Category: TNA

TNA Faces Major Roster Shake-Up As Multiple Stars Are Exiting The Company

TNA Wrestling is entering 2024 with some significant changes, as the company prepares for a wave of talent departures. Following Final Resolution and the most recent TNA Impact tapings, several key names appear to be closing out their runs with the promotion, signaling a major shake-up for the roster heading into the new year.

KUSHIDA Nearing the End of His TNA Run

One of the most notable names preparing to exit is Japanese star KUSHIDA. According to Fightful Select, KUSHIDA is currently wrapping up his last contracted run with TNA. While he’s been a prominent part of the promotion, KUSHIDA’s primary focus seems to be shifting back to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he and Kevin Knight are the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. The duo will defend their titles at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, a clear indicator that NJPW will become his main priority moving forward.

KUSHIDA’s exit will leave a void in TNA’s international presence, as his blend of technical precision and high-flying style has been a key highlight for fans over the past year.

Trent Seven Officially Departs

Another international talent saying farewell is Trent Seven. Reports from PWInsider confirm that Seven has wrapped up his time with TNA, placing him alongside his Speedball Mountain partner “Speedball” Mike Bailey in the free-agent pool. Seven’s departure marks the end of his brief but impactful run with the company, where he delivered standout performances both as a singles competitor and in tag team action.

Jade Chung and Josh Alexander Eye Free Agency

Behind the scenes, Jade Chung has also exited TNA. Chung, who served as a ring announcer and on-screen personality, has officially confirmed her departure, a move supported by her husband, Josh Alexander. Interestingly, Alexander—one of TNA’s top stars and a former World Champion—could also be testing the waters of free agency in the near future. His potential departure would be a major blow to TNA, as Alexander has been a cornerstone of the promotion over the last several years.

Other Big Names on the Move

These exits join a growing list of talent either leaving TNA or reportedly considering their next steps. Among them:

  • Rhino, a TNA Hall of Famer, recently wrestled his final match at the latest Impact tapings, marking the end of an era. On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that talent was asked to take a pay cut, which factored into Rhino’s exit. He said, “One of the things that happened was a lot of the talent was asked to take pay cuts, I don’t know how many, that was among the reasons Rhino left. So he left. His last match would have been on Saturday.”
  • AJ Francis (formerly known as Top Dolla in WWE) will become a free agent unless he receives a new contract offer before the year’s end.
  • Jordynne Grace, one of TNA’s most decorated Knockouts Champions, is rumored to be WWE-bound once her contract officially expires. Grace’s potential move to WWE has been a hot topic, given her star power and dominance in the Knockouts division.

What’s Next for TNA?

While the departures mark the end of an era for many familiar faces, TNA has long been a company that thrives on reinvention. The upcoming months will likely focus on rebuilding and introducing new talent to fill the gaps left behind. With stars like KUSHIDA, Trent Seven, and Jordynne Grace making waves across wrestling’s global landscape, TNA’s roster shake-up could serve as an opportunity for emerging talent to rise to the occasion.

For fans, the biggest question remains: Who will step up to lead TNA into 2024? As the promotion enters a new chapter, one thing’s for sure—change is coming, and all eyes will be on TNA to see how they adapt in the year ahead.

TNA Star Hammerstone To Undergo Surgery

Hammerstone suffered a knee injury at Turning Point and was pulled from the Final Resolution pay-per-view event.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, the TNA wrestler announced that he’ll be undergoing surgery. He wrote,

“An unfortunate update. Surgery scheduled.”

Backstage Details On Tessa Blanchard’s TNA Return

TNA Wrestling delivered a shocking twist at Final Resolution 2024 as Tessa Blanchard made her highly polarizing return to the company. Blanchard, whose exit in 2020 was riddled with controversy, re-emerged to attack Jordynne Grace, setting the stage for what appears to be a heated new rivalry.

During Grace’s match against Rosemary, a masked figure—draped in a ski mask and coat—interfered, blindsiding the former Knockouts Champion. The intruder revealed herself after delivering a devastating Hammerlock DDT, pulling back the mask to confirm her identity as none other than Tessa Blanchard. The crowd reacted with a mix of shock and audible disapproval as Blanchard posed confidently, signaling her intent to reclaim her spot in TNA.

Blanchard’s history with TNA Wrestling is both groundbreaking and controversial. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first woman to win the TNA World Championship after defeating Sami Callihan at Hard to Kill. However, her departure later that year turned sour after reports surfaced that she refused to return the championship belt and allegedly demanded more money to vacate the title. Compounding the controversy, allegations of bullying and racial misconduct—specifically involving wrestler La Rosa Negra—further stained her legacy.

Blanchard’s return was reportedly kept under wraps from much of the TNA roster and staff, a move likely made to avoid leaks and backlash. According to Fightful Select, sources within TNA, WWE, and AEW were in disbelief at the decision to bring Blanchard back, given her turbulent past. However, it seems TNA higher-ups are banking on her ability to move forward, with reports suggesting she is set to be on her “best behavior” for this new run.

Interestingly, Jordynne Grace has been at the center of the situation, both as Blanchard’s first target and as part of TNA’s larger plans. With Grace rumored to be leaving the company soon—alongside Josh Alexander and “Speedball” Mike Bailey—Blanchard’s return appears to be a strategic move to fill a looming void in TNA’s roster.

Not everyone in the locker room is thrilled about the decision. Grace, in particular, has reportedly pushed back against the idea of working with Blanchard, and it remains to be seen how the rest of the TNA roster will respond. Still, there are some within the company who remain friends with Blanchard and believe her fresh start could be successful if handled correctly.

The decision to bring Blanchard back was not influenced by new Anthem Sports President Carlos Silva, who recently stepped into the role. Instead, the move reportedly came from an unnamed Anthem higher-up, signaling that Blanchard’s return has been in the works for some time.

With her reintroduction as a heel, it’s clear TNA is leaning into Blanchard’s divisive reputation to fuel her character. The question now is whether fans—and the locker room—will embrace this second chapter for one of the most controversial figures in modern wrestling.

During a post-attack comment, she reminded the fans “who the company was built upon.”

Eddie Edwards Clashes With Fan At TNA Final Resolution 2024

TNA Final Resolution 2024 delivered more than just in-ring action this past Friday night, as Eddie Edwards became the center of controversy after a heated altercation with a fan at ringside.

Competing alongside Brian Myers as part of The System, Edwards faced off against the iconic duo of Matt and Jeff Hardy in a high-stakes Tables Match for the TNA Tag Team Championships. However, the spotlight briefly shifted from the action to a surprising moment involving a fan in the front row.

During the match, Edwards began jawing with the fan, which quickly escalated when the spectator decided to cross the line and slap the former TNA World Champion. Although the slap seemed more playful than hostile, Edwards didn’t take it lightly. In response, Edwards delivered a stiff slap of his own, sending a clear message, before forcefully shoving the fan back into their seat.

The TNA officials were quick to de-escalate the situation, escorting the fan from the ringside area. Edwards, unfazed by the chaos, stared directly into the camera with a smirk, playfully taunting, “I’m still having fun.”

As the dust settled on the confrontation, the match reached its climactic conclusion. Jeff Hardy, known for his death-defying style, took to the heights of the audience perch and launched himself onto Edwards, who was sprawled across a table below, sealing the victory for the Hardys in dramatic fashion.

While the Tables Match delivered everything fans could hope for — high stakes, big spots, and wild energy — it’s Edwards’ clash with the fan that left the wrestling world buzzing.

PWInsider reports that the incident was not planned and wasn’t a plant in the crowd.

The report also notes that after being ejected from Center Stage, the individual was handed off to the Atlanta Police Department. It’s unknown if any charges were filed.

You can check out a video of the incident here at this link.

TNA Final Resolution 12/13/2024 (Results) – Return Of Tessa Blanchard

Pre-Show Results

  • Johnny Dango Curtis def. Leon Slater
    Johnny Dango Curtis kept Leon Slater grounded early with some old-school grinding offense, aiming to neutralize the high flyer. Slater eventually found his rhythm, hitting some impressive dives, but his attempt at a swanton 450 missed the mark. Seizing the moment, Dango rolled up Slater with his feet on the ropes for the underhanded victory.
  • Jake Something Goes Solo
    It was announced that Alexander Hammerstone was injured and unable to compete in the tag match. Jake Something brushed off concerns about finding a new partner, boldly declaring he’d fight on his own.
  • Frankie Kazarian def. Jonathan Gresham
    Jonathan Gresham’s technical prowess gave him control for much of the match, but Frankie Kazarian had tricks up his sleeve. After a slingshot cutter and a failed attempt to cheat with his feet on the ropes, Kaz found another way—thumbing Gresham in the eye before locking in a chickenwing submission. Gresham had no choice but to tap.

Final Resolution Results

  • X-Division Championship: Moose (c) def. Kushida
    Moose dominated early, slamming Kushida into steel steps and powerbombing him onto the apron, leaving him motionless. As the referee’s count neared 10, Moose arrogantly stopped the count to inflict more punishment. However, Kushida dodged Moose’s charging attack, sending the champ crashing into the steps. Kushida targeted Moose’s left arm, expertly wearing him down with precision submissions. Despite the pain, Moose powered through with one arm, eventually landing a dropkick to intercept Kushida’s handspring elbow and finishing with a devastating Spear to retain the title.
  • The Rascalz def. Sami Callihan & PCO and Jake Something
    With Hammerstone out, Jake Something went solo in this three-way tag bout. Jake showcased his resilience, powerbombing everyone in sight. But in the end, the Rascalz’s speed gave them the edge. Zachary Wentz hit a flying stomp on Jake, followed by Trey Miguel securing the pinfall.

Mystery Continues
Post-match, Sami Callihan showed respect to the Rascalz, but the eerie “23 mystery” video played again, teasing answers but delivering none. Callihan grew visibly agitated, accusing the Rascalz of being behind the cryptic messages.

  • Ace Austin def. Trent Seven
    Trent Seven disrespected Ace Austin by tearing up a Chris Bey t-shirt after a powerbomb. That lit a fire under Austin, who rallied back. Seven nearly had it won after a Burning Hammer on the apron and a piledriver, but Ace shocked everyone by kicking out. Channeling Bey’s spirit, Ace hit the Art of Finesse and followed up with The Fold to secure the win.
  • Jordynne Grace vs. Rosemary Ends in Chaos
    Jordynne Grace appeared to have the upper hand, nearly sealing the victory with a musclebuster. Just as the referee counted, someone yanked him out of the ring.

Tessa Blanchard Returns
The masked attacker revealed herself as Tessa Blanchard, making her presence felt with a hammerlock DDT on Grace. Backstage, Tessa declared her intentions: she’s back to reclaim what’s hers.

https://x.com/ThisIsTNA/status/1867754696053539171

Jordynne Grace responded about the attack from Tess Blanchard later in a backstage interview.

  • #1 Contender Match: Joe Hendry def. Josh Alexander, Mike Santana, and Steve Maclin
    In a chaotic four-way clash, Josh Alexander resorted to underhanded tactics, zip-tying Santana to the barricade and landing a low blow on Steve Maclin. Before Alexander could seal the win with the C4 Piledriver, Joe Hendry intervened, hoisting Alexander up for the Standing Ovation slam to claim the victory. Hendry now has a world title shot at Genesis on January 19.
  • Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) def. Tasha Steelz (Falls Count Anywhere)
    With Alisha Edwards ejected from ringside, Masha Slamovich and Tasha Steelz brawled all over the arena. The final moments unfolded on the entrance ramp, where Slamovich countered a cutter, sent Steelz into the ropes, and delivered a vicious knee strike. She followed up with a piledriver on the ramp for the decisive win.
  • TNA World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys (c) def. Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards (Tables Match)
    In a brutal tables match, both members of the opposing team had to be put through tables to win. Myers went first after a double-team crucifix slam, but Matt Hardy evened the score with a Twist of Fate on Myers through a table. The action escalated into the stands, where Jeff Hardy delivered the highlight of the night—a Swanton Bomb off the upper deck to drive Eddie Edwards through a table for the win.
  • TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) def. “Top Dolla” AJ Francis
    Nic Nemeth started fast, but KC Navarro’s interference allowed AJ Francis to take control. Navarro was eventually ejected, but Francis continued his dominance. On a chokeslam attempt, Nemeth countered mid-air into a Fameasser, then sealed the deal with a superkick and The Danger Zone to retain the title.

Post-Match Showdown
After the match, Navarro returned to attack Nemeth, with Francis ready to deliver more punishment. Joe Hendry ran in for the save, clearing the ring. Tensions escalated as both Hendry and Nemeth grabbed the world title simultaneously, engaging in a heated tug-of-war and intense trash talk to close the show.

TNA Final Resolution 12/13/2024 (Card)

TNA Wrestling Final Resolution – Friday, December 13, 2024 – Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.

CARD

  • TNA World Championship Match: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. AJ Francis w/KC Navarro
  • TNA World Tag Team Championship – Tables Match: The Hardys (c) vs. The System w/Alicia Edwards
  • TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Tasha Steelz
  • TNA X-Division Championship Match: Moose (c) vs. KUSHIDA
  • Winner Gets A TNA World Title Shot At Genesis: Joe Hendry vs. Josh Alexander vs. Mike Santana vs. Steve Maclin
  • Trent Seven vs. Ace Austin
  • The Rascalz vs. Jake Something & Hammerstone vs. PCO & Sami Callihan
  • Jordynne Grace vs. Rosemary
  • (Pre-Show) Leon Slater vs. JDC
  • (Pre-Show) Jonathan Gresham vs. Frankie Kazarian

TNA Impact Preview 12/12/2024

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV, the final show before tomorrow’s Final Resolution event. The lineup includes:

  • Leon Slater & Laredo Kid vs. The Rascalz
  • Rosemary vs. Xia Brookside
  • Heather Reckless vs. Dani Lanu
  • PCO & Sami Callihan vs. Jake Something & Hammerstone
  • Nic Nemeth, Masha Slamovich & Joe Hendry vs. First Class & Tasha Steelz

TNA Impact Preview 12/5/2024

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of TNA Impact tonight on AXS TV.

  • Fallout from Turning Point
  • TNA World Tag Team Championships: The Hardys (c) vs. The System (Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards)
  • TNA X-Division Title #1 Contender Match: Trent Seven vs. JDC vs. KUSHIDA vs. Leon Slater vs. Ace Austin
  • The Good Hands vs. PCO & Sami Callihan
  • Mike Santana, Steve Maclin, Eric Young & Jonathan Gresham vs. Frankie Kazarian & The Northern Armory
  • We’ll hear from Nic Nemeth.

Matt Riddle Makes Surprise TNA Debut at Turning Point

In a surprising turn of events, TNA fans were treated to an unexpected debut last night at Turning Point. Scheduled to compete in a six-man tag team match alongside Zachary Wentz and KUSHIDA, former X-Division Champion Trey Miguel was pulled from the card due to travel issues. However, as the old saying goes, “the show must go on.” Stepping in to fill the void was none other than the “King of Bros” himself, Matt Riddle.

This marked Riddle’s first appearance in TNA, and he made an immediate impact teaming up with Wentz and KUSHIDA to take on the formidable trio of TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) and Ace Austin. While Riddle and his team worked well together, they ultimately fell short against the dominant champions, who secured the win.

A Star-Studded Career Continues to Expand

Riddle’s arrival in TNA adds another chapter to what has been an exciting career since his departure from WWE last year. Currently a major player in MLW, Riddle has been riding a wave of momentum, establishing himself as one of the company’s top stars. At Battle RIOT VI this past June, he became the number one contender for the MLW World Championship, earning the right to face reigning champion Satoshi Kojima at Kings of Colosseum on January 11. This high-stakes match will be Riddle’s second attempt to claim the prestigious title, having previously fallen short to Swerve Strickland in the 2018 Road to the World Championship finals.

Beyond MLW, Riddle’s wrestling résumé continues to impress. Earlier this year, he claimed the NJPW World Television Championship in a hard-fought battle against Hiroshi Tanahashi, holding the title for an impressive 49 days. He’s also made appearances in AAA and a host of independent promotions, showcasing his versatility and undeniable charisma.

What’s Next for Riddle in TNA?

Riddle’s TNA debut raises intriguing questions about his future with the company. Will this be a one-off appearance, or does it hint at a larger role in TNA’s plans moving forward? With his star power and impressive in-ring abilities, Riddle could become a valuable addition to the roster if he chooses to explore this new avenue.

As for now, all eyes remain on his upcoming MLW World Championship match, but fans won’t soon forget his explosive debut at Turning Point. Could this be the beginning of another wrestling chapter for the “King of Bros”? Only time will tell.

TNA Turning Point 11/29/2024 (Results), Matt Riddle Makes TNA Debut

Pre-show

Rosemary defeated Xia Brookside and Savannah Evans. Three-way action. Rosemary and Evans worked together early. That alliance broke up when tensions escalated with each one trying to take the pin on Brookside. Xia came close to victory on a Brooksy bomb to Evans off the turnbuckles, but Rosemary broke up the pin. The Demon Assassin speared Brookside to win.

Turning Point

Mike Santana defeated Frankie Kazarian. Competitive match. Santana hit more of the power moves, while Kaz finesse on his side. In the end, Kaz worked a roll-up sequence, then Santana popped up to hit the Spin the Block discus lariat for victory.

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl: Joe Hendry defeated Eric Young, Alexander Hammerstone, Rhino, Brian Myers, and John Skyler. Rhino replace PCO, who was absent due to travel issues. The person who gets pinned must wear the turkey suit or else get fired. Hectic six-way action. Myers was poised for victory on Skyler, but Hendry intercepted Myers for a Standing Ovation slam to win. Myers refused to wear the turkey suit, so the babyfaces beat him up with a Gore from Rhino, an Attitude Adjustment from Hendry, and a second Gore from Rhino. Hendry and Young dressed Myers in the turkey suit.

X-Division Championship: Moose defeated Laredo Kid to retain the title. Power versus speed matchup. Moose dominated the pace with Alisha Edwards taking cheap shots from the outside. Laredo hit crafty counters and rallied with high-flying. He hit his version of the Spanish Fly finisher, but the champ kicked out. Moose got his knees up to block a 450 splash. Moose was done playing. Two spears earned the win.

No DQ: Steve Maclin defeated Josh Alexander. The Northern Armory were banned from the building. Plunder was aplenty with chairs, tables, trashcans, and a door. Alexander targeted the leg with an ankle lock. Maclin pushed through the pain to rally for a Busaiku Knee into a chair. When Maclin took flight for a headbutt, Alexander threw the chair at him midair. Alexander picked up his opponent for a torture rack bomb over the ropes crashing through a table outside. Back inside the ring, Maclin escaped an ankle lock to send Alexander head first into a trashcan. Maclin connected on three consecutive spears to Alexander in the Tree of Woe. KIA double underhook DDT to finish. 1, 2, Maclin pulled Alexander up to dish out more punishment. Mr. Mayhem emptied out a sack of bullet shell casings. He wasted too much time, and Alexander struck with a low-blow kick. Fisticuffs carried into the corner. Maclin blocked an avalanche C4 spike piledriver to counter for an avalanche KIA onto the shell casings to win.

Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, & Ace Austin defeated Zachary Wentz, Kushida, & Matt Riddle. The King of Bros was the mystery partner to replace Trey Miguel, who was absent due to travel issues. Riddle hit his arsenal of moves. In the end, Jeff took Riddle out on a Canadian Destroyer. The Hardys double-teamed Kushida, and Jeff landed the Swanton Bomb to win.

Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich defeated Jordynne Grace in 2 out of 3 falls to retain the title. Physical fight. Fall 1 went to Grace trapping Slamovich on a series of roll-ups. Grace surged in Fall 2 with a strongwoman slam and a Vader bomb, however, Slamovich countered the Juggernaut Driver into a roll-up to tie the score. The action intensified for Fall 3. Slamovich crushed a big knee strike and seized the moment for a powerbomb and a package piledriver to win.

TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth defeated Eddie Edwards to retain the title. Alisha Edwards was caught interfering, so the referee ejected her. Alisha came back later to hit Nemeth with the title belt. Nemeth kicked out on the pin. Boston Knee Party from Eddie, and Nemeth kicked out again. The champ hit the Danger Zone finisher, and the challenge kicked out. Brian Myers ran in wearing the turkey suit. He was plotting to punch Nemeth with a ring (jewelry). That’s when JBL appeared for a Clothesline From Hell on Myers. JBL exited. Nemeth and Edwards had one last duel. Nemeth hit a superkick and the Danger Zone to win.

Source: CageSideSeats