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WWE/TNA News: Should AJ Styles Jump Ship to WWE When His Contract Expires?

Posted: Aug 23rd 2013 By: mikeiles

It was recently reported by PWInsider that A. J. Styles' contract with TNA is set to expire relatively soon. It was stated in the article that discussions are ongoing and that it is strongly believed that it will come down to money.

Styles wrote the following on his official Facebook page on Thursday:

"Where do fans want AJ Styles to be? TNA? WWE? ROH? Japan? Lots of options. Tough decisions."

Styles has been with TNA since its start in 2002 and has achieved a great deal of success during his time with the organization. The first Grand Slam Champion in company history, Styles is known as one of the "TNA Originals" that has helped build TNA into what it is today.

Many members of the Internet Wrestling Community have been petitioning for Styles to make the jump to WWE for a number of years now. Aside from competing in a handful of matches for WWE's Jakked program in early 2002, Styles has never been under contract with the company up north.

Up until this year, TNA was hardly utilizing the tremendous talents of The Phenomenal One. He was involved with a never-ending feud with Christopher Daniels from 2011 to 2012, losing to his former friend at last year's Final Resolution pay-per-view.

He seemingly turned tweener shortly after that, he was going to do "his own thing" from that point forward instead of the right thing. He returned to television this past March with a new look, attire and attitude.

The evolution of Styles' character has made for one of the most intriguing angles in recent memory. He even debuted awesome new entrance music entitled "Evil Ways" by Blues Saraceno at this year's Slammiversary event.

He remained impartial for months before shockingly aligning himself with The Main Event Mafia on this week's edition of Impact Wrestling. Styles pinned Devon in a five-on-five tag team match to force the former Team 3D member out of TNA.

Now, does it seem strange to anyone else that TNA would push someone that could be quite possibly departing the company sooner rather than later?

Keep in mind, this is the same company that allowed Bobby Roode's contract to expire during the time that he was one half of the reigning World Tag Team Champions. He was re-signed in time for Lockdown, but it is still embarrassing to think that a slight oversight almost cost them one of their biggest stars.

One would think that TNA officials are only pushing Styles because they are confident that he will re-sign with them, but they shouldn't be so sure. It is common knowledge that TNA has had a plethora of financial issues in recent months, causing them to cut an excessive amount of talent.

As a participant in this year's Bound For Glory Series, there is a strong chance that Styles will win the tournament to headline TNA's biggest show of the year for the World Heavyweight Championship.

It would only make sense, especially given the fact that he isn't able to contend for the title until the event.

On the other side of the token, what's left for Styles to accomplish in the Nashville-based organization?

Sure, winning the golden prize for a second time would add another feather in his cap, but there are countless fresh feuds awaiting him in the WWE.

As previously mentioned, Styles is a TNA Grand Slam Champion, meaning he has won every championship there is to hold in the company. As entertaining as his matches are, there is only so much left for him creatively in TNA.

From CM Punk to John Cena to Daniel Bryan, the dream matches Styles could take apart of in WWE are endless. Of course, there's is always the possibility that WWE might not use The Phenomenal One to the best of his ability, but you'll never know unless you try.

I definitely look forward to end result of these contract negotiations between TNA and AJ Styles, as it'll be incredibly interesting to see if he ultimately makes the jump to WWE or not. Either way, I'll support Styles in whatever his decision may be and hope he continues to be successful wherever he ends up.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to drop a comment below with your thoughts on what the future holds for AJ Styles. As always, your criticism and overall feedback on my latest piece is welcomed and greatly appreciated.

GSM out.