AJ Styles offers huge praise for WWE stars IYO SKY, Asuka

In an interview to promote WWE’s upcoming house shows in Japan, AJ Styles offered huge praise for two of the women’s division’s biggest stars.

Styles spoke with WWE Japanese broadcast partner ABEMA ahead of the company’s house shows in Tokyo on October 17-18. During the conversation, he spoke highly of both IYO SKY and Asuka, saying both performers leave him in awe with their matches.

“IYO SKY is one of the best athletes I have ever seen. Like, she is unbelievable,” Styles said. “Asuka’s amazing as well. They just have something that a lot of other — not just women, but men, just that some of them just don’t have. And I think that it’s because they were in Japan that they have this tenacity, maybe that’s what it is. And so, I just enjoy watching them work and just in awe of how good they are.”

Both the October 17 and October 18 events are being held at Sumo Hall. They could be the last time Styles — who was once a top star for NJPW — ever competes in Japan. He’s said that he plans to retire from in-ring competition within the next year.

It’s been announced that SKY and Rhea Ripley will challenge Giulia for the Women’s United States Championship in a triple threat match at the October 17 live event. The next night, SKY will team with Ripley against Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez.

Asuka, who is feuding with SKY on WWE television right now, will accompany Kairi Sane for a singles match against Giulia on the October 18 show.

The Japan house shows are happening the weekend after WWE’s trip to Australia for Crown Jewel: Perth. Styles will face off against John Cena at the October 11 PLE.