TNA issues statement claiming AJ Styles backed out of deal to return to Impact Wrestling

[Alexander The Great]

This comes out of the blue, and adds a new wrinkle to the saga of AJ Styles and his Bullet Club.

TNA issued a statement this afternoon alleging that Styles, along with Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, had a "handshake and written deal" to join Impact Wrestling agreed to in December 2015 that the wrestlers subsequently backed out on:

AJ Styles has always been synonymous with TNA and TNA synonymous with AJ Styles. AJ helped build the foundation of IMPACT WRESTLING, and his phenomenal body of work lives in our rich history - something we are very proud of.

In the last few weeks, rumors have swirled about AJ Styles, his future and TNA Wrestling. Fans have asked for the status and wrestling media have made numerous inquiries.

For the past several months, AJ and TNA were involved in serious discussions to bring him back home to TNA. Creative discussions escalated and two additional wrestlers, Drew Hankinson and Chad Allegra, were enthusiastically added.

These discussions culminated on December 14th in Nashville, Tenn., where all attended a meeting at Dixie Carter's home. A handshake and written deal between AJ, Drew, Chad and TNA was agreed upon and signed by all. Start dates were determined, creative decided, merchandise designed and plane tickets purchased.

Over the Christmas holiday, and after the lawyers finalized the long form agreement, all communication with TNA stopped.

AJ's lawyer contacted TNA and stated the wrestlers had changed their mind and would not be honoring their commitment to TNA.

This would not be the first time WWE and TNA have butted heads over talent recuitment, but it certainly is the most high-profile example. Releasing this statement on the eve of what many supposed would be AJ's debut either Sunday night or next week is an interesting strategic move.

 

[8 legged punk]

...and this is supposed to mean what exactly?

 

[I-Hate-You]

ehh, you don't put this kinda shyt out there. Blows for TNA if true, but keep it professional and continue to invest in the pieces you have.

 

[Jello Biafra]

ehh, you don't put this kinda shyt out there. Blows for TNA if true, but keep it professional and continue to invest in the pieces you have.

The only reason I could see for them publicizing this is if they planned on suing for some sort of breach of contract.

 

[I-Hate-You]

The only reason I could see for them publicizing this is if they planned on suing for some sort of breach of contract.

Fair.

If it's true and they do have what they feel like is a legally binding contract, they absolutely should take legal action.

I guess my thing was that responding to unprofessionalism with unprofessionalism when you're in TNA's spot (nobody gives them the benefit of the doubt on anything) probably isn't the best move.

 

[Jello Biafra]

Fair.

If it's true and they do have what they feel like is a legally binding contract, they absolutely should take legal action.

If all three dudes signed contracts and proceedings between them and TNA actually were at the point TNA claims (designing new merchandise and locking down start dates and creative directions makes it seem like negotiations had gotten pretty far) then I could see things getting pretty sticky.

 

[The Rainmaker]

Nevermind.

 

[I-Hate-You]

Nevermind.

That's what AJ said

 

[AKM-95]

why put this out? Why not work on signing some one else. I get there probably frustrated especially if they waisted money developing merch and ideas but that's part of the game.

 

[Johnny Joestar]

This is the greatest LOLTNA moment of all time.

 

[SteelCitySoldier]

A verbal contract or a handshake deal may be just as enforceable as a written contract. Verbal or handshake agreements are subject to the same contract principles that apply to written contracts. Any agreement that cannot be performed within one year. Again, contract law varies from state to state.

 

[Paper Boi]

 

[jackswstd]

hate them all you want but their troll game is top notch

 

[Johnny Joestar]

Wait, hold on.

If this is true, did TNA just admit to contract tampering?

 

[I-Hate-You]

Wait, hold on.

If this is true, did TNA just admit to contract tampering?

seems like it. If I remember correctly, AJ was working without a contract, but didn't Gallows and Anderson actually have deals?