Avery Styles is quickly establishing himself as one of professional wrestling’s emerging second-generation talents, but his early career has naturally drawn comparisons to his legendary father, AJ Styles.
The younger Styles has made an unusually rapid transition into wrestling. After initially following the sport as a fan, Avery began training and competing before securing a contract with TNA Wrestling within a relatively short period.
With Avery now beginning to carve out his own identity in the industry, questions about how closely his wrestling style resembles that of his father have inevitably followed.
Speaking on Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna’ Talk About? podcast, AJ Styles acknowledged that his son currently incorporates elements of his style. However, the former WWE star believes that is a normal part of developing as a young wrestler and expects Avery to eventually discover what works best for him.
“The biggest problem that a lot of people have right now is they end up being like someone else. I know that he is doing a lot of my stuff. In time, he will realize that he is able to do other stuff and be his own person.
“I wanted to be like Billy Kidman. As I was progressing, it changed, and it was something totally different. Everybody finds someone to look up to when they first get into the business, and then you transition into another character and do other things that are more you.”
AJ Styles’ comments reflect his own journey in wrestling. Before developing the distinctive style that made him one of the industry’s most recognizable performers, he was influenced by wrestlers he admired growing up.
The elder Styles ended his full-time in-ring career at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, where he faced GUNTHER in Saudi Arabia. The defeat came exactly 10 years after Styles made his WWE debut in the Royal Rumble match.
Since stepping away from active competition, Styles has remained involved with WWE behind the scenes, taking on responsibilities as a talent scout and coach.
Meanwhile, Avery is beginning his own journey in the business with TNA Wrestling. While his famous surname guarantees comparisons with his father, AJ Styles believes the younger wrestler’s development will ultimately be defined by the style and identity he creates for himself.
