AJ Styles: The Phenomenal One’s 10 Best Matches Prior to Joining WWE
By Tim Sherry
8. Vs. Will Ospreay Vs. Marty Scurll – RevPro Uprising 2015
The one match from this list that didn’t happen in either NJPW or TNA is this triple threat classic from Kent, England’s Revolution Pro Wrestling promotion in October of 2015, just three months before Styles headed for the WWE. Having only wrestled for the British company six times in all, Styles made a major impact in that promotion starting off with his first match in January of that year in a winning effort against the then 22 year-old Ospreay (a match that just narrowly missed making this list). He followed that up four months later against Scurll and again was victorious, this time winning the RevPro British Heavyweight Championship in another amazing match. That led to this showdown between he and the two rising stars in the pro wrestling industry and the trio did not disappoint.
This match really had it all. The psychology between Ospreay and Scurll trying to settle their personal score with each other while still trying to capture the belt from Styles made so much sense. And the pacing in this battle was just off the charts with each superstar finding huge moments throughout the match’s 18 minutes of time. And the crowd? Molten-hot. The 680 in attendance made Madison Square Garden sound quiet as they cheered wildly for it’s two countrymen only to see Styles walk away with the strap.
What was so important about this match is what it did for the two youngsters. Already viewed as two of the very best young prospects in all of the wrestling industry, this match was the catalyst that has driven both of their futures. Since this war two years ago, Ospreay has won 11 championships in 10 different promotions including Ring of Honor and NJPW where he currently holds the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. And Scurll would find success as well in winning the PROGRESS Heavyweight title twice and the Ring of Honor Television title as well. Anytime a match does so much for everyone involved, you know that something special took place in it, and that each participant will be forever grateful that it happened.