Benoit Vs. Styles: A Dream Match That Never Happened

\nFor wrestling fans, some matchups linger in the imagination, tantalizing possibilities that, for various reasons, never came to fruition. One such dream encounter is Chris Benoit versus AJ Styles. Imagine the technical prowess, the high-flying action, and the sheer intensity these two performers could have brought to the ring. This article explores why this match would have been legendary, examining both wrestlers' careers and the circumstances that prevented this clash of titans.

The Rabid Wolverine: Chris Benoit

Let's dive into the world of Chris Benoit, a name that, even now, evokes a complex mix of awe and sorrow. Chris Benoit was known for his unparalleled technical wrestling skills and relentless aggression. Benoit carved his name in wrestling history with his dedication and in-ring ferocity. Born in Canada, Benoit trained in the infamous Hart Dungeon, honing his skills under the watchful eyes of Stu Hart. This training instilled in him a strong foundation in technical wrestling, a style that would define his career. His early career saw him compete in Japan, where he adopted a hard-hitting style that combined grappling with devastating strikes. This blend made him a standout performer, catching the attention of wrestling fans worldwide.

Benoit's journey through promotions like ECW and WCW further solidified his reputation as a top-tier wrestler. In ECW, he showcased his technical abilities and willingness to push the boundaries of physicality. His matches were brutal and captivating, earning him a dedicated following. When he moved to WCW, he became a key member of the "Revolution," a faction that aimed to shake up the established order. Despite WCW's shortcomings, Benoit consistently delivered memorable performances. His transition to WWE marked a significant chapter in his career. In WWE, Chris Benoit achieved mainstream success, capturing multiple championships and headlining major events. His victory in the 2004 Royal Rumble was a testament to his hard work and the respect he had earned from his peers and fans. Benoit’s in-ring style was characterized by his crisp technical moves, his intensity, and his ability to tell a story in the ring. His signature moves, such as the Crippler Crossface and the Diving Headbutt, became synonymous with his wrestling persona. He was a performer who always left everything in the ring, earning the respect of fans and fellow wrestlers alike. He was a true wrestler's wrestler, admired for his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.

The Phenomenal One: AJ Styles

Now, let's shift our focus to AJ Styles, "The Phenomenal One." AJ Styles is celebrated for his innovative offense and unparalleled athleticism. Styles has consistently wowed audiences with his incredible moves and captivating performances. From his early days in TNA to his current reign in WWE, Styles has proven himself to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Starting his career in the independent circuit, Styles quickly gained recognition for his high-flying maneuvers and innovative offense. His matches were a blend of speed, agility, and creativity, setting him apart from his contemporaries. It wasn't long before he became a prominent figure in TNA (now Impact Wrestling), where he helped establish the promotion as a viable alternative to WWE. In TNA, Styles showcased his versatility, excelling in various match types and feuds. He became a multiple-time world champion, solidifying his status as a top-tier performer. His matches with opponents like Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels are still regarded as classics, showcasing his ability to adapt to different styles and create compelling narratives. Styles' decision to join New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) marked a pivotal moment in his career. In NJPW, he joined the "Bullet Club," a faction known for its rebellious attitude and high-quality matches. Styles quickly became a star in Japan, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and delivering a series of unforgettable performances. His success in NJPW further elevated his status as a global wrestling sensation. When Styles finally made his debut in WWE, it was a moment that many fans had been anticipating for years. He immediately made an impact, feuding with top stars like John Cena and Roman Reigns. Styles' ability to seamlessly transition from other promotions to WWE demonstrated his adaptability and skill. His WWE career has been marked by numerous championships and memorable matches, solidifying his place as one of the company's biggest stars. Styles' in-ring style is a blend of high-flying acrobatics, technical wrestling, and striking. His signature moves, such as the Styles Clash and the Phenomenal Forearm, are both visually stunning and highly effective. He is a master of ring psychology, knowing how to build a match and engage the audience. His ability to connect with fans and deliver consistently excellent performances has made him a beloved figure in the wrestling world.

Why This Match Would Have Been Legendary

So, why would a match between Chris Benoit and AJ Styles have been so special? The potential clash between Benoit's technical prowess and Styles' high-flying agility would have created a dynamic and unforgettable encounter. Imagine Benoit's intense grappling style meeting Styles' innovative offense. It would have been a battle of contrasting styles, each trying to impose their will on the other. Benoit's ability to ground his opponents and apply submission holds would have tested Styles' agility and resilience. Conversely, Styles' aerial attacks and striking would have challenged Benoit's ability to control the pace of the match.

The intensity and realism both men brought to their matches would have elevated the contest to another level. Benoit was known for his relentless aggression and his commitment to making his matches look and feel real. Styles, too, is a master of his craft, able to convey emotion and intensity through his movements and expressions. Together, they could have created a match that felt like a genuine struggle, captivating the audience with its drama and suspense. The storytelling potential of this match is immense. Benoit's journey as a seasoned veteran facing off against Styles' rise as a new generation star could have been a compelling narrative. The contrast in their personalities and their approaches to wrestling could have added layers of depth to the match, making it more than just a physical contest. It could have been a story about tradition versus innovation, experience versus youth, and the clash of two different eras in wrestling. For fans, a match between Benoit and Styles represents a missed opportunity to witness something truly special. It's a reminder of the dream matches that never happen, the what-ifs that linger in the world of professional wrestling. While we can only imagine what this match would have been like, the thought of it continues to excite and intrigue wrestling fans around the world.

The Timeline Problem: Why It Never Happened

Sadly, the timing never aligned for this dream match to become a reality. While both Chris Benoit and AJ Styles were active wrestlers for a significant period, they never crossed paths in a major promotion at the same time. Chris Benoit's peak years were primarily in the late 1990s and early to mid-2000s, while AJ Styles rose to prominence in the mid-2000s and continues to be a top star today. When Benoit was making waves in WCW and later in WWE, Styles was establishing himself as a star in TNA. By the time Styles gained international recognition and joined WWE, Benoit's career had tragically ended.

The landscape of professional wrestling has changed dramatically over the years, with promotions rising and falling, and wrestlers moving from one company to another. These shifts in the wrestling world have often created missed opportunities for dream matches, as wrestlers find themselves in different promotions at different times. In the case of Benoit and Styles, the timing simply wasn't right. Despite the disappointment of never seeing this match, fans continue to speculate about what could have been. They create fantasy booking scenarios and imagine the epic battles that might have unfolded. This speaks to the enduring appeal of both wrestlers and the desire to see them compete against each other. While we can never know for sure what a match between Benoit and Styles would have been like, the anticipation and excitement surrounding it serve as a testament to their talent and their impact on the world of professional wrestling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a match between Chris Benoit and AJ Styles remains one of wrestling's greatest "what ifs." The blend of Benoit's technical prowess and Styles' high-flying ability would have undoubtedly produced a classic encounter. Although circumstances prevented this dream match from happening, the legacy of both wrestlers continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide. We can only imagine the battles they would have had. Their contributions to wrestling will never be forgotten, and the dream of Benoit versus Styles will forever live on in the minds of wrestling fans.