AJ Styles has a massive connection with AEW; fan-favorite star spills the beans

A former multi-time AEW champion recently opened up on a pivotal moment involving AJ Styles, and how it contributed to the eventual foundation of the Jacksonville-based company. The star in question, Kenny Omega, will be in trios action this Saturday at Full Gear 2025.

Almost five years before the creation of AEW, in 2014, Kenny Omega signed with NJPW, debuting as the newest member of the company's heel mega-stable Bullet Club. The Cleaner did not take long to become one of the group's most promising and successful members, eventually becoming its leader by usurping the reins from none other than AJ Styles.

The coup went down on January 5, 2016, at NJPW New Year Dash !!, after Kenny and AJ teamed up to defeat Shinsuke Nakamura and Yoshi-Hashi. In the aftermath of the tag bout, The Cleaner turned on Styles, planting him with the One-Winged Angel. He was then joined in the ring by The Young Bucks and The Good Brothers, who delivered a vicious beatdown on The Phenomenal One, ending the latter's time in Bullet Club and in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports during a recent interview, Kenny Omega reminisced on dethroning AJ Styles as the leader of Bullet Club, and commented on how the angle eventually led to the formation of The Elite, a sub-group within the heel faction originally consisting of the core trio of Omega and The Bucks. The stable, including latter additions Cody Rhodes and Hangman Page, would go on to become foundational players in the establishment of AEW.

“AJ, having a keen sense of what’s best for business, knew exactly how to go along with it. In a way, by his turning his back and allowing for that moment to happen, whether he knows it or not, that led to the forming of The Elite... Ultimately, it kind of led to AEW. Him being involved in our lives is very pivotal for the company and our careers.” - Omega said. [H/T - Fightful]

Despite their long-time friendship, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks have found themselves at cross-purposes as of late.

Kenny Omega returned this week on AEW Dynamite

Some time ago, Don Callis approached The Young Bucks, persuading them to team with Josh Alexander to take on Kenny Omega and The Jurassic Express in a "Million Dollar" trios bout at Full Gear 2025, urging the former EVPs to deal with The Best Bout Machine once and for all. For several weeks now, The Invisible Hand has also been trying to convince Matt and Nick Jackson to join his "family", although the latter have been slow to accept the offer.

After The Bucks and The Walking Weapon defeated SkyFlight this week on AEW Dynamite, Callis once again asked the brothers to formally join his faction, and the latter continued to show their hesitation. Kenny Omega then arrived, armed with a chair, although he was overwhelmed by the numbers advantage of the Callis Family. Don Callis then demanded that Matt and Nick hit Kenny with a BTE Trigger.

The Young Bucks with Kenny Omega on AEW Dynamite [Source : All Elite Wrestling on X]

Before the reluctant "Founding Fathers" could do so, however, Jack Perry and Luchasaurus arrived to make the save.