WWE: 5 Reasons AJ Styles Won't Be Signed (And 5 Reasons Why They Should)

2. His Appeal Might Be Too 'Southern' For WWE's Worldwide 'Universe'

Randy Orton doesn't wrestle as 'Cowboy Jr' have you noticed that? Although their headquarters are now in Connecticut, WWE's actual history is based in and around the neighboring New York area. The territory was (and is) an urban, multi cultural metropolis. As a result, the WWE's early marketing strategy was founded by (if you'll forgive my bluntness) 'ethnic' attractions like Argentina Rocca, Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales (as loaded as that statement is, that is the term most often used by wrestling historians - the appeal of the wrestler was often due to the size of the markets they might best relate to). These stars were designed to appeal to the high immigrant populations in the immediate area. Irish names (Hulk Hogan, anyone?) were not just trotted out because the McMahon family come from Irish stock, but because of the Big Apple's enormous Irish immigrant population. TNA, on the other hand, is based in Nashville, Tennessee. The 'rasslin featured every week on 'Impact!' is far more country-styled and appeals to a more rural audience. Ever wondered why chops to the chest are so popular in WWE, but less so in TNA? A 'chop' used to stand in for a punch. That's because in the Northern territories, punches were an illegal move and, in the Southern territories, they were pretty much mandatory. Wrestlers, who worked all over the world, lest we forget, got over these gaps in their repertoire by 'chopping' each other on the chest. True story. So, a character like 'Cowboy' James Storm can get over really well in TNA, but probably less so in WWE. TNA, as a promotion, has an overtly 'country' flavour to it. Listen to the entrance themes of Dixie Carter, The Aces & Eights and even A.J himself and you'll hear the strains of contemporary country. ...But wait, I hear you cry, what about 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin? He was as Southern as rectal thermometry and he did huge business all over the world! ...Yeah, but Austin got over by being a badass and beating up his boss, not by being a redneck. A.J's Southern drawl and laid back, mild-mannered demeanour doesn't quite make him a cowboy, but he's definitely a Southern boy and WWE, always with an eye on a more global flavour (looking at the mid-80's WWE roster is like looking at the 'Character Select' screen on an early 'Street Fighter' game) €“ might just baulk at that. They can't put a Stetson on him and have him ride a white horse (like they once tried to do with Bret Hart), but they also can't ignore his country upbringing. So, I'm just spitballin' here, but I reckon' WWE might feel that A.J's appeal would be limited to the Southern States of 'Merica.