AJ Styles almost had a completely different segment at TNA Slammiversary.
This past weekend, AJ Styles made his first TNA appearance in over a decade. Appearing after Leon Slater had defeated Moose for the X-Division Championship, ‘The Phenomenal One’ endorsed the 20-year-old and told viewers that he’d been a major part of the company’s future. However, while there are no complaints about Slater receiving such glowing praise, Styles almost had an entirely different role at TNA Slammiversary.
Per Jon Alba of SI, it’s believed that AJ Styles was originally slated for a segment with Frankie Kazarian at TNA Slammiversary, with it believed that WWE may not have wanted to promote a match that was unlikely to happen.
“Prior to the show, multiple TNA sources relayed that the former WWE Champion was expected to be in a segment involving Frankie Kazarian, but that plans shifted in the hours before the event. Additionally, TNA sources believed WWE may have had some say in not wanting to promise a future match in the promotion for Styles that they weren’t going to deliver on, as no main roster talent has worked a TNA match so far during the partnership.”
-Jon Alba of SI
Styles was the first holder of the TNA X-Division Championship, so his appearance congratulating Slater on winning the title wasn’t out of place. However, there are still those who are extremely keen to see the 48-year-old compete in the TNA ring at least once more before he retires.
Despite Styles’ return to TNA being long sought after by many fans, it’s currently unclear whether he’s set for any further appearances as part of their partnership with WWE.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on AJ Styles’ TNA return as soon as we hear more.
