10 People Most Responsible For TNA's Failure
9. AJ Styles
AJ Styles was a big reason for TNA’s mid-2000s popularity. While he suffered more than a few creative missteps throughout his career with the company, his work at the heart of the X Division helped set TNA aside from the competition. He, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels engaged in an epic rivalry that not only put TNA on the map, but established the X Division as one of wrestling’s most exciting concepts, and a must see for any self-respecting wrestling fan.
Styles is widely considered the greatest wrestler in TNA history. With five NWA/TNA World Heavyweight Title reigns, he’s certainly among the most decorated, and a surefire induction for the company’s newly opened Hall of Fame. He was TNA’s icon, the face of the company, and his 11-year spell saw him become one of the most highly regarded wrestlers in the world.
His time with TNA ended in late 2013, and for many fans, that was the tipping point. Styles was the last bastion for quality in TNA, and his departure didn’t just represent the loss of the company’s franchise player, but the death of any hope that TNA could ever recover. You can’t blame Styles for this, as he’s since achieved great things in NJPW and WWE, but he was TNA’s last true homegrown star, and they’ve never been able to replace him.