WWE's AJ Styles Reveals How He Invented The Styles Clash

AJ Styles' finisher was invented years before WWE...by accident!

AJ Styles Daniel Bryan Styles Clash
WWE.com

AJ Styles 'Styles Clash' finish is one of the most explosive in modern wrestling. It looks devastating, and has instant credibility with wrestling fans both old and new. Those who recall it from the TNA days feel a nostalgic kick, and younger viewers who only started enjoying AJ when he debuted in WWE surely agree it's awesome.

Awesome, but accidental.

AJ told ITN Wrestling that he invented the move accidentally when playing around with his brother and some friends on a trampoline. A young Styles looked over to see his sibling attempt a powerbomb on his mate - they botched it (as untrained kids who definitely shouldn't be doing this sort of thing are wont to do; don't try this at home!), and said pal ended up "dangling upside down".

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For some reason, rather than dropping him, AJ's bro kept holding onto his legs. When AJ's brother then fell forwards and splatted his friend, Styles had a brainwave. That awkward exchange on a trampoline sowed the seeds for one of the best finishers around.

AJ's sibling was still gutted he didn't complete the powerbomb. Probably.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.