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What's the story?
It turns out AJ Styles knows how to celebrate in the PG Era like a true living legend. After SmackDown Live concluded this week there was a dark match and afterward, he had some post-match beverages and drank them in the style of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Except The Phenomenal One wasn't downing Stylesweisers, instead he enjoyed some refreshing H20. But it's the thought behind the obvious homage that counts.
In case you didn't know...
AJ Styles and Steve Austin have never crossed paths in the ring, but there is certainly a respect there. AJ Styles also works very hard during his matches and deserves a refreshing beverage after a hard-fought match. Therefore, it was a perfect combination of things coming together to make this excellent tribute possible.
Heart of the matter
It's a shame those water bottles couldn't have been the same beverage Austin used to indulge himself in by the case during his celebrations. But AJ Styles had to be true to himself and there were children who could have been in the audience ready to emulate The Phenomenal One, so the more socially responsible choice is understandable.
What's next?
Perhaps AJ Styles could start to pay tribute to Stone Cold during his matches by implementing some of The Rattlesnake's moves into his repertoire. If a WrestleMania 34 match between Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura is possible, just imagine how epically The King Of Strong Style would sell a Phenomenal Stunner out of thin air?
Author's take
AJ Styles has a lot of fun in the wrestling and it's obvious he loves what he does. He respects the business and heroes of the past as well which is very important for anyone to really make it in the business Styles loves so much.
This little tribute was not only hilarious but also a fitting end to a night of SmackDown Live tapings where it was announced AJ Styles will defend his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match at the Royal Rumble. After hearing news like that, if those water bottles were actually beers, nobody could have blamed AJ Styles for it.
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