TNA Wrestling is reportedly aiming to make a massive splash for its debut on AMC by securing the in-ring return of its greatest homegrown star and one-half of the WWE World Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA officials are hoping to have “The Phenomenal One” wrestle on the first episode of the new era.
A Potential Ratings boost
Dave Meltzer reports that a WWE source has indicated TNA’s strong interest in booking Styles for the premiere. The move would be a logical step to drive viewership for the launch on a major basic cable network.
“One WWE source indicated that TNA would like to have AJ Styles wrestle on the first show,” Meltzer wrote. “It would certainly make sense to deliver a strong rating and Styles himself has said he’d like to do a match in TNA.”
WWE’s Stance On The Match
While the desire is there from TNA and reportedly from Styles himself, the final decision rests with WWE. Meltzer noted that while WWE was open to Styles appearing for TNA earlier this year, they drew the line at in-ring competition.
“It’s always been up to WWE which did allow Styles to do a non-wrestling appearance at the Slammiversary show on 7/20 at the UBS Arena, but did not allow him to wrestle on the show,” Meltzer recalled.
Styles vs. Kazarian?
If approved, the likely opponent would be the current TNA World Champion, Frankie Kazarian. The two have a storied history dating back to the early days of the X-Division and tag team ranks.
“Styles and Frankie Kazarian, the current champion, would likely want to do a match like that since they were around together for years in the promotion,” Meltzer added. A match between the two TNA originals would serve as a bridge between the company’s past and its new future on AMC.
