Hulk Hogan evaluates former TNA stars now poised for big things in WWE, compares Ambrose to Piper

While in TNA earlier this decade, Hulk Hogan worked with several current WWE/NXT roster members who are poised for big things in WWE.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso talking WrestleMania, Hogan broke down the upside of stars A.J. Styles, Austin Aries, and Samoa Joe. He also also admitting to some “crazy” storyline ideas when part of TNA’s Creative process. Hogan also offered a comparison to Dean Ambrose.

– Hogan on Styles: “I’ve been dying, dying for A.J. Styles to come to the WWE. Now it’s game on.”

– Hogan on Aries: “I’m just so excited to see Austin Aries go up there, because I know what he’s going to bring.”

– Hogan on Joe: “I know Samoa Joe well. Joe is a good man and quality person. He’s kind and gracious, and he always makes the right decisions. He’s on track, brother, and going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“Joe has stayed true to himself and true to who he is from day one. He’s as solid as they come. If I ever approached him with a few really crazy ideas – which I did – he was smart enough to know who he really was.

“Samoa Joe, Austin Aries, and A.J. Styles can turn this whole thing upside down. There is a whole bunch of talent coming in and ready to take over, so it’s going to be very interesting to watch.”

– Hogan on Dean Ambrose: “Dean Ambrose is definitely Piper amped up times ten. Ambrose is a lunatic, he’s on fire.”