AJ Styles A Free Agent In January?

As reported by The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AJ Styles's contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling is coming to an end following the company's January 4 Tokyo Dome show, and the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion still hasn't decided what he'll do afterwards. Though New Japan would undoubtedly love to keep the leader of the Bullet Club in their ranks, Styles has said that he will sign with whichever organization can provide him with the best deal. Styles has experienced a career renaissance since joining NJPW in 2014, but at 38 years of age, his days performing at an elite level may very well be numbered, making financial security a top priority for "The Phenomenal One." Still, contrary to rumors that have recently arisen (a result of WWE.com uploading a video of Styles's sole televised match with the company), the Observer reports that WWE has had no contact with Styles - and while speculation swirled months ago that Styles could potentially compete for NXT without leaving NJPW in a deal similar to that of Samoa Joe, nothing to that effect materialized. As one of the four top players in New Japan, Styles already makes a hefty salary - one which is supplemented by his ability to command a respectable price tag in independent leagues like Ring of Honor and Revolution Pro Wrestling. Barring a lucrative (and unlikely) last-minute offer from WWE, odds are "The Phenomenal One" will be staying put.