AJ Styles’ tenure in TNA produced some of the most intense and punishing matches in wrestling history, showcasing his remarkable skill and resilience. These AJ Styles best TNA matches exemplify why his performances in TNA often rivaled, if not surpassed, the brutality and excitement seen in WWE bouts.
Epic Clash with Abyss at the 2005 NWA-TNA Lockdown
In 2005, AJ Styles faced Abyss in a brutal encounter at the NWA-TNA Lockdown event, fighting for a shot at the title at the upcoming Hard Justice pay-per-view. The rivalry between Styles and Abyss was filled with genuine animosity that translated into an explosive match inside the steel cage. Styles kicked off the fight by executing a front flip onto Abyss the moment he entered the cage, setting an intense momentum that stayed relentless throughout.
The match featured jaw-dropping maneuvers including Styles’ springboard hurricanrana and a daring leap over several rows of fans to strike Abyss. However, Abyss soon dominated, slamming the cage door on Styles’ face and introducing thumbtacks to the ring, escalating the brutality. Styles endured a Black Hole Slam and was driven through the tacks with a Styles Clash but never gave up. As he attempted to flee atop the cage, the chaos intensified with Abyss wrapping chains around Styles’ neck, only for Styles to free himself by biting Abyss’ fingers and delivering a sunset flip powerbomb onto thumbtacks, finally claiming victory.
Styles Battles Samoa Joe at 2005’s TNA Turning Point
At Turning Point 2005, AJ Styles defended his TNA X-Division Championship against the formidable Samoa Joe, known as the Samoan Submission Machine. The match opened with Joe controlling the pace, punishing Styles with a series of chops, kicks, and strikes against the guardrails. Styles responded swiftly with aerial attacks such as snapmares, dropkicks, and his signature Best Dropkick in the Business, creating an intense back-and-forth contest.
Styles unveiled a series of high-risk moves including a springboard forearm, inverted DDT, moonsault DDT, Fosbury Flop, and a springboard punch, pushing Joe to the limit. Joe returned the favor by executing snap powerslams, running knees, and double underhook powerbombs, each requiring Styles to kick out and demonstrate his resilience. Despite his efforts, Joe eventually forced Styles into submission with his devastating Coquina Clutch, ending the match and taking the title.
Iron Man Showdown Against Christopher Daniels at Against All Odds 2005
AJ Styles’ first major TNA encounter with Christopher Daniels came at Against All Odds in 2005 in a grueling Iron Man match that lasted over 30 minutes. Both wrestlers demonstrated excellent technical skills honed on the independent circuit. Daniels initially took control by repeatedly slamming Styles into the ribs, securing the first fall with his Angel’s Wings finisher at the 14-minute mark.
Despite the punishment, Styles mounted an impressive comeback with handspring elbows, springboard forearms, and a Pele Kick, equalizing the score with a surprise roll-up. When the regular time ended tied at one fall apiece, Dusty Rhodes ordered overtime with sudden death rules. Styles survived a Koji Clutch from Daniels before finally landing the Styles Clash at 31:37 to clinch an unforgettable victory.
AJ Styles x Christopher Daniels. Two of TNA Wrestling’s greatest icons throw down for 30+ minutes in one of the best matches in company history. (2.13.2005) 👑 pic.twitter.com/qtP90PDIlR— Vintage Puroresu プãƒãƒ¬ã‚¹ (@vintagepuro) July 20, 2025
Relentless Last Man Standing Match with Kurt Angle at Hard Justice 2008
The rivalry between AJ Styles and Kurt Angle reached new heights at Hard Justice 2008 with a Last Man Standing match designed to settle deeply personal scores. The animosity stemmed from Styles aligning with Angle’s wife, Karen, turning the tension into a fierce vendetta. Both men withstood extreme punishment, delivering a violent spectacle where endurance was as crucial as skill.
Styles initially caught Angle in an ankle lock, forcing a tap out, but Angle shocked him by rising before the ten-count. Angle responded with a series of German suplexes and an Olympic slam, repeatedly pinning Styles only for him to rise before the count finished. The brutal back-and-forth continued with Styles countering another Olympic slam into a Styles Clash, but Angle still managed to get up. After 25 minutes of ceaseless combat, Styles sealed the match with a top-rope DDT, marking a monumental and hard-fought victory.
Kurt Angle x AJ Styles. On a historically significant night in wrestling history, multi-time TNA, WWE & *IWGP Champions again solidify their names at the top of any list of the greatest wrestlers of the 21st century. (1.4.2010) 🌟 pic.twitter.com/DxKEVyCy3k— Vintage Puroresu プãƒãƒ¬ã‚¹ (@vintagepuro) June 29, 2025
Three-Way Classic: AJ Styles vs Christopher Daniels vs Samoa Joe at TNA Unbreakable 2005
The 2005 TNA Unbreakable event featured a match that brought together three future legends: AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Samoa Joe. Daniels was the longest reigning X-Division Champion, Joe was already a legend, and Styles was rapidly rising in prominence. The match began with Styles and Joe forming a temporary alliance against Daniels, targeting him with a flurry of stiff kicks.
Once their temporary partnership dissolved, Styles showcased his remarkable agility with a springboard shooting star press on both opponents. His expert counter-wrestling allowed him to stay competitive amidst two dominant rivals. As the contest intensified, Styles inflicted a series of signature moves including Pele Kicks, inverted DDTs, and Spiral Taps. The climax came when Styles hurled Daniels off the top rope into Joe using a hurricanrana. Despite Daniels nearly securing the win with his Angel’s Wings on Joe, Styles capitalized by rolling Daniels up for the pinfall, securing a defining victory and cementing his legacy.
These five matches highlight only a portion of AJ Styles’ incredible contributions to TNA’s history. His combination of physicality, technical skill, and storytelling during this period set him apart as one of wrestling’s most phenomenal performers. By the time Styles transitioned to WWE, he had already established a legacy marked by fearless battles and unforgettable moments. Even beyond his prime, Styles continued to deliver thrilling matches, proving why his TNA days remain a shining example of his prowess in the ring.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is AJ Styles religious?
A. A.J. Styles is not just a wrestler; he is also a dedicated Christian. He believes his religion helps keep him stable. Unlike some other wrestlers, Styles embraced his faith early in his career. For him, it served as a guiding force from the start, rather than a fallback after tough times.
Q. Who defeated AJ Styles in WWE?
A. On December 9 at the event called Final Resolution, Styles lost to Christopher Daniels in what was announced as their “last match.”
