Witness the fallout from Victory Road as the Path to Bound For Glory continues on TNA iMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet+ in Canada.
WWE made a quick change this week to the name of its highly-anticipated NXT and TNA crossover special. What was originally announced as “NXT vs. TNA: Invasion” will now go forward under a new title — “Showdown.”
The event, set for October 7, was still being promoted with the “Invasion” branding earlier in the day, but by the time NXT aired Tuesday night, the name had been officially swapped out. The change sparked plenty of conversation, and it wasn’t just about WWE’s history with the “Invasion” label from the 2001 WCW/ECW storyline.
The decision comes after backlash from Israeli fans and media outlets, who pointed out the sensitivity of branding the show “Invasion” on October 7. That date marks the second anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 people dead. Critics described WWE’s choice as “insensitive,” noting both the word itself and the accompanying logo — which featured a bold red “V” — unintentionally resembled imagery associated with Hamas.
One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) even highlighted the resemblance, questioning how WWE’s marketing team could miss the connection, even if it was unintentional.
Once the controversy began to circulate, WWE and TNA quietly pulled advertising for the event before reintroducing it on Tuesday’s NXT broadcast with its new name. On-screen, the change was woven into the storyline by TNA’s Director of Authority, Santino Marella, who lightheartedly reframed the show as more of a “showcase” than an “invasion,” ultimately dubbing it a “Showdown.”
Behind the scenes, WWE wasted no time moving forward with the rebrand — filing a trademark for “Showdown” almost immediately after the new name was announced.
The rebranding doesn’t change the fact that this crossover is a landmark moment for both NXT and TNA, as two promotions come together for a rare interpromotional showcase. With “Showdown” now locked in, fans can expect the focus to return to what matters most: the matches, the surprises, and the potential for new dream encounters between NXT and TNA’s top stars.
WWE NXT live tonight on The CW.
Bad news has hit Ridge Holland’s momentum. The NXT/EVOLVE standout, who has been a regular face in the ongoing WWE–TNA partnership, announced that he’s dealing with a significant injury that will put him on the shelf for the foreseeable future.
Holland was in action this past weekend at the TNA iMPACT tapings from the Edmonton Expo Centre in Alberta, Canada. On Friday, he wrestled at the Victory Road 2025 special, suffering a loss to Mike Santana. The next night, he stepped into the ring with Moose for matches taped to build toward TNA’s marquee event, Bound For Glory, scheduled for October 12 in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, things didn’t end well for Holland. On Monday, he took to Twitter to confirm the nature of his injury, writing:
“Lisfranc Injury. Surgery Friday. See ya in a bit.”
The Lisfranc injury — which affects the midfoot — is no small matter, often requiring surgery and months of recovery time. That means Holland will be missing a crucial stretch of TV, including Bound For Glory, at a time when WWE and TNA’s partnership has created some high-profile crossover opportunities.
It’s a tough setback for the powerhouse, who had been gaining traction by mixing it up with some of TNA’s biggest names. While no timetable has been given for his return, fans will no doubt be eager to see him bounce back once he’s cleared.
The battle between NXT and AEW Dynamite on “Title Tuesday” is becoming a yearly tradition, and 2025 might be the most high-stakes showdown yet. During Saturday’s NXT No Mercy premium live event, General Manager Ava announced that the October 7 episode of NXT will be branded “Invasion”, with the black-and-gold brand facing off against stars from TNA Wrestling.
This means WWE’s developmental brand will once again go head-to-head with AEW’s annual Title Tuesday, which this year features a special “Homecoming” edition of Dynamite. And while AEW has yet to announce any matches for their card, NXT has already stacked the deck.
The Oba vs. Trick matchup is especially noteworthy. While Williams currently represents TNA as world champion, his roots remain firmly in NXT. He captured the TNA World Title back in May at NXT Battleground, defeating Joe Hendry. The crossover has only deepened since then: the night before No Mercy, Kelani Jordan won the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Victory Road after Ash By Elegance vacated the title, while Je’Von Evans is scheduled to challenge for the X-Division Championship at Bound For Glory.
This Invasion special signals just how serious WWE is about counter-programming AEW. With championships from both promotions on the line and marquee names like the Hardy Boys involved, it feels less like a side attraction and more like a statement.
And while AEW hasn’t yet revealed what’s in store for Homecoming, WWE has made sure fans know the October 7 TV war will be must-see.
TNA Victory Road delivered one of the most emotional moments of the year when Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance announced she was stepping away from the ring and relinquishing her championship.
Ash was originally advertised to defend her title against Masha Slamovich, but the match was scrapped after Slamovich was pulled from the card due to an ongoing investigation. Instead, fans were told Ash had an important announcement to make — and it proved to be a career-altering one.
Standing in the ring alongside TNA officials, Ash fought back emotion as she told the crowd:
“I am no longer able to compete and do what I love to do. So with that being said, I’m stepping away from in-ring competition. And with a heavy heart, I have to forfeit this title.”
The announcement brought an end to her reign, which began at WWE NXT’s Heatwave event when she captured the Knockouts Championship in a Triple Threat against Masha Slamovich and Jacy Jane. Fans will also remember Ash from her WWE tenure, where she competed as Dana Brooke.
To immediately address the vacancy, TNA announced a surprise Knockouts Battle Royal. The match came down to two standouts: former WWE star Léi Yǐng Lee (fka Xia Li) and NXT’s Kelani Jordan. Both women advanced to the night’s later card, where they would face off to crown a new champion.
As a result of the shake-up, the scheduled Knockouts Tag Team Championship match between The IInspiration and The Elegance Brand was shifted to this Thursday’s episode of IMPACT.
Countdown to Victory Road
Main Card
Post-show note: Je’Von Evans (NXT) challenged Leon Slater for the X-Division Title at Bound For Glory.
TNA Wrestling rolled into Edmonton for Victory Road, setting the stage for next month’s Bound For Glory. The night was filled with surprises, title changes, and some emotional moments that will have major implications going forward.
The pre-show kicked off with a high-energy three-way featuring Cedric Alexander, Trey Miguel, and Zachary Wentz. Miguel got aggressive early, even superkicking his fellow Rascal. Wentz stole the spotlight, flying in with a Swanton to break up a submission before putting Alexander away with the UFO Cutter.
Winner: Zachary Wentz
Backstage, TNA International Champion Steve Maclin’s interview with Gia Miller was cut short when AAA legend El Mesias appeared, teasing a huge cross-promotional showdown.
Over in the FIR$T CLA$$ PENTHOU$E, AJ Francis ran down the Edmonton crowd before being joined by Matt Hardy. Francis tried to angle his way into the Hardys vs. Team 3D Tables Match at Bound For Glory, but Hardy shot down the idea. Things turned ugly fast as Francis put Matt through a table to send a loud message.
Meanwhile, The System demanded action against Order 4. Director of Authority Santino Marella gave them what they wanted, booking a trios clash for later in the night.
The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC) w/ Alisha Edwards def. Order 4 (The Great Hands & Special Agent 0)
Special Agent 0 made his TNA in-ring debut, but The System played it smart and isolated him. After chaos broke loose, JDC hit Down & Dirty to seal the win for the faction.
Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance Vacates Title
In an emotional moment, Ash By Elegance revealed she can no longer compete and officially relinquished the Knockouts World Championship. A battle royal was announced immediately to crown two finalists, with the new champion to be decided later in the night.
The match came down to Kelani Jordan and Léi Yǐng Lee, who would meet again with Indi Hartwell as special referee.
Finalists: Kelani Jordan & Léi Yǐng Lee
Matt Cardona & The Home Town Man def. The Nemeths (Nic & Ryan)
The crowd rallied behind the masked Home Town Man, who helped Cardona score a flash pin on Ryan Nemeth. The victory celebration was short-lived, however, as The Nemeths attacked post-match and unmasked Home Town Man.
Mike Santana def. NXT’s Ridge Holland
Holland used his power early, but Santana turned the tide with speed and resilience. After hitting the Rolling Buck 50, Santana finished Holland with Spin the Block. Post-match, TNA World Champion Trick Williams ambushed Santana, sending a clear message ahead of their rivalry.
Mustafa Ali def. Moose – Hardcore War Advantage
With both factions banned from ringside, Ali outmaneuvered Moose in a wild contest. After hitting a 450 splash that couldn’t keep Moose down, Ali’s entourage got involved. Tasha Steelz, disguised as one of Ali’s dancers, delivered a low blow that allowed Ali to land a second 450 for the huge win. Order 4 now has the numbers advantage heading into Bound For Glory.
Joe Hendry def. Eric Young
Hendry fought through injuries after a backstage attack earlier in the night. Young nearly stole it with dirty tactics, but interference from Travis Williams and Judas Icarus kept things even. Hendry countered with Standing Ovation into a steel chair for the victory.
Matt Hardy def. AJ Francis – Tables Match
After their earlier confrontation, Hardy and Francis went to war in a violent Tables Match. Hardy survived a brutal chair shot and used Francis’ arrogance against him. After hitting Twist of Fate, Hardy sealed the deal with a top rope leg drop through a table.
Kelani Jordan def. Léi Yǐng Lee – NEW Knockouts World Champion
With Indi Hartwell officiating, Jordan and Lee put on a hard-fought contest. A mid-match ref bump almost cost Jordan, but she rallied back and hit One of a King to capture her first Knockouts World Championship. Post-match, Ash By Elegance and Léi Yǐng Lee showed respect as TNA President Carlos Silva presented Jordan with the title.
Frankie Kazarian def. Steve Maclin – NEW TNA International Champion
Maclin had Kazarian on the ropes until AAA’s El Mesias reappeared to confront him. The distraction gave Kaz the opening he needed, and he hit the Slingshot Cutter to capture the International Championship.
Leon Slater def. Myron Reed – X-Division Championship
The main event lived up to the X-Division’s reputation. Both men traded highlight-reel offense, but Slater survived Reed’s 450 splash and nailed the Swanton 450 to retain.
After the bell, NXT’s Je’Von Evans appeared on screen to challenge Slater for the title at Bound For Glory, officially announced by Santino Marella.
TNA Victory Road – Friday, September 26, 2025 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Card
TNA star Masha Slamovich has publicly addressed recent domestic abuse allegations stemming from her past relationship with fellow wrestler AKIRA.
The situation unfolded on Sept. 23, when a friend of AKIRA shared screenshots of messages and additional archived material online, presenting them as evidence of physical, emotional, and mental abuse during the pair’s relationship.
The fallout was swift. TNA Wrestling announced they were investigating the matter and removed Slamovich from promotional material for a scheduled Knockouts Championship bout against Ash By Elegance at Victory Road. Multiple independent promotions have also taken her off upcoming cards.
On Thursday night, Slamovich released what she described as her “only statement” regarding the accusations. In it, she acknowledged that her relationship with AKIRA had been “toxic and mutually destructive,” while taking responsibility for her actions and admitting shame over how things unfolded.
“I take responsibility for my actions and I am sorry, embarrassed, and ashamed of the role I played in our relationship,” Slamovich wrote, adding that she has since sought professional help to learn healthier ways of managing conflict.
She closed by apologizing to AKIRA and others she feels she let down, expressing hope that her former partner will find healing.
At just 27 years old, Slamovich has been one of the standout performers in TNA’s Knockouts Division over the past two years, capturing the Knockouts World Tag Team Championship alongside Killer Kelly and competing in high-profile singles matches. However, this controversy has put her future with TNA—and on the independent scene—in serious question as the wrestling world awaits further updates.
It’s the final TNA iMPACT! before Victory Road this Thursday at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet 360 in Canada.
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