Why TNA Is Back... And IMPACT Is DEAD!
Backstage note behind IMPACT Wrestling's move back to Total Nonstop Action.
IMPACT Wrestling announced this past weekend that it is returning to its old name, Total Nonstop Action, in January 2024 - and PWInsider has the scoop on why this is happening.
Mike Johnson reports that the announcement was tentatively set for July's Slammiversary pay-per-view, though it was pushed back to Bound for Glory, which took place on Saturday (21 October). For several reasons, IMPACT decided to returm to the TNA name around 2-3 weeks ago.
First, IMPACT wishes to "unite" its fragmented history under the TNA banner, having previously gone by Global Force Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and Total Nonstop Action. It is also believed that the promotion's international partners prefer "TNA", with some still using it behind the scenes, despite the various changes.
Johnson notes that IMPACT/TNA also polled some fans on the name earlier in 2023. Many stated that they preferred TNA to IMPACT, which was a factor - as were fans chanting "TNA" while on the road.
At one point, IMPACT planned to revive TNA as its own separate brand with a television show, following a reunion pay-per-view. The COVID-19 pandemic put an end to those plans. Now, IMPACT will end 2023 under its current name, flipping back to TNA for Hard to Kill in Las Vegas, Nevada in January.
New TNA Championship belts will be created for current title-holders, with the weekly television series to be named TNA Impact Wrestling. As for the six-sided ring? Currently, IMPACT/TNA does not plan on bringing them back, as talent generally find a regular wrestling ring easier on their bodies.