AJ Styles on Wrestling Shane and Undertaker’s Retirement

Inside the Ropes recently held an interview with AJ Styles discussing Wrestlemania 33. Specifically his match against Shane McMahon and thoughts on Undertaker’s retirement.

When talking about the match against Shane McMahon, Styles stated he was very proud with the overall quality of the match. While fans were against the idea, the low expectations made it a lot easier for him and Shane to provide something great for the fans. Also stated their goal was to produced something worthy of a “Match of the Night” status for Wrestlemania.

“I’m absolutely proud of that match. I also think that most people go ‘Ughhh! Shane McMahon and AJ Styles?!’ Their expectations were very low, which made it easier for Shane and I. Because we could only go up. Shane puts 110% into everything he does, especially what happens in the ring. I was very happy with that, I felt like we did very well. I don’t know if it was the match of the night, but we gave them something they totally didn’t expect.”

On the topic of Undertaker’s retirement match against Roman Reigns, Styles stated he felt a bit emotional about it being the possible end of Undertaker’s career. Said he was very happy to at least have the chance at meeting and talking with Undertaker prior to his farewell.

“I can tell you I was emotional because he’s my friend. He and I have got a relationship between both of us have the same friend that we’re very close to, so he and I developed this relationship without even knowing each other that well. But it was heartbreaking a little bit because this is the guy that’s been here for so long and has shaped the WWE into what it is now. And, is he gone? I don’t know, but you would assume. I think there were some tears from the fans that were probably – they may have seen the last of The Undertaker. At the end of the day, if he’s done, I respect the heck out of him for doing it his way and doing what he wanted to do in his last match. He is everything to the WWE and I’m thankful I had the opportunity meet him and have a great conversation with him. he’s a great guy, and if he’s gone and that was the last one, he will be missed.”