. At several points throughout his run, Styles was less-than-thrilled by the direction his career was taking. This became more prevalent towards the end of his tenure, when AJ really didn't look like he wanted to be there. In fairness to the man, he wasn't alone. For years, it had become clear that TNA would be forced to downsize, shipping talent in bulk and trimming costs across the board. Offered $200,000 to sign a new contract with the group, Styles decided he'd rather take his chances back on the independent scene. In addition, he was interested in working more extensively in Japan, where he was keenly aware he could thrive. There's an argument to be made that for the last few years of his run there, AJ Styles wasn't loving life in TNA.