AJ Styles has revealed he pitched matches with WWE legends Triple H and Shawn Michaels before The Undertaker accepted his proposal for the first-ever Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36.
Speaking on his "Phenomenally Retro Podcast," the WWE Hall of Famer said he was jealous of CM Punk's career and wanted to wrestle top names. He threw out countless names until one legend said yes.
What did AJ Styles say about his pitch?
"I wanted to be able to say, 'I wrestled this guy,'" Styles said. "I was so jealous. [CM] Punk was able to wrestle so many great guys, right? And I was jealous of that opportunity that he was able to get."
Styles admitted he wanted to wrestle Triple H. That never happened. He also asked about Shawn Michaels. The answer was no. So he turned to The Undertaker.
"Me and the Undertaker got to be friends outside of wrestling," Styles explained. "So, I was able to weasel my way in there and hopefully convince him, with the help of Michelle, to have another match with me."
How did the Boneyard Match happen?
On April 4, 2020, Styles faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. It was a cinematic fight to the death. The Undertaker buried Styles in the dirt and rode off into the night.
That match closed the book on The Undertaker's 30-year career. It was his final match. Six years later, The Undertaker told Styles he was going into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Why does this matter for AJ Styles?
Styles wanted to build a legacy like CM Punk's. Punk wrestled legends like The Undertaker, Triple H, and Jeff Hardy. Styles felt he missed those chances.
But he got one. The Boneyard Match is now a classic. It showed Styles could hang with anyone. And it gave The Undertaker a proper send-off.
What comes next for AJ Styles?
Styles is now a WWE Hall of Famer himself. He's still active in the ring. His podcast gives fans a look inside his career.
He's not done pitching big matches. If history is any guide, he'll keep chasing the biggest names he can find.