Frankie Kazarian has quickly set his sights on a high-profile clash with AJ Styles after winning the TNA World Championship on a dramatic episode of Impact Wrestling. Just one night after defeating Mike Santana to claim the prestigious title, Kazarian expressed his desire for a dream match against the retiring Styles, aiming to put on one of the career-defining bouts in modern TNA history.
Kazarian’s Rise to TNA World Champion
On the November 13th live Impact Wrestling show, Frankie Kazarian seized an unexpected opportunity amid chaos caused by an NXT invasion to dethrone Mike Santana and become the new TNA World Champion[1][5]. Kazarian cashed in his Call Your Shot Gauntlet trophy to capitalize on Santana’s compromised state, winning via a sudden roll-up, a finish that sparked controversy and mixed reactions among fans[2][4]. Despite the backlash, this victory marked a pivotal milestone for Kazarian. It was his first reign as world champion and added to his illustrious career, which already includes multiple tag team and singles titles across TNA, ROH, and AEW[3].
Sources close to the promotion revealed backstage that Kazarian relishes the role of a controversial figure in wrestling. “Nothing makes Frankie happier than stirring the pot and provoking reactions from the audience,” a WWE insider noted, highlighting Kazarian’s persona as the “Heavy Metal Rebel” who thrives in high-stakes scenarios[2].
The AJ Styles Dream Match Proposal
Immediately following his win, Kazarian appeared on Busted Open Radio and was asked about his future plans as TNA World Champion. He did not hesitate to call out AJ Styles, widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in both TNA and WWE history. Given Styles’ announced plans to retire, Kazarian sees a confrontation with him as a perfect headline match, a “dream scenario” that would elevate the title’s prestige and provide fans with a memorable send-off for Styles[1].
Kazarian commented, “Facing AJ Styles for the TNA World Title would be a match for the ages. It’s not just about the belt — it’s about spotlighting the essence of what this company stands for. I want that match, and I’m ready whenever Styles is.”
This proposed bout is especially significant as Styles has recently made his final appearances in TNA, and a title match against Kazarian could serve as a grand finale celebrating both competitors’ legacies.
Fan Reactions and Backstage Buzz
While some fans applauded Kazarian’s victory as a fresh twist in TNA’s evolving storyline, a vocal portion expressed frustration over the abrupt end to Santana’s reign, feeling it was rushed and poorly executed with a controversial roll-up finish[4]. One fan tweeted, “Santana finally wins the title at Bound For Glory, only to lose it on a random episode? That’s disrespectful to his journey.”
Backstage, the decision to put the title on Kazarian appears to be a creative effort by TNA officials to balance new narrative directions while leveraging Kazarian’s veteran status and his capacity to draw heat and interest. According to sources close to TNA management, the promotion intends to build toward high-stakes encounters leading up to Turning Point, where Kazarian and his allies will be featured prominently in both singles and tag team action[2][6].
What’s Next for Frankie Kazarian and TNA?
Following his title win, Kazarian is already gearing up for upcoming appearances and defenses. At the Turning Point event, scheduled shortly after his victory, Kazarian teamed with Nic Nemeth to face Mike Santana and Steve Maclin in a tag team contest, further building the tension between the new champion and his displaced predecessor[2][6].
Kazarian’s reign is expected to last through several major story arcs, including the anticipated match against AJ Styles. Industry insiders say this bout could headline one of the closing major events in Styles’ career, providing the perfect climax to an era.
Kazarian’s Legacy and the Importance of the TNA World Title
Frankie Kazarian’s career has been marked by steady success and adaptability across multiple wrestling promotions. His ascension to TNA World Champion represents a crowning achievement that reinforces his status as a key figure in the wrestling world[3]. Achieving Grand Slam and Triple Crown Champion status within TNA solidifies his name among the promotion’s elite.
Elevating the TNA World Title to new heights amidst competition from AEW, WWE, and various independent circuits demands star power and credible challengers. Kazarian’s outspoken goal to face AJ Styles aligns with this goal, promising to spotlight the championship on a grand scale.
Final Thoughts
Frankie Kazarian’s victory and immediate challenge to AJ Styles has injected new energy and anticipation into the TNA wrestling scene. While fan reactions to his title win have been mixed, Kazarian’s passion for high-stakes competition and his search for the ultimate dream match reflects both respect for the company’s history and a desire to push it forward.
As TNA builds toward future pay-per-views, all eyes will be on Kazarian’s championship reign and whether the wrestling world will finally witness the blockbuster match fans have been craving: Frankie Kazarian versus AJ Styles for the TNA World Championship — a fitting spectacle to close a legendary chapter in professional wrestling.