Follow on Google News Jacob Fatu recently dropped the shirt from his ring gear, and the decision came directly from AJ Styles. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, the SmackDown standout revealed the retired veteran pushed him to showcase his new physique.
“I want to shout out AJ Styles. He seen the transformation and he was just like, ‘Dude, are you freaking finna wear a shirt out there? … Dude, you freaking got abs. I’d go out there with no shirt.’”
That backstage interaction convinced the rising star he didn’t need the extra fabric. Hearing such a strong endorsement from an established main eventer completely changed his perspective on his own presentation.
“Congratulations on the retirement. But it was cause of him, man, why I took it. I was ashamed to take it off… And, man, when the Phenomenal One says, ‘Hey man, I would do this,’ then okay, I’m gonna listen.”
Fatu is currently battling Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre heading into the Elimination Chamber. Styles finished his in-ring career against Gunther at the Royal Rumble and gets an official tribute on the upcoming Monday Night RAW in Atlanta.