Did Paul “Paulie” Connell take a subtle jab at Teresa Giudice’s husband, Luis Ruelas, while announcing his engagement to Dolores Catania?

Credit: Instagram

Paulie, 55, went down on one knee to propose on Monday, November 10, at the Apple Store in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. This location holds sentimental value as it’s where he first crossed paths with the 54-year-old Real Housewives of New Jersey star. Speculation arises that Paulie may have indirectly criticized Luis, 50, who orchestrated an extravagant proposal to Teresa, 53, in Greece back in October 2021.

“I could have proposed on a yacht in Greece. I could have rented a grand hall, invited 400 people, and asked her to marry me with fireworks in the background. But that’s not who we are,” Paulie shared with PEOPLE on November 12.

Paulie contrasted his understated approach with the lavish display Luis put on, complete with a “Marry Me” sign, roses, candles, fireworks, and a violinist, suggesting such grandiose gestures aren’t his style.

Years after Luis made quite the scene with a “Marry Me” sign, roses, candles, fireworks, and even a violinist, Paulie said that wasn’t his style. 

“I didn’t want anything over-the-top and staged because we’re a humble couple. I wanted it to feel grounded and natural and organic.”

Following the interview, fans couldn’t help but wonder if Paulie intentionally targeted his fellow RHONJ star. Some felt that Paulie’s comment was “an unnecessary dig at Luis and her supposedly very good friend.”

Others pointed out that while Luis “proposed in the most grandiose way,” he now seemed to be a “broke fool.”

“[Luis] and the felon are so broke that he had to convince her to make up with her brother,” one person claimed.

Still, some felt that Paulie wasn’t as humble as he suggested, signaling the 11-carat diamond ring he proposed with and the on-hand photographer for PEOPLE.

Also in the interview with PEOPLE, Dolores admitted she was “ecstatic” to be engaged.

“You know when you feel that happiness down in your gut? That’s where this excitement stems from for me. I feel so blessed, I almost feel guilty! Like I don’t deserve to be loved this way,” she admitted as her fiancé disagreed.

“I keep telling Dolores, she deserves that and so much more,” Paulie stated. “She’s an incredible woman. And when I was proposing to her, I was able to articulate to her everything I see that she is, and everything I see that she does, and the impact she has on everybody around her. She’s one in a million.”

The Real Housewives of New Jersey is currently on pause ahead of its 15th season.