Summary

Chris Jericho said AEW previously had interest in AJ Styles when Styles’ contract was up.

Jericho made the comment while discussing whether Styles could have been a fit in AEW, but also noted the different systems between WWE and AEW.

The update also states that AJ Styles retired after losing to Gunther at WWE Royal Rumble, has publicly dismissed the idea of joining AEW, and is currently working with WWE in a scouting role.

AJ Styles retirement stance keeps AEW speculation in check despite past interest

Jericho confirming prior interest keeps the idea of AJ Styles in AEW historically credible, but the immediate consequence is that current movement still appears unlikely because Styles has already pushed back on a switch after retiring.

Jericho also framed long-term WWE experience as a meaningful factor in how talent adapts, which adds context to why a potential jump does not automatically happen even when interest exists.

Quote from Chris Jericho

"There was a time when we were going after him when his contract was up. Could he be a good fit? Of course he would be. AJ’s a great performer and a great guy. But there is something to be said for the fact that when you’ve worked in the Vince McMahon system for a long time, you think differently. There are ways WWE runs their company, and there are ways AEW runs theirs. I’m not going to speak for AJ, but I don’t know why you’d retire in one place and then immediately go somewhere else. That said, I’m sure it’s always a possibility."

Sources

As reported by Fightful.