AJ Styles has expressed doubts about whether today’s younger wrestlers possess the same level of hunger and determination that he had during his early days in the early 2000s. Speaking on Cody Rhodes’ podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Rhodes touched on the old-school wrestling traditions and etiquette that were once strongly upheld in the independent wrestling scene.
Styles concurred with Rhodes, noting a noticeable shift in the attitude of emerging talent. He said, “Many things have been passed down incorrectly, especially in the indie circuit. It just isn’t the same anymore. The hunger isn’t what it used to be. When I was starting out, I was desperate to grab every opportunity I could get—I wanted it all. These younger wrestlers talk about ‘the smoke,’ but I craved every bit of it. I’m not sure if that same level of drive is still there. Maybe I was overly obsessed, but I’ve realized that I was exceptional in that way—others didn’t share the same intensity.”
Rhodes responded by saying, “Maybe you were too obsessive, but that’s the only way to be.” Styles agreed, adding, “I had no backup plan; this was everything to me. It’s all I ever wanted or knew I could do. Having that mindset is why I managed to have a 27-year career before retiring.”
Styles also emphasized how much he learned from every person he wrestled alongside. He believes that ring experience is crucial in improving as a wrestler. “Every match taught me something—sometimes you wrestle guys who aren’t great, and from those matches you learn how to make the best of it,” he explained.
Furthermore, Styles remarked that the intense passion for wrestling doesn’t fade away after retirement. “There’s something inside you that never leaves—guys like Stone Cold and The Undertaker still have it, even though they’re no longer in the ring. That fire never goes away.”
Fan Take: This reflection from AJ Styles highlights how critical passion and relentless dedication have been in shaping wrestling careers, especially in the past. For fighting fans, it’s a reminder that the sport thrives on raw hunger and commitment—qualities that need to be nurtured in the new generation to keep wrestling’s spirit alive and evolving.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
