Matt Hardy weighed in on the future of AJ Styles following Styles’ Career vs. Title match loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. While the stipulation suggested Styles is done, Hardy believes the former WWE Champion has more left in the tank.
Speaking on The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, the AEW star expressed his belief that Styles will wrestle again, likely returning to the promotion where he first became a global star. Hardy noted that Styles’ physical condition and ability to perform at a high level make it difficult to envision him walking away completely.
“I’ll be honest, in a perfect world, I would like to see AJ Styles return to his home, to TNA,” Hardy said. “It’s a little selfish for me to ask that, but I know he loves TNA. He feels at home at TNA, and right now, TNA is in a position where AJ Styles could greatly elevate the company, and he would be a big deal there.”
Hardy acknowledged the possibility of Styles joining All Elite Wrestling, citing the financial power of Tony Khan and Styles’ connections to the roster. However, he feels a TNA run is more probable for the closing chapter of Styles’ career.
“There are some matches there that I know he would love to have. And I’m sure the wrestling fans, there’s a bunch of people that would love to see him do something at AEW, just because he has some more friends,” Hardy explained. “I do not think he’s done. I 100% think AJ will wrestle again, and I feel in my heart that it will end up being a TNA.”
When discussing the specific “retirement” angle involving Styles refusing to take off his gloves, Hardy viewed it as a calculated move.
“It feels deliberate. It sounds deliberate. And I think it was done deliberately,” Hardy stated. “My gut says no. My gut says he will perform again. He will wrestle again.”
Hardy also touched on the potential for Styles to make a massive payday in AEW if he chose that path, noting the history Styles shares with top stars like The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
“If Tony Khan and AEW, if they want someone bad enough, they are willing to pay a lot of money, so that’s also another very strong temptation that could possibly weigh in on AJ as well,” Hardy added.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.