AJ Francis, once known to WWE fans as Top Dolla, has fully stepped into his villain era in TNA Wrestling — and he’s loving every second of it. From being let go by WWE to becoming one of the most talked-about stars in TNA, Francis is making it clear: he’s not just a heel, he’s the heel. And he believes he’s got the skills to prove it.
AJ Francis: The Self-Proclaimed Best Heel in Wrestling
AJ Francis isn’t shy about his wrestling style or his confidence. In a recent interview on the Bell to Bell Show, he boldly stated that he’s the best heel, best big man, and has the best chokeslam in the business. And according to him, it’s not just talk.
“I’ve been saying that for years,” Francis said. “People are finally starting to realize I’m not just talking. I back up everything I say.”
Over the last year, his matches in TNA have helped him build that reputation. Whether it was squaring off against top names like Rich Swann, Moose, or Nic Nemeth, or delivering a jaw-dropping moonsault off a ladder at Slammiversary, Francis continues to turn heads.
From WWE Release to TNA Spotlight
Though AJ Francis has been released by WWE twice, he hasn’t let that stop his rise. In fact, his career seems to be thriving outside the WWE bubble. He returned to TV as part of the crossover between WWE’s NXT and TNA in 2023, reminding fans that he’s still a force to reckon with.
His run in TNA has given him the freedom to develop his heel persona even further. As the former TNA Digital Media Champion, Francis has made himself one of the most disliked (and entertaining) characters on the roster — and he’s proud of it.
Standout Matches That Prove His Point
Francis doesn’t just talk about his greatness — he brings up his match history to back it up. Here are a few key battles he’s proud of:
- AJ Francis vs Rich Swann – A brutal No Holds Barred match on TNA iMPACT that fans are still talking about.
- AJ Francis vs PCO – Another heavyweight clash showing his power and versatility.
- AJ Francis in the Slammiversary Ladder Match – He stole the spotlight with a moonsault off a ladder.
- The Call Your Shot Gauntlet Battle Royal – Though short, his four-minute stint left a lasting impression.
Francis knows how to deliver memorable moments, whether he wins or not.
A Heel Fans Love to Hate
What makes AJ Francis special is how well he understands the role of a villain in pro wrestling. He doesn’t want to be liked — he wants fans to boo, react, and get emotional. That’s the sign of a great heel, and Francis is fully leaning into it.
Even when he loses, like in the January 29 main event match against Rich Swann, he still comes out looking strong. He pushes his opponents to perform better, adds heat to the rivalry, and gives the audience a match to remember.
What’s Next for AJ Francis in TNA?
While there’s no official word yet on whether AJ Francis has re-signed with TNA, he continues to appear regularly, including in high-profile matches. With his confidence high and fan buzz growing, it looks like his time in TNA is far from over.
Whether you love him or hate him, AJ Francis has found his place — as the big man with attitude who keeps proving the doubters wrong.
In the world of pro wrestling, being a great heel is about more than just playing the bad guy. It’s about controlling the crowd, delivering in the ring, and standing out in a sea of performers.
AJ Francis has checked all those boxes and is still climbing. His journey from WWE to TNA is proof that sometimes, the best revenge is proving everyone wrong — one match at a time.
