AJ Styles, widely regarded as one of wrestling’s top talents, is confirmed to make a surprising return at Slammiversary 2025, thanks to a historic partnership between <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE and TNA. Announced just hours ago on TNA’s social media, this appearance comes while Styles continues his prominent feud over the Intercontinental Championship in WWE.
Styles, who previously debuted in WWE in 2016 after years on the independent circuit and with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, remains contracted to WWE despite this TNA event appearance. The alliance between the Stamford-based WWE and TNA earlier this year allows cross-promotional appearances by wrestlers from both companies, opening new possibilities for AJ Styles and others.
The Context Behind AJ Styles’ WWE and TNA Collaboration
AJ Styles is no stranger to TNA, having been a foundational figure and former TNA World Heavyweight Champion during his twelve-year tenure. Following his departure from TNA in 2014, he gained global recognition in various promotions before WWE signed him. This cross-promotional event marks a significant collaboration between WWE and TNA, allowing talent exchanges without contract conflicts.
Already, this partnership has enabled former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry to appear multiple times in WWE’s NXT brand, including competing in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41 against Randy Orton. Hendry also lost the TNA championship to WWE’s Trick Williams at WWE Battleground 2025, making Williams the first WWE-contracted wrestler to hold a TNA title.
Despite his involvement in Slammiversary, AJ Styles recently signed a one-year contract extension with WWE, confirming that this appearance is not a departure from the Stamford promotion but a new chapter enabled by this inter-company agreement.
Current WWE Storyline and What to Expect Before SummerSlam 2025
In WWE storylines, AJ Styles is embroiled in an Intercontinental Championship rivalry with Dominik Mysterio. Although their match was originally scheduled for Night of Champions 2025, it was postponed due to Mysterio’s reported injury. The Judgment Day member has delayed the title bout by producing medical clearance issues, heightening anticipation.
SummerSlam 2025 now stands as the likely stage for Styles to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship against Mysterio. Fans are eager to see whether Styles can claim the title from “Dirty Dom,” potentially regaining momentum and leading to further high-profile matches within WWE.
Should Styles secure the championship, it opens the door to a renewed rivalry, possibly culminating in a match against John Cena before Cena concludes his retirement tour, a clash that has significant excitement among the WWE audience and creative team led by Triple H.
Implications of AJ Styles’ Cross-Promotional Role and WWE Future
AJ Styles’ return at Slammiversary 2025 under this new partnership marks a notable moment in wrestling history, blending two previously separate wrestling worlds. This move not only honors Styles’ roots in TNA but showcases WWE’s growing strategy of collaboration and talent sharing with other promotions.
For WWE, integrating Styles’ crossover appearances while maintaining his contract assures fans of his continued role in their main storylines, especially with key events like SummerSlam approaching. The cross-promotional deal may also pave the way for other talents to appear across brands, enriching wrestling narratives and increasing fan engagement on both sides.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is AJ Styles religious?
A. A.J. Styles is deeply religious and believes his faith helps him stay humble. Unlike some wrestlers, he discovered his faith early in his career. Instead of turning to it during difficult times, he used it from the start to guide him.
Q. Why did AJ Styles leave WWE?
A. Styles explained he decided to leave the promotion because they offered him a deal that cut his pay by around 60%.
Q. Is Roman Reigns friends with AJ Styles?
A. Here are five WWE stars who are close friends with Roman Reigns: Paul Heyman, Vince McMahon, AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, and R-Truth. These wrestlers have a special connection with Roman Reigns, who is also known as The Tribal Chief.
