A.J. Styles made a highly anticipated return to the Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling ring during the Slammiversary pay-per-view, marking his first appearance in over a decade. The legendary wrestler, affectionately known as the “Phenomenal One,” entered the UBS Arena to thunderous applause, with fans in Long Island, New York, nearly overwhelming the venue. Styles took the opportunity to address the crowd, expressing his gratitude for his return to TNA, the company where he built his reputation, and praising the current talent.
In the main event, WWE NXT star Trick Williams successfully retained his TNA World Championship. The match against Mike Santana and Joe Hendry was marked by intense action, with Williams unexpectedly making a comeback after being injured mid-match. After medical assistance was called for Williams, Santana nearly secured the title but was saved at the last moment by Williams, who pinned Hendry to retain his championship. The event also set a new record for attendance, with 7,623 fans in attendance, marking the most-attended U.S. wrestling event of all time.
Other highlights of the night included WWE NXT women’s champion Jacy Jayne’s dominant performance against TNA knockout champion Masha Slamovich in a winner-takes-all match. Jayne showcased her dominance by pinning Slamovich with the Rolling Encore, securing her place as a double champion heading into her upcoming match in NXT. The Hardy brothers, Jeff and Matt Hardy, also made a major impact in the TNA Tag Team Championship match, with Jeff Hardy delivering high-flying moves including swanton dives and a swing-rope ladder maneuver. Their dramatic finish saw Jeff Hardy claim the titles, cementing the Hardy siblings’ legacy in TNA.
Additionally, TNA Hall of Famer Bully Ray made a surprise appearance to challenge The Hardys to a one-time match at Bound for Glory in October, further raising the stakes for the wrestling organization. The event was capped off with a heartfelt moment as The Hardys shook hands with Bully Ray, signaling a potential future showdown. Overall, Slammiversary delivered a thrilling night of wrestling action, with legendary returns, high-stakes matches, and record-breaking attendance.