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AJ Styles Explains Relief After Losing WWE Championship

2026-06-29 · AJ Styles · Player Focus

AJ Styles Explains Relief After Losing WWE Championship

AJ Styles was relieved to lose the WWE Championship to Bryan Danielson. He won the title twice, with his second reign lasting 371 days.

What happened?

AJ Styles shared his experience on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, discussing the exhaustion of being a World Champion for a year.

He felt the pressure to put on great matches and be on every show, which took a toll on his body. Styles said being a champion is exhausting, with the constant need to perform and be on the road.

Why it matters for AJ Styles

The pressure to perform was immense, with Styles feeling like he had the most important job on SmackDown. He had to put on a show every time and be on every possible event.

This led to physical exhaustion, with Styles' body getting beat up from the constant bumping and performing. He said it was a lot to handle, especially when doing it for a year.

What comes next?

Styles wants to see LA Knight become a World Champion, and fans can read his comments on the topic. Styles' experience as a champion has given him a unique perspective on the pressures of the job.

He remembers getting beaten by Daniel Bryan and feeling a sense of relief, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Styles said it was nice to have an extra day to relax after SmackDown, but the constant travel and performing were still exhausting.

Styles' comments provide insight into the life of a WWE Champion and the pressures that come with the job. He said being a smart wrestler and trying to have great matches can only get you so far, and eventually, the exhaustion catches up with you.

On the podcast, Styles and Tony Giles discussed shorter and longer title reigns in WWE, agreeing that being champion for around a year is a good amount of time. Styles' experience has taught him the importance of taking care of his body and managing the pressures of being a champion.

The conversation highlighted the challenges of being a WWE Champion and the importance of finding a balance between performing and taking care of one's body. Styles' relief after losing the title is understandable, given the exhaustion and pressure he faced during his reign.

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