TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC LIVE TONIGHT at 9pm ET from the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
TNA IMPACT’s first episode on AMC came with a major surprise, as Daria Rae — formerly known to WWE fans as Sonya Deville — made her long-awaited return to pro wrestling and instantly shook up the company’s leadership structure.
The segment opened with Director of Authority Santino Marella addressing the audience after footage aired of Arianna Grace turning on her father in favor of Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo. Marella emphasized that IMPACT’s move to a new network meant increased visibility, higher expectations, and new goals for the company. With that in mind, he revealed that TNA had brought in someone new to help guide the promotion into this next era.
That person turned out to be Daria Rae.
Rae made her entrance to a strong reaction and initially echoed Marella’s comments, explaining that she had been closely watching TNA and was impressed with its potential. However, the tone of her promo quickly shifted. Rae dismissed Marella as a non-factor, openly mocking him and claiming even his own daughter wanted nothing to do with him. She bluntly told Marella that TNA didn’t need him and warned him to stay out of her way moving forward.
With authority already established, Rae revealed her first major move: a new signing to the Knockouts division.
That announcement brought out Elayna Black, formerly WWE NXT standout Cora Jade, who officially made her TNA debut. The moment marked a significant reset for Black, who had been released by WWE in May after a four-year run and had briefly returned to the independent scene before stepping away from wrestling last summer.
Rae’s appearance was just as notable. After spending a decade with WWE, she departed the company in February and later announced her retirement from wrestling in July. Her arrival in TNA not only signals a return to the industry but also places her in a position of power from day one.
Between Rae’s surprising role and Black’s addition to the Knockouts roster, TNA wasted no time making a statement on its AMC premiere. The company’s new era is clearly focused on bold changes — and this opening segment made it clear that more shake-ups could be right around the corner.
A new era of TNA Wrestling begins tonight as Thursday Night iMPACT! makes its historic debut on AMC, airing LIVE at 9/8c from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. Streaming on AMC+ and TNA+ in the U.S., Sportsnet and Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and TNA+ internationally.
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.
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:
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.
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