AJ Styles Calls WrestleMania 33 Match with Shane McMahon His Favorite
Key Takeaways
- AJ Styles considers his WrestleMania 33 match against Shane McMahon his favorite WrestleMania encounter.
- The 2017 match was a non-championship bout stemming from a storyline on SmackDown involving perceived favoritism.
- Despite initial skepticism, the match was critically acclaimed for its intensity, storytelling, and unexpected athletic performances.
- Styles' choice is significant given his extensive WrestleMania history against numerous top-tier opponents and multiple championship matches.
- The revelation underscores the lasting impact of the character-driven feud and Shane McMahon's dedication as a performer.
ORLANDO, FL – Renowned WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles has designated his contest against Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 33 as his most cherished bout among all his appearances at the company's flagship event. The revelation offers a unique insight into the veteran performer's career, highlighting a non-championship match over several high-profile encounters.
The WrestleMania 33 encounter, held on April 2, 2017, at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, pitted “The Phenomenal One” against the then-Commissioner of SmackDown. The highly anticipated match stemmed from a compelling storyline where Styles, despite being a top contender, found himself consistently overlooked and frustrated by McMahon's perceived favoritism and booking decisions on the SmackDown brand. This narrative culminated in a brutal backstage attack by Styles on McMahon, leading to a challenge accepted by the Commissioner for a non-sanctioned fight at WrestleMania.
Many industry observers and fans initially questioned the booking, anticipating a potentially uneven matchup given McMahon's sporadic in-ring schedule compared to Styles' reputation as one of the world's premier technical wrestlers. However, the two delivered a performance widely praised for its intensity, storytelling, and unexpected athleticism, particularly from McMahon, who executed several high-risk maneuvers. Styles, known for his ability to adapt to any opponent, showcased his versatility by working a highly physical and dramatic contest that deviated from his typical high-flying and technical clinic.
Styles' decision to single out this match is notable considering his extensive WrestleMania resume, which includes clashes against luminaries such as John Cena, The Undertaker, Edge, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Randy Orton. These bouts often involved championship implications or significant career milestones. The match with McMahon, however, stood out for its unique blend of personal animosity, high stakes for both characters, and the unexpected quality of the in-ring action.
The praise from Styles further solidifies the legacy of WrestleMania 33 and underscores the unexpected brilliance that can emerge from character-driven feuds. It also speaks to the profound respect for McMahon's willingness to push physical boundaries in the ring, a trait that has defined many of his high-profile encounters throughout his career. For Styles, this match seemingly represented a pinnacle of his ability to craft a memorable narrative and deliver an impactful performance under immense pressure, making it his definitive WrestleMania moment.