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AJ Styles returns to TNA to put over youngest X-Division champion in history

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@ThisisTNA

It was a surreal moment when AJ Styles returned to TNA at the Slammiversary PPV (July 20, 2025). The theme song of choice was, “Get Ready to Fly.”

Styles was in the ring to cut a promo putting over Leon Slater as the youngest X-Division champion in TNA history. More on that match in a moment. First, the attention is on Styles in the Impact Zone for the first time since 2014.

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Styles was impressed by Slater’s performance. When the crowd chanted about Slater, “You deserve it,” Styles cut them off. Styles made it clear that Slater earned it. Slater made Styles realize why he loves this business. Slater showed the world that the X-Division is not about weight limits. It is about no limits. Slater made history, and now it is time to make a legacy.

That was it for Styles on this evening, but it was quite a moment to celebrate Slater as the new star in the making.

Slater challenged Moose for the X-Division Championship. The 20-year-old wrestler from Bradford, England rocked the ring with excitement. He showed grit kicking out from a spear. He showed guts taking Moose for a ride on a spinning torture rack bomb then following for a spear of his own to rub it in on his rival. Slater executed his signature dive for the Swanton 450. Moose kicked out on the pin to bring the crowd to a frenzy.

Slater had more tricks up his sleeve. He leapfrogged a spear to counter for the Code Red on the floor. Slater set up his finisher again. This time, Moose rolled away. Moose thought he was clever, however, Slater still leaped for a long-distance Swanton. Slater continued the action with another Swanton 450 to win.

Moose showed respect to place the X-Division Championship around Slater’s waist.

This was a star-making performance from Slater. TNA has been greasing the wheels for him to be the next big thing. Slater held up his end to shine bright on the biggest stage. The rubs from Moose and Styles only cement his status. If you don’t know, now you know. Slater is the future of TNA.

Share your thoughts on AJ Styles’ return to TNA and Leon Slater winning the X-Division Championship. Catch up on full results for Slammiversary here. The PPV is available for streaming through TNA+ (annual subscription or single event), TrillerTV, and other providers.

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