In a surprising twist, WWE reportedly nixed an opportunity for AJ Styles to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame at Bound For Glory. The legendary pay-per-view, which celebrated TNA co-founder Bob Ryder and current star Rhino, almost included Styles—a TNA icon who helped define the promotion during the 2000s. However, according to Fightful Select, WWE turned down the induction proposal, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Styles, who’s sidelined with an ankle injury from an October SmackDown match, was on TNA’s shortlist alongside Monty Brown (aka WWE’s Marcus Cor Von) for a Hall of Fame nod. While WWE hasn’t revealed why they declined, insiders speculate it could be due to Styles’ ongoing storyline or the timing of his recent injury. TNA had even hoped Styles might entertain a one-off return to the company, given his recent non-WWE appearance wrestling Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH in Japan. But as plans stalled pending his MRI results, Styles’ Hall of Fame and potential farewell tour with TNA remain in limbo.
Though TNA and WWE have collaborated throughout the year, fans may have to wait to see if Styles ever revisits his TNA roots in-ring. Monty Brown, a notable TNA veteran from the early 2000s, was also reportedly considered but remains retired, having last wrestled in 2007.