Dave Meltzer addressed the implications of WWE’s partnership with TNA Wrestling during Wrestling Observer Radio. WWE and TNA have exchanged talent since summer 2024, with the partnership becoming official before TNA’s Genesis pay-per-view on January 19.
I think where WWE comes in is… You can see that there are the podcasters that are anti-AEW podcasters and they’re already trying to declare TNA as number two. So I think they want that thing to throw in, ‘Hey. TNA’s number two,’ and if they can get the perception of TNA being number two out there. If that perception’s out there, obviously it hurts AEW.
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Meltzer noted that the WWE-TNA alliance could impact AEW’s international business opportunities, as TNA may leverage WWE’s presence to secure television deals ahead of AEW. He added that talent might view TNA as a potential pathway to WWE.
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TNA previously partnered with AEW from December 2020 through the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, Kenny Omega captured the Impact Wrestling World Championship while Scott D’Amore served as TNA President.
Former WWE Addresses Rey Fenix Contract Situation
Following Penta’s January 13 WWE debut, Rey Fenix shared social media posts on January 19, including an image of himself in a straight jacket and a video with Akon’s “Locked Up” featuring the caption “They won’t let me out.”
Tom Pestock responded to the situation on social media:
If you sign a contract you honor it. Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no bc Tony signed the contract as well. You can’t switch teams after getting what you want and signing the contract.
Everyone who gets hurt gets injury time. Doesn’t matter if it’s WWE AEW or TNA That’s part of it. And maybe fénix doesn’t want to work. Only him and Tony know that.
READ MORE: TNA World Title Match Announced For Next Week’s WWE NXT
