Jeff Jarrett On What AJ Styles’ TNA Exit Meant For The Company

In a recent episode of his podcast “My World With Jeff Jarrett,” WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett recently shared his perspective on AJ Styles’ departure from TNA Wrestling in December 2013. Jarrett, a pivotal figure in TNA’s history, believes this moment marked the conclusion of a significant era for the promotion.

Jarrett offered unique insights into Styles’ contract negotiations and the profound impact of his exit on the company. He highlighted Styles’ approach to these talks, noting the delicate balance between loyalty and market value that the wrestler maintained.

At the end of the day, AJ Styles, every time he came to the table, he was never abrasive, but at the end of the day, you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he had leverage because could he go somewhere else? Yep, all the time.

The WWE Hall of Famer went on to praise Styles’ unwavering commitment to personal growth and his immense significance to the promotion.

He was very loyal to the brand, and I’m super grateful for that. But his skill set, every year, he got better. He got better on the mic. He got better on character development, his athletic ability; I’ll say, [he] continued to fine-tune it, and all that kind of stuff.

Jarrett emphasised Styles’ crucial role as the cornerstone of TNA’s X Division from the company’s inception. He also suggested that Styles’ exit marked a definitive end to an era for long-time TNA supporters.

But he was, from day one, the anchor of the X Division. When he said, ‘I’m out,’ from a brand perspective, forward-facing, I would imagine that was the final nail in the coffin for the original OG TNA fan.

This statement implies that Styles’ departure was a turning point for the promotion, signalling the end of TNA’s original era. Jeff Jarrett also didn’t shy away from acknowledging earlier missteps that had already damaged the brand, particularly referencing the Hulk Hogan era.

The Hulk Hogan years were ball shot after ball shot after ball shot on that, but AJ leaving would be the final nail in the coffin for that brand.

This candid discussion sheds light on the complex relationship between wrestling promotions and their top talent. AJ Styles’ journey from TNA mainstay to global WWE superstar serves as a case study in talent development and retention in the wrestling industry. His departure not only impacted TNA’s in-ring product but also signalled a significant shift in the company’s image and fan perception.

H/t to 411 Mania

Jeff Jarrett Calls For Proper Send-Off For Retired AEW Star

In another recent edition of his podcast, Jeff Jarrett has shared his thoughts on the unexpected recent retirement of wrestling veteran Christopher Daniels, expressing his disappointment over how the ending of his career was handled, believing Daniels deserved more recognition for his work in pro wrestling.