As far as dream matches go AJ Styles versus Shawn Michaels is up there with the most desired but with HBK retired fans have largely given up on the idea.

Recently however murmurs have been heard whispering that the veteran is planning to lace up his boots at least one more time to face the World Champion at the Royal Rumble.

Styles on facing HBK

Shawn Michaels won the Royal Rumble in both 1995 and 1996 (image: insidepulse.com)
Shawn Michaels won the Royal Rumble in both 1995 and 1996 (image: insidepulse.com)

The Heartbreak Kid has had a huge effect on hundreds if not thousands of professional wrestlers with the 51-year-old hailed as one of the greatest to ever set foot inside a squared circle. Now, AJ Styles is also held up as the greatest around today and with the title around his waist, few could argue; but how does he feel about a potential showdown with Michaels?

He said, "I would love the opportunity to wrestle him, I would love to learn from him, but who’s to say if that is going to happen."

The 39-year-old will be aware that nothing is concrete or even likely to happen at this point but with the Royal Rumble taking place in HBK's home state of Texas in San Antonio, it remains a real possibility.

He continued, "Right now, it is all speculation and rumors that I’m finding out like everyone else is, but man, what a match that would be."

Whether or not Styles ends up facing Michaels who won the 30-man over the top-rope match in both 1995 and 19966 at the Alamodome on January 29 remains to be seen, but with the former TNA man will still be able to put on a classic, regardless of who he faces.

On future opponents

Styles is staying one step ahead of his opponents with him already predicting who he will end up battling further down the line with the blue brand roster being wiped out one-by-one. Despite being locked in a war with Dean Ambrose on SmackDown Live he is preparing for a showdown with Randy Orton that he feels is bound to happen.

He said, "That is a match that everybody is going to look forward to, and when the time is right, the match will happen and we will blow the roof off the place."

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]