What's Happening?
Amazing Red, the current TNA X-Division Champion, believes he possesses the ability to convince AJ Styles to come out of retirement. Styles officially retired from in-ring competition earlier this year after a loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble.
Despite his retirement and subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame, Red noted that Styles has been observed training and visiting dojos, suggesting he hasn't fully disengaged from wrestling. Red drew a parallel to his own experience, where Will Ospreay successfully encouraged him to return to the ring after a period of retirement. He also mentioned the potential strategy of engaging Styles' son, Avery Styles, who is currently involved in TNA, as a way to entice 'The Phenomenal One' back into action. Red emphasized the difficulty for wrestlers to completely leave the sport, likening it to an 'ex-girlfriend that just doesn’t leave you alone.'
Why It's Important?
This development is significant for the professional wrestling industry, particularly for fans of both TNA and WWE. AJ Styles is a highly respected and popular figure, and his potential return would generate considerable excitement and viewership. For TNA, securing Styles' return, even for a single match, could provide a substantial boost in visibility and prestige, especially with their current X-Division Champion, Amazing Red, spearheading the effort. It also highlights the enduring appeal and difficulty for veteran wrestlers to fully step away from the sport, often driven by passion, the desire to compete, or the influence of peers. The narrative of a wrestling legend being coaxed out of retirement by a contemporary adds a compelling storyline that could captivate audiences and potentially lead to high-profile matches, benefiting promotions and increasing fan engagement.
What's Next?
The immediate next steps involve Amazing Red potentially continuing his efforts to persuade AJ Styles. This could manifest through public statements, direct communication, or even storyline developments within TNA that involve Avery Styles, AJ's son. If Red were to challenge Avery Styles for the X-Division title, it could create a compelling narrative that might draw AJ Styles' attention and potentially lead to his involvement. The wrestling community and fans will be closely watching for any reactions from AJ Styles himself, who has not yet indicated any intention to reverse his retirement decision. The possibility of a return match, particularly in TNA where both Red and Styles have significant history, remains a speculative but exciting prospect for the future of professional wrestling.
Beyond the Headlines
The discussion around AJ Styles' potential return touches upon deeper themes within professional wrestling, such as the emotional attachment wrestlers have to their craft and the difficulty of retirement. Many athletes, particularly in high-impact sports like wrestling, struggle with the transition away from active competition, often feeling a strong pull back to the ring. This situation also underscores the generational aspect of wrestling, with Styles' son now involved in TNA, creating a potential bridge for his father's return. The idea of using a family member as a catalyst for a legend's comeback is a classic wrestling trope that resonates with fans, highlighting the blend of sport and storytelling inherent in the industry. It also raises questions about the long-term health and well-being of athletes who continue to compete or return after retirement, balancing their passion with physical demands.
