As was promoted in the days leading up to the event, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles made his return to a TNA Wrestling ring tonight at the Slammiversary pay-per-view. The current WWE Superstar appeared before a record-breaking crowd at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York.
The return occurred following the TNA X Division Championship match, where Leon Slater defeated Moose to capture the title. As Slater celebrated his victory, AJ Styles’ old TNA theme music played, and he walked down the entrance ramp for the first time in over a decade.
Styles Addresses the TNA Fans
Upon entering the ring, Styles addressed the crowd. “Did you miss me?” he asked. “It’s good to be back in the place where he made his name.”
He then spoke about the new champion, Leon Slater, and the legacy of the X-Division. He mentioned that the company has some of the best young talent in the world, like Slater, who became the youngest X-Division Champion in history tonight. As the fans began a “You deserve it!” chant for Slater, Styles offered the new champion some words of encouragement. He tells Slater not to listen to the fans. He says he doesn’t deserve it. He earned it. Styles also stated that Slater reminded fans that the X-Division “isn’t about weight limits, it’s about no limits.”
GET READY TO FLY! @AJStylesOrg is HOME! #TNASlammiversary
Watch LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/bUyG5ln9JT pic.twitter.com/PUgGjbN2xH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 21, 2025
A TNA Legend
AJ Styles was a foundational star for TNA Wrestling, having been with the company since its first show in 2002. During his more than a decade-long tenure, he became the first-ever TNA Grand Slam Champion, holding the TNA World, X Division, and Tag Team Championships. His six reigns as X Division Champion are often credited with defining the promotion’s signature in-ring style.
Styles’ appearance is a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between TNA and WWE. He is an active competitor on WWE’s SmackDown brand and is scheduled to face LA Knight at WWE’s SummerSlam event in August. No word on if there are plans to for Styles to wrestle a match in TNA.
Click here for complete TNA Slammiversary results.
There’s only ONE Phenomenal @AJStylesOrg — and he just stamped his approval on the "Youngest in Charge" @LEONSLATER_!
Watch #TNASlammiversary LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/bUyG5ln9JT pic.twitter.com/Cy6nEM08Wu
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 21, 2025
