James Storm confirmed via social media that the TNA World Title Series tournament was not planned ahead of time. Storm confirmed that fact when responding to a fake Jim Ross account on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/JamesStormBrand/status/656280337543245824
@JamesStormBrand @WWENetwork definitely! Glad to see you in NXT! It's where it's at. Sauce it!
— Not So Good Ol’ JR (@WWEJimRoss) October 20, 2015
TNA had the tournament planned for a while. The matches were originally taped for a TNA One Night Only pay-per-view event, however when TNA managed to get an extension with Destination America, they decided to use those matches for Impact Wrestling instead. Unless they can get another extension, or reach a new agreement of some kind, they will be off the cable network in February.