Matt and Jeff Hardy have shared their thoughts on one of the most talked-about questions in wrestling right now—the potential AJ Styles TNA return. Following GUNTHER’s victory over Styles at the 2026 Royal Rumble, which was suggested as Styles’ final WWE match, speculation has surged about whether Styles is finished with wrestling altogether or merely moving on from WWE. The Hardy brothers, who are currently TNA’s World Tag Team Champions, have added to the speculation by commenting on Styles’ future.
Matt Hardy Highlights Styles’ Specific Career Statement
In a conversation with Bill Apter, Matt Hardy emphasized the careful wording Styles used regarding his WWE exit. Matt noted that Styles stated,
“If you do beat me GUNTHER, it will be the end of my WWE career.”
This precise language has opened the door for alternative paths in Styles’ wrestling journey beyond WWE.
“His exact terminology was, ‘If you do beat me GUNTHER, it will be the end of my WWE career.’ That was very specific.” – Matt Hardy
Hardy Brothers Express Hope for Styles’ Role in TNA
Matt Hardy conveyed his enthusiasm about the prospect of Styles returning to TNA, describing Styles’ connection to the company as deep and authentic. He believes Styles’ comeback could greatly benefit TNA and aid the company’s growth.
“He has a genuine, very real authentic love for TNA, so I would love to have him back at TNA and he would really help us thrive as a company.” – Matt Hardy
Jeff Hardy offered his own imaginative vision, naming a match-up he feels would excite fans should Styles return. He proposed a match between Styles and Mike Santana, describing it as a dream encounter that wrestling enthusiasts would eagerly anticipate.
“I feel like (Styles vs Mike Santana) is a dream match that kinda has to happen now. I heard Mike Santana talk about it in an interview and it just felt like, ‘Whoa, that would be amazing.’” – Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy Reflects on AJ Styles’ Legacy in Wrestling
Jeff also took a moment to reflect on Styles’ impact and status in professional wrestling, suggesting that Styles might be considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) when the sport eventually ends. He praised both Styles’ persona and his career achievements, asserting that a TNA return would be meaningful for the entire wrestling community and especially for those within TNA.
“AJ, when the world ends, if armageddon happens and all professional wrestling is over, AJ might be the ultimate GOAT, man.” – Jeff Hardy
“He is just an incredible human being and has done an amazing job in his career. For him to come back to TNA would be incredible, and it would mean so much to all of us.” – Jeff Hardy
AJ Styles’ Past with TNA and What a Return Could Mean
AJ Styles was a defining figure in TNA during its peak years, making his potential comeback particularly significant. His return would carry added weight given his history with the promotion, generating excitement among fans and wrestlers alike. The conversation is gaining momentum, prompting speculation about whether Styles is simply retiring from WWE alone or stepping away from wrestling altogether.
The Hardy Boyz invite fans to share their thoughts on whether Styles will truly retire or if his next chapter will be in a TNA ring, encouraging discussions around potential dream matches that could shape the future of the sport.
