AJ Styles makes phenomenal comeback to TNA after 11 years, endorses rising star at Slammiversary

AJ Styles made a stunning return to TNA at Slammiversary 2025, marking his first appearance in the company in 11 years. The crowd erupted as the 'Phenomenal One' stepped back into the ring where he became a legend. Styles didn’t compete, but his appearance was far from ceremonial - he delivered a heartfelt endorsement of rising star Leon Slater, calling him the future of the business.

The moment bridged generations, with Styles giving his blessing to Slater on TNA’s grand stage. It was a powerful, symbolic return that electrified fans and honored the legacy of a true TNA original while spotlighting its next star.



During the broadcast, the TNA revealed that Slammiversary drew a crowd of 7,682 fans inside the UBS Arena in New York - the largest North American attendance in TNA history. Slammiversary, one of the promotion’s flagship events for over two decades, reached a new milestone with this record-setting turnout.


Styles is a former TNA World Champion and X-Division Champion, and is currently a WWE Superstar on the Raw brand. In January 2025, TNA and WWE officially entered into a partnership, opening the door for cross-promotional appearances. Since then, talent exchanges have become a highlight, with NXT stars showing up on TNA programming and TNA wrestlers making surprise appearances on NXT.

At present, both TNA World Championships are in the hands of NXT stars. Trick Williams holds the TNA World Championship, while Jacy Jayne captured the TNA Knockouts Championship by defeating Masha Slamovich at Slammiversary.


As both competitors fought desperately for the pinfall, Slamovich began to fade, visibly exhausted. Seizing the moment, Jayne delivered the Rolling Encore, knocking Slamovich out cold to secure the victory and become the new TNA Knockouts World Champion.


With the win, Jayne now holds double gold, adding the Knockouts title to her reign as NXT Women’s Champion.