AJ Styles Makes First TNA Appearance Since 2013; Puts Over New X-Division Champ

Submitted by Jeff Whalen on

AJ Styles made his return to TNA last night at Slammiversary, making his presence felt after Leon Slater defeated Moose for the X-Division title. Styles, returning after more than a decade absence, addressed the audience and put over Slater:

"TNA, did you miss me? Yes. You know it’s been a long road. Here I am in this ring, in this company where my name was built. I am the Phenomenal, AJ Styles. You know, there was a time when they said 'You may not be able to come back.' But here I am. I’m telling you, the lights are a little bit brighter here. The crowd is a little bit louder here."

"And Leon, the talent’s better than it’s ever been. (You deserve it chant). Leon, don’t listen to them. You don’t deserve it. You earned it. Leon Slater, the youngest X-Division champion in TNA history. Let that sink in. You didn’t just impress me tonight, Leon. You made me realize why I love this business. It’s guys like you who make people like me love what they do. So thank you for that."

Styles also got a bit of a "one last match" chant from the audience, but declined to comment on it one way or the other leaving it for a discussion at a future date.