
AJ Styles Reflects on WWE Return at The Royal Rumble – Former WWE Champion AJ Styles made his long-awaited in-ring return during the Men’s Royal Rumble match, stepping back into the spotlight after months on the sidelines. Entering at #21, Styles showcased his trademark athleticism before being eliminated by Logan Paul.
Following the event, Styles spoke with Cathy Kelley in a WWE Digital Exclusive, sharing his thoughts on returning to the ring and his unexpected exit from the match.
On His Return:
“Did you notice that I wore the same gear, too? Pretty much same colors, everything pretty much. Wow, almost the same experience with the fans, the WWE Universe. It’s been a minute cuz I’ve been hurt and I’m back. But, man, that feeling that you get when you walk down that aisle and thousands of people are screaming. It doesn’t get me, but it doesn’t get, I don’t know if it gets any better than that. Does it get much better than that? I don’t think so, I don’t know. It’s why I’m still doing this.”
On Being Eliminated by Logan Paul:
“I’ll never live that down, getting eliminated by Logan Paul. [On CM Punk also being eliminated by Paul] Well, I’m not alone in the shame, I guess. But you know what? I got out there and I did what I needed to do. I stayed long there, I was in there with the big dogs and I held my ground. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the one coming behind me who apparently jumped on the table scaffold his way back over to the steps and caught me off guard. But this is the WWE, you will lose, you will win. Accept it, move on, next big thing.”
With his first match back and the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble now in the books, all eyes are on Styles to see what’s next for him on the road to WrestleMania.
AJ Styles Reflects on WWE Return at The Royal Rumble