Wrestling News: A.J. Styles Merchandise Selling Well, Big Push Coming?
A.J. Styles made his much-anticipated WWE debut in the Royal Rumble match this past Sunday, entering at number three and lasting for almost 30 minutes. The WWE Shop has already sold out his first merchandise within hours of his debut and won't be in stock until Feb. 26, according to What Culture.
The plain black T-shirt with "AJ" in the front and "I Am Phenomenal" on the back, available for men, women and kids sizes, quickly sold out. It is noted that WWE did not anticipate the popularity of Styles and the demand of his merchandise bode well for his future in the company.
In a report by Inquisitr, the reaction of the fans towards Styles and his merchandise didn't go unnoticed by the WWE management. He is now rumored to be in line for a big push as Vince McMahon usually gives them to superstars that do well in sales.
Superstars and legends like Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena are pushed to the top not just because of their talent, but also their ability to sell different merchandise. One prime example in the present time are the current WWE Tag Team champions, The New Day, who are one of the top sellers, which led to more television time as well as new merchandise designs.
It is noted that the 38-year-old newcomer is expected to have regular appearances on television as well as pay-per-view. According to Dave Meltzer via Sportskeeda, Styles will begin a program with Kevin Owens, who eliminated him in the Rumble match.
Owens uttered "Welcome to the WWE" before throwing Styles over the top rope and eliminating him. He also just finished up his feud with Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental championship after losing a Last Man Standing match.
Styles also made his Monday Night RAW debut against Chris Jericho this week, winning by pinfall. Inquisitr adds that he will likely continue as a babyface, but there is a big chance that he turns heel once the WWE decides to include him in the reincarnated version of the "Bullet Club" in the main roster with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows.
As for his contract details, he signed a reported multi-year deal that allows him to retain ownership of his ring name "A.J. Styles" and other trademarks like his nickname "The Phenomenal One" and his finisher "The Styles Clash," per Pro Wrestling Sheet. The former TNA and IWGP World Champion signed his WWE deal last week with the company having the rights to use his name in video games and other merchandise.
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