AJ Styles, a significant figure in professional wrestling, is poised for a major event with his celebrated AJ Styles TNA return scheduled for January 15 at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas, coinciding with Impact’s first show on AMC Network. The announcement, shared on TNA’s official platforms, marks a pivotal moment for both Styles and the promotion, reconnecting a legend with the arena that first propelled his career to global prominence.
Styles originally signed with TNA in 2002, where his innovative in-ring abilities and dynamic presence helped establish the brand as a force in wrestling, even as he also competed in promotions like ROH and NJPW. TNA, however, was the launchpad that saw AJ Styles develop from a promising newcomer into a household name within the industry.
After more than a decade representing TNA and leaving a lasting imprint, Styles transitioned to WWE in 2016, debuting during the Royal Rumble, and quickly becoming a top contender on the international stage. Over recent years, a partnership between TNA and NXT has promoted crossover storylines and talent signings, further blending the rosters and contributing to notable WWE acquisitions from TNA.
Impact’s AMC Network Partnership Launches with a Special Episode
The return of AJ Styles is timed with TNA’s expanded broadcast reach following a multi-year deal with AMC Network. This new partnership brings Impact! to a wider television audience, and the January 15 premiere on AMC is being celebrated with a special two-hour event, serving as both a television milestone and a homecoming for Styles. As announced officially:
“BREAKING: “The Phenomenal” @AJStylesOrg returns to TNA on January 15 for the @AMC_TV premiere episode of #TNAiMPACT at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. @AMCPlus”
This appearance follows AJ Styles’ participation at Slammiversary 2025, which marked his first in-person involvement with TNA in over eleven years. The buildup to his return has generated excitement among longstanding TNA fans and wrestling enthusiasts eager to witness a legend revisit the site of his earliest triumphs.
AJ Styles’ Current Storylines in WWE Context
While preparing for his AJ Styles TNA return, Styles remains active in WWE, recently capturing the WWE World Tag Team Championships alongside Dragon Lee in October 2025 by defeating The Judgment Day. Their championship run concluded last month against The Usos, ending a notable tag team chapter.
In 2026, Styles stirred controversy on the very first WWE RAW of the year, where he confronted Gunther over his ongoing taunts regarding John Cena’s final match. Tensions escalated when Styles dramatically slapped Gunther, setting the stage for a potential rivalry.
Styles’ nearly thirty-year wrestling tenure includes major events such as his encounter with John Cena during Cena’s Farewell Tour, where they faced off at Crown Jewel, drawing widespread acclaim and standing ovations for both athletes. Recent developments indicate that Styles, now nearing retirement, is beginning to chart his exit from active competition, continuing to have a profound influence on peers and fans alike.
The Impact and Anticipation Surrounding the Event
AJ Styles’ involvement in TNA’s AMC premiere is creating substantial anticipation in the wrestling community, symbolizing both a bridge to the promotion’s past and a sign of its continued evolution. Styles’ contributions to wrestling—across organizations like TNA, WWE, and NJPW—have cemented his legacy, and his return to TNA for this groundbreaking occasion spotlights the importance of honoring the sport’s roots while embracing future collaborations.
With longtime supporters and new audiences tuning in, the January 15 event stands as a defining moment for TNA, AMC Network, and AJ Styles himself, likely influencing future partnerships and moments within professional wrestling. The industry now watches closely to see what new stories and historic encounters emerge from this much-anticipated homecoming.
BREAKING: "The Phenomenal" @AJStylesOrg returns to TNA on January 15 for the @AMC_TV premiere episode of #TNAiMPACT at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. @AMCPlus
Get tickets HERE: https://t.co/ExkKtFAL5O pic.twitter.com/r9WGTaGRSj
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 9, 2026
