Latest news with #Slammiversary
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mustafa Ali Says Scrapped Plans Led To Positive Change In His TNA Storyline
Mustafa Ali is very proud of what TNA has allowed him to do with his 'Order 4' storyline. Ali spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard to promote TNA's Slammiversary pay-per-view. There, Ali will rekindle his rivalry with Cedric Alexander, with whom he shared some classic battles on WWE's RAW and 205 Live brands. Ali reflected on their past rivalry and was asked how they can not only revisit the feud, but also make sure it's a fresh take too. Ali said that was exactly their mindset going into, trying to figure out the stakes of what the storyline could be. '[We said,] 'How do we build this as more than just a WrestleMania rematch? What are the stakes?'' Ali said, noting that he's never beaten Alexander, but a win could go a long way. 'If [I am] able to beat him, surely TNA Management now has to reconsider [me] as a contender or at least in contention for the World Title again.' That was the psychology of it. That's what we are trying to go to.' Mustafa Ali shares the 'why' of Order 4 Ali didn't want to just pit himself and Alexander as past opponents, and the feud needed to have more meaning in TNA. 'I have immense respect for him. He is a friend. And that's another layer of the story that we failed, timing-wise, to deliver. I should've taken it. I wanted the fans to understand how much Order 4 and the Campaign, and becoming this leader, means to me. It means so much that within wrestling, I don't have a lot of friends. Cedric is one of my few friends,' Mustafa Ali said. 'I'm willing to sacrifice this friendship. I have no issues with Cedric Alexander. I love that man. That man is a brother. But I'm willing to sacrifice my friendship with him for a greater good. 'And I believe me as a leader in TNA, I truly believe I can bring good. And I'm not just talking about like from a character point of view. I'm talking about actual power. I can make sure those that don't have opportunities get opportunities, make sure the underprivileged or the overlooked are no longer overlooked. I want to make sure that the right person is doing the right job,' Ali added. 'That's the actual 'why' of what Order 4 is.' Mustafa Ali says creative plans caused a change in Order 4's direction Ali was asked to highlight something that deserves more focus. He said that while he is proud of what TNA has allowed him to do with Order 4, it wasn't the original plan. He made sure each member of the group — John Skyler, Jason Hotch and Tasha Steelz — weren't 'just backup.' 'To pull the curtain back a little bit, this internal conflict of Order 4 becoming this combustible element, this wasn't the plan. Something had happened, something was planned, and that plan fell through. So, we had about a month to fill,' Mustafa Ali explained. 'And this was post-Mike Santana after Rebellion. And there was no immediate creative for this group. But obviously, they wanted this group on the show. They wanted me on the show. So, I'm very very proud that I took [charge], I made it a point that each member of Order 4, John Skyler, Jason Hotch, Tasha Steelz, they were more than just backup.' Ali wants people to talk about how well-rounded Order 4 has become Ali pointed out all of the layers in storytelling, like how Jason Hotch is a nice guy in a bad spot, just trying to make ends meet. John Skyler is conflicted because Hotch's ideals don't align with his, and he's conflicted. Tasha Steelz was positioned as a 'damsel in distress,' but recently showed just how much she pulls the strings behind the scenes. 'That's something I wish people talked about more. Look at these three backup characters that now have full-fledged, in-depth layers,' Ali said. 'We still have these underlying issues, just like families do every day. Just like groups, just like organizations. People work at places all the time where they don't get along. So, I am taking that element of it. And we are still going to go forward with this group. And the stories that can come from it in the future, immediately. Who knows? Right? But that's something that I am very, very proud of recently. Because it just happened and it was literally a situation where like, 'Well, plan A fell through. What do we got?' I was like, 'What if we focused this. What if instead of feuding with someone, the feud was internal?' And this is what we got. And I am very proud of that.' TNA Slammiversary takes place at the UBS Arena on Long Island on Sunday, July 20. Read More: The post Mustafa Ali Says Scrapped Plans Led To Positive Change In His TNA Storyline appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bully Ray Reveals Reason For D-Von Dudley's TNA Slammiversary Absence
Bully Ray says D-Von Dudley had a personal commitment during TNA Slammiversary. Bully Ray recently spoke on the Busted Open Radio podcast and explained why D-Von Dudley wasn't at TNA Slammiversary. He said D-Von had a serious family commitment and couldn't make it to the event. 'I wish my brother [D-Von Dudley] was by my side last night. But he had a very important family matter that he just couldn't get out of. We talked, and we both felt that last night was just too important to miss, like catching lightning in a bottle. We wanted to make a big surprise happen, and D-Von will definitely be there at Bound for Glory in Boston.' [H/T: ewrestlingnews] At TNA Slammiversary, fans watched an exciting ladder match for the World Tag Team Titles. The match included The Hardy Boyz, The Nemeths, The Rascalz, and First Class. In the end, Jeff Hardy climbed the rope ladder and grabbed the titles, winning the match for The Hardyz. After The Hardy Boyz' big win, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray came out to congratulate them. In a surprising moment, he challenged them to one final match between The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz. The match is now officially set for TNA Bound for Glory, on October 12. The WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray made it clear that D-Von will be there for the match against the Hardy Boyz at Bound for Glory. Read More: The post Bully Ray Reveals Reason For D-Von Dudley's TNA Slammiversary Absence appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cedric Alexander is betrayed in TNA swerve
Cedric Alexander has been on TNA television for three weeks, and he's already been betrayed. Alexander was called in by Tasha Steelz to talk sense to the increasingly unhinged Mustafa Ali. That led to TNA booking a WrestleMania rematch for Slammiversary. Alexander had a taste of action on Thursday night Impact (July 10, 2025). Too bad for him that it ended with a low blow from behind. Alexander was joined by the Great Hands with Tasha Steelz ringside for six-man tag team action. Their opponents were Ali's secret service bodyguards, which were basically nameless local talent. Alexander earned the win via Lumbar Check backbreaker. The real drama came after the match. Ali tried to sneak attack Alexander with a chair. When Alexander juked to counter for the Lumbar Check, Steelz shocked the Impact Zone by saving Ali with a low blow to Alexander. Steelz walked out with Ali trailing behind. Outside, Steelz went boss lady on Ali and the boys. The dynamic of power shifted to Steelz in charge as Order 4 obeyed. Steelz explained that she is sick of Ali's leadership that has led nowhere. She called Alexander as a ploy to play them all. Steelz knew that Alexander would come in to save her. She doesn't need saving. When Ali felt lied to, Steelz mentioned how her plan got him a marquee match on Slammiversary. It's time for the Order 4 to get back on the same page and become the greatest faction in TNA history. The System overheard that conversation and stepped to Order 4 with a challenge for next week. Steelz accepted without hesitation. Wow. I did not see this swerve coming so soon. Steelz flipped the switch to become the leader of Order 4 now. Technically, Ali is still in charge, but it will be interesting to see how this business relationship evolves with Steelz pulling the strings. Share your thoughts on Tasha Steelz betraying Cedric Alexander in TNA. More from Not everyone is marking out about Eva Marie's return Mansoor's Raw Debut was classic WWE Is this who caught Lilly's eye? Former WWE champs face off on (checks notes) Main Event Yes, Angel Garza shoved a rose up Drew Gulak's butt on Raw Raw recap & reactions: Flip the switch Flair already added to title match at WrestleMania Backlash EVA MARIE IS BACK
New York Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Johnny Damon's daughter flips off TNA wrestlers during Slammiversary on Long Island
Someone must not have told Johnny Damon's daughter that professional wrestling isn't real, because the pugnacious youngster was quick to stand on business when she thought TNA wrestler Ryan Nemeth was going after her dad during a moment over the weekend at Slammiversary. The baseball legend was ringside for TNA Slammiversary, which was being held at UBS Arena out on Long Island, when part of the action came face-to-face with Damon. Nemeth was competing in a tag team match with his brother, Nic, when Damon shoved him after the two exchanged words, clearly as part of a bit for the show. Advertisement 4 Johnny Damon shoves TNA wrestler Ryan Nemeth. X @SeanRossSapp Nemeth tried to go back at Damon before his brother jumped in to grab him from getting to the ex-Red Sox great. Damon continued to yell at the wrestlers as they got back in the ring, and next to him, his daughter could be seen yelling at them and quickly flipping the bird at Nemeth before the camera cut back to the action inside the ring. Advertisement 4 Johnny Damon's daughter gives TNA wrestler Ryan Nemeth the finger during the weekend at Slammiversary. X @SeanRossSapp It wasn't clear if the younger Damon was aware that it was all part of the showmanship of professional wrestling, but it made for a hilarious moment all the same. Damon had a pretty packed weekend, not only showing up for the show on Sunday, but he also took part in the TNA SLAMMing Softball Classic, which was played on Saturday out on Long Island. Advertisement 4 Johnny Damon's daughter points angrily at Nemeth wrestling brothers. X @SeanRossSapp 4 Former professional baseball player Johnny Damon was seen walking along Madison Avenue in New York City. Rick Davis / The involvement of Damon shouldn't be too much of a surprise after A-GAME Beverages, which was founded by Damon, became the official hydration partner of TNA wrestling in an agreement announced last week. 'TNA executives are finalizing Damon's additional involvement at Slammiversary as he is a longtime pro wrestling fan who has appeared at and participated in past pro wrestling shows,' TNA said in a press release last week announcing the deal.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Legend Umaga's Son Makes Impactful Debut
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The legendary Anoa'i wrestling dynasty has a new star on the rise. Zilla Fatu, the son of the late, great WWE legend Umaga, made his shocking and impactful debut for TNA Wrestling at last night's Slammiversary pay-per-view. Fatu appeared as part of a multi-man tag team match, making his first appearance for a major national promotion. His arrival was accompanied by a powerful introduction from his tag team partner. 'This is the son of the late, great Umaga. He didn't grow up with his dad around. He's got 5 kids. He's not even 25. He's the most dangerous Samoan in the entire Bloodline. This is Zilla Fatu.' ENZO WITH A GREAT INTRO FOR ZILLA FATU 🔥#TNASlammiversary — EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) July 20, 2025 At the July 20th event, Zilla Fatu teamed with former WWE star Enzo Amore and Josh Bishop. Before their match, Amore delivered a passionate introduction for the second-generation star. "This is the son of the late, great Umaga," Amore said. "He didn't grow up with his dad around. He's got 5 kids. He's not even 25. He's the most dangerous Samoan in the entire Bloodline. This is Zilla Fatu." Fatu, who is the reigning world champion for Booker T's Reality of Wrestling promotion, made a strong impression during the bout against Team TNA, which consisted of Steve Maclin, Jake Something, and Mance Warner. WWE wrestler "Umaga" and Vince McMahon in the ring before the start of the main event of the night, "Hair vs. Hair", between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. WrestleMania 23 at Detroit's Ford Field in... WWE wrestler "Umaga" and Vince McMahon in the ring before the start of the main event of the night, "Hair vs. Hair", between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. WrestleMania 23 at Detroit's Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on April 1, 2007 More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Zilla Fatu is carrying the legacy of his father, Edward "Umaga" Fatu, who was one of the most feared and respected superstars of the Ruthless Aggression era. As the "Samoan Bulldozer," Umaga was a dominant force in WWE, known for his terrifying intensity, hard-hitting offense, and the devastating "Samoan Spike" finisher. A two-time Intercontinental Champion, Umaga's most iconic moment came at WrestleMania 23, where he represented Vince McMahon against Bobby Lashley in the famous "Battle of the Billionaires." His tragic and untimely passing in 2009 left a void in the wrestling world and the Anoa'i family. Zilla Fatu's journey to the wrestling ring is an inspirational one. He has been open about his difficult past, which included a six-year prison sentence. Upon his release, he made the decision to turn his life around and honor his father's legacy by pursuing a career in professional wrestling. Fatu began training at Booker T's wrestling school and quickly became the promotion's top champion. His debut on a major stage like Slammiversary is a huge step in his young career. With his incredible pedigree and a powerful redemption story, the entire wrestling world will be watching to see if "the most dangerous Samoan" can live up to his father's powerful legacy. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
