Dragon Lee Says AJ Styles Gave Him Permission To Use The Styles Clash

AJ Styles gave Dragon Lee his blessing to use the Styles Clash following his WWE retirement.

Following AJ Styles’ retirement at the Royal Rumble on January 31 earlier this year, Dragon Lee has added the Styles Clash to his arsenal, and it appears as though ‘The Phenomenal One’ approves.

Speaking to Joey Karni ahead of WrestleMania 42, Dragon Lee revealed that AJ Styles gave him permission to use the manoeuvre.

“I took the Styles Clash as honor from AJ, but not because I choose it. I asked and he told me, ‘You’re my brother. Do it.’ Earn the respect from legends like Rey [Mysterio], like AJ, that’s unbelievable for me. This is a dream come true, and I’m gonna honor every single time when I step in the ring to AJ.”

-Dragon Lee

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee would form an unexpected but successful duo in late 2025, with the pair capturing the World Tag Team Championship on October 20 before dropping the titles to The Usos on December 29.

Dragon Lee is set to compete in a six-pack ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship during Night Two of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19. He will be joined by Je’Von Evans, JD McDonagh, Rusev, Rey Mysterio, and the champion Penta.

Meanwhile, AJ Styles is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 tonight, with the ceremony set to take place in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM.

Elsewhere, AJ Styles recently revealed that he believes his match with Shane McMahon to be his best WrestleMania outing. You can read more about that here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on future plans for Dragon Lee as soon as we hear more.

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