Around the World of Pro Wrestling 6/26/26: TNA, indies

🎙️ Desk intro

Ed: “Fans, if you thought TNA was going to coast into Slammiversary, you were watching a different channel—this week they slammed the pedal down and never touched the brakes!”

Gordon: “Indeed. A most pivotal stretch—grudges intensified, championships loomed large, and several competitors positioned themselves quite strategically for the impending event.”

🔵 TNA Wrestling — week in review

From promos and brawls to ladder‑match chaos and world title tension, TNA used the final week before Slammiversary to lock in its key stories and showcase its core players.

🔥 TNA iMPACT! — June 25, 2026 (AMC)

Recorded at the National Western Center in Denver, Colorado, this was the go‑home episode before Slammiversary—heavy on angles, but with matches that still pushed stories forward.

⭐ Opening segment — The Hardys, The Righteous & The System

• Broken Matt & Brother Nero declared the Wicked Garden match had “reborn” them and vowed to reclaim the TNA World Tag Team Titles.
• The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch) claimed credit for awakening this new version of The Hardys.
• The System (Brian Myers & Bear Bronson) interrupted, mocking both teams and insisting the only thing that matters is their tag titles.
• A brawl broke out; Jeff climbed a ladder teasing a Swanton as both rival teams bailed to the ramp.

Ed: “The Hardys didn’t just knock on the door of chaos—they kicked it off the hinges and invited everyone inside!”

Gordon: “A most volatile exchange—three teams, one championship, and tempers clearly frayed.”

⭐ Match 1 — M By Elegance vs. Mara Sadé (No Contest)

• Originally scheduled as Ash By Elegance vs. Mara Sadé, but Ash melted down when fans called her a “mark,” declared she needed a mental health break, and demanded M By Elegance replace her.
• Before things could settle, outside interference from the Elegance Brand, Rosemary, and Allie caused a no contest.

Ed: “That match turned into a soap opera with suplexes—nobody left with a win, but everybody left with drama!”

Gordon: “A most chaotic scenario—hardly conducive to a decisive athletic contest.”

⭐ Match 2 — AJ Francis vs. Manny Lemons

• AJ Francis defeated Manny Lemons in a showcase bout.
• Post‑match, Elijah appeared on the big screen, promising to take everything from Francis, burn his cease‑and‑desist, and prove he’s a phony when they meet at Slammiversary.

Ed: “Francis looked like a man trying to make a statement with every slam—and Elijah answered with psychological warfare!”

Gordon: “A most pointed message—Elijah seeks not only victory, but total deconstruction of Francis’ persona.”

⭐ Match 3 — Xia Brookside vs. Harley Hudson

• Xia Brookside scored the win over Harley Hudson.
• After the match, Lei Ying Lee entered the ring, sending Xia retreating and hinting at future conflict.

Ed: “Brookside picked up the win, but Lei Ying Lee’s presence turned the celebration into a strategic withdrawal!”

Gordon: “A most intriguing development—Brookside’s path appears increasingly fraught.”

⭐ World Title Summit — Mike Santana & Nic Nemeth

• In a closed‑door “summit” with TNA President Carlos Silva, Mike Santana laid out his journey, while Nic Nemeth emphasized his status as an international superstar.
• Despite agreeing to keep things civil, tempers flared; Santana punched Nemeth, a fight broke out, and Ryan helped Nemeth gain the upper hand.

Ed: “That summit had all the diplomacy of a bar fight—words first, fists immediately after!”

Gordon: “A most telling confrontation—neither man appears inclined to concede psychological ground.”

⭐ Moose & Eddie Edwards confrontation

• Moose, with JDC, cut a promo on Eddie Edwards, promising payback at Slammiversary.
• Eddie and Alisha responded, accusing Moose of cutting them out of The System and warning of the personal cost.
• Moose claimed Eddie’s obsession with wrestling would cost him his family; Alisha fired back, defending their home and calling The System better off without them.

Ed: “That wasn’t just about wins and losses—that was about pride, family, and the kind of grudges that don’t fade easily.”

Gordon: “A most emotionally charged exchange—professional rivalry spilling into deeply personal territory.”

⭐ Main event — Frankie Kazarian, Cedric Alexander & Mr. Elegance vs. Leon Slater, KC Navarro & Fabian Aichner

• Kazarian, Cedric Alexander & Mr. Elegance defeated Leon Slater, KC Navarro & Fabian Aichner in a fast‑paced trios main event.

Ed: “That main event moved like a highlight reel on fast‑forward—six men trying to steal the show before Slammiversary!”

Gordon: “A most energetic conclusion—momentum firmly secured for Kazarian and his partners.”

📰 TNA news & rumors

• Tag title ladder match at Slammiversary: The Hardys, The Righteous, The System, and The Good Hands (added by Daria Rae) are all locked in, with tension at a boiling point.
• World Title picture: Santana vs. Nemeth is being framed as a clash of personal struggle vs. global stardom, with the summit angle pushing real animosity.
• AJ Francis vs. Elijah: The feud has shifted from simple rivalry to identity warfare, with Elijah promising to “take everything” from Francis.
• Knockouts division: Xia Brookside’s win and Lei Ying Lee’s post‑match appearance suggest new layers in the women’s scene heading into summer.
• Order 4 & The Good Hands: Mustafa Ali’s group continues to gain leverage, with The Good Hands inserted into the ladder match as “good employees,” hinting at corporate‑favor angles.

🟢 Independent wrestling in North Dakota

North Dakota’s independent wrestling scene is small but persistent, built more on occasional spot shows and regional tours than on nationally known promotions.

• Regional focus: Most events are run by traveling Midwest indies that loop through North Dakota as part of broader circuits, often hitting cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.
• Local talent: Wrestlers from neighboring states (Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana) frequently appear, giving the cards a “border‑state all‑star” feel.
• Training & seminars: When bigger names pass through—whether former TV talents or well‑known indie veterans—they often pair shows with seminars, helping local hopefuls get reps and feedback.

Elite Wrestling Initiative presented Reprisal XIV in Killdeer, North Dakota back in May featuring Hernandez and Su Yung.

Below Zero Wrestling is presenting a show on Saturday, August 15th in West Fargo Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights.

On Friday, July 10, in Fargo at Magic Factory at Brewhalla TimeBomb Pro Wrestling presents As Real As It Gets featuring Bryan Keith and Effy.

🎙️ Desk outro

Ed: “From Broken Hardys to world title summits, from AJ Francis’ fight for identity to Xia Brookside’s climb—TNA packed a week’s worth of emotion into one go‑home show!”

Gordon: “Indeed. A most compelling prelude to Slammiversary, and with the independent scene in places like North Dakota quietly thriving, the broader wrestling landscape remains robust.”