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AJ Styles to Return to TNA: How Should They Book His Return?

Posted: Dec 28th 2013 By: mikeiles

As I'm placing yesterday's Christmas gifts for sale on eBay...

Christmas came a bit early for TNA, as it was announced that world champion AJ Styles has accepted their latest offer and will return to Impact Wrestling in the near future. His agent Bill Behrens has told independent promotions to pay their deposits now in order to have him for their events in anticipation of his return. According to reports, TNA adjusted their offer and he has agreed to terms.

Now, let's get the obvious question out of the way?was this a work? While we will never know (more on that later), the fact is that this could've been a highly embarrassing situation had they allowed him to walk while holding their title.

Even with the rampant rumors of him going to the WWE, I never believed he would leave the place that made him a star. Yes, I know that being a star in Orlando isn't the same as being a star in Stamford, but the fact remains that Styles has always been the face of TNA. I'm also sure that even at 36 years old he couldn't expect to start over in Japan or in the WWE and expect the same level of success.

This gives TNA a chance to really build his return in epic fashion.

As much as we all knock TNA for their questionable booking at times, one thing they are good at is long term story lines with the slow burn approach, and they should take that approach here.

While building up Magnus as Dixie Carter's "champion," they should show Styles walking around the Impact Zone with his title. It creates an air of tension and insecurity in the new champ and forces Carter to get as many of her wrestlers as possible to wrest the belt from Styles.

Taking it one step further, he should announce prior to Genesis that since he signed a new contract (in kayfabe) and wants to wrestle, she could make his matches unsanctioned (again, in kayfabe) and put him in gauntlet matches in an attempt to get him out of TNA for good?promising them a world title shot if they do so. This would give the opportunity for guys like Gunner, Hernandez and even Roode to get involved.

Once Styles defeats those guys, he claims he wants to go after Magnus and prove who the real world champion is at Lockdown. Reluctantly, Carter gives them the match, in which Styles defeats him in the cage.

It gives everyone a satisfying conclusion, builds AJ up as the No. 1 star in TNA, and gives Magnus a chance to prove himself in a match that doesn't involve ECIII and Rockstar Spud. A winner all around for TNA, all the while showcasing their own talent and not relying on imports to do so.

More news on this as it develops. Also, check out my take on Jeff Jarrett leaving the company below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeSnyLZDz7Q