TNA Extends The Contract Of Former World Champion

While yesterday brought word that Steve Maclin's current TNA contract is due to expire in May, one main event talent who'll be remaining with the Anthem promotion for the foreseeable future is Josh Alexander.

First reported by Sports Illustrated, then followed up by a press release, the Walking Weapon marked this contract extension by noting there's "things that are still on my bucket list" with the recently-rebranded TNA.

On this topic, Fightful Select reports Alexander's contract was due to expire on 14 February 2024. This was a two-year deal with the option for a one-year extension, and Anthem has now taken up the option of that extension. As such, unless a further extension is included, the two-time former TNA World Champion will be a free agent as of 14 February 2025.

Fightful also adds how the 36-year-old Canadian had asked Anthem not to pick up that extension, with him looking to "survey the landscape". Obviously that extension was indeed triggered by the company, and there is said to be zero concerns over Alexander's work ethic and fulfilling contractual obligations across this next year.

This comes at a time of uncertainty for TNA, with the firing of Scott D'Amore earlier this month somewhat tarnishing what had been a hugely positive start to the year for the company. Of course, that TNA rebrand took place at Hard to Kill in January, and that PPV itself featured the arrivals of Nic Nemeth/Dolph Ziggler and Ash by Elegance/Dana Brooke. On top of that, there was the major buzz created by TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace's phenomenal performance at WWE Royal Rumble.

One of the very best in the game these days, Josh Alexander debuted for the then-IMPACT Wrestling back in 2018, formally signing with the promotion the following year. As The North, he and Ethan Page had two reigns as the company's Tag Team Champions, including the longest reign in IMPACT/TNA history at 380 days.

As a singles act, Alexander has gone from strength to strength after The North disbanded, becoming an X Division Champion and, as mentioned, a two-time TNA World Champion. Much like having the record for the longest tag team reign, Alexander also has the shortest (three minutes) and longest (335 days) reigns in the history of the TNA World Title.

The full Anthem press release on Josh Alexander remaining with TNA can be found below. In the meantime, why not check out our chat with Josh from last October...

TNA Wrestling Exercises Its Option to Extend Contract of Josh Alexander

TNA Wrestling extended the contract of Josh Alexander, the company confirmed today, as first reported by Sports Illustrated. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Alexander is one of the most accomplished, decorated wrestlers in TNA history, a star in singles and tag team action. Alexander made his pro wrestling debut in 2005 and has been a star on the TNA roster since early 2019. Just consider:

- He is a 2-time former World Tag Team Champion as half of The North, the longest-reigning World Tag Team Champions in company history (380 days).

- He was the TNA X-Division Champion in 2021, holding the prestigious title for 151 days before invoking Option C and vacating the championship in exchange for an opportunity to wrestle for the World Championship.

- He is a two-time former TNA World Champion, with his second reign being the longest reign in company history (335 days).

“With the rebranding and the return of those iconic letters, TNA, those letters that inspired me to get in the ring in the first place and chase this wild dream of being a wrestler, I’ve dreamt of that moment, being there at Hard To Kill, hearing those letters,” Alexander told Sports Illustrated, as he embarks on his sixth year with the company.

“I got a lot of work to do this year. I have to find some success because I think more so than myself, the 15-year-old kid who was sitting on the couch never dreamt this was possible wouldn’t believe that I could be TNA World Champion or TNA X-Division Champion, things that are still on my bucket list, but, I know my son wants me to bring home some gold.”

“Josh Alexander is one of the most popular wrestlers in TNA Wrestling history. We’re thrilled to see that his run in TNA will continue,” said TNA Wrestling president Anthony Cicione.

Alexander and the stars of TNA Wrestling will be in action on Friday, February 23, at the live NO SURRENDER event, originating from the Alario Center in New Orleans. Alexander goes one-on-one against Simon Gotch.

NO SURRENDER will stream live on TNA+ and then on Saturday, February 24, TNA Wrestling presents BAYOU BLAST, with high-energy, action-packed matches taped for the company’s flagship weekly TV show, iMPACT! (Thursday, 8 p.m. EST on AXS TV).

Both shows will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. and opening match starting at 6:30 p.m.TNA action in New Orleans features reigning TNA World Champion Moose, X-Division Champion Chris Sabin and TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace. Also confirmed to appear in New Orleans: Alex Shelley, Brian Myers, Digital Media Champion Crazzy Steve, TNA World Tag Team Champions ABC, TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions Decay, plus Ash By Elegance, Gisele Shaw, Eric Young, Frankie Kazarian, Kushida, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Rhino, Santino Marella, Tommy Dreamer, Xia Brookside, among others.