Hammerstone was already the face of one wrestling promotion and the former MLW World Heavyweight Champion looks to continue that trend in TNA.

The recent TNA signee first made his TNA debut without any deal by facing Josh Alexander at Hard To Kill, the company’s first PPV since their jump back to the old TNA letters. Hammerstone came up short in that exchange but got his revenge as TNA Sacrifice as he defeated ‘The Walking Weapon’ and took Alexander’s signature headgear as a “scalp” to pin on his wall. Now the rubber match takes place Saturday at TNA Rebellion. This time, it’s a Last Man Standing match.

I spoke with Hammerstone this week about Rebellion, his goal to be the new face of TNA and so much more. 

Hammerstone says there was no better way to show up in TNA than being thrown right into the deep end. Even in a promo before joining the company, He made clear that he’s a shark that’s on the hunt and was ready to take on all comers as a free agent. The big man didn’t have to wait for long as TNA did end up signing him. When asked if he looks forward to the notion that he could potentially be the face of another wrestling company, Hammer was more than willing to oblige.

“Listen, there’s no time in wrestling where I’ve ever shown up and just wanted to get paid and have a match and go home. Every place I go I want to get to the top. I want to conquer. That’s my goal. That’s my mission statement from day one.”

Hammerstone notes that it will be a tough hill to climb on the TNA roster and that there are a lot of names who have been there longer than he has. However, that won’t deter him from keeping his eyes on the top of that hill.

“I’m not intimidated. You know, I have a feeling if we have this same conversation this time next year, we’ll be talking about myself being the face of TNA.”

Hammerstone had a bit of a warm-up match on the go-home episode of TNA Impact as he took on Little Guido who recently just unveiled a new version of the FBI. Unfortunately for Guido, Hammerstone manhandled the maybe mafiasio.”

TNA Sacrifice airs this Saturday at 8 PM ET on PPV.

.@alexhammerstone absolutely dominates @nunzio_guido with a Torture Rack, sending a clear message to @Walking_Weapon ahead of #Rebellion! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/bXMNi9Nm9L

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

The winds of change may be coming for TNA Wrestling and could be courtesy of Alex Hammerstone.

TNA Sacrifice took place Friday evening and one of the featured fights was a rematch between Hammerstone and former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander. The Walking Weapon walked out with the first victory at TNA Hard To Kill in January but this time it was Hammerstone who came out victorious, but not without nefarious actions.

During the match, the official was down in the corner as Alexander had Hammerstone in a standing switch, and Hammerstone decided to rip a page out of Ric Flair’s book by low-blowing Josh and then hitting him with his Nightmare Pendulum for the 1-2-3 victory.

As a means to rub salt to the wound, Hammerstone stole Alexander’s signature wrestling headgear as a “souvenir,” but Alex was far from being in a jovial mood in a post-match promo.

“You were looking past me like I was insignificant. Well who’s insignificant now, Josh? You talk about how you wanna be World Champion again using me as a stepping stone? Look at me! I’m what world champions are made out of.”

Hammerstone then went to go over Alexander’s extensive list of injuries he’s sustained recently in his career and decided to give him a new moniker.

“You are not the Walking Weapon, you are a walking liability. The future has started, Josh and it’s leaving you behind. You’ll be lucky if you step into the ring with me again and the only thing I take from you is head gear.”

EXCLUSIVE: @alexhammerstone has arrived in TNA and made an IMPACT at the expense of @Walking_Weapon!#Sacrifice pic.twitter.com/pojqraPpNl

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 9, 2024

Being a former MLW World Champion, one can only imagine that Hammerstone has the TNA World Title in his sights. He may have to go through Moose, who retained his gold against Eric Young in the main event of Sacrfice.

Please h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

TNA Wrestling is pleased to welcome Alex Hammerstone as the newest member of its roster in a move that was made official this week. 

On Twitter, TNA confirmed that Hammerstone has signed with the promotion. Responding to the tweet, Hammerstone made it clear that it’s time for him to show what he can do in a TNA ring. 

Time to get to work. ? https://t.co/XeVsPN641l

— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) March 1, 2024

Hammerstone in TNA Wrestling

Hammerstone made his debut for TNA at Hard to Kill 2024 last month in a match against Josh Alexander. In the sixth match on the main card (and ninth overall), Alexander defeated Hammerstone. The pair are scheduled to compete in a rematch at TNA Sacrifice. That show will take place on March 8, 2024, from the St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 

While Hard to Kill was Hammerstone’s TNA debut, he had briefly worked for the promotion once before. In January 2019, he competed on IMPACT Wrestling’s Xplosion show and earned a victory over Nick Brubaker. 

Hammerstone In the Ring

Hammerstone made his debut in the wrestling business in 2013 and is best known for his success in Major League Wrestling. Joining the promotion in 2019, Hammerstone quickly became part of The Dynasty, a faction that would include Richard Holliday and AEW’s MJF. 

That same year, he became the first MLW National Openweight Champion, and in 2021, defeated MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu in a title-for-title match. 

Outside of MLW, Hammerstone competed for Pro Wrestling Noah in 2019. In February 2016, he did extra work for WWE and appeared on screen as a bodyguard for Tyler Breeze. 

TNA Wrestling has started their year off to an interesting start. The company began 2024 by re-signing some top stars and a well-received pay-per-view event. Although the departure of former TNA President Scott D’Amore may have lowered some fan and talent morale, the company’s potential next signee could restore excitement to the brand. 

Mike Johnson at PWInsider reports that TNA is looking to sign Alex Hammerstone.

Hammerstone competed for the company this year at TNA Hard To Kill on January 13 against Josh Alexander. The two had a back-and-forth matchup, which saw the former Impact World Champion be victorious. 

 Hammerstone is currently a free agent, but the report shares that fans should expect him to head to TNA. It also added that the company is interested in getting a deal done but can’t confirm it’s finalized yet. 

The free agent decided to leave Major League Wrestling on January 1. Since then, he has competed for various independent wrestling promotions, including Game Changer Wrestling and New Tradition Lucha Libre. Hammerstone is currently the NTLL Heavyweight Championship and is set to defend his title against Sam Adonis on March 16. It’s unclear if Hammerstone’s signing with TNA could affect the results of the match or future independent wrestling dates. 

While the company is dealings with a vital office shake-up, they are seemingly still looking to impact the wrestling business in 2024. 

Recent Business Moves By TNA

TNA locking down Hammerstone with a deal would be another great addition to the roster. The company has featured new free agents like Nic Nemeth, AJ Francis, and Ash By Elegance. They have also drawn attention recently with independent star Mustafa Ali defeating Chris Sabin at TNA No Surrender to win the X-Division Championship. 

The current roster is also trying to move forward after the firing of D’Amore and make the best of the situation. Fightful Select reported that TNA’s parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, and roster members met to discuss TNA’s future. 

Although morale is not what it was at the start of the year, it is seemingly doing better after the meeting. The new signees and fresh matchups could build back the excitement of what the company envisioned for 2024. 

Former IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander is looking for a fight at TNA Hard to Kill and Alex Hammerstone will give him exactly that. 

Hammerstone, a former MLW World Champion, is currently a free agent after finishing his time with the promotion. Earlier this week, Hammerstone issued an open challenge to anybody in wrestling to come and face him. 

Impact/TNA has since confirmed the match has been signed for this historic event.

Josh Alexander Wants Alex Hammerstone

Taking to Twitter, Josh Alexander spoke about his difficult 2023, and what’s to come in 2024. 

“Today is a good day. And it feels good to say that because 2023 was not kind to me. I suffered injury after injury. I lost that thing that I fought so hard to earn and keep in that IMPACT World Championship. More than all that, I lost a piece of myself somewhere along the way. That thing that makes me special.

“But it’s a good day. It’s 2024, it’s a new year. People are settling resolutions and goals and me? I’m no different. See, I intend on getting that piece back in 2024. And I’m going to do that on January 14th at TNA Snake Eyes when I right a wrong and face, once again, Will Ospreay one-on-one.

The Walking Weapon was happy to accept Hammerstone’s open challenge and wants the match to take place at TNA Hard to Kill later this month. 

“TNA is returning on January 13th, one day before that. Live on pay-per-view for the world to see. From the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. TNA presents Hard to Kill. I picked up my phone this morning, scrolling through social media and I stumble upon one of these free agents in the pro-wrestling world. This one’s different from the rest. Rather than asking or demanding an opportunity, this one’s offering one in the form of an open challenge.

“Let me get it out of the way. Alex Hammerstone, I would like to accept your open challenge. I spoke to TNA management already so this match is made, if you choose to accept. And I will give you the opportunity by opening the door here at TNA Wrestling. I will roll the welcome mat all the way down to the ring. You say you’re a shark in open waters? Well come face the standard, the Iron Man, the Walking Weapon and let’s find out. Because 2024, I’m going to get that piece back that I lost along the way and I am going to be the best pro-wrestler on Earth once again and it starts at Hard to Kill and it starts with you Hammerstone.”

TNA Hard to Kill will take place on January 13. The show will mark the official relaunch of TNA after years of being IMPACT Wrestling. Morale within IMPACT/TNA is said to be very high ahead of this monumental relaunch. 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Alex Hammerstone is now a free agent and for him, it’s “hunting season.”

The former MLW World Champion revealed weeks ago that MLW One-Shot was his last event for the company under his current contract and the clock ultimately ticked down to his leave. That day so happened to be New Year’s Day and on January 1, Hammerstone shared a video commenting on his new beginning for 2024.

The video starts off with a ticking clock and cut in between his Hammerstone showing his in ring athleticism before he addresses the wrestling world.

“Now I’m allowed to walk through whatever ‘door’ that I want to except the ones that are being boarded shut in a desperate attempt to keep me out cause they’re worried what’ll happen if I get through them.”

Hammerstone continues, stating that he’s not looking for an opportunity, but he is giving one. For years he’s been one of the best in the world for years and so he wants to face the best in the world and therefore he lays out his challenge.

“So this is my open challenge to anyone out there because I was never a big fish in a small pond. I have always been a shark and now I’m in open waters and it’s hunting season.”

January 1st.

Free agency.

A message. pic.twitter.com/qHskz7CD4w

— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) January 1, 2024

Since 2018, Hammerstone has been the face of MLW so his exit signifies a new era for him.

Please h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

The reveal of the Devil at AEW Worlds End has proven to be a huge talking point among fans and those within the wrestling business. 

In the main event of AEW Worlds End, MJF lost the AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe. After the match, the Devil’s henchmen’s attacked MJF and revealed themselves to be Wardlow, Roderick Strong, Matt Taven and Mike Bennett. Adam Cole watched on as the four men beat down Cole’s ‘best friend’ before revealing himself as the Devil. 

Adam Cole has been The Devil this WHOLE TIME?!

Order #AEWWorldsEnd LIVE on PPV!
??: https://t.co/TiDZIQm5Hp
?: https://t.co/2USw7IAedK@AdamColePro | @The_MJF pic.twitter.com/JM03SIyeJU

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 31, 2023

The Wrestling World Reacts

After months of build, the reveal of the Devil has had the wrestling world talking. Taking to Twitter, Cole shared a snippet from the song ‘pride.is.the.devil. by J. Cole and Lil Baby. 

pic.twitter.com/mnlVGxhTXZ

— Adam Cole (@AdamColePro) December 31, 2023

While some suspected Britt Baker of being the Devil, that was never the plan. On Twitter, Baker was pleased to prove those who doubted her wrong. 

I told you guys I’m not the devil.

I’m the bully…. remember? pic.twitter.com/ypfAYz33Uh

— Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (@RealBrittBaker) December 31, 2023

Anthony Bowens has been aligned with MJF and was attacked by The Devil’s henchmen alongside the rest of the Acclaimed recently. The AEW Trios Champion had just two words for Cole and his allies. 

FUCK YOU ? #AEWWorldsEnd

— Anthony Bowens (@Bowens_Official) December 31, 2023

Alex Hammerstone recently wrapped up his time with  MLW and has teased joining AEW. The former MLW World Champion shared a photo of himself alongside MJF, and others during their time as The Dynasty and asked if MJF needs some help. 

Need a friend or two, brother? ?

— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) December 31, 2023

Richard Holliday was also once part of The Dynasty and shared his own reaction to the reveal of the Devil and his henchmen. 

Need a friend or two, brother? ?

— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) December 31, 2023

There have been some negative reactions to the closing moments of AEW Worlds End, but that hasn’t phased Samoa Joe. The new AEW World Champion made it clear he’s enjoying the ‘salty tears’ of fans. 

Damn, ankles gonna swell all these salty tears I’m drinking.

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) December 31, 2023

Alex Hammerstone will be a free agent to start the new year.

Similar tp his longtime “Dynasty bro” MJF, Hammerstone announced that his current contract will officially expire on January 1, 2024. The former MLW World Heavyweight Champion made the announcement via social media, noting that MLW One Shot was his last event under his current contract. Hammerstone also included ways to contact him for business opportunities.

Just last month, Hammerstone made his return to MLW after dropping the World Title to current champion Alex Kane earlier this year, ending his reign of over 600 days.

Before his comeback, Hammerstone teased that he was ready to move on from MLW, a promotion he’s been with since 2018. However, a swerve was made last month as he revealed himself to be apart of Mister Saint Laurent’s “World Titan Federation,” a faction clearly embracing the 1980s “sports entertainment” style of WWF.

Last night during One-Shot, Hammerstone heeled it up in a bodybuilding competition, before brawling with longtime rival, Jacob Fatu. In tapings for MLW Fusion on Thursday, Hammerstone fought Fatu in what could be their third and final battle under the MLW banner.

The History Behind Alex Hammerstone

When first starting with MLW, Hammerstone started off as an arrogant heel before aligning himself with MJF and Richard Holliday, forming one of the promotion’s greatest factions, The Dynasty. The group dispersed when MJF moved full-time to AEW. During that run, Hammerstone became the inaugural National Openweight Champion, a title he never lost and eventually defeated Jacob Fatu to become the World Champion.

Hammerstone clearly became the face of MLW and defended his gold against countless competitors, including fellow Dynasty member Richard Holliday, who ironically enough, made his return to the company at One Shot Thursday evening.

As a free agent, Hammerstone will be a hot commoditiy in wrestling. With MJF in AEW, speculation could occur that he could sign there, but his physical presence, ring ability and charisma would make him an excellent fit in WWE. Along with Kenny Omega, Hammerstone is one of the few talents remaining to be protective of his finishing move, The Nightmare Pendulum. Only Jacob Fatu has ever kicked out of the manuever.

MLW has announced its main event for the SuperFight 2023 show as Alex Hammerstone will defend his MLW World Heavyweight Title against Jacob Fatu. 

This event will take place on Saturday, February 4, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. 

Their first match happened when Hammerstone defeated Fatu to win the MLW World Heavyweight Title at MLW Fightland 2021 after The announcement of the match was touted as the biggest rivalry in Major League Wrestling. 

Backstory

Fatu earned his title shot by winning Battle Riot IV last year in New York City, but up to this point had not revealed the date and location for it. Now, they will square off in the ring to see who will walk out as champion. 

Since winning the MLW World Heavyweight Title, Hammerstone has defended the title against various challengers ranging from Davey Richards to Richard Holliday as well as other top stars. 

During this time, Fatu has continued to be pushed as a dominant star to crush CONTRA after having a falling out with the group and forming the Samoan SWAT Team. 

No other matches have been announced thus far for the upcoming event that will serve as a taping for its weekly Fusion TV series. MLW will announce additional bouts as the event gets closer.

Cesar Duran will be stepping in the ring this Friday in Dallas, Texas at Major League Wrestling’s Azteca Underground supercard event.

The company announced the booking of the match, stating that it will have a no holds barred stipulation.

The proprietor of Azteca Underground and MLW matchmaker Cesar Duran will make his in-ring debut for the promotion. Duran has booked himself in a match against the MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone.

According to the announcement, Duran has stated that Hammerstone will be begging to quit in under 5 minutes as he will showcase his lucha skills in the ring.

Ever since Alex Hammerstone won the World Championship at the Winner takes all match in MLW Fightland in October, Cesar Duran has been after him. Hammerstone has rejected Duran’s offer to be under his control, earning the ire of the MLW matchmaker.

El Jefe has said that this match is not a publicity stunt, and there will be “violent consequences” at the event for Hammerstone.

Alex Hammerstone is already booked in a six-man tag team match on the event, teaming up with The Von Erichs (Marshall Von Erich and Ross Von Erich) going against the team of King Muertes, Mads Krügger, and Richard Holliday.

“Seeing the Von Erichs wrestle in Dallas is a rite of passage; like seeing Elvis in Memphis, if you’re a fan of the sport, this is an experience you can’t afford to miss,” MLW CEO Court Bauer said about the tag-team match. “And what better way than a six-man clash featuring some of MLW’s top-ranked and most dangerous.”

MLW will also hold the Intimidation Games event as a FUSION taping on Thursday, March 31 at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas. A triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship has been set with the champion Alex Hammerstone defending his title against Jacob Fatu and Mads Krugger. MLW also said that several mystery matches will be revealed on the night of the event. The next day on Friday, April 1, MLW will hold the Azteca Underground event. It is the second event held under the “Azteca” banner. The Azteca/The Crash show from 2021 is the first one.

The full title vs. title match between Jacob Fatu and Alex Hammerstone has been released for free.

On Oct. 7, Fatu put the MLW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Hammerstone, who was the MLW National Openweight Champion. The action was held inside the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

Alex Hammerstone Ends Jacob Fatu’s Reign

Fatu’s massive 819-day reign as the MLW World Heavyweight Champion came to an end. Alex Hammerstone won the match and became an MLW “Champ-Champ.” Shortly after defeating Jacob Fatu, Hammerstone relinquished the MLW National Openweight Championship. Hammerstone held that title for 866 days.

Here’s the full match courtesy of the official YouTube channel of MLW.

Hammerstone’s beef with Fatu and the rest of CONTRA Unit doesn’t end here.

On Nov. 6, Alex Hammerstone will be teaming with EJ Nduka, Richard Holliday, and a mystery partner to take on CONTRA Unit (Jacob Fatu, Mads Krugger, Josef Samael & Ikuro Kwon) in a War Chamber Match. The match will be part of a set of MLW Fusion tapings in Philly.

The rules for the War Chamber Match are as follows:

• A coin toss determines which team enters first.
• 1-on-1 for 5:00 in stage 1 of the War Chamber.
• The winner of coin toss comes out for 2-on-1.
• Alternating teams have wrestlers enter every 2 minutes.
• Once all combatants are in the War Chamber, victory is won by submission, surrender or pinfall.

Alex Hammerstone has relinquished the MLW national openweight championship after winning the promotion’s world title last week during MLW Fightland. The 30-year-old faced the former MLW champion Jacob Fatu in a historic title vs. title match during the show. He won the bout and ended Fatu’s 819 days long reign.

Then on this week’s episode of Fusion: Alpha, Hammerstone informed Cesar Duran that he would now like to focus on defending the world title only:

The MLW national openweight championship was introduced back in April 2019. Alex won the title in a tournament to crown the inaugural champion. He defeated Brian Pillman Jr. in the finals.

Alex Hammerstone made his wrestling debut back in August 2013. He wrestled for a number of indie promotions in the early stages of his career. He made his MLW debut back in February 2019. The MLW champion made appearances for WWE as an enhancement talent around 2015.

He also attended a couple of WWE tryouts around the same time but nothing came out of it. This concludes Alex’s 866 days long reign as the national openweight champion. There is no word yet on what the company is planning for the title now.