AJ Styles falls short of major honor due to WWE hiatus - Reports

The latest WWE comeback by AJ Styles was nixed due to unfortunate circumstances. The veteran grappler continues to receive industry-wide praise for his storied career. Sources just revealed how Styles was set for a major non-WWE moment, but his current status with the company prevented that from happening.

The Phenomenal One has wrestled for 26 years, and 13 of those were spent with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Styles signed shortly before their first weekly pay-per-view, and left after refusing a 60% pay cut in December 2014. TNA's inaugural X-Division Champion held the title six times, and was a five-time World Champion, six-time Tag Team Champion, and two-time Legends/Television Champion.

Styles was also TNA's first and five-time Triple Crown Champion and first-ever and two-time Grand Slam Champion. Widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers of all time, AJ Styles is also seen as one of the faces of TNA.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling inducted its twelfth Hall of Fame Class this past Saturday at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit to coincide with Bound For Glory XX Weekend. Veteran star Rhino was inducted by Tommy Dreamer, while TNA co-founder and longtime executive, Bob Ryder was posthumously inducted by Eric Young.

WWE and TNA have a working relationship, but officials in Nashville were unable to induct AJ into their Hall of Fame, despite the ongoing successful partnership. Fightful Select reports that Styles and former WWE/TNA star Monty Brown were also considered for this year's Class.

While Styles and Brown were not inducted, word is that the door remains open for both men. Styles' potential induction was raised with WWE, but the global juggernaut was seemingly against the idea. Sources believe AJ's injury and/or active storyline in WWE are why officials in the Stamford-based promotion declined the opportunity, but the exact reason was not given.

There was also hope for Styles' potential return to the TNA ring. While those in Nashville were hopeful AJ would be open to a match, likely during Bound For Glory weekend, it's not clear if this was discussed with World Wrestling Entertainment officials, or even The Phenomenal One.

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AJ Styles' WWE future up in the air

AJ Styles has not wrestled since SmackDown's October 4 edition. This marked his return to TV after losing to Cody Rhodes at Clash in the Castle: Scotland in June. However, unfortunately, he suffered a leg injury while wrestling Carmelo Hayes, who won by the referee's decision due to the veteran's injury.

The Phenomenal One was reportedly set to begin a farewell tour storyline on SmackDown with the Hayes match. AJ was said to be upset over what happened as plans have been put on hold while they wait for a medical update. Styles later confirmed that he has a Lisfranc foot injury, but no further details have been provided.

While Styles was off TV from Clash at the Castle: Scotland on June 15 until SmackDown on October 4, he did work ten non-televised live events in July, August, and September, losing to Cody Rhodes. He also defeated Naomichi Marufuji on July 13 at a Pro Wrestling NOAH event in Tokyo.