TNA! TNA! IMPACT Wrestling announced at the end of Bound for Glory that the will be reverting to their former name and logo as of their first pay-per-view event of 2024.
Once a relic of the past, TNA Wrestling is set to return to the professional wrestling landscape as IMPACT Wrestling announced at the end of their flagship pay-per-view event, Bound for Glory, that they would revert to the iconic name, next year.
Originally launched in partnership with the National Wrestling Alliance, NWA:TNA launched in June 2002 before going it alone and officially becoming TNA Wrestling in 2004. The company enjoyed a boom in the late noughties with an influx of ex-WWE talent such as Kurt Angle, Christian Cage and Booker T, as well as homegrown talents like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, James Storm and Bobby Roode. In May 2004, TNA debuted their weekly television programme, iMPACT!, which was created in Universal Studios Florida’s Soundstage 21, also known as the “Impact Zone”. The first episode of the programme saw TNA debut a six sided wrestling ring but, as of writing, it is not expected that the hexagonal squared circle will make a return in the new TNA.
In 2017, amid spiralling debt and a mass exodus of top talent, the company was aquired by current owners, Anthem Sports and Entertainment, who officially rebranded to IMPACT Wrestling. Despite some big stories, such as the ‘Broken’ Matt Hardy saga, Mickie James’ Last Rodeo or the rise and dominance of Josh Alexander as World Champion, IMPACT Wrestling has never been able to recapture the magic of their early days as TNA Wrestling. With, perhaps, nothing to lose at this point and with IMPACT Wrestling a little difficult for fans to chant, Anthem are hoping to return to the good old days with the iconic name’s return.
We still hear the ‘TNA’ chants wherever we go. Fans have longed for TNA Wrestling, so that’s what we’re bringing back in 2024: TNA Wrestling, we’re back!
IMPACT Wrestling President, Scott D’Amore
Will Ospreay Comments on Recent IMPACT Experience
Having competed at Bound for Glory, as well as in subsequent TV tapings, New Japan Pro Wrestling star and international sensation, Will Ospreay shared his thoughts on the current state of IMPACT Wrestling.
I have had the best time at IMPACT Wrestling from fan experience to quality of wrestling. I honestly believe that the reason they have climbed back from such a deep trench… is because that place is one big team. The moment they said ‘we are TNA’ I said ‘yes they are.’
I’m so happy for all of that crew because they all work so hard and are grateful for the fan support. TNA was the reason I wanted to become a wrestler. With that team, they will inspire brand new TNA kids.
Will Ospreay on Twitter/X
The name change will become official at the Hard To Kill 2024 pay-per-view on January 13th. Will Ospreay’s contract with NJPW is also scheduled to end early in the next year, thus fans of IMPACT/TNA might soon get to see him again.
Further details on the name change will be revealed on Tuesday afternoon when IMPACT Wrestling President, Scott D’Amore, will host a live Q&A on Facebook at 5pm BST / 12pm ET.
What do you think of the name change? Will going back to TNA help the company return to former glory? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
