Published by Podcast Heat
A podcast dedicated to professional wrestling, retro video games, professional wrestling, and much more. Hosted by Tony Giles with WWE Hall Of Fame Inductee AJ Styles.
Listen on Apple PodcastsAJ Styles returns with Tony Giles for another packed episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, opening up about his emotional return to TNA at Slammiversary and what it meant to walk out one more time to "Ready to Fly." AJ also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his growing role as a WWE coach and producer, including working with Tony D'Angelo, Mike Santana, and some of NXT's brightest rising stars. AJ reveals what he looks for when scouting future WWE Superstars, offers advice to wrestlers hoping to earn a WWE contract, and explains why being yourself is the key to standing out. The conversation also dives into SummerSlam, Bron Breakker's future, Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns, Chad Gable, LA Knight, and who AJ believes is ready for the next big opportunity. On the gaming side, AJ and Tony discuss the return of Halo, revisit Time Crisis with modern light guns, highlight Retro Jake's latest retro gaming finds, and share why classic arcade games still hold up decades later. They also talk about AJ's surprise appearance in a country music video, Dark Side of the Ring, independent wrestling, and much more. If you're a fan of AJ Styles, WWE, TNA, NXT, retro gaming, or behind-the-scenes wrestling stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AJ Styles returns with Tony Giles for another episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, covering everything from WWE's biggest storylines to classic gaming and behind-the-scenes wrestling memories. AJ shares his thoughts on WWE's upcoming SummerSlam, including CM Punk's move to SmackDown, Gunther's current direction, Baron Corbin's return, and why he believes wrestling fans should stay patient before judging the event. He also discusses Chris Jericho's incredible longevity, what makes great wrestling moments last forever, and reacts to the latest Dark Side of the Ring episodes about TNA Wrestling. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as AJ opens up about his years in TNA, working with Jeff Jarrett, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, and explains how his relationship with Bischoff evolved over time. He also reflects on why the six-sided ring became such an important part of TNA's identity and shares stories that wrestling fans won't hear anywhere else. Outside the ring, AJ talks about his recent trip to Las Vegas, his love of classic Castlevania games, and reveals he'll soon be coaching talent at the WWE Performance Center, giving listeners a glimpse into the next chapter of his wrestling career. If you're a fan of WWE, TNA, wrestling history, or retro gaming, this episode is packed with insider stories, honest opinions, and plenty of laughs from one of wrestling's most respected performers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles shares his vision for WWE establishing a permanent presence in Japan while preserving the country’s unique wrestling culture. After WWE’s expansion into Mexico through AAA, AJ imagines a future where Japanese talent could develop under the WWE umbrella without being forced to leave home for Raw, SmackDown or NXT. AJ also explains how a Japanese WWE promotion could help revitalize the wrestling scene, create new international stars and eventually lead to a truly global WrestleMania featuring talent from WWE, NXT, AAA and Japan. AJ and Tony Giles also discuss: CM Punk’s championship victory and Sami Zayn’s surprisingly short title reign. Why fans may need to be patient before judging WWE’s current storylines. Kenny Omega’s future and whether fans will ever see him compete in WWE. Why AJ refuses to participate in the tribal warfare between WWE and AEW fans. The physical toll wrestling takes on performers, even years after their biggest matches. Avery Styles beginning his professional wrestling career and preparing for his GCW debut. The advice AJ is giving his son about storytelling, selling and creating memorable moments. Why Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker remain masters of in-ring psychology. AJ’s picks for some of the greatest villains in wrestling history. Retro gaming, James Bond 007: First Light and the newest games AJ is adding to his collection. Plus, AJ reveals the surprising new role he has taken on outside the wrestling business. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about the future of WWE, the next generation of the Styles family and the little details that separate a collection of moves from a truly great professional wrestling match. Subscribe and join AJ Styles and Tony Giles each week on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sami Zayn is the new Undisputed WWE Champion, and nobody saw it coming. This week on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles and Tony Giles react to one of the biggest surprises in WWE, discuss what it means for Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and SummerSlam, and share their predictions for where the championship picture goes next. They also break down the latest from NXT, including Tony D'Angelo, Oba Femi, Kendall Grey, and more. Then the conversation shifts to retro gaming as Retro Jake, owner of Retro Jake's, joins the show. They dive into legendary Nintendo and Sega memories, rare collectible games worth thousands of dollars, the future of physical game collecting, Xbox vs. PlayStation vs. Nintendo Switch, and why classic games continue to capture new generations of fans. If you love professional wrestling, retro video games, and behind-the-scenes conversations with one of WWE's all-time greats, this episode has something for you. Topics include: Sami Zayn's shocking WWE Championship victory SummerSlam predictions and WWE storyline analysis AJ Styles' thoughts on today's WWE product Rare retro games and game collecting Nintendo vs. Sega nostalgia The future of physical video games Retro Jake's incredible gaming journey and collection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AJ Styles has plenty to celebrate on this week's episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast as he shares his emotional reaction to watching his son Avery make his professional wrestling debut in the main event of his very first match. AJ explains why he believes Avery's first outing was better than his own and offers a rare look at what it's like coaching the next generation of the Styles family. The conversation also dives deep into WWE's biggest storylines ahead of Night of Champions, with AJ and Tony Giles breaking down Oba Femi's meteoric rise, Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes, King and Queen of the Ring, Liv Morgan, Iyo Sky, Trick Williams, Ricky Saints, and the future of WWE's championship picture. AJ also gives his thoughts on the current creative direction, why writing for WWE is one of the toughest jobs in entertainment, and which rising NXT stars have his attention. Elsewhere, AJ opens up about dream matches that never happened, including Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and how he convinced The Undertaker to come back for one final WrestleMania match. He also reflects on some of the greatest moments of his career across WWE, TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and beyond while answering fan questions about his training routine, Bullet Club, Japan, and much more. If you're a fan of behind-the-scenes wrestling stories, honest opinions from one of the greatest performers of his generation, and in-depth WWE discussion, you won't want to miss this episode. Watch the full video episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AJ Styles and Tony Giles dive into a packed week of wrestling and gaming discussion on the latest episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast. AJ shares his thoughts on WWE's future stars, including Oba Femi, Tony D'Angelo, LA Knight, Chad Gable, and several standout performers coming through NXT. He also weighs in on the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, Cody Rhodes' championship run, and why being a world champion can be far more exhausting than fans realize. Plus, AJ addresses fan reactions to his recent comments about wins and losses in professional wrestling, explains why storytelling matters more than title changes, and reflects on memorable moments from his WWE career, including working with Finn Bálor, Cody Rhodes, and John Cena. The conversation also covers AJ's experiences at the WWE Performance Center, his relationship with Vince McMahon and Dixie Carter, the infamous Claire Lynch storyline in TNA, and his excitement for the next generation of WWE talent. And of course, no Phenomenally Retro episode would be complete without some gaming talk, including Mecha Break, Stuntman, retro favorites, and why AJ still prefers a controller over a keyboard and mouse. Subscribe now and join AJ Styles and Tony Giles every week for wrestling stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and a healthy dose of retro gaming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AJ Styles is back for another episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast and this week the WWE Hall of Famer joins Tony Giles from family vacation to talk wrestling, gaming, and everything in between. AJ shares his thoughts on Chad Gable’s recent WWE rise, Dirty Dom Mysterio becoming one of wrestling’s biggest stars, and what makes El Grande Americano work so well. Plus, AJ opens up about working under Vince McMahon, producing matches at WWE’s Performance Center, and how wrestling backstage has changed over the years. He also gives his King & Queen of the Ring predictions. On the gaming side, AJ and Tony break down the latest Xbox and Nintendo announcements, retro games making a comeback, GTA 6, Halo, Crazy Taxi, Zelda, and AJ’s frustration with Xbox Game Pass. It’s WWE insight, retro gaming nostalgia, and plenty of phenomenal stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe now and don’t miss new episodes of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast with AJ Styles & Tony Giles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AJ Styles and Tony Giles break down one of the wildest weeks in wrestling, from Chad Gable and El Grande Americano stealing the spotlight in AAA to AJ’s honest thoughts on WWE’s Clash in Italy event. AJ explains why Chad Gable deserves a bigger spotlight, what made the AAA storytelling work so well, and where WWE goes from here. Plus, AJ shares behind-the-scenes insight into his growing role with WWE Evolve and helping train the next generation of talent, including plans for a future wrestling school of his own. The guys also dive into AJ’s love of retro gaming, PlayStation vs Xbox, Uncharted, GameCube memories, and the newest video game announcements. Topics include: • Chad Gable’s future in WWE • El Grande Americano and AAA storytelling • AJ’s reaction to Clash in Italy • WWE’s evolving landscape under TKO • Behind the scenes at WWE Evolve • AJ’s future wrestling school plans • Retro gaming, Uncharted & PlayStation talk New episodes of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast drop weekly. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss AJ Styles and Tony Giles talking wrestling, retro gaming, and everything in between. Find the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhenomenallyRetroPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles is back on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast with Tony Giles for a wide-ranging conversation on life after WWE, helping train the next generation of talent, and breaking down this weekend’s Clash in Italy PLE. AJ shares what it’s been like working with rising stars at WWE developmental, why mentoring talent scratches the wrestling itch, and how passing along knowledge has become one of his biggest passions. He also reflects on memorable matches with legends like John Cena, Samoa Joe, Chris Jericho and more, while opening up about his approach to helping younger wrestlers find what works for them in the ring. Plus, AJ and Tony preview Clash in Italy, discuss Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther, Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, Soul Ruka and the latest stories shaping the wrestling world. They also dive into retro gaming, unreleased wrestling video games, fan questions and plenty of classic AJ stories along the way. Subscribe now and join WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles every week on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AJ Styles joins Tony Giles for another episode of Phenomenally Retro, diving into everything from retirement, WWE and Brock Lesnar’s return to dream matches and favorite memories from across his legendary career. AJ shares candid thoughts on live events in WWE, why he believes house shows still matter, and responds to fan questions about Kenny Omega, John Cena, TNA, Japan, video games, and whether he’ll ever step back into the ring. The conversation also covers AJ’s favorite matches, WrestleMania moments, Bullet Club memories, gaming nostalgia, Japan travel stories, and what life looks like after wrestling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Episode 10 of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, WWE Grand Slam Champion and Hall of Fame member A.J Styles is back alongside host Tony Giles for more chat about the current professional wrestling landscape, A.J’s career and their shared love of retro video games. Episode 10 also sees A.J and T.G in conversation with YouTube Retro Gamer John Riggs for even more retro gaming and wrestling action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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