With TNA Impact set to premiere on AMC this Thursday, January 15th, anticipation is building around the involvement of AJ Styles, a future WWE and TNA Hall of Famer, whose exact role remains unannounced. In the lead-up to this event, 21-year-old X-Division Champion Leon Slater has made it clear that he hopes Styles will issue a challenge to him on the show.
Styles made a notable return to TNA at the Slammiversary pay-per-view event last July, his first appearance in over ten years, where he congratulated Slater for winning the X-Division Championship. Although a match was hinted at, nothing official materialized at that time.
Leon Slater Expresses Desire for a Defining Match Against AJ Styles
In an interview with PWInsider, Leon Slater shared his hopes that Styles will formally challenge him during TNA Impact’s AMC debut. Slater emphasized the significance of such a matchup, given their positions as the youngest and first-ever X-Division champions.
“I am most definitely hoping it’s a challenge to me. You know what I’m saying? I feel like that’s a match that is definitely going to happen at some point. Of course, I’m not on the inner workings of everything, but I feel like I have quite a gift for manifesting. Everything I see in my dreams and picture in my head seems to come to reality. That’s the match I’ve been picturing for years and years, especially with the position I’m in right now—youngest X Division Champion of all time—and he’s the first X Division Champion of all time. AJ has said he’s wrapping it up in 2026, so I feel like that singles match is something that needs to happen, and I think it needs to happen for the X Division Title in a TNA ring.”
Slater’s belief in the timing and importance of this contest highlights his confidence and ambition as a young champion eager to make a historic mark within the X Division.
AJ Styles Prepares for Retirement While Continuing to Build His Wrestling Legacy
AJ Styles, who is currently 48 years old, has announced plans for his full-time retirement in 2026. Before ending his in-ring career, Styles intends to reinforce his status as a legendary wrestler, having held the WWE Championship twice and earned five world titles in TNA.
This commitment to his legacy was evident during the January 12th episode of WWE Raw, where Styles competed in the main event against Gunther. The bout was hard-fought, but concluded with a controversial finish that left Styles on the losing end.
During the match, Styles locked Gunther in a Calf Crusher submission hold, prompting Gunther to tap out by tapping Styles on the side, but the referee was positioned on the opposite side, missing the tap-out entirely. Confident in his victory, Styles celebrated briefly before Gunther retaliated with a Powerbomb and secured the win. Replays confirmed Gunther’s tap-out, yet the referee’s decision stood firm, setting up a likely rematch scenario.
Additional Wrestling Developments Impact the Industry Landscape
Beyond TNA and AJ Styles, several key developments in the wrestling world have caught fans’ attention. The Rock recently opened up publicly following a significant loss, showing vulnerability that resonated across the wrestling community. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds Roman Reigns’ return to WWE television, as he may be absent longer than expected.
In other headlines, WWE and Saudi Arabia continue to navigate their billion-dollar partnership amid discussions about postponing the WWE Royal Rumble event. WWE star Sheamus surprised fans and his family by unveiling a new look during his absence from the ring. Additionally, a WWE producer described a past world champion as “a first-class a**hole,” offering a rare candid glimpse into backstage dynamics.
Recent emotional moments include WWE superstars responding to The Rock’s heartfelt message after his Golden Globes loss, while NXT General Manager Ava addressed the future of the NXT Championship following a shocking announcement from Oba Femi that has implications for the division’s direction.
Prominent WWE Hall of Famer’s Featured Role on TNA’s AMC Episode
Among the returning legends, a prominent WWE Hall of Famer will play a significant part in the upcoming TNA Impact episode on AMC, adding star power and elevating the show. This appearance is expected to generate excitement among fans anticipating major storylines and potential contests involving established wrestling icons and emerging talent like Leon Slater.
Implications and What Lies Ahead for AJ Styles and TNA Impact
The potential match between AJ Styles and Leon Slater could become a defining moment for the X Division and the rebirth of TNA on a major network. For Styles, it represents an opportunity to confront fresh challenges before his planned retirement, while for Slater, it offers a chance to solidify his place in wrestling history. The outcome of the AMC debut and the ensuing storylines will likely shape TNA’s direction and influence broader wrestling narratives.
As Styles continues to build momentum despite recent setbacks like the controversial loss on WWE Raw, the wrestling world watches closely to see if this anticipated challenge comes to fruition on January 15th. The blend of veteran experience and youthful ambition promises compelling entertainment and could serve as a milestone event on TNA’s new platform.
