AJ Styles’ Lawyer Releases Statement Regarding TNA Situation

Bill Behrens, the lawyer and agent of AJ Styles, has released a statement that shoots down TNA’s claim that Styles reneged on a contract he signed to return to the organization, per Daily Wrestling News.

Behrens’ statement on Styles’ behalf offers a different take on the situation in comparison to TNA’s allegations.

“No contract was ever finalized nor signed by the parties.”

“That I would need to be involved in the contract process was known by TNA prior to my involvement and understood by them.”

“TNA and its 1st lawyer did not present in a timely fashion a contract that accurately reflected previous discussions at all. That created great concern tied to past experiences. In that time and prior there was other interest and there were other firm offers on the table and other discussions.”

“TNA was aware of other interest and various conflicts. TNA was aware a final contract was required. It was creating that contract and controlled that timetable. Too much time passed early on. Other things came into play. No contract was ever finalized with TNA.”

“To suggest I make any decision for my clients is to misunderstand my role and diminish the role each talent has in making their own decisions, and insults the talent in the process.”

On Friday afternoon, TNA put out a statement on their website that Styles and fellow New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) stars Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson were in extensive negotiations to sign with TNA. At one point in mid-December, the company allegedly struck a deal with the trio of superstars.

“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.”

TNA’s statement concludes by stating that after Christmas, all communications between TNA and the superstars ceased — at which point, news of their impending WWE signings and debuts leaked.

Per PWInsider (via Wrestling Inc), TNA wanted Styles “bad” and viewed him as “their Sting.” He was reportedly scheduled to come down to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for TNA’s PopTV debut to film vignettes en route to his eventual on-screen debut. The whole deal was going to be TNA’s way of showing fans that they’re serious about improving the product.

Since TNA went public with information on the prior negotiations, the company has been labeled as “bitter” and “vengeful” for trying to make all the talent involved look bad. While the situation with Anderson and Gallows has less information, Styles did reportedly reach out to TNA at some point before agreeing to terms with WWE.

Styles told TNA he would “do what is best for his family,” which meant taking the WWE offer. Per an earlier report from The Inquisitr, WWE apparently offered Styles a “blow-away deal” to come be a part of the company. The 38-year-old wrestled in some dark matches for WWE in 2002 but never signed a long-term deal with the company.

There has been some speculation that TNA could pursue legal action against either Styles or WWE, likely claiming some form of breach of contract. TNA alleges that Styles — along with Anderson and Gallows — signed on to return to TNA. However, his lawyer’s statement states otherwise. If nothing was signed, it’ll be hard for TNA to have a legitimate case in a lawsuit.

[Featured Photo by Tabercil via Wikimedia Commons]