TNA Star Tipped For Match With AJ Styles

The scramble is on to face AJ Styles before he retires.

At Slammiversary 2025, AJ Styles made a stunning return to TNA on what was one of the company’s biggest nights in recent memory.

On the show, Styles came to the ring after Leon Slater defeated Moose to claim the X-Division Championship. The veteran heaped praise on the young star and reflected fondly on his own time in TNA.

Since then, Styles has repeatedly been linked with one more match in TNA, but it’s yet to come to pass.

In a new interview with Adrian Hernandez, TNA star Mustafa Ali was asked whether he’d like to have a match with Styles. He admitted that while he would, he feels that spot would be better served by going to someone like Leon Slater.

Man, I can tell you what, just being, you know, backstage when he came out to his TNA theme, ‘Get Ready to Fly,’ was such a cool moment. What a cool moment for Leon, who grew up, myself included, grew up as an X-Division kid, very, very cool, full circle kind of moment. I’m glad AJ got to come back to an event at a jam-packed arena at Slammiversary. A very, very cool night.

I appreciate the kind words, but I also think I’m the guy at that stage where, like, as phenomenal and credible as it would be, to wrestle a guy like AJ. I just think Leon’s on such a rise that, if I had to make the decision, and AJ is doing one match? Selfishly, I want it. But for a company, branding and building a place, I think you just put everything behind Leon.”

AJ Styles Closing On Retirement

While John Cena’s impending retirement has been the talk of the wrestling town for several months, AJ Styles recently revealed that he’s planning to end his own career in 2026.

Speaking ahead of WWE’s upcoming shows in Japan, Styles said that it would represent his last chance to perform in the country. He went on to explain that, while unconfirmed, he wants to compete at WrestleMania 42 before hanging up his boots.

Although he refused to set a retirement date, Styles said he’ll wrap things up within the next 12 months.

It was recently reported that AJ Styles’ contract ends in February 2026, hinting that he won’t be wrestling much longer. Even if a fresh short-term extension is eventually agreed.

Next up for Styles is a clash with John Cena at Crown Jewel on October 11 in Perth, Australia.

H/t to Fightful