After a successful stint with WWE, AJ Styles is set to make his debut for Pro Wrestling NOAH following his loss to Cody Rhodes in an “I Quit” Match at Clash at the Castle Scotland. Styles, who previously competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 2014 to 2016, will face Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH’s event on July 13, 2024.
Before signing with WWE, Styles was a prominent figure in NJPW, where he was a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the leader of the Bullet Club, taking over the faction from Prince Devitt, now known as Finn Bálor. WWE and NOAH have worked together in the past, with Shinsuke Nakamura appearing at NOAH’s New Year Show in 2023 and defeating The Great Muta, who retired later that year.
WWE has been establishing partnerships with various promotions, including NOAH, All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), and TNA Wrestling. In 2023, NXT sensation Charlie Dempsey made his AJPW debut and challenged Katsuhiko Nakajima for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. At AJPW’s New Year Giant Series, he unsuccessfully competed for the title.
In December 2023, WWE and TNA collaborated at NXT Battleground 2024, where current Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace unsuccessfully challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship. Meanwhile, Tatum Paxley appeared at TNA: Against All Odds to challenge Grace for her title.
AJ Styles (Via WWE/Twitter)
The global juggernaut, WWE, has fostered strong relationships with other promotions, allowing talent to appear in various events and expanding the reach of professional wrestling. AJ Styles’ return to NOAH is a testament to the flourishing partnership between WWE and the Japanese promotion, offering fans exciting matchups and experiences.
As AJ Styles prepares for his match against Naomichi Marufuji, fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming performance and the continuation of the successful collaboration between WWE and NOAH. Styles’ return to Japan promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for wrestling enthusiasts worldwide, encapsulating the spirit of professional wrestling and the passion shared by athletes and fans alike.
