Tag: TNA news

TNA Wrestling reveals 2025 year-end award winners

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On the Christmas night edition of Impact, TNA unveiled its year-end award winners for 2025.

Fan voting on social media determined the winners after TNA announced the slate of nominees earlier this month. Along with the fan-voted honors, TNA gave a special nod to Chris Bey, naming him the promotion’s Inspirational Wrestler of the Year. Bey broke his neck in a scary in-ring accident in late 2024 but has made incredible progress in his recovery, reaching the point where he’s now able to walk and live an independent life again.

Here is the full list of award winners:

  • Male Wrestler of the Year: Mike Santana
  • Knockout of the Year: Ash By Elegance
  • X-Division Star of the Year: Leon Slater
  • Tag Team of the Year: The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy)
  • Knockouts Tag Team of the Year: The Elegance Brand (Ash By Elegance, Heather By Elegance, M By Elegance)
  • Match of the Year: Mike Santana vs. Mustafa Ali falls count anywhere match from Rebellion
  • Moment of the Year: AJ Styles returns at Slammiversary
  • Crossover Moment of the Year: Joe Hendry faces Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41
  • Finishing Move of the Year: Leon Slater’s Swanton 450
  • Faction of the Year: The System (Moose, Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, JDC)
  • Inspirational Wrestler of the Year: Chris Bey

2026 will be an important year for TNA as the company debuts on a new television home. Impact premieres on AMC on January 15 and will air from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time every Thursday.

Daily Update: WWE notes, Athena, TNA Impact lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This issue includes the following topics:

  • A look at the Netflix/WBD proposed deal, how it went down, what it entails, how this affects AEW, the AEW contract situation with WBD and what it entails and how long it is as 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 Harrison 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 Dwayne Johnson earned so far in his less than two years with WWE

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans NXT Championship match from last night.
  • Kendal Grey was interviewed on Busted Open After Dark.
  • WWE put together a 12-minute video of fans giving farewell messages to John Cena.
  • After Cena acknowledged Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Golden Globe nomination on Instagram, Johnson responded: “Love ya man and as you know, always grateful for all you’ve done for the business we love. You are truly the GOAT. Bring your moonshine, I’ll bring the tequila”
  • Actor Timothee Chalamet joined Cody Rhodes on a new edition of his “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast.
  • While discussing Chalamet’s SAG Award speech about pursuing greatness, Rhodes explained why he hates nostalgia:
    • I hate nostalgia, but I love my business. I already know what these guys all did for us. Thank you. They’ve set a table that I get to eat at. But man, they can’t keep coming back. We had to – just from a wrestling perspective – we’ve got to move forward. I don’t want them coming back. And I don’t mean any disrespect. I want them to come to a show and sit and watch a show. Watch a show. Watch what they’ve done for their business.
    • But the idea of you saying it – it was something that I found, it definitely didn’t rub me the wrong way. It was incredibly appealing. And I don’t think enough people are in the pursuit of greatness or [they] are afraid to say it. Mediocrity loves company.
  • TV Insider asked Lilian Garcia if she’s ever thought about writing a book:
    • Yes, people ask me that especially when I was doing my podcast ‘Chasing Glory.’ We’ll see. It’s a lot of work. It’s a lot to unpack. I know there is that in me for sure and it will come out in the right timing. Things are still unfolding. I do want to share that when it comes to my dad passing away on Christmas day, there are a lot of people that will lose a loved one over the holidays and it’s hard for them to celebrate the holidays. I implore those people to please do the opposite. I celebrate the holidays even bigger. I do it in my father’s name. If I don’t have anything planned for Halloween night, I’m decorating. That’s how much now the holidays mean to me because I feel his presence. I want to share that. It can be tough when you lose someone during the holidays, but celebrate it even bigger. 

Other Wrestling

  • Athena’s ROH Women’s World Championship reign officially reached the three-year mark today. She’ll acknowledge the milestone with a championship celebration on Thursday’s ROH TV episode.
  • Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald interviewed Adam Copeland & Christian Cage.
  • RJ City made an appearance on Busted Open Radio.
  • Here is the announced TNA Impact lineup for this Thursday:
    • Dog collar match: Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell
    • Matt Cardona vs. Lexis King (winner earns advantage for their team in next week’s WarGames-style TNA vs. NXT steel cage match)
    • The Elegance Brand (Heather By Elegance & M By Elegance) vs. Harley Hudson & Myla Grace
    • Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards vs. Sinner & Saint (Judas Icarus & Travis Williams)
    • We’ll hear from The Hardys
    • X-Division title number one contender’s match: Jake Something vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Ryan Nemeth vs. Dezmond Xavier vs. BDE vs. Jason Hotch
  • Ayabe Ren & Taros were crowned the winners of AJPW Real World Tag League 2025.
  • Matthew Justice has been confirmed for MLW Battle Riot VIII, joining Hammerstone and Karl Anderson as the first three announced entrants. The 40-person match is being held in Florida on January 29.

TNA star Leon Slater pulled from weekend indie events

Posted on by Joseph Currier

TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater is set to miss two upcoming indie bookings, potentially setting the stage for an appearance at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Slater was set to wrestle at wXw’s 25th Anniversary show in Germany this Saturday and then head to the United Kingdom for Revolution Pro Wrestling Uprising 2025 on Sunday. He’s now been pulled from both of those dates. While there has been no confirmation of Slater’s plans, the obvious speculation would be that he’s missing these events so he can be at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.

At the wXw show, Slater was set to take part in a four-way match to crown the promotion’s new European Champion. Ricky Sosa, Zoltan, and Joseph Fenech Jr. are the other participants.

“Leon Slater has informed us that he will unfortunately no longer be available for #wXwAnniversary on Saturday,” wXW announced. We are working on a solution for his announced match.”

Slater has been removed from what was scheduled to be a three-way match at RevPro Uprising where Sha Samuels is defending the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship against Jay Joshua.

Along with starring for TNA, Slater has been featured in NXT and is part of a tag team with Je’Von Evans. They were both involved in the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge match at NXT Deadline this past weekend, which Evans won to earn an NXT Championship shot at New Year’s Evil 2026.

The December 13 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event is being headlined by John Cena vs. Gunther in Cena’s last match. The undercard will feature exhibition bouts pitting main roster talent against NXT wrestlers. Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi and Bayley vs. Sol Ruca have been announced so far.

Carlos Silva: AMC deal is going to ‘change the game’ for TNA

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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+.

Daily Update: Nick Khan-Pat McAfee, TNA, Hardys indie match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

We have the largest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in our history up on the site covering two very newsworthy weeks:

  • Full coverage of Full Gear. The good, the bad, the reaction, the business notes, reasons for the surprisingly good PPV number, thoughts on the world title change, long title reigns and how they create legends, and early Continental Classic thoughts.
  • Notes and odds regarding upcoming matches
  • UFC announces its first two shows of 2026, changes that the company is making and why the first two main events are so controversial
  • Full coverage of UFC 323
  • The life and times of Bob Caudle, the voice of Mid Atlantic wrestling and a Hall of Fame candidate
  • A detailed look at how and why the ratings have changed, why the explanation makes no sense, exactly how much the new panel and big data ratings have hurt each show and in particular where.
  • The most in-depth look at the ratings for all the shows over the past two weeks, placings for the week, placings in the time slot, men vs. women, how the placings compare to 2024 and 2023, and each show compared with the prior year and prior week, as well as the leading competition for each show.
  • Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, Komander, Mortos, Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight go to CMLL, draw big crowds and a look at their key matches
  • CMLL ready to honor a milestone it is close that no company has ever done in history
  • Notes on AAA’s new TV deal in Mexico and Latin America and who they are pushing as the top stars
  • WWE tag team taking the name of one of Mexico’s greatest tag teams in history
  • Updates on tag team tournaments in Stardom, New Japan and All Japan.
  • Wrestler suspended after getting in car accident and messing up a tournament
  • Update on Tokyo Dome ticket sales
  • Fantastica Mania 2026 notes
  • Battle of the Generations
  • RAF new philosophy and update
  • Santo’s final matches
  • Sting’s son has first singles match
  • Headbangers farewell tour
  • The oldest male wrestler in history has a match last week
  • Opera Cup notes
  • TNA business notes as well as notes on the next PPV show and the last major show
  • AEW TV changes
  • Final Battle updated card
  • Tony Khan on multiple subjects
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW and TNA shows
  • Two best in the world at their specific sport athletes are on UFC’s radar
  • Becky Lynch’s comments
  • Update on stockholders lawsuit against WWE
  • New WWE signings
  • WWE star talks about her domestic violence issue
  • WWE engagements
  • Bret Hart talks McMahon and Michaels and our thoughts on it

This Week’s Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • John Cena recorded an episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast that will be released on Thursday night.
  • On the Pat McAfee Show, WWE President Nick Khan praised Cena for how hard he works:
    • You talk about people who work their behinds off, who never say that they’re tired: Cena. You know him, you never hear him say, ‘I’m so tired, I can’t believe this, I have to do this or that.’ He just does it.
    • And you talk about the GOAT [Greatest of All Time], that’s GOAT mentality. He deserves everything that he’s earned in his life, and it’s our honor to help see him out.
  • Khan noted that he and McAfee will be meeting soon to discuss McAfee’s WWE return: “Listen, we’re going to bring you back. I know you and I are going to sit together once college football slows a little bit.”
  • Lucha Libre AAA confirmed that Natalya & Lola Vice will team up with Faby Apache for a six-woman tag match against Flammer, La Hiedra & Lady Maravilla at Guerra de Titanes on December 20.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel has surpassed 100 billion views over the course of its lifetime, making it only the 12th channel to ever do so.
  • WWE uploaded the full Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, Joe Hendry & Myles Borne vs. DarkState main event from NXT last night, along with the complete John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar match from Wrestlepalooza.
  • Men’s Health interviewed Charlotte Flair.
  • Wren Sinclair was a guest on the Battleground podcast. 

Other Wrestling

  • The Thanksgiving night episode of AEW Collision averaged 285,000 viewers on TNT and drew a 0.06 rating in the 18-49 demo.
  • The Rizzler appeared on Hey (EW) with RJ City.
  • Here is the announced lineup for this Thursday’s episode of TNA Impact:
    • The Hardys, Steve Maclin & Cedric Alexander vs. Lexis King, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe
    • Number one contender’s match: Dani Luna vs. Xia Brookside
    • Mustafa Ali vs. Trey Miguel
    • Mike Santana vs. Robert Stone
    • First Class Penthouse segment with Leon Slater
    • Home Town Man (Cody Deaner) vs. Brooks Jensen
  • Denise Salcedo has an interview with TNA President Carlos Silva.
  • While speaking with Wrestlezone, Silva addressed how often Impact will air live in its new TV deal with AMC:
    • Probably in the first six months, I would say we’re probably going to be live a few more times than we’re usually live. We want to be live more often. There’s still some logistics and operations issues to moving the crew around and finding the right locations so many times. So, certainly, in the first six months, it’s going to be a combination of live and taped.
    • I’m a live guy, we’ve got some operational issues and workflow issues with the new network partner in AMC. We’d like to be live more often. But I think we’re going to be smart and work through this partnership in the first three months, then six months, so that we do things well, the way that we know how to do them. And then we’ll be able to pivot and do even more. I know the fans love live, I know the wrestlers love live, and I love live, but we’ve just got to be smart about it, how to do it and when to do it, so we do it well.
  • TNA Knockouts Champion Lei Ying Lee was a guest on Busted Open Radio today.
  • The Hardys will defend their House of Glory Tag Team titles against Zilla Fatu & Lance Anoa’i at the indie promotion’s Winter Warfare show in Queens, New York on December 19.

TNA president addresses whether WWE played role in TV deal negotiations

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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.

Frankie Kazarian on new TNA TV deal: ‘It’s time to put up or shut up’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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.”

TNA president confirms status of WWE NXT partnership

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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 announces new TV deal

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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.

Daily Update: Bayley, Ariel Helwani, TNA Impact lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Tatum Paxley vs. Jacy Jayne NXT Women’s Championship match from Gold Rush week one.
  • A video aired on NXT hyping the arrival of WWE LFG season two winner Shiloh Hill.
  • On the Battleground podcast, Tatum Paxley was asked how she reacts when fans on social media call for her to be brought up to the main roster:
    • Whenever my time comes to be on Raw or SmackDown, I trust when Triple H sees the perfect time – I trust in his decision entirely. You know, I’m in no rush to get to Raw or SmackDown. But I’m super excited to be there.
    • But I’m super comfortable here in NXT as well. I just know, wherever I am, I’m going to try to connect to that audience.
  • Bayley made an appearance as a guest trainer at the Chicago Wrestling Center, where former WWE wrestler Mustafa Ali is the head instructor.
  • Charlotte Flair congratulated Maxxine Dupri on her Women’s Intercontinental title win: “At @FlatbacksT I saw firsthand the work, the growth, and the passion she poured into chasing her dreams. Congratulations, champ @maxxinedupri so damn proud & happy for you!”
  • WWE shared a brief video of CM Punk and Rhea Ripley reacting to Dupri’s victory.
  • Sony Pictures posted a photo today giving a first look at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the rest of the cast for the next Jumanji movie. The film, which is the third and final installment in the rebooted Jumanji franchise, recently began production. It’s scheduled for a Christmas 2026 release.
  • Bill Apter interviewed WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus.
  • The Undertaker appeared on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football today, discussing his Dallas Cowboys fandom.

Other Wrestling

  • Ariel Helwani commented on his interview with Tony Khan: “If you would have asked me in 2023 who’s the one guest I’d never see in studio, it would prob would have been @TonyKhan. Massive respect for him for coming in & even greater respect for how he handled today. Enjoyed the chat very much. Hope we can all be friends now, AEW fans.”
  • Khan responded to Helwani: “Thank you for having me on your show, I appreciate you inviting me + giving me that tremendous opportunity to promote Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite Tomorrow night + #AEWCollision and #AEWFullGear this Saturday night! You and your staff were very kind hosts!”
  • During the Helwani interview, Khan mentioned that AEW brings in Chris Nowinski every year to talk to the roster about head injuries and safety.
  • Nowinski posted a tweet calling the annual visit an honor: “It’s a privilege and honor to share my concussion experience, CTE research & @ConcussionLF HelpLine with my former colleagues to help them stay safe in the ring. Thanks @AEW & @TonyKhan for the annual invitation.”
  • Dustin Rhodes listed his 11 favorite wrestlers of all time:
    • Dusty Rhodes
    • Barry Windham
    • Arn Anderson
    • Steve Austin
    • Kenta Kobashi
    • Bobby Eaton
    • Dean Malenko
    • Rick Rude
    • William Regal
    • Terry Funk
    • Cody Rhodes
  • Here is the announced TNA Impact lineup for this Thursday:
    • We’ll hear from Mike Santana
    • Four-way match: Xia Brookside vs. Victoria Crawford vs. Killer Kelly vs. Jody Threat (winner advances to number one contender’s match in two weeks)
    • Four-way match: Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell vs. Rosemary vs. Myla Grace (winner advances to number one contender’s match in two weeks)
    • Matt Cardona vs. Mance Warner
    • Myron Reed vs. John Skyler
  • NJPW’s English-language website posted an interview with IWGP Tag Team Champions OSKAR & Yuto-Ice.
  • Nic Nemeth vs. Cedric Alexander will take place at the WrestleCade SuperShow in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on November 29.
  • House of Glory uploaded Nic Nemeth vs. Amazing Red and Shotzi & Scarlett Bordeaux vs. Allie Katch & Priscilla Kelly from its Superclash event.
  • Gail Kim will be a guest at GCW’s Fan Slam convention this Saturday at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
  • Leilani Kai was a guest on Busted Open Radio today.

Frankie Kazarian addresses possible AJ Styles TNA match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Frankie Kazarian would love to defend his newly won TNA World Championship against AJ Styles.

During a recent interview on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Styles cast doubt on the possibility that he’ll ever wrestle in a TNA ring agin. Styles said that — while WWE and TNA have a partnership — that has not included main roster stars crossing over into TNA. Styles said he would love to wrestle for TNA again, but he can’t see WWE allowing him to be the only main roster wrestler to do so.

Kazarian became the new TNA World Champion by dethroning Mike Santana on last night’s live episode of Impact. Following that win, he appeared on Busted Open Radio and was asked if the idea of defending his belt against Styles excites him.

“Absolutely excites me,” Kazarian responded. “I think we’ve both kind of, AJ and myself, have both put it out there over the last few months that he’s ready to go, I’m ready to go. You know, we just basically need one or two guys to sign off on it.

“I know AJ wants this to happen. I want it to happen. More importantly, the fans want it to happen. And look, that’s what we’re in the business of — of giving the fans what they want. And giving the fans what they want one more time, because AJ is hanging it up. You know, our history speaks for itself. AJ, there’s nobody I respect more. There’s nobody I’m a bigger fan of. And with his history with this company and me now being the guy here, the stakes just went up. So this match could mean even more than it would have.

“I mean, yeah, we’re, you know — we’re waiting on one guy to sign off. And I hope that guy does sign off on it. Because that would be a great button on our, not only our both of our careers, but our friendship.”

Styles did make an appearance at TNA Slammiversary this summer but did not compete at the show. If he does wrestle for TNA one more time, it would be his first match for the company since 2013. He’s one of the biggest stars in TNA history and was the face of the company during his run there.

The 48-year-old Styles has announced that he will retire from the ring in 2026, though an exact date for his last match has not been decided yet. He’s currently one-half of the World Tag Team Champions on WWE Raw with Dragon Lee.

New World Champion to appear on TNA Turning Point pre-show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The pre-show for TNA Turning Point will include an appearance by the promotion’s new World Champion.

On last night’s live episode of Impact, Frankie Kazarian cashed in his Call Your Shot trophy on Mike Santana to become the new TNA World Champion. TNA has now announced that Kazarian will appear on the Turning Point pre-show tonight for a talking segment named “The King’s Speech.”

A tag team match is also set for the Turning Point main card with Kazarian & Nic Nemeth facing Santana & Steve Maclin. Nemeth was the co-winner of the Call Your Shot gauntlet match at Bound for Glory alongside Kazarian.

Kazarian’s victory put an abrupt end to Santana’s title reign, which began last month at Bound for Glory with the babyface Santana conquering NXT’s Trick Williams to bring the World Championship back to TNA. The story will presumably now be Santana chasing Kazarian in an attempt to get the title back.

Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida is hosting Turning Point tonight and a TNA TV taping tomorrow. The Turning Point main card airs live for TNA+ subscribers starting at 8 p.m. Eastern, while the pre-show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will stream free on TNA+ and YouTube.

TNA Turning Point 2025 (Friday, November 14) —

  • Frankie Kazarian & Nic Nemeth vs. Mike Santana & Steve Maclin
  • Knockouts World Champion Kelani Jordan defends against M By Elegance
  • X-Division Champion Leon Slater defends against Rich Swann
  • Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch & John Skyler
  • AJ Francis vs. BDE
  • Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Myron Reed, and a mystery partner vs. Moose, Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC
  • Triple threat match: Knockouts Tag Team Champions Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay defend against Tessa Blanchard & Victoria Crawford and Lei Ying Lee & Xia Brookside
  • No DQ match: Indi Hartwell vs. Dani Luna
  • Countdown to Turning Point: The King’s Speech with new TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian

AJ Styles doubts another TNA match will happen for him

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE star AJ Styles doesn’t think another TNA match is all that likely for him.

During an appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Styles addressed the possibility of him returning to TNA for a dream match against World Champion Mike Santana. Styles said he would love for that to happen, but he doesn’t see WWE allowing it at the moment.

“I was hoping that this would happen. I really was, but then I realized it probably never could, as far as WWE letting me do that,” Styles said. “And I’ll tell you why — it’s because as soon as I open those gates for the main roster talent, now everybody’s going to want to do it.

“So I don’t know, I don’t know if it’s going to happen, if I’m being honest, but I would like to. Don’t get me wrong. What a moment it was when I was able to go back [for an appearance at Slammiversary]. But, yeah, I just don’t see that match — I don’t see a match happening as of right now.”

Though WWE and TNA Wrestling have a partnership, it’s largely been focused on talent being exchanged between NXT and TNA.

“It’s NXT that’s got the partnership, not the main roster talent,” Styles said. “And listen, I wish I could do it. I think I should be the only guy to do it, but that’s being very selfish. So we’ll see what happens in the future. I don’t know necessarily, but we’ll find out together.”

If Styles is ever going to have another TNA match, there’s not a ton of time left for it to happen. He’s announced that he will retire from the ring at some point in 2026. Styles was the defining face of TNA during his time there before later starring for NJPW and WWE.

Daily Update: WWE notes, Mike Santana, Zayda Steel

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A larger than usual issue this week with a wide variety of stories and tons of history:

  • The fixed fight accusations from Saturday’s UFC show, what happened, how Dana White and UFC handled it, fixed fights in the early days of MMA and the different motivations then vs. now, and a look back at history with a former world heavyweight boxing champion who later became one of the biggest stars of his era in pro wrestling.
  • A look at the third quarter TKO business, covering mostly UFC and WWE. How each category is doing and explanations as to why.
  • Nick Khan talks WWE ticket prices and booking decisions on live events
  • Full coverage of Saturday Night’s Main Event and business notes on the show
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Farewell in Gifu and 30 minutes that capsulized the best aspects of the past, present and future of pro wrestling
  • Notes on the Tokyo Dome advance
  • Finals of the Best of the Super Juniors tag team tournament
  • Notes on the upcoming heavyweight tag team tournament
  • Lots of notes regarding AEW Full Gear
  • The real history of the original NWA national heavyweight championship
  • Matches likely to happen at Full Gear
  • The final installment of our Hall of Fame series, covering international and non-wrestlers, where we talk about the cases of people including Spyros Arion, Dominic DeNucci, George Gordienko, Ted Boy Marino, Billy Joyce, The Royal Brothers, Dave Brown, Zane Bresloff, Bobby Bruns, Bob Caudle, Joe Higuchi, Jim Johnston, James Melby, Bill Mercer, Gorilla Monsoon, Rossy Ogawa, Reggie Parks, Morris Siel, Tony Schiavone, George Scott, Kevin Sullivan, Mike Tenay, Ted Turner, Jesse Ventura, Roy Welch, Stanley Weston, The Grand Wizard and Koichi Yoshizawa.
  • Notes on the death of Victor Conte Jr.
  • Tank Davis kills his last payday and Netflix’s big fight for the fall is out the window and thank God for that
  • DDT has one of its biggest shows of the year
  • Betting odds for pro wrestling matches last week and this week
  • The most complete look at the television ratings of wrestling shows over the past week. How these numbers compare in placings to past years, where other than pro wrestling is hurting with the new ratings, competition for each show and placings for the time slot
  • CMLL has four straight sellouts and coverage of the main matches including a major return this week
  • What wrestler is having the best year for someone their age in wrestling history
  • Notes on a very confusing tournament coming up
  • What young wrestler sold out in a singles with Mistico this past week
  • Notes from the last AAA tapings
  • AAA booking huge arena for a taping
  • Stardom big show plus notes on the tag team tournament
  • Will Vince McMahon write a book?
  • Former pro wrestling star elected Mayor
  • How network, cable and streaming numbers have affected NASCAR in 2025
  • Update on Blue Demon Jr.
  • More on Smashing Machine including Dwayne Johnson comments
  • Jerry Lawler returns to WMC
  • Athletic commission in trouble over a sponsored women’s championship
  • El Hijo del Santo retirement tour hits Europe
  • More WBD sale talks
  • Blood & Guts news
  • A poll on AEW viewership and how people watch the TV and PPV shows
  • Advance ticket sales for WWE, AEW, TNA, MLW and RAF
  • BJ Penn arrested again
  • WWE sets gate records
  • Paul Levesque’s booking
  • How much Dwayne Johnson’s TKO stock is worth
  • Notes on the WWE arena business going forward
  • The Ridge Holland story

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

Other Wrestling

  • Powerhouse Hobbs cut a promo on Hangman Page ahead of their falls count anywhere match on Dynamite tonight.
  • AEW put out a video with the women’s Blood and Guts teams getting a look at the cage for tonight’s match.
  • Willow Nightingale spoke to Uncrowned about being her authentic self in AEW:
    • My life’s work, everything I have done in wrestling up to this point, to me, it needs to happen as myself, my authentic self, without ever having to compromise or change who I am for anybody else.
    • To win the big one in the company that I love as myself, being the person I am, care-free, Black joy, big girl, never changing for anyone and just being myself and accomplishing something that grand, I think is the biggest story I can tell.
  • TNA World Champion Mike Santana reflected on reaching 1000 days sober:
    • 1000 DAYS CLEAN AND SOBER. 
    • Very proud of this milestone. Blessed with what I’ve been able to accomplish during this time. Both personally and professionally. Living proof of what happens when you put in the work. I’d be lying if I told you that everyday was easy. Life is going to do what life does, but I’m thankful to have a set of tools to help me maneuver thru the bad as well as the good. 
    • Thanks to everyone who’s rode with me thru it all. The ride continues…
  • TNA has announced that we’ll hear from Santana on this Thursday’s live Impact episode at Full Sail University in Orlando. The show will feature:
    • TNA World Champion Mike Santana speaks
    • Elijah returns with a live concert
    • Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan in action
    • Jason Hotch vs. Cedric Alexander
    • Indi Hartwell vs. Dani Luna
    • We’ll hear from The System
  • Due to a scheduling conflict, Zayda Steel – who AEW is rumored to be interested in – has been pulled from her scheduled appearance at the Big Event Entertainment and Sports Expo in Brentwood, New York this Saturday. She will still be competing for Pro Wrestling Junkie in New Jersey on Sunday despite missing the convention:
    • Sorry for the bad news due to scheduling conflict Zayda Steel will no longer be attending the Big Event with us. We hope to bring her back in the future….. 
    • She will be appearing the next day on Sunday 11/16 at our Wrestling event in NJ if anybody would like to travel to meet her and see some awesome matchups we will give you a discount ticket at the door. Just send me a message.
  • GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale remembered the late Trent Acid on what would have been his 45th birthday:
    • Happy Bday trent acid! weve now cycled thru several generations of indie wrestlers/fans since he passed 15 yrs ago so many of today’s wrestlers dont even know who he is but rest assured, many of your favorites or favorites favorites were inspired by or wanted to be trent acid

Chris Jericho: TNA looked like ‘second biggest company in the world’ at Bound for Glory

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On the latest episode of his podcast, Chris Jericho made a comment that is sure to get people talking.

A new edition of Talk is Jericho debuted on Wednesday with The Hardys and Dudleys discussing their match from TNA Bound for Glory 2025. Jericho praised the bout and the presentation of Bound for Glory overall, saying TNA looked like the second biggest company in the world that night. Jericho compared Bound for Glory favorably to the presentation AEW had during its ECW Arena residency.

“I don’t think I’ve watched an Impact — sorry, a TNA — match in ages, if not this decade at all. I was so impressed,” Jericho said. “Well, first of all, you guys had a match. I didn’t even — it wasn’t even the match. It was the beginning part before you guys even locked up. It was the end part after it happened. Like that, I’m getting little goosebumps. That’s pro wrestling in its ultimate form. That’s all that matters is that emotion and that reaction.

“That was one thing. Two, that f*cking crowd looked huge. It looked huge. It was like a WWE-level crowd. The place was packed. I was watching this, and not saying anything out of school here, but comparing it to watching Dynamite when they were at the ECW Arena, which looked like a Tony Condello taping. Sorry, it did. TNA looked like the second biggest company in the world, you know, and that was amazing. And the presentation was amazing.”

Bound for Glory took place at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 12. TNA announced a North American attendance record of 7,794 for the event. A detailed report on the attendance for the pay-per-view came out this week.

Jericho’s remark is sure to fuel the rumor mill about his next move in wrestling. For months now, it’s been rumored that the 55-year-old Jericho will be leaving AEW and returning to WWE when his AEW contract expires at the end of this year. If that does happen, it would mark Jericho’s first time back with WWE since 2018. Jericho has not confirmed anything regarding his next move, and AEW’s Tony Khan has continued to speak highly of him in media interviews.

The tables match between The Hardys and Dudleys at Bound for Glory was the final time the two iconic Attitude Era rivals will ever face each other. It was also D-Von Dudley’s retirement match. Matt & Jeff Hardy got the win to retain the TNA Tag Team titles.