AJ Styles has commented on the viral reaction he received from the fans in Paris, France following his appearance on WWE Raw.
On the September 1 episode of the show, Styles challenged Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. Much like in 2024 at Backlash in Lyon, the French fans erupted with a rendition of “Il est vraiment phénomenal”, which went on for an extended period and was only cut off when Mysterio attacked Styles during the ring introductions.
The reaction once again went viral with many calling for Styles to have his final match in France given how much they love the former WWE Champion with the deafening chant.
On September 8, WWE posted a new video featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Styles reflecting on the match. Styles first stated that the reaction he received in Paris would remain with him for life:
“I wasn’t able to absorb it and take it all in [at Backlash 2024], but tonight I got to soak it in, close my eyes, and just take mental images that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Continuing, Styles admitted that there have been times when he has felt like he has not done enough in the wrestling world, but the reaction he received on Raw reminded him that he is still loved by fans:
“Man, I didn’t realize how much AJ Styles was loved,” Styles said. “And that means a lot. It’s not just like, ‘Hey, he wrestles for the WWE.’ They appreciate the work that I put in for the past two decades, two and a half decades. And, man, that means a lot. I did something right in this business — not everything, but tonight, it showed me I did what it takes to get the love and support that I need. Need is the key word — I needed that. I needed that love to have a great match with Dominik Mysterio. Not because Dominik Mysterio is not great — because he is — I needed it for me. I needed it for my ego, all these little things that shouldn’t matter but sometimes it does because you just don’t know if you’ve done enough. I needed that.”
AJ Styles Has Limited WWE Matches Left Following Paris Defeat
Styles, 48, has previously stated in an interview that he will not be wrestling into his 50s, meaning that he has just over a year left when it comes to time in the ring. With the former World Champion’s status remaining a mystery, a recent update claimed that Styles has around one year left on his current deal, and it is unknown if another contract will be signed.
H/t to F4WOnline for the use of transcriptions.
Featured image: WWE
