New behind-the-scenes information has surfaced about AJ Styles’ impressive appearance at TNA Slammiversary. The footage shown to fans was later revealed to WWE star Styles as something that wasn’t originally planned.
Last-minute Creative Changes
According to a report by Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba, multiple insiders from TNA confirmed that Styles was initially set to appear in a segment alongside his longtime rival and TNA original, Frankie Kazarian. However, this plan was reportedly scrapped just hours before the show aired. Sources within TNA speculate that WWE might have influenced this change, aiming to avoid implying any future TNA matches involving Styles that they do not plan to support.
Highlighting the X-Division’s Legacy and Future
TNA President Carlos Silva told Sports Illustrated that the creative direction underwent some shifts, focusing on celebrating Styles’ legendary connection to the X-Division. In the final segment, Styles made his first TNA appearance in over ten years, endorsing Leon Slater, who recently won the TNA X-Division Championship from Moose.
Styles’ exclusive TNA cameo happened during a break in WWE Raw, where he also issued a challenge to Intercontinental Champion Dominic Mysterio for a SummerSlam match.
Fan Take: This revelation excites TNA fans by underscoring AJ Styles’ lasting impact on the promotion and the X-Division legacy. It hints at potential renewed interest and fresh rivalries that could boost the sport’s popularity and bring exciting storylines to wrestling audiences.
