Depending on how his run with WWE winds up, the 2016 Royal Rumble match may forever be remembered as the night AJ Styles was unleashed on the WWE Universe. The Phenomenal One confirmed weeks of speculation by making his way to the squared circle, squaring off with Roman Reigns for a bit before engaging the likes of Braun Strowman, Chris Jericho and Neville in battle. His interactions with Jericho led to a match between the two Internet on Raw, won by Styles. It was Styles' elimination that may have hinted at what Superstars awaits him going forward. Welcoming the former NWA, TNA and IWGP champion to WWE in the rudest way possible, Kevin Owens blasted Styles with a superkick and tossed him to the arena floor. Should those two Superstars wage war on the road to WrestleMania, the likelihood of show-stealing bouts is incredibly high, thanks to the quality of performers the critically acclaimed wrestlers are.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
