WWE superstar AJ Styles found himself thrust into an unexpected and alarming controversy this week after cybercriminals hacked his official X (formerly Twitter) account. The attackers posted a stream of racist content, cryptocurrency scams, and bizarre messages, igniting a storm of confusion and outrage across social media.
Styles, whose real name is Allen Neal Jones, addressed the situation swiftly through an emotional Instagram video, where he confirmed that he had become the victim of a SIM swap attack—a growing threat in the world of digital crime.
The Incident: A Shocking Breach
The situation unfolded quickly. Fans noticed a series of posts from AJ Styles’ verified X account that included offensive racial slurs and inappropriate messages, completely out of character for the veteran wrestler. Within minutes, the posts began trending, triggering waves of shock and backlash online.
Soon after, the account started promoting cryptocurrency scam links—a hallmark tactic of many celebrity account takeovers. Social media users flagged the posts, and X removed them shortly after. However, the damage had already begun.
Styles addressed the issue later that day. In his Instagram video, he said, “My Twitter/X… has been hacked. They stole my SIM card. Somebody allowed that at AT&T… some idiot, some moron, stole my phone and was able to hack Twitter.”
The 46-year-old explained that he lost access to his account without warning. He only discovered the issue after his wife showed him what was being posted under his name.
The SIM Swap Attack Explained
The attack method used—SIM swapping—has become increasingly common. Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to convince a mobile carrier (in this case, reportedly AT&T) to transfer a phone number to a new SIM card under the attacker’s control. Once the transfer occurs, the hacker receives all incoming messages and calls, effectively taking over the victim’s phone identity.
This method allows criminals to intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, which many people—including celebrities and public figures—rely on to secure accounts. Styles used SMS-based 2FA, which the attacker easily bypassed after gaining control of his phone number.
The breach raises serious concerns about carrier security protocols. Styles didn’t mince words when pointing to AT&T’s failure to protect his account: “Some idiot allowed this to happen,” he said in frustration.
Fallout and Online Reactions
The fallout from the incident spread across platforms like Reddit, X, and Instagram. Many fans rallied behind Styles, expressing sympathy and offering support. Others, however, joked about the situation, poking fun at his past comments about flat earth theories. One Reddit user quipped, “His password was FlatEarth123,” in a mix of humor and critique.
The hacker’s decision to post racially charged content shocked many, even within the typically wild world of pro wrestling. Several users condemned the act, calling it a low blow not only to Styles but to the WWE fanbase at large.
Some followers also highlighted the rising frequency of celebrity account hacks being used to push crypto scams. In recent years, similar breaches have hit figures like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos. These attackers often use verified accounts to lend credibility to their fake crypto promotions.
Industry Response and Expert Warnings
Cybersecurity experts weighed in quickly after the incident. Many professionals emphasized that while two-factor authentication remains essential, users should avoid SMS-based verification due to its vulnerability to SIM swap attacks.
“Text messages are not secure for 2FA,” said one expert on X. “Use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or hardware-based security keys like YubiKey. You cannot trust your phone number alone to keep your identity safe anymore.”
The incident also triggered renewed scrutiny of mobile carriers and their role in such breaches. Critics argue that telecom companies often lack sufficient verification processes and training for employees, making them soft targets for social engineering. In AJ Styles’ case, an attacker likely posed as him over the phone or online and persuaded AT&T to reassign his number, which enabled full access to his accounts.
AJ Styles Fights Back
After securing his other devices, AJ Styles began working with technical experts to recover full control of his X account. He urged his followers to disregard any suspicious messages or crypto links they may have seen under his name in the past 24 hours.
“I’m dealing with it,” he said. “I’ve got the right people helping me. Don’t believe anything you saw earlier.”
Styles also issued a public reminder to fans about the importance of digital security. He stressed that anyone—even celebrities—can fall victim to these attacks. “If this can happen to me, it can happen to you,” he warned. “Stay safe online.”
WWE’s Position and Public Relations
The WWE has not released an official statement as of now. However, company insiders say WWE’s communications and legal teams have stepped in to assist Styles in handling the situation. WWE usually maintains strict control over how talent presents themselves online, and an attack like this could potentially damage both the individual and the brand.
Sources indicate that WWE will likely increase digital training and security protocols for its talent, particularly around social media and personal device protection. With millions of followers watching every move, WWE Superstars hold significant influence—and responsibility—online.
Broader Implications
AJ Styles’ experience underscores a larger issue: modern celebrity status comes with modern risks. Hackers no longer need to break into buildings to cause chaos. They just need a phone number and a convincing story. Mobile providers, platforms like X, and individuals must all tighten their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
Styles may wrestle opponents in the ring, but this time, he found himself facing a more invisible, and far more invasive, adversary.
Final Thoughts
AJ Styles didn’t ask for this controversy, but his public handling of the situation has been honest and proactive. He exposed serious flaws in both mobile security and social media safeguards while educating fans on the real dangers of SIM swapping.
As he works to regain control and restore trust, fans stand behind him. But the message remains clear: in the digital age, everyone is a target—and awareness is your first line of defense.
