Tag: TNA

Dark Side of the Ring reveals season seven premiere date, three-part episode on TNA

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dark Side of the Ring’s seventh season is set to kick off this summer with a multi-part episode focused on TNA Wrestling and the promotion’s founder Jeff Jarrett.

Variety reports that the new season of Dark Side of the Ring will begin airing on Vice TV on Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Two episodes will air that night, with new documentaries set to premiere weekly after that. The first three episodes of the season will explore the foundational years of TNA and Jarrett’s personal story of redemption.

“Each season, we try to challenge ourselves to go deeper, and season seven is our most ambitious yet,” said Dark Side of the Ring co-creators Evan Husney and Jason Eisener. “That’s especially true with our three-part exploration of TNA Wrestling, where Jeff Jarrett’s journey of redemption and resilience gives us a unique lens into the highs, struggles, and lasting impact of the foundational years of the company. It’s a perfect example of how compelling and ultimately human these stories really are.”

Jarrett’s life story includes overcoming a battle with addiction and having to endure the loss of his first wife Jill in 2007.

Here is the full list of announced episodes for this season of Dark Side of the Ring:

Dark Side of the Ring season seven topics —

  • Three-part episode on TNA Wrestling and Jeff Jarrett
  • Paul Orndorff
  • Big Boss Man (Ray Traylor)
  • Missy Hyatt
  • Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher indie match from IWA-MS in 2005 and the personal animosity the two had toward each other
  • Zach Gowen
  • The Renegade (Rick Wilson), “an exotic dancer who had a brief run as [an] Ultimate Warrior knockoff.”

Dark Side of the Ring debuted in 2019 and became the most successful show in Vice TV history, launching “Dark Side” spinoffs on topics like football and pop culture.

“Dark Side of the Ring is one of our strongest franchises that speaks to our audience with its gritty exposition of the real emotional and physical costs behind professional wrestling,” said Vice TV president Pete Gaffney. “Wrestling is one of America’s most influential pop culture phenomenons, and this series further explores the blurred lines between wrestling’s spectacle and reality, ultimately uncovering the truths behind the stories fans thought they knew.”

BVV: AAA with Los Americanos contract signing, TNA Impact

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Let’s celebrate Cinco de Mayo by catching up on the best feud of 2026: El Grande Americano vs. Original Grande Americano, who are set for their mascara contra mascara match.

But before that, we get El Hijo Del Vikingo vs. Mini Vikingo in a fun (and newsworthy) big brother vs. little brother battle, and Laredo Kid vs. Rey Fenix in a match so good fans were throwing money in the ring.

Then it’s over to TNA Impact, where the main event pits Elijah vs. Frankie Kazarian in the first ever Walk With Elijah Guitar Strap match.

There’s also Vincent vs. Jeff Hardy with the return of Broken Matt Hardy; Adam Brooks challenging Mustafa Ali for the International Championship; Allie returning from the dead (no, really) to compete in trios action; and Mr. Elegance vs. the Home Town Man.

Come join the fun on the Big Vinny V Show!

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TNA Impact viewership up, 18-49 rating steady

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Last week’s episode of TNA Impact averaged 209,000 viewers on AMC, up 19.4% from the previous week. It was the third lowest audience for the show since January 29th.

Impact averaged a 0.03 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s the same rating the show did last week and matches the record low rating the show has done in that category since moving to AMC.

Going head to head with NBA and NHL playoff games, as they have the last few weeks, the show finished tied for 75th in the key demo and 74th in total viewers on cable for the night.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall viewership and 18-49 demo ratings for TNA Impact on AMC as well as the 10 week rating in both categories. This week’s show was down 10.1% in overall viewers and 25% in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

DateImpact 18-49Impact T.V.
2/19/20260.05233,000
2/26/20260.03233,000
3/5/20260.04249,000
3/12/20260.04259,000
3/19/20260.04250,000
3/26/20260.05256,000
4/2/20260.05200,000
4/9/20260.04257,000
4/16/20260.05212,000
4/23/20260.03175,000
4/30/20260.03209,000
*10 wk avg0.04232,400
*not includingcurrent week

Carlos Silva responds to Will Ospreay’s criticism: ‘Business is business’

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Will Ospreay is not a fan of TNA’s decision to pull its talent out of scheduled matches during WrestleMania week. Carlos Silva, however, is standing by his decision. 

Silva, the president of TNA Wrestling, discussed the issue in an interview with Josh Martinez of Z100 New York. 

Silva began by saying he didn’t need to respond to Ospreay’s comments. “Business is business,” he said. “Every pro wrestling business is going to protect themselves, and we’re going to continue to do that. What I would say to the fans is, I got a lot of heat, and it’s okay. The fans can bring the heat, but there is only one reason that I did it, and that was to protect TNA and have our house protected.”

With TNA World Champion Mike Santana by his side, Silva implied that he was still bothered after Warner Brothers Discovery moved an episode of AEW Collision to Thursday night, head to head against TNA Impact on AMC.  

“If people are going to come at us, we’re going to do thing to protect TNA,” he said. “We were asked when we were looking at our TV deal, ‘What would be the best night?’ We started looking at all the nights and we said, ‘Everyone has their nights. We’re on Thursday night. We should be on Thursday night.’ So, if someone is going to come onto Thursday night against us, we’re going to take that seriously.” 

Silva then suggested that an unnamed rival organization was maneuvering TNA from running in certain buildings. 

“If someone is going to block us from going into a venue because they are not allowed to talk to us because another organization is there, we’re going to take that seriously,” he said. “That’s the kind of stuff that happens. When I hear all of the chatter, I smile. It’s okay. Will Ospreay and everyone can come at me, but we’re going to do what’s best for TNA, our champions, and the fans.

Ospreay spoke out on the subject while talking with Martinez a few weeks ago. 

“TNA, of all people, who the f*ck do you think you guys are?” he asked. “I’m sorry. All the f*cking talk they were giving about being number two and you want to get permission for these guys to do that match and then pull them? I think that’s cowardly sh*t. I think that says everything about what you view your talent as. You view them as less than AEW talent, and that they don’t want to grow and they don’t want to develop and they don’t want to give back to fans.” 

Ash By Elegance announces she is set to undergo surgery shortly

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Ash By Elegance revealed on social media that she is set to undergo surgery.

Elegance vacated the TNA Knockouts Championship at Victory Road 2025 and announced retirement due to her inability to compete in the ring. She shared an update on X with a picture of her at a hospital with the caption that she is heading into surgery.

“Surgery time! Prayers up! Adds to my story I will share & hopefully help others going through what I am! Trust me you are not alone!” tweeted Elegance.

While Elegance has discussed the health issues forcing a brief retirement earlier but the exact nature and cause is unknown. She mentioned doctors labeled it a medical mystery. Elegance made her in-ring return on the January 23 edition of TNA Impact in a tag team bout, reuniting The Elegance Brand against The Angel Warriors. Last month, she also competed at TNA Rebellion.

TNA wrestler reflects on AEW experience: ‘Felt like a signed extra’

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Bear Bronson opened up about his experience in AEW and compared it to the environment in TNA. 

Speaking with Busted Open After Dark, Bronson compared working with AEW and TNA. He cited that he felt like an extra on AEW with not much to contribute with his presence. However, on TNA, he was instantly welcomed by the roster and personnel. 

“So if I could explain the difference between the two and I’m not throwing any shade here but when I was with AEW, in all of five years, from start to finish, I felt like a signed extra, if that makes sense. Where you’re just kind of there whether you’re there or not, it doesn’t really make a big difference, and on the complete other end of the spectrum is with TNA. I actually feel like an important part of the piece moving forward, and it’s funny because I came to the company at the same time as The Righteous who I’m very close with, and we both have very similar journeys, where we feel like we found a new home, where we are like, ‘We can really sink our teeth, and give all of our talents and give everything we have to push a company forward.’”

“I feel like even in my first weekend with TNA, I felt welcomed immediately by the entire roster, all these people I don’t know. The team, the entire team I just met, I felt welcomed immediately.”

Bronson officially signed with TNA in January this year. He was previously associated with AEW and ROH for nearly five years. Despite not competing on AEW since the latter part of 2024, Bronson was still signed until his contract expired. He participated on the indies before joining the TNA roster. 

Leon Slater to defend X-Division title on TNA Impact in Sacramento

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Leon Slater is set to defend his X-Division Championship on a future episode of TNA Impact.

During a segment between Slater and Cedric Alexander on the April 30 episode of TNA Impact, it was announced that Slater will defend his title against Alexander. The match will take place on the live May 14 episode of TNA Impact in Sacramento, California.

Slater is now very close to becoming the longest-reigning TNA X-Division champion and will break the record on May 15, 2026.

Slater and Alexander have met twice previously in X-Division title matches, with the British wrestler winning each time. The two are now scheduled to collide for the third time on May 14, 2026. Also on May 15, Mustafa Ali is set to defend his TNA International title against a mystery opponent.

TNA Impact lineup for May 14, 2026

  • Number One Contenders Battle Royal for a shot at the TNA World Championship
  • A.J. Francis vs. K.C. Navarro in Sactown Street Fight
  • Leon Slater (c) vs. Cedric Alexander for the TNA X-Division Championship

Two title matches part of next week’s TNA Impact lineup

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Two top TNA Championships are set to be defended on next week’s episode of TNA Impact.

Following the successful conclusion of the April 30 episode of TNA Impact, the promotion has already released the lineup for next week. After fans saw Broken Matt Hardy return and Mustafa Ali retain his International championship, TNA announced a TNA World Tag Team title and TNA Knockout title match for its May 7, 2026, Impact episode.

Next week, EC3 will face Eric Young in a No Disqualification match, while The System (Bear Bronson & Brian Myers) will defend their TNA World Tag Team titles against Nic Nemeth and K.C. Navarro.

Arianna Grace will also defend her TNA Knockouts Title against Lei Ying Lee, with Xia Brookside banned from ringside. The lineup will also have Leon Slater & Moose against The System (Eddie Edwards & Cedric Alexander).

TNA Impact next week’s lineup

  • The System (Bear Bronson & Brian Myers) (c) vs. Nic Nemeth & K.C. Navarro for the TNA World Tag Team Championships
  • Arianna Grace vs. Lei Ying Lee for the TNA Knockouts title
  • Leon Slater & Moose vs. The System (Eddie Edwards & Cedric Alexander)
  • Eric Young vs. EC3 in a no disqualification match

Broken Matt Hardy makes his return on TNA Impact

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Broken Matt Hardy has returned to TNA Wrestling.

Matt Hardy has officially brought back his popular broken gimmick. On the latest April 30 episode of TNA Impact, Broken Matt Hardy returned to help his brother Jeff Hardy win his match against Vincent of The Righteous.

For weeks now, the Hardy Boyz have teased going back to their broken state. And now with Broken Matt’s return, things seem to be set in motion. Jeff Hardy also showed signs of returning to his character of Brother Nero.

Several years ago, in 2016, Matt Hardy introduced his Broken gimmick in TNA, which soon became extremely popular among the fans. However, after Matt joined WWE in 2017, he still possessed a limited version of the Broken gimmick, without much creative liberty. He still faced the same limitations when he joined AEW in 2020.

However, upon his return to TNA in 2024, fans saw Matt Hardy re-channel his broken character in his world title match against Moose, which also saw Jeff Hardy’s return to the promotion.

Dexter Lumis reunites with Indi Hartwell, undergoes big change

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After years of separation, Dexter Lumis has reunited with Indi Hartwell.

In a social media video posted, fans saw Lumis reunite with Hartwell and undergo a major new transformation. The former Wyatt Sicks member was seen receiving a makeover by Hartwell, who proceeded with shaving his thick beard and dreadlocks.

The new makeover left Lumis with his original look of a moustache and short, cropped hair. The video ended with “7.24.26,” which is when Lumis’s no-compete clause with WWE will end.

Lumis and Hartwell share a long, storied history. A few years ago, in 2021, fans saw Lumis marry Hartwell (kayfabe) on WWE NXT as members of The Way with Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Austin Theory. The couple became extremely popular among the fans and came to be known as InDex.

However, the storyline got dropped after both wrestlers moved on with their own journeys. While Hartwell was released in 2024, Lumis continued his run as part of The Wyatt Sicks. Recently, Lumis also became a part of the post-WrestleMania 42 roster cut alongside several other names.

Shortly after his departure, Lumis has now reunited with Hartwell. Although it is currently unknown if the two plan of continuing their partnership. While Lumis now serves his 90-day no-compete clause, Hartwell is an active member of the TNA roster.

MJF addresses Carlos Silva’s comments on pulling TNA wrestlers

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

MJF has broken his silence on Carlos Silva’s explanation of pulling TNA wrestlers away from independent wrestling bookings.

During WWE WrestleMania 42 week, multiple TNA wrestlers were booked for indie shows as well as matches against AEW wrestlers. However, at the very last moment, TNA President Carlos Silva canceled the matches and pulled his talent out of it.

Recently, after Silva appeared on Busted Open Radio and offered his explanation for the decision, former AEW World Champion MJF reacted to it on social media. Just hours before the April 29 edition of AEW Dynamite, MJF accused Silva of lying. “I think it’s cool that you can just lie,” he said.

MJF was previously scheduled to face Nic Nemeth on May 1 for Create-A-Pro, while TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater was scheduled to face Ricochet at WrestleCon on April 16, 2026.

Speaking to Busted Open Radio, Silva revealed that the decision to pull TNA wrestlers was made to benefit the promotion and TNA talents. “We’re gonna make decisions that are good for TNA. And we gotta protect TNA.”

Carlos Silva ‘compensated’ TNA talents pulled from TNA-AEW matches

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Just days before WWE WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada, multiple scheduled TNA vs. AEW talent matches were scrapped by TNA President Carlos Silva.

As Silva called back his wrestlers, the announced cards were later changed. Silva’s decision received widespread backlash on the internet from fans as well as a few wrestlers. Recently speaking to Ariel Helwani, TNA legend Matt Hardy revealed how Silva “compensated” the TNA talents he pulled from their scheduled matches.

“The thing that I can tell you is the guys who he pulled out of those matches, he compensated them and paid them their full fee. I know he talked to Mike at Highspots and compensated him for the plane ticket and everything else. He did everything he could to try and make it right,” Hardy said.

He also opened up in the same interview and revealed how these matches should not have been booked in the first place based on WWE’s partnership with TNA. “But what should have happened most likely is that because we are partners with WWE, and AEW is this own entity that is a competing force, these matches probably shouldn’t have ever been cleared in the beginning.”

AJ Francis tells critics to ‘cut that victim bullsh*t out’ regarding TNA pulling talent

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

AJ Francis has a message for the critics, calling out TNA for pulling out their talents from matches against AEW wrestlers.

Just ahead of the WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend, multiple TNA talents were scheduled to face AEW wrestlers. However, at the last moment, those bouts were canceled and replaced by other matches.

While TNA President Carlos Silva received major backlash for this, multiple TNA talents spoke out defending the decision, including Matt Hardy and now AJ Francis.

On social media, Francis praised Silva’s recent explanation for pulling Leon Slater from his scheduled match against AEW’s Ricochet. When asked by a fan if Silva was wrong for pulling his talents, Francis replied:

“No, because nobody had a problem w/ AEW not allowing Powerhouse Hobbs to lose to me at 4th Rope even though the next night in the SAME BUILDING I was in a SOLD OUT MAIN EVENT vs Nic Nemeth for the TNA WORLD TITLE… cut that victim bulls*it out. Every company protects interests,” Francis wrote.

Matt Hardy feels AEW-TNA matches ‘probably shouldn’t have ever been cleared’ due to WWE partnership

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

WWE veteran Matt Hardy has shared his ‘honest thoughts’ on the AEW-TNA situation.

Earlier this month, during the WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend, fans saw several AEW vs. TNA matches get booked. However, the matches were soon scrapped after TNA President Carlos Silva called back his talent, thus effectively pulling them out of competition.

Recently, speaking to Ariel Helwani, a WWE veteran, Hardy opened up and claimed that those matches should not have been cleared in the first place. Hardy, who has wrestled across WWE, TNA, and AEW claimed, “In my honest opinion, I think if we are partners with WWE, and WWE has kind of laid it out how ‘we’re working together with TNA,’ and AEW is kind of its own entity, we probably from that point on should’ve said, ‘If you’re doing any bookings, we probably shouldn’t do TNA, AEW things.’

“That would have been my guess. These things happen, and I think in these finishes, they had things that were going to work for both parties when it was all said and done. It probably should have never been set is what I would say from the beginning. I think going forward, that would be the case now,” he said.

“If these things could have happened and all parties could have been happy, it would have been great if it could have continued and just let it go, especially because it was advertised. But what should have happened most likely is that because we are partners with WWE, and AEW is this own entity that is a competing force, these matches probably shouldn’t have ever been cleared in the beginning.”

The matches were booked across different promotions, and once they were pulled, the card was improvised with other matches.

Carlos Silva addresses pulling talent, says other companies have ‘come at’ TNA

Posted on by Ian Carey

Carlos Silva has commented on TNA Wrestling pulling talent from matches recently.

Earlier this month, several matches involving wrestlers from TNA and wrestlers from AEW on independent shows were scrapped after having previously been approved by TNA. Planned matches including Nic Nemeth vs. MJF at a Create-A-Pro show and Leon Slater vs. Ricochet at the Mark Hitchcock Memorial Show were among the bouts canceled.

Silva appeared on Busted Open Radio on Wednesday and when asked about the situation, alluded to there being other companies that have “come after” TNA, saying:

“We’re gonna make decisions that are good for TNA. And we gotta protect TNA,” Silva said.

“And we’ve had some other folks come at us, and they’ve moved into our nights. They’ve made some decisions. They’ve tried to block us in arenas and venues. And that stuff’s real, and it’s out there. And it’s okay, because everyone’s got to make the decisions for their business. But we’re also just not gonna lie down and not make decisions that are good for our business.

And unfortunately, sometimes, those decisions are tough. And we’re very thoughtful about them. And we try to do the best to make good when we have to make those decisions. And in the case of Nic and Leon and a few of the matches that had to get shut down, we tried to make good and make calls and take care of the business as best we could.“

WrestleCon confirmed last week that TNA reimbursed the promotion for Slater’s travel and hotel accommodations after Slater vs. Ricochet was pulled from the event.

A clip of Silva on Busted Open Radio is below: