Thursday night (Jan. 15, 2026) could turn into one of the most important nights in TNA history with the debut of Impact on AMC. The new TV deal has the company optimistic for growth in viewership. They’ve
stacked up the card with a world title bout, the Hardys in trios action, and the return of AJ Styles.
The advertised lineup for the debut of TNA Impact on AMC includes:
- TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs. Mike Santana
- AJ Styles returns
- Knockouts Tag Team Championship: The IInspiration (c) vs. The Elegance Brand
- Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, & Elijah vs. Mustafa Ali & The Great Hands
TNA is pretty straightforward in terms of storylines, so it shouldn’t be difficult for new viewers to jump into this episode. Keep in mind that the TNA Genesis PPV is two days later on Saturday, January 17. Impact should hype some matches for that card.
Mike Santana challenges Frankie Kazarian for the TNA World Championship in the TV main event. After the NXT Outlaws beat down Santana, Kaz cashed in the Call Your Shot trophy like a vulture to win the title. This is Santana’s time for payback. TNA’s booking of Santana during the world title picture has been questionable. TNA built up to an emotional moment when Santana dethroned NXT’s Trick Williams, then Santana didn’t even have a proper title defense before losing the prize.
It’s possible that TNA engineered the short run, so that they can have a big moment when Santana wins the world title on the AMC debut. Keep an eye on Nic Nemeth, who also has a Call Your Shot trophy. TNA may go for a double whammy with Nemeth cashing in on the winner. To add to the possibility for chaos, Bully Ray will be on commentary as a special guest.
AJ Styles makes a grand return to Impact. The hope is that Styles can set up a future match in TNA down the line. Even if that’s not in the plans, Style is still a marquee star from TNA’s past to usher in the future era on AMC.
Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee look iconic as Knockouts tag champs. Heather and M are on the prowl to win back the gold. The Personal Concierge (George Iceman) will no doubt be up to no good meddling in the affair.
The Hardys trios bout is a typical PPV teaser. Elijah is set to wrestle Mustafa Ali at Genesis, so the music man can get an early start here. The Hardys defend the TNA tag belts against the Righteous at Genesis. Thus, it makes sense for Vincent and Dutch to stir the pot.
Other storylines that might get TV time tonight are Santino Marella dealing with a broken heart after Arianna Grace’s betrayal, Stacks holding the TNA International Championship, and Eric Young wanting to cleanse TNA. Young has spoken about the cleanse coming to TNA, and this would be a good spot for a few surprises to be on his side.
Also of note, the X-Division Championship bout between Leon Slater and Myron Reed appears to be off the table, especially now that Reed and the Rascalz signed with AEW. It is unclear if Slater will still be on the show or if rumors come true that he will be wrestling for WWE on the UK loop of their current European tour. To be frank, I think it is a bummer for TNA not to showcase Slater on the debut. He is a once-in-a-generation prospect for TNA with a high-flying style that can captivate fans. Slater epitomizes the X-Division motto, “It’s not about weight limits; it’s about no limits.”
Impact airs live at 9 pm ET on AMC from Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. Impact will also stream through the TNA+ subscription.
Share your thoughts on TNA’s big debut on AMC. What needs to happen on Impact to make you tune in every week?
