AJ Styles made a highly anticipated comeback to TNA during Slammiversary 2025, one of the company’s landmark events in recent years. After Leon Slater’s victory over Moose to win the X-Division Championship, Styles entered the ring to praise Slater and reflect on his own roots with the organization, highlighting his lasting connection despite leaving the promotion in 2013.
Reflecting on His Past and Possible Future in TNA
In a recent behind-the-scenes documentary about Slammiversary, Styles opened up about his feelings toward TNA, calling it his “first love” and expressing that he would have stayed with the company if circumstances were different. While he did not make any definitive commitments, Styles showed openness to wrestling for TNA again, hoping for one last meaningful match to cap his career.
“It’s like the first girl you’ve ever loved, right? She’s always gonna be special to you. This was my first love. I would have been here forever, had things not went the way that it did… I hope there’s something special as far as a match goes, but I can’t promise that…That was the first time in a long time I’ve seen the whole company watching the same match because they were so interested in what’s going to happen. They’re pulling for each other; you want that. You don’t have to worry about people stabbing each other in the back to get to the top… That’s how you become a successful company.”
This heartfelt reflection highlighted how Styles values the unity and passion within TNA, contrasting it with other wrestling environments. He described the collective support among wrestlers and the integrity needed for a company to thrive.
Upcoming WWE Plans and Retirement Outlook
Ahead of his anticipated retirement, AJ Styles is set to compete at WWE SummerSlam, where he will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. Initially scheduled for Night of Champions, that match was postponed due to an injury sustained by Mysterio. Despite recently signing a one-year contract extension with WWE, Styles has been transparent about his intention to retire soon, indicating his active career is nearing its end within this promotion.
The Significance of Styles’ Potential Final Wrestling Chapter
AJ Styles’ desire for a special match before retirement underscores his enduring passion for wrestling and the respect he holds for TNA as the foundation of his career. His return to TNA’s stage and the pursuit of memorable final bouts deliver a sense of closure to longtime fans. With SummerSlam approaching and his contract extended for just one more year, this period is pivotal in defining how the veteran’s legacy will conclude in professional wrestling.
