Lockdown turned into a really fun show for me. And that always was the case when the event was a normal thing. It's had its historic clunkiness (electric cage match anyone?), but that's pro wrestling, baby!
But seriously, Lockdown didn't feel like much until the last few weeks. Maybe it was the creative change, but the show came about with a strong undercard over several weeks carried (in my opinion) by Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch and Cedric Alexander vs. Leon Slater. The main event felt more so on name value than storyline, but that didn't carry too much through the night.
For me, the main event of this was always Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch, and that did not disappoint.
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Random Tidbits
- Lots of "cage" talk going into this one, and quite honestly, it was warranted. TNA went years - YEARS! - without a cage match, likely for budgeting and logistical reasons. We saw a really rough-looking cage before TNA gave us an updated version that also served as a nod to the WWF blue bars cage - just in black. Tonight, we took yet another step, and we got that black bars cage, which looked new. Good for TNA. And to be honest, the bars are much easier for TV than when everyone switched to the fence/links cage. Again, I love the old school vibes.
- The pre-show was decent. Nothing to go crazy about, but also provided some solid fun. The Tag match was interesting. The Righteous continues to be an act that just hasn't hit with me as of yet. I see the vision, but I need something to really sink into to buy them as the "cult-like" threat they seem to be.
- Yes, the "Diarrhea Rae" comment from Indi was. But I'm all for Indy having a program with Daria, and likely, a Daria hired gun. Shayna Bazler? Zoey Serrano (fka Zoey Stark).
- Chris Bey still remains cool being part of TNA.
- The Joe Alonzo news was interesting. It wasn't televised, and I don't know much about Alonzo. But it does seem very interesting to see TNA focus on recruiting top talent without national exposure instead of those from the recently released sector.
- More on free agency in pro wrestling throughout this review.
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AJ Francis vs. Elijah
- AJ Francis always seems to be in the middle of a really great match.
- Expressions is the modern-day Rev. Slick. There is just so many comparisons there. Nonetheless, I'm a fan of the dude in this role. He just seems to have amazing timing and reactions. Keep him around if possible.
- That superplex by Francis was insane.
- Francis' second-rope moonsault was more so.
- When does Francis move into the International Title scene?
Knockout Tag Team Champions - Allie and Kiera Hogan (c) vs. The Elegance Brand
- The mystery around Rosemary is going to be interesting creatively - how do they pivot ratioanlly and keep that thing going.
- Kiera Hogan was sort of expected due to rumors, but still felt like a cool comeback.
- She definitely impressed. It makes you wonder about the marketplace of free agency in wrestling. Of course the goal of a pro wrestler is to get paid, but staying exposed and having value seems to be as important a currency for future earning potential as ever. It was only one match, but Hogan's performance didn't really feel like a performer who was released, or as the negative connotation may indicate. Ditto on Allie.
- Heather by Elegance going through the cage was insane.
- I might be in the minority on this, but I'm all for the Elegance Brand staying together, but giving Heather and M (eventually, just Maggie?) some runway as separate and individual wrestlers ala The New Day. A breakup just seems too predictable.
- That finish was weird.
- One last thing, we gotta explain Hogan escaping the undead realm, no?
Moose vs. Frankie Kazarian
- Kudos to Moose for the added entrance spectacle for the big shows. The violin entrance was awesome!
- That Spanish fly was something else...
- If there is any event that forces each match to provide something different, it's Lockdown. These fellas gave us a solid wrestling bout.
- Ahhh, the old Rhino vs. Christian Cage finish! It makes Moose look foolish, but definitely gives Kazarian the win to keep this going. Kazarian needs to stay in top heel mode.
Knockouts World Championship - Elayna Black vs. Xia Brookside (c)
- Elayna Black's baby face turn was sudden, but it was welcomed for this feud and maybe for her longtime character. I did enjoy the build-up for it.
- This one was all about Black bleeding, which was a good story. I enjoy when blood is used for a purpose in pro wrestling. It definitely added to this match and to the eventual walkout for Black.
- Shockingly, I came away from this wanting to see more of Black and where she goes from here.
- Xia Brookside is really coming into her own. Xia and M by Elegance feel like the future of TNA.
- This was what I came into this event wanting to see, and quite frankly, it's likely what we're all leaving the event talking about.
- The Table spot was insane!
- My biggest crticism of TNA in 2026, is that there have been little long-term storytelling from an overarching perspective. Last year, we had Mike Santana's climb and redemption story. This year, it would have to be Order 4. Everything revolving around this group has been cinema. Everything has happened for a reason. Everything has built slowly and with reason.
- Mustafa Ali is TNA's MVP. And stay with me...a consideration for Wrestler of the year? The dude elevates everything - in the ring, in promos, in backstage interviews....everything.
- I loved - LOVED - the simple snatch of the toy from his daughter. Pro wrestling when it's done right is unbeatable.
- Kudos to Tom Hannifan for the great line - "Hotch made a decision tonight, to protect the title, or protect his family."
- Hotch wins the rubber match at BFG?
- I'm curious what happens to Skyler and of course, Tasha Steelz. Sign me up for more Order 4 drama.
Avery Styles Interview
- Avery Styles using the old "Demi-Gods" theme is really cool.
- Man, did Avery sound like dad, or what?!
- This is my biggest takeaway from this segment - I can't believe I'm old enough where TNA now has legit second generation storylines. Like, what?!
- The Kazarian story has so much potential. So much potential! Lots of creative ways to ge here, and I'm actually hoping Kaz and Styles are offering advice as well. An AJ and Avery Tag Match in TNA would sell the place out. I would love to see this play out long term. Slammiversary next year?
TNA X-Division Championship - Leon Slater vs. Cedric Alexander (c)
- Contrary to some, I loved the stipulation going in. I loved it even more once they had the graphic explaining everythin that would get erased. I think it's perfect for Slater, who from day one has stated he wanted to be known, and it also plays into the "record-taker" moniker for Alexander. Just me...
- The reason I think this wasn't well received is that it provided the chance - the mere chance! - that TNA would pull the trigger and Slater would be off to WWE. A lot of TNA fans see Slater as the next guy, albeit, the next AJ Styles of doing great things and always having TNA attached to him when he eventuallly heads to the big machine in Stamford.
- Alexander's work has been undervalued in this program. That sit-down interview was everything for this rivalry. He was an absolute pro in this match as well.
- I just wish Cedric would stop yelling! Or you know what? Just go all the way and make it a thing.
- A lot of talk about the future, but Leon Slater still is that guy for me. There just continues to be a cloud of not if, but when he is WWE-bound. And there is that free agency thing again. Does Leo Slater at this age have a higher ceiling by leaving for WWE (or even AEW) at this point? Or, does continuing to build his stock in TNA a better option - again, speaking for the long-term. I just don't see Slater getting that opportunity right now, at this point of his career.
Lethal Lockdown - The System vs. Fabian Aichner, Ricky Sosa, KC Navarro, and Jada Stone.
- The white ensemble look for The System is truly awful. Please don't do it again. On the contrary, kudos to the young guns for going with the fatigues as a squad.
- I love that Lethal Lockdown is back! Truthfully, I think every company doing the War Games concept now is overkill. It used to be special when TNA resurrected the concept and was the only company doing it. We get it essentially twice in the WWE a year (men and women) and once-in-a-while in AEW as "Blood and Guts".
- By the way, I still think King of the Mountain should be a thing...TNA needs to continue keeping its signature things...this is one of those concepts.
- Also, I think Lethal Lockdown should main event Lockdown...okay, I'm off my soapbox.
- Aichner needs some serious character development. The dude is always impressive, but we barely know you, ya know?
- I'm a fan of Jada Stone. Incredibly athletic.
- Alisha Edwards is one tough chic.
- This was all sorta plunder and mayhem, and it was fun.
- The System needed this win more so than the Young Guns. Keep the up-and-comers chasing.
TNA World Tag Team Championship - Ryan Nemeth and Nic Nemeth vs. The Hardys (c)
- The Hardys' resurrection in TNA is definitely a case study. Their rise and impact on TNA's overall business should also be studied.
- "Another Me" is such a banger of a theme.
- Ryan Nemeth is in a main event; let that sink in.
- This one never got out of second gear for me, but as mentioned, it was all bout the stars.
- It's hard for crowds to accept the Hardys losing. They're so over that it lets the air out of the building. It's no secret that Jeff can't go to Canada, so this likely was the move. However, if having the Hardys lose is necessary, I think you need to have heels that go so far with it that it gives them the rub.
- Slater saving the end there and cashing in Option C was cool. I also loved how he tied in his record to the concept by saying, "my legacy in the X-Division is forever cemented!". I'm all for the long build to Bound For Glory, which I can't recall we've had in some time. But now, I'm wondering about Destination X - aptly named for this concept. There is no way we go almost two months without an X-Division Champion, right?
- But yo, Nemeth vs. Slater has the ability to be very special.
- By the way...how far out can you call Option C?!
- And even for this TNA diehard, the fear remains - how long is Leon Slater signed with TNA Wrestling? Don't leave us, Leon!
I enjoyed this show a lot! The overall presentation was great from TNA (considering the obvious trepidaations - cage, live tv, lack of a main event, and short roster), and the action was worth it. Very fun! And with 52 days until Bound for Glory, I'm intrigued for the new signings (and those to come) and their introductions, the build to who exactly is laying out all of these people, the continued development of some shooting stars, and what feels like the company getting back into focus after a rough early-2026.
On the path to BFG...let's go.
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Photos courtesy of TNAWrestling.com.