“Apparently Based on A…” – AJ Styles Schools a Young Fan on the Meaning of “Clout” After Being Mocked for Using “Young People Language”

AJ Styles did not earn the title of The Phenomenal One easily. With around 25 years in the pro wrestling industry, he’s been here for a long time. Over the years, he’s picked up accolades in multiple promotions and established himself as an icon in the business. However, for many, those years showcase the wrestler’s age in the business, and hearing modern slang during his promos may sound a bit off.

Despite what fans may say, Styles is known to change up his promo style to adapt to the new audience. Another trick up his sleeve is that he doesn’t just use random words to connect with the audience. He backs it up with proof. 

AJ Styles schools young fan on the meaning of clout

Styles began his journey in 1998 with various promotions, including TNA, before entering Vince McMahon’s playground. Needless to say, he’s been around the block and is a veteran of the sport. However, some fans don’t like the ‘young people language’ he uses in the ring and called him out for it. 

Taking to social media, Styles tweeted about the words he used in his recent promos. He wrote, “Clout……The slang appears early as the 1860s for “political influence,” apparently based on a centuries-old sense of clout meaning “punch” or “force.” This showcased that Styles didn’t just use words to sound young; he knew their meaning and adapted his style to fit them.

During his backstage segment with Paul Heyman, Styles would say Heyman had no clout, and with Randy Orton, he would use the word ‘cap.’ While both words are common in today’s terminology, especially on the internet, fans found it odd for Styles to use them, especially as an older wrestler. However, they did applaud Styles for showing that he knew the meaning of the words rather than just using them to relate to younger audiences.

The importance of good promos in WWE

While on promos and the words used in them, why are they important in the WWE? Promos have been a staple of every wrestler at WWE, and by extension, in the wrestling world. These segments show off the wrestler’s mic skills and whether they can captivate the audience. Look back at Hulk Hogan, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, and The Undertaker; none of them would be the stars they are if they didn’t kill it on the mic. Despite having great in-ring ability, good mic skills are also important in the WWE. This is why wrestlers like Styles always change up the words they use.

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Promos can make or break a star; LA Knight became an overnight success thanks to his incredible mic skills. Similarly, John Cena, CM Punk, and Paul Heyman won over their fans thanks to their insane mic skills. Styles constantly evolving his promos with modern terminology isn’t to sound young, but he knows when to use what to pass on his meaning to a younger audience. This showcases a wrestler’s ability to adapt to changing times and is one reason why he’s been around for the length he’s been.

What do you think of Styles’s answer to the fan? Do you like Styles’ promos?

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