Professional wrestling has always been a business steeped in competition, from the territory days to the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s. But as the industry continues to evolve in the modern era, collaboration has emerged as a key to its growth. Few know this better than Jeff Jarrett, WWE Hall of Famer and co-creator of TNA Wrestling, who recently shared his insights on the groundbreaking partnership between WWE and TNA.
Speaking on Fanrun Radio (FOX Sports Knoxville), Jarrett shared his thoughts on the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of putting fans first in this bold new era for wrestling.
“When TNA got started in 2002, that name and branding went through a lot of evolutions,” he said. “Seeing it now in collaboration with WWE just shows how far the business has come.”
This partnership marks a significant shift in the landscape of professional wrestling. Historically, rival promotions often operated in isolation or outright hostility, but Jarrett believes those days are behind us.
“The days of not working together and that type mindset—it’s just so yester-year,” he explained. “If you can create a scenario where the wrestling fan wins, we all win.”
Jarrett pointed out that modern wrestling fans consume the product differently than in the past.
“The wrestling business has never been this big,” he said. “With WWE now on Netflix, not just seen nationwide but literally global, and AEW live on Max, it’s clear that wrestling is adapting to the modern media landscape.”
The Benefits of Collaboration
For Jarrett, the WWE-TNA partnership is a win for everyone involved, especially the fans. By working together, promotions can create dream scenarios, showcase talent to broader audiences, and keep wrestling fresh and exciting.
“If it’s good for the customer, it’s incumbent upon the business to figure out how to adapt and make it work for the bottom line,” he said.
What This Means for the Future
The WWE-TNA partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations in wrestling. Promotions that once fiercely guarded their territories are now seeing the value in cross-promotion. Jarrett believes this shift reflects a larger trend in the industry.
“You have to listen to your paying customer,” he emphasized. “The customer is always right. If it’s good for the fans, then we all win.”
The Rise of TNA and Its Place in Wrestling History
TNA Wrestling, founded in 2002 by Jeff and Jerry Jarrett, emerged during a pivotal moment in professional wrestling history, shortly after WCW’s closure in 2001. The company launched its operations at the Tennessee State Fairground Sports Arena, fondly referred to as the “TNA Asylum,” where it introduced a groundbreaking weekly pay-per-view model.
Throughout its history, TNA established itself as North America’s second-largest wrestling promotion, particularly during the 2000s and early 2010s. Its impact on professional wrestling was profound, bringing innovations like the six-sided ring and the high-energy X-Division matches, which influenced the industry for years to come.
TNA’s legacy is defined by its ability to spotlight both established legends and emerging talent. The promotion featured iconic performers such as Sting, Kurt Angle, and Jeff Jarrett, while also nurturing homegrown stars like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. Moreover, TNA revolutionized women’s wrestling with its Knockouts division, providing a platform for female wrestlers at a time when women’s wrestling received limited attention elsewhere.
The company’s influence extended beyond its own programming, as many of its innovations and talent development practices were later adopted by other promotions, solidifying its place in professional wrestling history.