AJ Styles Reveals He Nearly Retired in TNA Before WWE Run Changed Everything

AJ Styles’ in-ring career officially came to an end at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where “The Phenomenal One” fell to GUNTHER in a career-on-the-line showdown. The following night on WWE Raw, Styles received an emotional sendoff, capped off with confirmation that a WWE Hall of Fame induction is on the horizon.

But as it turns out, Styles once envisioned a very different ending to his story.

Speaking on Raw Recap: WWE Now, Styles admitted that there was a time when he fully expected to retire under the TNA banner — the company where he became a cornerstone star and helped build its identity during its formative years.

According to Styles, had TNA presented him with a comparable contract offer back in 2014, he likely never would have left.

He explained that he took pride in helping establish TNA as a legitimate wrestling promotion and had every intention of finishing his career there. However, circumstances changed. With TNA dealing with financial struggles at the time, Styles was reportedly asked to accept a significant pay cut — said to be around 60 percent. That proved to be the turning point.

Rather than re-sign under those terms, Styles bet on himself.

After departing TNA in early 2014, Styles revitalized his career on the global stage. He made high-profile stops in Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he further cemented his legacy and expanded his international reputation. That momentum ultimately led to his surprise debut in WWE as an entrant in the 2016 Men’s Royal Rumble — a moment that instantly reshaped the industry landscape.

Over the next decade, Styles built a résumé that erased any doubt about his place in WWE history. He captured the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, and most notably, the WWE Championship — a reign that solidified him as one of the defining stars of his era.

His final chapter came full circle at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Putting his career on the line against GUNTHER, Styles was ultimately defeated after “The Ring General” forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold. It was a fittingly hard-fought end for a competitor known for his resilience and elite in-ring ability.

While Styles once pictured his retirement happening in TNA, fate had other plans. Instead, he closes his career as a future WWE Hall of Famer — a testament to a journey that took risks, crossed borders, and ultimately redefined what was possible for a wrestler who built his name outside the WWE system.

In hindsight, turning down that TNA offer may have been the most important decision of his career.

Netflix Backs Out of Warner Bros. Discovery Deal as Paramount Moves Closer to Acquiring AEW’s Broadcast Partner

The media landscape surrounding AEW’s longtime broadcast home could be on the verge of a major shakeup.

Netflix has officially stepped away from its attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, leaving Paramount as the frontrunner in the high-stakes bidding war. According to financial reports, Paramount upped its offer (via CNBC) from $30 to $31 per share — a modest increase on paper, but enough to push Netflix out of the race.

Netflix’s proposal had already trailed Paramount’s previous bid, and the latest bump appears to have sealed the deal. Unlike the structure reportedly tied to Netflix’s approach, Paramount’s offer would bring all of Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets under its control, including its Discovery networks and the company’s expansive TV portfolio.

There is still a regulatory process to navigate before anything becomes official, but if approved, WBD would soon sit under the same corporate umbrella as CBS, Pluto TV, and Paramount+. That streaming platform already houses UFC content — notable given that UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings alongside WWE.

The fallout from Netflix’s withdrawal isn’t cheap. Warner Bros. Discovery will reportedly owe Netflix a $2.8 billion breakup fee, a cost Paramount is expected to absorb as part of its acquisition package. In addition, Paramount’s revised offer includes a hefty $7 billion breakup clause should this new deal collapse.

What This Could Mean for AEW

For wrestling fans, the biggest question is how this impacts All Elite Wrestling.

AEW currently airs its weekly programming on TNT and TBS, both WBD networks, and streams content on HBO Max. Reports have also indicated that WBD owns a minority stake in AEW, further tying the promotion to the company’s future.

Under a Netflix-WBD scenario, CEO Ted Sarandos had indicated that Netflix would have remained separate from WBD’s streaming operations. Paramount CEO David Ellison, however, has not publicly detailed how he would handle HBO Max if the acquisition goes through.

That leaves AEW’s long-term broadcast and streaming future somewhat uncertain — though not necessarily in danger. Paramount’s portfolio is deeply entrenched in sports and combat programming, thanks in part to its relationship with UFC via Paramount+. Whether that synergy could extend into professional wrestling in a more direct way remains to be seen.

For now, AEW remains firmly planted on TNT, TBS, and HBO Max. But with corporate dominoes starting to fall, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see if this media merger reshapes the playing field.

TNA Thursday Night iMPACT!

TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! tonight on AMC at 9/8c.

Where To Watch: AMC, AMC+, & TNA+ (US), Sportsnet & Sportsnet 360 (Canada), TNA+ (internationally)

  • The Hardys and The Righteous vs. The System
  • Mike Santana and Leon Slater vs. Nic Nemeth & Ryan Nemeth
  • Frankie Kazarian will be on commentary
  • Lei Ying Lee vs. Dani Luna
  • AJ Francis vs. Mance Warner
  • Ash by Elegance face-to-face with Mickie James
  • Jada Stone vs. Tasha Steelz
  • Tom Hannifan interviews Steve Maclin

ROH TV Preview 2/26/2026

ROH TV tonight on #HonorClub at WatchROH.com 7/6c

  • Big Bill & Bryan Keith in action
  • Skyflight in action
  • Grizzled Young Veterans in action
  • ROH Women’s Pure Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. Trish Adora
  • ROH Women’s TV Championship: Red Velvet (c) vs. Zayda Steel
  • The Frat House vs. TMDK
  • JD Drake vs. Adam Priest
  • Tony Nese vs. Komander
  • Johnnie Robbie vs. Persephone
  • Satnam Singh in action

AJ Styles Confirms He’ll Remain With WWE in Mentorship Role Following Retirement

AJ Styles may have officially closed the chapter on his in-ring career, but “The Phenomenal One” isn’t going anywhere.

After delivering an emotional farewell on this past Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, Styles left his gloves and jacket in the middle of the ring — a symbolic gesture that confirmed his retirement from active competition. Shortly thereafter, WWE announced that Styles will be inducted into the Class of 2026 Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

With retirement rumors swirling, including speculation about a possible jump to AEW for one last run, Styles quickly put those ideas to rest.

Speaking on the Talk N Shop Podcast, the former WWE Champion made it clear that while his days of competing inside the squared circle are over, his relationship with WWE is far from finished. Styles confirmed he will continue working with the company in a backstage capacity, focusing on mentoring and developing the next generation of talent.

According to Styles, helping younger wrestlers grow into confident, complete performers is something he’s long wanted to do. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that talent feels ready when they step into a WWE ring — not just physically, but mentally as well.

Styles explained that if someone reaches television and isn’t fully prepared, he sees it as part of his responsibility to help get them there. For him, making sure emerging stars feel like they truly belong — that they’re ready to stand alongside the best in the locker room — is both a duty and a privilege.

The idea of shaping future main eventers clearly excites him. After decades of experience across multiple promotions and countless high-profile matches, Styles now shifts from building his own legacy to helping build others’.

While fans won’t see him lace up the boots again, it sounds like AJ Styles’ impact on WWE is only entering a new phase — one that could influence the company for years to come.

Xavier Woods Provides Injury Update After Stepping Away From WWE Action

Xavier Woods is staying positive despite dealing with a significant shoulder issue that has temporarily sidelined him from in-ring competition.

On the February 16 episode of WWE RAW, Kofi Kingston informed fans that his New Day partner would be stepping away from wrestling after battling a shoulder injury for roughly three months. Woods’ last match took place in a dark match ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble, and he hasn’t competed since.

Now, Woods himself has shed more light on the situation.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Woods revealed that the damage to his shoulder is more serious than initially believed. According to the former King of the Ring, doctors found multiple tears, describing his shoulder as having “gone through the meat grinder.”

At this point, the hope is that physical therapy will be enough to get him back to full strength. However, Woods acknowledged that surgery remains a possibility if rehab doesn’t resolve the issue.

Despite the uncertainty, Woods made it clear he’s approaching the situation with optimism. He said he’s staying positive about the recovery process and is prepared to undergo surgery if that’s what’s required to properly heal. In his view, everything happens for a reason, and he’s choosing to focus on the bigger picture rather than the setback itself.

For New Day fans, the news is obviously concerning. Woods has been a consistent presence on WWE television for years, whether competing in tag team action alongside Kingston or carving out his own singles opportunities. His absence will certainly be felt if recovery takes longer than expected.

As of now, there’s no official timeline for his return. The next few weeks will likely determine whether rehab is enough or if Woods will need to go under the knife.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Liv Morgan Opens Up About Spiritual Awakening: “I Think I Might Have Found God”

Liv Morgan is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve inside the ring, and now she’s doing the same outside of it.

During a recent appearance on the RAW Talk podcast, the Judgment Day member shared a deeply personal update about her life away from WWE cameras, revealing that she’s been on what she describes as a spiritual journey over the past five months — one that may have led her to rediscover faith.

When asked whether she considers herself religious, Morgan didn’t hesitate to explain that something has shifted in her life recently.

According to Morgan, a series of moments that felt bigger than coincidence sparked what she calls a “calling” to explore a relationship with God. While she acknowledged that it might sound cliché, she said the experiences felt meaningful enough to push her toward self-reflection and spiritual growth.

Morgan explained that religion wasn’t a major part of her upbringing. Though she attended church occasionally as a child, it never fully connected with her. As an adult, she says she lived somewhere in the middle — not fully believing, but not dismissing faith either.

Interestingly, despite her uncertainty over the years, Morgan revealed she has always made the sign of the cross before every match — even during times when she questioned whether God was real. In her words, that contradiction perfectly summed up her complicated relationship with faith.

Over the past few months, however, that uncertainty has evolved into something more concrete. Morgan described subtle but meaningful experiences that encouraged her to “lean in” spiritually. Since then, she says she’s felt an emotional shift that’s difficult to fully put into words.

The former Women’s Champion shared that she now feels a sense of unconditional love and reassurance that often brings her to tears. While she’s not currently reading the Bible cover-to-cover, she did start a daily devotional at the beginning of the year and has stuck with it consistently. She credits that practice with helping her stay grounded mentally and emotionally amid the pressures of WWE life.

Morgan also reflected on how her early perception of organized religion — which she felt was often framed around fear and obligation — may have shaped her hesitation toward faith. As an adult, she says she feels more empowered to define spirituality on her own terms, without pressure or rigid expectations.

Today, Morgan describes her faith as something that brings her trust and relief rather than fear. While she still deals with anxiety and the high-pressure environment that comes with being a WWE Superstar, she says she’s found comfort in believing that God “has her back,” allowing her to center herself and push through challenging moments.

As one of WWE’s most open and emotionally transparent performers, Morgan’s willingness to speak candidly about her personal evolution adds another layer to her ever-evolving story — both inside and outside the squared circle.

Eddie Kingston Pulled From AEW Events This Week Due To Severe Migraines, Seminar & Meet-And-Greet Canceled

AEW fans in Denver hoping to see Eddie Kingston this week will have to wait a little longer.

“The Mad King” has been pulled from all scheduled appearances surrounding this week’s AEW Dynamite and the upcoming Collision taping due to medical reasons. The news first surfaced via Pro Wrestling Junkies, who announced that Kingston would no longer be appearing at a planned meet-and-greet event. He was also scheduled to host a wrestling seminar alongside his longtime ally Ortiz.

According to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, Kingston is currently dealing with severe migraine headaches and will be focusing on his health in the immediate future. As of now, there’s no timetable for his return to AEW programming.

Pro Wrestling Junkies has offered full refunds to fans who purchased tickets for the meet-and-greet. While the joint seminar has been postponed, Ortiz has reportedly offered to proceed with the training session free of charge if enough attendees are still interested in participating.

The setback comes during what has been a busy stretch for Kingston since his in-ring return. The former ROH World Champion made his comeback just over five months ago after being sidelined for 16 months with a significant knee injury. He resurfaced during the Zero Hour pre-show at AEW All Out 2025, defeating Big Bill in his return match.

From there, Kingston briefly aligned with Hook before that partnership dissolved when Hook rejoined The Opps at Full Gear 2025. Kingston then shifted focus to singles competition, earning a shot at Samoa Joe and the AEW World Championship on the “Winter Is Coming” edition of Dynamite. Despite coming up short in that title bid, Kingston remained a central figure on AEW television.

More recently, he reunited with Ortiz—who himself had just returned from a lengthy injury absence—and reignited their chemistry as a team. The duo became embroiled in a heated feud with the Grizzled Young Veterans, culminating in a brutal Parking Lot Fight on the February 7 episode of Collision. Kingston, Ortiz, and The Rascalz emerged victorious over GYV, Bryan Keith, and Big Bill in what was one of the more violent encounters AEW has presented this year.

For now, Kingston’s focus is on recovery. Given his history of battling through adversity, fans will no doubt be eager to see “The Mad King” back in action once he’s medically cleared.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/25/2026

AEW Dynamite live tonight at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max from the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado.

  • MJF and Hangman Page to decide on the stipulation for their AEW World Title match at Revolution
  • Jon Moxley vs. El Clon
  • Mile High Madness Anything Goes Match: FTR & The Demand vs. Young Bucks, The Rascalz & Jungle Jack Perry
  • AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship: Babes of Wrath (c) vs. MegaBad
  • Mark Davis vs. Brody King
  • Orange Cassidy vs. Gabe Kidd

Multi-Promotional Slam Fest Announced For WrestleMania Week In Vegas (5/15-5/18)

WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas just got even more stacked.

Former WWE Superstar Dean Muhtadi (Mojo Rawley), in partnership with Paragon Talent Group, has officially unveiled Slam Fest Las Vegas — a multi-promotional wrestling showcase set to take over the Palms Casino Resort this April.

The wrestling series will run April 15–18 at the Pearl Concert Theater and feature five live events across multiple international promotions. Confirmed participants include CMLL, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW), STARDOM, House of Glory (HOG), and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP).

And yes — there’s history involved.

CMLL’s event during Slam Fest will mark the first standalone show held outside of Mexico in the legendary promotion’s 92-year history, a significant milestone for one of wrestling’s oldest and most respected organizations.

Full Slam Fest Wrestling Schedule

Thursday, April 16 – Pearl Concert Theater

  • TJPW: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PT
  • CMLL: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT
  • House of Glory: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. PT

Friday, April 17 – Pearl Concert Theater

  • TJPW Fan Fest Meet & Greet: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT
  • STARDOM: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT
  • Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling: 9:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. PT

The lineup gives fans a rare opportunity to experience major Japanese, Mexican, Canadian, and U.S.-based promotions all under one roof during wrestling’s biggest week of the year.

Major Live Experiences Announced

Slam Fest isn’t stopping at in-ring action.

Several marquee events will also take place at the Ghostbar inside the Palms:

  • Wednesday, April 15: Mick Foley presents “40 Years of Mick Foley,” a comedy and storytelling show featuring behind-the-scenes tales from his legendary career.
  • Friday, April 17: Saraya hosts a live episode of Rulebreakers with Saraya, promising unfiltered conversation and special guests.
  • Saturday, April 18: Matt and Jeff Hardy bring the Hardy Party to Vegas. Matt will share stories from his three-decade career during The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy experience, followed by a fan Q&A — and Jeff Hardy will perform live in concert afterward.

Poolside Finale With Major Names

The weekend will wrap up with a high-profile poolside celebration at the Palms on Saturday, April 18. Confirmed appearances include:

  • Matt & Jeff Hardy
  • Mick Foley
  • Saraya
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, Shelton Benjamin)
  • Elayna Black
  • Ash by Elegance
  • Mojo Muhtadi
  • And additional celebrity guests

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is also scheduled to make a special appearance.

Between the international wrestling showcase, live podcasts, comedy shows, concerts, and celebrity meet-and-greets, Slam Fest Las Vegas is positioning itself as one of the most ambitious WrestleMania Week experiences in recent memory.

Tickets officially go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m., and with this kind of lineup, they may not last long.