AJ Styles made his return to WWE at the 2025 Royal Rumble, stepping into the ring for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc injury in October.
Entering at #21, Styles wasted no time going after top names like Roman Reigns, John Cena, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. The Phenomenal One looked like he hadnt missed a step, but his road to WrestleMania 41 hit a dead end when Logan Paul tossed him over the top rope.
Speaking with Cathy Kelley in a backstage WWE Digital Exclusive, Styles didnt hide his frustration over being eliminated by a YouTuber-turned-wrestler. I dont know if Ill ever live that one down, Styles admitted with a smirk. When Kelley reminded him that Paul also eliminated CM Punk, Styles shook his head and replied, Well, at least Im not the only one dealing with this humiliation.
Paul, who entered at #30, pulled off one of the biggest eliminations of the match by dumping both Punk and Styles, setting himself up as a major player heading into WrestleMania season. While Styles acknowledged that the loss stung, he was quick to look at the bigger picture. I got in there with some of the best, I held my own, and I showed the world that AJ Styles is still phenomenal.
Styles may have come up short in the Royal Rumble, but dont count him out just yet. With WrestleMania 41 on the horizon, The Phenomenal One isnt about to let a Logan Paul elimination define his path. Whether hes out for revenge or looking to make a statement against someone even bigger, Styles made it clearhes still got plenty left in the tank.
Whats next for AJ on the road to WrestleMania? Let us know what you think in the comments!
