It may be old news by now, but the debut of TNA Impact on AMC still warrants plenty of discussion. With barely 20 minutes of wrestling stretched thin across two hours, was anything on this show successful?
We’ll talk about those three wrestling matches—the Hardys & Elijah vs. Order 4, the Iinspiration vs. the Elegance Brand for the Knockouts tag titles, and Mike Santana challenging Frankie Kazarian for the world heavyweight title—and how they all could have gone better.
And we’ll also look at all the talking, and I do mean ALL the talking. AJ Styles! A bunch of actors I’ve never heard of! WWE castoffs you barely remember, rehashing angles you’d love to forget! The thrilling payoff to the search for Mr. Elegance, which made no sense to regular viewers or newcomers! And the long-awaited return of Dixie Carter!
So no, nothing was successful. But we’re going to talk about it anyway on the Big Vinny V Show!
While feedback from some has been negative regarding TNA Wrestling’s debut on the AMC network, AMC executives were reportedly “very happy” with the show.
PWInsider reports that the word around AMC on Friday was that executives who attended Thursday’s show at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas were pleased with what they saw.
“The word making its way around AMC yesterday was that execs on site at the Thursday Night Impact premiere were very happy with the show,” writes PWInsider’s Mike Johnson.
Bryan Alvarez addressed his feelings on the TNA AMC debut during the latest episode of The Bryan and Vinny Show. In particular, Alvarez was not a fan of the segment introducing Mr. Elegance to The Elegance Brand.
“Did anyone not leave during this segment? Did anyone stick around after this segment? Vince McMahon would have ridiculed this segment and went ‘No way we’re putting this on TV,'” Alvarez said on the show.
"I got to have the quarter hours for this show. Did anyone stick around after this segment?"
One of TNA’s greatest-ever legends will be in the building as the promotion kicks off a new era.
It was announced today that WWE star AJ Styles will make an appearance when TNA Impact premieres on AMC next Thursday. There are no further details on Styles’ role for the show — and it remains to be seen whether Styles will compete for TNA one last time prior to his retirement later this year.
“The premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC will be PHENOMENAL,” TNA announced. ” For the first time since Slammiversary, AJ Styles makes his jaw-dropping return to TNA Wrestling as a new era begins LIVE January 15 from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. What will ‘The Phenomenal One’ have in store as TNA Wrestling makes history once again?”
Styles, considered by most to be the greatest homegrown star in TNA history, returned at Slammiversary last summer for an appearance but did not wrestle on the show. He’s expressed doubt over whether another TNA match will happen for him, though TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian would love for a match between them to take place. Styles last competed for the promotion in 2013.
There is no set date for when Styles, 48, will be retiring from the ring yet, past that his final match will happen at some point in 2026.
Ahead of this TNA appearance, Styles will face off against Gunther in Germany this coming Monday.
Impact’s AMC premiere is set to air live from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time on January 15. Taking place from Garland, Texas, the episode is set to feature a TNA World Championship match with Kazarian defending against Mike Santana.
–The new issue of the Observer is out. The lead story on the WBD/Netflix/Paramount situation could end up being in hindsight the most important business story of this year as far as long-term ramifications to the scene. The second story on the TNA deal with AMC is also one of the major stories of the year. *A look at the Netflix/WBD proposed deal, how iit went down, what it entails, how this affects AEW, the AEW contract situation with WBD and what it entails and how long it is s well as fears in the entertainment industry if this goes through, as well as steps being taken by Paramount to get it blocked. *TNA signs a new TV deal with AMC, the early schedule, what is and isn’t true about the deal, as well as the power of AMC and how pro wrestling has affected and changed the ratings for all of its television partners with the most updated numbers, which also shows why it is still valuable programming. *A complete look at Survivor Series including how people viewed the show, changes that can be made to War Games to make it easier to watch, business notes on the show, overall interest level compared to recent PPV shows, where WWE goes from here, Netflix numbers outside the U.S. and more. *The history of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada, the making of their final match, where Shinsuke Nakamura fit in as well as AEW, WWE and CMLL, business notes, history, historical significance and how the story has played out since the start of the year. *A look at this weekend’s shows and odds *Les Hudspith aka Ringo Rigby, former U.K. wrestler who led a very interesting life, between judo, being a main eventer quick in the U.K., the political situation in the U.K. that led to his leaving, coming to the dying California promotion and thriving Mexican scene and crazy street brawls. *The most detailed look at the television ratings from the past week, placings, comparisons and more. *Coverage of one of the best Arena Mexico shows of the year including Claudio Castagnoi’s title win *The next major CMLL show, plus lots of big shows around the country *AAA and WWE combine for a big show with two great bouts, and what this leads to *End of Stardom tag team tournament *End of Dragon Gate tournament *Update on All Japan and New Japan tournaments *Who has the most five-star matches in 2025 *Real American Freestyle update and apparently business philosophy *Lots of AEW new shows *Detailed look at the Continental Classic including a decision to be made this week’ *Bryan Danielson talks injuries, if he can come back, Brie Bella coming back, retiring, traveling and more *Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows over the net five weeks *Is AEW really closing the gap on WWE as Tony Khan says, a look at different metrics *Tom Aspinall update *What UFC should do and won’t to make the Amanda Nunes vs. Kayle Harrisoni fight better and less risky *The sad plight of Nick Diaz *Nick Khan and Laurence Epstein push their version of the Ali Act *Rumors about Ronda Rousey fighting *TKO stock value update *How much has DwayneJohnson earned so far in his less than two years with WWE
John Cena revealed he will sit down with Tom Rinaldi again immediately after his match at Saturday Night’s Main Event: “What an honor to share time and conversation with Tom. The epitome of professionalism with insatiable curiosity and the comfort of speaking to a longtime friend. I promised him immediately after this conversation I would be back post 12/13 for another. Can’t wait for that and hope you enjoy this as much as I did.”
Becky Lynch responded to being on the poster for the Royal Rumble: “HUGE WIN!!! Big thanks to my ALL-STAR TEAM (The BEST People) for FIGHTING with management on my behalf. WE ARE FRONT and CENTER on the Royal Rumble 2026 poster! My team negotiated a full poster featuring JUST ME, however I’m a giver and ASKED to feature some of the up and coming talent. YOU’RE WELCOME!!! – BTB”
In a Sports Illustrated interview, TNA President Carlos Silva said AMC was involved in new TV deal talks from the very start: “What’s funny about it is, AMC was involved all along from the very beginning. And what was so interesting is there was so much chatter about all the networks that were interested in working with us, and AMC was always not in the mix until you started asking about it. A few people knew about it, maybe, over the last sort of 30, 60 days. AMC was in the mix the whole way. There was a number of networks in the mix throughout the process. But AMC was there with us the whole way, which was great.”
TNA President Carlos Silva believes his promotion’s new media rights deal is a game-changing one.
Earlier this week, it was announced that AMC will become the new television home of TNA Impact starting in the middle of January 2026. Financial details have not been publicly disclosed, but Silva is delighted that TNA is coming to one of the “foundational” cable networks in the United States.
Silva told the Battleground podcast that the biggest change for TNA with this deal will be the bigger audience and profile that AMC provides. He said TNA and AMC will be working closely together to help promote Impact across the network.
“Look, I think the first and most obvious [difference] is that AMC is a foundational cable network in America. It’s on the first page of everyone’s guide. It’s probably a network that you might have watched over the last couple of days already. You’re going to see promotion throughout the network every day about what’s going to be happening on Thursday Night Impact on AMC,” Silva said.
“And, you know, aside from all of the other integrations and things we can do together and the teams working together and the sponsor teams working together and the creative teams working together — we’re going to be on a network that everyone is going to be able to find, see, and with a big, huge audience. And that’s going to change the game for our wrestlers. It’s going to change the game for the team. It’s going to change the game for TNA.”
Silva said AMC doesn’t want to just stick Impact in a time slot on the channel. AMC wants to be a true partner and help TNA grow and do some new things together.
The premiere date for Impact on AMC is Thursday, January 15, 2026. The episode will air live from Garland, Texas on AMC and its streaming service AMC+.
According to TNA President Carlos Silva, WWE did not play a role in the negotiations for TNA’s new television deal.
TNA and AMC announced this week that the two sides have reached an agreement for AMC to become the new broadcast home of TNA Impact starting on January 15, 2026. While discussing the news with The Takedown on SI, Silva shot down rumors that WWE helped negotiate the deal for TNA. Silva said TNA negotiated it themselves with talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency) acting as its partner. Silva did keep WWE informed throughout the process, however.
“No, we did all the negotiations ourselves with me leading the charge on the TNA side, and then [Creative Artists Agency] leading the charge as our representative and our partner on the deal,” Silva said.
“Look, WWE and NXT are very important partners to us. So we kept them in the loop. They knew what was coming. They knew about the deal before you knew about the deal. But no, they’ve got their own deals. They’re very busy with their deals. So they let us go out and cut a deal and get on a major network. And I think they’re happy for us. And we were happy with the way it went.”
The press release announcing TNA and AMC’s deal highlighted the partnership with WWE NXT among the positives that TNA brings to the table. That partnership will be continuing, with Silva saying he hopes big things are ahead in 2026.
Starting with the January 15 episode, Impact will air on Thursday nights on AMC and AMC+ from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time.
TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian understands just how important the promotion’s new TV deal is.
It was announced on Tuesday that TNA and AMC have reached a multi-year deal to make AMC the new television home of Impact. Starting on January 15, 2026, Impact will be broadcast on AMC and AMC+ every Thursday. Kazarian discussed the news on Busted Open After Dark, saying being on AMC is a chance for TNA to show the world what the company is all about.
“I’m saying right now, now the work begins. A lot of work has gone into this, but it’s time to, you know, put up or shut up. It’s time to put our foot on the gas and really show the world, show a much bigger audience what TNA is all about and what we have been about for the past 20 years,” Kazarian said.
“AMC is a big, big player. And this is their first venture into the live sports avenue, but when you look at their scripted dramas they’ve had, I mean, some of the biggest shows of the last decade, two decades, when you’re talking about ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘Walking Dead’ and ‘Mad Men’ and all these incredible shows. So the bar is already pretty high for us, but I have full confidence in our team that we can give them something very, very special.”
Kazarian has been with TNA through many of the ups and downs the company has experienced. He’s excited to be on a platform like AMC — and he’s heard that AMC is just as excited to add TNA to its lineup of programming.
“AMC, from what I’ve [been] told and what I do know, the team there is beyond psyched to jump on board into this wacky world of pro wrestling and help us really present something unique and different,” Kazarian said.
The TNA World Championship changed hands last month when Kazarian defeated Mike Santana to win the title for the first time in his career. Kazarian’s plans for the first Impact episode on AMC have yet to be announced. With the episode, Kazarian is hoping that TNA is able to make viewers feel like they just watched something that is different than any other wrestling on TV.
“There’s so much in a very crowded marketplace right now in pro wrestling. If you’re a wrestling fan, it’s great,” he said. “But there’s wrestling on every night of the week. We have to step up and differentiate ourselves from everything else on television.”
The TNA Wrestling and WWE NXT relationship is still going strong heading into TNA’s new TV deal.
On Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that TNA and AMC have reached a multi-year media rights deal that will begin with the Thursday, January 15, 2026 episode of Impact. TNA President Carlos Silva appeared on Busted Open Radio following the announcement and addressed what this means for the TNA-NXT working relationship. Silva said the partnership remains ongoing — and he’s excited to see how it grows in 2026.
“Absolutely,” Silva responded when asked if the TNA-NXT relationship will continue. “It’s a big part of helping us get this deal. It’s a big part of now being able to almost give back a little and provide a big platform for some of those superstars as well. And so, absolutely. The storylines, the things we’re doing together, they’re just going to continue to grow into 2026,” Silva said.
“The last 5-6 months have been awesome, and I think there’s more to come. 2026 is just going to build off of that and be even bigger.”
WWE and TNA formally entered into their multi-year partnership in January 2025. In today’s press release announcing the TNA-AMC deal, the “groundbreaking” relationship with NXT was explicitly mentioned.
“TNA Wrestling in 2025 announced a ground-breaking, multi-year partnership with WWE and its NXT brand, thus WWE stars appear on TNA programming, and TNA stars appear on WWE shows,” the press release said. “In November, TNA stars Nic Nemeth and Matt Cardona, among others, appeared on WWE programming as well as Leon Slater, Xia Brookside, Léi Yǐng Lee and others were on WWE/NXT.”
The first Impact episode on AMC and AMC+ will air live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas on January 15.
TNA Wrestling officially has a new television home.
Confirming what had become increasingly likely over the past couple of weeks, it was announced today that TNA has reached a multi-year media rights deal with AMC. The deal begins on Thursday, January 15, 2026 with a live Impact episode from the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. Impact will be carried on both the AMC television channel and its streaming service AMC+.
Impact will now air from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time every week. That’s a slight change from the 8-10 p.m. Eastern slot the show had been airing in on AXS TV.
Despite rumors that Impact could potentially move to Wednesday nights as competition for AEW Dynamite, that will not be happening. The show is specifically branded as “Thursday Night Impact” in all press materials regarding the new TV deal.
“We are super excited to bring the in-ring excitement, energy and drama of TNA Wrestling to AMC,” TNA President Carlos Silva said in a press release. “TNA Wrestling heads into 2026 the hottest it has ever been — with intense rivalries and a fan base that loves the TNA stars. We cannot wait to expand the TNA audience with our new partner, AMC Networks, which has such a long and storied history of serving passionate and engaged fans across so many shows and franchises, through this new media rights deal.”
The press release announcing the deal touts the X-Division and Knockouts Division as being cornerstones of TNA, along with mentioning the “groundbreaking” partnership the promotion has with WWE NXT.
Dan McDermott, the Chief Content Officer of AMC Networks and President of AMC Studios, explained that his network and TNA fit together well because both sides put fans at the center of everything they do.
“TNA’s impressive growth and success is driven by the stories, characters and non-stop action fans love,” McDermott said. “We put fans at the center of everything we do, and TNA has built its brand and its programming around that same dedication and focus. What a great opportunity to come together and make Thursday Night iMPACT! a dynamic and entertaining weekly event on AMC and AMC+ starting next month.”
In the press release, no other TNA programming except for Impact is mentioned as being part of the deal.
Tickets for the January 15 episode of Impact are going on sale to the general public on December 11, with a pre-sale set to begin on December 9.
Week two of Impact on AMC will then be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, January 22. Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque is hosting that episode and what appears to be a TV taping the next night.
AMC is largely known for drama series like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and The Walking Dead but did previously work with Billy Corgan on a pro wrestling-related reality show in 2014 that never ended up airing.
Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
On Monday night, AMC posted a teaser video on social media showing a date of January 15, 2026 with a live crowd cheering. That would fall on a Thursday when TNA normally airs Impact on AXS TV. Shortly after, Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated reported that the belief is that TNA’s programming is heading to AMC Networks.
Fightful reported that the television deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday. TNA is scheduled to have a talent call that day to address the issue.
Back in October, President Carlos Silva said that TNA was now in active negotiations for a television deal. Reports throughout the year indicated that the CW was among the potential landing spots. The following month, Alba reported that TNA was expected to announce a new deal by the end of the year, citing “high-ranking industry sources.” He was also the first to report that AMC Networks had emerged as a potential home for the promotion.
AMC has a reach of around 60 million homes and has aired blockbuster television shows such as ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The Walking Dead.’ Sister networks include BBC America, Sundance TV, We TV, and IFC.
