AJ Styles returns to Ring of Honor on Jan. 4, 2014

Just days ago, Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required) that TNA has been making plans for AJ Styles, which would seem to indicate he would be re-signing with the company to return to Impact to continue the storyline that was running on TV over the past year or so.

Here's what was reported:

For what it's worth, TNA has Styles in the plans going forward, and he's at least in their minds returning either on the 1/16 taping in Huntsville or 1/30 in Glasgow. They desperately wanted for him showing up to be a shock to everyone, so the fact that many in wrestling are openly saying he's signed (those close to the situation say the talks are going good but no deal is made) probably hasn't made anyone happy. David Lagana is kind of spearheading the TV and the word is he thinks TNA will get a buzz on it if they can do shocks on the live shows.

Plans can change in a hurry, however, and now it's being reported by PW Insider that negotiations between Styles and TNA have broke down and he won't be headed back, at least not for a while.

In fact, Ring of Honor is celebrating the fact that he'll be making his return to the promotion on Jan. 4, 2014. Here's the press release that was sent out:

"The Phenomenal One" is back! A true Ring of Honor pioneer and one of the greatest wrestlers in the sport today, AJ STYLES, has been signed to compete once again in an ROH ring on January 4th, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee!

AJ Styles helped put ROH on the map in its early years by displaying his own unique blend of high-flying wrestling and hard hitting strikes. Styles has gone on to be recognized as one of the best wrestlers of our time and recently became the most sought-after free agent in pro wrestling.

After finalizing the deal within the last couple hours we can now officially confirm that the long awaited return of AJ Styles to ROH will kick off 2014 in only 1 week at the Nashville Fairgrounds!

AJ Styles will face "Mr. ROH" Roderick Strong in Nashville in a huge match that will air on ROH TV the weekend of February 1st! It has been 8 years since Styles competed in ROH while Strong has been one of the most consistent competitors in ROH for the last 10 years. We are excited to welcome AJ back but not too sure that Strong will feel the same way.

"I'm excited to return to ROH and the Nashville Fairgrounds. Lots of history made that I was made that I was part of in both. Expect more on January 4. Hope Nashville fans fill that asylum," said AJ

In addition to the return of AJ Styles, January 4th marks the return to ROH action of Chris Hero who battles "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen! Plus Wrestling Legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper will be on hand for a very RARE Meet & Greet Autograph Signing!

ROH is starting 2014 off with bang and we are not slowing down! Don't ever pass up the opportunity to experience ROH live! See why we are the best pro wrestling on the planet with the greatest fans in the world.

Tickets to the biggest television taping in ROH history are available HERE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And here's a video promo hyping his return:

Excited?