AJ Styles: Physical Decline Prevented Me from Performing Signature Moves
AJ Styles has opened up about the physical toll his career has taken, revealing he can no longer perform the Spiral Tap, one of his most visually spectacular moves. The WWE Hall of Fame inductee made the admission on Episode 5 of his Phenomenally Retro Podcast, hosted by Tony Giles.
When asked about the high-flying maneuver, Styles explained the move has become physically impossible due to the wear and tear accumulated over his career.
"I just lost it," Styles said. "It's when you're in the air, there's some muscle memory that has to take place... I lost it. Just it's just difficult." He further attributed the limitation specifically to his neck."
The conversation also turned to the origins of Styles' in-ring style, with the Phenomenal One crediting Japanese legend The Great Muta as a key influence on how he developed and adapted his moveset.
"I just move my legs around, bam, and drop it," Styles said of one technique. "It was because I watched Muta and the way he done his elbow... I try to do similar things like that. Not exactly what they do, but just take things and see if I can make it my own."
Styles also weighed in on the ongoing perception of NXT as a lesser brand within WWE, pushing back on that narrative. He said NXT functions as its own distinct television product, not a step backward for talent.
"NXT is its own TV show," Styles said. "It tries to be as different as it can without ruining everything they're doing."
With his new backstage scouting role for WWE already underway, Styles said he is looking forward to WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas, though not as a competitor. The focus for him is reconnecting with colleagues he considers family.
"I'm still looking forward to seeing all the guys and girls," Styles said. "Because, you know, that was my family for a long time and I miss them."
Styles has been candid on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast about the physical risks he took throughout his career, including a harrowing stunt during his Boneyard Match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36.
He will be officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 17 at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas as part of WrestleMania 42 weekend.
