The roar of the crowd inside the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, said it all — AJ Styles was home. After 12 years away, the wrestling icon made his shocking return to TNA at Slammiversary 2025, creating a moment fans will talk about for years. As his “Get Ready To Fly” theme hit, nostalgia mixed with raw energy, signaling a homecoming that perfectly captured TNA’s history and its future. This return came moments after 20-year-old sensation Leon Slater defeated Moose to claim the X-Division Championship. Styles’ appearance wasn’t just a cameo; it felt like a passing of the torch to a new generation.
AJ Styles Returns to TNA After 12 Years to Hype Leon Slater at Slammiversary 2025
Slammiversary 2025 Highlights
Slammiversary 2025 was billed as one of TNA’s biggest shows, and it delivered. A sold-out crowd of 7,623 — the largest TNA crowd in North American history — packed the arena. The Leon Slater vs. Moose showdown stole the night, combining Moose’s powerhouse dominance with Slater’s fearless, high-flying style. When Slater executed his breathtaking Swanton 450 to pin Moose, the audience erupted. Adding to the emotional moment, Moose personally strapped the title around Slater’s waist, a sign of respect that instantly elevated the young champion. And just when fans thought the night couldn’t get better, AJ Styles walked through the curtain, sparking an unforgettable ovation.
AJ Styles’ Emotional Homecoming
Styles, the man who helped shape TNA’s identity in its formative years, took the microphone to reflect on his journey. “You didn’t deserve it — you earned it,” he told Slater, recognizing the grit and determination behind the young champion’s rise. He also thanked TNA for giving him the platform to become one of wrestling’s elite, while encouraging the new generation to keep pushing boundaries. The crowd’s chants of “One more match!” echoed throughout the arena, leaving fans wondering if this appearance could lead to something bigger.
Leon Slater: The Future of the X-Division
Leon Slater’s win wasn’t just about gold; it was about making a statement. At only 20, Slater’s athleticism and innovative offense have already made him a viral sensation on social media. With AJ Styles’ endorsement, Slater’s victory feels like the start of a new era for TNA’s X-Division. His fearless style and natural charisma are drawing in both hardcore fans and casual viewers, making him one of the most talked-about names in wrestling today.
TNA and WWE’s Growing Connection
AJ Styles’ return is even more significant because he remains under contract with WWE. This crossover appearance hints at a deeper partnership between TNA and WWE, one that could lead to more surprises and dream moments for fans. Slammiversary 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of the past — it was a bold statement about the future of professional wrestling. By blending legends with rising stars, TNA is proving that it knows how to capture hearts, headlines, and viral buzz all at once.