Latest news with #TNASlammiversary
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AJ Styles' Potential TNA Slammiversary Opponent Seemingly Revealed
It seems we have a pretty good idea of what AJ Styles will be doing later tonight at TNA Slammiversary. Thursday night, in the closing moments of TNA iMPACT, the company revealed its worst-kept secret this week: WWE Superstar The Phenomenal AJ Styles would be appearing this Sunday at Slammiversary. But what exactly will he be doing on the show? If we look at two separate interviews that have taken place over the past few months, we seemingly have our answer. Earlier this week, Frankie Kazarian sat down with Mike Johnson of PWInsider to discuss this weekend's Slammiversary pay-per-view. During the interview, Kazarian touched on his yet-to-be-revealed role for Sunday's event. 'Nothing has been announced for me,' Kazarian said. 'However—biggest show of the year, celebration of TNA itself, UBS Arena, one of our biggest venues ever—my presence will be felt. I will go ahead and guarantee that right now. Call my shot, however you wanna say it, however you wanna frame it. Frankie Kazarian, the king of TNA, will make his presence felt at Slammiversary.' Later in the interview, Kazarian offered his interesting thoughts on Styles' return on the show. 'When you say [Phenomenal], it holds a lot of weight with TNA fans,' Kazarian said. 'I'll be the first to greet [AJ Styles]—but I will also let him know that this is now the house that Kaz built. He's welcome in it, but when I tell him to leave, he's gotta leave.' AJ Styles teased a match with Frankie Kazarian in TNA months ago If Kazarian's comments aren't enough of a hint, Styles spoke on the partnership between WWE and TNA back in April during a Fanatics panel at WrestleMania 41 weekend. 'I love [the WWE and TNA partnership]. I still have a couple of friends there, and I would love to have the opportunity to go back and wrestle at least one more match in TNA,' AJ Styles said. As for who he would pick as his opponent? 'Frankie Kazarian. 100 percent,' Styles said. Well, there you have it. WrestleZone will have live coverage of TNA Slammiversary later on this evening. READ MORE: Trick Williams Wants To Face The Greatest TNA Champion Of All Time What do you make of these comments? Do these statements give away what we'll see AJ Styles doing later tonight at TNA Slammiversary? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post AJ Styles' Potential TNA Slammiversary Opponent Seemingly Revealed appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Report: Creative Plans Changed A Few Times For AJ Styles' TNA Slammiversary Appearance
While AJ Styles made his long-awaited return to TNA last night at Slammiversary, it appears creative plans changed a few times before the event. Following Leon Slater's win last night to become the youngest X-Division Champion of all time, Styles made his way to the ring, surprising Slater and putting him over as the future of the division. While Styles teased the crowd that he would address having one more match with the company, things never got around to that. According to Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated, Styles' creative for Slammiversary 'changed a few times' before the event. However, the plan always surrounded celebrating AJ's history as a pioneer of the X-Division. Multiple TNA sources informed Alba prior to Slammiversary that Styles was set for a segment with Frankie Kazarian. But for some reason, plans shifted that day before the event. This lines up with comments from both Styles and Kazarian in recent months, who seemingly made it clear they would love to work a match together in TNA at some point. There was also some belief among TNA sources that WWE wasn't keen on promising Styles to the company for a future match, as no main roster talent has worked a match for them yet. Stay tuned to WrestleZone for more information as it becomes available. READ MORE: Trick Williams Wants To Face The Greatest TNA Champion Of All Time What do you make of this report? Did you like what AJ Styles did last night at TNA Slammiversary? Or were you hoping for something more? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Report: Creative Plans Changed A Few Times For AJ Styles' TNA Slammiversary Appearance appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Matt Hardy Teases New Version Of The Hardys, Comments On Potential Heel Turn
Matt Hardy isn't sure how much longer he'll wrestle, but he's feeling great heading into his next big challenge. Hardy spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard to promote TNA Slammiversary. Matt is feeling good heading into a four-way ladder match that will see The Hardys, Rascalz and Fir$t Cla$$ challenge the Nemeth Brothers for their titles. Hardy says he's still in great shape after being in the wrestling business for more than 30 years. Hardy isn't sure how much longer he'll wrestle at this level, but he plans on making his next match special. 'I don't know. We both are feeling really good, we are physically taking care of ourselves. We are big ice bath, cold plunge guys and that's been a game changer for us. And we are feeling great. I'm actually diving real hard going into Slammiversary,' Matt Hardy explained. 'This four-way ladder match, it's the first time myself and Jeff are getting our actual rematch versus the Nemeths to try and procure the TNA World Tag Team titles.' Matt knows he and Jeff will have three teams to face, but this is still a match stipulation that the Hardys made their name off of. Matt Hardy says he and his brother are ready to evolve 'When you think about a Ladder Match, we are the guys that revolutionized it. We created the whole TLC staple along with Edge and Christian, and the Dudleys. So, this match is going to be indelible. It's going to be special. And I think starting in this match, you are going to see a new version of Matt and Jeff Hardy going forward from here on,' Matt said. 'We are pretty excited about this. We have been ready to evolve for a while. And we really stayed patient to wait for this moment to do something special.' Pritchard asked if fans should read into his remarks about a 'new version' of the Hardys and being ready to evolve. Matt offered a cryptic answer in response. 'I don't know. Read it as you will,' Matt replied. 'I laid out some breadcrumbs and follow it where it leads you.' Can The Hardys still pull off a heel run now? Evolving could mean many things. As John Cena has shown this year, even the most dedicated babyfaces can (finally) turn heel. The Hardys are still arguably one of the most popular duos in pro wrestling and have legions of fans around the world. Does Matt think the Hardys, at this point in their careers, could pull off a heel turn despite their popularity? 'It would be challenging. But it's something, this is weird. I don't want to compare this to John Cena, I think you can kind of compare it to that in some way. It is very hard to turn John Cena heel, because he is so beloved, right? And I think we have that, especially with Jeff, because he is so beloved. But I think both of us together, I think we could, I honestly think if we did something and we evolved into something that could be viewed as heelish. [However] I think when it was all set and done, it would just make us bigger babyfaces.' Matt Hardy believes a heel turn could give The Hardys a 'fresh coat of paint' and more depth. However, he doubts they would be able to sustain a negative reaction a heel needs for too long. 'We could do it for a little while and play that role. We could try and make some people. But then I think, at the end of the day, people are still ultimately going to cheer for us because we are such beloved figures from… a lot comes from people's childhoods now.' Jeff, one of the biggest babyfaces ever, along with Ricky Steamboat and Rey Mysterio, got over because of the connection he keeps with fans. Matt noted that Jeff worked very hard to get his 'Antichrist' heel character over, but it was more of a short-term gimmick. 'Yeah, Jeff… All three of those guys [Ricky Steamboat, Jeff Hardy, and Rey Mysterio] very very special emotional connections to the crowd, and that's what ultimately makes someone a star. That's what makes someone sell tickets. That's what makes people want to see them on pay-per-view and live in the arena. It is not necessarily the moves they do, it's the connection they have with them and the emotional investment they have in them. And those guys are three special guys. I was proud of Jeff when he did the Anti-Christ of pro wrestling in the early 2010s. And I thought he busted his a**. I thought he worked really hard to try and be a heel. And try and get booed and come of as arrogant and cocky. But like you said, at the end of the day, it ended up kinda being a short-term thing.' TNA Slammiversary takes place at the UBS Arena on Long Island on Sunday, July 20. Read More: The post Matt Hardy Teases New Version Of The Hardys, Comments On Potential Heel Turn appeared first on Wrestlezone.
New York Post
7 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
21-07-2025
- 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
