AJ Styles Criticizes Hulk Hogan's Time In TNA

Sitting down for an interview with Chris Van Vliet on his Insight podcast, AJ Styles spoke about a number of topics surrounding his illustrious career. When asked about his departure from TNA, which stemmed from financial issues, Styles opened up about the situation, and how Hulk Hogan played a significant role that led to this financially difficult time for TNA:

They hired Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. I believe Eric was trying to do the right thing, to see where we’re at as far as getting more eyes on us that we’re growing. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way it was supposed to. We lost a lot of money.

AJ explained how he thought Hogan was embarrassed of TNA, because he never promoted the company he was working for in any capacity. This obviously didn't sit well with The Phenomenal One:

I think I was kind of pi--ed at Hogan at the time, because I was like, why doesn’t he talk about TNA? Why is he not helping us? He’s not advertising at all. He never talked about TNA. I was pissed, but I now realize I think he was embarrassed.

The Hulkster would go on radio shows and do interviews, and he refrained from ever mentioning the promotion, even when he was asked about it. Hogan even downplayed his role in TNA when he was on Larry King Live, instead choosing to promote his own book and tour instead of the company he worked for. Styles continued:

It was embarrassing to him to talk about that, so he didn’t. I think Dixie was trying to do some things, and it was just, they keep butting heads, so it just kind of fell apart, and when it fell apart, they lost a lot of money.

AJ Styles Opened Up About His Career & When He Plans On Retiring

In addition to opening up about Hogan and TNA, Styles shared some interesting tidbits about his career, from WCW to NJPW to WWE and everything in between. He also spoke about his relationship with Vince McMahon and what the former WWE CEO thought about Styles.

Most notably, however, he talked about his retirement plans now that he's 47 years old, confirming his previous words that he didn't want to work past 50:

That’s correct. I keep saying that. I’ve said this and said this, but I will not wrestle at 50, I promise you that.