Will WWE star AJ Styles compete inside a TNA ring one more time before he calls time on his phenomenal in-ring career?
As many fans know, Styles made a name for himself in TNA before making his shocking arrival in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Now that both companies have an ongoing relationship that sees talent compete for the other company, fans have theorised dream matches that did not appear to be possible just a few years ago.
Although some of TNA’s biggest stars including Joe Hendry, Mike Santana and Jordynne Grace have all crossed the line and competed inside an NXT ring, with Grace and Hendry also making cameo appearances on main roster PLEs, main roster stars appearing at TNA shows has been more focused on the developmental brand.
However, at Slammiversary 2025, Styles made his highly anticipated return to the Nashville-based promotion to congratulate new X-Division Champion Leon Slater on his recent victory. With rumours circulating that Styles could have a match in TNA, possibly against Slater, The Phenomenal One has some bad news.
While appearing on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Styles explained why the match will probably not happen, despite it being something that he would be very interested in:
“I was hoping that this would happen. I really was, but then I realized it probably never could, as far as WWE letting me do that,” Styles said. “And I’ll tell you why — it’s because as soon as I open those gates for the main roster talent, now everybody’s going to want to do it.
“So I don’t know, I don’t know if it’s going to happen, if I’m being honest, but I would like to. Don’t get me wrong. What a moment it was when I was able to go back [for an appearance at Slammiversary]. But, yeah, I just don’t see that match — I don’t see a match happening as of right now.”
“It’s NXT that’s got the partnership, not the main roster talent,” Styles said. “And listen, I wish I could do it. I think I should be the only guy to do it, but that’s being very selfish. So we’ll see what happens in the future. I don’t know necessarily, but we’ll find out together.”
Former TNA And WWE Champion AJ Styles To Retire Next Year
With fellow wrestling legends John Cena and Hiroshi Tanahashi set to call time on their own in-ring careers in late 2025 and early 2026 respectively, Styles has also stated that he will also have his final match soon. Prior to his match with John Cena at Crown Jewel, Styles issued an update on his retirement plans.
H/t to F4WOnline for the use of transcription.
Featured image: WWE
