A.J. Styles Returns to TNA at Slammiversary: WWE NXT Stars Shine as Champions
Sarah Johnson
July 21, 2025
Brief
A.J. Styles returns to TNA at Slammiversary after over a decade, while WWE NXT stars dominate as champions in a historic night of wrestling.
In a night filled with nostalgia, high-flying action, and jaw-dropping moments, A.J. Styles made a triumphant return to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling at Slammiversary, marking his first appearance in over a decade. The UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, erupted as Styles’ iconic entrance music hit, and the man known as The Phenomenal One soaked in the electric atmosphere. Addressing the roaring crowd, Styles reflected on his storied history with TNA, where his legendary name was forged, and praised the new generation of talent, particularly Leon Slater, who had just become the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history.
Styles, widely regarded as the greatest TNA wrestler of all time with multiple championship reigns, reminded everyone why his return was a monumental moment. The brighter lights and louder crowds, as he put it, signaled that TNA is still a force to be reckoned with.
But the night was packed with more than just nostalgia. WWE NXT’s Jacy Jayne stole the show in a winner-takes-all match against TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich. Jayne’s performance was nothing short of dominant, sealing the victory with a devastating Rolling Encore to walk away as a double champion. It was a match that will be talked about for weeks, and Jayne heads back to NXT with even more swagger.
The Hardys, Jeff and Matt, brought their signature chaos to a four-way ladder match for the TNA Tag Team Championship. Jeff Hardy, proving age is just a number, executed jaw-dropping swanton dives and innovative ladder maneuvers. In the end, The Hardys climbed to victory, reclaiming the titles in a moment of pure grit. Post-match, TNA Hall of Famer Bully Ray challenged them to one last showdown at Bound for Glory in October, setting the stage for an epic clash.
In the main event, WWE NXT star Trick Williams defended the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana and Joe Hendry in a match that felt like a heavyweight prizefight. With dramatic entrances and intense action, the bout kept fans on edge. Despite an apparent injury sidelining Williams momentarily, he made a heroic return at the last second to retain his title with a clutch pin on Hendry.
Slammiversary also made history as the most-attended U.S. event in TNA history, with 7,623 fans packing the arena. It was a night that reminded us why wrestling continues to captivate—raw emotion, incredible athleticism, and stories that transcend the ring.
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Editor's Comments
Well, folks, A.J. Styles returning to TNA is like seeing an old flame at a high school reunion—you know the sparks are still there! And let’s talk about Jeff Hardy, still flying higher than a drone at a rock concert. But seriously, with Bully Ray throwing down the gauntlet, October’s Bound for Glory might just be wrestling’s version of a heavyweight title fight. Who’s got the bigger ladder in their corner? I’m betting on more twists than a pretzel factory!
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