AJ Styles feared the worst after suffering a Lisfranc injury in October 2024, in his first match back on TV after a lengthy absence. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Styles recalled his fears at the time.
“I was like ‘This is it.’ How am I going to recover again? I was like ‘This might be it,’ and it sucked.”
Styles was frustrated when WWE’s cameras caught up to him after the SmackDown in Nashville, a reaction that AJ made clear was not an act. The injury was so severe that Styles was warned not to look into it, advice the veteran promptly ignored.
“My doctor, who is also my friend, was like do not look this up. I’m like I’m gonna look this up, and it’s a career-ending injury.”
A Lisfranc injury is commin in car wrecks and pro football, Styles added, and he was fortunate that he was able to return to the ring. AJ’s journey back to wrestling was no easy feat, however, as even the most basic of tasks proved difficult.
“It sucked. It’s so crazy that you have to learn how to walk again to a certain extent, like how did I forget how to run?… It’ll mess with you.”
Styles has returned to the ring and has wasted no time in teasing big plans, including a feud with Logan Paul and chasing Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker. Though Styles has shared he only has a few years left in the ring, the Phenomenal One is ready to give his all and hopefully keep injury free from here on.
