In a recent episode of his “My World With Jeff Jarrett” podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on AJ Styles’ departure from TNA Wrestling in December 2013, marking what he believes was the end of an era for the promotion. Jarrett, a key figure in TNA’s history, offered unique insights into AJ Styles’ contract negotiations and the impact of his exit on the company.
Reflecting on AJ Styles’ approach to contract talks, Jeff Jarrett noted the unique position AJ Styles held within the company, balancing loyalty with his undeniable market value.
At the end of the day, AJ Styles, every time he came to the table, he was never abrasive, but at the end of the day, you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he had leverage because could he go somewhere else? Yep, all the time.
Jarrett praised Styles’ commitment to personal growth and his significance to the promotion.
He was very loyal to the brand, and I’m super grateful for that. But his skill set, every year, he got better. He got better on the mic. He got better on character development, his athletic ability; I’ll say, [he] continued to fine-tune it, and all that kind of stuff.
Jarrett emphasised AJ Styles’ role as the cornerstone of TNA’s X Division in the early days of TNA.
But he was, from day one, the anchor of the X Division.
The most striking revelation came when Jarrett discussed the impact of Styles’ departure on TNA’s brand identity.
When he said, ‘I’m out,’ from a brand perspective, forward-facing, I would imagine that was the final nail in the coffin for the original OG TNA fan.
This bold claim suggests that Styles’ exit marked a definitive end to an era for long time TNA supporters. also Jarrett didn’t shy away from acknowledging earlier missteps that had already damaged the brand.
The Hulk Hogan years were ball shot after ball shot after ball shot on that, but AJ leaving would be the final nail in the coffin for that brand.
The discussion highlights the complex relationship between wrestling promotions and their top talent. AJ Styles’ journey from TNA mainstay to global WWE superstar status serves as a case study in talent development and retention in the wrestling industry. His departure not only impacted TNA’s in-ring product but also signalled a shift in the company’s image and fan perception.
H/t to 411 Mania
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