AJ Styles is set for a high-profile appearance on TNA as the company readies its move to AMC on January 15th, but expectations surrounding AJ Styles TNA return plans have not all gone the way the company envisioned. Despite a major push and high hopes from TNA officials, the anticipated return seems to have run into unforeseen complications behind the scenes, leading to frustration among those trying to make the event a headline success.
TNA’s Major Event Ambitions and High-Stakes Lineup
With TNA’s transition to its new home on AMC, the promotion is determined to deliver an impactful show. On January 15th, the event will feature Frankie Kazarian defending the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana, while Leon Slater will put his X Division Title up for grabs against Myron Reed. The IInspiration will challenge The Elegance Brand for the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles, and The Hardys, alongside Elijah, will take on Order 4 in tag team action. Perez Hilton, a notable celebrity blogger, is also scheduled for a special appearance, showing TNA’s determination to attract broader attention beyond the usual wrestling audience.
AJ Styles, who built much of his early fame in TNA, has been promoted as a key returning figure for this transition event. While the inclusion of outsiders like Perez Hilton may raise some eyebrows, TNA hopes leveraging major names will generate excitement and drive sales for one of their most significant broadcasts in years.
Inside Information Reveals TNA’s True Intentions for AJ Styles
Behind the scenes, TNA was aiming for more than a simple appearance from AJ Styles. According to insights shared on Wrestling Observer Radio by Dave Meltzer, TNA’s original ambition was to headline a match featuring AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian, potentially in a marquee world title clash that would draw in fans and pack the arena. However, that plan did not materialize as hoped, leaving the promotion to adjust on the fly and settle for alternative options.
“The celebrities are supposed to help sell tickets. That is a weird one. AJ Styles should help, but he was announced several days ago, and they’ve not sold a ton of tickets; they’ve moved some. I know they wanted Frankie Kazarian and AJ Styles, but this is what they got. It’s possible that they shoot an angle and do it later.”
– Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
The attempt to boost ticket sales through both celebrity and wrestling star appearances, it seems, has not had the desired impact, according to sales numbers reported since AJ Styles was officially announced for the show. Speculation persists that TNA might seek to build towards a Kazarian versus Styles confrontation for a later date, perhaps using the January event as a launchpad for a future storyline that can deliver on fan hopes in a more substantial way.
Potential for Future AJ Styles Headline Match Not Ruled Out
With TNA Genesis looming on January 17th and no confirmed world title match for that card as of now, the door remains open for an eventual in-ring encounter involving AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian. TNA may choose to lay the groundwork for such a bout during the upcoming AMC debut special, keeping fans eager for a showdown that has yet to be made official but is still seen as possible within the wrestling community’s rumor circles.
Despite the frustration felt internally at TNA and among eager fans, the return of AJ Styles to the company is still a notable development. His brief appearance, even if not yet a headline match, signals a willingness from both TNA and AJ Styles to reconnect for special occasions. With TNA continuing to seek buzz and a stronger market presence in 2024, fans and industry watchers alike are likely to keep a close eye on how the AJ Styles storyline evolves in the weeks ahead.
