WWE’s Monday Night RAW delivered a shocking moment on September 8, 2025, when AJ Styles broke from the scripted norm and cut a candid, pipebomb-style promo during a commercial break that captivated fans and insiders alike. Addressing the live crowd and millions watching worldwide on Netflix, Styles expressed raw frustration over backstage politics, hinting at a systematic effort to sideline him within WWE’s hierarchy. This unexpected promo was followed by Styles securing a hard-fought victory over El Grande Americano, but it was the promo itself that has become the talk of the wrestling world.
During the match buildup with El Grande Americano, Styles grabbed a microphone just as the broadcast cut to commercials and delivered a fiery message that many are interpreting as an unfiltered critique of WWE management, particularly Triple H’s role backstage. “For the first time in my career, I’ve got no one watching my back,” Styles declared, referencing the absence of close allies Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, who were released earlier this year. He also pointed out that Michin, another ally, moved to SmackDown, implying an orchestrated attempt to isolate him. Styles boldly stated: “Somebody doesn’t want me here. What we’re going to do is you’re going to beat the piss out of Grande Americano tonight so the person that doesn’t want me here can feel a little bit of his pain and mine also”[1][3].
Several wrestling news outlets and social media channels captured and shared the promo clip, fueling speculation about potential backstage disagreements. Wrestling journalist insiders from Fightful and WWE.com sources have suggested that Styles’ words might reflect real tensions brewing backstage, especially given his ongoing feud with Dominik Mysterio and the Judgment Day faction, which has seen Styles repeatedly hindered from capturing the Intercontinental Championship[2]. This promo, shot during what should have been an untelevised commercial break, adds to the intrigue—fans are left questioning how much of Styles’ frustrations played out unscripted.
AJ Styles’ willingness to break “kayfabe” and address these issues publicly during a live, internationally-watched RAW reflects a bold new chapter in his WWE tenure. Sources close to the locker room have indicated to eWrestlingNews that the promo was not approved by WWE creative and that Styles took advantage of the commercial break to speak his mind, reminiscent of the iconic CM Punk “pipebomb” moment years ago[4]. One WWE insider commented, “AJ’s promo felt more like a direct message to the higher-ups. He’s feeling marginalized, and this was his way of taking control, at least on the mic.”
Following the promo, Styles defeated El Grande Americano, marking his first singles victory in two weeks, and signaling that despite the claimed obstacles, he remains a formidable competitor in WWE’s upper card landscape[3]. His feud with Judgment Day and Dominik Mysterio continues to add layers to his character’s journey, with this new off-script moment injecting unpredictable realness into his storyline.
In addition to this bombshell, WWE has confirmed the long-anticipated return match for AJ Lee, who will be stepping back into the ring for the first time in years. Sources from WWE.com have verified that AJ Lee’s comeback is scheduled for an upcoming pay-per-view event, reigniting excitement among the women’s division fans eager to see her impact once again[3].
Adding a lighter note to the chaotic RAW, Larry the Dog, the beloved mascot of Seth Rollins, was notably “running RAW” backstage, providing comic relief and warmth amid the intense wrestling drama. This playful side story also included Rollins accepting a mixed-tag challenge that promises fresh matchups for Wrestlepalooza.
As RAW continues to blend scripted entertainment with unscripted moments, AJ Styles’ pipebomb promo not only energizes his character but signals a potential shift in WWE’s handling of superstar narratives behind the scenes. Whether this candid outburst will lead to further storyline developments or backstage repercussions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the Phenomenal One’s voice has never been louder or more impactful.
Wrestling fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on how WWE management responds to Styles’ claims and whether this bold promo marks the start of a more transparent, hard-hitting era in sports entertainment.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, eWrestlingNews, social media reactions from Wrestling Pics & Clips, and insider reports.