A rare throwback adds nostalgia to the Nakamura showdown
Summary
– AJ Styles wore a mask for the first time since his NJPW run
– The entrance took place during Saturday Night’s Main Event
– The moment added nostalgia ahead of his match with Shinsuke Nakamura
AJ Styles delivered a surprise moment during his entrance at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event by bringing back a piece of his past. For the first time since his days in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Styles walked to the ring wearing a mask.
The throwback immediately stood out to longtime fans, and it did not go unnoticed on commentary. Michael Cole highlighted the significance of the moment, noting that Styles had not worn a mask since leaving NJPW.
Earlier in the day, Styles had already teased that he would be debuting new ring gear designed initially for the Royal Rumble. While that announcement hinted at something special, the masked entrance elevated the moment further and caught the crowd off guard.
The visual carried added meaning for fans familiar with Styles’ run in NJPW, particularly his time associated with Bullet Club. The mask was a defining part of that era and served as a clear nod to his roots.
With retirement speculation surrounding Styles, the decision to revisit such an iconic look gave the match with Shinsuke Nakamura a sense of closure and full-circle energy. The entrance alone added weight to an already highly anticipated encounter.
