TNA Quietly Removes X-Division Title Match From AMC Debut Amid Contract Uncertainty Of The Rascalz

TNA Wrestling has made a notable last-minute change to the lineup for its upcoming AMC debut episode of iMPACT!, and it appears to stem from real-world contract issues rather than creative direction.

The company has quietly pulled the previously announced X-Division Championship match that would have seen Leon Slater defend his title against Myron Reed. The bout has been removed from promotional graphics and the official event listing for Thursday’s show at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas. While Slater is still featured in TNA’s “tune in” press materials for the venue, Reed’s name is no longer mentioned.

Behind the scenes, reports suggest the decision is tied to the contract status of The Rascalz. According to PWInsider, members of the group are no longer under contract with TNA Wrestling. Trey Miguel and Zach Wentz are believed to have seen their deals expire at the end of 2025, with no option in place for TNA to extend them for an additional year.

Reed appears to have confirmed his own status indirectly, as his social media now lists him as a “free agent.” Dezmond Xavier has also resurfaced recently, though he is likewise believed to be unsigned. While all four performers still appear on some TNA roster listings, multiple sources indicate that there are currently no active contracts binding them to the promotion.

TNA officials reportedly declined to comment when asked about The Rascalz’ status. Despite the group still being listed on the company’s website, the belief backstage is that all four wrestlers are free to work elsewhere without restriction.

As for the X-Division Championship picture, Leon Slater’s reign remains intact and unaffected by the change. He is still scheduled to defend the title this Saturday at TNA Genesis in a Triple Threat match against Cedric Alexander and Moose, a bout that continues to be heavily promoted.

With TNA stepping onto a new platform with its AMC debut, the situation surrounding The Rascalz is one worth keeping an eye on, especially given their popularity and long-standing association with the company’s X-Division.

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.

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

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

TNA Reportedly Wants AJ Styles To Wrestle On AMC Debut Episode Of “Thursday Night iMPACT”

TNA is gearing up for a massive relaunch in 2026, and the company is apparently shooting big when it comes to star power. With the promotion’s new multi-year media rights deal officially locked in, iMPACT is set to make its AMC debut on January 15, 2026, airing live from the Curtis Caldwell Center in Garland, Texas. And according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA is hoping to bring back one of its most iconic names for the premiere: AJ Styles.

Per Dave Meltzer, a WWE source says TNA has reached out with interest in having Styles actually wrestle on the debut episode. The idea is simple—kick off the AMC era with a major ratings splash by featuring the man many still associate with the company’s glory years. Styles himself recently said he’d love to wrestle in TNA one more time before wrapping up his in-ring career, and January would mark his first match for the promotion since 2013.

WWE did allow “The Phenomenal One” to make a cameo at TNA Slammiversary back in July, appearing in a non-wrestling role. Letting him work an actual match is, of course, a different conversation entirely—but not outside the realm of possibility given WWE’s slightly more flexible approach to cross-promotional moments in recent years.

If the match does happen, Meltzer notes a likely opponent: Frankie Kazarian. The reigning TNA World Champion has a long, shared history with Styles dating back to the 2000s, and the two have locked up many times over the years. A Styles vs. Kazarian showdown on AMC’s debut night would be a fitting callback for longtime fans while spotlighting today’s TNA main event scene.

Along with the network move, TNA is giving its flagship a refreshed identity. The show will officially be known as Thursday Night iMPACT, maintaining its two-hour timeslot from 9–11 p.m. ET and streaming concurrently on AMC+.

Whether AJ Styles steps back into a TNA ring remains to be seen—but if TNA gets its wish, their AMC premiere could instantly become one of 2026’s most talked-about wrestling nights.

TNA IMPACT Preview 12/4/2025

The road to Final Resolution reaches its last stop 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.

  • TNA Knockouts Championship #1 Contenders Match: Dani Luna vs. Xia Brookside
  • The Hardys, Cedric Alexander & Steve Maclin vs. Lexis King, Stacks & High Ryze
  • Mustafa Ali vs. Trey Miguel
  • Mike Santana vs. Robert Stone
  • The Home Town Man vs. Brooks Jensen
  • FIR$T CLA$$ Penthouse with guest Leon Slater

TNA Looking To Lock In Key Talent Ahead of AMC Launch

TNA Wrestling may be gearing up for its biggest visibility boost in years with its new AMC television deal, but the company has some important business to take care of behind the scenes before that January premiere.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, TNA is preparing to open formal contract talks next week with several wrestlers whose deals are approaching expiration. Multiple talents apparently held off on negotiating until the TV situation was settled, but with the AMC partnership now official, the company is moving quickly to secure its roster.

One name reportedly on TNA’s radar is former AEW talent Bear Bronson, who is being looked at as a potential signing ahead of the AMC debut. At the same time, a handful of current roster members will be free agents by the end of the month unless new agreements get finalized. That group includes Jody Threat, Mustafa Ali, The Hardys, and The IInspiration, among others.

TNA is also still featuring several notable wrestlers who aren’t currently under contract—most prominently Dezmond Xavier (formerly WWE’s Wes Lee), Matt Cardona, and Dolph Ziggler. Their status gives TNA flexibility, but it also adds urgency as the promotion tries to solidify a strong, stable roster heading into 2026.

Before the AMC era officially begins on January 15, 2026, at the Curtis Culwell Center in Texas, TNA has a packed weekend ahead with Final Resolution and two additional tapings. With major TV exposure on the horizon, expect contract news—and possibly some surprise signings—to heat up in the coming weeks.