AJ Styles & Arik Cannon’s Social Media Argument Over Claims Avery Styles Did Not Help Out at GCW Event Update – Cody Rhodes & Lexis King Responds Saying Avery “Already Set Up The Chairs”

As noted before, WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles and indies wrestler Arik Cannon were involved in an online incident on social media this past Saturday over an argument revolving around Cannon’s claims that Styles’ son Avery did not help out with the ring setup at Game Changer Wrestling’s event this past July and Styles stating that his son was only paid to wrestle and not do other work. This dispute originated after Cannon had responded to recent comments from Nattie who had praised Avery for being someone who was “paying his dues” for his wrestling career and not just coasting off his famous wrestling father. GCW had issued an official statement stating that Cannon does not speak for the company and only himself for this situation.

Cody Rhodes responded on Tuesday Twitter to Cannon recently posting a photo of Rhodes and Jimmy Hart helping with the ring at a past indie show despite their big star status in wrestling.

“Arik my friend no shade intended, but my outlook…

Avery is 19. His Father was paying dues and making sacrifices throughout that young man’s youth that some people may never understand. When you’re the family holding down the fort.

To simplify…he already set up the fn’ chairs”

Arik my friend no shade intended, but my outlook…

Avery is 19. His Father was paying dues and making sacrifices throughout that young man’s youth that some people may never understand. When you’re the family holding down the fort.

To simplify…he already set up the fn’ chairs https://t.co/SEMIN4h3E5

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 11, 2026

Cannon responded back stating:

“I know that both; you & AJ, have more than paid your dues many times over.

I have the utmost respect for you, and your opinion. So I have to ask

Don’t you think this sets a bad precedent for others breaking in?

I understand that we all have different paths. But a free pass?”

I know that both; you & AJ, have more than paid your dues many times over.

I have the utmost respect for you, and your opinion. So I have to ask…

Don’t you think this sets a bad precedent for others breaking in?

I understand that we all have different paths. But a free pass?

— Arik Cannon (@arikcannon) August 12, 2026

NXT talent Lexis King also recently responded without mentioning Cannon by name posting a photo of himself, Avery, Aalyah Mysterio, Marie Malenko, Uriah Connors, and Brooks Jensen stating “we already setup the f’n chairs” in reference of their status as children of famous and legendary wrestling fathers.

We already setup the f’n chairs… pic.twitter.com/J1DzR0MgXc

— King (@LexisKingWWE) August 12, 2026