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No this isn’t kayfabe, this isn’t some work against the internet, both TNA Wrestling and Allen Jones, better known as AJ Styles announced that the two have parted ways after 11 years together. Rumors began circulating around Summer tbat TNA and Styles were having money issues. Though it was still undecided as far as AJ Styles’ TNA future went, TNA decided on turning the issue into a storyline with Styles playing the heel, hwoever due to an unfortunate incident involving follow TNA Star Kurt Angle, TNA was kind of forced to pull the plug on heel Styles and reverted him back to the cult babyface he’s known for by TNA fans.

Styles as the loner heel before his departure.

For months rumors and speculation began over just what the hell exactly was going on with TNA and Styles’ negotiations over a new deal, Many felt Styles would have accepted the apparent lower pay TNA was offering him (and several others) compared to years past, as it was something that had happened before a few years back if rumors are to be believed that is.  Unfortunately that wasn’t the case , as Styles posted the following on both his official website and facebook page this morning:

My Statement On TNA Contract Negotiations 12/16/13

Today for the first time in 11 years, AJ Styles awakes to find himself without a professional wrestling contract. I can’t help but think how did I get here, what must I have done wrong, did I not deliver in the ring, etc. All of those are pertinent questions that any man or woman who finds himself or herself unemployed would ask. I have always prided myself in being the wrestler that stays away from the things in this business that could easily destroy myself, my family, my marriage, and even my career. A wrestler who goes above and beyond to give the fans what they paid to see. I move forward not bitter, but better for the blessings and memories that I have been a part of since TNA’s inception.

When this contract renegotiation journey started several months ago, my wife and I began praying for God to close doors that needed to be closed and to open the doors that He wanted us to walk through. We asked him to prepare us for this journey and to help us to have the faith to be obedient to what He would have us to do. I am assured by the name Immanuel in Matthews 1:23 that I will never be alone. Hebrews 13.5, says He will never leave us or forsake us. There is a lot in this world that I am unsure of, especially in this moment, but there is one thing that I am certain. Contracts may expire, but the promise of Immanuel will never expire.

As my family and I move forward with my wrestling career, we will turn to Jabez’s prayer found in 1 Chronicles 4:10.

Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil.

My family and I are both grateful for the platform that TNA has allowed me to experience. TNA has been a blessing to our family for many years. We have made many friendships and many more memories. While you may not be seeing AJ Styles in TNA, you can be sure that he will be traveling the world and delivering many more Phenomenal matches. Visit AJStyles.org for a complete list of bookings.

Sincerely,
AJ Styles P1

 

Styles during the early years of his TNA run.

Many felt that AJ was simply using the blog post as a way to add fuel to current storylines, however those who know Styles personally and Styles himself have stated that he is a devout Christian and is verbally uncomfortable doing anything he feels he shouldn’t including adding his religious believes into a storyline. Not to mention the fact that TNA acutally announced Styles as being released from the company, which is something they would have also done for TNA Star Jeff Hardy who made a promo similarly to Styles on the December 5th edition of Impact Wrestling.

Styles posing with the X-Division Championship.

AJ is already taking bookings on the independent circuit and The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer has reported that talks between Styles and former employer Ring of Honor may have already talks with the latter having big plans for him in 2014. Meltzer also reported earlier this year that Impact Wrestling rival WWE had no interest in the 36 year old high flyer, though if true this could always change. Judging by the blog post, it seems that Styles is officially done with TNA, at least for quite some time. AJ was seen as the face of the company due to him being associated with since day one. There’s no telling what the future holds for AJ Styles and his family, but hopefully things work out for the better, scripted or not those in the pro wrestling bsuiness need to put food on their families tables too.