TNA Slammiversary 2026: "A great show that felt like it could have been epic with the proper buildup."
TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.
This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years.
Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.
Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is back on track with a new direction.
Slammiversary was a great show that felt like it could have been epic with the proper buildup.
But eh, we'll enjoy it for what it was.
Random Tidbits
- Wrestling fans still talk about stage sets as if pro wrestling companies are investing in different looks like it's the 90's. Why are we like this? However, I find it to be a subtle touch of awesome that TNA utilizes the black mat with the event logo for their large events.
- I've enjoyed TNA bridging the past and leaning into the organic history over the last few years. Bringing back Destination X as an event is another cool treasure resurrection.
- With that said, shouldn't Ultimate X have been saved for DX?
- As a New Yorker, I'm curious how Boston gets Bound For Glory 2025 and then Slammiversary 2026? Yes, I'm totally jealous.
- Amazing Red and Konnan entering the TNA Hall of Fame is really cool. What a unique class of ODB, Amazing Red, and Konnan for Tampa.
- We all had opinions on TNA's creative over the last few months - for me, it was the clean, no-nonsense finishes (or less extreme Dusy-finish-like) that felt refreshing for the product tonight.
- Hanifan called tonight the beginning of the path to Bound For Glory - I found that interesting. Do we get a planned approach for BFG?
Pre-Show
- I'm not sure if this is a change from Tommy Dreamer's TNA or not, but I never truly enjoyed the Busted Open-style pre-shows. This one, with a mix of ringside chatter and matches, felt like a better blend.
- It was great to see Traci Brooks as a representative of the Knockout division's history.
- Off the bat, I'm not in favor of adding more titles to the wrestling landscape. Specifically, in the world of TNA. But a title that feels like it has a purpose is always a good start.
- The TV Title concept does jog my mind into wondering what the purpose of Xplosion really is. Wouldn't this be a good championship for that show?
- Ricky Sosa feels like TNA's next cornerstone. But we also said that about Leon Slater.
- Eric Young really has done it all for TNA
- Maybe it was me, but I didn't like Sosa's nonchalant cover on Young. He's a former World Champion and future Hall of Famer - you hook that leg tightly and sell the idea of you hoping for a big win. Maybe that's just me...
Ultimate X - TNA X-Division Championship Ultimate X Match: Fabian Aichner vs. Mr. Elegance vs. Amazing Red vs. Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Leon Slater vs. KC Navarro vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Cendric Alexander (c) - X-Division Championship
- This concept is still so freakin' cool. To my point above, I really wish they would cease reducing its use for multi-man matches for the sake of attraction and give it purpose.
- I need more from Aichner since he debuted. The guy seems like he has the tools; his overall presentation thus far has felt blah to me.
- The Gladiator gimmick feels cheesy without a backstory.
- I've been disappointed with Leon Slater's 2026. I enjoyed the feud and storyline of Cedric Alexander seemingly having his number, but it really hasn't done anything for Slater.
- Kazarian, at 48, in this match, is absolutely wild. He and Amazing Red squaring off was surreal.
- I enjoyed the finish of this one. Cedric should hold on.
- Amazing Red going into the Hall of Fame is some really cool stuff by TNA. It makes you think we're entering the period where TNA can induct members on its own history and accord, and it feels genuine.
AJ Francs vs. Elijah
- This match ended up being so much better than I anticipated.
- The "Mr. Slammiversary" moniker is such good stuff.
- I'm not sure who Expressions was - I eventually looked him up - but whatever and whoever, that dude has a future in pro wrestling if he wanted. I'm hoping he sticks around and is an act with AJ Francis.
- One last note on Expressions, didn't he have some similarities to Reverend Slick from back in the day?
- AJ Francis needs to be elevated to the main event scene in the coming months.
- I'm curious what is next for Elijah.
Demon Bunny vs. The Elegance Brand (c) - Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match
- How did the Elegance Brand go four months without defending the Titles???!!!
- It gives you pause that happened, and we're adding another championship?
- Solid match. Good to see Demon Bunny get the win to add something new to the mix, allowing Heather and M to enter the KOTV tournament.
- TNA has to add to the roster soon, yeah?
Uhaa Nation vs. Rich Swann vs. Mustafa Ali (c) - TNA International Championship
- Not much behind this one, but we all knew it would be a banger, and it was.
- Ali's entrance was awesome. He has raised the level of the TNA International Title. I think the midcard belt still needs a solid run that solidifies it.
- Rich Swann is always TNA's mystery guy, no? Not complaining because the guy can go. I just think in the TNA world, he deserves a bit more as a former champ.
- I hope TNA signed Uhaa Nation (the former Apollo Crews).
- What exactly did WWE not see in him?
- It should be mentioned again that some of the wrestling (and reversals!!) in this match were amazing.
Moose vs. Eddie Edwards
- This was pure pro wrestling at its finest. Loved all of the emotion and drama involved. And at 13 minutes!
- That powerbomb by Moose to Edwards to start the match...OH MY GOSH!
- So much props to Eddie Edwards for getting himself in shape. Dude looks great.
- I was genuinely happy for Moose's son getting that experience. The kid broke character and smiled on the outside, but can you blame him? That was awesome.
- Moose is the franchise. Should TNA continue to tough it out 10 years from now, I'm confident Moose may enter the same room as AJ Styles.
Lei Ying Lee (c) vs. Xia Brookside - TNA Knockouts World Championship
- This match probably had the best build coming into the night.
- The ladies delivered a solid story in this one, but it felt like the crowd was super into Moose and Eddie, and this one was tough to stay at that level for.
- Xia Brookside was expected to be here - I'm looking forward to her running with the ball.
- It's been a while since TNA has had a Knockouts Champion that felt like a legacy bearer. Xia needs a good run here.
- I'm also very curious to see who the babyfaces that are lined up for Xia.
Ladder Match - Hardys vs. The Righteous vs. The Great Hands vs. The System (c)
- At no point did I ever feel like the story of these four teams was worthy of a ladder match. Yet, it was okay.
- The lily flower gimmick by The Righteous is creative and amazing.
- What were those pants that Bear Bronson wore?
- Brian Myers truly is the most professional.
- Jeff Hardy is absolutely crazy. HOW is he STILL doing this?!
- The Hardys back with the Tag Team Titles is ehh...feels like they're riding their stars into the summer and this new creative chapter.
- I've yet to be truly moved by the feud between The Hardys and The Righteous.
- TNA needs to get to work on the tag division.
Nic Nemeth vs. Mike Santana (c) - TNA Championship
- Damn, this was good! I'll have to rewatch this match because it was that good.
- I didn't mind the finish as it warranted believability considering the flurry of offense down the stretch and the blood telling the story.
- Nemeth back as champion feels like the right move.
- I've said it before, Santana just didn't have the heels to work with in this run as champ. His chase will forever be memorable, but his time as champion felt bland with no real opponent or story to work with.
- I really wish this one were allowed a month or two of build and drama.
- I'm looking forward to seeing Nemeth as champion. Who steps up next for Lockdown? Bound For Glory?
- Santana is gone, isn't he?
- And if he is, I'm not confident WWE is a good fit. But I want to be wrong.
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Photo courtesy of TNAWerestling.com