AJ Styles makes surprising pitch as he heads towards WWE retirement

AJ Styles has been a top WWE Superstar for almost a decade now. The multi-time champion has maintained longevity like very few pro wrestlers can, but his in-ring run is winding down. AJ is now making a big pitch to keep the company's "forbidden door" open and help his own career.

The Phenomenal One began wrestling in 1998, and has found success in companies like WCW, NJPW, ROH, TNA, and NWA, among others. He finally signed an exclusive contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2016, but was just recently able to return to Japan, where he previously spent 2 years in NJPW as a member of The Bullet Club.

After appearing in a video promo at Pro Wrestling NOAH's Grand Ship In Yokohama event on June 16, Styles made his NOAH in-ring debut during Saturday's Destination 2024 event at Budokan Hall in Tokyo.

Styles defeated Japanese wrestling legend Naomichi Marufuji on Saturday. The NOAH executive is also one-half of the GCW Tag Team Champions. The 25-minute match encouraged Styles to push for a stronger working relationship between WWE and NOAH.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, the leader of The O.C. touted how this was just the beginning of the partnership, while also acknowledging that there are many adjustments to be made. The 47-year-old then pitched for NOAH wrestlers to make the trip to the United States.

"It would be good if it wasn't just WWE wrestlers coming to NOAH, but NOAH wrestlers coming to WWE. NOAH wrestlers can learn about the American environment by going to WWE. At the same time, WWE Superstars will also learn about Japanese pro wrestling culture. I think it would be good, especially for young wrestlers," AJ Styles said via Google Translate.

The Champ That Runs The Camp then offered some advice to his fellow superstars. The 26-year veteran stressed how important the Japanese wrestling experience is, and how it shaped who he is today.

"The experience in Japan is important. I am who I am today because of the experience I gained here. I would like to say to the WWE wrestlers, 'If you want to become a wrestler that people respect, you should definitely go to Japan. You should gain experience there,'" AJ Styles said via Google Translate.

Before this weekend, AJ's last match in Japan came on January 5, 2016. He and Kenny Omega defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and YOSHI-HASHI at NJPW's New Year Dash!! event that night, which ended with The Bullet Club turning on Styles in favor of Omega as the new leader. AJ arrived on the WWE main roster 18 days later at the Royal Rumble.

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Is AJ Styles returning to WWE SmackDown?

The WWE Universe is patiently awaiting the return of AJ Styles now that his Pro Wrestling NOAH appearance has wrapped up. The Phenomenal One has not appeared on TV since losing the "I Quit" match to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on June 15.

The brutal show-opener at Clash at the Castle: Scotland ended in just under 28 minutes after a handcuffed Styles screamed "I quit!," right before Rhodes was to hit him with the steel ring steps. After the match, The American Nightmare proceeded to smash AJ with the steps.

There's now increased speculation on AJ and The O.C. returning to WWE SmackDown before SummerSlam. Friday's show is scheduled to be held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and while Styles is advertised to appear by the arena website, they are using a dated listing.

The following has been announced so far for Friday's show: Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes, plus Logan Paul's return to answer's LA Knight's challenge for a United States Championship match. Paul vs. Knight is rumored for the SummerSlam Premium Live Event next month.