TNA Wrestling has officially announced the signing of Elijah, the wrestler formerly known as Elias in WWE. This move comes after his WWE release in September 2023 and a brief run of appearances in Ring of Honor. While there were reports that he had signed with ROH/AEW, those turned out to be inaccurate.
Elijah has already made an impact in TNA, appearing alongside TNA World Champion Joe Hendry.
With his unique in-ring charisma and musical persona, his addition to the roster adds another dynamic performer to the company’s growing lineup.
TNA expressed excitement about Elijah’s signing, stating that his presence will bring a fresh energy to the promotion. Fans can expect to see more of the guitar-strumming competitor as he carves out his next chapter in professional wrestling.
Posted February 28th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Elijah.
Tessa Blanchard’s first match on TNA iMPACT since her controversial return proved to be a successful one, with another match set for the Diamond. On last week’s iMPACT, Blanchard refused to face her assigned opponent, claiming she wasn’t cleared. Furious at her attitude, Santino Marella would then declare that Tessa would have to wrestle her next match, and if she didn’t, she’d be fired.
On this week’s show, Blanchard was in action to face Kelsey Heather, with Blanchard getting the win. This was the former World Champion’s first match for a TNA TV show since the April 5, 2020 edition of iMPACT, where she and Eddie Edwards battled Ethan Page & Josh Alexander.
Tessa Blanchard competes on #TNAiMPACT for the first time in FOUR YEARS..NEXT!
Fans won’t have to wait another five years to see Blanchard next in the ring. In a backstage segment on iMPACT, Blanchard and Lei Ying Lee got into a backstage confrontation. That was broken up by Santino who declared that the pair will battle at TNA Sacrifice.
Tesaa Blanchard’s Sacrifice Entrance
Blanchard not only plans on beating Lee at TNA Sacrifice, but plans to arrive in Style, OnInstagram, Krystall Poppin shared that she will be performing Blanchard’s theme song at Sacrifice, which is scheduled to take place on March 14th.
TNA remains committed to Blanchard, despite the issue many fans have taken with her return, and she’ll certainly have the spotlight at Sacrifice with her match and special entrance.
Veteran Wrestler Jazz Takes on New Role in TNA Wrestling
Former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz, a standout in the early 2000s, has returned to the ring and taken on a backstage role in TNA Wrestling. She recently wrestled for the first time in over three years, competing in a Knockouts No. 1 Contender Battle Royal on the February 6 episode of TNA iMPACT.
Beyond her in-ring return, Jazz has also been working behind the scenes as an agent. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, she contributed at the latest iMPACT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
With her extensive experience, Jazz brings valuable knowledge to TNA’s women’s division. As the company continues to strengthen its Knockouts roster, her presence could play a crucial role in mentoring younger talent.
Whether she remains backstage or steps back into the ring, her involvement marks an exciting development for TNA and its fans.
TNA X-Divison Champion Moose has was part of the February 25, edition of WWE NXT, where he retained his championship against Lexis King. After the match, it was confirmed that Moose will challenge NXT Champion Oba Femi at the March 11, NXT Roadblock event.
In a WWE NXT Digital Exclusive, Moose discussed his “awesome experience” with WWE NXT so far and how his journey to the brand has been a long time coming.
“Every weight I’ve ever lifted, every flight I’ve ever boarded on, every country I’ve ever went to, every championship I’ve ever won prepared me for this moment.”
Moose admitted to being surprised by the fans cheering him in WWE NXT, as he’s used to being booed by TNA crowds. The leader of The System, Moose admitted that he’s been waiting to face Oba Femi for a “very long time.”
“I have a ton of respect for Oba. He’s done a lot of great things in the last two years. But let’s be honest, without me, there wouldn’t be no Oba. At Roadblock, I’m gonna prove that to him.”
With everything to gain, Moose hopes to do what Joe Hendry failed to do last October and become the WWE NXT Champion. While The Ruler of NXT won’t make things easy, Moose intends to prove why everyone should “trust the System” on March 11.
Former Major League Wrestling (MLW) World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone has been medically cleared to return to the ring.
Hammerstone suffered a knee injury at TNA Turning Point in November, which required surgery. Now, in an update on his official X account, he has revealed that his rehabilitation is complete and he has received medical clearance to return to action. In his post, Hammerstone reflected on his experience before announcing that he is now accepting bookings.
Well.. being out with injury sucked. But I worked hard, did the rehab and am officially cleared and back.
Former world champion World traveled Current TNA superstar As seen on TNA and NXT
The 34-year-old Hammerstone has been part of the professional wrestling industry since 2013, competing for promotions such as MLW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and TNA. During his tenure, he held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and won the promotion’s National Openweight Championship Tournament in 2019.
Hammerstone officially signed with TNA in February of last year. In September, as part of WWE and TNA’s talent exchange agreement, he made his NXT debut as Tony D’Angelo’s hand-picked opponent for North American Champion Oba Femi. Hammerstone ultimately lost the non-title match.
Now medically cleared, Hammerstone can resume his in-ring career and look to regain momentum under the TNA banner.
Mike Santana has his eyes on a dream opponent, and he knows exactly where he wants the match to take place—inside a TNA ring.
Speaking with MuscleManMalcolm on Muscle Memory, the reigning House of Glory Heavyweight Champion made it clear that if he could face one wrestler from WWE or NXT, it would be none other than AJ Styles.
“TNA was the place that put me on the map… AJ Styles is the face of TNA, the number one homegrown talent, and I consider myself one, too,” Santana said. “To go head-to-head with him and elevate myself would be amazing.”
While the idea of a match between the two may have seemed impossible in the past, the recent working relationship between TNA and WWE makes it more realistic than ever. With Styles being the wrestler who is most identified with TNA Wrestling, it seems all but certain that the “Phenomenal One” will return home for at least a few matches while he’s still active.
Santana has been on a tear recently, defeating KENTA in a grueling match to retain the HOG Heavyweight Championship. He also recently took down former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander, further proving that he belongs among the best.
Having already checked off one dream opponent in KENTA, Santana believes a match with Styles would be the ultimate test. And while the bout could theoretically happen in WWE, he insists it belongs in TNA.
“I want it in a TNA ring,” Santana emphasized.
With both men sharing a connection to the promotion that helped define them, a Santana vs. Styles clash could be a show-stealer if the stars align. Now, the ball is in TNA and WWE’s court—will they make it happen?
Elektra Lopez, recently released from WWE in February 2025, may soon find a new home in TNA Wrestling. The former NXT competitor was spotted backstage at TNA’s iMPACT tapings on February 21 at Full Sail University, fueling speculation about her next move.
According to Sportskeeda’s Backstage Pass reporter Chris Featherstone, TNA Wrestling is in active discussions with Lopez, with sources indicating a “very high interest” in signing her once her 90-day non-compete clause expires.
While other promotions have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Lopez, she appears to be leaning toward TNA. Given the strengthening partnership between WWE NXT and TNA, a move to the promotion could be a natural transition.
Lopez’s WWE Journey and Potential Future in TNA
Lopez first appeared in WWE in 2018, returned in 2019, and officially signed with the company in 2021, becoming a key figure in NXT. With her WWE chapter recently closing, TNA could offer a fresh opportunity for her wrestling career.
If finalized, Lopez’s signing would further bolster TNA’s growing roster while continuing the talent exchanges between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling.
The Hardys are set to make their in-ring return to WWE television on the February 25 episode of NXT, marking their first tag team match in the company since 2019. The TNA World Tag Team Champions accepted a challenge from Tavion Heights and Myles Borne of the No Quarter Catch Crew, setting up a must-see showdown.
Beyond their long-awaited return, Matt Hardy will achieve a historic milestone. His appearance on NXT will set a new record for the longest gap between matches in the brand’s history. Hardy last competed on the very first season of NXT in March 2010, meaning his upcoming match marks a 15-year hiatus from the brand. This surpasses Carlito’s previous record of 13 years and nine months between NXT appearances.
The Hardys’ return to WWE adds another chapter to their storied careers, bringing veteran experience to the NXT tag team division. Their match against the rising stars of No Quarter Catch Crew will be a clash of generations, giving fans an exciting mix of nostalgia and fresh competition.
The new record for longest gap between matches in a #WWENXT ring will soon belong to @MATTHARDYBRAND. He competed in the original “Season 1” of NXT in March of 2010 and will get back into @WWENXT action this week – 15 years later – on @TheCW. https://t.co/piepe7Lm7H
During the latest tapings of Impact, for an episode set to air on March 6, Femi was again part of the show, but his moment was cut short when Moose and the System stormed the ring. Both Moose and Femi held up their titles, and a winner-takes-all match has been set for the pair. That showdown will come at NXT Roadblock on March 11, from The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Regardless of who wins, this match will prove to be historic. Since TNA and WWE NXT began partnering in 2024, no wrestler has won a championship from the other show. That will change soon enough, as in addition to the winner of this match, Cora Jade hopes to become TNA Knockouts World Champion at Sacrifice.
As for whether it’ll be Moose or Femi who become a double champion, time will tell. One thing for certain though, is that NXT Roadblock in the Theatre at MSG will be the stage for arguably the biggest match in this multi-year partnership to date.
Matt Hardy says his brother Jeff Hardy wants to ‘right the wrongs’ with his WWE return.
The Hardy Boyz are set to make a return to WWE programming next week after years. The duo will be representing TNA Wrestling and face off against Tavion Heights and Myles Borne at the February 25 edition of NXT.
The Broken One opened up about his excitement about the upcoming appearance on his podcast. He revealed that the whole thing came together very quickly and he is not sure where it is headed:
“Really excited about this, man. All this stuff — even us popping up and responding to that challenge on NXT, that was a very last-minute thing. So it’s going to be interesting. It’s going to be fun.
I don’t know where this ride’s going. I really don’t want to know where this route is going in all capacities. Because I want, especially whatever we end up doing, I want everything to be as natural and as organic and as real as possible, as authentic as possible.”
For Jeff Hardy, the return would be a sort of redemption after his infamous walkout during a live event match that led to his WWE release in December 2021. After his failed AEW run, the Charismatic Enigma has expressed interest in making a return to the company in recent times believing that he could retire CM Punk before going into Hall of Fame.
Matt Hardy also revealed how his brother feels about the comeback claiming that Jeff wants to use the opportunity to show everyone who he really is:
“He’s very happy to be going back and I feel like he wants to right the wrongs, he wants to leave on a good note, no more erratic behavior. He wants to go back and show them who he is.”
The Attitude Era star expressed the belief that WWE waited this long to do something with The Hardys as part of the TNA deal because they wanted to see how Jeff fared in his TNA run.
The NXT-TNA collaboration will see one of the silver brand’s best and brightest challenge for the Knockouts World Championship at the upcoming Sacrifice event. During the February 20, edition of TNA iMPACT, Tessa Blanchard refused to wrestle her planned opponent for the show, much to the ire of the Orlando crowd. Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich appeared to chastise Blanchard and made quick work out of Tessa’s would-be opponent.
Before Slamovich could celebrate for too long, NXT’s Cora Jade ambushed the reigning Knockouts Champion. Santino Marella, TNA’s Director of Authority, would then announce that Jade will challenge Slamovich for the gold at Sacrifice on March 14.
Jade has previously shown interest in winning the TNA Knockouts Title, and will make history if she wins the gold. A victory at Sacrifice will make Jade the first-ever active WWE talent to win a title from TNA Wrestling. In the past, Izzi Dame, Wendy Choo, and Karmen Petrovic have challenged for the gold, but were unsuccessful.
Jade’s involvement with Genesis represents the strength of the TNA-WWE partnership, a multi-year deal that has already seen plenty of crossover. Whether Jade makes history at Sacrifice or not remains to be seen, but neither she nor Slamovich will hold back with the title on the line next month.
WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi was confronted by TNA X-Division Champion Moose on the February 18, edition of WWE NXT and now The Ruler has returned the favor. During the February 20 episode of TNA iMPACT Wrestling, Oba Femi made a surprise appearance, interrupting Moose to the delight of the live crowd in Orlando’s Full Sail University.
Although Femi didn’t get physical, his presence alone made Femi and The System running, leaving Femi to stand side-by-side with The Hardys and JDC. Following the confrontation, Santino Marella made a match for next week: Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, and Moose will take on the Hardy Boys and Oba Femi.
Femi and Moose’s face-to-face on WWE NXT saw the pair vow that a match between the two is coming, with Moose adding that it’s just a few weeks away. Though no date has been confirmed, speculation is growing among fans that TNA Sacrifice on March 14 could be when this showdown takes place.
Femi’s arrival on iMPACT shows that even the top stars of NXT aren’t afraid to ‘cross the line’ as part of the WWE-TNA partnership. With a six-man tag-team match set for next week’s iMPACT, and the Hardys heading to NXT next week, fans have plenty to look forward to in this exciting crossover.
Posted February 21st, 2025 in TNA, NXT. Tagged: Oba Femi.
Former WWE performer Elijah, previously known as Elias, has signed with TNA Wrestling and made his first appearance on the February 20 edition of Impact.
Elijah debuted during TNA World Champion Joe Hendry’s “Encore Championship Concert” segment. The segment began with Hendry in the ring before being interrupted by The Colons (Carlito and Eddie Colón).
Elijah then made his entrance and joined Hendry for a musical performance. The segment also included TNA authority figure Santino Marella. During his appearance, Elijah took time to address the TNA audience directly.
Fightful Select first reported Elijah’s signing with TNA Wrestling earlier today.
Elijah spent several years with WWE, where he developed his musical performer character and competed across various programs including Raw and SmackDown. His signing continues TNA’s recent talent acquisitions as the company moves forward under its restored TNA branding.
TNA Wrestling World Champion Joe Hendry has made progress in his fight against unauthorized merchandise, revealing that TeePublic has removed nearly 90 counterfeit designs using his likeness.
In an update on X, Hendry shared that the platform acknowledged the infringement, removed 89 designs, and initiated discussions to better protect his intellectual property moving forward. “I will update on discussions,” Hendry added, thanking fans for their support and promising new official merch options soon.
This follows Hendry’s previous warning to TeePublic, where he threatened legal action if they did not remove bootleg designs from their site. His firm stance underscores a broader issue in pro wrestling, where independent and signed wrestlers alike rely on merch sales as a key income source.
Hendry’s success in getting TeePublic to act could set a precedent for other wrestlers facing similar challenges. While some bootleg designs remain, Hendry’s efforts signal a step toward greater protection of wrestlers’ intellectual property in the digital age. Fans can expect further updates as Hendry continues to push for change.
Posted February 19th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Joe Hendry.
On the February 18, edition of WWE NXT, TNA’s X-Division Champion Moose made his stunning arrival, confronting NXT Champion Oba Femi. In an NXT Digitial Exclusive, Moose shared his excitement after finally making his presence felt in WWE.
“It’s been awesome. Great, great feeling. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m happy I’m finally here.”
During NXT, Femi and Moose agreed that a match between the two must happen. In the interview, Moose shared that he’s had his eyes on Femi for “a very long time” and doesn’t plan on waiting much longer to face The Ruler.
“In a few weeks, I feel like we will lock horns and we will see who the better man is.”
Moose has spent years as one of TNA’s leading names and now fans will get to see what he’s capable of against some of the top stars of WWE NXT. With the partnership between WWE and TNA set to last for years, fans can expect plenty more huge crossover moments like we saw this week.
Could WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi be the next to ‘cross the line’ and show up in TNA Wrestling? Don’t count it out according to the Ruler. After being confronted by TNA X-Division Champion Moose on the February 18, episode of WWE NXT, Femi teased showing up in TNA.
“Moose invaded my territory tonight. I think it’s time I invaded his.”
"Moose invaded my territory tonight. I think it's time I invaded his."
WWE NXT opened with an angry Femi addressing the attack on him by four masked men after his succesful title defense at NXT Judgment Day. Femi said that the four made a fatal error in that they didn’t finish the job. Though Femi demanded that the four men come out to the ring, he was confronted by Moose instead.
Though a match has been yet to be made between the two champion behemoths, it appears a showdown is inevitable. Fans can look forward to seeing two of the very best on their respective brands locking horns as the WWE-TNA partnership continues to prove to be stronger than ever.
TNA star Moose made a surprise appearance on Tuesday’s WWE NXT on The CW.
The show opened with NXT Champion Oba Femi coming out to address the crowd at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
Femi was addressing the mystery attackers who laid him out last week before he was interrupted by theme music we hadn’t heard before on NXT television.
Out came TNA X-Division Champion Moose. The giant athletes stared each other down in a surreal moment presented by WWE’s new talent exchange relationship with TNA.
“I’m the one man you can’t reign over” and “This has to happen. Oba Femi vs Moose,” Moose said.
Femi replied:
“Don’t worry, it will.”
An intense stare-down followed as both men held their titles high. Stay tuned for news on when this blockbuster inter-promotional battle of the giants takes place.
Tessa Blanchard will compete on TNA Impact this Thursday, marking her second match since rejoining the promotion.
Last week, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella informed Blanchard that she must wrestle on the upcoming live episode from Full Sail University or face repercussions. TNA officially confirmed her participation on Tuesday, though her opponent remains undisclosed.
Blanchard’s return match took place at TNA Genesis last month, where she defeated Jordynne Grace in her first bout for the company since March 2020. She also recently wrestled at a VIP Wrestling event in Texas on January 31, losing to Alejandra Quintanilla (aka Alejandra Lion).
In addition to Blanchard’s match, TNA Impact has announced several other bouts for the February 20 show, including Rosemary vs. Lei Ying Lee. The Northern Armory are also set to appear.
Announced Lineup for TNA Impact (February 20):
TNA World Champion Joe Hendry – Special concert appearance
Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
No DQ Match: JDC vs. Leon Slater
Lei Ying Lee vs. Rosemary
Tessa Blanchard in action
Segment featuring The Northern Armory
Blanchard’s return continues to generate interest as she looks to reestablish herself in TNA’s competitive Knockouts division.
McKenzie Mitchell is officially returning to TNA Wrestling, signing a contract to become the company’s new full-time ring announcer. The move marks a homecoming for Mitchell, who began her broadcasting career with TNA in 2016 before making a name for herself in WWE as an NXT host and backstage correspondent.
TNA Wrestling announces the signing of McKenzie Mitchell as its new ring announcer
Mitchell’s return to TNA comes just over a year after she was unexpectedly released by WWE in December 2023 during corporate layoffs. Reflecting on the transition, she described the sudden career shift as a learning experience.
“My release came at a very unexpected time… but it helps you grow,” she told Sports Illustrated.
Mitchell recently made her TNA ring-announcing debut at Genesis in January, calling Joe Hendry’s TNA World Championship victory. Now, she steps into the role permanently, replacing Jade Chung.
While she has years of on-screen experience, she acknowledges ring announcing requires a different skill set.
“It’s a different tone, a different conversation,” she said. “I’m excited to make it my own.”
Her return aligns with TNA’s new partnership with WWE, a connection made even more personal by her husband, NXT commentator Vic Joseph.
“In a kind of weird way, we’re working together again,” Mitchell noted. “It’s really special.”
For Mitchell, this next chapter is more than just a job—it’s a full-circle moment. “It’s for sure a homecoming.”
McKenzie Mitchell’s Work in WWE and TNA
Mitchell’s career spans nearly a decade in professional wrestling broadcasting. Her initial TNA run from 2016-2019 saw her serve as both backstage interviewer and social media manager. She then joined WWE in August 2019, working as an NXT correspondent, digital content host, and premium live event kickoff panelist until December 2023.
After departing WWE, Mitchell returned to TNA at the Genesis event on January 19, 2025, taking over ring announcing duties from the departing Jade Chung. Her full-time signing solidifies TNA’s broadcast team heading into 2025.
Joe Hendry merch has proven immensely popular among wrestling fans, which has prompted the TNA World Champion to warn those fans about bootlegs and scams. On X, Hendry called out TeePublic, a popular shirt design store, for selling bootleg shirts with the intellectual property of the Scottish star. Hendry gave TeePublic 24 hours to take the shirt down or face legal ramififcations.
When a fan pointed out that the shirt will have been uploaded by an individual who chose to use Hendry’s IP, the TNA World Champion pointed out that TeePublic knows wht they’re doing.
Later on, Hendry reflected on the production of counterfeit merchandise, including an ‘official’ website that is anything but. Hendry warned fans that if they buy from a platform outside of TNA, PW Tees, Hot Topic or Major Bendies, then they are buying a bootleg and aiding those trying to unfairly profit on Hendry’s IP.
Counterfeit merch has become a serious issue.
Unless you get it from me, TNA,Pro Wrestling Tees, Hot Topic or Major Bendies, it is FAKE
Joe Hendry merch is a fake site.
The attached images are examples of counterfeit items
For countless wrestlers, merchandise plays a pivotal role funding their lives and careers, so seeing someone else make money that could and should’ve gone to the wrestler is very frustrating. Now, Hendry is taking a stand against this practice and hopes that TeePublic will be the first of many to reconsider hosting bootleg merchandise.
Posted February 18th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Joe Hendry.
Tommy Dreamer believes a 5-star rating should not exist in wrestling because entertainment is subjective and different people can like different things.
The 5-star rating system made famous by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer has always been a controversial topic. On one hand, it provides a spotlight to young talents trying to make a name, but on the other side legends like Kurt Angle never earning a top rating makes people question the integrity of the whole thing.
The ratings system was the talk of the latest episode of Busted Open Radio. Discussing the topic, Tommy Dreamer explained that a 5-star rating does not exist in his world because the quality of a match is a subjective opinion:
“A five-star match to me is nonexistent. It doesn’t exist in my world and nor should it ever. I’ve never had a five-star match according to one person. But I will tell you this, you go by the crowd, right? Dave, I’ve been to a lot of wrestling shows as a fan.
I’ve watched so many wrestling shows. I would say Hulk Hogan had a five-star match every night. Once that leg hit, everybody went nuts. When he was a babyface and your WWE champion. Hulk Hogan had a five-star match every night because everybody went home excited.”
Tommy Dreamer noted that Dave has always been respectful to him and he values Meltzer’s opinion as a historian. However, Dreamer explained that different people can like different things and a 5-star match is one that leaves fans satisfied:
“Again, I have nothing against Dave Meltzer. I do have everything against this, well, it’s a five-star match. Dave, I do a lot of Indies. I have seen matches that I watched and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, how are people reacting to this? And then at the end of the match, people are cheering for these two unknown guys to me that aren’t very very good, but yet the fans liked it. So then it was a five-star match.
Because, like you said, Dave, I’m not a fan of gore in movies or taking it from Rhyno. However, people love gore. Jerry Lynn listens to like that death metal, and I’m like, that doesn’t appeal to me. But it appeals, and then if you ever see go to those concerts, there’s people that, hey, they sell out freaking massive stadiums. I’m not a fan of soccer. Yet, there’s people who love soccer. It’s all like you said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I have never seen Ray Mysterio have a bad match, and I’ve watched Ray Mysterio since his United States debut. Ray Mysterio has had a five-star match every single time he went out because I’ve never seen him have a bad match. Can you dissect it? Can you do this? Yes, but at the end of the day, if you paid your ticket and the fans are happy for what they saw, that’s a five-star night.”
Matt Hardy has revealed the strangest gift he has ever received from a fan.
People being obsessed with celebrities is not a new phenomenon. Sometimes these fans, however, cross the line and do something that feels like a wild dream.
The Attitude Era star recalled one such incident that left him stunned during the latest episode of his podcast. Matt Hardy was talking about the days when The Hardy Boyz first rose to stardom in WWE. The wrestling veteran noted how they used to receive a lot of gifts from fans at the time but one exceeded all others:
“Well, they sent it to my PO box. We had a PO box. There was a young lady who sent me a vial of her blood and it wasn’t a small. It was a big vial, a big vial of her blood.”
The madness didn’t end there as the fan not only wanted Matt Hardy to have their blood as a souvenir but they wanted the wrestling star to actually inject it into his veins:
“She said in the note, she said, ‘We’ve met and I know you don’t know me well, but we are connected. We are linked. I need you to take this blood, put into a syringe and put it into your own blood vessels.’ She said and if you put my blood into your blood vessels, then give me a vial of yours. This is my return address.
She said, and we’ll always be linked. We can always feel one another. I mean it sounded like a script out of True Blood. It was wild. That’s probably the most wild fan interaction I’ve ever had. She was at least, I’ll give it to her, she was committed to the bit.”
TNA has storyline-suspended Nic Nemeth for four weeks without pay after he accidentally superkicked Director of Authority Santino Marella during TNA iMPACT!.
Last night, Joe Hendry successfully defended his TNA World Championship against Jake Something. Following the match, Nemeth entered the ring to assist Hendry, but in the ensuing chaos, he inadvertently struck Marella with a superkick.
Backstage Apology Falls Short
Santino wasn’t convinced by the Wanted Man’s apology
After the incident, Nemeth and his brother Ryan Nemeth met with Marella backstage, where Nic immediately apologized. He insisted that the kick was accidental and reminded Marella of their long history together in OVW.
“Hey, hey, hey, you okay buddy? I am sorry, man. Listen, listen, that wasn’t meant for you. You know that was an accident. Look at me, we go way back. OVW, we were there together. You know that was an accident… I’m sorry. From the bottom of my heart, you know I did not mean that. I’m sorry,” Nemeth said.
Ryan Nemeth also defended his brother, stating that mistakes happen. However, despite their explanations, Marella remained firm in his decision.
Marella acknowledged their history but emphasized that he had to protect the integrity of his authority in TNA.
“Look, you know I have the utmost respect for you and your family. And we do go back. At least 20 years. That’s why, this is going to be a difficult decision, okay? I can’t have this kind of behavior flying all around. You almost broke my jaw. That’s why…
It’s not even about me, okay? It’s about this… I have to protect and respect the authority. I’m going to have to suspend you for four weeks, I am sorry, without pay. Okay? Before I decide to press the charges, just leave it at that. Okay?” Marella stated.
With Nemeth now sidelined, the suspension introduces uncertainty regarding his future in TNA. Fans will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds when he eventually returns.
Jordynne Grace has arrived in WWE, and now the former TNA Knockouts World Champion is excited at seeing her “bro” very soon. On X (formerly known as Twitter) Josh Alexander reflected on his jorney in wrestling and being signed to TNA Wrestling in 2019. In the comments, Grace shared that she couldn’t wait to see Alexander in the near future.
Grace’s comment spawned speculation that Josh Alexander could be the next high-profile name to siggn with WWE. One fan said that Alexander was needed “in NXT’s men’s division desperately” while another was excited at the idea of Alexander facing fellow powerhouse Bron Breakker.
Alexander’s contract with TNA Wrestling will expire on February 15, with this week’s iMPACT being promoted as hosting his final match with the promotion. The match saw Eric Young get the victory on the ‘Walking Weapon’ who remained laid out as TNA iMPACT went off the air.
A potential run in WWE opens up a lot of possibilities for Alexander, including a potential reunion with Ethan Page as The North. Whether it be in NXT or on WWE’s main roster, Alexander would be a huge acquisition for WWE, though there’s other options for him, including AEW or elsewhere.
On the Straight Talk Wrestling podcast, Alexander recently shared that he was supposed to appear for NXT last year but plans ultimately fell through. With Grace hoping to see Alexander soon, it remains to be seen if fans will see the former World Champion in a WWE ring in 2025.
Nic Nemeth may be one of TNA Wrestling’s biggest names, but the ‘Wanted Man’ has been ‘suspended’ for four weeks after an incident on iMPACT. The drama unfolded on the February 13, 2025, episode of iMPACT after Joe Hendry retained the TNA World Championship against Jake Something. After the match, Nic and Ryan Nemeth arrived with Ryan demanding a title opportunity for his brother.
Things quickly spiraled out of control when Nic accidentally superkicked Jake Something, inadvertently taking out Santino Marella in the process. After the commercial break, TNA shared that Nic Nemeth has been suspended for four weeks due to striking Santino, TNA’s on-screen Director of Authority.
With Nemeth benched for the time being, it remains to be seen who’ll fill his place and challenge Joe Hendry for the TNA World Championship next. It also begs the question as to what Nemeth will be like once he is back, as his efforts to have a shot at the gold have been snuffed out for the time being.
Nemeth won the TNA World Championship in July 2024 and held the gold until Hendry dethroned him at Genesis last month. While Hendry is proudly representing TNA, both in and outside of the promotion, fans are eager to see what’s to come for the former champion after his four-week suspension is up.
