AJ Styles is officially handing over the keys to some of the most iconic moves of his career.
During the latest episode of the Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles revealed he has no issue with younger wrestlers using the Styles Clash, the Phenomenal Forearm, or any other move tied to his legendary career once he is done wrestling.
The conversation started after Dragon Lee recently revealed that he personally reached out to Styles for permission to use the Styles Clash. According to Styles, he did not hesitate at all. Styles then made it clear that the invitation is not limited to Dragon Lee.
“Listen, Dragon did reach out and was like, ‘Hey man, you care?’ Please, please use it. Anybody who want to use it, it’s all yours.”
Styles specifically referenced Will Ospreay already using a version of the Phenomenal Forearm and said he has zero problem seeing his moves continue to exist after his retirement.
“AJ Styles isn’t going to use it anymore. I hope it can find itself in professional wrestling for a long time. The phenomenal forearm, use it. It’s out there, I know Ospreay does it. Do it, dude. It doesn’t bother me, not one bit.”
That is a pretty different mindset compared to many wrestling veterans, especially when it comes to signature finishers that become directly attached to a wrestler’s identity over decades in the business. For Styles, though, the focus appears to be less about ownership and more about keeping the moves alive for the next generation.
The Styles Clash has been one of the most recognizable finishers in wrestling for years across WWE, TNA, NJPW, and multiple promotions around the world. The Phenomenal Forearm also became one of the defining moves of Styles’ WWE run after arriving in the company in 2016. Now, Styles sounds more than ready to see younger stars carry both moves into the future.
What do you think about AJ Styles giving wrestlers permission to use his signature moves after retirement? Which current wrestler would you like to see adopt the Styles Clash or Phenomenal Forearm next? Let us know in the comments.