Or the AoA was a product of the other pilot over correcting from what they thought was unintended nose down behavior. Hard to say, clearly bad procedure either way though. It's why there's clear protocol regarding who is in control of the plane.
Close to the ground in the pattern most folks in the US are taught to be very careful about this. Ie, when you are low and slow, don't go for a big pitch up or a steep bank. There isn't time to recover.
That said, I've got NO clue about 777's, so maybe a 25 degree pitch up on takeoff / go around is normal. Hard to imagine aerodynamically that working.
What makes you think it's taught differently outside of the US?