One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.
That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.
I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.
In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)...
Well, well, well...whatta we got here!
For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that moment with my son was pretty cool. And yes, I refuse to give in to internet rage - the show was amazing!
Here are some thoughts from Slammiversary 2025:
Opening Thoughts
- I'm not one for nitpicking production, as I don't believe many understand how high the bar is that WWE has set for pro wrestling (and really, many other forms of live entertainment). However, the setup for Slammiversary inside the UBS Arena was something I've never seen before from TNA. It was right on par with WWE and what I saw from AEW just a few months ago for Full Gear at the Prudential Center.
- I've watched a little bit of the show on TNA+ (mainly the AJ Styles return - more on that later), you know, just to see the difference in viewing experiences, and it is very significant how loud the music and crowd felt in the arena, and how little that translates through on TNA television. Better sound and a mic'ed-up ring can help with that.
- The pre-show panel wasn't as bad in-person as I've felt about watching those segments from home over the past few months.
- The current TNA stage set is really cool. I'm glad we're in an era where it's okay to have something smaller.
- When did black ring mats all of a sudden become the rage in wrestling?
- Speaking of mats...it's now weird to tune in and see a bare wrestling mat on any pro wrestling show - no sponsors or company logos. How far we've come...
Countdown to Slammiversary
- The Personal Concierge is a menace, and such a cool throwback to heel-heat-seeking managers. Love it.
- The Elegance Brand has really become a solid act...
- And how about Ash, fka Dana Brooke?!
- Eric Young on the countdown show on a record-breaking Slammiversary felt odd, but the dude is a pro and continues to crush it in every role and angle given to him.
- Hasn't Eric truly done it all for this company?
- I'm into the Hometown Man - he's fun.
- Real1 on the mic is still magic. I'm not sure if there's a future there with TNA, but considering the company's track record of turning around careers, rehabilitating former blue chip prospects, and giving second (sometimes third) life to talent, I wouldn't be opposed to him in TNA.
- I did wish that the six-man tag went longer.
Mustafa Ali vs. Cedric Alexander
- I really enjoyed the opening match. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a match involving Mustafa Ali that wasn't a talking point or thought at the end of the show. The dude really is solid - I always look forward to what's next for him...and now Order 4.
- Also, I've always been a big fan of Tasha Steelz. I was unsure about this Order 4 connection for her and thought she would lose a little bit of herself. But what has happened is that we've seen a different side of her, and she's been more interesting than ever.
- That Cedric Alexander lumbar check to Steelze was something! Wow!
The System vs. Dark State
- I'm not a fan of The System's new theme song. Nooooope.
- Dark State seems like they should be wayyyy cooler than I really feel about them. I'm not sure what it is...
- Is Cardona settling in to TNA?
Tessa Blanchard vs. Indi Hartwell
- Another example of those projects and rehabs - there is Tessa Blanchard. She continues to display why she's worth the risk of this second go-around. She's just so good.
- I am genuinely looking forward to whatever is in the works between her and Gia Miller.
- Indi has left me wanting more since coming in. Not a bad comment, just wanting more...
Masha Slamovich vs. Jacy Jayne
- Jacy Jayne's finish was a devastating-looking blow...a really nice touch! I was defeated when the three-count occurred. Getting lost in my disbelief, I totally wanted Masha to bring home more Gold.
- The Truth is, I miss the aura she had when she only spoke Russian and was a badass. Maybe that doesn't work as a babyface? Maybe it does?
- Unlike the World Title picture (my thoughts on that soon...) I'm not sure where this is going with Jacy Jayne with both belts. Either way, she has come out of nowhere to win both the NXT Championship and now, the Knockouts World Championship.
Moose vs. Leon Slater
- Moose is very underrated. I'm not sure how that is possible in the current time. But in review, he very much is. Future TNA Hall of Famer.
- I also loved his entrance in the king's chair and the old-school theme. One of several awesome entrances for the night.
- Leon Slater was made tonight special - TNA deserves credit for scouting, developing, and creating their new X-Division face.
AJ Styles' Return
- The AJ Styles return... there are no articulate words for me to describe that moment. The best I can do is that it was pure awesomeness. Teenage me inside was rumbling.
- Listening to that old school theme - so much nostalgia ran through my soul. It's amazing how pro wrestling runs parallel to your life, and in those moments, it takes you not just back to that wrestler, but everything else in your life as well.
- How jacked is AJ Styles? He barely resembles the guy who left this company. Holy smokes!
- The endorsement of Leon Slater was a cool touch. I'm still holding out hope that there's a match in TNA down the road for Style. Maybe, Bound For Glory? Maybe? Regardless, at least the nefarious way in which he had to leave the company is behind us.
The Nemeths vs. The Rascalz vs. First Class vs. The Hardys
- The Ladder match was insane! I personally need a break from multi-person ladder matches. One of the reasons I enjoyed Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens in a ladder match a few months ago.
- AJ Francis - another reclamation project - broooo, what were you thinking on that fall?!
- And yeah, there was also that moonsault!
- The ladder falling from the roof was a nice touch and a new innovation on them utilizing "ladders"
- The Bully Ray return and set up for BFG was nice as well. I have cautious feelings about it going down. Especially since we're talking about several months from now with older bodies and some "returning" athletes involved. I feel like both teams are smart enough to put together something very entertaining. It'll be nice to see a full build-up and not just rely on the "one last time" mantra
Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana vs. Trick Williams
- Every single entrance for the main event felt huge. Truly a "big fight feel" filled UBS Arena.
- I know it felt like Santana's time, but the building was abuzz (!!!) for Trick Williams' entrance.
- And yeah, his entrance is definitely a vibe. Let's talk about it!
- I'm fine with Trick Williams retaining the title here...and more so Santana NOT winning.
Reaction to Mike Santana NOT winning the TNA Championship
It feels like the latest buzz is that TNA blew it with this finish.
NXT has all of the belts - what a lopsided partnership!!!
On their biggest show with new fans watching, this was Santana's moment!
My opinion is that Mike Santana HAS TO beat Trick Williams 1 on 1. In fact, I truly believe this sets up so many storyline arcs with Santana chasing Trick Williams, who is currently on fire. The partnership is working in allowing Trick to gain his launching pad into superstardom, Santana will likely frequent NXT (and further national exposure), and this will build.
I do buy into the theory that if it's real, that moment will be there. If it dies out, it likely wasn't real and it was a fad you were trying to capitalize on.
TNA has had a slow build with Mike Santana. And so much credit is deserved for a creative team that has taken another talent discarded from elsewhere with potential and pushed him to this point.
Let Trick build heat - which is so great at doing - and let Santana topple him for that moment.
Also, with a record-breaking crowd, chances are high that TNA is coming back to UBS Arena.
Final Thoughts...
Contrary to popular opinion, or maybe just the internet, I'm looking forward to what's to come with TNA having "outsiders" take their belts and coming in and getting victories over them.
I'm also very much looking forward to what is next for Joe Hendry. In the mix of all of this, he has now failed twice - where does he go in his redemption arc. Is he leaving for the WWE? Regardless, to my point above, Hendry is real. He's lost multiple times and likely can walk out on any stage and still connect with a fan base.
I'm happy to see this company thriving once again, and most importantly, getting its flowers for what has been a solid product building slowly since the pandemic.
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Photos courtesy of TNAwrestling.com