AJ Styles doubts another TNA match will happen for him
WWE star AJ Styles doesn’t think another TNA match is all that likely for him.
During an appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Styles addressed the possibility of him returning to TNA for a dream match against World Champion Mike Santana. Styles said he would love for that to happen, but he doesn’t see WWE allowing it at the moment.
“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.”
Though WWE and TNA Wrestling have a partnership, it’s largely been focused on talent being exchanged between NXT and TNA.
“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.”
If Styles is ever going to have another TNA match, there’s not a ton of time left for it to happen. He’s announced that he will retire from the ring at some point in 2026. Styles was the defining face of TNA during his time there before later starring for NJPW and WWE.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.