The Phenomenal One is facing the harsh reality that his illustrious career might conclude without one final chapter in the promotion that made him a star. AJ Styles has openly expressed his doubts that WWE will permit him to compete in TNA Wrestling before he hangs up his boots in 2026, a decision that has left fans and fellow wrestlers disappointed about a potentially historic encounter that may never materialize.[1][2]
During a recent appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Styles addressed the persistent speculation surrounding a dream match with TNA World Champion Mike Santana. While the veteran superstar acknowledged his deep desire to step between the ropes one last time in a TNA ring, he remains convinced that WWE’s corporate policies will prevent such an occurrence from ever happening.[2][4]
The Reasoning Behind WWE’s Restrictions
Styles provided a logical explanation for why WWE would likely refuse to grant him permission to work for TNA in his final year as an active competitor. The core issue centers on precedent—if Vince McMahon’s company allows one of its top-tier talent to jump to a rival promotion for a farewell appearance, it opens the floodgates for other WWE performers to make similar requests.[2][4]
“I was hoping that this would happen. I really was, but then I realized it probably never could, as far as WWE letting me do that,” Styles explained during the podcast. “And I’ll tell you why — it’s because as soon as I open those gates for the main roster talent, now everybody’s going to want to do it.”[2]
This corporate gatekeeping approach reflects WWE’s protective stance toward its contracted talent. Even with the recently established partnership between WWE and TNA through NXT, the arrangement specifically involves the developmental brand rather than main roster performers. According to sources close to WWE’s talent relations department, the company maintains strict policies regarding cross-promotional appearances for its established stars to prevent competitive conflicts and maintain brand loyalty.[4]
A Promotion Built AJ Styles Into a Superstar
The irony of this situation is particularly poignant given Styles’ history with TNA. Before becoming a household name in WWE, Styles spent nearly a decade building his legacy in Impact Wrestling’s predecessor, establishing himself as the defining face of the promotion. His time in TNA proved instrumental in developing his in-ring psychology, character work, and technical prowess—all elements that would later contribute to his mainstream success upon joining the sports entertainment juggernaut in 2016.[2]
Following his TNA tenure, Styles went on to dominate Japan’s New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he competed against some of the world’s finest technical wrestlers. His 2015 series against Kazuchika Okada is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling rivalries of the modern era. Yet despite these accomplishments, many wrestling historians and analysts consider TNA the launching pad that truly defined his career trajectory.[2]
The Slammiversary Appearance Reignited Hope
Styles’ brief return to TNA during the 2025 Slammiversary pay-per-view in July temporarily sparked hope that a full-fledged match might be negotiable. During that special appearance, he backstage expressed optimism that “something special as far as a match goes” could potentially unfold with the company.[5] The crowd reaction at Slammiversary, complete with chants of “one more match,” demonstrated the profound connection fans maintain between Styles and the promotion.
However, that singular appearance served only to intensify the frustration for both Styles and TNA World Champion Mike Santana, who has repeatedly stated in interviews that facing Styles represents his final remaining dream match. Santana even issued an open challenge directed at his former rival, but the reality of WWE’s restrictions makes such an encounter increasingly unlikely.[4][5]
Running Out of Time
The clock is ticking for any potential TNA reunion match. At 48 years old, Styles confirmed last month that he plans to retire sometime during 2026, though WWE has not officially announced a specific date for his final appearance. This timeframe creates an extremely narrow window for negotiations to take place between WWE and TNA executives.[3][5]
Styles himself acknowledged this urgency when discussing the matter on the podcast. “I don’t know if it’s going to happen, if I’m being honest, but I would like to. Don’t get me wrong. What a moment it was when I was able to go back [for an appearance at Slammiversary]. But, yeah, I just don’t see that match — I don’t see a match happening as of right now,” he stated.[2]
The 2026 calendar will also feature other retirement matches from WWE luminaries. John Cena is set to hang up his boots at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025, while New Japan legend Hiroshi Tanahashi will bid farewell at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026. This convergence of retirements suggests the industry is experiencing a generational shift.[3]
The Selfishness of Exception-Making
In a moment of candid reflection, Styles admitted that while he believes he deserves special consideration—perhaps being the sole main roster talent permitted to work TNA before his retirement—he recognizes the inherent selfishness of such a request.[4]
“Listen, I wish I could make it happen. Part of me thinks I should be the only guy who gets to do it, but I know that’s selfish. So we’ll see what happens,” Styles confessed during the podcast interview.[4]
This self-awareness demonstrates Styles’ understanding of the broader implications his exemption would create. By setting a precedent for himself, even as a decorated veteran nearing retirement, he would essentially undermine WWE’s entire policy framework regarding cross-promotional work involving main roster talent.
What Comes Next?
As of now, no negotiations between WWE and TNA regarding an AJ Styles farewell match appear to be actively taking place. While the NXT partnership continues to facilitate developmental talent exchanges and occasional collaborative events, the main roster remains firmly compartmentalized from such arrangements.[4][5]
Styles will continue his tenure as WWE World Tag Team Champion alongside Dragon Lee, fulfilling his contractual obligations to WWE through his anticipated 2026 retirement. Whether his final match occurs on WWE programming or if WWE unexpectedly grants him permission to conclude his career in TNA remains one of professional wrestling’s most compelling open questions.[5]
For now, fans must reconcile themselves with the likelihood that one of wrestling’s greatest dream matches will remain precisely that—a dream. The Phenomenal One may be forced to say goodbye on WWE’s terms rather than returning to the promotion that launched him toward international stardom.