After WWE bought out WCW, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) emerged as its newest rival, boasting some of the biggest names in pro wrestling outside of the WWE at the time.
This included multiple iconic past and future WWE Superstars like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode, Sting, Jeff Hardy, and Broken Matt Hardy.
Now, it appears that the companies have more than settled their differences and are working together.
On Jan. 16, 2024, WWE and TNA announced that the two wrestling promotions are officially engaging in a multi-year partnership with the aim of "creating unprecedented crossover opportunities within WWE and TNA programming for NXT Superstars and TNA Wrestling Stars," per WWE's official statement.
In the agreement, wrestlers from both TNA and NXT will be able to crossover between the promotions in order to gain more exposure as well as improve in-ring development.
"This historic relationship demonstrates that collaboration and competition do not have to be mutually exclusive," Senior Vice President of Content & Distribution for TNA Wrestling and Anthem Sports & Entertainment Ariel Shnerer said.
"Our partnership allows the TNA Wrestling brand and its incredible athletes to reach a significantly wider audience, while giving WWE and NXT stars an opportunity to cross the line and gain valuable experience, as they join forces with one of the most talented rosters in professional wrestling today."
"The response to our collaboration over the past year has been tremendous and both companies have benefited, but the fans have reaped the greatest rewards from this talent crossover and working relationship."
"We look forward to growing and evolving our partnership with TNA Wrestling and its outstanding group of athletes by creating new opportunities to further the development of our talent and to elevate the viewer experience at home," WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels said.
More Pro Wrestling: O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Eric Andre Happily Booed Hulk Hogan at WWE Raw
There have already been glimpses of this crossover happening over the past year.
Both TNA star Joe Hendry and former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace appeared multiple times on NXT in 2024.
Grace battled for the NXT Women's Championship against Roxanne Perez at NXT Battleground. Meanwhile, Hendry virally appeared in a battle royal on NXT and also challenged Ethan Page for the NXT Championship at No Mercy.
More Pro Wrestling: Logan Paul vs Gunther Being Considered for WrestleMania: Report
Conversely, multiple NXT Superstars appeared on NXT as well, including Wes Lee, Charlie Dempsey and the No Quarter Catch Crew, Riley Osbourne, Dante Chen, Gallus, Arianna Grace, Tatum Paxley, Izzi Dame, Wendy Choo, and Brinley Reece.
This marks a huge opportunity for both promotions. Not only will wrestlers on TNA be able to get much more exposure, but NXT will also benefit by showcasing the best wrestlers TNA has to offer.
In the end, this truly seems like a win-win situation for both companies.
More Pro Wrestling: WWE Personality Michael Cole Explains What Makes Triple H Era Better
WWE Superstar AJ Styles Gives Fans Major Update on Injury Status
For more WWE, TNA, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
English (US) ·