Shane Helms Recalls Getting Heat For Letting ‘Unknown’ AJ Styles ‘Do Too Much’ In 2002 Jakked Bout

In 2002, AJ Styles stepped into the ring with Hurricane Helms on an episode of Jakked. 

Helms was established as The Hurricane and was already a former WWE European Champion with Mighty Molly by his side. AJ Styles had made a couple of appearances at the tail end of WCW and had been competing for NWA Wildside at the time. 

Twitter user @allan_cheapshot posted a GIF of the match, leading Helms commenting on trying to get AJ hired and getting heat for giving him too much in the match. 

I did everything in my power to get AJ hired at a time when WWE didn’t know about him. Even got heat for letting an “unknown” do too much. I knew he was good even back then. And now he’s one of the best in the world. Incredible journey. https://t.co/hIk2KkMLcL

— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) January 28, 2021

Styles would go on to sign with NWA TNA (IMPACT Wrestling) while Helms remained in WWE as The Hurricane. 

Both men are now in WWE as Styles is one of the top superstars in the company while Helms works as a producer.