Author: We’re not going to reach very far back for this installment of Huge Crowd Reactions in Wrestling featuring AJ Styles. After weeks of speculation, the former TNA, Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling star made his much anticipated WWE debut as the third entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble, and it was to a massive ovation. As soon as the word "phenomenal" flashed on the big screen, the crowd blew the roof off the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
Welcome back to Huge Crowd Reactions in Wrestling. This series is basically an excuse for us here at Pro Wrestling Stories to revel in some of the moments that made us lose our minds. I mean, we’re all pretty huge wrestling fans. We live for those huge crowd reactions. Even as at-home viewers, those are the moments we crave. We want to be on the edge of our seats, or even out of them entirely. Before we post it, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
The video below is "unseen" footage of AJ Styles debut.
See, WWE messed up during the live broadcast by using horrible angles, which ruined the impact of what was on screen. For some reason, the shot hangs on Roman Reign’s face, missing most of AJ Styles as he steps into a WWE arena for the very first time. We’re sure somebody got shouted at for butchering that segment!
Related: AJ Styles Theme Music: His Journey to WWE and Who His Theme Music Was First Intended For
As WWE likes to tamper with footage to get across the story they’re trying to tell (this time for the better), they cut together a new video of AJ’s historic debut, using more angles. Somehow, there’s still a bit too much of Roman Reighn looking confused, but it’s a lot better than what was televised.
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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