AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho Feud Continues to Hit All the Right Notes

The flourishing AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho rivalry is a reminder that the formula of simple storytelling plus electric stars equals magic.

As this narrative patiently builds toward its climax, it is showcasing both Jericho and Styles. It's delivering stellar in-ring action, leaning on a cogent character shift and making each match mean something. It's hard to believe that the same company scripting Styles vs. Jericho is also responsible for some of the head-scratching tales unfolding each week.

Fans are still unclear why Undertaker is willing to be part of the McMahon family squabble. Lana continues to set her sights on Brie Bella without a clear motivation. Styles and Jericho, meanwhile, are benefiting from a sound feud built on logic. 

It's one that has earned praise from many, including Kevin Berge of Questionable Critics and Vaughn Johnson of Philly.com:

The latest twist in the story came on Monday night after a tag team title bout failed to crown new champs.

Jericho and Styles had become fast friends. They clearly had mutual respect for each other. They worked seamlessly as a team.

After the duo quickly worked its way into title contention, Y2AJ faced The New Day for the gold on Monday's Raw.

As much as some may have predicted an implosion between Styles and Jericho, WWE did well to tease that their partnership was a lasting one. Jericho welcomed the Y2AJ moniker. They looked like the best of buds each time they appeared onscreen together.

To take it a step further, WWE printed Y2AJ T-shirts, which the challengers wore before their title matchup.

There was no hint of their alliance splintering during the bout. Again, Jericho and Styles clicked together. Again, they produced a standout match.

After the loss, though, Jericho pummeled his partner. He then provided an unsettling lasting image when he shoved the team's new T-shirt into Styles' mouth.

And suddenly, Jericho's character hit the right gear.

He had been off rhythm and underwhelming as a babyface since returning. He looked most comfortable when he flashed signs of villainy. Unleashing that side of him instantly added momentum for him. FanSided's Cody Williams was spot-on when he wrote, "Jericho is a top-level heel and he showed it here."

Y2J explained himself to a degree when he told Renee Young backstage that he was tired of hearing people chant for Styles.

Combine that with how frustrated Jericho was early on when Styles defeated him, and this move to the dark side makes a lot of sense. The former WWE champ has said often that he has lost sleep over falling to Styles. Sure, he was able to swallow his pride for a spell, but failing against The New Day clearly rekindled his anger.

It's smart to juxtapose Styles with this newly turned Jericho.

The more callous and cold that Y2J gets, the more The Phenomenal One is defined by being the opposite of that. Styles will be the just hero looking to take down a megalomaniac. He'll be the newcomer who has the veteran's number.

Credit: WWE.com

Styles leads the series 2-1 heading into their presumed matchup at WrestleMania.

He has been able to get the best of a future Hall of Famer, which certainly helps WWE paint him as a major player. Allowing him to beat him once more, this time on the grand stage of WrestleMania. 

And while some will complain that a fourth match between these two isn't fresh enough, the arc of the story has allowed each showdown to be different, boasting a new dynamic each time.

The first clash was Styles' introduction. It was his coming-out party in a way, kicking off his WWE career with a big win.

The rematch was Jericho's chance to prove the first result a fluke. His pride was at stake. He wondered aloud if Styles was merely good not great.

At Fastlane, the rubber match centered on Styles looking to prove himself. Jericho teased moving closer to heel status, but ultimately accepted his defeat with grace.

This time around, things will be more personal. Jericho ended their alliance and a promising tag team in violent and embarrassing fashion. Styles will surely be enraged moving forward. So rather than the respectful vibe that their previous encounters have had, this will be more of a blood feud.

None of this would have worked had Styles and Jericho not been such a good fit together. Indy wrestler Gran Akuma remarked on how they have flourished as both partners and rivals:

That dynamic has helped them produce some of the best matches this year together. Fans could engage in a long debate about whether Styles vs. Jericho I, II or III was better, but they would have to agree that the early list of Match of the Year candidates has to include all three.

And WWE now knows it's going to get something special come WrestleMania.

A pair of top-notch performers who mesh well together will benefit from an evolving story that has compelled. WWE has taken its time in developing the animosity between them. After it exploded on Monday's Raw, the feud promises to get more intense.

The next chapters will be built on a strong foundation. Jericho will descend further into his own darkness. Styles will have a prime opponent to topple as he tries to gain momentum. The audience will be glued to all of it.