One Big Thing
Former WWE Champion AJ Styles revealed he feared his recent foot injury could end his wrestling career, marking one of the most challenging periods of his 25-year career.
Key Details
- Styles suffered a tendon injury in his foot during a match with Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown in October 2023
- Doctors identified the injury as potentially career-ending
- He chose therapy over surgery to avoid future complications
- The recovery process required him to relearn basic movements like walking and running
Direct Quotes
“It’s so crazy that you have to learn how to walk again, to a certain extent. How did I forget how to run? You know, little things like that because I was in a boot for six weeks,” Styles said on “Insight.”
Why It Matters
This injury scare highlights the physical toll professional wrestling takes on performers and the difficult decisions they face regarding treatment options. Styles’ successful recovery and return at the 2024 Royal Rumble demonstrates the resilience needed to compete at WWE’s top level.
By the Numbers
- 6 weeks in a protective boot
- 3 months total recovery time
- 25+ years of professional wrestling experience
What’s Next
Styles has returned to active competition and appears fully recovered, though he admits to initial concerns about reinjury. His successful return adds another chapter to his legendary career.
The Bottom Line
AJ Styles’ recovery from what could have been a career-ending injury shows both the risks wrestlers face and their determination to return to the ring.
What do you think about AJ Styles’ comeback story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
