AJ Styles On Facing Cody Rhodes At Backlash: It’s My Chance To Show I Can Still Be The Guy

AJ Styles knows there’s a lot more on the line than just the Undisputed WWE Championship this Saturday at Backlash.

SmackDown Superstar AJ Styles recently sat down with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. When asked about his upcoming shot at Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash, Styles said it’s an opportunity to show management that he can still be the guy.

“It’s my opportunity to show I can still be the guy, make sure everybody looks great, and make it entertaining,” AJ Styles said. “That’s not added pressure. It’s exciting. I know the fans are going to be nuts. I’m going to get those butterflies. That energy, I’m excited just thinking about it.”

This isn’t the first time Styles has stepped into a ring with a Rhodes; he once competed against Cody’s father, Dusty, in TNA back in 2003.

“I was wrestling a legend,” AJ Styles said. “I was stoked to be able to do that. We spent more time together out of the ring. When Dusty was in charge of creative, we’d talk a lot. He would tell me about his son, who wrestled in high school. I wrestled in high school, too. And that was Cody. I almost went to one of his matches. Imagine that?”