Fans loved AJ Styles TNA return but Frankie Kazarian was upset
At Slammiversary last weekend, fans in the arena and on social media got very excited when they saw AJ Styles back in TNA. The WWE superstar made a surprise appearance that made headlines. But one person was not happy at all. TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian shared why he did not like this return.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Kazarian explained his problem. He said he respects what AJ did for TNA in the past but thinks it is unfair to celebrate someone who is not there anymore while ignoring those who still are.
What did Kazarian say about AJ Styles return
Kazarian said he saw everything AJ did for TNA and will never forget his hard work. He called AJ one of the top five wrestlers ever. But he also said that AJ has moved on and it is not right to push aside those who are still working hard for the company.
“I’ll never downplay what AJ did for this place. I was there for it all. I saw him work harder than anybody here,” Kazarian said. “Yes, he’s incredibly talented, one of the best ever to do it, top five in my book. I’ll never downplay his contributions, again, because I saw it, I lived it. I saw what he had to go through, and it’s universally accepted that he is the face that built this place. However, he’s gone. He’s not here. I still am, and I am carrying that torch. Besides myself and Eric Young, there’s no other guys that have been here since day one. So in a way, I feel like if we’re going to celebrate AJ like that, but the guy that’s still here carrying this place is just going to be pushed aside, I’m not cool with that.”
AJ Styles spent 12 years in TNA before moving to WWE
AJ Styles started in TNA in June 2002 and stayed with the company until December 2013. His last few matches aired the next month. In that time, he built a strong legacy that made fans call him “The Phenomenal One.” After leaving TNA, he joined NJPW, Ring of Honor and later WWE where he became a top name.
Kazarian also spent many years with TNA
Kazarian first joined TNA in 2003. After a few breaks, his second run lasted from 2006 to 2014. He returned again in January 2023 at Hard To Kill. He believes he also helped keep TNA going and deserves just as much respect as AJ Styles.
Kazarian said that only he and Eric Young are still with TNA from the very beginning and if someone who left is being celebrated more than those still carrying the company, it is not fair.
Both fans and wrestlers had strong reactions
While AJ Styles return was a big surprise that made fans happy, Kazarian’s reaction showed how hard it can be for those who stayed loyal. It shows that while fans remember legends, the wrestlers who stayed behind also deserve credit.
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