Bully Ray Set for Guest Commentary Role on TNA iMPACT’s AMC Network Debut

TNA Wrestling is adding a familiar and outspoken voice to a major night for the company. TNA has announced that Bully Ray — also known to WWE fans as Bubba Ray Dudley — will appear on this week’s episode of TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! as a guest commentator.

The appearance comes as part of iMPACT’s debut on AMC Network, a significant milestone for the promotion. Bully Ray will be stationed at the commentary desk for the main event, which sees Frankie Kazarian defend the TNA World Championship against former titleholder Mike Santana.

While Bully Ray has largely stepped away from in-ring competition, his presence still carries weight. The 54-year-old is a two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and recently wrestled what is being billed as his final match, teaming with longtime partner D-Von Dudley against The Hardys in a Tables Match at Bound for Glory last year. Since then, Ray has remained active in wrestling through media appearances and on-screen roles rather than matches.

The title clash between Kazarian and Santana is expected to headline a loaded show, and Bully Ray’s blunt, no-nonsense commentary style should add an extra layer of intensity to the bout.

TNA iMPACT! airs Thursday, January 15, at 8:00 pm ET, live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. Below is the updated card for the AMC Network debut:

  • TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs. Mike Santana
    (Bully Ray as guest commentator)
  • TNA X Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Myron Reed
  • Six-Man Tag Team Match: Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Elijah vs. Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch & John Skyler)
  • WWE’s AJ Styles to appear

With a new network home, a appearance by AJ Styles and a Hall of Famer joining the broadcast, TNA is clearly aiming to make a strong first impression on AMC viewers.

Killer Kelly Officially Parts Ways With TNA Wrestling After Contract Expiration

Another notable name is officially off the TNA Wrestling roster. According to a report from Fightful Select, Killer Kelly has departed the company following the expiration of her most recent contract.

Last month, there was optimism that Kelly and TNA officials were working toward a possible extension. However, those talks ultimately failed to produce a new deal. Fightful notes that Kelly has now “effectively left the company,” with no creative plans currently in place for her moving forward.

Kelly’s contract situation had been somewhat fluid. Her deal was originally expected to run through August 2025, but due to time missed while on maternity leave, an additional four months were added to the agreement. Even with that adjustment, the two sides were unable to come to terms on an extension.

The former Knockouts Tag Team Champion made her return to TNA television in June 2025, quickly reestablishing herself as a threat in the Knockouts division. She set her sights on then-champion Masha Slamovich, culminating in a chain match title challenge on TNA iMPACT. Despite the high-profile matchup, Kelly came up short in her bid to reclaim championship gold.

Kelly’s final in-ring appearance for TNA was taped on December 7, where she suffered a loss to Myla Grace on TNA Xplosion. Since then, she has been absent from programming, and this latest report now confirms her exit from the company.

As of now, there’s no word on what’s next for Killer Kelly. Whether she resurfaces in another major promotion or takes time away from the ring remains to be seen, but her availability is sure to attract interest across the industry.

AJ Styles Set for PHENOMENAL TNA Wrestling Return on LIVE January 15 Premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC

TNA Wrestling is kicking off a brand-new era in a massive way, as AJ Styles is officially set to return to the company on the live premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC.

For the first time since Slammiversary, “The Phenomenal One” will step back into a TNA ring on January 15, 2026, when iMPACT! goes live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. The announcement immediately sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with Styles’ return positioned as a cornerstone moment for TNA’s relaunch on a new network.

Styles has long been synonymous with TNA Wrestling, having built much of his legacy inside the company during its formative years. While details remain under wraps regarding his exact role on the show, TNA is clearly framing his appearance as a major statement heading into this new chapter. Whether Styles is returning for a one-night moment, a short run, or something more substantial remains to be seen — but expectations are sky-high.

Stacked Card for Historic Night

AJ Styles won’t be the only attraction on the night, as TNA has loaded up the premiere with multiple championship bouts and marquee names.

The TNA World Championship will be on the line as Frankie Kazarian defends against Mike Santana, a match that has serious implications for the company’s main event scene. In the Knockouts Tag Team division, The IInspiration will put their titles up against The Elegance Brand in what promises to be a high-energy clash.

Elsewhere on the card, Elijah and The Hardys will team up to face Order 4, giving fans another dose of star power on a show designed to make noise.

A New Era Begins

The move to AMC and the launch of Thursday Night iMPACT! represents one of the most significant moments for TNA in years. Bringing AJ Styles back for the debut only reinforces the company’s intent to blend its rich history with its future direction.

Thursday Night iMPACT! premieres live on January 15, 2026, at 9/8c on AMC from Dallas, Texas. Tickets are currently on sale, and if the lineup is any indication, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss night for TNA fans.

TNA IMPACT Preview 1/8/2027

TNA iMPACT! tonight at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet 360 in Canada. This is the last IMPACT on AXS TV before it’s move to AMC next week.

  • TNA International Championship: Stacks (c) vs. Steve Maclin
  • The System vs. Cedric Alexander, Leon Slater & The Hardys
  • Dani Luna vs. Harley Hudson
  • Order 4’s TNA Genesis Address
  • Mike Santana & Frankie Kazarian sign their World Title match contract
  • The Hardys kick off the show

News On WWE & TNA Partnership

The working relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, all signs point to the partnership becoming an even bigger part of the wrestling landscape over the next several years.

According to recent reports, WWE and TNA are planning to extend their current multi-year agreement through at least 2028. The two sides first began collaborating in early 2025, and what started as a bold experiment has quickly evolved into one of the most talked-about cross-promotional efforts in modern wrestling.

The results so far have been hard to ignore. Talent from both rosters have moved fluidly between companies, creating memorable moments that benefitted everyone involved. The Hardy Boyz making history by holding both the NXT and TNA Tag Team Championships was a major headline, while Joe Hendry stepping into a WrestleMania 41 spotlight opposite Randy Orton gave TNA unprecedented exposure on WWE’s biggest stage.

Other crossover matches have also helped legitimize the partnership. Moose challenging Ethan Page for the NXT North American Championship blurred brand lines even further, and Leon Slater reportedly turned heads backstage with his performance during John Cena’s farewell appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

There was some recent speculation that TNA’s new television deal with AMC Networks could complicate matters. Instead, it appears to have done the opposite. TNA President Carlos Silva publicly confirmed that the WWE relationship remains intact and is expected to expand in 2026, easing concerns that the new media deal might force a change in direction.

According to Bodyslam+, both companies are extremely pleased with how the collaboration has played out. Internally, WWE and TNA reportedly view the partnership as a creative win that gives wrestlers fresh opportunities while keeping fans engaged with unexpected matchups and storylines.

Looking ahead, discussions are said to be ongoing regarding even deeper collaboration. Potential ideas include dual-branded events and possibly joint pay-per-view specials, which could push the partnership into uncharted territory as early as 2026.

With increased exposure for talent, growing fan interest, and strong business momentum on both sides, the WWE–TNA alliance is shaping up to be more than a short-term experiment. If plans hold, this partnership could remain a defining force in the wrestling industry for years to come.

Update On Short-Term TNA Talent Contracts

TNA Wrestling is heading into a hectic December as the promotion balances its upcoming AMC debut with ongoing roster business behind the scenes. Along with the push to raise its profile on a bigger platform, TNA is also in the process of reshaping parts of its roster through a series of short-term talent contracts.

According to Fightful Select, TNA has been working on multiple deals that are believed to run roughly three months in length. Progress has reportedly been made with at least two familiar names, as former International Champion Steve Maclin and former Digital Media Champion AJ Francis are both expected to remain with the company. While Maclin is said to have finalized his agreement, Francis has not officially signed yet, and the specific length of either deal has not been confirmed.

On the other hand, not everyone has locked things down. As of December 19, neither Jake Something nor Zachary Wentz had reached new agreements with TNA. Their current contracts are reportedly set to expire by the end of 2025.

Wentz remains active as part of The Rascalz, teaming with Trey Miguel, Myron Reed, and Dezmond Xavier. Notably, Xavier is said to be working without a contract since his return to TNA last month. Reed is also technically a free agent, though recent discussions between him and company officials suggest a potential deal could be on the horizon.

Jake Something has been a consistent presence in TNA dating back to the summer of 2023. While he has yet to capture championship gold, his steady role on the roster continues as his contract situation remains unresolved.

With TNA preparing for a major television milestone, the coming weeks could bring plenty of movement as the company looks to solidify its talent lineup.

NXT’s Arianna Grace Betrays Her Father Santino Marella During Shocking Moment On TNA iMPACT

WWE NXT’s Arianna Grace made a stunning statement on this week’s episode of TNA iMPACT, and it came at the expense of her own father, Santino Marella.

The episode featured a high-stakes steel cage match that brought together five of TNA Wrestling’s top stars against five competitors from WWE NXT. When the dust settled, Team TNA emerged victorious, seemingly sending the crowd home happy.

After the match, Grace joined her father in the ring for what appeared to be an emotional, heartfelt moment following the intense bout. However, that family reunion didn’t last long.

In a shocking twist, Grace abruptly struck Marella with a low blow, leaving the TNA authority figure vulnerable. Moments later, NXT’s Stacks stormed the ring and continued the assault, making it clear the attack was anything but spontaneous.

Grace and Stacks — who are engaged in real life — cemented their betrayal by sharing a kiss as members of the TNA roster attempted to reach the ring, only to be held back. The visual drove home the message: Arianna Grace has firmly aligned herself against her father.

Stacks currently holds the TNA International Championship, having captured the title from Steve Maclin at Final Resolution on December 5. With this betrayal now part of the ongoing WWE–TNA crossover, tensions between the two sides appear far from over.

TNA iMPACT Preview 12/18/2025

The road to Genesis and Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC continues as TNA iMPACT! delivers a loaded episode this Thursday at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet 360 in Canada.

  • Steel Cage Match: Team NXT (Stacks, Lexis King, Brooks Jensen & High Ryze) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana, the Hardys, Steve Maclin & Santino Marella)
  • Battle Royal for TNA World Title Shot: Competitors TBA
  • Angel Warriors vs. Tessa Blanchard & Mila Moore
  • Elijah in concert

TNA iMPACT Preview 12/11/2025

The countdown is on before Team TNA battles the NXT outsiders in a five–on–five Steel Cage Match next Thursday. But before the war, the action heats up on an ALL-NEW TNA iMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet 360 in Canada.

  • Dog Collar Match: Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell
  • X-Division Championship #1 Contenders Match: Cedric Alexander vs. BDE vs. Jason Hotch vs. Ryan Nemeth vs. Dezmond Xavier vs. Jake Something
  • Lexis King vs. Matt Cardona (Winner gets the advantage for their team in the upcoming Steel Cage Match)
  • Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards vs. Sinner & Saint
  • We’ll hear from TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys

Disgraced Former Knockouts World Champ Masha Slamovich Officially Exits TNA

As TNA Wrestling prepares for its big move to AMC early next year, the company has been sorting through a long list of talent contracts. One name that won’t be part of those renewal talks is former Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich, whose time with the promotion has officially come to an end.

Slamovich hasn’t been seen in a TNA ring since September, when she worked a six-woman tag match before abruptly disappearing from television. Her absence came after abuse allegations surfaced involving her relationship with fellow wrestler AKIRA. Slamovich publicly described the situation as “mutually destructive” and took responsibility for her role, but the fallout led the company to quietly sideline her.

According to Fightful Select, her contract has now expired and she’s no longer with the promotion. TNA’s roster page recently removed her profile—usually a telltale sign that a departure is finalized.

Slamovich originally joined TNA in 2019 and quickly became one of the division’s most physical and compelling performers. Her résumé includes a Knockouts World Championship reign from last October through July, along with two runs as Knockouts Tag Team Champion. After her final TNA match, she wrestled a few indie dates overseas, wrapping up with a bout in Austria on September 20, but she hasn’t appeared anywhere since.

With TNA’s AMC era looming, several wrestlers are reportedly working without deals while the promotion sorts out fresh contracts. Slamovich, however, won’t be part of that next chapter, officially closing the book on a once-promising run that ended under difficult circumstances.