“We Make Our Own Stars” – Arn Anderson Reveals Why John Cena Did Not Want AJ Styles In WWE
In his podcast, Former WWE Producer Arn Anderson revealed that John Cena didn’t agree with the idea of bringing in AJ Styles to WWE.
Instead, he preferred the promotion of home-grown NXT Superstars.
WWE storylines were in dire straits and were paling in comparison to rival promotions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In order to make things more interesting, Arn Anderson was planning on working out the signing of TNA stars such as AJ Styles.
“I was pleasantly surprised. I pushed for AJ. There was a point in time when Cena had run out of opponents,” explained Anderson. “I was on that whole ride with John for all those years, over a decade I should imagine. I was sitting there and I was talking to him, and it was when TNA was doing well.”
WWE was in need of good storylines
John Cena himself had fought all wrestlers and was stagnating in the absence of a juicy storyline.
That’s what made the infusion of new talent even more desirable. This would not only help Cena but also the other established wrestlers on the roster.
Trending
“Ricky Starks and”: Triple H Reportedly Set to Sign Three Top AEW Talents From Tony Khan Following Dynasty
April 23, 2024 06:29 AM EDT
“Good Feud”: Dominik Mysterio May Be Opponent for AEW Star’s Rumored WWE Arrival
April 23, 2024 08:17 AM EDT
Jey Uso Teases New Alliance With Roman Reigns & Bloodline After Unscripted Matching Gifts Emerge
April 24, 2024 11:26 AM EDT
“No Real Story”: Cody Rhodes’ Backlash Booking Pointed Out Amid Sudden Fan Uproar Against WWE Champion
April 23, 2024 07:00 PM EDT
“Being Depressed”: Cody Rhodes’ Brother Goldust Shares Concerning Update Amid Online Hate for Cody’s WWE Title Reign
April 24, 2024 09:51 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest WWE stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Anderson recalls the time he brought up this topic with John Cena.
“I remember I was sitting there with Cena one afternoon,” says Anderson. “I was sitting backstage at a table. I said, ‘You know John, it would really beef up the company if we would go out and steal Bobby Roode, AJ Styles, and The Cowboy — James Storm. If we just brought those three guys in, it would give you a whole plethora of new opponents. It would give a lot of guys new opponents.’”
The three wrestlers named above had that special showmanship about them and would fit in well with WWE.
The adaptation process would not have taken long, given their vast experience.
“That’s just those three guys, and I singled them out because of their work and their psychology,” says Anderson. “I knew I could have been a fit helping them, and they would catch right on and they would be a very, very, good fit.”
AJ Styles proved John Cena wrong
However, Cena had other ideas and he expressed them very clearly.
“John said, ‘Hey, we got NXT, we make our own stars.’ I am sure he was just transferring Vince’s psychology to me when he said that,” states Anderson. “I knew what those guys could do in a match for John if you gave them 6 to 9 months to come in and get over.”
AJ Styles eventually joined WWE and was met with roaring cheers from fans at his Royal Rumble debut.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He eventually crossed paths with Cena, and the two had an epic storyline. The feud definitely gave Cena what he needed.
In retrospect, Anderson was right in his judgment of bringing AJ Styles to WWE.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Styles has been the most consistent WWE Superstar over the years. In fact, he has received praise from veterans like The Undertaker and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
His journey can reach legendary status if he keeps going like this. “The Phenomenal One” certainly has a lot left in the tank at WWE.
Written by:
