AJ Styles is considering a long-awaited AJ Styles TNA return match, potentially facing his close friend and fellow wrestler Frankie Kazarian after over a decade apart, reigniting excitement among fans and the wrestling community. Following his acclaimed tenure in TNA and successful transition to WWE in 2016, Styles has maintained his ties to former colleagues, particularly Kazarian, sparking calls for a reunion in the ring.
AJ Styles made his name as a multi-time champion in TNA, earning admiration from fans and building strong relationships with fellow performers, most notably Frankie Kazarian. The two last competed against each other in a dark match at Ring of Honor in January 2015, while their previous clash in a TNA ring dates back to July 2004. Despite the long gap, both Styles and Kazarian have voiced their desire to give fans one final, memorable showdown.
Fans and Stars Alike Rally for a Highly-Anticipated Match
During a recent episode of Rewind Recap Relive, TNA World Heavyweight Champion Frankie Kazarian discussed the possibility of sharing the ring once more with The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles. Kazarian highlighted that not only is the match significant for both men on a personal and professional level, but the fans are also eager for the event to take place. According to Kazarian, making the bout happen requires support from the right decision-makers at TNA and other key stakeholders. He stressed that while the match has not materialized yet, the intent and enthusiasm from all sides is very much alive.
“What I can say is AJ wants it, I want it, and I think it’s safe to say the fans want it. We really just need the stars to align, the right people to sign off on it, and for it to happen. I think it’s important that that match happens certainly for myself, I think for AJ, and I think it’s important that it happens for TNA. It hasn’t happened yet, but it’s that’s not for lack of trying. Everybody wants the match to happen. We just need it to cut through a little bit of red tape and get the match in the ring, as they say.” — Frankie Kazarian, TNA World Heavyweight Champion
Fans on social media have echoed Kazarian’s sentiment, often reminiscing about the dynamic matches both competitors delivered during their time in TNA and hoping for another unforgettable encounter.
AJ Styles Makes a Surprise Return at TNA Slammiversary
In July 2025, AJ Styles made an unannounced appearance at TNA Slammiversary, congratulating Leon Slater on capturing the X-Division Championship and teasing the possibility of returning for a match. This moment stirred further speculation about a future bout, not just with Slater, but especially with Frankie Kazarian, given their history and unfinished business in the ring.
Reflecting on Styles’s return to TNA during Slammiversary, Kazarian recounted how meaningful it was for their families to reunite and for both wrestlers to talk about lingering aspirations in the industry. Kazarian described the occasion as memorable for all involved, pointing out that it was a positive experience for the company and for the emerging star, Leon Slater.
“My son’s very much a wrestling fan, and he had only met AJ when he was a little tiny baby, so for him to get to sit and chat with him was cool. Just to see him was cool and to chat and, talk about, things we both want to do still in wrestling. And it was cool for TNA, it was cool for Leon Slater. That whole moment it was just a great great moment for the company.” — Frankie Kazarian, TNA World Heavyweight Champion
What a Potential AJ Styles TNA Match Means for the Wrestling World
An AJ Styles TNA return match with Frankie Kazarian would represent more than just nostalgia—it would be a convergence of past and present for a new generation of fans, as well as a potential high point for TNA’s ongoing revival. The anticipation from wrestlers, fans, and the company itself underlines the cultural and professional impact Styles has had since his early days as a TNA original.
As both men continue to push for the match behind the scenes, all eyes are on the decision-makers in TNA and WWE to make this dream match a reality. Should it materialize, not only would it reunite two respected veterans, but it would also inject fresh energy into the promotion, offering an opportunity for emerging stars like Leon Slater to shine under a reinvigorated spotlight. For now, the wrestling world waits in hope that the final signatures and approvals will set the stage for AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian to deliver one more show-stealing encounter in a TNA ring.
#triad @AJStylesOrg @ShinsukeN #WrestleMania Just watch this! The absolute best. pic.twitter.com/XE2NmkrEZG
— 👑 Frankie Kazarian 👑 (@FrankieKazarian) April 9, 2018
