AJ Styles is Victorious in Return to Japan

AJ Styles reminded the world of his brilliance earlier today in Japan.
#WWE superstar @AJStylesOrg is here in Pro Wrestling NOAH! #noah_ghc #DESTINATION2024 pic.twitter.com/7s1GgpsGCq
— Pro Wrestling NOAH Global (@noahglobal) July 13, 2024
The former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion wrestled his first-ever match in Tokyo’s famed Nippon Budokan, defeating Naomichi Marufuji in an excellent bout at NOAH Destination 2024.
Phenomenal forearm from the guardrail by @AJStylesOrg! #noah_ghc #DESTINATION2024 #WWE pic.twitter.com/vS9Gf6CRaI
— Pro Wrestling NOAH Global (@noahglobal) July 13, 2024
Marufuji has wrestled in the United States, but the overwhelming majority of his career highlights have occurred in Japan. This will immediately be added to the list, as the back-and-forth encounter ended in Styles’ favor just after the 25-minute mark.
.@noah_marufuji_ hits a shiranui on AJ Styles on the guardrail! #noah_ghc #DESTINATION2024 #WWE pic.twitter.com/U32r8Wl82y
— Pro Wrestling NOAH Global (@noahglobal) July 13, 2024
Two geniuses showcased why professional wrestling is the best sport in the world. @AJStylesOrg @noah_marufuji_ #noah_ghc #DESTINATION2024 #WWE pic.twitter.com/QFqnvISvTX
— Pro Wrestling NOAH Global (@noahglobal) July 13, 2024
In a stark contrast of the way the company operated under Vince McMahon, another WWE star–Iyo Sky–also returned to Japan.
Sky defeated Utami Hayashishita at Marigold Summer Destiny 2024, which was held at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.