WWE and TNA have announced a multi-year partnership that will see wrestlers from both promotions regularly appear on NXT and TNA programming.
The deal aims to create ‘unprecedented crossover opportunities’ for both NXT superstars and TNA wrestlers, according to a press release shared on Thursday.
Last year, TNA’s Joe Hendry frequently appeared on NXT programming as part of a talent exchange, and had an NXT Championship match with Ethan Page at No Mercy.
Other stars, including former TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace also appeared on WWE‘s developmental brand.
Many NXT stars have also crossed the line into TNA Wrestling, including Wes Lee’s short-lived reunion with The Rascalz, Charlie Dempsey and the No Quarter Catch Crew, Riley Osbourne, Dante Chen, Gallus and Arianna Grace.
“The agreement will enable talent to garner additional exposure across key WWE and TNA programming, including weekly flagship shows,” a press release confirmed.
Talent will also be able to appear on select WWE Premium Live Events and TNA pay-per-views, which in turn will ‘bolster their in-ring development with exposure to world-class talent and coaching’.
“We look forward to growing and evolving our partnership with TNA Wrestling and its outstanding group of athletes,” said WWE senior vice president of talent development creative Shawn Michaels.
Triple H, meanwhile, suggested the deal will help prepare both companies for the ‘next generation’ of professional wrestling.
“Massive news for everyone. WWE, TNA, and, most importantly, fans around the world,” he wrote on X.
“This valuable partnership will help prepare both companies for the next generation of this industry.”
Many fans also took to social media to share their delight after news of the deal was announced.
“Great news! A historic day in professional wrestling history,” one person wrote.
“This is huge for professional wrestling,” another person said.
“The possibilities are endless and I can’t wait to see what matches we are gonna get from this partnership,” a third added.
Even before the deal was confirmed, the current TNA Tag Team Champions – Matt and Jeff Hardy – teased the idea of a return to WWE.
“I feel good about that,” Matt said during an appearance on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, which dropped on Thursday.
“That’s one of the great things about working with TNA now.
“They know that we do have a lot of love for WWE. They know that we would like to do the Hall of Fame.
“We filmed some content for WWE that will probably be dropping pretty soon.”