TNA Slammiversary – Sunday June 28, 2026 – Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts – 4pm ET – Pre-Show 3pm ET
CARD
TNA World Championship Match: Mike Santana (c) vs. Nic Nemeth
TNA Knockouts World Championship Match: Lei Ying Lee (c) vs. Xia Brookside
TNA X-Division Championship Ultimate X Match: Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Leon Slater vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Amazing Red vs. K.C. Navarro vs. Mr. Elegance vs. Fabian Aichner
TNA World Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: The System (Brian Myers & Bear Bronson) (c) vs. The Hardys vs. The Righteous vs. The Great Hands
TNA Knockouts world Tag Team Championship: The Elegance Brand (c) vs. Rosemary & Allie
No Surrender Match: Eddie Edwards w/Alicia Edwards vs. Moose w/JDC
Eric Young vs. Ricky Sosa
TNA International Championship Match: Mustafa Ali (c) vs. TBA (rumored to be Apollo Crews)
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Joe Doering, the former TNA and All Japan Pro-Wrestling standout, who has passed away at the age of 44.
The news was announced Friday by Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, which revealed that Doering died peacefully on the morning of June 26 while surrounded by his family.
In a statement shared on social media, the promotion paid tribute to Doering’s life and legacy, noting the impact he made on those who knew him throughout his wrestling career and personal life.
A Career Built on Strength and Success
Known to many fans simply as “Big” Joe Doering, the Chicago native built a reputation as one of the most physically imposing performers in professional wrestling. Standing 6-foot-8, Doering combined his size and power with a hard-hitting style that helped him find success around the world.
After beginning his wrestling career in 2004, Doering’s biggest accomplishments came in All Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he became one of the promotion’s top foreign stars. During his time with AJPW, he captured the prestigious Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice and won the World Tag Team Championship four times.
His success in Japan established him as a respected veteran and one of the most accomplished international stars of his generation.
Impact in TNA Wrestling
American fans may best remember Doering for his run in TNA Wrestling as a member of Violent By Design, the faction led by Eric Young.
The group quickly became one of the promotion’s most dominant forces, with Doering playing a key role as the powerhouse enforcer. During his time with the faction, he helped capture the Impact World Tag Team Championship on two occasions, adding more championship success to an already impressive résumé.
Violent By Design’s mission of “curing the wrestling world of its sickness” made them one of TNA’s most memorable acts during that era.
A Long Battle With Illness
Outside the ring, Doering faced a difficult and courageous fight against brain cancer.
He was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 and underwent surgery shortly afterward. While he was able to continue wrestling following treatment, the disease returned in 2022, leading to a second surgery.
Following that procedure, Doering developed ataxia, a neurological condition that affects coordination, movement, and speech.
In late 2025, his family revealed that doctors had discovered a third brain tumor. Earlier this week, reports confirmed that Doering had entered hospice care.
Just days later, news of his passing was announced.
Remembering Joe Doering
Throughout his career, Doering earned respect from fans, promoters, and fellow wrestlers alike for his toughness, professionalism, and perseverance. Whether competing in Japan, North America, or elsewhere around the world, he left a lasting impression on the wrestling industry.
He is survived by his wife, Lindsay, along with his family, friends, and the many fans who followed his journey both inside and outside the ring.
Everyone at WrestlingNewsBlog extends their condolences to Joe Doering’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Joe Doering.
At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them.
TNA Wrestling may soon be expanding its Knockouts division with the introduction of a brand-new championship.
According to a report from Fightful Select, the company is preparing to unveil a women’s mid-card title, giving the Knockouts roster a second singles championship to compete for alongside the TNA Knockouts World Championship.
While details remain limited, the report notes that the new title could be announced in the near future. There is currently no word on the championship’s official name or exactly when it will be introduced.
Tournament Reportedly Being Discussed
The report also indicates that TNA is considering holding a tournament to crown the inaugural champion, with plans potentially targeting July.
If that proves to be the case, the tournament would likely take place during one of TNA’s upcoming television tapings. The promotion currently does not have a pay-per-view scheduled for July, with Slammiversary set for June 28 and Lockdown scheduled for August.
TNA has multiple sets of television tapings planned throughout July, including events at the Broadview Center in Albany, New York, and the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, making either location a possible setting for the tournament or title reveal.
A Boost for the Knockouts Division
The addition of a women’s mid-card championship would represent a significant development for the Knockouts division, which currently features just one singles title: the TNA Knockouts World Championship.
The championship is presently held by Lei Ying Lee, who sits atop a division that has continued to be one of TNA’s strongest and most consistently featured roster segments.
Introducing a secondary title could create more opportunities for emerging talent while providing additional storylines and championship pursuits beyond the world title picture.
Slammiversary Could Bring More Surprises
The report comes as anticipation continues to build for this weekend’s Slammiversary event. Recent reports have also suggested that a TNA Hall of Famer is expected to appear during the show, although no details have surfaced regarding who the individual may be or what role they will play.
With Slammiversary approaching and several major television tapings scheduled in the weeks that follow, TNA appears poised for a busy summer. If the reports are accurate, the debut of a new women’s championship could be one of the promotion’s most notable additions in 2026 and a major step forward for the Knockouts division.
Former TNA Wrestling executive and creative figure Tommy Dreamer is facing renewed scrutiny after multiple wrestlers and industry figures shared allegations and personal experiences involving him on social media.
The discussion began when wrestling student and referee Perch posted claims on X alleging that Dreamer discouraged their pursuit of a wrestling career. According to Perch, Dreamer told them he would do what he could to prevent them from succeeding in the business, comments that Perch says had a significant impact on their confidence and passion for wrestling.
The allegations quickly drew responses from others within the industry, including former WWE and TNA star Mickie James. While defending Dreamer, James suggested there may be additional context missing from Perch’s account.
In her response, James stated that she has known Dreamer for years and questioned whether the full story had been presented publicly. She also criticized what she viewed as an attempt to damage Dreamer’s reputation through social media, arguing that the situation may be more complex than the allegations initially suggested.
I didn’t set out to prove him wrong, I simply thanked him for their advice and went another direction. The pro wrestling business is for everybody, you just have to find where you fit in best. Don’t perform just for someone else’s ideal vision, perform out of your own passion!!
Take critique like a professional and thank them for their time. However don’t allow someone to ‘coercive’ you. Share your burning desire to succeed in the pro wrestling business with others who appreciate you! This is a community, not a tyranny😄✨🩵
Perch, listen, I don’t know you. But I do know @THETOMMYDREAMER well enough to know that “if” he truly said this. There is far more to this story that you are conveniently leaving out. If you are going into come on here & attempt to bury someone. Especially someone who is as… https://t.co/dZGVvji99W
As the conversation continued online, additional claims emerged from other wrestlers.
Independent wrestler Kennedi shared an experience involving a proposed match spot. According to her account, she had requested a Singapore cane spot, but the segment ultimately played out differently, with her alleging that she was instead spanked during the angle.
Wrestler Dani Jordyn also recounted a separate incident involving Dreamer. Jordyn claimed that Dreamer incorporated a crotch-grab spot into a storyline involving her despite it not being necessary to the angle. She further alleged that she was not consulted beforehand about the spot and that she was still relatively new to the wrestling business at the time.
At the time of writing, Dreamer has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. The claims currently remain personal accounts shared on social media and have not been independently verified.
The situation comes shortly after Dreamer’s departure from TNA Wrestling, where he had been involved in creative and backstage roles for several years. As discussion around the allegations continues online, it remains to be seen whether Dreamer or any wrestling promotion will issue further statements regarding the matter.
This is a developing story, and additional information may emerge as more individuals comment publicly on the allegations.
I was new in my career, should’ve trusted my intuition, said a firm no, and not succumb to peer pressure for this spot. This is the only thing that’s happened in my career that felt degrading bc I vowed to never let a MF try me on some uncomfortable shit EVER again 💅🏼
TNA Wrestling may soon have an official developmental system in place.
According to PWInsider, TNA and Ohio Valley Wrestling are currently working on an agreement that would see the Louisville-based promotion serve as a developmental territory for TNA talent. The report adds that a deal is expected to be finalized in the near future.
If completed, the partnership would provide TNA with a dedicated platform for developing prospects, evaluating emerging talent, and preparing wrestlers for larger roles within the company.
PWInsider also reports that TNA President Carlos Silva has attended multiple OVW events in recent months, further fueling speculation that discussions between the two organizations have been ongoing behind the scenes. Silva was reportedly expected to attend OVW’s recent celebration of its 1,400th television episode, though he ultimately did not appear at the event.
The potential partnership comes during a period of major transition for TNA. Over the past week alone, the company has undergone significant roster and executive changes.
Tessa Blanchard was released from the promotion earlier this week, while longtime TNA figures Tommy Dreamer and Sami Callihan also departed the company on Wednesday. In addition, TNA recently announced a workforce reduction, describing the move as part of an effort to streamline operations while increasing strategic focus and profitability.
Despite the recent changes, a developmental relationship with OVW could represent an important investment in TNA’s future.
OVW has a long history of developing wrestling talent and is one of the most recognizable developmental brands in the industry. The promotion previously served as WWE’s developmental territory during the early 2000s and helped launch the careers of numerous future stars.
A formal partnership would give TNA access to an established training and developmental infrastructure while creating a clearer pathway for unsigned prospects and younger talent to progress through the system.
The news is also notable given TNA’s ongoing multi-year partnership with WWE, which began in January 2025. While there is currently no indication that WWE would be directly involved in any OVW arrangement, the relationship between WWE and TNA continues to be one of the more significant collaborations in professional wrestling.
As of now, neither TNA nor OVW has officially announced the agreement, but all indications point to a deal being completed in the near future. If finalized, it could mark a major step in TNA’s efforts to strengthen its talent pipeline during a period of significant organizational change.
Sami Callihan’s time with TNA Wrestling has officially come to an end.
Callihan revealed on Wednesday that he has been released by the company, bringing an end to a tenure that saw him contribute both on-screen and behind the scenes in a variety of roles.
According to Callihan, he was expecting a phone call regarding a possible promotion within TNA’s creative structure. Instead, he received news that the company was moving in a different direction and that his employment was being terminated.
The departure comes during a period of significant change within TNA, which has recently seen several roster exits and major shifts behind the scenes, including Tommy Dreamer’s departure from the creative team.
Fightful Select reports that Callihan was highly regarded throughout the organization. Sources within both the talent roster and company staff reportedly viewed him as a respected figure, and several wrestlers had been advocating for months to see him become more involved with the creative process.
Beyond his work as a performer, Callihan had taken on a number of important backstage responsibilities. He served as both an agent and producer and was considered a popular presence within the locker room.
His influence also extended into TNA’s business operations. Following his retirement from active in-ring competition, Callihan became heavily involved in the company’s marketing efforts. He reportedly played a major role in revitalizing TNA’s merchandise department and was responsible for designing and producing much of the company’s merchandise over the last year.
The combination of creative, production, and marketing duties made Callihan one of the promotion’s more versatile behind-the-scenes contributors.
While his TNA chapter has come to a close, Callihan is not expected to be away from wrestling for long. He remains the driving force behind Pro Wrestling Revolver, the independent promotion he founded, and will continue overseeing and producing events for the company.
Given the positive reputation he reportedly held backstage, it will be interesting to see whether another major promotion looks to utilize Callihan’s experience in a creative or production role in the future.
For now, TNA continues to undergo significant organizational changes, with Callihan becoming the latest notable name to exit the company during a busy and transformative period.
Thought I was getting called today to be offered a position in creative… nope.
A major shakeup has hit TNA Wrestling’s creative team, as longtime company figure Tommy Dreamer has announced his departure from the promotion.
During Wednesday’s episode of Busted Open Radio, Dreamer revealed that he and TNA had mutually agreed to end their working relationship. The announcement comes amid a period of significant change within the company, which has recently seen several talent departures and backstage restructuring.
According to Dreamer, the decision was made following a conversation with TNA President Carlos Silva.
“Yesterday, I had a great conversation with Carlos Silva, and me and TNA are no longer in a relationship. We’ve mutually agreed to part ways,” Dreamer said.
Dreamer reflected on his lengthy history with the promotion, emphasizing that he leaves without bitterness despite the emotional nature of the decision.
“I’ve given so much of my life to that company. I don’t have any ill will or malice. I want it to survive, and I want it to be the best it can be.”
The former ECW Champion has worn many hats in TNA over the years, serving as a performer, producer, mentor, and key member of the creative team. His influence behind the scenes has been significant, particularly during the company’s rebuilding efforts in recent years.
Backstage Reaction To The Change
Following Dreamer’s announcement, Fightful Select reported that while he remained well-liked within the organization, some talent had become increasingly critical of aspects of TNA’s creative direction over the last several years.
The report also noted that at least one source within the company had anticipated Dreamer’s departure, though there was an expectation that any transition would take place after next weekend’s Slammiversary pay-per-view rather than beforehand.
Who Could Take Over?
According to PWInsider, Delirious is expected to serve as the lead figure on TNA’s creative team in the immediate future. Delirious has been heavily involved behind the scenes and worked closely with Dreamer, making him a logical short-term choice to help guide creative plans.
However, the long-term picture may be less clear.
Fightful Select reports that rumors have already begun circulating regarding a possible replacement, with WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg aka Brian James said to be among the names being discussed internally.
Road Dogg has extensive experience in creative roles, having worked as a writer and producer for WWE across multiple eras. While there is currently no indication that a deal has been reached, his name being linked to the position will undoubtedly generate discussion among fans.
A Major Turning Point For TNA
Dreamer’s departure represents one of the most significant backstage changes TNA has undergone in recent years. Combined with recent roster exits and ongoing organizational changes, the company appears to be entering a new phase heading into Slammiversary.
Whether Delirious ultimately remains in charge or TNA looks outside the company for a permanent creative leader remains to be seen. Either way, Dreamer’s exit closes a notable chapter in the promotion’s history and raises important questions about the direction TNA will take moving forward.
TNA Wrestling’s recent wave of roster departures reportedly continues, as Tessa Blanchard is said to have parted ways with the company.
According to Fightful Select, Blanchard requested and received her release from TNA. As of this writing, TNA has not publicly commented on the report or officially confirmed her departure.
The reported exit brings an end to Blanchard’s second run with the promotion. She originally competed in TNA from 2018 to 2020, establishing herself as one of the company’s top stars during that period. Her accomplishments included reigns as Knockouts Champion and TNA World Heavyweight Champion, making her one of the most decorated performers in company history.
However, her first tenure ended under controversial circumstances. During her championship run, allegations regarding past racist behavior and bullying resurfaced, generating significant backlash. Around the same time, Blanchard was unable to appear for TNA during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as world champion, ultimately leading to her release from the company.
When she returned to TNA in late 2024, fan reaction was mixed, with some audiences continuing to reference the previous controversy during her appearances.
Before re-signing with TNA, Blanchard had been working extensively for Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where she captured the CMLL World Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Lluvia. Although she initially stepped away from CMLL after returning to TNA, she resumed working for the promotion in 2025 and continued making appearances there while remaining under the TNA banner.
One match that reportedly drew attention was Blanchard’s bout against Persephone during CMLL’s WrestleMania weekend event in April. Persephone is associated with both CMLL and AEW, and the situation reportedly created frustration among certain decision-makers connected to TNA.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, speculation has emerged that Blanchard may have been forced to choose between continuing her relationship with CMLL or remaining with TNA. If true, the report suggests she opted to continue her work in Mexico.
With Blanchard now reportedly gone, TNA has seen several notable names leave the company in recent weeks, following the reported departures of Myla Grace and former TNA World Champion Steve Maclin.
For now, fans will be waiting to see whether Blanchard addresses the situation publicly and what her next move will be as she continues her career outside of TNA.
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