AJ Styles isn’t convinced WWE made the right call by moving on from The New Day and the Motor City Machine Guns. With Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin now outside the company, Styles believes another promotion just gained four wrestlers who bring a lot more to the table than flashy moves.
Speaking on his podcast, Styles addressed the situation on The AJ Styles Show after discussing a video involving Kingston and Woods. He didn’t hide the fact that he remains close with both men and wants to see them succeed.
“I love those boys. That’s all I can tell you. I love them. I think somebody’s about to get something good. Love those guys. I cannot wait to see what happens next for those guys.”
The conversation then shifted to Shelley and Sabin, who Styles has known since his days working alongside them in TNA. Styles made it clear that he holds both teams in extremely high regard and openly questioned WWE’s decision to let them walk. Styles then took a direct shot at WWE’s decision-making, saying he would not bet on the releases turning out to be a smart move.
“Man, again, I love these boys, too. It’s difficult because I want to see them do well because they work really hard. I have so much respect for these two tag teams and know what they’re capable of.”
“I don’t know if it was the smartest decision letting those two tag teams go. I don’t know. I can tell you I wouldn’t bet that it was a smart decision.”
Styles admitted that his opinion comes with some personal bias. He has known Shelley and Sabin for years, while his friendship with Woods stretches back more than two decades.
“I am biased. I am biased. Two guys that I’ve known forever in Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, and then Austin Creed, who I have literally known for over two decades. We go way back. And Kofi is such an awesome dude.”
Even with those personal connections, Styles argued that any company bringing in the four former WWE stars would gain two established teams and four wrestlers capable of working as singles competitors.
“From my outlook, some company just got two incredible tag teams, but they’ve also got four amazing wrestlers because all four of those guys are great singles competitors as well. They are going to be a bonus to whoever they end up wrestling for.”
Styles believes their biggest value may come from the knowledge they have developed over years in the business. He praised their understanding of tag-team wrestling and their ability to structure matches properly.
“It’s not just their wrestling. It’s their psychology. They’ve got years of experience with the psychology, and they have perfected it in a tag-team ring.”
Styles closed his thoughts by making it clear that he expects all four men to succeed wherever they end up. He also slipped in a reference to their former promotion while predicting they would quickly get attention somewhere else.
“I can’t say enough good things about these four guys. They’re amazing. I hope they kill it because I love these guys. Those are my boys. I freaking want to see them do well.”
“I can’t imagine that they are not going to make an impact, no pun intended, wherever they end up.”
WWE may be focused on reshaping its roster, but Styles believes it just handed other wrestling companies two experienced teams with years of chemistry, credibility and knowledge. Whether WWE ends up regretting that decision will depend on what Kingston, Woods, Shelley and Sabin do next.
Did WWE make a mistake by letting The New Day and the Motor City Machine Guns leave? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
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