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Following AJ Styles’ memorable debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble Match, the yearning for dream bouts between Styles and WWE’s best was at the top of everyone’s wish list. However, as proven by The Phenomenal One and Chris Jericho’s now WrestleMania-bound clash, dreams can quickly devolve into harsh realities.
Styles and Jericho’s rivalry first developed and revolved around the principles of mutual respect and pure competition. The two exchanged victories — Styles prevailing on Raw and Jericho evening the score on SmackDown — leading to a highly anticipated rubber match at WWE Fastlane. The two did not disappoint, delivering an instant classic that left the WWE Universe inside Quicken Loans Arena astonished from start to finish. The Phenomenal One ultimately prevailed, proving his mettle as one of WWE’s newest elites.
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, the often-hotheaded Jericho offered a handshake to Styles following the contest at WWE Fastlane. Styles accepted the peace offering, and the two began teaming up in subsequent weeks. Dubbing themselves “Y2AJ,” the pair quickly ascended to a WWE Tag Team Championship opportunity.
However, the dream team was not built to last. After falling short in their tag title opportunity, Jericho’s resentment toward Styles’ instant popularity with the WWE Universe rose to the surface. The former WWE Undisputed World Champion laid out his “partner,” instantly transforming a situation that first centered on mutual respect into a gritty, personal matter.
The conflict escalated over the next several weeks, with Jericho chastising the WWE Universe for their propensity to cheer for Styles. Following several altercations, both verbal and physical, Styles challenged Jericho to throw down on The Grandest Stage of Them All and, after Styles cost Jericho a victory, Jericho finally accepted. The clash will mark Styles' first WrestleMania appearance.
Now, with any reverence that the two may have shared for one another being long forgotten, Styles and Jericho will lock up again at WrestleMania 32. This time it will not be about fulfilling on the promise of a “dream” match. The dream is over; this contest is solely about retaliation.
Watch WrestleMania, live on WWE Network tonight at the special start time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT to see who prevails in this ever-personal rivalry.