Steve Carrier on July 21, 2025
AJ Styles’ shocking return to TNA at Slammiversary 2025 had fans talking—but it turns out the segment we got wasn’t what was originally planned.
Styles made his first TNA appearance in over a decade by putting over Leon Slater after his X Division Championship win over Moose. The moment was memorable, but it wasn’t what was initially mapped out.
According to Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated, multiple sources within TNA confirmed that AJ was originally scheduled to be in a segment with longtime rival Frankie Kazarian. That plan, however, was dropped just hours before showtime.
TNA President Carlos Silva later told Sports Illustrated that Styles’ creative direction went through a few changes leading up to the event, but the intention was always to spotlight his legendary X Division legacy.
TNA sources believe WWE may have influenced the change, as no main roster WWE star has worked a match in TNA since the cross-promotional relationship began. WWE likely didn’t want to hint at a future match for Styles in TNA that they had no intention of delivering.
As for Styles, he’s expected to clash with Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam, keeping his WWE obligations front and center.
Do you think WWE should let AJ Styles have one more run in TNA? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
July 21, 2025 7:27 pm
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