WWE NXT x TNA improves on what AEW x Impact started

WWE NXT x TNA improves on what AEW x Impact started

As a lifelong wrestling enthusiast who’s seen the rise and fall of promotions, I must say that the current collaboration between WWE NXT and TNA is a breath of fresh air. It’s like watching two old rivals finally deciding to tag team against their common enemy – mediocrity!


The September 10 episode of NXT showcased some well-known figures from Impact Wrestling (TNA). Jordynne Grace faced off against Sol Ruca, Alex Hammerstone battled Oba Femi, and Rosemary strengthened her alliance with Wendy Choo, who challenges Grace at TNA’s Victory Road event on Friday. These two wrestling promotions have been collaborating quite closely, something that many didn’t anticipate WWE would ever do. To some, this current collaboration – known as the Forbidden Door – is a significant upgrade compared to what was seen when AEW and TNA were partnering up.

Three key shows have cemented AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door as one of wrestling’s major annual events. Tony Khan’s skillful collaboration across various companies consistently delivers unforgettable encounters that fans have longed to witness.

Earlier, during Kenny Omega’s “The Belt Collector” era, the forbidden door was first opened. During this period, Omega was amassing titles across various organizations, with a notable 110-day stint as Impact World Champion. This was a time when AEW and TNA (then known as Impact) were collaborating, albeit less intensely than NXT and TNA do today, as some stars appeared on both shows. However, the extent of this collaboration was significantly less compared to what we see today.

Initially, there appeared to be no enthusiasm towards including the women’s division. Despite vocal pleas from wrestlers such as Britt Baker, Deonna Purrazzo, and Jordynne Grace, the women’s divisions in both shows were overlooked. The closest thing to this happened when Mercedes Martinez defeated Purrazzo on the May 4, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite. At that time, the AEW women’s division was in a significantly different state. Adding names like those mentioned could have significantly boosted the development of that division, an opportunity that Khan unfortunately let slip by.

One important aspect is the collaboration of talent across both events. In the AEW-TNA scenario, some TNA performers joined AEW for Dynamite. On the other hand, in NXT-TNA, artists have been moving between the shows. This reciprocal interaction adds value to each brand, as evidenced by the increased KPIs that TNA has experienced since the partnership began. Having a two-way door provides benefits for both parties.

Working together in the world of professional wrestling brings advantages to everyone participating. As more companies join forces in diverse methods, it’s crucial to examine past collaborations to identify areas that could have been better managed. The partnership between WWE NXT and TNA is proving successful for both parties, and it has significantly surpassed the cooperation AEW had with TNA in the past.

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2024-09-12 15:15

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