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Styles - the reigning WWE Champion - said he learnt to “live with it” when he wrestling on the independent scene and for rival promotions.

WWE fans were also convinced Styles would never get to wrestle for the company, until he made his debut back in 2016.

The Phenomenal One is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in the world - and famously turned down a WWE contract in 2002 to continue forging his own legacy away from the media empire.

SmackDown Live’s top star Styles was chatting to Daily Star Online at the WWE Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida, for the launch of new game WWE 2K19.

Styles added he was happy he was wrong about signing for WWE as the champion enters his 322nd day holding the title.

Styles told Daily Star Online : “I think I just assumed me and the WWE just weren’t a fit, we would never work together.

“I learnt to live with it, and I just assumed they didn’t need an AJ Styles.

“Thankfully I was wrong.

“It took me a while, but when I got here the timing was perfect.”

(Image: WWE.COM)

Styles’ first appearance in WWE had already become an event of wrestling legend - being viewed millions of times on YouTube.

Originally signing for WWE’s arch rival WCW, the Georgia boy lost out when the firm folded and was scooped up by the then-WWF.

When Vince McMahon came knocking, Styles turned him down and embarked on a wrestling journey that would cement his place as one of the greatest of all time.

Conquering the US indies and then Japan - including two reigns with the prestigious IWGP World Heavyweight Championship - only then did Styles come to WWE.

(Image: WWE.COM) (Image: WWE.COM)

Styles told Daily Star Online: “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, and you just have to ride that rollercoaster."

Known for his mix off high flying acrobatics and technical skill, Styles is the cover star of WWE 2K19.

And SmackDown Live has even become known as the “The House That AJ Styles Built”.

He is currently embroiled in a deeply personal rivalry with Samoa Joe over his WWE Championship.

(Image: WWE)

Styles also spoke about All In, a game-changing indie show organised by former WWE star Cody Rhodes.

He said: ”Good for them, man, they did great. Those guys are my friends and I am happy for them. I am happy with their success, I hope they continue to do it.

"This is good for business for everybody.

"When there is someone to compete against it is good for everyone and steps everybody’s game up.”

WWE 2K19 is due to release on October 9 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.