AJ Styles has revealed that his pre-match brawl with LA Knight ahead of WWE WrestleMania 40 was not planned. The incident occurred at a 2024 media event and left Styles with a bloody nose.
Speaking on the "Phenomenally Retro" podcast, Styles said he had tried to erase the event from his mind. He noted there was no security present and that he did not know the confrontation would take place.
Knight later explained on "Insight with Chris Van Vliet" that he attacked after Styles threw a stool during separate interviews. Knight said he assumed security would intervene and later received a call from WWE about the matter.
Styles added that he had wanted to stay in character as a heel but the unplanned headlock from Knight disrupted that plan. The two wrestlers faced off on the second night of WrestleMania 40, where Knight emerged victorious.
Styles described the situation as bizarre and admitted he entered their match angry, though he suggested the outcome may have worked out for the best.
