TNA Wrestling is poised to join the AMC family later this week, a move that could significantly elevate the promotion’s profile, according to Matt Hardy. The shift promises a new era for the wrestling organization, potentially attracting a broader audience familiar with AMC’s acclaimed dramas like “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead.”
Hardy elaborated on his expectations for TNA’s transition during an appearance on “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy,” also discussing how the move could reshape perceptions among wrestling fans. He also outlined his vision for the presentation of TNA content moving forward.
“I think TNA is going to look like a major player,” Hardy stated. “I think it is something where there would be some people to go like, ‘Hey, this is like a different kind of wrestling. It’s more of what I think the traditional pro wrestling is.’ Maybe have a little sports entertainment rolled in on it, rolled together with it. I think there’s going to be some people that say, ‘I don’t know, man. It seems like this is the next best thing following WWE.’ I think there’ll be some people that will have that mindset.”
When pressed on how TNA could be both “traditional” and “different,” Hardy pointed to a planned emphasis on cinematic production values. “I know there’s already talk about doing stuff a lot more cinematic, some of the vignettes we do and character introductions,” he said. “We’re on AMC and they have all these great shows like Breaking Bad, Walking Dead. If we can have a cinematic feel to the show as well, I think that would be something we can start doing to carve out our own identity.”
Hardy Envisions TNA’s AMC Debut as a Variety Show
Matt Hardy is smiling – Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
The first episode of “Thursday Night iMPACT” under the new arrangement will air on January 15, occupying the 9pm to 11pm ET timeslot. The card features a TNA World Championship match between reigning champion Frankie Kazarian and Mike Santana. Additionally, Matt and Jeff Hardy will team with Elijah to face Order 4’s Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, and John Skyler in a six-man tag team bout.
Hardy emphasized that viewers can anticipate a “great night of wrestling” with compelling character introductions. He specifically highlighted Mike Santana and X-Division Champion Leon Slater as wrestlers he hopes will be featured in informative video packages. Slater is already scheduled to defend his title against Myron Reed on the premiere episode.
If he had complete creative control, Hardy said he would structure the AMC debut as a variety show. “I would have some great matches on it. I’d try to have some badass vignettes. I would have something that had a little bit of a cinematic feel to it. I would like to make our vignettes and pre-tapes feel more like AMC, like a Breaking Bad, like a Walking Dead. Maybe even have the shot look a little different … I would like to keep it very entertaining. I would like to have a little bit of something for everyone.”
The inaugural “Thursday Night iMPACT” will originate from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas, with additional appearances planned from WWE star AJ Styles and TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions The IInspiration.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” with a transcription credit to Wrestling Inc.
