10. Debuting AJ Styles
The rumors were running rampant that the former New Japan and TNA star would be backstage at the big event, and speculation was high that he would actually make his debut in the match. Turns out he did - and what an impressive debut it was. When the countdown completed for the third entrant and that wicked cool new music began blaring, the arena erupted, generating one of, if not the biggest pops of the night. The WWE cameramen missed the moment because they were too busy focusing on the confusion dawning across the face of Roman Reigns, but when they finally cut to Styles doing his trademark pose on a WWE ramp the surreal nature of the moment began to sink in. AJ took his time getting to the ring so that he could soak up the adulation from the fans in what he would probably consider the biggest moment of his career, but once he stepped inside the ropes he was all business. He was the crowd favorite for the entirety of the time he was in the match, putting on a great showing with all his signature offensive maneuvers (sans Styles Clash) and some thrilling close calls. It's also notable that he was billed as AJ Styles, not "Stylish" Allen Jones or some other variation, which is a departure from usual WWE procedure. If his showing in the Rumble is any indication, the company has big plans for their newest acquisition.
Brad Hamilton
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Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
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