Description
WELCOME TO WWE!
After weeks of speculation and WWE themselves covering the rumors of Styles leaving NJPW for WWE,[270] [271] [272] on January 20, 2016, it was confirmed that he had signed with WWE.[273] Prior to signing, Styles had also had extensive discussions with TNA and according to TNA had agreed to return to the promotion with Bullet Club stablemates Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, before being offered a "blow-away deal" by WWE.[274] [275]
Styles officially made his WWE debut on January 24, 2016 at the Royal Rumble during the Royal Rumble match . He entered at number three and received a loud ovation. Styles eliminated Curtis Axel and Tyler Breeze (the latter with help from Roman Reigns ), but was later eliminated by Kevin Owens after lasting just under twenty eight minutes in the match, causing boos from the audience.[276] The following night, January 25, Styles made his Raw debut where he defeated Chris Jericho via roll-up. After the match, Styles and Jericho shook hands.[277]