Is AJ Styles really leaving WWE and going back to TNA? After Slammiversary tease, questions rise despite 2026 contract
AJ Styles is known as one of the best wrestlers in the world. Even in WWE, he is counted among the top legends. But before Slammiversary 2025, a strong teaser from TNA made people ask if AJ Styles is leaving WWE to rejoin TNA. After this teaser, fans and wrestling news pages have been talking about it non-stop. His WWE contract is still active until 2026, but this tease made people think his final WWE run may be happening now, and this TNA appearance could be part of it.
Carlos Silva used the word Phenomenal and fans noticed it
Carlos Silva, the President of TNA, posted something on social media calling Slammiversary 2025 the company’s biggest event. In his post, he used the word “Phenomenal” which is AJ Styles’ famous nickname. Fans saw this as a clear hint that Styles could appear at the show. The teaser was short but made a big impact. From there, the talk started.
Then a report from PWInsider said that WWE also had internal talks about possibly letting AJ Styles appear at the Slammiversary show. The event is set for July 20 at UBS Arena in New York. It is not confirmed yet if he will appear or not, but the teaser and the timing made fans excited.
From what has been reported so far, if AJ does show up, it will just be for one night. He is not leaving WWE or joining TNA full-time. It will be a special emotional moment for the company where he started his career.
AJ Styles is still under WWE contract and has spoken about retirement
No matter what the fans think, the truth is AJ Styles still has a full-time WWE contract. He signed a one-year extension at the beginning of 2024. This means he is locked in with WWE until early 2026.
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He is now 48 years old and has said before that he wants to retire before he turns 50. So many fans and experts believe this could be his last run as a full-time wrestler.
WWE has not said anything official about his retirement yet, but many believe the company will give him a proper send-off that matches his legacy.
The TNA appearance is only a tribute, not a full-time return
Some fans are thinking that AJ Styles is leaving WWE for TNA, but that is not true. Even if he appears at Slammiversary 2025, it will only be a tribute. His contract is still active, and there are no signs of him leaving WWE.
His time in TNA was a big part of his career. That is where his name became popular worldwide. This is why a short appearance would be emotional and meaningful, and it could happen with WWE’s permission.
Retirement talk also makes the rumors stronger
Since AJ Styles is already 48 and has only about a year left in his WWE contract, people are guessing that his retirement could be close. AJ Styles remains one of the most respected and successful WWE stars today. But the TNA teaser and the timing make it feel like he may be in the final phase of his wrestling journey.
Even if he returns to TNA, it would be for one night only. That appearance would be a way to show love to the place where his journey began.
Slammiversary 2025 Event Schedule
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Time (Local / IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slammiversary 2025 | July 20 | UBS Arena, New York | 8:00 PM ET / 5:30 AM IST (July 21) |
Will WWE give Styles the farewell he deserves?
Wrestling is always full of surprises. Nothing is confirmed until it actually happens. If AJ Styles shows up in a TNA ring again, even for just one night, it will be a special moment for fans.
Now the question is whether WWE will give him the send-off he deserves or not. But one thing is sure. AJ Styles is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and every appearance he makes is special for his fans.
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