AJ Styles may be retired from in-ring action in WWE, but the stories around his WWE career keep comingand now, we know why one of his most iconic catchphrases got shut down.
Speaking on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson peeled back the curtain on the short-lived yet wildly popular Beat Up John Cena catchphrase from Styles 2016 feud with Cena. According to Gallows, the chant wasnt part of a grand WWE planit was something they created themselves.
Gallows said the trio was so into it, they made their own T-shirts just to hype the gimmick even more. But just as quickly as the phrase caught on, WWE pulled the plugdirectly from the top.
Karl Anderson confirmed the shutdown, saying one of the Talent Relations staff gave them the heads-up.
The reveal comes at a time when AJ Styles is once again at the center of speculation. With WWE confirming hes done as a performer, Triple H recently revealed that Styles told him directly hes finished with the in-ring part, but discussions are ongoing about a producer or mentor rolepotentially within NXT.
Meanwhile, Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightfuls post-Royal Rumble show that AEW talent has been openly discussing Styles post-WWE future behind the scenes.
Add in Styles recent trademark filings for his name and logo, and its clear the door isnt closedjust shifting to a new phase. Even then, stories like this remind fans just how much impactand controversyStyles and his Club had in WWE.
What do you think about WWE shutting down Beat Up John Cena? And could we see AJ Styles pop up in AEW down the line? Leave your thoughts and let us know what you think below.
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