Following AJ Styles’ notable appearance at last night’s TNA Slammiversary Pay-Per-View, new information has emerged about the creative decisions behind his return. A report reveals that the segment’s original plans were altered just a few hours before the event.
According to Jon Alba from The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, several TNA insiders indicated that AJ Styles was initially set to appear in a segment alongside fellow TNA original Frankie Kazarian. However, these plans changed shortly before the show. Some sources speculated that WWE might have influenced this decision but did not want to commit to future TNA matches involving their main roster stars without assurance.
Following Leon Slater’s victory over Moose for the TNA X-Division Championship, AJ Styles came to the ring to acknowledge the new champion, effectively passing on the legacy of the X-Division and TNA history. TNA President Carlos Silva remarked that despite the last-minute creative shifts, the plan was always to honor AJ Styles’ significant role in the history of the X-Division.
Meanwhile, AJ Styles is currently entwined in a WWE Raw storyline, awaiting Dominic Mysterio’s medical clearance for a potential Intercontinental Championship match at SummerSlam. This situation highlights the unusual and flexible nature of the modern wrestling world, where one of WWE’s top stars can appear on pay-per-views for another promotion amidst ongoing major storylines.
Fan Take: This development is significant for TNA fans as it shows the promotion’s willingness to adapt and leverage AJ Styles’ legacy to boost their brand and storytelling. It also signals exciting potential for more cross-promotional appearances, which could revitalize interest in the sport and offer fresh matchups.
