The lines between WWE and TNA continue to blur, as reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich made a high-profile appearance at this week’s WWE NXT. Slamovich, one of the most dominant champions in TNA today, was seen sitting ringside during the show, catching attention during a match between Cora Jade and Kelani Jordan.
This isn’t the first time a TNA star has stepped foot in WWE’s developmental brand—last year, Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry both made waves with appearances on NXT. Now, Slamovich becomes the first TNA talent to cross over in 2025, sparking speculation about what her appearance might mean for both promotions.
A Smirk and a Stare
During the Jade-Jordan match, which centered on both women’s desire to challenge for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, the cameras frequently cut to Slamovich at ringside. Commentary also acknowledged her presence, mentioning her upcoming Knockouts title defense against Rosemary at TNA’s Genesis this weekend. After securing her victory, Jade shot a knowing smirk in Slamovich’s direction—a subtle moment that has left fans buzzing about a potential clash between the NXT standout and the TNA champion in the future.
A Reign of Destruction
Slamovich has been a dominant force in TNA’s Knockouts division, capturing the Knockouts title from Jordynne Grace at Bound for Glory in 2024. Since then, she’s made four successful defenses, including a hard-fought two-out-of-three falls rematch against Grace and a recent win over Tasha Steelz in December. Known for her hard-hitting style and unrelenting intensity, Slamovich has solidified her place as one of the most respected names in women’s wrestling today.
TNA-WWE Crossovers: A Growing Trend
Slamovich’s appearance comes on the heels of Jordynne Grace’s impressive showing in WWE last year. Grace, who also entered WWE as the Knockouts Champion in early 2024, competed in the Women’s Royal Rumble and even challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground. Her most recent WWE appearance came at NXT 2300 in November, where she joined a star-studded team featuring Stephanie Vaquer, Zaria, Giulia, and Kelani Jordan.
Slamovich’s ringside visit represents the closest she’s come to making an in-ring debut in WWE. The Russian-born powerhouse has made her name on the independent circuit and in TNA, with brief stints in AEW back in 2021. While no official match or storyline has been announced, her presence on NXT hints at exciting possibilities for the future.
What’s Next for Slamovich?
For now, Masha Slamovich’s focus remains on her Knockouts Championship defense against Rosemary at Genesis this weekend. However, her appearance on NXT has opened the door for endless speculation about potential dream matches and storylines. Could Slamovich eventually clash with Cora Jade or another top NXT star? Could this signal deeper collaboration—or even competition—between TNA and WWE?
One thing is clear: Slamovich’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue to WWE NXT, a brand already thriving on fresh faces and compelling matchups.
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on this developing story and coverage of TNA Genesis!
Jeff Hardy recently appeared on “The Wrestle Spot” podcast to discuss a variety of topics, including his issues with drugs and alcohol throughout the course of his career.
Hardy said, “This world title run means everything to me because I came close to ending it all in the summer of 2022, which is in public, and people are aware of my issues throughout the years with drugs and alcohol. But coming out the other side of that, I’ve been saying a lot lately that all these failures man, they have led me to salvation. To just be on the other side of that, I get goosebumps just even thinking about being 47 years old and a champion in TNA, back in TNA, where I’ve had a lot of amazing moments and memories that I’ve created. It just means everything to me and my family, the support of my family, my wife and my daughters, oh my god. If they would have gave up on me, I would have totally gave up on myself. So they are my world, I owe them everything.”
He continued, “I owe so much to pro wrestling in general because it’s gave me such an amazing life. But overall, this championship run might end up being the most important championship run of my career, just because I have survived through all these struggles. I’m so ashamed, and I still feel so much shame and guilt, but I gotta’ get past that and just believe in myself and continue to stay on the path that I’m on. Anything is possible for Jeff Hardy moving forward. Who knows? Hopefully, the perfect ending to my career would be to end up in the WWE Hall of Fame and go out on a high note instead of a depressing low, and I feel like that’s going to happen.”
TNA Wrestling is keeping busy behind the scenes as they prepare for the new year. According to a report from PWInsider, the company is currently in “active talks” with multiple talents regarding new contracts, signaling an effort to lock in key performers as their roster evolves.
This news comes on the heels of several notable departures. As previously reported, stars like KUSHIDA, Trent Seven, and Rhino have all recently wrapped up their time with TNA. While the promotion hasn’t officially commented on these exits, their departures mark a period of transition for TNA heading into 2024.
For fans tuning into TNA Impact on AXS TV, the next few weeks will feature the promotion’s annual Best of the Year episodes, celebrating standout matches and moments from 2023. The first episode featuring new in-ring content is currently set for January 2nd, kicking off what looks to be a pivotal year for TNA.
With TNA actively working to solidify its roster, the question remains: which talents will stick around, and could we see fresh faces join the promotion as it builds momentum? Stay tuned for updates as TNA’s 2024 plans continue to take shape.
TNA Wrestling is entering 2024 with some significant changes, as the company prepares for a wave of talent departures. Following Final Resolution and the most recent TNA Impact tapings, several key names appear to be closing out their runs with the promotion, signaling a major shake-up for the roster heading into the new year.
KUSHIDA Nearing the End of His TNA Run
One of the most notable names preparing to exit is Japanese star KUSHIDA. According to Fightful Select, KUSHIDA is currently wrapping up his last contracted run with TNA. While he’s been a prominent part of the promotion, KUSHIDA’s primary focus seems to be shifting back to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he and Kevin Knight are the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. The duo will defend their titles at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, a clear indicator that NJPW will become his main priority moving forward.
KUSHIDA’s exit will leave a void in TNA’s international presence, as his blend of technical precision and high-flying style has been a key highlight for fans over the past year.
Trent Seven Officially Departs
Another international talent saying farewell is Trent Seven. Reports from PWInsider confirm that Seven has wrapped up his time with TNA, placing him alongside his Speedball Mountain partner “Speedball” Mike Bailey in the free-agent pool. Seven’s departure marks the end of his brief but impactful run with the company, where he delivered standout performances both as a singles competitor and in tag team action.
Jade Chung and Josh Alexander Eye Free Agency
Behind the scenes, Jade Chung has also exited TNA. Chung, who served as a ring announcer and on-screen personality, has officially confirmed her departure, a move supported by her husband, Josh Alexander. Interestingly, Alexander—one of TNA’s top stars and a former World Champion—could also be testing the waters of free agency in the near future. His potential departure would be a major blow to TNA, as Alexander has been a cornerstone of the promotion over the last several years.
Other Big Names on the Move
These exits join a growing list of talent either leaving TNA or reportedly considering their next steps. Among them:
Rhino, a TNA Hall of Famer, recently wrestled his final match at the latest Impact tapings, marking the end of an era. On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that talent was asked to take a pay cut, which factored into Rhino’s exit. He said, “One of the things that happened was a lot of the talent was asked to take pay cuts, I don’t know how many, that was among the reasons Rhino left. So he left. His last match would have been on Saturday.”
AJ Francis (formerly known as Top Dolla in WWE) will become a free agent unless he receives a new contract offer before the year’s end.
Jordynne Grace, one of TNA’s most decorated Knockouts Champions, is rumored to be WWE-bound once her contract officially expires. Grace’s potential move to WWE has been a hot topic, given her star power and dominance in the Knockouts division.
What’s Next for TNA?
While the departures mark the end of an era for many familiar faces, TNA has long been a company that thrives on reinvention. The upcoming months will likely focus on rebuilding and introducing new talent to fill the gaps left behind. With stars like KUSHIDA, Trent Seven, and Jordynne Grace making waves across wrestling’s global landscape, TNA’s roster shake-up could serve as an opportunity for emerging talent to rise to the occasion.
For fans, the biggest question remains: Who will step up to lead TNA into 2024? As the promotion enters a new chapter, one thing’s for sure—change is coming, and all eyes will be on TNA to see how they adapt in the year ahead.
TNA Wrestling delivered a shocking twist at Final Resolution 2024 as Tessa Blanchard made her highly polarizing return to the company. Blanchard, whose exit in 2020 was riddled with controversy, re-emerged to attack Jordynne Grace, setting the stage for what appears to be a heated new rivalry.
During Grace’s match against Rosemary, a masked figure—draped in a ski mask and coat—interfered, blindsiding the former Knockouts Champion. The intruder revealed herself after delivering a devastating Hammerlock DDT, pulling back the mask to confirm her identity as none other than Tessa Blanchard. The crowd reacted with a mix of shock and audible disapproval as Blanchard posed confidently, signaling her intent to reclaim her spot in TNA.
Blanchard’s history with TNA Wrestling is both groundbreaking and controversial. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first woman to win the TNA World Championship after defeating Sami Callihan at Hard to Kill. However, her departure later that year turned sour after reports surfaced that she refused to return the championship belt and allegedly demanded more money to vacate the title. Compounding the controversy, allegations of bullying and racial misconduct—specifically involving wrestler La Rosa Negra—further stained her legacy.
Blanchard’s return was reportedly kept under wraps from much of the TNA roster and staff, a move likely made to avoid leaks and backlash. According to Fightful Select, sources within TNA, WWE, and AEW were in disbelief at the decision to bring Blanchard back, given her turbulent past. However, it seems TNA higher-ups are banking on her ability to move forward, with reports suggesting she is set to be on her “best behavior” for this new run.
Interestingly, Jordynne Grace has been at the center of the situation, both as Blanchard’s first target and as part of TNA’s larger plans. With Grace rumored to be leaving the company soon—alongside Josh Alexander and “Speedball” Mike Bailey—Blanchard’s return appears to be a strategic move to fill a looming void in TNA’s roster.
Not everyone in the locker room is thrilled about the decision. Grace, in particular, has reportedly pushed back against the idea of working with Blanchard, and it remains to be seen how the rest of the TNA roster will respond. Still, there are some within the company who remain friends with Blanchard and believe her fresh start could be successful if handled correctly.
The decision to bring Blanchard back was not influenced by new Anthem Sports President Carlos Silva, who recently stepped into the role. Instead, the move reportedly came from an unnamed Anthem higher-up, signaling that Blanchard’s return has been in the works for some time.
With her reintroduction as a heel, it’s clear TNA is leaning into Blanchard’s divisive reputation to fuel her character. The question now is whether fans—and the locker room—will embrace this second chapter for one of the most controversial figures in modern wrestling.
During a post-attack comment, she reminded the fans “who the company was built upon.”
