Tag: TNA

Wrestlecon promoter says Leon Slater wasn’t going to lose match against Ricochet

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Leon Slater was set to face Ricochet at the WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow during WrestleMania weekend.

Both Ricochet and Slater are currently experiencing the run of their lives. While Ricochet is a former AEW National Champion, Slater is the current TNA X-Division Champion. Previously booked to wrestle each other at the WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow, the promoter has now revealed that Slater was never booked to lose the match.

Speaking to John Pollock & Wai Ting of POST Wrestling, WrestleCon promoter Michael Bochicchio opened up about the situation.

“We went directly to Leon’s boss. We went directly to Ricochet’s boss. We told them what the finish of the match would be to protect the individual. A lot of people think, ‘They didn’t want Leon to lose.’ Guys, I’m going to be honest, Leon wasn’t losing. Come up with a different theory on why they pulled him because that had nothing to do with it. The match and finish were cleared,” he said.

However, days before the match, TNA decided to pull out and scrap all of their TNA talents vs AEW wrestler matches.

“The first communication I got from TNA was about two hours before their PPV on Saturday. Mr. Silva sent me a text saying he would like to communicate. That was after we changed and replaced the match. I still haven’t spoken to him. I said, ‘Sure, call me anytime.’ I haven’t heard from him,” he continued.

While many believe WWE had a role to play in TNA’s decision to cancel matches, Bochicchio certainly does not think so. “I believe Carlos got upset AEW ran on a Thursday, hurt their ratings, and everything changed. That’s my opinion. Maybe WWE has more involvement than we ever thought, but Carlos can say to WWE, ‘Guys, I gave my word on this match. I would like to be able to follow through with my word.”

Later, Wrestlecon announced The Demand vs. Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, & Michael Oku as the show’s main event.

TNA Impact viewership up, 18-49 rating down

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Thursday night’s episode of TNA Impact averaged 257,000 viewers on AMC, up 28.5% from the previous week which went head to head with AEW Collision for the first hour. It was the largest audience for the show since March 12th, and the second highest the show has done to date on the network.

Impact averaged a 0.04 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s down 20% from the prior week and ties the lowest rating the show has done in that category since February 26th.

There was no major sports competition on the night as a repeat of the Masters Coverage on ESPN from earlier in the day topped the prime time cable charts. Impact tied 58th for the night.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall viewership and 18-49 demo ratings for TNA Thursday Night Impact on AMC as well as the 10 week average in both categories. This week’s show was up 8.2% in overall viewers and was even in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

DateImpact 18-49Impact T.V.
1/29/20260.04201,000
2/5/20260.05241,000
2/12/20260.05254,000
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
*10 wk avg0.04237,600
*not includingcurrent week

Steve Maclin relives scary moment from TNA Sacrifice 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Steve Maclin recalled the scary incident at TNA Sacrifice where he was knocked out within minutes into the main event. The match was against Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship. 

On the latest edition of Boots To Boots Podcast, Maclin detailed what led to the TNA Sacrifice scare and his immediate reaction.

“The energy was there. They were cheering for him. They were booing the crap out of me. And then the bell rang. We got about two and a half minutes into exchanging. We tried to wrestle a little bit to still be kind of there, be a little physical with it, and then we just said, ‘Ah, f*ck it. Let’s throw the gloves off and just start hitting each other.’ And back and forth, back and forth. Mike took off, gave me a good old TNA kick to the gut. I hit him with a forearm and the ropes, and then I hit the ropes, and next thing I remember, the next thing I know I’m on the ground trying to figure out what’s going on with my body even though my head from the neck up is normal.” 

“This is the first time I’ve ever been rocked in a match where that’s the complete opposite. Normally, my body is good and you’re in autopilot moving and your brain is like, ‘We’ll get there, get to where you need to’. But this was the complete opposite and it scared the hell out of me at first too, because you see me grab the rope.”

Maclin had a special shout out to referee Alice for her alertness in the matter noting how he often requests to work with her for the same reason. When the incident first occurred, she checked up on him and asked what needed to be done next before deciphering something was wrong and immediately threw up the X symbol. 

“Ref Alice, she was there and she was instantly the savior I needed. That’s why I asked for her for the match. I always ask for her in all my big matches, any match in general because she gets it. The referee is always a third person in the ring that you need a part of the match. And for me, she gets it, she listens to me. I call my audibles to her beforehand, and she knows to relay that. She’s good at her job. And she proved she’s very professional at her job that night because she stepped in, she knew something was wrong. And when she was talking to me, I was coherently talking to her, ‘I’m good. Just give me a minute.’ ‘Tell, Mike’s asking what to do’. I’m like, ‘just tell him to give me a minute, just hold on a sec, it’s going to freaking drop down, it’s going to drop down, leap frog, drop down, elbow.’ Seeing me do that with the way I had deer legs probably would not have been entertaining to watch. I knew what was coming next, but my body said no. She called for the ‘X.’”

Maclin detailed that even TNA President Carlos Silva instantly picked up on what had gone wrong given his previous association with MMA. 

“That’s when Carlos said even talking with him he knew what happened because he comes from watching MMA for so long with all the fighting in that industry and seeing so many different types of knockouts and what really happened was the whiplash got me so much off and he hit drilled the side of my neck where the nerve is, dangerous spot to get hit. Luckily, I didn’t have any problems after the scans and the concussion protocol I went through at the hospital.”

Following the incident, Santana issued a statement on his sentiments with what transpired. Last week, Maclin took to social media stating that he was back to training in the ring, two weeks after the injury scare.  

TNA Rebellion notes: Matches set for Impact, KC Navarro returns, Xia Brookside

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Notes from Saturday’s TNA Impact.

After the promotion confirmed his impending return, EC3 confronted Eric Young on Saturday after Young spent time disrespecting Cleveland. He drove Young out of the ring and declared he was back, challenging Young to a match for this Thursday on Impact. He ended the promo by saying he was “from Cleveland, b****.”

In another return, KC Navarro interfered towards the end of the AJ Francis/Nic Nemeth match and distracted Francis, which allowed former Cleveland Browns player Bernie Kosar to hit Francis with a steel chair. Nemeth then scored the win over Francis after hitting the danger zone.

It was later confirmed that EC3 would face Young this Thursday, while Navarro would face Francis.

Lei Ying Lee failed to win the TNA Knockouts title at Sacrifice thanks to one person: her now former friend Xia Brookside. Lee had the match won with the Warrior’s Way, but was stunned when she found out that Brookside had put Arianna Grace’s foot on the rope. Brookside then dragged Lee out of the ring and attacked her, throwing the former champion into the ring steps. Grace then won the match with a knee to the back of the head.

TNA Impact (April 16)

  • EC3 vs. Eric Young
  • KC Navarro vs. AJ Francis

Two new champions crowned at TNA Rebellion

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

While many champions successfully defended their titles, TNA Rebellion also crowned two new champions.

At TNA Rebellion, Mustafa Ali challenged Trey Miguel for the International Championship. After a close fight with several covers, Ali snatched the victory and won the title after Tasha Steelz distracted the referee, which allowed Jason Hotch & John Skyler to hit Miguel. Ali followed it up with a 450 splash to secure the pinfall and earn his new championship.

After a solid almost 13-minute bout, Ali defeated Miguel and became the new TNA International Champion.

Shortly after Ali’s win, The System (Bear Bronson and Brian Myers) defeated The Hardys (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship. The win marked an end for Jeff and Matt Hardy’s 265-day title reign.

While Bronson and Myers representing The System won titles, both Cedric Alexander and Eddie Edwards lost their respective X-Division and TNA World Champion matches.

While the win marked Myers fourth tag-team title win, this is Bronson’s first-ever championship win in TNA.

ODB to be inducted into TNA Hall of Fame

Posted on by Bryan Rose

ODB is heading to the TNA Hall of Fame.

The newest member of the Hall of Fame took part in a six-woman Hardcore Country match at Saturday’s Rebellion, teaming with Mickie James and Taryn Terell in a losing effort against The Elegance Brand. After the match, Tommy Dreamer and Carlos Silva came to the ring and told the Elegance Brand to leave. They eventually revealed that ODB would be a part of the Hall of Fame ceremony this year, which is usually held during Bound for Glory weekend in October.

ODB cut a short promo saying she wasn’t expecting this and clarified she wasn’t done yet. She said she loves the business and everyone in the back and told all the Knockouts to keep doing this as it’s been one hell of a ride watching everyone.

Starting out in 2001, ODB tried out for WWE’s Tough Enough reality show and competed in OVW before joining TNA in 2007. During the course of her career she won the Knockouts title on four different occasions and won the Knockouts Tag Team titles once with Eric Young.

TNA’s Santino Marella undergoes successful sleep apnea surgery

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

TNA’s Santino Marella recently announced undergoing a successful surgery.

Kayfabe suspended from TNA by Daria Rae. Marella recently possibly spilled the actual reason behind his kayfabe suspension.

Via Instagram, Marella announced his successful sleep apnea surgery and uploaded a photo with a bandage over his nose.

“Sleep [apnea] surgery was a success. In a couple weeks I’ll be sleeping properly for the first time in about 30 years. Better recovery, better blood oxygen levels, less brain fog, more energy, less inflammation, & lower cortisol levels to start,” Marella wrote. “I feel like it’s gonna be a new lease on life. Sucks pretty bad at the moment not gonna lie, but in a few days, I should begin to see the benefits.”

Marella was Director of Authority in TNA before he was kayfabe suspended from the company previously on this Thursday’s Impact before TNA Rebellion by Rae. Marella’s daughter, Arianna Grace, is scheduled to compete at TNA Rebellion, where she will defend her TNA Knockouts World Title against Lei Ying Lee.

TNA Rebellion live results: Mike Santana vs. Eddie Edwards

Posted on by Joseph Collins

TNA Rebellion takes place at the Wolfstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio tonight.

Mike Santana defends the TNA World title against Eddie Edwards and more is set for the show.

The full lineup is below:

  • Trey Miguel (c) vs. Mustafa Ali for the TNA International Championship
  • Leon Slater (c) vs. Cedric Alexander for the TNA X Division Championship
  • The Hardys (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) (c) vs. The System (Bear Bronson and Brian Myers) for the TNA World Tag Team Championship
  • Frankie Kazarian vs. Elijah
  • The Elegance Brand (Ash By Elegance, M By Elegance, Heather By Elegance) vs. ODB, Mickie James & Taryn Terrell in a Hardcore Country match
  • Mike Santana (c) vs. Eddie Edwards for the TNA World Championship
  • Arianna Grace (c) vs. Lei Ying Lee for the TNA Knockouts Championship
  • Nic Nemeth (with Bernie Kosar) vs. A. J. Francis
  • Moose vs. Special Agent 0
  • Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE (pre-show)

Our live coverage begins at 7 p.m. Eastern.

******************************************

Countdown to Rebellion! 

Live! From Cleveland! 

The hosts for the countdown were Tom Hannifan & Matthew Rehwoldt. 

— Eddie Edwards was shown walking around backstage with the rest of The System. Is it the night of The System? 

— Mike Santana was also walking around backstage, with his daughter carrying the TNA World Title belt over her shoulder. Surely they wouldn’t fly Mike’s daughter out there with him just to have him do a job… again. 

— Daria Rae was brought out to be the “expert panelist” for the pre-show. She gave out some truly ridiculous word salad in service of the “Hardcore Country Match” on the main show. It was a great example of a lot of words that said nothing. 

— Gia Miller was in the concourse getting predictions about the card from gathered fans about the Hardcore Country match. 

— The crowd chanted for Santino while Daria Rae explained why he was suspended for invading the women’s locker room and fighting with a talent. 

— Apparently, the plan to entice people to buy this show is for Rae and Hannifan to debate the actions of storyline authority figures. 

— Daria Rae introduced The System, who came out to address the live crowd. TNA really overestimates the value of these guys. Brian Myers called Cleveland “the mistake on the lake” and promised the crowd their tickets would be souvenirs because this will be the last tag team title reign of the Hardys. Bear Bronson promised there would be nothing left of the Hardys “but the memories.” Alexander said they would kick off Rebellion with a new X Division Champion. Edwards said he would take the TNA World Title for the third time and deliver it to The System.

— Gia Miller asked some kids in the crowd about who they’re excited to see tonight. Two kids who couldn’t be more than 10 are most interested in the Hardys.

Ryan Nemeth v. BDE 

Nemeth grabbed a mic before the match started to address his parents in the crowd. While dad liked Nic best, mom liked Ryan best (mom shook her head “no”).  Of course, this was all to turn on the crowd and call Cleveland dumb so he could get booed by the fans. He was also wearing Pittsburgh Steelers inspired gear to ensure maximum hatred from the crowd. 

BDE flew around the ring early, but Nemeth got the advantage on the floor and dropped him on the ring apron with a back suplex. Back in the ring, Nemeth got a near fall off of a hangman’s neckbreaker and worked a chinlock. BDE came back with some flying forearms, then caught Nemeth with a springboard cutter for two. 

Nemeth came back with a jumping DDT for two. BDE escaped a back suplex and caught Nemeth with an enziguri. BDE hit a frog splash off from the top, but Nemeth rolled out of the ring to regroup. BDE went to grab Nemeth, but he snapped BDE’s neck against the top rope, then hit the Big Hollywood Ending to get the pinfall. 

Match Result: Ryan Nemeth pinned BDE (5:01). 

So after cheating to beat BDE last month, Nemeth pinned him clean this month. Okay. After the match, Papa Nemeth booed while Mama Nemeth cheered. 

— Hannifan brought out the Home Town Man for his expertise in the Elijah/Frankie Kazarian feud. Cleveland doesn’t have a bigger baseball star than the fictional ones from Major League? The Homer is in a Ricky Vaughn baseball jersey. The Homer threw t-shirts into the crowd. 

— Carlos Silva joined the pre-show panel and got booed by the crowd. Must be a lot of Create a Pro fans in the crowd. When they moved the conversation to Ricky Sosa, Eric Young came out to say that Sosa was laid up in a hospital in Europe. He then called EC3 a “nepo baby” and said he have to explain to him later tonight why he deserves to be in TNA. 

— Ace Steele was brought out to lend his “expertise” and analyze tonight’s main event. 

— Miller interviewed another fan in the crowd about his opinion on who will win the main event tonight. 

TNA’s Rebellion 2026

— Charity Evonna sang the Star Spangled Banner to kick off the show. 

Leon Slater v. Cedric Alexander for the TNA X-Division Championship 

Slater caught Alexander with a handspring back elbow. He tried to escape to the apron, but Slater hit him with a running boot. Alexander avoided a dive from Slater on the floor, but Slater caught Alexander with a jumping rana off the ring steps. 

Back in the ring, Slater hit a crossbody off the top for two. Slater chopped Alexander in the corner. Slater escaped a back suplex attempt, but Alexander snapped Slater’s neck against the top rope. Alexander then flattened Slater with a uranage on the ring apron. Alexander followed up by suplexing Slater on the ring apron.

Back in the ring, Alexander folded Slater in half with a German suplex. Slater and Alexander exchanged strikes, and Alexander tossed Slater to the mat and hit him with a dropkick to the back of the head for two. Alexander dropped to the floor to taunt the crowd, and Slater slid out of the ring and hit him with a dropkick. 

Back in the ring, Alexander dumped Slater again with a German suplex for a near fall. Alexander elbowed Slater down and locked in a chinlock. Alexander raked Slater’s eyes to cut off his comeback. With Slater disoriented, Alexander boxed his ears. Alexander taunted Slater, and Slater just floored him with a leg lariat. 

Slater rebounded off the ropes with a leg lariat and got a near fall. Slater charged Alexander in the corner with a kick to the face. Slater went to the top, but Alexander avoided the dive and dropped to the floor. So Slater followed with his somersault dive over the post. 

Back in the ring, Slater hit an inverted sliced bread for a near fall. Slater went for the Swanton 450, but Alexander got out of the way. Alexander hit a Michinoku Driver for two. 

The crowd was really getting behind Leon, who went for a Styles Clash out of a sunset flip. Alexander escaped. Slater got hung up in the ropes, and Alexander floored him with a clothesline. Alexander dropped Slater with a brainbuster for two. 

Alexander then gave Slater a brainbuster from the top into the turnbuckles. Alexander followed up with the Lumbar check, but Slater got his foot on the ropes to break up the three count. 

Alexander dropped to the floor and grabbed the X-Division title belt and brought it in the ring. But Slater popped up and pulled Alexander into a Styles Clash, and drove Alexander into the title belt. Slater then hit the Swanton 450 and got the pinfall. 

Match Result: Slater pinned Alexander after a Swanton 450 to retain (14:23). 

The countdown is now on for May 14th. If Slater makes it past that date as champion, he will be the longest-reigning TNA X-Division champion in history. 

— Gia Miller interviewed Mike Santana, who talked about how he’s been carrying the TNA World Title for 86 days. Alisha Edwards came along and offered some help to Santana. “Let’s talk.” 

Frankie Kazarian v. Elijah 

Elijah looked awesome in the early going. He hit a flying clothesline in the ring, then a drive by knee. He also did his rope walk spot. Kazarian German suplexed Elijah into the turnbuckles, then choked him against the turnbuckle hook. Kazarian jumped over the ropes and caught Elijah with a rana. 

Back in the ring, Kazarian hit a slingshot legdrop, then choked Elijah. Kazarian kept up the pressure with a Russian Leg Sweep. Elijah avoided another legdrop. Elijah went for a springboard clothesline, but Kazarian whipped him with the strap off his guitar. Why wasn’t that a disqualification? 

Kazarian then tried to do the rope-walk spot, but Elijah blocked that and slammed Kazarian to the mat. Kazarian went for his springboard legdrop, but Elijah caught him and turned that into a sit-out powerbomb. Kazarian dove into a high knee from Elijah. Elijah dropped to the floor for the guitar strap and whipped Kazarian with the strap, including a couple to the face that couldn’t have been pleasant. 

Elijah chokeslammed Kazarian for a near fall. Kazarian dropped to the floor and grabbed Elijah’s guitar. Elijah caught up to Kazarian and slid the guitar in the ring. Kazarian hit Elijah with a slingshot cutter into the guitar, but only got two. Kazarian  escaped an attempt at Fade to Black, but Elijah escaped and got back to the guitar, breaking off the handle. He went towards Kazarian like he was going to jab him in the face with it, but the ref finally decided to enforce some rules and grabbed the guitar pieces away from Elijah. Kazarian then low-blowed Elijah and rolled him up for the pinfall. 

Match Result: Kazarian pinned Elijah (12:29). 

Injury Report: 

  • The Hardys are injured but cleared. 
  • ODB and Mickie James are injured but cleared.
  • Stacks has a black eye and he’s cleared but not wrestling.
  • Mike Santana and Eddie Edwards are also cleared. 

— In the back, Arianna Grace and Stacks were walking around the back, and Stacks didn’t have a black eye. Stacks does have a plan for Grace to retain her Knockouts Championship tonight.

Moose (w/ Alisha Edwards) v. Agent Zero 

Props to Moose for wearing a proper professional wrestler’s ring robe. He doesn’t even get out of that robe before Agent Zero dives over the top rope and nails him with a plancha. Moose had to push Edwards out of the way so she didn’t get killed by the dive, and she came up limping. 

Back in the ring, the match officially got underway. Moose backdropped Zero to the floor, then followed him out with a dive. Moose then pulled a table out from under the ring. He set it up, but Zero cut him off before he could do much with it. They fought up to the apron, and Zero went to powerbomb Moose through the table, but Moose backdropped Zero on the apron. 

Back in the ring, Moose charged Zero with a forearm. Zero cut him off with a clothesline, but Moose came back with a dropkick that sent Zero to the floor. On the floor, Moose charged at Zero, who caught him with a pop-up powerbomb into the ringpost. 

The crowd chanted for Moose while in the ring, Zero set him up for a choke bomb. Moose escaped and they started exchanging “Boo!/Yay!” forearms. They collided into each other with clotheslines, and then Moose hit Zero with a boot. Moose then gave Zero a superplex off the top rope. Moose got to his feet, but then Zero kipped up! 

Moose and Zero exchanged some more heavy lumber, and Zero got knocked out onto the apron. Moose then speared Zero off the apron  and through the table! 

They both got back into the ring and got to their feet. Moose hit a boot, but Zero turned Moose inside out with a clothesline. Zero hit Moose with the End of Days (Baron Corbin’s old finisher) but only got two. Zero pounded away on Moose, who came back and gave Zero a headbutt. Moose hit a uranage and a senton. Moose charged at Zero, but Zero dumped him to the floor. Zero went for another dive, but Moose caught him, then pop-up powerbombed him onto the lower half of the steel ring steps. 

Back in the ring, the Great Hands came out to distract Moose. John Skylar dragged Alisha up on the apron. Moose kicked Skylar, but the momentum also knocked Alisha down, and she hurt her ankle again. Moose went to carry Alisha to the back, and Zero dove in with a kick on Moose. 

Zero then choke-bombed Moose against the ring apron. Back in the ring, Zero hit another chokebomb and got the pinfall. 

Match Result: Agent Zero pinned Moose (10:45). 

These guys could have just done a big guy match, but they went out and did an X-Division match instead and it was awesome. 

The Elegance Brand (w/ Mr. Elegance & The Cocierge) v. Mickie James, Taryn Terrell & ODB in a Hardcore Country Match

The Concierge came out and trashed Cleveland, making him the fourth guy in two hours to try and get heat by trashing Cleveland.

The Elegance Brand came out with signs that said “I am Not a Mark” and another that called someone a “Hardcore Hooker.” ODB (allegedly) came out loaded which honestly isn’t a bad way to get through a TNA show. James carried out a “mark bucket” with weapons to use. If they’d have watched Smackdown last night, they would have learned “mark” is an impolite term. 

The Elegance Brand women were wearing “I Am Not a Mark” t-shirts. Ash grabbed the mic and screamed about how she is isn’t a mark. She was going to say something about the Concierge’s being a pickle…, but the babyfaces attacked the Brand from behind so she couldn’t finish the thought. 

The women all dropped to the floor and threw a ton of weapons into the ring. The Elegance Brand got back into the ring first, so they had the high ground for a minute, but it didn’t last. The fight went to the floor, and Ash and M got into a fight with three fans, who were from Love is Blind: Cleveland. 

Terrell suplexed Heather into a pile of lollipops for a near fall. The babyfaces then threw the lollipops to the crowd while the Elegance Brand regrouped on the floor. Terrell and James went after them and got whipped into the ring apron. 

Back in the ring, ODB got a brief edge on the Elegance Brand, but Ash cracked her with a kendo stick. The Elegance Brand then tied ODB up to the bottom rope with a bullrope. 

I don’t know where they came from, but there were hay bales and a wheelbarrow that got used as weapons. OBD pulled out a cooler full of pickles. Terrell and James went to dunk The Concierge into the pickles, but Mr. Elegance tried to make the save and wound up face first into the pickles instead. 

Back in the ring, the babyfaces dressed up The Concierge in a pickle costume. Terrell then came off the top with a dive to take out all three members of the Elegance Brand. Mr. Elegance floored ODB with a clothesline. He posed over ODB, who then used tongs on Mr. Elegance’s crotch. Ash ran in and sprayed ODB in the face with hairspray, hit her with a DDT, and the Elegance Brand piled on to get the pinfall. 

Match Result: The Elegance Brand won when everyone pinned ODB (10:47). 

That was the worst thing I’ve ever seen.

After the match, Tommy Dreamer and Carlos Silva came to the ring. I had a horrible thought that they were going to restart the match. Thankfully, Dreamer and Silva were there to tell ODB she was going to be the TNA Hall of Fame. The crowd popped for the announcement. ODB thanked the fans and brought her husband Big Al into the ring. She suggested she’d bring her food trucks to Bound for Glory.

They had her take the fall, then put her in the Hall of Fame?

— Elayna Black complained about having to come to Cleveland and meet the fans, but will also be watching the Knockouts Title match later tonight. 

Nic Nemeth (w/ Bernie Kosar) v. AJ Francis

Francis showed off his “LeBron 2s” for the crowd and put himself over as “the LeBron James of professional wrestling.” Francis is the sixth guy now to try and get heel heat by knocking Cleveland.

Nemeth is usually a heel, but he’s getting a great babyface reaction since he’s from Cleveland and he brought out the greatest quarterback in the history of the Browns.

Nemeth was dressed in Browns-inspired gear. Francis hit a superkick right away and got a near fall. He went for another one, but Nemeth ducked. Nemeth tried for a jumping DDT, but Francis blocked it and tossed Nemeth to the floor. 

On the floor, Nemeth escaped a chokeslam but dove into the “Right Hand of God” from Francis. Francis got back into the ring and waited for the ref to count Nemeth out, but Nemeth beat the count at seven. 

Francis avalanched Nemeth in the corner. Francis charged into Nemeth with a knee and went over the ropes, then got into it with Bernie Kosar on the floor. The crowd chanted for Kosar. Back in the ring, Nemeth escaped a chokeslam attempt but walked right into a boot. 

Nemeth went to pick up Francis on his shoulders, but Nemeth collapsed under Francis’s weight. Nemeth finally caught Francis with a DDT, then dropped a series of elbows. Nemeth got Francis up on his shoulders and dropped him with an AA for two. 

Nemeth charged into a spear from Francis, who got a near fall. Francis went for a choke slam, but Nemeth countered that into a Famouser for a near fall. 

Nemeth went to the top, but Francis crotched him. Francis went for a superplex, but Nemeth fought out of it. Nemeth head butted Francis a couple of times, then took Francis down from the top rope with the Danger Zone. Nemeth went for the pin, but Francis kicked out. 

Francis dropped to the floor. Nemeth went for a dive, but Francis caught him and chokeslammed Nemeth on the floor. Francis tossed Nemeth back in the ring, then got into Kosar’s face again. Francis pulled a steel chair out from under the ring. The referee kept Francis from using the chair, pulling the chair away from Francis. So Francis knocked out the referee from behind. 

Francis got the chair again, and Bernie Kosar got in the ring. He got in between Francis and Nemeth. Francis got into a three point stance to face off with Kosar. But before the could go at it, KC Navarro made his return and came out to distract Francis. Kosar hit Francis from behind with the chair, Nemeth finished him off with the Danger Zone, and Navarro threw the ref back in the ring to count the pinfall. 

Match Result: Nemeth pinned Francis (14:32). 

Good match with a tremendous finish. AJ Francis puts guys over like a million bucks. 

Lei Ying Lee (w/ Xia Brookside) v. Arianna Grace (w/ Stacks) for the TNA Knockouts World Championship

My stream died for a minute, but it came back in time for me to see Lee hit Grace with a dropkick off the middle ropes. The fight dropped to the floor for a bit. Back in the ring, Grace hit a pump kick and a twisting neckbreaker for a near fall. 

Lee tried for a sunset flip, but Stacks grabbed Grace to keep her from going over. Brookside encouraged the referee to throw Stacks out, which he did. 

Lee then took over on Grace with a series of kicks and pummeled her in the corner with punches. Lee dropped Grace with an exploder suplex for a near fall. Lee ran into a back elbow from Grace. Grace came back with a forearm off the middle ropes for a near fall. 

Grace managed to set up Lee for a superplex, but Lee fought out of it. Lee came off the middle ropes with a blockbuster for a near fall. Lee went for the Warrior’s Way, but Grace raked her eyes. Grace hit Lee with a facebuster for a near fall. 

Grace tried to pull one of the turnbuckles off, then dropped to the floor to grab the title belt. She went to use it as a weapon, but the referee took the belt away. Lee then hit Grace with the Warrior’s Way. She went for the cover… but Xia Brookside put Grace’s foot on the bottom rope. 

Lee was stunned, and Brookside dragged Lee out of the ring and attacked her. Brookside tossed Lee into the steel steps on the floor. Brookside threw Lee back into the ring, and Grace hit her with a knee to the back of the head. 

Match Results: Arianna Grace pinned Lee to retain (8:40). 

There was no heat for this match, but the crowd did react to the turn at least. Xia Brookside should be elevated to the title picture so I look forward to the feud between Brookside and Lee. 

Arianna Grace as champion though… ugh. Just, ugh.

The Return of EC3

Eric Young came out to the ring and called out EC3 to explain why he deserved to be in TNA. Eric Young also hates Cleveland and Ohio and everything. EC3 came out in a suit and to not much reaction from the crowd. He tossed his suit jacket to a fan. Carter and Young had a staredown, Young charged, and EC3 clotheslined Young to the floor. EC3 challenged Young to a match on AMC Thursday and said “pursuant” a lot. Also, he’s from Cleveland.

Trey Miguel v. Mustafa Ali (w/ Order 4) for the TNA International Championship 

The Order 4 geeks and Mustafa Ali have been upgraded with what looks like Borg tech. 

Ali caught Miguel with a rana and kipped up. Miguel caught Ali with his own sloppier rana, and Ali dropped to the floor to regroup. I’m disappointed that Ali didn’t try to wrestle with his mechanical Borg arm. 

Ali chopped Miguel in the corner, but Miguel didn’t back down and hit Ali with an enziguri. Ali walked into a back elbow from Miguel, then charged at Miguel, missed and did a header into the corner. Ali stumbled on the floor and Miguel followed him out with a flip dive. 

Back in the ring, Miguel caught Ali with a twisting destroyer for a near fall. The Great Hands distracted the ref, and Ali launched Miguel into a cutter from Tasha Steelz for a near fall. 

Ali backed Miguel into the corner with an uppercut. Miguel turned Ali inside-out with a clothesline for a near fall. Ali caught Miguel with a jawbreaker, then hit a rolling cutter for a near fall. Miguel caught Ali with a small package for a near fall. They fought over a suplex, and Ali eventually pulled him into a fisherman’s suplex for a near fall. 

Ali tossed Miguel to the floor. The Great Hands rearranged the steel stairs while Ali taunted Carlos Silva. Ali tried to powerbomb Miguel onto the steel steps, but Miguel escaped and then drove Ali’s head into the steps with a meteora. But Miguel hurt his own knee in the process. 

Back in the ring, Miguel caught Ali with a rana and a German suplex. Ali went for a back suplex, but Miguel flipped through. Ali drove Miguel into the mat with a DDT. Miguel came back with a spinning DDT of his own for a near fall. 

Ali hit a dropkick on Miguel, but Miguel rolled through and came back with his own dropkick. Ali went for his rolling neckbreaker, but Miguel avoided it and stomped Ali for a near fall. 

Ali and Miguel fought up to the top rope. Ali yanked Miguel down to the mat with a top rope Spanish Fly and got a near fall. Ali went to the top and went for a 450, but dove right into a cutter from Miguel. Ali dropped to the floor, and Miguel slid out and hit a spinning DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Miguel came off the top with a meteora and cradled Ali, but Ali kicked out at two. 

Miguel came up favoring his knee. Steelz jumped up onto the ring apron, and the Great Hands smacked Miguel with the Borg helmets from their entrance. Ali then came off the top with the 450 splash and got the pinfall. 

Match Result: Mustafa Ali is your NEW TNA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION via pinfall (12:40). 

Put all the belts on Ali; he’s fantastic. After the match, Carlos Silva came to the ring to present Ali with the belt, but Steelz cut him off, and handed the belt to the new champion.

— Gia Miller tried to interview Lei Ying Lee in the back, who cried because Xia Brookside turned on her. 

And now I’m about to cry… 

Back to the Undead Realm 

All Rosemary wanted was for Abyss to be happy, and Rosemary left Abyss and James Mitchell to cry over his treatment on WWE:Unreal (I’m guessing). 

Victoria Crawford and Tessa Blanchard wandered around the Undead Realm, and someone screamed.

Mitchell apologized to Abyss for some bad TNA angles from 20 years ago about parallel universes where he was a father at 8. Abyss said Mitchell didn’t owe him an apology, since they were dominant. Abyss reminisced about winning the TNA World title from Sting (which was actually the NWA World Title) and then beating up Christian Cage, AJ Styles and Sabu. Mitchell talked about beginning in kindergarten, when he said he wanted to be “a mad scientist” and that resulted in some parent-teacher conferences. They did “Click, DOOMSDAY!” and Abyss disappeared and WHAT WAS THE POINT OF ANY OF THIS?

The Hardys v. Bear Bronson & Brian Myers for the TNA World Tag Team Championship

The Hardys were dressed in all green and still selling the injuries from their table matches Thursday. 

The Hardys were the most over thing on the show by far. 

Matt Hardy sold injured ribs, coming up holding his side after a fist drop. Matt deleted Brian Myers head into the turnbuckles. Matt took Myers down with a Side Effect for a near fall. The fight went to the floor, where Bronson body blocked Matt. Myers then drove Matt into the ring apron. 

Back in the ring, Bronson dropped an elbow on Matt. Bronson drove his shoulder into Matt’s ribs. Matt took off his shirt and had a DDP tribute tape job on his ribs. Matt went for a sunset flip, but Bronson sat on Hardy. 

Myers tagged in and worked over Matt’s ribs with a bearhug on the mat. Myers drove Matt to the mat with a back suplex. Myers charged at Matt and ran into a Twist of Fate. 

Jeff got the tag and went low on Bronson with a dropkick. Jeff dropped a double-leg in Bronson’s midsection for a near fall. Bronson blocked a Twist of Fate and hit a Black Hole Slam. Myers came off the top with an elbow, but Matt broke up the pinfall attempt. 

Matt and Myers brawled on the floor, and took each other out with a double clothesline on the floor. 

Back in the ring, Bronson and Jeff exchanged “Boo!/Yay!” punches. Jeff caught Bronson with a jawbreaker, then bent him backwards with the “Spinal Destination.” Myers broke up the hold before Jeff could get the submission. 

Matt and Jeff hit Myers with the plot twist, and he flew out to the floor. Jeff and Matt hit Poetry in (Slow) Motion, and Matt called for the Twist of Fate. Matt hit Bronson with the Twist of Fate. Jeff went to the top for the Swanton, but Myers yanked Jeff down off the top, snapping Jeff’s injured arm against the mat. Myers backdropped Matt over the top, and then Bronson drove Jeff into the mat with a sit-out tombstone (Myers added a superkick right before Bronson delivered the final impact). 

Match Result: Bear Bronson & Brian Myers defeated The Hardys to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship (10:21)

— Moose wanted to take Alisha Edwards to the hospital, but she needs to stick around for the main event. 

On Impact Thursday: KC Navarro v. AJ Francis, EC3 for Eric Young. 

Eddie Edwards v. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship

Two members of the band Downstait shout lyrics to the System’s entrance music. 

The crowd was behind Santana, but it was nothing like how they were cheering for the Hardys. 

There was some good mat work early on to start. Both guys exchanged arm drags. Edwards evaded the rolling cutter, and Santana dodged the Boston Knee Party. Edwards dropped to the floor to regroup. 

Edwards and Santana exchanged shoulder blocks. Santana ran through a chop from Edwards and floored him with a tackle, and again Edwards dropped to the floor to regroup. This time, Santana followed him. Edwards lured Santana back into the ring, but he avoided another Boston knee Party. Santana caught Edwards with a moonsault off the middle rope, then followed him to the floor with a dive. Santana went for a frog splash, but Edwards moved out of the way. 

Edwards got a near fall off of a tiger bomb. Edwards tossed Santana to the floor. Edwards followed, and Santana back suplexed Edwards onto the ring apron. Santana went for the rolling lariat, but Edwards ducked and Santana smacked his arm against the ring post. Edwards tossed Santana into the steel stairs. Santana’s daughter scolded Edwards from her seat at ringside, and Edwards drove Santana’s arm into the ring steps. 

Edwards tossed Santana back into the ring. The crowd chanted for Santana while Edwards worked over his injured arm.  Edwards tossed Santana into the ringpost shoulder-first. Edwards used an armbar to work over Santana’s injury. Santana hit Edwards with a flying clothesline, but injured his arm further delivering the move. 

Santana caught Edwards with an enziguri, hit him with the “Outline in Chalk,” a cannonball, and a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Santana hit a frog splash for two. 

Edwards crawled out to the apron. Santana followed, and Edwards sent him shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Edwards hit an enziguri, the dropped Santana with a fisherman’s buster. But the impact also sent Edwards down to the floor. 

Edwards went to the other side of the ring and pulled up some of the protective mats, exposing the concrete floor. Edwards set up a tiger bomb on the concrete, but Santana escaped and floored Edwards with a death valley driver on the concrete. 

The referee started to count both men out, and they both got back into the ring at nine. They hit each other with boots, then floored each other with a double-clothesline. 

With both guys on the mat, Alisha Edwards limped out to the ring with crutches and her ankle taped out. Moose soon followed (with entrance music). He pointed to the Silva-Screen, and video played exposing that Alisha’s ankle wasn’t hurt! And she left Eddie a voice memo that she’d be there to help him win the title. 

Moose stalked Alisha, but Bronson and Myers jumped him. Santana took them out with a dive, but then Edwards hit Santana with the Boston Knee Party. Santana kicked out at two. Alisha fed Eddie a crutch, but the ref took it. Moose hit Eddie with a spear behind the ref’s back. Santana went for the cover, the ref counted two, Edwards did not kick out, but the ref didn’t count the pinfall anyway. 

The referee sent Alisha to the back, and she was carried there by Moose. Cedric Alexander tried to interfere, but Santana took him out with a rolling cutter. Edwards hit another Boston Knee Party, but Santana kicked out again. 

Edwards tried for a kick, but Santana blocked it and hit the rolling lariat. But his arm was too hurt. Edwards hit another knee, but Santana absorbed that, hit a rolling lariat, then hit another lariat, and got the pinfall. 

Match Result: Mike Santana pinned Eddie Edwards to retain (19:12). 

After the match, Moose came back out to exchange a look with Santana, who celebrated despite his injured arm. 

Final Thoughts:

What was good was pretty good, but what was bad was epically bad. I’m so tired of the Undead Realm stuff. I did like the ending of turning the Alisha Edwards turn on its head by having Moose expose the subterfuge to render it ineffective. The X-Division and International Title matches, and the Moose/Agent Zero match were all very good.

Dani Luna releases teaser video following TNA exit

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dani Luna is teasing what’s next.

After Luna’s final match in TNA aired on Thursday’s Impact, she shared a video on social media asking a simple question: what’s next? The video started with Luna walking around back home in the United Kingdom, admitting in a voiceover that her next move does scare her.

“If it doesn’t scare you, maybe it’s not worth doing,” she admitted.

“And I know that you see it. I know that you do. But it’s not enough anymore,” she continued. “We must walk through the fire to truly come out inevitable this time. And I would kick through the crust of the Earth to prove to you that I am one of the best in the world. But maybe, maybe I don’t have to.”

In her final match on Thursday, Luna lost to Jada Stone. It was reported following TNA Sacrifice late last month that Luna had requested her release. At the time, it was said that there was “no bad-blood” between Luna and TNA.

Luna joined TNA in 2023 and was best known for her tag team with Jody Threat, winning the TNA Knockouts Tag Team titles together on two occasions. They were also named Knockouts Tag Team of the Year in 2024. 

Kenny Omega wants wrestling companies to ‘play nice with each other’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kenny Omega would like to see more collaboration within the wrestling business.

One of the biggest wrestling stories this week was TNA Wrestling pulling its talent from upcoming indie matches against AEW stars. Omega spoke with The Takedown on SI about the situation and expressed his belief that the pro wrestling industry as a whole still has untapped potential. He believes working together would help elevate everyone.

“If you’re in a bubble for too long and you failed to realize what exists outside your bubble and how small your bubble is, and in this case, we’re talking about professional wrestling, I think you start to run into problems like this where someone will think that they’re better than somebody else, and that there is no reason to work together, and they don’t see the upside,” Omega said.

“They can only look at the negatives and the downsides. And I still think that we’re in a place where professional wrestling can still be more than what it is. And I do think that if there were situations where we could all play nice with each other, then I really do think that business as a whole would move in towards more of a positive direction, we’d see more of a positive trend.”

Omega understands that, with the money involved in wrestling, a potential barrier to working together is each promotion wanting to look the strongest. He believes that issue is solvable — and he thinks Tony Khan would be willing to hear him out when pitching potential collaborations.

“I do think that at the end of the day, if everyone were to really just sit down and figure out a way to make it happen, it’s more than doable,” Omega said. “We’ve seen it in other sports, other forms of media. This isn’t just a thing that’s unique to professional wrestling…

“I really do think that with how passionately I do feel about working together with everybody and anybody, that I think Tony would hear me out and also entertain the idea as well. I think it’d be great for fans, and I think at the end of the day, too, it’s only a net-positive for all of professional wrestling.”

A scheduled indie match between MJF and Nic Nemeth was one of the bouts that has fallen through with TNA’s recent change. TNA President Carlos Silva has cited “partner conflicts” as the reason behind the promotion’s decision.

MJF is the current AEW World Champion — but that could change this weekend. He’s defending the title against Omega at Sunday’s Dynasty pay-per-view in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

April 13, 2026 Observer Newsletter: AEW Dynasty preview, much discussed Pat McAfee WrestleMania 42 angle, TNA talent controversy

Posted on by F4W Staff

It was another huge news week and Dave Meltzer’s new Wrestling Observer Newsletter recounts it all and then some.

He previews this Sunday’s AEW Dynasty card, headlined by AEW World Champion MJF vs. former champion Kenny Omega.

Dave looks back at last Friday’s much discussed angle that introduced Pat McAfee into the Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes mix, whose idea is what, and what could mean creatively for the future. He also gives a look at the final week before WrestleMania 42 next weekend.

Dave also delves into the controversial moves by TNA pulling talent from indie shows where they were set to face AEW talent.

He also recaps NJPW Sakura Genesis and the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion being crowned, NXT Stand & Deliver, CMLL, and the rest of the news in another wild pro wrestling and MMA week.

Click here to read (sub needed)

Abyss makes surprise TNA return

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Abyss is back in TNA!

On the April 9 episode of TNA Impact, fans witnessed the long-awaited return of Abyss. Tonight’s episode featured an Undead Realm segment with Tessa Blanchard and Father James Mitchell. The Undead Realm also consisted of Mara Sade and Rosemary.

As the episode continued, the segment showed Rosemary opening up to Sade about her collecting the seven deadly sins and then leading her to Allie.

Rosemary then met with Father James Mitchell and asked for a favor. However, when Mitchell suggested that nothing was free in the Undead Realm, Rosemary led her into a room with TNA veteran Abyss. The TNA Hall of Famer then bowed down in front of Mitchell and said, “Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.” The segment then concludes with a “To be continued” note.

The Undead Realm also featured appearances from Victoria Crawford as well as Mila Moore, who was then abducted by Havok.

Viewers need to stay tuned to learn more about Abyss’ TNA return. Abyss, real name Chris Park, currently works as a producer for WWE and has been with the company since 2019.

Nic Nemeth explains Carlos Silva’s decision to cancel MJF match

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth has now opened up in detail about TNA President Carlos Silva’s decision to scrap his match against MJF.

After a recent back-and-forth on social media, a match was recently booked for Create-A-Pro Wrestling, where TNA’s Nemeth was scheduled to go against current AEW World Champion MJF. However, just days before the event, Silva scrapped the match. Other matches featuring TNA wrestlers against AEW wrestlers were also canceled.

Speaking to Youngstown Studio, Nemeth opened up on the canceled match and Silva’s explanation for it.

“So a lot of things happened at once. I was out of the country doing a couple of UK dates and I found out that a couple of different things were happening. Our President Carlos Silva is very open when it comes to a lot of things, behind the scenes deals, things people don’t always know about, we put out there, he’s very open to constantly being ‘here’s why I can’t do this thing,’” Nemeth said.

“We had a phone call, he said, because of certain deep into contractual obligations, certain companies might have crossover with certain other companies that we are with their rival, or a streaming service, or a cable company. He goes ‘because of the situation, and it’s debatable, and there’s a few of them, we have to do the right thing now’. It’s gonna be a hard choice, but long-term it covers their butts legally for everything,” Nemeth concluded.

Nemeth is now scheduled to face Bear Bronson, while MJF will feature in an open challenge match.

Nic Nemeth shares his own feelings on the canceled MJF match

In the same appearance, he further opened up and shared his own feelings about the match getting canceled.

“I’m crushed, obviously, because you can have the business aspect, you explained to me and showed me the legal basis of why we can’t do this right now, but also the part where I was like ‘this is such a cool thing that’s gonna happen,’ Nemeth continued.

“Rarely you get these extra special cool moments, dudes from other companies, dudes from other generations, or in this case both, where you you know it’s going to be good, and big, and awesome and you just can’t get it done, and I’m absolutely crushed, because I go ‘this is gonna be something special down the line’.”

Nemeth further added that he is determined to make his match against MJF happen no matter how long it takes.

“I like to let everyone know once in a while I can still go, I don’t get tired, I got my stamina from St. Eds and Kent State wrestling team, it’s never going away. I want to show anybody, whether they’re 28, or 35, or the next guy who’s got the torch for AEW for the next 20 years, which really appears to be MJF dominating, I wanted to go ‘hey listen, I can go too, and I want to see if you can hang with me’. This is something we thought we’d never see; that’s what makes it extra special.”

TNA Impact live results: The Hardys vs. The Righteous Tables match

Posted on by Joseph Collins

TNA Wrestling presents Impact on AMC tonight.

This week’s episode was taped at the Alario Center just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana on March 28, 2026.

Advertised for the show is a contract signing segment for TNA Rebellion with TNA World Champion Mike Santana and Eddie Edwards.

The TNA World Tag Team Championships will be on the line tonight as Matt and Jeff Hardy defend against Vincent and Dutch of The Righteous in a tables match.

Elayna Black will be in singles action on the show. She will take on Myla Grace. Frankie Kazarian vs. BDE and Jada Stone vs. Dani Luna are also scheduled.

Appearances from Mustafa Ali, Ricky Sosa, and Taryn Terrell are also advertised.

The full lineup for the show:

  • The Hardys (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch) in a tables match for the TNA World Tag Team titles
  • Elayna Black vs. Myla Grace
  • BDE vs. Frankie Kazarian
  • Dani Luna vs. Jada Stone
  • Ricky Sosa appears

Our live coverage begins at 9 p.m. Eastern.

***********

Taped! From New Orleans. 

Tom Hannifan & Matthew Rehwoldt were on commentary. 

TNA World Title Contract Signing

Daria Rae and Santino Marella were in the ring with a table covered in the “TNA” logo. Of course Rae and Marella were arguing with each other. Marella would take the mic to introduce Edwards, but then Rae would cut him off to bring out Eddie Edwards. Same with Mike Santana. Edwards took a mic and talked about how he and Santana took similar paths in TNA, but when the going got tough, Edwards stayed but Santana went on to greener pastures. Edwards even stayed when TNA “was being laughed at.” (I laughed at “was”). But the grass wasn’t greener in the shadow of the “Inner Circle” (crowd: “Oooh…”), and now he’s back in TNA. 

Santana responded that even though he left, he came back because his heart was still in TNA. Edwards was content to stay because he was “comfortable and complacent,” and Santana went out to test himself. Santana “turned down more money than [Edwards] would ever touch,” to come back and build something in TNA. Edwards may be the “foundation,” but Santana took a sledgehammer to the foundation of TNA to rebuild it. Santana does it for the fans and his family. 

Edwards tried to bait Santana into attacking him by mentioning his daughter. But Santana didn’t go for the bait, instead turning it on Edwards by saying his wife left Edwards for Moose. Cedric Alexander came in and jumped Santana from behind, but Leon Slater came in to save Santana. The babyfaces stood tall and Slater hit both Edwards and Alexander with a flip dive over the ringpost. 

— AJ Francis rejected an offer to play for the Cleveland Browns to learn how to wrestle for free. He also hates Nic Nemeth, who has taken more opportunities from him than he’d care to talk about. Francis attacked Nic at Sacrifice, and he’ll finish the job at Rebellion. 

Dani Luna v. Jada Stone 

Tasha Steelz joined the commentary team for this match. 

Stone caught Luna with a rana that sent her to the floor. She hit her with a dive on the floor, but got distracted by Steelz on commentary. Luna attacked Stone from behind, then murdered her dead with a powerbomb on the ring apron. 

Luna knocked Stone back to the floor with a dropkick. Luna bent Stone’s arms backwards with a surfboard. Steelz was pretty bad on commentary. Luna bent Stone’s leg back so her toes touched the back of her head. Luna put Stone in a torture rack. Stone escaped, but ran right into a big boot from Luna. 

Luna missed a dive in the corner, but clobbered Stone with a clothesline from behind. Stone escaped a back suplex and caught Luna with a rana, missed a handspring in the corner, but caught Luna with an enziguri. Stone hit a split-legged moonsault for a near fall. 

Luna hit a backbreaker, then turned that into a sit-out powerbomb for another near fall. Stone caught Luna with a victory roll for a near fall. Luna floored Stone with a forearm. Stone sent Luna into the turnbuckles with a head scissors, then hit what looked like a Sky Twister Press for the victory. 

Match Result: Jada Stone pinned Dani Luna (10:11). 

After the match, Steelz laid out Stone with a clothesline from behind. 

This felt too long.

Injury Report: 

  • Nic Nemeth is OUT, but expected to be cleared for Rebellion. 
  • Tessa Blanchard is banged up, but cleared. 
  • Jody Threat is banged up and OUT. 
  • Matt Hardy is cleared, despite his ribs not being 100%. 

— Elijah walked around the graveyards of New Orleans. A young kid walked him over to his father’s grave, but it was just a set up for Frankie Kazarian to attack him with a stone. And then Kazarian stiffed the kid on his payoff! 

Taryn Terrell Addressed Her Hometown 

Terrell came out to thank the fans and her family for supporting her. Terrell said her career didn’t end on her terms, and she’s watched TNA grow since she left. She watched Mickie James come back for the Knockouts Division, and then saw Ash dragging James’ name through the mud. 

This brought out the rest of the Elegance Brand, who trashed Terrell for trying to coast off the success of the Elegance Brand. The Concierge pointed out that Terrell was all alone, and on the “Silva Screen” (the big screen in the arena) showed ODB and Mickie James laid out in the back. The Elegance Brand attacked her 4-on-1 and beat up some security geeks as well. Mr. Elegance slammed Terrell, and the Knockout Champions hit her with “Nip and Tuck.” 

This pay-per-view feels very thrown together.

— Santino’s finally had enough of Stacks and Arianna Grace, and smacks Stacks. Stacks and Grace ran into the women’s locker room for safety. This gave Marella pause (he didn’t want to enter women’s locker room), until Indi Hartwell came along, poked her head in and gave him the all clear. They went in, the sounds of a fight could be heard behind the door. Eventually Marella and Hartwell emerged victorious. And Hartwell even got the Cobra back for Santino! 

Frankie Kazarian v. BDE

Ryan Nemeth was on commentary, kind of trashing his brother. That was weird.

Kazarian outwrestled BDE early. BDE came back with a lung blower and a blockbuster off the middle rope. BDE escaped a chickenwing. He went for the springboard cutter, but Kazarian caught him with a back stabber, then locked in the chickenwing to get the submission.  

Match Result: Kazarian won by submission (3:32). 

After the match, Nemeth attacked BDE. The lights went off, and when they came back up, Elijah was there to choke Kazarian with a towel before chasing him off. 

Elayna Black v. Myla Grace (w/ Harley Hudson) 

This is Grace’s first singles match on Impact. This match felt like they got their time cut and were trying to get all their stuff in in four minutes. Grace got a near fall with a twisting suplex. Black hit her finish, “The Blackout” which looked like a jumping neckbreaker with no real impact. 

Match Result: Black pinned Grace (3:32). 

— Daria Rae told Santino Marella that he was suspended indefinitely (for assaulting talent and invading the women’s locker room). Indi Hartwell tried to come to Marella’s defense, but when she bumped into Rae, Rae decided that was assault, and suspended her, too. 

I was pretty excited when Daria Rae showed up. I used to really like her in WWE. Now I wish she’d go away.

Gia Miller Interviewed Ricky Sosa  

Miller brought out Ricky Sosa, and officially welcomed him to TNA Wrestling. Miller asked Sosa what he’s set his sights on, but before he could really answer Eric Young came out and took the mic. He called Sosa a “pretender” and a “wannabe,” while Young is forever, and everything flows through him. Young chastised the crowd for doing Sosa’s “Bang! Bang! Sosa! Sosa!” chant. Young caught Sosa with a sucker punch, and they fought into the ring. 

In the ring, Sosa backdropped his way out of a piledriver attempt, then caught Young with a pair of running forearms in the corner. But Young caught Sosa with a forearm while he celebrated, then dropped him with a piledriver. The kid sold the piledriver like a million bucks, bouncing a good three feet off the mat. 

Tessa in the Undead Realm

James Mitchell was Tessa’s “Concierge” in the undead realm. In another part of the realm, Rosemary laid out their mission to Mara Sade—that they were collecting sins. Allie appeared. “Didn’t you die?” Also wandering around is Mila Moore. Rosemary sent Allie and Sade off on a “side quest.” Victoria Crawford is also wandering around in a hallway with some severed heads. There’s some screaming and Rosemary is listening to the radio. 

Rosemary’s eyes are black, and she’s talking to Mila Moore telepathically, or something. And then Moore was grabbed by Havoc. James Mitchell just finished up singing “My Way” and met up with Rosemary. Rosemary leads Mitchell to Abyss. And this is “To Be Continued…” 

If any of the last two paragraphs makes any sense at all, believe me, that was not my intention. 

Order 4 and Mustafa Ali

Mustafa Ali is in the crowd with Order 4. Ali wasn’t interested in addressing the crowd, but did want to address International Champion Trey Miguel. Miguel came out, and Ali apologized for all the misunderstandings, especially with what happened to Jada Stone. Ali has no issue with Miguel or him being International Champion, but Ali does has a problem with TNA’s fans and their love of “second chance champions.”

All the TNA champions are screw ups who need a second chance, and it’s okay because all the TNA fans will cheer them on. And Ali realized why he’s not a champion in TNA, because he doesn’t need a second chance. He doesn’t “mess up” or “have a shady past.” He “doesn’t get arrested” or have “substance abuse problems.” Ali’s never had a parking ticket even! Ali will never be a champion in TNA because he’s too good for TNA! Preach, Ali, preach!

Miguel grabbed the mic from Ali and called him a scumbag. Miguel said that TNA welcomed him back because he treated TNA like family. But Ali noted that Miguel’s family “isn’t here anymore.” Miguel did get a pretty good line about “Tweetle Dee, Tweedle Dumb, Mutombo and Raggedy Anne” but Ali otherwise owned him on the mic.

Ali told Order 4 to leave so he could fight Miguel one on one, but the second Miguel got the advantage, Order 4 pounced. Agent Zero went to chokeslam Miguel, but Moose ran in and made the save. Ali ate a superkick from Miguel and a spear from Moose. Miguel went to the top to dive on Ali, but the Great Hands dragged him out of the ring.

— Ryan Nemeth v. BDE has been added to Rebellion. 

The Hardys v. The Righteous in a Tables Match for the TNA World Tag Team Titles

The Hardys v. The Righteous in a Tables Match for the TNA World Tag Team Titles

First Fall

The fight started out on the floor. To win, one team has to “offensively drive” both of their opponents through a table. Hannifan said the tables match was “the Hardys match.” I thought that was the ladder match? Eh, I guess they’re getting too old to climb up ladders every night. 

The Hardys isolated Vincent in the ring. They took him out with a legdrop. Then the Hardys dropped to the floor and whipped Dutch into the ring steps. Back in the ring, they set up Vincent for a top rope elbow through a table, but Vincent got out of the way and Hardy went through the table (but since he put himself through the table, it doesn’t count). 

With Matt out of commission, Vincent and Dutch double-teamed Jeff. They tried to whip Jeff into a table propped up in the corner, but Jeff… just kind of stopped to avoid going through the table. Matt came back and he and Jeff deleted Vincent and Dutch’s heads into the turnbuckles. The Hardys then hit Vincent and Dutch in opposite corners with Poetry in (Slow) Motion. 

The fight went to the floor, and Jeff sent Dutch into and over the steel steps. Matt sent Vincent headfirst into the A Game Beverage Hydration Station (aka the announce table) and Hannifan talked about Vincent taking a bottle into the eye. 

Matt spat a drink into Dutch’s face. Jeff pulled a ladder out from underneath the ring. Jeff hit Vincent with a broom. Matt positioned Dutch onto the table and Jeff started to climb the ladder, but Vincent pulled Jeff off the ladder. Vincent DDT’d Jeff on the floor. Vincent then smashed the ladder with a chair to render it unclimbable. 

Vincent and Dutch set up the Hardys for a pair of suplexes that would have sent them crashing through tables on the floor, but they both escaped. Dutch set up Jeff on a table on the floor. Dutch went to the middle rope to splash Jeff through the table, but Matt caught him, and the Hardys slammed Dutch through the table at about 11:40. 

Second Fall 

Vincent immediately put Matt though a table at 11:50. 

Final Fall

Vincent missed a swanton in the ring and dropped to the floor. Matt hit Vincent with a Twist of Fate on the floor. Matt set up Vincent on a table on the floor. Jeff then came off the top with a Swanton through the table on the floor. 

Match Result: The Hardys retained the World Tag Team Titles (13:16). 

After the match, Carlos Silva presented the tag team titles to The Hardys, and now the Hardys will face Bear Bronson and Brian Myers at Rebellion. While the Hardys celebrated, Dutch attacked them and sent Jeff through the table propped up in the corner. 

Daily Update: WWE notes, GCW-AEW, Slammiversary

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
  • Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
  • Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
  • AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
  • The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
  • It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
  • Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
  • A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
  • A super hot match to watch on AAA
  • A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
  • Current Tiger Mask retires
  • Best of the Super Junior tournament update
  • Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
  • Hodge trophy winner looked at
  • Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
  • Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
  • Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
  • American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
  • Rebellion notes
  • Lots of injury updates and business notes
  • Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
  • Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
  • Brody King talks the chants
  • Tony Khan and his enemies
  • Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
  • Crazy Dana White story
  • Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
  • Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
  • Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
  • Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

WWE

  • WrestleVotes reports that The Usos’ new theme music has been “tabled” after the crowd reaction it received when it debuted on the March 30 episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden.
  • Nattie shared video of Jacob Fatu training at The Dungeon last night ahead of WrestleMania: “So proud of @jacobfatu_wwe and how hard he’s been working with us since last year. It’s awesome to watch him build and help others in the process.”
  • Trick Williams spoke to Sun Sport about his transition from NXT to the main roster:
    • Man, I have to just say, everything that they’ve asked me to do hasn’t been good, it’s been great. It’s literally been a home run.
    • Them allowing me to talk and do my thing, but at the same time, you know, taking what I do and sending it to the nebula –  like Booker T said the other day – sending everything to the nebula, to the next level, that’s what Triple H is really good at.
    • He took my entrance that was already very good and made it spectacular and that’s what they do at the main roster, I think, better than anybody.
    • You know, if you learn how to do something with a little bit, then they can take a little bit and make it a lot, cause once they put their creative juices to it, it’s just gonna go crazy.
    • So I’m grateful for everybody who’s reached out and helped the whoop that trick experience. Triple H, Michael Hayes, Bruce [Prichard] – all of them.
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Liv Morgan said she’s not feeling any extra pressure heading into WrestleMania:
    • Not right now, and not in a bad way. I don’t know. I feel like since I’ve come back from my injury, I’m very much just trying to stay in the moment and be present. Obviously, WrestleMania is heavy on my mind, but I’m not feeling any anxiety or pressure yet. I’m just kind of taking everything day by day and just preparing as best as I can. So no, I don’t feel pressure right now in this moment.
  • Jade Cargill responded to a fan who claimed that she is on PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs):
    • I was going to read you for filth. But it’s no point. Long story short. No, I’m not on anything. I have GREAT genetics and I work hard. You can look at my brother and see my genetics. This clip is when I found out about my neck issues which affected my lifting. I swear yall will try to discredit me for anything. I’ve ALWAYS been muscular. But I see you can use a meal plan.
    • Plus WWE drug tests us like crazy. Next subject idiot.
  • Logan Paul uploaded a new vlog. 
  • WWE’s YouTube channel added the complete Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns matches from WrestleMania 39 and 40.
  • WWE Vault shared the company’s full March to WrestleMania VIII special from 1992.

Other Wrestling

  • Darby Allin told IHeartMedia that it’s “hard to say” whether it would be sweeter to face MJF or Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship:
    • Yes, because me and Max have gone at it for years, way before AEW on the independents we were at each other’s throats. So to take that from him, somebody that is literally my polar opposite, would mean everything. But on the flip side, if Kenny Omega’s champion, that’s a first time ever match. Something that a lot of people never thought they’d see. I would never think I would’ve ever saw that. I was never in that realm at the time with Kenny and New Japan [Pro Wrestling] and everything like that.
    • To be world champion is everything because I feel this company has given me everything outside the ring and inside the ring. To be the face of this company I truly feel like you need to be that world champion so this week is pretty much do or die.
  • David Benoit was at Dynamite in Edmonton last night and shared backstage photos with Chris Jericho, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, and Ricochet.
  • MJF appeared on The Adam Friedland Show.
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey reflected on last week’s title eliminator match against MJF during an interview with Undisputed:
    • That match against MJF feels like what I’ve been preparing for my entire career. When I was banned from traveling to the US [due to immigration issues], I was always number-one on those lists of ‘the best wrestlers you’ve never heard of.’ Then I came to TNA, and I became ‘one of the best wrestlers you’ve kind of heard of.’ Now I’m where the best wrestle, fighting the champion.
    • MJF is in a great position right now in AEW. He’s the champion, he’s the number one guy. He is the best at what he does. There has never been a better MJF in history than MJF. I think that was a great first encounter. I have a feeling there will be more, and I feel like that was a very good starting point.
  • GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale commented on the promotion’s relationship with AEW/Tony Khan:
    • There have been bumps in the road but the truth is that Tony Khan and AEW have been good to GCW since day one, both publicly & privately. I am grateful and thankful that they continue to allow their talent to perform on our events.
  • In an interview with The Takedown on SI, Amazing Red had high praise for Mercedes Mone:
    • First of all, Mercedes Mone – amazing. She’s always been loyal man. Always just coming back to us [House of Glory] and knowing her roots. That’s how I am. So, I love that more about her… Ever since she came up to our school when we were in the other venue, like a little bodega store in Queens, actually. She came by and she’s like, I want to go over this match with you and run some spots and work out with you guys. And we’re looking at her because at this point, she’s in NXT. What you doing here?
    • I don’t care what anybody says about her. You cannot work like this girl. This girl works. She comes in just to talk and chill, but decides to bring her wrestling shoes and her gear and trains and sweats, and then talks about wrestling. As someone that loves pro wrestling like her, I don’t see a reason not to be around her.
  • TNA issued a statement to The Takedown on SI regarding Slammiversary taking place in Boston after initially being planned for Long Island. In the statement, TNA confirmed that potential logistical issues presented by the World Cup played a factor in the June 28 PPV’s location:
    • We are super excited to bring Slammiversary to the Agganis Arena at Boston University for the first time ever.
    • We also are well aware, as the world likely is, of the logistical traffic issues expected in New York City in late June, particularly with the World Cup in the area, NYC Pride, New York Mets home games and so much more.
  • Shotzi Blackheart, Trevor Lee, Ikuro Kwon, Donovan Dijak, Bishop Dyer, Diego Hill, KUSHIDA, Lady Frost, and Austin Aries have been announced for CMLL & MLW’s interpromotional event at Arena Mexico on May 1.
  • In partnership with Nike, Japanese women’s wrestling promotion Sukeban will be holding a show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on May 19.