The premiere of TNA Wrestling on AMC just got “Phenomenal.”
TNA has officially announced that AJ Styles will appear on the January 15 debut episode of Thursday Night Impact. This marks a massive crossover moment for the promotion as it moves to its new network home. Styles, currently a WWE Superstar on the SmackDown brand, is widely considered the greatest wrestler in TNA history, having been the face of the company for over a decade.
Styles last appeared in a TNA ring at Slammiversary in 2024, where he made a surprise cameo to endorse rising star Leon Slater. That appearance ended an 11-year absence from the promotion he helped build. While his specific role for the AMC premiere remains “unknown,” his presence alone signals the magnitude of the occasion. Whether he is there to cut a promo, interact with old rivals like Frankie Kazarian, or simply wave the TNA flag, Styles’ involvement bridges the gap between the company’s storied past and its hopeful future.
The premiere episode is already stacked with major matches. TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian will defend his title against Mike Santana in the main event. In the X-Division, champion Leon Slater defends against Myron Reed. A massive six-man tag team match will see The Hardys (Matt and Jeff) team with the returning Elijah to face Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, and John Skyler). Additionally, the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship will be on the line as The IInspiration (Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee) defend against The Elegance Brand.
Styles’ return is likely facilitated by the ongoing partnership between WWE and TNA, which has seen talent exchanges become increasingly common over the last year. With rumors of his retirement looming at the end of 2026, every appearance by Styles in his former home feels like a part of a farewell tour. Seeing him back in the Impact Zone (or on the road with TNA) is a nostalgia trip that fans won’t want to miss.
Thursday Night Impact Lineup (Jan 15):
TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs. Mike Santana
X-Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Myron Reed
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Elijah vs. Order 4
Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: The IInspiration (c) vs. The Elegance Brand
Segment: AJ Styles appears
