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WWE shares AJ Styles’ backstage comments from Japan Supershow

Posted: Oct 23rd 2025 By: Ian Carey

AJ Styles wants wrestling fans in Japan to know that he appreciates them as much as they appreciate him, if not more.

With Styles having recently revealed his in-ring career will end in 2026, WWE’s live events in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Hall) on Thursday and Friday were likely his last matches in the country. On Wednesday, WWE published a video of Styles talking backstage at the events.

Styles says in the video:

“I felt so much love here in Japan for everything that I’ve done here. I don’t know where or would’ve even been in WWE if it wasn’t for Japan. So just as long as they know that I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me, if not more.”

The video also shows a moment from before Styles’ match against Kofi Kingston, where he embraces Naomichi Marufuji, who was seated ringside for the match. It then cuts out to CM Punk bringing Styles back out at the end of the show and Styles handing Shinsuke Nakamura a note to read to the live fans expressing what they mean to him in Japanese.

A translation of what Nakamura read on Styles’ behalf is below:

“Everyone, as you all know, when I first came to Japan, to be honest, I didn’t know what people expected from me or if someone like me would even be accepted here. But from the very first day, you welcomed me with respect and passion. Every time I passed through the curtain to the ring in Japan, I gave everything I had because I felt you all were worthy of it. In return, you gave me something I will never forget: trust, energy, and love for professional wrestling. Maybe one day I’ll leave this ring, but a part of my heart will always remain here, in the hearts of the Japanese people and in each and every one of you. Thank you.”