Veteran NFL writer and Pat McAfee Show contributor Mark Kaboly subjectively lists his top 5 things to watch at the WrestleMania 41 match between AJ Styles and Logan Paul.
THE SETUP
No title is on the line at WrestleMania 41 between AJ Styles and Logan Paul. The buildup has been quick, and both Superstars may have to knock off some ring rust in the process. Styles has one televised singles match since getting injured in early October, and Paul has one singles match since losing the United States Championship at SummerSlam in August. The rivalry started at the Royal Rumble when Paul eliminated Styles. Paul doesn’t respect Styles and believes it is time for him to retire, while Styles isn’t impressed with a loudmouth social media star who got to WWE in the opposite way he did. Once these two step in the ring together, look out. It has all the potential to steal the show.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1
A LOOK IN THE MIRROR: I look at Logan Paul and see a young AJ Styles in terms of technique. What makes this matchup so enticing is the similarity of styles inside the ring. Even though they took totally different routes to get to WWE – the case of contention that brought them together at WrestleMania 41 – both are risk-takers that shock you every time. You can count on that again.
2
RING RUST: There has to be at least one eye on the timing and potential ring rust, at least early in this match. Paul has 10 career single matches and only one since losing the United States Championship to LA Knight in August at SummerSlam. Paul was one of the final few left in the Royal Rumble and eliminated Styles, but his only singles match since August was with an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match against Rey Mysterio. Since hurting his foot in October, Styles had one televised singles match in almost seven months, also defeating Mysterio. It is something to keep an eye on for sure.
3
IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE: The buildup to the match hasn’t been Main-Event like, but it is still an enticing clash. Styles is not a huge Paul fan, and it is understandable. Styles fought and battled his way through more than 1,400 matches through various promotions before getting a chance in WWE. Paul has arguably not paid his dues. He says what he wants to say, despite going from a social media giant to wrestling The Miz in his second career match, Roman Reigns in his third, and Seth Rollins in his fourth and winning the United States Title in his fifth. So, there just might be legitimate beef between the two, and that always shows up during the biggest matches.
4
BIG MOMENTS: I dare you to find a match where you weren’t shocked with an incredible move by Paul. I dare you because there aren’t any, and when you factor in an event like WrestleMania, Paul is certain to push the envelope a little more. WrestleMania 39’s match against Seth Rollins, the top-rope splash onto the announce table and through KSI was spectacular. The double clothesline between Paul and Ricochet in a Royal Rumble and the springboard moonsault off the top rope to LA Knight at SummerSlam is the stuff that is now expected of Paul.
5
TIME IS RUNNING OUT: Styles is coming off a foot injury and has said that he’s not going to wrestle when he turns 50. That gives Styles a little over two years to earn more accolades, and his run might start by proving he can match the hotshot step for step. There could be a way to have a farewell tour, but a lot of that would be determined by whether he can take down maybe the most athletic talent on the roster – or at least the most athletic crossover athlete of recent memory.
THE PREDICTION: Paul may not have the experience, but he has come up big in nearly every significant match. I am sure there is a way that Styles wins, but Paul will win in what will be one of the most discussed matches of the two-day event.
