Listen Up: How TNA Can Recover from the Potential Loss of AJ Styles

(Note: No spoilers will be in this article for upcoming episodes of Impact. This is strictly just an opinion.)

As reported by PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson (h/t ProWrestling.net), TNA World Champion AJ Styles is close to parting ways with the company as the two parties have yet to come to an agreement on a contract. 

His original extended contract is set to expire on December 16th, after which it is reported that he will go on to do independent bookings. The past few weeks he has gone to Japan and India, while his matches have been advertised on episodes of Impact under the "Friends of AJ" campaign, much to the dismay of TNA president Dixie Carter.

Now while this may first seem to be the catalyst for yet another round of "This will be the death of TNA" columns, you will not find that here. I simply offer solutions to what could resolve a potentially embarrassing problem for Dixieland. Keep in mind that in the event this is truly a work (and it wouldn't be surprising considering most things in wrestling usually wind up being one), then accept my mea culpa in advance.

1. Focus on marketing the stars you have now

Go back to my previous article on the five stars TNA should market and notice that AJ Styles was never mentioned, with good reason.

He did not have the mic skills to believably draw fans into any storyline he was connected to. Even on the eve of Bound for Glory, he was truly mismatched on the mic by Bully Ray. One of the comments stated that Austin Aries should have been one of those guys, and I agree. He has the skills of Styles with the ability to sell a promo with the best of them.

As much as I loved watching AJ in TNA, he didn't exactly draw people to watch the product. Placing these wrestlers on the forefront will be a great way to give TNA their own personalities.

2. Place greater emphasis on the Knockouts and X Division

They have already done a great job of rebuilding the Knockouts with the Gail Kim open challenge, with young wrestlers stepping up from all over the globe to challenge her for a shot at the belt. Simple, yet effective booking that makes you watch to see who can beat her. On a side note, her husband should get more screen time; that man cuts a good heel promo. 

Also, use this time to finally focus on the X Division. You know, the division that made TNA different from the WWE.

For those who disagree, Unbreakable 2005 says hello; but I digress. Chris Sabin is highly entertaining as a heel and he needs challengers. How hard is it to dedicate even five minutes a week to open the show with an X Division match to keep people into the program? It's worth it just so we don't have to hear Dixie's mouth for 20 minutes.

3. Put the world title belt back on Bully Ray ASAP

This time, without the Aces & Eights to bog him down. If TNA is serious about being the opposite of the WWE, then they must have their champion become a wrestler who exemplifies everything the WWE isn't, which is clean-cut and designed for the hero to conquer all.

TNA doesn't have to be that way; it can be more adult-oriented with a heel who lacks the chisel-cut frame but cuts a promo with the best of them. TNA was so much more interesting this year when he had the belt, and they need to find a way for him to have it again, soon.

Dixie, take these suggestions to heart if you wish to move on from the AJ Styles fiasco.