Latest news with #Slammiversary2025
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is AJ Styles? All About WWE Star and His Return to TNA at Slammiversary 2025 Being Big Deal
AJ Styles made a surprise return to TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary 2025, marking his first appearance with the company in over a decade. The moment took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, where nearly 7,000 fans erupted as his old theme song, Get Ready to Fly, played through the arena. Styles appeared shortly after 20-year-old Leon Slater defeated Moose to win the X-Division Championship. Slater became the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history. Styles congratulated him, saying, 'TNA, did you miss me?' as fans responded with loud cheers and chants of 'Welcome home!' AJ Styles praises Leon Slater and reflects on his past In the ring, AJ Styles praised Slater and the current state of the X-Division. He said, 'The division has a bright future with him.' Fans then chanted for 'one more match,' hoping for a return to action from the 48-year-old wrestler. Styles did not confirm any future matches, saying only, 'We'll get to that.' His return follows the multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA announced in January. This agreement has led to talent exchanges between WWE's NXT and TNA. Notably, Joe Hendry, a former TNA World Champion, appeared at both the WWE Royal Rumble and WrestleMania this year. Who is AJ Styles and why is his return celebrated? AJ Styles is one of the most respected professional wrestlers in the industry. He wrestled for TNA from 2002 to 2014, where he became the first X-Division Champion and later the company's first Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion. He held the TNA World Heavyweight Title five times and was known for his high-flying, athletic style. His match against Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels at Unbreakable 2005 is still regarded as one of the greatest matches in professional wrestling history. Styles helped shape TNA's identity during its most important years and played a key role in the popularity of the X-Division. Before appearing at Slammiversary, Styles posted a message to fans titled 'Two Eras. One Legacy. AJ Returns.' In it, he reflected on his journey and growth as a wrestler. "If I had the ability to go back in time, I'd tell myself, 'You have no idea how far this ride's about to take you,'" Styles wrote. He added, "All the ups, the downs, the doubts, they're gonna shape you into one of the best in the world." "Don't lose that chip on your shoulder, but learn when to let go of your pride," he continued. "Stay humble, stay hungry, and trust God's timing, it's perfect, even when it doesn't feel like it. You're not just phenomenal. You're built for this." Is AJ Styles returning to TNA full-time? It is not confirmed whether Styles will continue appearing in TNA Wrestling. He is still an active WWE superstar and has not officially announced a return run. His Slammiversary appearance could be a one-time event or part of future cross-brand moments. Fans remain hopeful that AJ Styles will wrestle at least one more match in TNA. His influence on the company and the wrestling world is significant, and his presence at Slammiversary 2025 reminded fans why he is considered one of the greatest of all time.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AJ Styles makes phenomenal comeback to TNA after 11 years, endorses rising star at Slammiversary
AJ Styles made a stunning return to TNA at Slammiversary 2025 , marking his first appearance in the company in 11 years. The crowd erupted as the 'Phenomenal One' stepped back into the ring where he became a legend. Styles didn't compete, but his appearance was far from ceremonial - he delivered a heartfelt endorsement of rising star Leon Slater , calling him the future of the business. The moment bridged generations, with Styles giving his blessing to Slater on TNA's grand stage. It was a powerful, symbolic return that electrified fans and honored the legacy of a true TNA original while spotlighting its next star. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MBA Healthcare Project Management Product Management Data Analytics Management Data Science Finance Others Digital Marketing healthcare Cybersecurity Leadership MCA Public Policy Artificial Intelligence Technology Operations Management Degree PGDM others Data Science CXO Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details — ThisIsTNA (@ThisIsTNA) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Young Woman Lives in a Shed, Slams Viewers With The Interior Tips and Tricks Undo During the broadcast, the TNA revealed that Slammiversary drew a crowd of 7,682 fans inside the UBS Arena in New York - the largest North American attendance in TNA history. Slammiversary, one of the promotion's flagship events for over two decades, reached a new milestone with this record-setting turnout. — ThisIsTNA (@ThisIsTNA) Styles is a former TNA World Champion and X-Division Champion, and is currently a WWE Superstar on the Raw brand. In January 2025, TNA and WWE officially entered into a partnership, opening the door for cross-promotional appearances. Since then, talent exchanges have become a highlight, with NXT stars showing up on TNA programming and TNA wrestlers making surprise appearances on NXT. Live Events At present, both TNA World Championships are in the hands of NXT stars. Trick Williams holds the TNA World Championship , while Jacy Jayne captured the TNA Knockouts Championship by defeating Masha Slamovich at Slammiversary. — ThisIsTNA (@ThisIsTNA) As both competitors fought desperately for the pinfall, Slamovich began to fade, visibly exhausted. Seizing the moment, Jayne delivered the Rolling Encore, knocking Slamovich out cold to secure the victory and become the new TNA Knockouts World Champion. — ThisIsTNA (@ThisIsTNA) With the win, Jayne now holds double gold, adding the Knockouts title to her reign as NXT Women's Champion.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
TNA Wrestling riding momentum of WWE partnership into Slammiversary 2025
The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Carlos Silva. In February 2025, TNA Wrestling announced that Silva had taken over as president of the company. Normally when a new boss comes in, they are trying to reinvigorate the business, bringing a flair that will drive success. But Silva joined with TNA in the midst of its best run since the promotion's early days. A partnership with WWE, a WrestleMania moment, well-respected veterans and rising stars on the roster have boosted the brand's popularity. The continuous ride is heading toward the company's anniversary – Slammiversary 2025, taking place July 20 at UBS Arena on Long Island. There, seven matches will take place that showcase the best of TNA's roster, with some WWE stars also in the fold. TNA has spent so much time building toward this moment, and believes it will be another critical point in elevating the brand. 'This six-month build is going to have a nice crescendo, and just be a high point for the year, and then launch us into 2026 off of this high point,' Silva told USA TODAY Sports. What's made TNA Wrestling successful? Just looking at TNA itself, there's no denying the amount of talent on the roster. There's legends like Jeff and Matt Hardy still rocking, as well as established veterans in Nic Nemeth, Moose, Frankie Kazarian and the recently signed Indi Hartwell, to name a few. There's young stars like KC Navarro and Leon Slater, who have championship opportunities in front of them. And, of course, arguably the hottest stars in Joe Hendry and Mike Santana, who will compete for the TNA World Championship against current title-holder Trick Williams of NXT. It's the blend of well-known wrestlers and up-and-coming talent that makes TNA an intriguing product, Silva believes. 'We can develop talent that wants to come through the indies and then come into the major leagues with TNA, but yet we can also reinvigorate and give more life to talent that's maybe on the other end of their career,' Silva said. 'I think we can provide both the entry and the build of the excitement, as well as let the fans really enjoy these amazing legends that we've got.' The success of the WWE partnership It was Jan. 27, 2024 and Jordynne Grace knew the pressure was on her. She was going to be the surprise entrant in the women's Royal Rumble match, and as the TNA Knockouts World Champion, would be setting the tone for a potential partnership between the two brands. 'I kind of knew, this was me opening the door, and if I did well, it could carry on and continue to do well,' Grace said. 'But if I did bad and kind of like, it was blah, maybe it wouldn't.' But Grace knocked it out of the park. It was a success, and it kick-started the deal between WWE and TNA. After informally beginning in 2024, the two sides made their partnership official in January with a multi-year deal. Stars like Hendry have given Grace credit for making the partnership possible, and it also catapulted her career. She finished her time in TNA in January and she immediately signed with WWE full-time after several appearances with the brand. Now, she's in NXT and had a match at Evolution. She'll soon be in WWE 2K25, a 'surreal' moment for 'The Juggernaut.' Even though she's moved companies, she loves seeing TNA thrive. 'I'm just so happy that we're continuing to work and put a spotlight on TNA, because they absolutely deserve it. The wrestlers in there are some of the best in the world, and they haven't been getting enough eyes on them in the past decade or so,' she said. 'It's a special partnership, and I'm glad to have been the one to help create it.' Grace is just one example of how far talent can now go after the deal. There's no better example than Hendry. Thanks to his viral entrance song, Hendry elevated himself into a massively popular star. It led to him being in the 2025 Royal Rumble, and breaking barriers with a match at WrestleMania 41 as the TNA World Champion. Silva called the iconic moment the top one for TNA in the past year. Silva admitted there was some skepticism over whether the deal would benefit TNA and its stars, and the uncertainty lasted for a while. But now with proven results, both sides have fully bought in. 'I get a lot of smiles from the talent on their roster when they come to visit us, and we get a lot of excitement at getting into a bigger arena and being on a big (WWE) stage,' Silva said. 'I think everyone's enjoying working with each other and creating some great stories for the fans. 'So far, so good. I got no complaints.' TNA Wrestling readies for massive Slammiversary 2025 WWE will be at the forefront of Slammiversary with Williams currently the TNA champion. He shockingly won the title in May, and it took Silva some time to get used to seeing talent from a different company at the top of his. But Silva said Williams has been a great representative for both sides, drawing plenty of intrigue over how the reign will unfold. For Williams himself, it's brought out an extra layer of confidence in someone that already exudes it. He said 'success changes you,' and doing something historic – being a WWE star and holding another company's title – isn't lost on him. Barriers have been broken, and he wants to let everyone know whenever he arrives. 'This crossing brands, crossing networks, everybody in the world is gonna know Trick Williams,' he said. 'People keep trying to figure out all the background stuff. Forget all that. Trick Williams is the line. Don't cross me and you're gonna be all right.' .@Santana_Proud and @joehendry stand tall on the final #TNAiMPACT before #TNASlammiversary — but not without will leave Slammiversary as TNA World Champion? Find out THIS SUNDAY LIVE on PPV and TNA+!WATCH on TNA+: on YouTube:… The heat Williams has been able to generate – along with the hunger from Hendry to get his title back and Santana's dream to finally capture it – is what's helping build the main event match. Not only is it being promoted on TNA programming, but also on NXT. It's a match that could continue TNA's hot run. The promotion has seemingly worked. TNA said Slammiversary will be its most attended show in the past 10 years, and it's anticipating the largest U.S. crowd in company history. Silva is eager for more people to see all the talent the roster has to offer, from top to bottom. And he knows he can't let the momentum end there. As successful as 2025 has been, it has to elevate toward 2026 – especially with Silva reportedly shopping for a new media rights deal. 'We're going to do Slammiversary. We're going to have a huge success. Can be our biggest show ever,' Silva said. 'The next day we're going to sit, more to say, 'OK, now we're going to (Kingston) Rhode Island, and we've got to be great, and be great in Rhode Island.' 'That's very much our sort of sporting attitude that we're bringing to the organization, (and) I think the locker room and everyone is embracing that.'
