AJ Styles Clarifies Unplanned Parallels with Mark Henry’s Fake Retirement

AJ Styles has carved out a legendary career in professional wrestling, and he used that experience to trick Cody Rhodes with a fake retirement announcement. Styles has now clarified the parallels between his own fake retirement and Mark Henry’s infamous retirement ruse.

In a segment on the May 31st edition of Friday Night SmackDown, AJ Styles took a reflective moment to discuss his career, revealing his initial reluctance to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship anew. He mentioned his son’s upcoming graduation, indicating that his responsibilities as a father were pulling him in another direction.

Later in the show, Styles invited the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, to the ring, expressing gratitude for their memorable encounter at WWE Backlash France. However, as the segment neared its conclusion, Styles shocked everyone by launching a sudden attack on Rhodes. This culminated in a brutal Styles Clash from the steel steps to the mat.

This segment drew parallels to Mark Henry’s memorable fake retirement in June 2013. The WWE Hall of Famer had emotionally bid farewell alongside John Cena in the ring, only to surprise everyone with a World’s Strongest Slam. A notable difference was in their attire—Styles wore a light blue jacket, while Henry had famously worn salmon pink.

Speaking to Fightful’s Corey Brennan before WWE Clash at the Castle, AJ Styles clarified that any comparisons made to past incidents are entirely unintentional. He emphasized that such moments are “happy accidents,” stating that planning them would never result in the same level of success.

“All of them are happy accidents. Nothing’s ever — you don’t plan it. Well, I wouldn’t say that. My gear is a little bit different. My gear is planned but when it comes to promos, not really.”

As for AJ Styles, he lost to Cody Rhodes at Clash at The Castle and is now set to compete at NOAH Destination in July this year, so we’ll have to see how he will fare in the match. Nevertheless, Styles will always respect Henry no matter what and that’s all that matters.

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