India, July 21 – After a hiatus of 11 years, AJ Styles reappeared in TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary 2025, which was a surprise. The audience went completely nuts when the "Phenomenal One" entered the same ring that had helped launch his legendary career, TNA Wrestling stated. The look was not just for show, even though he did not participate in wrestling. In his own unique way, Styles passed the torch to Leon Slater, whom he referred to as "the future," and gave him a sincere shoutout.

Prior to making his highly anticipated return to TNA, AJ Styles posted a touching message on X, formerly known as Twitter. "You're not just phenomenal. You're built for this," Styles penned in a letter to his younger self. As AJ entered the ring, the crowd went insane, as expected.

It was one of those unusual wrestling moments when the past and future come together in real time, making it a very impactful experience. Sports Illustrated reported that this year's Slammiversary also attracted 7,682 spectators to New York's UBS Arena, making it the biggest crowd ever for a TNA event in North America, according to the producers during the live broadcast.

The new collaboration between WWE and TNA, which began earlier this year, allowed AJ, currently a WWE Raw celebrity, to make an appearance. As a result of that collaboration, there have already been a number of cross-brand appearances, such as NXT stars appearing in TNA and the other way around.

Currently, both of TNA's main championships are held by NXT competitors. Trick Williams is the current holder of the TNA World Title, while Jacy Jayne recently defeated Masha Slamovich to win the Knockouts Championship at Slammiversary. The match between Jayne and her opponent was savage. Although both women gave it their all, Slamovich appeared completely exhausted as the game neared its conclusion. At that moment, Jayne flawlessly executed her Rolling Encore finisher and pinned her down.

She now holds two major titles: the Knockouts Championship and the NXT Women's Title, thanks to that victory. Slammiversary 2025 seemed like a new beginning because Styles was back in a TNA ring, younger stars were getting their chance, and the two companies were now collaborating.

After 11 years, AJ Styles made a surprise comeback to TNA at Slammiversary 2025. Despite not wrestling, he promoted Leon Slater, a promising young athlete.

AJ Styles did not compete at Slammiversary in 2025. His return was a special event during which he delivered a strong advertisement and gave Leon Slater kudos.

For the moment, AJ Styles is not back at TNA full-time. On the Raw brand, he is still a busy WWE Superstar. The recent partnership between TNA and WWE made his presence possible.

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