TNA IMPACT’s first episode on AMC came with a major surprise, as Daria Rae — formerly known to WWE fans as Sonya Deville — made her long-awaited return to pro wrestling and instantly shook up the company’s leadership structure.
The segment opened with Director of Authority Santino Marella addressing the audience after footage aired of Arianna Grace turning on her father in favor of Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo. Marella emphasized that IMPACT’s move to a new network meant increased visibility, higher expectations, and new goals for the company. With that in mind, he revealed that TNA had brought in someone new to help guide the promotion into this next era.
That person turned out to be Daria Rae.
Rae made her entrance to a strong reaction and initially echoed Marella’s comments, explaining that she had been closely watching TNA and was impressed with its potential. However, the tone of her promo quickly shifted. Rae dismissed Marella as a non-factor, openly mocking him and claiming even his own daughter wanted nothing to do with him. She bluntly told Marella that TNA didn’t need him and warned him to stay out of her way moving forward.
With authority already established, Rae revealed her first major move: a new signing to the Knockouts division.
That announcement brought out Elayna Black, formerly WWE NXT standout Cora Jade, who officially made her TNA debut. The moment marked a significant reset for Black, who had been released by WWE in May after a four-year run and had briefly returned to the independent scene before stepping away from wrestling last summer.
Rae’s appearance was just as notable. After spending a decade with WWE, she departed the company in February and later announced her retirement from wrestling in July. Her arrival in TNA not only signals a return to the industry but also places her in a position of power from day one.
Between Rae’s surprising role and Black’s addition to the Knockouts roster, TNA wasted no time making a statement on its AMC premiere. The company’s new era is clearly focused on bold changes — and this opening segment made it clear that more shake-ups could be right around the corner.
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