AJ Styles Shoots On Vince McMahon's Vision For Him (WWE News)

AJ Styles has clarified comments attributed to him about the start of his WWE run in 2016. Various outlets reported that he said ex-boss Vince McMahon "wanted [him] to be who [he] was in Japan" when he signed on the dotted line with the market leader, but that doesn't appear to be the case after all.

Via X, AJ quoted a story about these words, and definitively stated that McMahon "wanted a pit bull". He clarified that he thought he should be similar to the character he'd worked as part of the Bullet Club over in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but then said that was "one [Vince] had no idea existed".

It was rather difficult to imagine McMahon sitting down with a coffee to check out AJ vs. Kazuchika Okaka from New Japan's King Of Pro Wrestling show in October 2015, to be fair. The former WWE kingpin likely wouldn't have had the time nor inclination for that, so it was strange when comments started popping up attributed to AJ about Vince wanting him to carry on his New Japan run in his promotion.

The "pit bull" thing makes more sense, and it's something Styles has mentioned previously during other interviews. It really didn't take him long to get going once he'd debuted during the 2016 Royal Rumble - AJ was in the WWE Title mix shortly after working with Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 32, and he'd never really look back after that.

McMahon wanted more fire from him, but he definitely didn't bring up what Styles had done in Japan.

AJ's WWE Contract Is Up Soon - Plans To Retire In 2026

AJ announced over Crown Jewel weekend in Australia earlier this month that he plans to retire from the ring in 2026. It's worth noting that his current WWE contract reportedly expires in February, so that's a possible end point for the legend. Or, perhaps he'll ink a short-term extension with the company so they can give him a proper send off during 'Mania season.

Options, options, options.

John Cena has already honoured AJ during his own retirement tour. Their action-packed match at Crown Jewel was stacked with various tributes to many of their famous rivals over the years, and it was just pure, clean fun from first bell to last. Pre-match, John asked the ring announcer to read out a tribute he'd put together for one of his best opponents. It was a lovely touch.

Recently, AJ won WWE tag gold alongside Dragon Lee. They defeated Judgment Day duo Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh on the 20 October Raw to bag the World Tag-Team straps. It was a fantastic moment for Styles, but it has some of his fans wondering if this will be the last championship he ever holds during a career laden with them.

Stay tuned for more on AJ's own retirement plans once further news becomes available.