Ranking AJ Styles’ 10 Best Matches in WWE
AJ Styles and John Cena
10. AJ Styles vs. Gunther — Royal Rumble 2026
At the 2026 Royal Rumble, Styles stepped into what many believed was his final match against Gunther in Riyadh. The contest stretched just under 25 minutes and felt like a last stand. Gunther, positioned as WWE’s modern “career killer,” punished Styles with methodical brutality. Styles absorbed the punishment and answered with sharp counters and explosive bursts that reminded everyone of his longevity. Gunther ultimately secured the win, but Styles left the arena with fans wanting one more chapter.
9. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose — TLC 2016
In the main event of TLC, Styles defended against Dean Ambrose in a brutal TLC match that closed SmackDown’s year. Ambrose launched an elbow drop off a ladder through the announce table. Styles responded with a breathtaking springboard 450 splash through a table moments later. Both men pushed the limits with ladders and plunder everywhere. James Ellsworth’s involvement slightly dulled the finish, but it didn’t erase what was a pantsplittingly good war.
8. AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns — Extreme Rules 2016
After an overbooked first encounter, Styles and Roman Reigns delivered a far more decisive clash at Extreme Rules. The “extreme rules” stipulation opened the door for interference from The Club and The Usos, creating chaos around the ring. Styles endured punishing bumps through announce tables and scored very believable near falls with the Styles Clash. Reigns retained by countering a Phenomenal Forearm into a mid-air spear. The return of Seth Rollins after the bell became a headline moment, but Styles’ performance solidified him as a top-tier main eventer.
7. AJ Styles vs. Brock Lesnar — Survivor Series 2017
The champion-vs.-champion showdown at Survivor Series paired Styles with Brock Lesnar in a long-awaited fantasy matchup. Lesnar controlled the early minutes, tossing Styles around with frightening ease. Then Styles shifted the momentum, locking in the Calf Crusher and landing a Phenomenal Forearm that had the crowd believing David might actually topple Goliath. The F5 ended the upset bid, but Styles left with elevated credibility.
6. AJ Styles vs. John Cena — SummerSlam 2016
At SummerSlam, Styles faced John Cena in a match many once considered fantasy booking. The contest thrived on counters. Styles slipped out of an Attitude Adjustment, landed on his feet, and fired back with a Pele Kick. Both men unloaded signature offense in rapid sequence. Styles sealed the win with a clean Phenomenal Forearm, marking a defining breakthrough moment in his WWE ascent.
5. AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan — TLC 2018
Styles renewed his rivalry with Daniel Bryan at TLC, delivering a gritty, high-level wrestling match. Bryan systematically attacked Styles’ ribs. Styles targeted Bryan’s leg with equal precision. The exchanges felt sharp and urgent throughout. Bryan retained by reversing a small package into one of his own, a finish that rewarded ring IQ over flash.
4. AJ Styles vs. John Cena — Crown Jewel 2025
Their last singles meeting unfolded at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. The match carried emotional weight. Styles wore vintage TNA-inspired ring gear. Cena penned a glowing ring introduction in tribute. They traded finishes — including moves connected to influential icons in their careers. Cena ultimately stood tall after unleashing nearly every major move in his arsenal. It felt like the closing chapter of a generational rivalry.
3. AJ Styles vs. Cody Rhodes — Backlash France
Against Cody Rhodes at Backlash 2024, Styles proved he could still match the very best in the company. The animated crowd in Lyon fueled a near 30-minute knockdown dragout fight. Styles shocked viewers by busting out a Burning Hammer that earned only a one count. Rhodes survived and won with a Super Cody Cutter, followed by Crossroads. Their rivalry intensified further with a praised “I Quit” match at Clash at the Castle.
2. AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan — SmackDown (June 12, 2020)
Inside the WWE Performance Center during the pandemic era, Styles and Bryan battled for the vacant Intercontinental Championship on WWE SmackDown. In front of a limited audience, they wrestled with the intensity of a WrestleMania main event. For over 25 minutes, both executed with urgency and precision. Styles connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to claim his first and only Intercontinental Championship, adding another accolade to his résumé.
1. AJ Styles vs. John Cena — Royal Rumble 2017
At the Royal Rumble, Styles defended the WWE Championship against Cena in the match that defined their rivalry. The narrative centered on Cena chasing his 16th world title to tie Ric Flair’s record. Over 24 pulsating minutes, they built the action to a fever pitch without leaving the ring. Styles kicked out of a top-rope Attitude Adjustment for a nailbiting near fall. Cena eventually secured the three-count and championship number 16. It remains one of the finest WWE title matches of the modern era and the ultimate showcase of AJ Styles’ phenomenal career.
