After 23 years of switching networks and searching for an identity, TNA Wrestling has formed an official partnership with WWE.

Jeff Jarrett and his father, Jerry, launched the brand in 2002 in the aftermath of Vince McMahon putting WCW and ECW out of business.

TNA started with a series of weekly, discount pay-per-views before bouncing around networks like Spike TV, Pop, Discovery America, and AXS TV.

The company tried to reignite the Monday Night Wars by signing Hulk Hogan and his pals in 2010, but WWE blew the company out of the water.

TNA changed its name to Impact Wrestling in 2017 before returning to its raunchy moniker in 2024.

WHAT’S THE DEAL?

The talent-sharing agreement will allow TNA wrestlers to appear on WWE NXT and vice versa. It’s unlikely for TNA talent to appear regularly on Raw and Smackdown.

This would have been significant when TNA was distant No. 2 promotion, but since 2019, AEW has established itself as a strong challenger brand with a presence on TNT, TBS, and Max.

TNA could make its biggest splash at the Royal Rumble. In the past, Mickie James and Jordynne Grace appeared in the Women’s Rumble while holding the TNA Knockouts title.

Joe Hendry, TNA’s hero and breakout musical star, challenged Ethan Page for the NXT title last year. Maybe Hendry will show up in the men’s Rumble.

Current Knockouts champion Masha Slamovich appeared on Tuesday night’s NXT program, so that could be a hint that she will show up in the Rumble.

PLAYING KEEP-AWAY

The biggest reason WWE could have for teaming up with TNA is to stick it to AEW. Tony Khan likes to welcome wrestlers from other promotions, and at one point, Kenny Omega held the TNA World title.

With a formal agreement with the WWE in place, TNA won’t be sending any wrestlers to London for the Forbidden Door PPV in August.

Even with Vince McMahon gone, WWE isn’t shy about undermining the competition. AEW’s biggest show of the year will be All In Texas on July 12, and WWE is running Saturday Night’s Main Event on the same night.