[DanielBryanfan96]

This isn’t a dig at AJ Styles, because I’m a huge fan of him. But I’ve always wondered why wrestlers such as Balor, Bryan, Kofi, etc are considered by certain fans to be “vanilla midgets” because of how they look (being under 5ft10, not having an intimidating physique) yet no one ever seems to say this stuff at Styles. Styles is probably shorter than these people. Granted he’s probably more built than these guys, but he looks small next to someone like Drew or Orton. When Styles was champion, no one said anything about his look. Yet when it was Kofi/Bryan, all people seemed to say was how they were impossible to take seriously as champion due to their looks and size.

Again this is not me critiquing Styles, because I think he looks fine, I just don’t get why other wrestlers get this argument aimed at them but he never does. Is it a respect thing?

 

[troyag93]

AJ isn't Vanilla

Also like you already said AJ is more built then guys like Kofi, Finn , Bryan ect...

 

[RamPaige]

That term has lost all meaning and is just used by people to insult wrestlers they don't like.

 

[Wridacule]

His great in ring psychology doesn't hurt his case

 

[Fearless]

It's the aura around AJ Styles. Back when AJ was in TNA with the short hair, clean face and everything he was being called names similar to "Vanilla Midget". Back when he was still doing the spiral tap from the top rope. Then he grew his hair out, joined the BC and grew as a wrestler from there. Not depending mostly on wrestling moves, improving his mic. talking and showing more of an engaging personality.

Bryan Danielson really did the same in WWE and I really don't get calling him vanilla or a midget. That term is overused and has lost its meaning now, like every other term that gains popularity on the internet.

 

[La Parka]

He’s not vanilla.

Balor and Kofi are.

Bryan wasn’t always this vanilla “I love to wrestle and put everyone over” either.

 

[Drae_phenom]

That term has lost all meaning and is just used by people to insult wrestlers they don't like.

Exactly, people are mean and can be cruel

 

[Drae_phenom]

People are just mean, the insult shouldn't even be used. Most people that use this term may just be jealous because guys like Finn Balor look better than they do. Kofi had to fight adversity, only to be called mean names by jealous and/or cruel people. People should try to be nice to others. Jesus loves you. Have a great day.

 

[Jbardo37]

Because he’s got star quality, a good look and he’s an excellent performer.

 

[The Quintessential Mark]

Because he's better than them.

 

[Typical Cena Fan]

Style has a unique look and looks different to most of the WWE roster. A better more rounded and entertaining wrestler.

Bryan and Styles are much bigger then people like Balor.

 

[Stylebender]

Because Aj looks and acts like a grown ass man. Same reason people wouldnt call Benoit or Shawn Michaels vanilla midgets. He,s built. He looks rugged. He has a presence.

 

[Freelancer]

AJ is anything but a vanilla midget.

That being said, it's also cause he's in WWE. Those people who are institutionalized also think Miz is the GOAT..........

 

[PhenomenalOne11]

Because he actually looks like a man, not like a little boy like the others.

 

[Magicman38]

Cause like Shawn Michaels, he has a personality.

 

[VodooPimpin]

Well he isn’t as boring as anyone u mentioned . Also very good in the ring and has been around for a while. He has a legacy built

 

[The Quintessential Mark]

Cause like Shawn Michaels, he has a personality.

Aside from those who actually praised him within the industry enough and made loose comparisons between him and HBK I always believed he could have been the modern day equivalent of Shawn Michaels had he ticked off every box Shawn did.

 

[45banshee]

AJ is billed 5"11 not exactly a midget. 5'7 is considered a midget to me in wrestling

 

[DanielBryanfan96]

AJ is billed 5"11 not exactly a midget. 5'7 is considered a midget to me in wrestling

I wouldn’t be sure about the 5’11. He is the same height as Ricochet here who is often referred to as a “flippy midget”.

 

[Upstart474]

AJ Styles is a legend so don't put vanilla next to his name. On the other hand, Marko Stunt is 5'2."