In October of 2023 at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view, IMPACT Wrestling announced the return of the Total Nonstop Action (TNA) brand, officially re-launching in 2024.
Shortly after the new year, rumors started moving online that a working relationship between TNA and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was in the works.
One of WWE’s tentpole events, the Royal Rumble took place in January of 2024 as it does annually. The event saw TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace enter the Women’s Royal Rumble event at number seven and last nearly 20 minutes. She had the Knockouts Belt around her waist as she entered the match and the commentators even made references to TNA, much like they did with Mickie James two years earlier.
Although the details of any rumored further working relationship are scarce, it is always fun to fantasy book. With that being said, here are a few TNA vs. WWE matchups I feel would be fun to see, regardless of any working relationship.
Fantasy Booking TNA and WWE
Knockouts Division
Jordynne Grace vs. Jade Cardgill
As mentioned earlier, Grace made her WWE debut at the Royal Rumble. She was not the only one making a WWE in-ring debut in the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
The former All Elite Wrestling (AEW) competitor Jade Cargill formerly competed in a WWE ring for the first time. Both competitors bring strength to ring with them and both are deceptively agile and fast for their size.
Put the two of them together in a ring and the result would be an athletic showcase.
Masha Slamovich vs. Rhea Ripley
Masha Slamovich has shown how tough she is in both a TNA and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) ring. In TNA she has had hard-hitting matches against the likes of now tag partner Killer Kelly, Havok, and other TNA Knockouts. Early in her time in TNA she was booked as a lethal force in the division.
Now on the other side of the ring picture Rhea Ripley. A fellow hard-hitting wrestler who is technically sound but can use her size as an advantage to inflict massive damage on her opponents. She is the current WWE Women’s World Champion and with good reason. These two could deliver a hard-hitting yet fast-paced match between the ropes.
X-Division
Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Rey Mysterio
Speedball Mike Bailey is the epitome of what the early days of the X-Divison were built on. His high-flying and speedy in-ring style has given TNA fans some draw-dropping moments during his time with the promotion.
Picture him taking on Rey Mysterio, arguably the best-known luchador to ever step foot in a wrestling ring. His rise in popularity in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the WWE has brought the Lucha libre style to mainstream United States professional wrestling.
Put the two of them in one ring and see who the quickest, highest-flying, most creative wrestler in the ring can be.
Trey Miguel vs. Ricochet
Trey Miguel has become a key part of the X-Division and Tag Team Division in TNA. Miguel’s matches tend to be very fast paced with lots of high spots regardless of whether they are singles matches or with his tag partner Zach Wentz as the Rascalsz.
Ricochet has been wowing crowds with his dives, flips, and speed long before he stepped into a WWE ring. Crowds were amazed by his moves in NXT, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Dragon Gate, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and other promotions.
The two would put on a fast-paced, high-flying, diving-heavy match that would keep fans on their feet in an arena or at home.
Tag Team Division
ABC vs. The Usos
Two of the main United States Bullet Club members Chris Bey and Ace Austin collectively make up the ABC (Ace and Bey Connection). The duo quickly developed great chemistry and rose up the rankings of the TNA Tag Division with their double-team moves, technical wrestling, and high-flying/diving spots.
Now the Usos are not on the best of terms as the Bloodline storyline goes. Keep in mind this is fantasy booking. If the Usos did reunite their natural chemistry, double team moves, and flying ability would mesh well with the young Bullet Club tag team.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) will go down as one of the best tag teams to step into a TNA ring. The duo were standout singles competitors in the early X-Division days and have gone on to have successful solo careers as well.
Put them in the ring against another duo of great friends with great chemistry and let the magic happen. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens would have fit into the early days of the X-Division (or modern version for that matter) much like Shelly and Sabin did. All four are very well-rounded and can pace out a matchup that will leave an impression on a crowd in an arena or watching at home.
Heavyweight Division
Josh Alexander vs. Drew McIntyre
Josh Alexander has become a staple of TNA Wrestling. Having experience in the Tag Team, X-Division, and Heavyweight Division of TNA, he is very well-rounded. Despite his size, he has good speed behind him. He has a great technical foundation but can brawl when needed.
Much the same can be said about Drew McIntyre as well. McIntyre has incredible speed for someone his size. A veteran of WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole. The two could work multiple matches and not have them feel repetitive due to the range that both men bring to the ring.
Steve Maclin vs. Kevin Owens
Steve Maclin came to TNA in 2021 and quickly made his presence felt. The former NXT competitor came to TNA with a different version of his character and quickly became featured as a heavyweight heel. He became IMPACT World Champion in 2023 and brings a well-rounded style to the ring.
As mentioned earlier, Kevin Owens is a veteran in the wrestling industry of both WWE and the independent circuit. Like Maclin, he can wrestle a fast-paced match and pull off some high spots despite his powerful and brawler-style appearance. Their range of styles would mesh well between the ropes or out on the floor if they decide to turn it into a brawl.
These are just a few fantasy booking ideas. With WWE having a massive roster, the potential matchups are virtually endless.
How do you feel about these TNA vs. WWE matchups? Sound off in the comments!