Author: John Bass

TNA Launches Investigation Into Allegations Against Masha Slamovich

Serious allegations have surfaced involving TNA star Masha Slamovich, leading the company to open an internal investigation.

On Tuesday morning, posts began circulating on social media accusing Slamovich of domestic violence against her former partner, independent wrestler AKIRA (real name Alexander James Atkisson). Sports Illustrated reports that the situation prompted TNA to begin an official review, while F4WOnline notes Slamovich has already been pulled from several upcoming appearances.

The claims were first made public by a friend of Atkisson’s, who shared screenshots of text messages and photos allegedly pointing to violent behavior from Slamovich. Atkisson himself later released a statement on X, opening up about emotional trauma he has endured, though he did not specifically confirm or deny the accusations of physical abuse.

Slamovich (real name Anna Khozina) has been with TNA for the past four years and is one of the company’s most prominent Knockouts. She captured the Knockouts Championship last October, holding the title until her loss to WWE’s Jacy Jayne at Slammiversary this past July. She was also recently highlighted in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual Top 500 list for her intergender work, making Tuesday’s developments even more jarring.

Atkisson, best known as AKIRA, is a former MLW talent with a resume that spans GCW, CZW, CMLL, and Japan’s Big Japan Pro Wrestling, where he enjoyed a four-month run as Death Match Heavyweight Champion earlier this year.

As of now, TNA has yet to issue a public statement beyond confirming their investigation. Slamovich had most recently been touring in Europe when the accusations surfaced.

This story is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

Update on WWE’s Piper Niven’s Injury

It looks like we have some encouraging news regarding Piper Niven’s health.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Niven is currently sidelined with a neck injury and is waiting for an official diagnosis. While there was early fear that the situation could be very serious — even career-threatening — WWE sources now believe she is expected to return to action at some point down the road.

We previously noted the initial concern backstage this week that the injury might force Niven out long-term, but the latest update suggests her outlook is far more optimistic.

Niven has not competed since the August 22nd episode of SmackDown.

This is a positive turn for the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, who has been gaining momentum in the women’s division. Hopefully, we’ll see her back in a WWE ring sooner rather than later.

Jazmyn Nyx Reportedly Finishing Up With WWE

Another NXT name looks to be wrapping up their time with WWE.

According to a new report from PWInsider, Jazmyn Nyx has decided not to renew her deal with the company. WWE did extend her a contract offer, but Nyx turned it down and will officially become a free agent once her current deal runs out.

The writing was already on the wall on this week’s episode of NXT. In a backstage segment, Nyx was shown laid out and unconscious. Her on-screen ally Jacy Jayne coldly declared it was time to move on from Nyx in Fatal Influence, delivering the line, “only the strong survive.” That moment now looks to be WWE’s storyline way of writing her out.

Nyx’s final in-ring appearance came during last week’s NXT Homecoming special, where she teamed with Jayne and Fallon Henley in a losing effort against Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria, and CMLL’s Stephanie Vaquer.

For those unfamiliar, Nyx — real name Jade Gentile — signed with WWE in November 2022 and has been part of the developmental system for nearly two years.

With her WWE chapter coming to a close, Nyx will soon have the freedom to explore opportunities in other promotions. Given her young career and the visibility she’s gained through NXT, it’ll be interesting to see where she lands next.

AEW Dynamite Preview 9/24/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET and emanating from the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

  • Fallout from All Out
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Interim ROH Women’s World TV Champion Mina Shirakawa
  • Don Callis Family’s Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita Hechicero) vs. The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Hologram & mystery partner) – The mystery partner is expected to be Orange Cassidy
  • Tony Khan to make an important announcement

TNA Star Masha Slamovich Accused Of Domestic Violence

TNA star Masha Slamovich, known for her smash-mouth style and breakout performances in recent years, has found herself in the headlines for reasons outside the ring. The Knockouts standout is facing troubling allegations from her former partner, independent wrestler AKIRA, who claims Slamovich was physically abusive during their relationship.

The situation unfolded when AKIRA’s manager posted screenshots and photos online, allegedly documenting incidents of domestic violence. The material included text conversations between the two wrestlers along with images of injuries — such as facial bruising, split lips, and marks on AKIRA’s hands.

One exchange allegedly shows AKIRA confronting Slamovich, writing: “You hit me. You’re wrong.” The reply, attributed to Slamovich’s number, read: “You cursed at me — that’s why you got hit.”

The messages paint a picture of a toxic and volatile relationship, with Slamovich allegedly venting frustrations over her career struggles and AKIRA expressing concern about her behavior. AKIRA’s manager further questioned Slamovich’s place in wrestling’s spotlight, calling out her recent accolades while these accusations hang over her.

This comes at a pivotal moment in Slamovich’s career. After winning the Knockouts World Championship from Jordynne Grace at Bound for Glory 2024, Slamovich dropped the belt to Jacy Jayne at Slammiversary 2025. She’s now booked to challenge Ash by Elegance for the title at Victory Road this Friday, September 26.

As of now, Slamovich has not released a statement regarding the allegations. It remains to be seen how TNA — or the wrestling world at large — will respond as the story continues to develop.

WWE NXT Preview 9/23/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW. Last episode before No Mercy.

  • A TNA invasion is expected tonight
  • Title For Title: NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World champion Trick Williams
  • WWE Speed Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Candice LeRae vs. Lainey Reid
  • Lights Out Match: Lexis King vs. Myles Bourne
  • NASCAR’s Sam Mayer and Cole Custer make a special appearance

Concerning Update on Piper Niven’s WWE Status

There’s some troubling news regarding WWE star Piper Niven. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, Niven is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury that may be far more serious than initially believed. While details remain scarce, Alvarez mentioned concern that the setback could even be career-threatening.

Niven has been absent from television since the August 22 episode of SmackDown. In her absence, creative plans had to be shifted. On the September 19 edition of SmackDown, Chelsea Green — who has been paired with Niven in recent months — instead teamed up with Alba Fyre to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss retained their titles in that bout.

The injury also altered Clash in Paris, where Niven was originally scheduled to team with Fyre against Flair and Bliss. Instead, the match was changed to Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green, with Bliss walking away victorious.

For now, Niven is said to be in Dublin, Ireland as she recovers. WWE has yet to issue an official update, and with speculation swirling about the severity of her injury, fans are left waiting to see what the future holds for the Scottish star.

Niven has been a steady presence in WWE’s women’s division over the past few years, and the possibility of a serious or even career-ending injury is sobering news. Here’s hoping we’ll get more clarity soon — and that “Doudrop” can make a healthy return to the ring.

Report: Gunther Expected Back on WWE TV Soon

It looks like WWE fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the return of “The Ring General.” According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther is set to make his comeback to television after being sidelined since SummerSlam.

Gunther hasn’t been seen since night one of SummerSlam, where he dropped the World Heavyweight Title to CM Punk. That chaotic night saw Seth Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Punk immediately after, leaving the Austrian powerhouse empty-handed. WWE later announced that Gunther was out indefinitely with a series of serious injuries — including a subdural hematoma and orbital blowout fracture. Reports also surfaced that he underwent surgery to repair a broken nose.

Now cleared and expected back “very soon,” speculation is already heating up over what WWE has in store for him. With Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia on the horizon, Gunther could be slotted into a high-profile match on the card.

Over the past year, the former champion has been linked to several potential dream bouts. One of the biggest rumors ties him to John Cena, with whispers that Gunther could be the final opponent on Cena’s retirement tour. That match, however, isn’t expected until December, when Cena’s farewell bout officially takes place.

Another long-discussed showdown is Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar. WWE had initially explored the match for WrestleMania 40 before Lesnar was pulled from creative plans, but with Lesnar now back in the mix and having already bested Cena, that collision with Gunther could finally materialize.

Whether it’s Brock, Cena, or another top name, Gunther’s return is set to shake up WWE’s main event scene. After establishing himself as one of the most dominant champions in recent memory, fans are eager to see who will be the first to step in front of “The Ring General” when he marches back onto WWE TV.

Update On AEW Return Of Orange Cassidy

After six months on the shelf, Orange Cassidy is finally on his way back to AEW programming. The former International Champion has been out since March with a torn pectoral muscle, but all signs point to his long-awaited return this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.

Over the weekend, Cassidy’s Conglomeration allies Mark Briscoe and Kyle O’Reilly all but confirmed his involvement in a six-man tag match. Dave Meltzer later reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Cassidy has officially been cleared to compete, setting the stage for his comeback bout.

On Dynamite, Cassidy will join Briscoe and Hologram to face three members of The Don Callis Family. That group has been steadily expanding in recent months, keeping busy feuding with The Conglomeration. Most recently, Kyle Fletcher and Josh Alexander scored a big win over O’Reilly and Tomohiro Ishii on the August 30 edition of Collision, adding more fuel to this faction rivalry.

Cassidy’s last appearance before the injury came back in March, when he fell short in a four-way eliminator for the AEW International Championship. That title has since been unified, but Cassidy’s impact on the belt — and AEW as a whole — can’t be understated. Since joining the company, he’s wrestled more than 250 matches, becoming one of the true workhorses of the roster.

This six-month layoff marks the longest absence of Cassidy’s AEW career, making his Dynamite return all the more significant. Fans will no doubt be eager to see if “Freshly Squeezed” can pick up where he left off and re-establish himself as one of the company’s most reliable stars.

TNA Wrestling Announces Mickie James As The First Inductee Into 2025 TNA Wrestling Hall Of Fame

TNA Wrestling has revealed that Mickie James will be the first name honored in the 2025 class of the TNA Hall of Fame. The multi-time Knockouts World Champion will officially take her place among the company’s legends later this year.

The induction is scheduled for Sunday, October 12th, during the annual Bound For Glory pay-per-view, which traditionally serves as TNA’s biggest event of the year.

James’ career with the promotion stretches across multiple eras, with her success helping establish the Knockouts division as one of the most respected women’s rosters in the business. From championship reigns to historic main-event moments, her impact on TNA/IMPACT Wrestling has been undeniable.

This Hall of Fame nod not only cements her legacy with the company but also highlights her influence on women’s wrestling as a whole. Fans can expect a special night at Bound For Glory when Mickie James takes her rightful place in the TNA Hall of Fame.

You can read the full announcement from TNA below:

Mickie James Will Be Inducted Into The TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame On Sunday, October 12 at Bound For Glory

Five-Time Former TNA Knockouts World Champion Is One Of The Most Accomplished, Decorated Wrestlers Of All Time

Mickie James, an 11-time women’s world champion between WWE and TNA Wrestling, will be inducted into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 12, at Bound For Glory – the showcase event of the year for TNA, held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Mass.

The surprise announcement was made today during a live episode of Notsam Wrestling Live! on SiriusXM. While James was being interviewed by hosts Roberts and Tommy Dreamer, TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva made an appearance and shocked James with the Hall of Fame announcement.

James is the first announced member of the class of 2025 for the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame, which was established in 2012 and has honored 12 individuals and two groups (4 members): 16 total inductees. James is the fourth-ever Knockout inducted into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame, joining Gail Kim, Awesome Kong and Traci Brooks.

MICKIE JAMES 
An 11-time Women’s World Champion, Mickie James has been wrestling for more than two decades, including multiple title runs in WWE and TNA Wrestling. She has been wrestling since 1999 and has been a multi-time winner of the Woman Wrestler of the Year award. Her 2021 Bound For Glory match against Deonna Purrazzo was voted the 2021 Knockouts Match of the Year. Away from the ring, James is a renowned country music singer, perhaps best known for her hit single “Hardcore Country.” She is an inductee into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame and is signed to Sony Music.

The TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremony is Sunday, October 12, at Bound For Glory, which will air live around the world from the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Mass.

All the TNA stars will be at Bound For Glory, including Jeff & Matt Hardy, Nic & Ryan Nemeth, Mike Santana, Moose, AJ Francis, Steve Maclin, Eric Young, Brian Myers, Mustafa Ali, Leon Slater and Knockouts such as Indi Hartwell, Tessa Blanchard, Masha Slamovich and all members of the Elegance Brand. 

In addition, TNA World Champion Trick Williams – a member of the NXT roster – will be at Bound For Glory in Lowell.

One of the most-anticipated BFG matches this year is The Hardys vs. Team 3D (members of the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame) One Last Time.

For tickets to BFG, go to: https://tsongascenter.evenue.net/events/TNA.