AJ Styles Returns to TNA at Slammiversary, Endorses New X-Division Champion Leon Slater – For the first time in over 11 years, AJ Styles stepped back into a TNA ring at Sunday night’s Slammiversary 2025, marking a historic return for one of the promotion’s most iconic figures. The surprise appearance came moments after Leon Slater shocked fans by defeating Moose to capture the X-Division Championship.
Slater’s win not only earned him his first TNA title but also made him the youngest X-Division Champion in company history. His victory ended Moose’s dominant 267-day reign, which began in October 2024 and featured 18 successful defenses.
Following the match, the arena erupted as Styles emerged to his classic TNA theme, creating an emotional moment that resonated with longtime fans. Once in the ring, Styles addressed Slater and the TNA audience with heartfelt words, reflecting on the legacy of the division he helped build.
“There was a time I was told I may never come back,” Styles admitted. “The lights are a little bit brighter now, the noise is a little bit louder now, and the talent—better than it’s ever been.”
Turning his attention to Slater, Styles praised the new champion’s performance but made it clear the title wasn’t given to him.
“You didn’t deserve this title,” he said. “You earned it.”
Styles went on to name past X-Division champions who built the foundation of the company, and then said Slater now represents the future of the division. “Tonight, you made history,” Styles told him. “Now, it’s time to build your legacy.”
The segment closed with chants of “one last match” from the crowd. Styles didn’t confirm anything but responded, “We’ll talk about that at a different time.”
The moment marked Styles’ first official TNA appearance since departing the company in late 2013. While his current WWE status likely limits future in-ring involvement with TNA, his words and presence delivered a clear message: TNA’s past and future collided at Slammiversary—and Leon Slater is now carrying that torch.
AJ Styles Returns to TNA at Slammiversary
