AJ Styles gave fans a moment they’ll never forget. On Sunday night, July 20, 2025, at TNA Slammiversary, The Phenomenal One made a shocking return to the company where he first became a global star—all while still under contract with WWE. Far from just another cameo, this appearance marked the start of an unprecedented farewell tour playing out across both wrestling worlds.
AJ Styles’ Surprising Return to TNA at Slammiversary Makes History
On Sunday night, fans at TNA Slammiversary erupted with excitement as the familiar “Phenomenal One” theme song played at the UBS Arena. AJ Styles made a surprise appearance at TNA Wrestling after over a decade. The star walked into the ring after Leon Slater defeated Moose to win the TNA X Division Championship, bringing goosebumps and tears to fans who have followed him since his original TNA run in the early 2000s.
The moment was more than just nostalgic. AJ Styles then hailed Slater as “the future” and told him he earned this title win. He then acknowledged his career’s roots in TNA, sharing heartfelt words with the crowd and thanking both companies for letting him celebrate his journey the right way. The Slammiversary appearance, coordinated by TNA and approved by WWE executives, is historic as Styles received an open-armed sendoff.
As he left the arena, he became emotional while saying goodbye to fans. The former WWE Champion may never return to TNA again as he is nearing his retirement.
AJ Styles bids the TNA fans farewell and you can see the emotion on his face So glad they let AJ Styles do this… GET READY TO FLY#TNASlammiversary pic.twitter.com/ByS1rauDXR
— WrestleBrock (@WrestleBrock) July 21, 2025
When Was AJ Styles’ Last Match in TNA Wrestling?
AJ Styles’ last match in TNA Wrestling took place on January 9, 2014, episode of Impact Wrestling. That night, he faced Magnus (now known as Nick Aldis) in a Title vs. Title No Disqualification Match, where he tried to unify the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Despite his strong effort, interference caused a controversial loss, effectively ending his legendary TNA career after 11 years with the company.
Styles’ departure in 2014 marked the end of an era. He had become synonymous with TNA Wrestling’s identity, helping build the company during its early years with classics against Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle, and others.
