AJ Styles is urging fans to move past the constant WWE vs. AEW arguments, saying the modern wrestling landscape offers more variety than ever and shouldn’t be treated like a battleground.

AJ Styles on Wrestling Tribalism

Speaking on his Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles addressed the ongoing tribalism debate that continues to dominate online wrestling discussions. The topic came up while talking about how the industry now features multiple major promotions and weekly shows competing for attention. Styles said fans should appreciate that abundance instead of fighting over it.

“Yeah, I mean this is — you’re right — it’s a great time to be a wrestling fan. If you like wrestling, then take part in it. There are so many things going on right now.”

Styles explained that each promotion — and even each WWE brand — offers something unique, which is why fans shouldn’t feel pressured to pick a single side.

“NXT is different than Raw and SmackDown. AEW is different than Raw and SmackDown and NXT. There are a lot of things going on and a lot of wrestling to watch, so enjoy it.”

Fans Don’t Need to Defend One Promotion

The future WWE Hall of Famer said the idea that fans must defend one company while attacking another doesn’t make sense when there’s so much wrestling available. He noted that WWE itself tries to offer a wide range of entertainment elements across its programming.

“You don’t have to hate one or the other. There’s enough out there for you to enjoy a little bit of everything. I think that’s what WWE is trying to do — give you a little bit of everything. Because you want to be entertained, you want to laugh, you want to cry, and you want to enjoy the wrestling. Trying to find all of that in one show is very difficult.”

Criticism Over Wrestlers Changing Companies

Styles also addressed the negativity that follows wrestlers who move between promotions. He said those arguments miss the bigger picture and distract from the fact that fans now have more options than ever.

“But then you’ve got people hating on this because this guy left here and went there, or that guy moved somewhere else. Don’t do that, man. Just enjoy what you’ve got, because who knows how long it lasts.”

Wrestling Has More Variety Than Ever

To illustrate his point, Styles reminded listeners that there was once a time when fans only had one major promotion to watch. Today, the landscape is far broader.

“There was a time when it was just WWE. Back then it was just Raw and SmackDown… and that was all you got. We just listed four different shows and didn’t even mention TNA. And TNA is still there doing some really good work too. Yeah, TNA are great right now.”

Styles’ comments come at a time when debates between WWE and AEW fans continue to dominate social media.

AJ Styles on Wrestling Tribalism

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