WWE World Tag Team Champion AJ Styles says he is definitely retiring from pro wrestling some time in 2026. Given WWE’s historic partnership with TNA Wrestling, a lot of Styles’ fans are hoping he will
wrestle again in TNA at some point before he calls it quits. TNA World Champion Mike Santana is also putting it out there that he would love to work a match with the Phenomenal One with his TNA gold on the line.
Styles did return to TNA this summer for a non-wrestling appearance at Slammiversary. But during a new interview this week on the the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, AJ explained why that’s probably as far as WWE will allow it to go, and a match in TNA is unlikely to happen.
“I was hoping that this would happen. I really was, but then I realized, it probably never could, as far as WWE letting me do that. And I’ll tell you why. It’s because as soon as I open those gates for the main roster talent, now everybody’s gonna want to do it. So, I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s gonna happen, if I’m being honest. But I would like to, don’t get me wrong. What a moment it was when I was able to go back. But, yeah, I just don’t see that match, I don’t see a match happening as of right now.”
Styles reiterated that WWE’s current crossover deal with TNA is focused on NXT talent rather than the main roster.
“It’s NXT that’s got the partnership, not the main roster talent. And listen, I wish I could do it. I think I should be the only guy to do it, but that’s being very selfish. So, we’ll see what happens in the future. I don’t know necessarily, but we’ll find out together.”
It’s clear that AJ Styles wants to work one more match in TNA before he retires. Do you think WWE will give him what he wants? Let me know in the comments below, Cagesiders.
