AJ Francis Explains Why He Chose TNA Over Trying to Get Signed By AEW

AJ Francis is sticking with TNA—and now we know exactly why.

During a rconversation on The Ariel Helwani Show, the outspoken star pulled back the curtain on his contract status and decision to re-sign with TNA rather than jump ship to AEW.

Francis admitted there were discussions happening behind the scenes, including encouragement from AEW talent and even a conversation with Tony Khan. But when it came time to make a decision, AEW never even got the chance to make an offer.

“No, they couldn’t because I re-signed on the last day of my TNA deal.”

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The decision, he explained, wasn’t about chasing a bigger paycheck. It was about loyalty, respect, and the creative room to build something bigger—something he believes is already taking shape in TNA.

“Because I liked where I was at. What I’m doing now in TNA, nobody else saw it a year and a half ago. I did — Tommy Dreamer did — but nobody else saw this a year and a half ago from me. I know what’s coming down the road. I feel like I can see the future. Everything I’ve ever wanted to do, I’ve done.”

He even mapped out his own journey, showing just how calculated and driven he’s always been—down to buying a house in Orlando years before ever stepping foot in WWE.

“From going to the NFL to getting into WWE… I bought a house in Orlando two years before my football career ended because I knew I was going to NXT.”

Money, it turns out, wasn’t the motivator—though TNA did sweeten the deal. Francis said the real draw was being seen and used in a meaningful way.

“At that time, I was making enough money from TNA — and they gave me more money too. Yeah, I could’ve probably got more elsewhere. But I’m in a good spot. I’m in a good spot on the card. I’m actually treated with respect. I’m not used as a joke — I’m used in big opportunities.”

AJ Francis knows exactly where he stands, and more importantly, where he’s going—and it’s not AEW. With his TNA run showing more fire than ever, Francis seems fully locked in on proving that staying loyal was the right call.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.