Latest news with #AJStyles
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
WWE's AJ Styles Makes TNA Return At Slammiversary For First Time In 11 Years
Last Updated: AJ Styles will return to TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary on July 20th at UBS Arena in New York for the first time since his departure in 2014. AJ Styles will be back on TNA! 'The Phenomenal One" will make an appearance at TNA Wrestling's Slammiversary event on Sunday, July 20th, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva announced via Twitter that Slammiversary will be 'PHENOMENAL', sparking speculation that one of TNA's all-time greats would return to the company he was part of for over a decade. After dropping another PHENOMENAL hint during the broadcast of the company's flagship TV show, iMPACT!, on AXS TV, Silva put an end to the speculation: AJ Styles will be present at Slammiversary on Sunday, a show many wrestling insiders predict will be the biggest in TNA's history. Silva further fueled excitement by sharing on social media, 'We're moving the stage back to accommodate more fans." We're moving the stage back to accommodate more fans. This event will be TNA's greatest achievement and trust me it's going to be PHENOMENAL. #Slammiversary #TNA @ThisIsTNA — Carlos Silva (@carlossilva) July 15, 2025 The fog of mystery was lifted when TNA confirmed the rumours with a social media post. Silva has not disclosed what role Styles will play at Slammiversary, which is the showcase event of the year featuring two high-profile championship matches involving TNA and NXT stars, along with many other eagerly anticipated matches. Why AJ Styles Coming Back To TNA Is Historic? Styles has not been involved with TNA since his departure in 2014. At 48, Styles remains a celebrated figure in TNA's history, having wrestled under its banner from 2002 to 2014. He is widely regarded as one of the company's greatest, thanks to his numerous achievements, including five world title victories. Styles is a 'Grand Slam" champion in TNA, having held every title in the promotion at least once. Many of his matches with Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, Abyss, and Jeff Jarrett are among the most revered in TNA history. His 2005 triple-threat match with Daniels and Joe was the first of only two Wrestling Observer five-star matches ever awarded to TNA. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 22:09 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE star AJ Styles to make TNA return at Slammiversary for the first time in 11 years
AJ Styles is heading home. On Friday, TNA Wrestling president Carlos Silva confirmed with Uncrowned that the two-time WWE Champion will return to TNA for its annual Slammiversary event this Sunday night at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Styles hasn't been involved with TNA in any capacity since his departure in 2014. Silva declined to reveal what TNA and Styles have in store for the legend's return, but he confirmed that the stage at UBS Arena will be pushed back to accommodate more fans for what is expected to be the biggest TNA event ever. Styles, 48, was a fixture of the company for more than a decade, wrestling under the TNA banner from 2002-14. He's widely considered to be one of the all-time greats of TNA, thanks to his numerous accomplishments, including five world title wins. Styles is a "Grand Slam" champion in TNA, meaning he's held every title in the promotion at least once. Many of Styles' matches with the likes of Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, Abyss and Jeff Jarrett are some of the most revered in TNA history. Styles' 2005 triple-threat match with Daniels and Joe was the first of only two Wrestling Observer five-star matches ever for TNA. In recent weeks on "WWE Raw," Styles has been seen pursuing an Intercontinental title match with the champion, Dominick Mysterio. Styles has been with WWE since 2016, when he made a surprise debut in that year's Royal Rumble match. While Styles' role at Slammiversary remains a mystery, the TNA World Championship will be on the line on the show, as NXT star and current TNA champion Trick Williams will defend against the man he dethroned, Joe Hendry, along with Mike Santana, in a triple-threat match. NXT Women's Champion Jacy Jayne is also back in action after her big title defense against Jordynne Grace at WWE Evolution. She'll go toe-to-toe with TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich in a winner-takes-all match with both of their titles on the line.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Wrestling fans say 'prayers have been answered' as WWE icon returns home
A WWE legend is set for an emotional homecoming this weekend after almost 12 years. AJ Styles made his name in TNA Wrestling and inspired an entire generation as he changed the business forever in the X-Division. It's been over a decade since he left to wrestle in Japan before joining WWE in 2016, but now he's been all but confirmed for Sunday's Slammiversary event. At the end of last night's TNA show, a vignette played showing a mystery box as flashes of the Phenomenal One's matches appeared on screen. As the box opened, the video showed Styles' wrestling gear with an unseen person blowing the dust off them before the Slammiversary logo appeared on screen. 'Our prayers have been answered,' wrote @SDevilleLive, while fellow fan @jimmyyso bad said: 'AJ Styles coming back is wild. No one did it like him in TNA. Slammiversary just shot up on my must-watch.' And @MCookMrF said: 'TNA needs closure. AJ's departure has been hanging over them for 11 years and finally regaining the soul of the promotion in some capacity is huge. Good for them.' This comes days after TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva hinted fans should expect a 'phenomenal' night on Sunday. It's not known exactly what Styles will be doing at Slammiversary, but his gear being dusted off certainly seems like a match is on the cards at some point. Before the blatant teases, Silva opened up to Metro about the desire to use major, main roster WWE superstars on TNA events as the partnership continues to blossom. '100% It's all part of the partnership, and how wrestlers, you know, move up, down, sideways,' he admitted. 'We'll continue to do it.' And after 2025 has already seen some incredible moments, including a WWE star winning the TNA Wrestling World Title, it seems anything is possible. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'When you can have Joe Henry run into WrestleMania with the TNA belt, you know that nothing's off limits,' he said. ''And you know that everyone at all the different levels are just thinking about, 'What can we do to create great fan experiences?' And I really think that's the thinking there. 'I don't think there's anything off the table… And, and it's nice to see, because so far it's been easy, and so far it's been great. So we're gonna keep it rolling together.' There are reports more main roster stars could be on the way, while Styles looks to have done a U-turn in his own mind after previously dismissing the idea of returning to TNA for a match. More Trending 'I think this would be a good place to end my career, in the WWE,' he told Metro over WrestleMania weekend in Philadelphia back in April 2024. At the time, he insisted any return to TNA would be something that didn't 'involve wrestling', but plans have clearly changed as he nears the end of his career. View More » Watch TNA Slammiversary on Sunday, August 20 at 1am via TNA+. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Hollywood stars lead fury as iconic show is cancelled after 32 years MORE: Game of Thrones 'siblings' are now playing lovers and it's seriously weird MORE: The completely free streaming service with 10,000 titles that's like Tubi with a twist
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Big WWE Superstar Teased For TNA Slammiversary
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A recent social media post from a top TNA Wrestling executive has sparked widespread speculation about a potential appearance by WWE superstar AJ Styles. The post from Anthem Sports Group President Carlos Silva has fans buzzing that "The Phenomenal One" could appear at this Sunday's TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view. The speculation stems from a post Silva made on X regarding the high ticket demand for Slammiversary. He ended his message with a very specific and telling choice of words. A "Phenomenal" Tease In his post, Silva wrote, "This event will be TNA's greatest achievement and trust me it's going to be PHENOMENAL." Fans immediately seized upon his use of the word "phenomenal," the long-standing nickname for AJ Styles, interpreting it as a deliberate tease for an appearance by the TNA legend. We're moving the stage back to accommodate more fans. This event will be TNA's greatest achievement and trust me it's going to be PHENOMENAL. #Slammiversary #TNA @ThisIsTNA — Carlos Silva (@carlossilva) July 15, 2025 This speculation has been further fueled by reports that Styles was backstage at TNA's Final Resolution event this past December. While his appearance was off-camera, his presence at a TNA show demonstrated he still has connections to his former company. "Mr. TNA": A Company Original For many fans, AJ Styles is synonymous with TNA Wrestling. As a "TNA Original," he was with the company from its very first broadcast in 2002 and served as the promotion's cornerstone for over a decade. Styles is widely regarded as the greatest homegrown star in the company's history. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 28: Luke Gallows,Triple H,AJ Styles and Karl Anderson celebrate the victory during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 28, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 28: Luke Gallows,Triple H,AJ Styles and Karl Anderson celebrate the victory during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 28, 2019 in Tokyo, his tenure, Styles was a multiple-time NWA and TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He was also the inaugural TNA X Division Champion, putting the division on the map with his high-flying, innovative style. Styles was the first-ever TNA Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion, cementing his legacy as "Mr. TNA" before he departed the company in 2013. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Opening The "Forbidden Door" While an appearance by a top, contracted WWE superstar at a TNA event would have been impossible just a year ago, the current "forbidden door" partnership between the two companies makes it a plausible scenario. The working relationship has already seen TNA's Jordynne Grace compete in WWE's Royal Rumble and on NXT while holding the TNA Knockouts Championship. More recently, NXT's Trick Williams had a run as the TNA World Heavyweight Champion. This unprecedented crossover has proven that major stars can appear in rival promotions. AJ Styles is currently a featured performer on WWE's Monday Night Raw, where he is involved in a rivalry with The Judgment Day. While a return to a TNA ring remains speculation, Silva's choice of words has guaranteed that many fans will be watching Slammiversary this Sunday for a potential "Phenomenal" surprise. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Major WWE star teased for TNA Slammiversary as 'nothing's off limits'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Fans could see some big WWE and TNA Wrestling names crossing over with nothing 'off the table'. The two promotions announced an unprecedented partnership earlier this year, which has seen the likes of Joe Hendry appear at WrestleMania, while NXT superstar Trick Williams is the current TNA Wrestling World Champion. Days before Slammiversary on July 20, TNA president Carlos Silva exclusively told Metro that he believes anything is possible before sparking rumours AJ Styles could appear. He teased: 'When you can have Joe Henry run into WrestleMania with the TNA belt, you know that nothing's off limits. 'And you know that everyone at all the different levels are just thinking about, 'What can we do to create great fan experiences?' And, and I really think that's the thinking there. 'I don't think there's anything off the table… And, and it's nice to see, because so far it's been easy, and so far it's been great. So we're gonna keep it rolling together.' When Trick won the TNA World Title, WWE had Raw star and TNA legend AJ Styles narrate a video package on the history of the championship. Just days after our interview, he even referenced the Phenomenal One's nickname as he wrote on X: 'We're moving the stage back to accommodate more fans. This event will be TNA's greatest achievement and trust me it's going to be PHENOMENAL. #Slammiversary #TNA @ThisIsTNA' Fans are clamouring for Styles to return to his roots before his retires. Is Carlos looking at talks about using that calibre of WWE superstar? '100% It's all part of the partnership, and how wrestlers, you know, move up, down, sideways,' he admitted. 'We'll continue to do it.' Carlos took over TNA in December 2024, following over two decades working in combat sports and television. He was more of a 'casual wrestling fan' earlier in life, namedropping the 'Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant era', and Goldberg, who officially retired over the weekend. 'I still came [into TNA] as a bit of an outsider,' he admitted. 'I didn't follow [wrestling] week in and week out, like so many others. But now that I'm inside of it, the feeling it's giving me is really incredible.' Carlos made some big changes, and was met with fierce backlash after firing TNA mainstay Gail Kim, who spent years championing the Knockouts Division. 'Every team, when a new coach or a new leader comes in, it's super hard,' he acknowledged. 'But if you want to get better, you've got to be willing to make some changes.' 'Winning here is letting more people see TNA, it's bringing in new sponsors. It's growing the brand,' he added. 'You have to continue to turn the dials to make some changes.' Carlos is in charge of overseeing TNA Wrestling as a brand, and he's backstage at every show, happy to step up in a more direct way. 'People might miss a show, they might have a family issue, or they might have a wedding they need to go to. We have a great team,' he explained when asked how hands-on he is creatively. 'If one person can't make it, you can always fill in. I love being at every show.' Although it's a tough schedule with frequent overnight flights, it's all worth it to see the fans' reactions. 'It makes everyone work harder and for me, it's just been great to be part of it,' he smiled. 'Hopefully I've helped to add a little bit to what was already a great team and a great foundation, and just helped get a little extra out of everybody.' A key aspect of Carlos' stint so far has been the blossoming arrangement with WWE. While the companies had already been working with each other to a certain degree, they announced an official partnership weeks into his tenure. Carlos has been inspired by the way the WWE has matched TNA's 'openness to try things'. 'I have to tell you, it's been such a great road, and very easy working through creative, operations, logistics [with them],' he said, while he outlined his approach as the smaller company. 'I don't know that you can really use the word assurances,' he pondered. 'When you approach partnerships like this, with the leader in the space… you want to partner with the leader, and make sure that it's a two way street in everything you do.' He has enjoyed an 'open' working arrangement, but insisted it's TNA's role to 'uphold' their end and make the most of the 'marketing and exposure' the WWE partnership gives them. That was most obvious at WrestleMania, when then-TNA Champion Joe Hendry was Randy Orton's surprise opponent. More Trending 'It was all very, very intricate,' he added. 'Everyone at WWE was so helpful to make it work perfectly. And so it all came off just right. Everyone hit their marks.' This weekend, TNA takes centre stage at Slammiversary, and Carlos has high hopes as he chases a new TV deal to take the company even further. 'Slammiversary is going to be another big inflection point for TNA,' he teased. 'It's going to be a great night. I mean, it's going to be our biggest night ever.' View More » Watch TNA Slammiversary on Sunday, July 20 at 1am on the TNA+ app. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The first look at the new Harry Potter confirmed my worst fears MORE: Celine Dion fans shocked by 'how badly Ellen DeGeneres show has aged' after resurfaced clip MORE: WWE SummerSlam in chaos as things 'don't look good' for top star
