I believe in AJ Styles-Joe Hendry

... and it is time to put gold on Styles at WrestleMania

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Extra Mustard is a weekly column looking at the highs and lows–and everything in between–in combat sports and beyond.

It’s time to put some shine on that TNA title.

And there is no one better for that role than AJ Styles.

AJ Styles at WrestleMania 34/WWE

One of the most decorated wrestlers in the industry, Styles is now a WWE lifer. He made his official debut with the company as a surprise entry in the 2016 Royal Rumble match, and ever since, has proved his value time and time again.

But Styles, 47, is missing that one legendary moment at WrestleMania. There is a way to correct that this year. It could be accomplished this spring at WrestleMania 41 if Styles defeats Joe Hendry for the TNA world title, a belt that Styles made into a commodity.

Based off last night’s Raw, it appears Styles is headed for a program with Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker. That should lead to a compelling match at WrestleMania, similar to the ones Styles has worked in the past.¹ But whether Styles wins the IC title or takes the pin and puts over Breakker, it is destined to be just another match on the card.

Void of a meaningful story, it is incredibly hard to stand out at WrestleMania. Yet there is a path where Styles gets his WrestleMania moment in an extremely symbolic manner, which would happen with a victory over current TNA champion Joe Hendry.

Styles looked phenomenal at the Royal Rumble/WWE

Last month, WWE announced a new multi-year partnership with TNA. Multiple sources confirmed that WWE would be thrilled to purchase TNA, but even if that doesn’t happen, the working agreement has endless benefits. As memory of MLW’s antitrust lawsuit against WWE fades away (WWE settled in a case where MLW alleged that WWE monopolized the market for media rights), this partnership shows an entirely different, positive side to working beside industry the industry giant. Plus, it removes any chance that AEW will partner with TNA any time soon.²

Highlighting TNA is a robust positive for WWE, and Styles captures the spirit of the entire brand.