Action-Packed Start to TNA’s Latest Show

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) began with an intense Champions Challenge All-Star Match, which had major implications for title contention.

The men’s matchup kicked off on “Impact,” featuring Elijah, Eric Young, Frankie Kazarian, KC Navarro, and Leon Slater. They went up against Bear Bronson and Brian Myers, who hold the Tag Team Championship, as well as International Champion Mustafa Ali, X Division Champion Cedric Alexander, and TNA World Champion Mike Santana. The stakes were high; if any of the challengers pinned a champion, they’d secure a title shot.

Navarro saw an opportunity toward the end of the match, teaming up with Slater to take down Ali. He was aiming to pin Ali to earn a spot in the TNA International Championship, especially after a loss to AJ Francis at Sactown Street Fight recently.

Next up was a matchup featuring Elaina Black, Mara Sade, and Xia Brookside against TNA Knockouts Champion Lei Ying Lee and the Knockouts Tag Team Champions, Heather By Elegance and M. By Elegance.

There’s some history here—Brookside and Lee had a falling out, breaking up their friendship after a month of turmoil. The Elegance brand wasn’t about to let the All Stars rack up points easily. M by Elegance and Heather by Elegance played a smart game, often avoiding tags with Lee and maintaining control during most of their exchanges. Sade, meanwhile, tried to assert herself in the mix, but to little effect. Eventually, Heather and Lee teamed up against Brookside.

In a critical moment, Mr. Elegance got involved, tripping up Lee, which led to Brookside hitting a DDT. Brookside pinned Lee to secure her place in the TNA Knockouts World Championship.

Fabian Aichner Joins TNA, Makes Debut

In a big move, TNA announced that Fabian Aichner has officially joined the ranks after recently besting Leon Slater for Cedric Alexander’s X Division Championship.

Aichner has made some bold claims about defeating “The System,” and he demonstrated his strength by taking out an entire faction last week. He made his in-ring debut Thursday against Eddie Edwards.

Edwards did his best to keep Aichner at bay, using various tactics, but Alisha Edwards interfered with a kendo stick, only to be kicked out of the match. The System attempted to lend support to Edwards, but Aichner showed his aerial skills, hitting a crossbody splash and a springboard DDT. Just as he was about to make Edwards submit, The System interrupted, leading to a disqualification.

Leon Slater to Compete in Ultimate X

Ultimate X, one of TNA’s most thrilling events, will make a return at Slammiversary this June. On the latest “Impact” episode, it was revealed that Slater will be one of the participants, with Cedric Alexander’s X Division title on the line. Four additional participants are yet to be announced for this highly anticipated match.

The Slammiversary event is slated for June 28 at Agganis Arena.

Stacks Gains Upper Hand Over Santino Marella

Santino Marella hasn’t stepped into a TNA ring for over five months and nearly a year since a singles match. His ongoing feud with Stax Lorenzo, who claims that Marella influenced his daughter Ariana Grace negatively, reached a climax in Sacramento when TNA’s Director of Operations, Dahlia Rey, booked them for a match.

The match started strong for Marella, who looked set to overpower his son-in-law. However, Lorenzo provoked Marella with relentless strikes, turning the tide. Marella fought back but ultimately lost to Lorenzo’s quick pin.

In a twist, Grace tried to mock him post-match, but Marella intercepted her. Lorenzo then attacked him, leading to Indi Hartwell rushing in to assist Marella and challenging Lorenzo and Grace to a mixed tag team match.

Rey reminded Hartwell that she wouldn’t be partaking in this match, but Hartwell countered that she would love to see Lorenzo defeat Marella again. A mixed tag match has now been arranged for next week.

“Impact” Results:

• KC Navarro won the Men’s Champions Challenge.
• Tessa Blanchard defeated Harley Hudson.
• Stax Lorenzo bested Santino Marella.
• Fabian Eichner defeated Eddie Edwards (via DQ).
• Thea Brookside won the Women’s Champions Challenge.