The future of AJ Styles, despite what was advertised as his final match due to his loss to GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble, remains up for debate amongst fans, especially as a tribute to the "Phenomenal One" was announced for "WWE Raw" next Monday in his home state of Georgia. Many believe he could continue to wrestle on a much lighter schedule in TNA, due to the promotion's partnership with WWE that has been in place since the beginning of 2025. One former WWE star, and current TNA talent, Matt Hardy, said on his "Extreme Life of Matt Hardy" podcast he believes Styles will "come home" to TNA."In a perfect world, I would like to see AJ Styles return to his home, to TNA," Hardy said. "It's a little selfish for me to ask that, but I know he loves TNA. He feels at home at TNA and right now, TNA is in a position where AJ Styles could greatly elevate the company and he would be a big deal there... I know he is at that point where he's winding down, he doesn't want to work all the time, but there are some matches there that I know he would love to have."Hardy said that he feels like Styles, despite being a little older at 48, is "so good and healthy," and is in "phenomenal" condition. The TNA Tag Team Champion said he believes Styles can still go at a very high level, and will end up going to TNA to have a few matches, including one previously teased with Frankie Kazarian, a bout that Hardy speculated didn't happen due to the WWE side of things, despite Styles being up for it.
Hardy said he's sure there are wrestling fans and others who would love to see Styles do something in AEW, as Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels, stars closely linked to the "Phenomenal One's" TNA career, are there. Hardy, who also previously worked for AEW, said that if the company's president, Tony Khan, wants someone to join his company badly enough, he is willing to pay a lot of money to bring someone in. Hedoesn't think Styles' final match will be in AEW, however."If I'm a guessing guy, I still think people who have never worked with WWE, people who have grown up loving pro wrestling and wanting to become a pro wrestler, and they probably got turned on to pro wrestling because of WWE in some way, shape or form, there's just such a loyalty that's still connected with WWE and appreciation about it," Hardy explained. "I guess it just depends on how much of that AJ has now when it's all said and done.If Styles does make his way back to TNA, Hardy said he doesn't think he'll be at every TV taping or working full-time. He said he sees Styles being more of a part-timer, who comes in to make a big appearance to pop the crowd and increase viewership and ratings.If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
