Just hours before his historic return to TNA, AJ Styles took to social media to share a poignant reflection on the journey that brought him back to where it all began. His return, set for tonight’s Slammiversary, marks his first appearance with the company in over a decade and is anchored by a heartfelt message to his younger self.
Alongside an image of his current self looking into a mirror at his past TNA persona, Styles offered a powerful perspective on his career, the hardships, and his faith.
“If I had the ability to go back in time, I’d tell myself ‘You have no idea how far this ride’s about to take you. All the ups, the downs, the doubts—they’re gonna shape you into one of the best in the world. Don’t lose that chip on your shoulder, but learn when to let go of your pride. You’re gonna walk into places you never thought you’d belong… Way better than you could imagine. Stay humble, stay hungry, and trust God’s timing—it’s perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it. You’re not just phenomenal. You’re built for this.’”
The WWE star’s appearance was officially confirmed by TNA after a week of teases. Company president Carlos Silva explained that the promotion decided to announce the news in advance, rather than keeping it a surprise, to ensure fans had every opportunity to witness the homecoming.
“We went through that all week as it all came together. We wanted to make sure the logistics of getting AJ to New York were set… At the end, we decided—you know what—let’s really tell the fans. We’ve teased it enough… It’s AJ Styles. He’s returning, and we just wanted to tell everyone so that everyone could have the best chance to see him at Slammiversary.”
While Styles’ role at the event remains officially unannounced, his presence has fueled intense speculation. Many believe his appearance will set the stage for a future match, with a potential clash against TNA World Champion Trick Williams at Bound for Glory being a prominent theory. With history, hunger, and a deep sense of reflection, Styles’ return to TNA is set to be a defining moment of the night.