AJ Styles Reflects on Leaving TNA Wrestling Over Financial Issues

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AJ Styles, a cornerstone of TNA Wrestling for 12 years, recently detailed his departure from the organization during a podcast interview, attributing his exit to financial struggles exacerbated by high-profile signings.

In a candid conversation on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet, Styles explained that despite his loyalty to TNA, the company’s decision to hire icons Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff led to significant monetary losses. “They hired Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and I believe Eric was trying to do the right thing to see where we’re at as far as getting people—more eyes on us, that we’re growing, and unfortunately it didn’t work out the way it was supposed to. We lost a lot of money,” Styles said.

Styles recounted how the financial mismanagement affected his contract negotiations. “They expected me to take a pay cut,” he noted, revealing that TNA wanted him to reduce his salary by 60%, even while maintaining the same travel schedule. He stated, “It was one of those things I was like, ‘man this ain’t right.’ On principle alone, I can’t be here anymore.”

The 45-year-old wrestler confirmed that his decision to leave in 2014 was not made lightly, emphasizing the mixed feelings he had about embarking on a new journey. “I was nervous starting a new journey outside of TNA, but timing worked out perfectly, and I couldn’t have been happier,” Styles reflected.

During the discussion, Styles also shared a pivotal moment in 2008 when TNA President Dixie Carter offered talent an option to leave the company. “It was a big meeting, and Dixie came out and basically said something to the effect like, ‘if you don’t want to be here, we’ll let you go,’” Styles recalled. He indicated that he looked to fellow wrestler Christian Cage for guidance during that moment of uncertainty.

If Cage had left, Styles mentioned, he likely would have followed, potentially opening a door to his future in WWE. He expressed admiration for Cage, stating, “I looked over at Christian to see what he was going to do. He’s amazing too, this guy’s like a ring general for sure.” Ultimately, Cage departed TNA later, but Styles remained until 2014, during which he captured multiple championships.

Styles’ subsequent success in WWE proves that while his time with TNA was pivotal, the decision to leave ultimately led him to new heights in professional wrestling. Styles is now regarded as one of WWE’s most prominent figures, thanks to his skills and the paths he navigated throughout his career.

Please credit “Insight” when using quotes from this article and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.