With TNA Wrestling set to bring iMPACT to the AMC Network, AJ Styles has been confirmed for the first episode.
With Thursday Night iMPACT! set to debut on January 15, AJ Styles has been confirmed to be making a return appearance in TNA Wrestling for the big event which could lead to in-ring action.
Here are six potential TNA Wrestling opponents that could face AJ Styles in his return to the company.
6. Leon Slater
One potential AJ Styles TNA Wrestling dream match could see AJ Styles taking on Leon Slater.
With AJ Styles having commented on being impressed the young English star already, it would be amazing to see them actually go head-to-head in the ring one-on-one.
Already facing off in tag team action during Saturday Night’s Main Event that hosted John Cena’s last match, Styles and Slater would be a notable singles bout.
Bringing together two generations bound together by excellence, there could be a true passing of the torch moment for Slater even if he didn’t pick up the technical victory.
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5. Jeff Hardy
One intriguing match in TNA Wrestling would see AJ Styles taking on Jeff Hardy on the Thursday Night iMPACT! debut.
In what could be a fun resurrection of a past era of TNA Wrestling in the modern one, AJ Styles could have a memorable feud with Jeff Hardy.
Bringing together two beloved veteran stars, it would be a very fun moment for longtime fans and brand new ones alike.
With run-ins from TNA and WWE in the past, “one last time” between Styles and Hardy could definitely draw attention.
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4. Mustafa Ali
One name that has thrived in TNA Wrestling that has recently confirmed he has re-signed with the company is Mustafa Ali.
After having been released from WWE in September 2023, Ali went on to take his indie tour worldwide before landing in TNA Wrestling.
Having already had a successful run in the company, it would seem that Ali is poised to anchor the new era of TNA Wrestling with the upcoming network TV debut of Thursday Night iMPACT!
Definitely a major player in modern day TNA Wrestling, he could serve as an interesting foil for the returning hero AJ Styles who would have to face Ali and his posse.
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3. Mike Santana
One amazing dream match that could come true in 2026 would be to see AJ Styles tangle with Mike Santana.
Although there could certainly be a rivalry rooted in respect, Santana could have a case to be made for why he would feel protective over TNA Wrestling.
Possibly leading to a new iteration of the threat of invading stars from WWE, the TNA Wrestling stars could find themselves at odds with those jumping on the bandwagon now.
Bringing about a change in perception with TNA Wrestling poised to stake its own claim as a competitor brand to WWE in addition to AEW, perhaps the figurehead of the current roster would need to step up to Styles immediately.
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2. Frankie Kazarian
When AJ Styles appeared on TNA Wrestling back at Slammiversary 2025, it seemed as though he could be poised to have conflict with Frankie Kazarian.
However, instead Styles would go on to appear on-screen in praise of Leon Slater and his X-Division Championship win at the event.
With substantial history between the two, if Styles is going to tangle in the ring with any TNA Wrestling stars on the debut episode on AMC Network, Kazarian could be the perfect fit.
After having previously commented that he hopes to face Kazarian again – perhaps AJ Styles will get his wish.
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1. Chris Jericho
In what could end up being a historic swerve for the ages, amid constant speculation for months regarding the future plans for Chris Jericho — an end might be in sight.
While most WWE fans are expecting to see him re-sign with WWE, there is also a chance that he could make history for a second time as he becomes the marquee name on a brand new professional wrestling show on network TV.
With TNA Wrestling set to debut Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC Network on January 15, it could be that Chris Jericho serves as a foundational member of the new era.
Sparking an old rivalry with familiar foe AJ Styles, the pair could revisit their former WWE feud but bringing all new fans to TNA Wrestling.
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