It's all just got very ugly between TNA, AJ Styles and WWE. According to a statement just released on the Total Impact website, AJ Styles - the man they openly state helped launch the brand - reneged on a deal to sign with TNA that was agreed upon in mid-December. The no frills statement says there were serious discussions at Dixie Carter's home to bring Styles to TNA, along with Doc Gallows (a/k/a Drew Hankinson), and Karl Anderson (a/k/a Chad Allegra). Hands were shaken, "start dates were determined, creative decided, merchandise designed and plane tickets purchased." And then, mysteriously over Christmas the conversation went quiet, despite the lawyers legalising the long form agreement, and AJ Styles' camp apparently just stopped answering TNA's calls. In short they changed their mind and told TNA they would no longer be taking them up on the offer, with Styles heavily rumoured for the Royal Rumble and the other two destined to debut in NXT by March. Fair play to TNA for voicing their disdain at developments, but it's hard not to think this is a conscious low blow intended to disrupt WWE's hype-building for the triple debut, particularly with the Royal Rumble coming in just two days. Then again, if the trio genuinely did sign with TNA, this could lead to a legal battle that could put the wrestler's status with WWE in doubt. It's not rocket science to imagine that WWE outbid TNA, and with the company seemingly struggling to pick up anyone from Japan ahead of their Pop TV premiere you can probably understand their timing. And if it complicates matters for WWE heading into the Royal Rumble - and their longer-term plans for Styles around WrestleMania, it's no doubt going down as even more of a bonus. Here's the full 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 Carters 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. AJs lawyer contacted TNA and stated the wrestlers had changed their mind and would not be honoring their commitment to TNA."
