Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Styles believes WWE’s relationship with TKO explains why Ryan Garcia received a featured role on RAW despite reported resistance within the locker room.
Garcia appeared during the July 27 RAW concert segment involving Joe Hendry and Danhausen. The boxer smashed a guitar across Hendry’s back before Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh joined him in attacking Hendry, Danhausen and the Minihausens.
Speaking on The AJ Styles Show, Styles initially said he did not understand why Garcia had been inserted into the angle. Co-host Tony Charles then noted Garcia’s connection to TKO through Zuffa Boxing, which is promoting his September 12 WBC welterweight title defense against Conor Benn.
Styles said WWE’s place under the TKO umbrella means the company will continue finding ways to mix people from its other businesses into wrestling programming. He added that he was not criticizing the choice of guest, only acknowledging that the crossovers will continue.
“They’re aligned with TKO, and there are going to be certain things that they try to work in together.”
Fightful Select reported that a number of WWE wrestlers wanted nothing to do with Garcia during RAW.
The RAW appearance also promoted Garcia’s bout with Benn, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Zuffa Boxing announced the fight in July as part of its Mexican Independence weekend card.