Styles in 2016?

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

WWE officials have reportedly changed their thoughts on signing former TNA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles.

AJ is the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion and considers New Japan Pro Wrestling to be home, and is under contract, but WWE is interested in signing him. WWE is looking to have three touring brands in 2016 and want to load up on as much quality talent as they can.

Even though I don't watch New Japan's current content regularly, I prefer to see him in that environment as a legitimate headliner.

While finally seeing AJ Styles regularly in WWE in some form would be great, NXT would be a major step down for him right now. I doubt WWE would throw major money at him to be a top act for NXT, and even with a flexible deal, ala Samoa Joe, I just don't see how this would be better for him than what he's doing now.

I could see them offering him the Joe deal. Wonder if he would take it though.

I wouldn't want to see Styles in NXT unless he's getting a lot more money than what he is now. You would have to assume a place like NJPW gives Styles much more of an opportunity to flourish than would WWE.