AJ Styles blames SIM swap after X account hacked, Racist posts spark outrage

WWE Superstar AJ Styles found himself at the center of an unwanted controversy this week after his official X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked, resulting in a series of shocking and racist posts. The situation quickly escalated online before Styles released a statement revealing the breach was due to a SIM swap attack.
In a video shared on Instagram, the 46-year-old wrestler confirmed he had lost access to his account and only became aware of the posts after checking on his wife’s phone. He explained that his phone’s SIM card had been stolen - a move that allowed the hackers to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) and gain control of his social media profile.

“My Twitter/X… has been hacked,” Styles said in the video. “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 posts, which included deeply offensive racial content, were live for a short time before being taken down. The hacker later used the account to post cryptocurrency scam links and bizarre messages, triggering immediate backlash and concern among fans.
The incident sheds light on the growing issue of SIM swap attacks, a method used by cybercriminals to trick mobile carriers into transferring a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card. Once the switch is made, attackers can intercept text messages and authentication codes used for account logins.
In Styles’ case, the attack also raises questions about the role of AT&T in securing customer information. The wrestler hinted that the breach was made possible due to a lapse in the carrier’s security protocols.
Cybersecurity experts warn that while 2FA remains an important line of defense, methods relying solely on SMS codes can be vulnerable to such swaps. They recommend using app-based authenticators or physical security keys for sensitive accounts.
Online reactions ranged from support for Styles to disbelief at how such attacks still occur. joked, “His password was FlatEarth123,” referencing Styles’ well-known flat earth comments in the past. Others expressed concern over the misuse of celebrity accounts for crypto scams, while some pointed fingers at weak carrier security.
AJ Styles has since confirmed he is working with technical experts to recover full control of his account and urged fans to avoid engaging with any suspicious content.