AJ Styles made a surprise return to TNA during the Slammiversary pay-per-view on July 20, 2025, marking his first appearance in the Impact Zone since 2014. The moment was set to the iconic theme song “Get Ready to Fly,” capturing the attention of the crowd as Styles entered the ring to deliver a heartfelt promo.
Styles focused his remarks on Leon Slater, the youngest wrestler to claim the prestigious X-Division Championship. His endorsement of Slater as a rising star emphasized the significance of the young wrestler’s achievement and set the tone for the rest of the event.
Leon Slater’s Historic X-Division Championship Victory
Leon Slater, a 20-year-old competitor from Bradford, England, faced Moose in a highly intense match for the X-Division Championship. Slater impressed the audience with his resilience, kicking out after Moose’s spear and responding with a devastating spinning torture rack bomb. He then delivered a spear of his own, amplifying the tension between the rivals.
Slater executed a breathtaking Swanton 450, his signature move, but Moose narrowly avoided defeat by kicking out of the pin attempt. The contest saw several momentum shifts, including Slater countering Moose’s spear with a Code Red on the floor and attempting his finishing move again, which Moose escaped. However, persistence paid off when Slater landed a long-distance Swanton and sealed the victory with a second Swanton 450.
Following the thrilling contest, Moose showed great sportsmanship by placing the X-Division Championship belt around Slater’s waist, acknowledging his opponent’s hard-fought win.
Endorsement from AJ Styles Highlights Slater’s Potential
During his promo, Styles expressed admiration for Slater’s performance and strongly dismissed the crowd‘s chant, emphasizing that Slater earned the championship through sheer talent and determination. Styles highlighted how Slater’s journey illustrates that the X-Division transcends weight limits, framing it as a division defined by limitless potential.
Styles said the young champion reminded him why he loves professional wrestling and encouraged Slater to build a lasting legacy from his historic win. This moment served as a powerful endorsement, situating Slater as the future face of TNA’s X-Division.
There’s only ONE Phenomenal @AJStylesOrg — and he just stamped his approval on the “Youngest in Charge” @LEONSLATER_! Watch #TNASlammiversary LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/bUyG5ln9JT pic.twitter.com/Cy6nEM08Wu
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA)
The Significance of Slater’s Rise in TNA Wrestling
Leon Slater’s win and AJ Styles’ return combine to mark a turning point in TNA’s landscape. Slater’s performance displayed both athletic skill and determination on one of the company’s biggest stages, earning respect from veterans and fans alike. With endorsements from established stars like Styles and Moose, Slater’s position as a rising sensation in the X-Division appears secure.
Slammiversary provided the perfect platform to showcase Slater’s talent and set the foundation for his future impact in professional wrestling. As the youngest X-Division champion, Slater’s victory signals a new era in TNA, one fueled by young talent ready to define the promotion’s next chapter.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is AJ Styles religious?
A. A.J. Styles, outside of wrestling, is a committed Christian who believes his faith helps keep him balanced. While many wrestlers discover faith after tough times, Styles embraced it early in his career and let it guide him from the start.
