This Month in NWA History: AJ Styles
AJ Styles Wins the NWA World’s Heavyweight Title
June 11, 2003
Long before being universally declared “Phenomenal,” AJ Styles was known as one of the most technically sound wrestlers on the planet.
Styles cemented that on June 11, 2003. He defeated then-champion Jeff Jarrett and ECW legend Raven in triple-threat action to become the National Wrestling Alliance World’s Champion.
Already a multiple-time NWA World tag team champion, and well-established in lighter weight classes, it was the first NWA World’s Heavyweight title for Styles. It wouldn’t be his last.
Styles eventually wore “The Ten Pounds of Gold” for 196 days over three reigns.
Though AJ Styles defeated Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World’s title three time between 2003-2005, “Double-J” only regained the belt directly from him once.
Jarrett ended his “Phenomenal” first reign after 133 days. Ron Killings cut Style’s second run short with Raven preempting the third. Notably, both Killings and Raven won in multi-man matches where Styles was not involved in the pinfall.
What’s Inside?
