Don't Go AJ

This AJ Styles should stay, please!
Screen Grab via ImpactWrestling.com

Logistics of his current angle aside, AJ Styles has what it takes to be the face of TNA. Some may argue that Jeff Hardy could be that guy. Others could make a case for Austin Aries. Select few could be delusional enough to want Kurt Angle or Sting in the lead slot. But with his performance on this week's Impact, I believe that Styles has at least made his case to gain the backing of his employer for their most prominent position.

Look, I'm as confused as you when it comes to why TNA is running this angle the way that they are. Quite frankly, I'm not surprised, but it still doesn't seem to be the path to take. Styles even said himself at the beginning of the show that he wasn't contractually obligated to perform for TNA, but he did it anyway. Then, he decided after the main event that he WAS, in fact, going to leave Dixie Carter in the rearview with the title in tow. Outside of all this mumbo jumbo, Styles' performance this week was excellent.

If I'm booking TNA, I would have taken notes during Styles' entire ascension to champion to get what should be a winning formula. Going back weeks ago to the "PAP BOMB" promo in which he lost everyone with his monologue, it became clear that sticking him alone in the middle of the ring was not the way to go. However, I felt as though he wasn't quite toe-to-toe with TNA's best promo in the opening segment, Styles was only a half step behind Bully Ray setting up their rematch in the main event.

The Champ then did what we all knew he could do during the main event, and that was perform. He replicated his high spot from Bound for Glory by missing the springboard 450 splash, although this time with much less risk. He then showcased some great offense, and really showed himself off with a great comeback. I actually thought the best part of this match was the two competitors selling the size disadvantage but at the same time not overselling it. Bully did manage to lock in a bear hug and then take advantage of DDP's Styles' injured ribs on a telegraphed fireman's carry, but I think they were subtle enough to sell the size difference without making it seem like Styles was fighting Andre.

Finally, I felt like Styles was great with Carter in the closing segment. Again, the logistics for what he was saying weren't all there, but the delivery was spot-on and actually helped to keep her interesting in the same vein. I may be in the minority here, but I couldn't help but enjoy everything the Champ this week. Maybe it was due to the overall lack of wrestling and the near absence of EGO clouding my judgement, but I could grow to like this version of the Phenomenal One.

Here's my prognosis: AJ Styles needs to be handled like early '90s Sting. I know the game has changed since then, and that the promo holds much more clout than it did then, but if Sheamus can get by on his mic skills, then so can Styles. He just needs to pick his spots better and be lined up in more dueling microphone-type angles. Then, let his in-ring work get the crowd behind him, and let his hero in peril act draw everyone in. Sounds like a formula for success to me, which means there's no way TNA gets even close to it.

Final note: could he have any more bruises? The man was nothing but a patch of blue and green. Good thing wrestling is fake...

Written by TH of The Wrestling Blog