Making A Case: Why AJ Styles Should Win WWE Championship

Should AJ Styles have another run as the “Face That Runs The Place?”

Since arriving in WWE back at the 2016 Royal Rumble, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles has made the company his home. At one point, wrestling fans speculated if we would ever see AJ Styles in the WWE. He had made a name in TNA and helped put the company on the map. After his eleven-year tenure with the company, AJ continued to make his name in the likes of ROH and NJPW.

Styles only spent two short years in the two companies, but people are still talking about his accomplishments. He arrived in New Japan Pro-Wrestling in April 2014 and quickly made sure everyone knew his name. He attacked then IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada and joined The Bullet Club at the same time.

There was no doubting what AJ Styles’ goal in the company was. In his first official match with the company, Styles defeated Okada at Wrestling Dontaku 2014 to win the world championship for the first time. He would go on to be known as the third unofficial leader of the group. He would win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship twice before his departure in 2016.

Many have considered AJ’s time in NJPW as time spent cementing himself as a great. After NJPW, nobody could doubt the former face of TNA.

In the aftermath, Kenny Omega led a betrayal on AJ Styles and took leadership of The Bullet Club. AJ, along with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, left Japan to join the WWE. Styles made his official debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble match as the third entrant. With Roman Reigns standing alone in the ring, this moment was given the spotlight that it deserved.

AJ Styles has been proving that he is truly one of the best in the world. We have been treated to dream matches between AJ and the like of Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, and John Cena. It has taken AJ little time to reach the top of the WWE roster. He has held the WWE Championship on two separate occasions at this point. He first won the WWE Championship from Jinder Mahal, now that is a total makeover for you.

In his second run as champion, AJ shattered multiple former records in his 371-day reign as champion. His reign is tied with Randy Savage’s 1988-1989 reign as the 8th longest of all time. It is the second-longest since 2010, behind CM Punk’s historic 434-day reign. However, it is now going on three years since AJ Styles has been a world champion.

As we approach this year’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, AJ Styles has a chance to win the WWE Championship once again. All that he has to do is survive the Elimination Chamber match, which is a task much easier said than done. Despite competing in two separated chamber matches, AJ has never won the match.

The closest AJ has come to victory was back in 2017. He started the match against then WWE Champion and rival, John Cena. He was the runner-up only to be pinned by Bray Wyatt for Wyatt’s first-ever World Championship. Could 2021 be the year that AJ finally wins the Elimination Chamber? Well, they do say that the third time is the charm.

Fans would love to see AJ Styles win the WWE Championship and move onto WrestleMania to face Edge. Since Edge’s return to action at the 2020 Royal Rumble, this has been a match on the fan’s radar. Even AJ Styles himself has shared his desire to face “The Rated R Superstar.” While Edge was recovering from his tricep injury, Styles made some interesting comments on Twitch.

During one of his streams, AJ was quoted saying, “I’ve got to have a match with Edge before he and I both retire. I think that’s something that we both want.” It is something that most people would want to happen as well. The story writes itself and the company is only one move from the move possibly happening. If AJ can win the WWE Championship, we could have a dream match on our hands for WrestleMania 37.

The move would be a great way to bring in ratings for the show. Drew McIntyre could also still benefit from losing the championship. If Sheamus somehow causes Drew to lose his championship, they can build on their rivalry and eventual match at WrestleMania. Drew can win that match and be right back in the WWE Championship picture soon after.