5 Reasons AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels Shouldn’t Happen

WWE.com

4. Ring Rust for Shawn Michaels

Michaels walked away from the ring in 1998 after suffering what was believed to be a career-ending back injury. When he returned four years later there were questions how he was going to be able to adapt. That was answered, as he managed to once again take risks that he had become synonymous with, and did the things that fans had grown to love. However, while he went on to have some of the best matches of his career against the Undertaker, Chris Jericho, and Ric Flair, when he first returned he was working with his best friend Triple H, who would ensure that every risk taken was calculated, and matches were structured to minimize the impact of ring rust.

That is a concern that will again pop up if he was to face Styles. AJ at 39 years old is still able to compete at the highest level possible. While Michaels was an incredible performer in his lengthy prime, there is no certainty that he could keep up after being out of the ring as long as he has.