Category: TNA

Josh Alexander Bids Farewell to the Independent Scene

Josh Alexander, one of the most respected wrestlers to emerge from the Canadian independent circuit, has announced his retirement from indie wrestling after 20 years. The 37-year-old TNA star shared the news on social media, reflecting on his journey, the grind of constant travel, and his desire to make way for the next generation of wrestlers.

Reflecting on Two Decades of the Grind

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Alexander expressed gratitude for the promotions, wrestlers, and fans who have been part of his journey. He acknowledged the toll that wrestling’s demanding schedule has taken on him, emphasizing how the relentless travel, especially on the indie scene, has shaped his career and, ultimately, his decision to step back.

“I’ve loved my time in the independents these past 20 years,” Alexander wrote. “I’ve done amazing things, worked with amazing people, and got to travel the world performing in front of amazing fans. That being said, I’m tired of the hustle. It’s time for the next crop to step up and fill whatever void I may leave behind in the Canadian scene.”

The “Walking Weapon” also shared gratitude for the experiences that led him to prominence, even crediting his time as a tire technician—a job he held to supplement his wrestling income—as part of the grind that ultimately gave him a livelihood. He ended his announcement on a positive note, using a classic wrestling sendoff: “It’s not goodbye. It’s just see you later.”

A Continued Legacy in TNA

Though Alexander is stepping away from independent wrestling, his career is far from over. He remains a cornerstone of TNA, where he has wrestled since 2018 and achieved Triple Crown Champion status. His accolades include two reigns as TNA World Champion, with his second reign setting a record at 335 days. In 2023, his efforts earned him a spot in the PWI 500’s top 10, ranking ninth overall.

Alexander is expected to continue as a pivotal figure in TNA’s resurgence, and fans can still look forward to seeing him in high-profile matches under the promotion’s banner.

Interest from WWE or AEW?

As of now, it’s unclear if WWE or AEW has their sights set on Alexander. He recently faced AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita for the International Championship in October, though the match took place at a Maple Leaf Wrestling event, not an AEW show. While his future outside of TNA remains speculative, Alexander’s impressive resume makes him a potential asset for any promotion.

The End of an Era

Josh Alexander’s departure from the independent scene marks the end of a remarkable chapter in his career. For 20 years, he has been a fixture in Canadian wrestling, inspiring countless performers with his work ethic, skill, and dedication. Now, as he focuses on the next phase of his journey, he leaves behind a legacy for the next wave of talent to build upon.

Alexander’s fans, both on the indies and in TNA, know that this isn’t truly goodbye—it’s simply a new beginning for the “Walking Weapon.” Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on his career and the latest in professional wrestling!

Speedball Mike Bailey Done With TNA, Expected To Sign With AEW

The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation following the news that “Speedball” Mike Bailey’s contract with TNA Wrestling officially expired on November 1. The dynamic former X-Division Champion, known for his high-octane in-ring style, is now a free agent—but it appears his next move is already in the works.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Bailey is expected to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in the near future. Sources close to Bailey and those within TNA have indicated that the talented star won’t be on the market for long. Interestingly, the report also highlighted that if Bailey were destined for WWE, whether on the main roster or NXT, there would have been no need for TNA to write him off television. This detail stems from the existing working relationship between TNA and WWE, which allows talent transitions without storyline departures.

Bailey’s potential move to AEW comes after a strong year of performances in TNA, where he showcased his versatility and ability to deliver standout matches. His fan-friendly style and undeniable charisma make him a natural fit for AEW’s diverse roster. Notably, Bailey was spotted backstage at an AEW Collision taping earlier this summer, reportedly visiting friends—a sighting that now seems more significant in hindsight.

Bailey’s last TNA Wrestling appearance came on the November 7 episode of “Impact,” when he lost the X-Division Championship to Moose. Afterward, Bailey’s ally Trent Seven shockingly betrayed him with a low blow and a lariat.

Bailey walks away from TNA Wrestling as a three-time X-Division Champion. Prior to losing the title to Moose, Bailey successfully defended it against El Hijo del Vikingo at TNA Bound for Glory, marking their first singles match since the GCW’s Joey Janela’s Spring Break event in 2023.

TNA Impact Preview 11/14/2024

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV as the build continues for Turning Point.

  • Nic Nemeth vs. Brian Myers
  • KC Navarro vs. Mike Santana
  • Ryan Nemeth vs. Joe Hendry
  • The Northern Armory vs. Eric Young, Steve Maclin & Jonathan Gresham
  • The Rascalz vs. Alan Angels & Jake Crist
  • Rosemary in action

Steph De Lander Provides Update On Neck Surgery

Steph De Lander has provided an update on her recovery from neck surgery.

While appearing on “The Commentary Booth” podcast, the TNA Impact star revealed that she “feels great” two weeks after the procedure. She said,

“Good, feels good. Just a little cut [on my neck], I’ve got some bandages on it. I feel great. It’s been just about two weeks since since surgery now, and obviously I’ve got a long ways to go as far as recovery is concerned, but for two weeks post neck surgery, I’m feeling pretty good.”

She continued, “When you hear neck surgery, you think worse case scenario. Obviously, neck injuries can be very, very dangerous. But luckily mine is kind of a preventative, like ‘Look, you’ve got this [nagging] neck issue. Let’s get it taken care of while we can, while you can recover, come back from it, be 100%,’ rather than waiting until it gets worse. So I’m feeling good, I’m happy I did it, on the road to recovery.”

Source: eWn

TNA Impact Preview 10/31/2024

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

  • Fallout from Bound For Glory
  • Josh Alexander & 2 Partners TBD vs. Eric Young, Steve Maclin & Jonathan Gresham
  • Ash by Elegance vs. Dani Luna
  • Lei Ying Lee in action

Chris Bey Issues Statement On His Neck Injury

As we previously reported here on eWn, Chris Bey suffered a serious neck injury at Sunday night’s TNA Impact TV tapings in Detroit, MI. After being stretchered out and being taken to the hospital, he underwent neck surgery.

In a statement that was released through TNA Wrestling, the ABC member said the following:

“I just want to take a few moments to extend my heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation for so much and to so many over the past few days. From everyone at TNA Wrestling, to the incredible medical staff here in Detroit, to family, friends and fans worldwide. I know you have been praying for my full recovery from the in-ring accident this past Sunday. Monday was Day One for me on this journey, which I know will be long and challenging. Thanks again for the love and support, and please keep the prayers coming!”

Source: eWn

We send our best wishes to Bey in his recovery process.

AJ Styles – ‘It Was My Decision To Turn Down TNA Hall Of Famer Offer’

AJ Styles has clarified some recent reports that WWE passed on the opportunity to have him be inducted into the 2024 TNA Hall of Fame.

Rhino and Bob Ryder were inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame prior to Saturday night’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view event. There were other names that were being discussed, including Styles and Monty Brown.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, the Phenomenal One revealed that it was his decision to not accept the offer. He wrote,

“I’m still an active wrestler…I hope. I made the decision not to go into the TNA HOF, not WWE. I appreciate TNA, but I don’t want to go into any HOF as long as I’m still active. My choice”

Styles is currently sidelined due to a mid-foot ligament sprain.

Source: eWn

GoFundMe Launched For TNA’s Chris Bey

Chris Bey is currently recovering in hospital, having suffered a serious neck injury during TNA’s Sunday television taping, which required neck surgery. And now, with his medical bills increasing by the hour, a GoFundMe has been launched to help cover these costs, which Bey’s girlfriend Brittnie Brooks has confirmed is genuine.

As of writing, $37,698 has been raised toward the $45,000 goal with sizeable donations being made by names including Karrion Kross, Cody Rhodes, Nick Nemeth, Q. T. Marshall, Jinder Mahal, and Will Ospreay.

https://twitter.com/BrittnieBrooks/status/1851074315166367878

28-year-old Bey broke into the business back in 2016 and, within two years, was working already for Impact Wrestling. Subsequently, he would win the X Division Championship and has held the TNA World Tag Team Championship three times alongside Ace Austin. Additionally, he has wrestled for New Japan, where he joined the legendary Bullet Club faction, although he mainly represents them in the United States.

Source: Web Is Jericho

2 Stars Injured At TNA Impact TV Tapings

A legitimate injury occurred at Sunday’s TNA Impact TV tapings in Detroit, MI.

El Hijo Del Vikingo suffered a leg injury after attempting a dive to the outside in a match against Trent Seven.

Timothée Chalamet crashes his own lookalike event

The match was immediately stopped, and Vikingo was taken out on a stretcher. No other details are known at this time.

Another injury took place at Sunday night’s TNA Impact TV tapings in Detroit, MI.

According to multiple reports, Chris Bey was injured during the ABC vs. The Hardys match. Bey was reportedly “out cold” after a mistimed finish involving Matt Hardy’s Cutter attempt.

The injury came after Jeff Hardy kicked Bey and it appeared Bey would have gone backwards into a Cutter from Matt. This resulted in Bey and Matt Hardy accidentally bumping heads.

Bey was placed in a neck collar and EMTs stretchered him out of the arena.

Fightful Select has offered additional details on what occurred, with the report stating that Bey went to the hospital with a neck injury and underwent successful surgery. Beyond confirming that the injury involved his neck and he is in recovery

Source: eWn

WWE Reportedly Turned Down Opportunity To Have AJ Styles Inducted Into TNA Hall Of Fame

AJ Styles was reportedly being considered for TNA’s Hall of Fame inductions at Bound For Glory on Saturday. The pay-per-view saw the inductions of late TNA co-founder Bob Ryder and Tag Team Champion Rhino, the latter who still wrestles with the company and appeared in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match during the Countdown to Bound For Glory. 

“Fightful Select” has since reported that both AJ Styles and Monty Brown — known in WWE as Marcus Cor Von — were considered, with the former even prompting inquiry from TNA about an induction. “Fightful” has reported that the possibility was broached with WWE, who passed on the opportunity, though the reasoning is yet unclear. The reported belief within TNA is that it was due to Styles’ recent injury or active storyline. 

There was also said to be a hope that he would be open to wrestling in TNA, but again it’s unclear if discussions were held. Styles made a non-WWE appearance recently when he returned to Japan to wrestle Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH in July, but sustained an ankle injury during “WWE SmackDown” on October 4. Reports have since emerged that there were plans to work a retirement and farewell tour storyline ahead of the injury and plans were still in place when they were waiting for the results of an MRI scan to assess the injury. 

With WWE and TNA working together extensively throughout the year, sending stars either way, it’s still possible that a return to TNA — one-off or otherwise — could factor into such a storyline. The “Fightful” report doesn’t note anything further on the consideration of Brown, who wrestled with TNA throughout the 2000s before joining WWE. He has not wrestled a match since retiring in 2007.

Source: Wrestling Inc.