Hold on to your hats, wrestling fans, because we're diving headfirst into a debate that's been scorching the internet: Did AJ Styles and Dragon Lee 'steal' a move from The Young Bucks on WWE Raw?
Cain A. Knight, a wrestling analyst for Cageside Seats since 2014 (and a fan since the 1980s!), is here to break it down.
So, here's the deal: On a recent episode of WWE Raw, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee successfully defended their world tag team championship against The New Day. The match concluded with a breathtaking sequence. Kofi's body was draped over the top rope, Lee leaped from the top rope to double-stomp Kofi's back, propelling him into AJ's waiting arms for a Styles Clash. It was a spectacular moment, no doubt!
But here's where it gets controversial...
Many fans immediately recognized the finish as a move straight out of The Young Bucks' playbook in AEW. The Phenomenal One himself, AJ Styles, weighed in on the discussion, challenging the idea that any wrestler can truly 'own' a move.
Styles stated: "In Prowrestling you can’t claim moves. They may be your signature, but those are still open to the public. Any confident wrestler wouldn’t ever change that. Calm down guys."
He continued, "But if we do it again, is that borrowing or stealing? The answer is….neither. The job is entertainment."
Personally, I'm with AJ on this one. I've always found the unwritten rules of wrestling, especially those about needing permission to use a move, a bit silly. Especially when the wrestlers you're supposedly seeking permission from aren't even in the same company or are no longer actively wrestling.
In this instance, it seems clear. AJ, Lee, and The New Day delivered an incredibly entertaining moment for the Raw audience. The Young Bucks aren't negatively impacted in any way. Ultimately, everyone wins...except maybe those blinded by loyalty to a specific promotion or wrestler.
And this is the part most people miss... AJ's point about confident wrestlers not being bothered by this makes a lot of sense. Think about it: how many times have we seen wrestlers adopt or adapt moves, sometimes even improving them or creating exciting variations? This kind of open approach often leads to innovation and exciting new moments in the ring, which benefits everyone involved.
So, what do you think? Did AJ Styles and Dragon Lee 'steal' The Young Bucks' move? Do you agree with the idea of wrestlers 'owning' moves, or is it all fair game for the sake of entertainment? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below, Cagesiders!
