Below are a couple of top news stories of the day, featuring AJ Styles and Matt Riddle.
• AJ Styles has shared his struggles after sustaining a Lisfranc injury during his October 4, 2024 return to WWE SmackDown in a match against Carmelo Hayes.
The injury abruptly ended the bout and derailed Styles’ plans for a comeback following his hiatus.
Styles addressed a fan’s question about his recovery and potential return to the ring on X, stating, “I’ll be honest, this injury is challenging.” The comment gave fans a glimpse into his mindset as he navigates recovery from the severe foot injury.
The timing was especially unfortunate for Styles, as his return was meant to kickstart his rumored farewell run.
It looks like Styles could miss WrestleMania 41.
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• Matt Riddle’s claim of not being paid for his TNA debut at Turning Point caused a stir, but TNA has refuted his statements.
During an interview with SHAK Wrestling, Riddle mentioned, “I got an extra payday, which didn’t hurt the weekend. Still waiting on that. They have a three-week thing or two-week thing, I don’t know. I kind of like my money up front,” sparking questions about TNA’s payment practices.
TNA responded through Sean Ross Sapp, asserting, “TNA says that Matt Riddle was in fact paid on December 23 for his appearance.”
Despite the controversy, Riddle praised TNA’s professionalism during the event but reiterated his commitment to MLW, saying, “They have spoken highly of me and to me. I think it’s impossible (to return), but right now, my home is MLW. Luckily, I work for a company like MLW that wasn’t going to crucify me for helping.”
Riddle’s TNA debut, teaming with KUSHIDA and Zachary Wentz in a loss to Ace Austin and the Hardys, added a notable chapter to his career, despite the unresolved drama.
