TNA Makes "Bitter" Claim That AJ Styles and Other NJPW Stars Agreed to Contracts

It’s just now coming out that in late 2015, TNA had a deal in place to not only bring AJ Styles back to TNA but also to bring in New Japan Pro Wrestling stars Karla Anderson and Doc Gallows. TNA is claiming that all three men decided against the deal at the last minute.

TNA issued the following statement:

AJ Styles has always been synonymous with TNA and TNA synonymous with AJ Styles. AJ helped build the foundation of IMPACT WRESTLING, and his phenomenal body of work lives in our rich history – something we are very proud of.

In the last few weeks, rumors have swirled about AJ Styles, his future and TNA Wrestling. Fans have asked for the status and wrestling media have made numerous inquiries.

For the past several months, AJ and TNA were involved in serious discussions to bring him back home to TNA. Creative discussions escalated and two additional wrestlers, Drew Hankinson and Chad Allegra, were enthusiastically added.

These discussions culminated on December 14th in Nashville, Tenn., where all attended a meeting at Dixie Carter’s home. A handshake and written deal between AJ, Drew, Chad and TNA was agreed upon and signed by all. Start dates were determined, creative decided, merchandise designed and plane tickets purchased.

Over the Christmas holiday, and after the lawyers finalized the long form agreement, all communication with TNA stopped.

AJ’s lawyer contacted TNA and stated the wrestlers had changed their mind and would not be honoring their commitment to TNA.

In response to TNA’s statement, AJ Styles’ management team said the following: