10 Wrestlers Turning 40 In 2017
2. AJ Styles
Today, athleticism is more important in wrestling than ever before. Stars like Ricochet, Will Ospreay, and Kenny Omega are gaining worldwide acclaim by rewriting the rules of what can be done in the ring and raising the bar for the sport. It's even more impressive that, right there beside those men, is a star who'll be turning 40 next June 2.
Still, that's just part of what makes AJ Styles phenomenal, and what's put him at the top of the wrestling world. After debuting in WCW as a young man, Styles went on to spend nearly 12 years in TNA. Though his skills were never in question, many wondered if he had the personality and star quality to make it in a larger organization. He proved that he could with a career-defining run in New Japan, capturing a pair of IWGP Heavyweight Titles in two years.
In 2016, he set his sights on the final frontier - WWE. Debuting at the Royal Rumble, Styles was supposed to be a midcarder, but he was so popular that he got a crack at the main event. A heel turn and feud with John Cena made him the hottest star in the company, and today, he's WWE World Champion. Not bad for an old man.