Josh Alexander says no matter what happens in the future, AJ Styles will always be the first name that comes to mind when people think of IMPACT Wrestling’s legacy.
These days, Josh Alexander is the face of IMPACT Wrestling but he stands on the shoulders of names like Samoa Joe, Sting, Jeff Jarrett, and AJ Styles. Back when IMPACT was TNA Wrestling, these were some of the names that helped put the company on the map and get the attention of names like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, and more. Today, Alexander is happy to be the face of the company but also knows that when it comes to the overall history of the company, the first name that is likely to come to most people's minds is AJ Styles.
Becoming the first-ever TNA Grand Slam winner, an honor that includes winning titles that are no longer in existence, AJ Styles was once considered to be a TNA Wrestling lifer. However, AJ would leave in 2013, join WWE in 2016, and never look back.
Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Josh Alexander explained that he believes the legacy of IMPACT begins and ends with AJ Styles.
“I mean, I think it begins and ends with AJ Styles. I think he's the figurehead for this company, regardless of whatever happens in the future and all this other stuff. I think if people want to close their eyes and think about TNA, he's the first name that comes up,” Alexander said.
At Slammiversary, Alexander will face another TNA original in Eric Young as he defends His World Heavyweight Championship. Alexander says once the bell rings and he is in the ring one on one with Eric Young, he believes Young is going against one of the best in the world.
“Sunday at Slammiversary, I'm in the ring one-on-one with Eric Young, and to be champion, he's going to have to beat me fair and square. I think, as a pro wrestler when we're in that ring after the bell rings, I don't think there's anyone better in the world than me, and I have to feel that way. Because I am representing the company as IMPACT World Champion. So we're gonna have to see how it all chops out at the end,” Alexander said.
We will have full coverage of Slammiversary beginning on Sunday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. eastern time. Fans can check out the full card at this link.
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