From the WWE Rumour Mill: Truth behind AJ Styles paying tribute to Hulk Hogan on RAW 25
What's the story?
It is common knowledge that WWE and Hulk Hogan, perhaps their biggest star ever, are not on the best of terms. Therefore, it was surprising that AJ Styles paid tribute to The Hulkster at RAW 25.
Sports Illustrated clarified that the segment was scripted by WWE for AJ Styles, and therefore there's no heat about the same. AJ Styles and Hulk Hogan are good friends from the time they spent in TNA.
In case you didn't know...
On RAW 25, AJ Styles was being interviewed by Charly Caruso ahead of his performance in the handicap match, at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.
Styles asked for Caruso to step aside with the utmost respect, and brought in perhaps the greatest backstage interviewer in the history of wrestling- Mean Gene Okerlund.
When Mean Gene asked Styles a question, Styles began his promo with a small Hogan tribute.
The heart of the matter
Sports Illustrated investigated whether or not AJ Styles faced any resentment from the WWE Universe for the 'Well, let me tell you something Mean Gene' line. The answer is, he didn't.
In fact, Styles went up to WWE management before the segment even occurred and got their permission to do his little tribute.
In fact, the entire interview was scripted. Styles did not stray from the script at all.
This was a nod from Styles to his old friend and former colleague from Impact Wrestling.
What's next?
It's doubtful that Hulk Hogan will get into the good graces of WWE in the immediate future. No one can really predict if time will heal all wounds or not. As for AJ Styles, he will now face Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34.
Author's take
This was a fun little segment. But to be honest, I forgot about it with all that happened since.
I'm sure Vince McMahon, who is a far busier man than I, would have forgotten as well, with all that happened over time.
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