AJ Styles urges WWE to break into Japan with fresh spin on local wrestling

AJ Styles has publicly urged WWE to plant its flag in Japan, arguing the company can add its own flavor without erasing local culture.

What AJ Styles said on the record

On The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles laid out a vision for WWE’s brands to converge on Japanese soil. He name-checked Raw, SmackDown and NXT, plus AAA from Mexico, and wondered aloud whether a two-day WrestleMania could someday host every performer fans crave.

“Again, you’re talking about ‘forbidden doors,’ man,” Styles said. “Bring on AAA, freaking SmackDown, Raw, NXT-as much as the … You want to talk about a WrestleMania? Holy cow. Oh my gosh. Can you imagine that WrestleMania? Oh yeah, it’s two days, but guess what? You’re going to see every performer that you want to see in those two days, right?”

Why Japan matters to AJ Styles

Styles has first-hand experience in Japanese wrestling after years in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He pointed to the damage the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted on NJPW and expressed hope the promotion regains its footing.

“Give me something over in Japan,” Styles pleaded. “Oh man, I would love WWE to find a way to be in Japan, kind of like the way AAA is. We’re not changing what they’re doing. We’re not trying to change the culture. We’re just putting our spin on it.”

WWE’s current bridgehead in Japan

WWE already has a toehold in Japan through a partnership with Pro Wrestling NOAH. Stars like Omos and Charlie Dempsey have competed there, fueling speculation WWE could acquire NOAH. Former WCW executive Eric Bischoff has floated the idea, though he doubts it would move the needle in the United States.

What could come next

Styles’ call arrives as WWE explores fresh global markets. A Japan-based event or even a touring model would mark a step beyond its existing NOAH link-up. For now, the blueprint looks like Mexico’s AAA playbook-shared branding without cultural takeover.

Key takeaways

• AJ Styles urges WWE to enter Japan with its own spin, not a cultural takeover.
• He cited AAA’s Mexico success and imagined a two-day WrestleMania with every brand.
• Styles has years of NJPW experience and worries about its pandemic-era struggles.
• WWE already partners with NOAH; acquisition talk is in the air.