AJ Styles is not backing down after fans accused him of defending TKO over WWE’s live event schedule.
While speaking on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles addressed the reaction to his comments supporting WWE adding more live events this summer. Styles said wrestlers have long wanted enough house shows to get reps without returning to an overloaded schedule.
“So we always talked about how great it would be if we didn’t run so much, but enough to get reps. We all want these reps. So this is good—getting back to live events.”
Styles then said his comments immediately led to people accusing him of being a “TKO defender,” especially from those claiming talent who took pay cuts would now be doing more work.
“And as soon as I say something like that, all of a sudden I’m a TKO Group Holdings defender—‘Now the guys who took 50% pay cuts are doing double the work.’”
That accusation clearly did not sit well with Styles. He pushed back by saying people making those claims do not actually know who took cuts, who will be working the shows, or how many events WWE will ultimately run.
“And my question for that turd is… who? Tell me who! Because you don’t know, I don’t know. You just assume, because it got out there that people were saying some people were taking cuts—I don’t know who they are.”
Styles continued by challenging critics to back up their claims with actual names and details instead of reacting based on assumptions.
“If you’re going to make a response, then tell me who it was. And tell me—do you know they are going to be on the live events? Probably not. Do you know how many live events we’re going to do? You probably don’t, and nor do I. For those who have no idea, it makes perfect sense why you’d say something so stupid.”
The response comes after Styles publicly supported WWE’s decision to increase its live event schedule through a post on Twitter/X. At the time, he said WWE had gone too far with live events in the past, but the current approach felt more balanced.
“This is good news for everyone. WWE was oversaturated with live events at one point. It seems to me that we have found a happy medium.”
WWE recently announced several new summer 2026 live events across the United States as the company starts expanding its touring schedule again. The move was also discussed during a WWE employee meeting, where Nick Khan and Triple H explained that non-televised events remain important for younger talent getting in-ring reps, testing ideas, and performing in front of different crowds.
Styles clearly believes there is a difference between bringing back more live events and returning to WWE’s old nonstop schedule. He also made it clear he is not interested in being labeled a corporate defender just because he thinks more reps can help the roster.
Do you agree with AJ Styles’ response, or do you think fans had a fair reason to question WWE adding more live events? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
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