On the September 8, 2025, episode of WWE Raw, AJ Styles delivered an unusually candid and intense promo during a commercial break, hinting at backstage adversity and naming former WWE stars who are no longer on the roster. The “Phenomenal One” directly stated that someone within WWE does not want him to succeed or even be part of the company anymore, signaling potential creative or political struggles behind the scenes.

Before facing El Grande Americano in a singles match, Styles seized the moment to break the fourth wall and address fans worldwide watching live, including audiences streaming on Netflix. He lamented that for the first time in his illustrious career, he had no one watching his back. Styles explicitly mentioned former allies Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson—released back in February 2025—and Michin, who recently got drafted to SmackDown, as absent allies. This absence, he stated, felt like part of “somebody orchestrating a way for me not to win anymore,” leaving viewers to “make their own conclusions” about who might be behind it[1][2][4].

The promotion was stark and carried a pipebomb-esque tone rare for WWE TV promos. Styles said, “I’m telling you something you’re probably not supposed to hear, but somebody doesn’t want me here.” Despite the implied backstage hostility, he vowed to channel that frustration into his in-ring performance, promising to “beat the piss out of Grande Americano tonight so that the person that doesn’t want me here anymore can feel a little bit of his pain and mine also”[1][2].

Styles went on to defeat El Grande Americano on Raw, marking his first singles victory in two weeks, underscoring that despite the alleged obstacles, he remains competitive and focused[2][3].

Context Behind the Promo: Former Allies and Possible Backstage Heat

The promo’s reference to Gallows and Anderson is especially noteworthy. The former tag team partner duo was released by WWE earlier this year, which may have left Styles feeling isolated inside the company. Michin, a newer ally who recently landed on SmackDown, is now across WWE’s brand split, further reducing his support system on Raw.

Sources close to WWE and insiders speaking to outlets like Fightful and Ringside News have speculated that Styles’ words reflect genuine backstage frustrations. According to a WWE insider who spoke off the record to Wrestling Inc., “AJ has been hitting creative walls for months now and this promo is his way of calling out the company’s reluctance to push him.” The same source suggests there could be “politics at play” among WWE executives regarding Styles’ place on the roster, especially with the company’s focus on pushing newer talent[1][5].

The “phenomenal” veteran is currently embroiled in a feud with Dominik Mysterio over the Intercontinental Championship, which has been elongating without a decisive payoff following his losses at SummerSlam and other Raw episodes. Fans and pundits alike have interpreted the promo as not only a veiled criticism of WWE’s booking decisions but also as a message of defiance from Styles, signaling that he is far from ready to fade quietly from the spotlight[4].

Fan and Media Reactions

The promo quickly went viral across social media, with clips trending on Twitter and wrestling forums. Analysts hailed Styles’ candidness as reminiscent of classic wrestling pipebomb promos that blur the line between storyline and real-life grievances, such as those famously delivered by CM Punk.

Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer highlighted on his podcast that “AJ’s promo was one of the more professionally delivered candid moments in recent WWE memory, which could indicate a new direction for his character or a sign of legitimate behind-the-scenes conflict.” Meltzer also cautioned that sometimes these worked-shoot promos are carefully orchestrated by WWE to boost intrigue around certain wrestlers[2].

What’s Next for AJ Styles?

With Styles publicly calling out the company, fans and insiders are now closely watching to see if WWE responds with a creative push or further sidelines him. Wrestling insiders report that discussions about possible contract renewals and role adjustments for Styles are reportedly ongoing but complicated by his outspoken nature and status as a veteran star.

According to Fightful’s coverage, there’s speculation WWE could capitalize on this new edge in Styles’ character to rejuvenate his feud with Dominik Mysterio or launch a fresh rivalry designed to showcase his raw intensity and veteran savvy[2].

Ultimately, Styles’ promo has reignited fan interest in his trajectory within WWE, while shining a rare light on the wrestling industry’s complex backstage dynamics.

Backstage Quote:
According to a WWE insider familiar with AJ Styles’ current situation, “AJ has always been a top-tier talent, but this promo shows he’s not afraid to speak uncomfortable truths. Whether WWE likes it or not, he’s making sure his voice is heard — and that alone is powerful.”

Fans eager to catch all the fallout and next moves can follow WWE Raw weekly on USA Network and stream international broadcasts on WWE Network and Netflix.

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