Category: TNA

TNA World Tag Team Champs The Hardys Win NXT Tag Titles, WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown

The Hardys continue to make history. Matt and Jeff Hardy added another championship to their legendary résumés Tuesday night, defeating Darkstate’s Osiris Griffin and Dion Lennox to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions at the WWE NXT x TNA Showdown special.

The win makes the veteran brothers double champions, as they currently hold the TNA Tag Team Titles as well. Their next challenge? A tables match against longtime rivals Team 3D—Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley—this Sunday at TNA Bound For Glory, where both sets of tag titles will reportedly be on the line.

The title bout in Orlando opened the highly anticipated crossover event with classic Hardy energy. Darkstate’s powerhouse tandem managed to keep Jeff Hardy grounded early, cutting the ring in half and punishing the high-flyer. But the “Charismatic Enigma” turned the tide with a signature Whisper in the Wind, creating the opening to tag in Matt.

Matt Hardy unleashed his trademark offense, smashing Lennox’s head into each turnbuckle before nearly scoring a three-count. The challengers briefly regained control and attempted a Doomsday Device, but Matt countered in midair with a Twist of Fate. After another Twist to Lennox, Jeff climbed the ropes and sealed the victory with a picture-perfect Swanton Bomb.

As confetti fell and the crowd erupted, The Hardys stood tall with both the NXT and TNA Tag Team Championships held high—while Team 3D watched from ringside, making it clear that their decades-long rivalry is far from over.

With Bound For Glory just days away, the stage is set for another chapter in one of wrestling’s greatest tag team rivalries—Hardys vs. Dudleys—with double gold hanging in the balance.

WWE NXT Showdown (NXT vs TNA) Preview 10/7/2025

WWE NXT Showdown live tonight on The CW – NXT vs. TNA

  • Men’s Survivor Series Elimination Match: Team NXT (Ricky Saints & Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans & Myles Borne) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana & Moose & Leon Slater & Frankie Kazarian) (with Joe Hendry as special guest referee) – Men’s Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination match
  • Women’s Survivor Series Elimination Match: Team NXT (Jacy Jayne & Sol Ruca & Jaida Parker & Lola Vice) vs. Team TNA (Kelani Jordan & Jessie McKay & Cassie Lee & Mara Sade) (with Jordynne Grace as special guest referee) – Women’s Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination match
  • Title vs. Title – Winner Take All: TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff Hardy) vs. NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState (Dion Lennox & Osiris Griffin)
  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Mustafa Ali

Networks React To Revised AEW & WWE Nielsen Numbers (After Change In Way Ratings Are Calculated)

The numbers are in, and they’ve got people talking across the wrestling world. With Nielsen officially rolling out its new “Big Data + Panel” system, both WWE and AEW have seen noticeable dips in their TV ratings this week — and that’s raising a few eyebrows inside the industry.

While streaming has become a major player for both promotions — “WWE Raw” now living on Netflix and AEW airing live through HBO Max — traditional Nielsen ratings still carry major weight for networks, advertisers, and executives. The new hybrid data method, designed to more accurately reflect viewing habits across devices, has reshuffled the deck, leaving wrestling shows looking weaker on paper than before.

AEW Keeps Calm Amid The Shift

According to Fightful Select, AEW is keeping a close eye on the situation. Sources say Tony Khan understands the new methodology inside and out thanks to his well-known love of numbers and analytics. While the updated system might make week-to-week trends look rough, AEW still benefits from its simulcasts on HBO Max — even if those exact streaming figures aren’t being publicly shared. Reports suggest about 500,000 viewers tune in weekly to stream “Dynamite” and “Collision.”

A contact within Warner Bros. Discovery (AEW’s media partner) downplayed any panic, noting it’s far too early to make judgments with such a small sample size. The source also pointed out that AEW and WWE both ran head-to-head with Major League Baseball this past week, a sport that — along with college football and the NFL — has actually benefited from Nielsen’s new approach.

When asked if this change could spark talk of cancellations, the WBD insider reportedly laughed off the idea, saying that topic always comes up but is “never actually on the table.”

Interestingly, the new data system has one upside for AEW — it’s expected to end the use of “fast national” ratings, those early estimates that often circulated within hours of broadcast. Because Nielsen’s new reporting adds another day’s delay, those quick-turn numbers will no longer offer an accurate read, potentially eliminating a common talking point in the ongoing WWE–AEW ratings rivalry.

WWE’s Network Partners Weigh In

Over in WWE’s corner, USA Network and The CW are also monitoring the changes. While Raw has made the jump to Netflix, “SmackDown” remains on USA and “NXT” airs weekly on The CW — both still reliant on traditional TV numbers.

A USA Network source told Fightful they’re discussing the new metrics internally, but they’re not alarmed. The feeling is that while the numbers might suggest wrestling isn’t as “hot” as it looked under the old system, the overall value of WWE programming remains undeniable. WWE content continues to deliver strong returns at relatively low costs — something USA has appreciated for decades.

The CW didn’t comment, but the network has reportedly been pleased with NXT’s performance since day one. The shift in ratings measurement isn’t expected to change that enthusiasm.

TNA’s Situation & Industry Impact

One WWE insider did note that the updated Nielsen process could make things tricky for TNA Wrestling, which is currently seeking a new television home. Even so, company president Carlos Silva told Fightful the issue hasn’t come up during negotiations, and discussions with potential partners are still moving forward.

Meanwhile, talent across the major promotions have reportedly felt little direct impact, aside from a few more tweaks to production and travel schedules than usual.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Nielsen’s overhaul is shaking up how TV success is measured, but the wrestling industry has weathered plenty of changes before. Between the rise of streaming, shifting network priorities, and a fan base that consumes content in more ways than ever, the true picture of viewership might take months — if not years — to fully understand.

For now, one thing’s clear: both WWE and AEW are still drawing millions of passionate fans every week, no matter how the math gets crunched.

TNA Wrestling Is ‘In Active Negotiations’ With A New Broadcast Partner

TNA Wrestling may be on the verge of its biggest move in years, as company president Carlos Silva has revealed that the promotion is now in active talks with a new broadcast partner.

Speaking to TV Insider, Silva confirmed that negotiations have officially gone beyond the “feeling out” stage, with one network showing serious interest in bringing TNA to its lineup. While Silva stopped short of naming names, it’s worth noting that TNA has recently been linked to networks like The CW and A&E — both of which already feature WWE programming.

“We’re now in active negotiations with a partner,” Silva explained. “The good news is the process has started. We’re no longer just talking to a bunch of people to gauge interest. Now we have an interested partner, and we’re working through, potentially, a deal for 2026.”

TNA has called AXS TV home since 2019, but the promotion has been openly exploring new broadcast opportunities throughout 2024. With the company looking to expand its footprint — including a show earlier this year at Long Island’s UBS Arena — Silva is confident that a bigger television deal could be the next major step in TNA’s resurgence.

The timing couldn’t be more interesting, as TNA continues to ride the wave of mainstream attention from its ongoing working relationship with WWE. That partnership has brought more eyes to the product, and the company isn’t shying away from the competition either. In fact, TNA is set to go head-to-head with WWE NXT on October 7 when NXT presents its Showdown edition.

Silva made it clear that while there’s no finalized timeline just yet, the wheels are in motion: “It’s done when it’s over the finish line. We’re excited about it and keep pushing it forward.”

If TNA does land a new broadcast partner, it could mark one of the company’s biggest opportunities in over a decade — giving them a national platform just as momentum around the brand is starting to climb again.

TNA IMPACT Preview 10/2/2025

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.

  • Fallout from Victory Road
  • TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship: The Elegance Brand (c) vs. The IInspiration
  • Nic Nemeth vs. The Home Town Man
  • Tasha Steelz vs. Alisha Edwards
  • Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee vs. TBD
  • The King’s Speech w/ Frankie Kazarian – Special Guest Kelani Jordan

Why NXT/TNA “Invasion” Special Renamed To Showdown

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.

Why WWE Dropped the “Invasion” Title

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.

WWE Responds Quickly

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.

Looking Ahead

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 Preview 9/30/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW.

  • Lash Legend vs. Jaida Parker
  • Ava and Santino Marella choose their teams for InVasion
  • TNA Stars to appear
  • Newly crowned NXT Champion Ricky Saints
  • The fallout from NXT No Mercy

WWE’s Ridge Holland Sidelined with Serious Foot Injury After TNA Tapings

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.

WWE NXT GM Ava Announces TNA Invasion TV Special For Same Night As AEW’s Title Tuesday “Homecoming”

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.

What’s on tap for NXT: Invasion?

  • Survival Matches: Both men’s and women’s teams will compete in elimination-style battles reminiscent of Survivor Series. Team lineups will be revealed on next week’s NXT.
  • Title-for-Title Matches:
    • NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState vs. The Hardy Boys, the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions.
    • NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World Champion Trick Williams, with all outside interference banned following recent chaos on NXT.

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.

Why it matters

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.

Ash By Elegance Vacates TNA Knockouts World Title, Stepping Away From In-Ring Competition

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.