The TNA Wrestling July 3rd episode was broadcast from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It delivered a high-octane show that pushed multiple storylines and solidified the card for Slammiversary, TNA’s biggest pay-per-view of the summer. Airing on AXS TV, Sportsnet 360, TNA+, and YouTube, the episode featured a brutal championship match, promos, and chaotic moments that set the stage for future developments.
Match Recaps
The IInspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay) defeated Tessa Blanchard and Victoria Crawford
The Knockouts division showcased its depth in this tag team clash. The IInspiration, comprised of former WWE stars Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay, faced off against Tessa Blanchard and Victoria Crawford. Tensions were stemming from a chaotic Battle Royal the previous week. Indi Hartwell joined commentary, adding intrigue due to her ongoing rivalry with Blanchard. The match was a fast-paced affair. It highlighted the technical prowess of Blanchard and the teamwork of The IInspiration. A brawl at ringside between Blanchard and Hartwell erupted, requiring security to intervene. The IInspiration capitalized on the distraction to secure the victory.
This win solidified The IInspiration as top contenders. After the match, it was announced that they will challenge The Elegance Brand (Ash By Elegance and Heather By Elegance) for the Knockouts World Tag Team Titles at Slammiversary. Additionally, Indi Hartwell challenged Tessa Blanchard to a singles match at the PPV to further escalate their feud.
Future Impact
The IInspiration’s momentum positions them as serious threats to the Knockouts Tag Team Championships. This could potentially revitalize the division with their star power and charisma. The Hartwell-Blanchard feud adds a personal layer to the Slammiversary card. This promises a high-stakes encounter that could elevate Hartwell’s status in TNA.
TNA Knockouts World Championship Chain Match: Masha Slamovich (C) defeated Killer Kelly
In the night’s most brutal contest, Masha Slamovich defended her Knockouts World Championship against former tag team partner Killer Kelly in a Chain Match. The stipulation required a pinfall or submission with the competitor bound by a steel chain. All this did was amplify their bitter rivalry. The match was a violent spectacle. Both women used the chain creatively. Slamovich executed a snapmare and a series of chain-assisted clotheslines. Kelly wrapped the chain around Masha’s throat and pulled her into the ring post.
Despite Kelly’s aggression, Slamovich retained her title with a decisive pinfall after driving Kelly face-first into the steel post. Post-match, WWE NXT’s Fatal Influence (led by Jacy Jayne) ambushed Slamovich. Léi Yǐng Lee and Xia Brookside came out to make the save. Slamovich’s victory reinforced her dominance as the TNA Knockouts champion. However, the post-match attack set up a historic Title vs. Title match at Slammiversary. Masha Slamovich will face either Jacy Jayne or Jordynne Grace for the WWE NXT Women’s Championship.
Future Impact
The Title vs. Title match is a landmark moment for TNA Wrestling. It is highlighting its growing partnership with WWE NXT. However, there’s skepticism among fans about WWE allowing their NXT Women’s Championship to be won by a TNA star. They are suggesting Slamovich might lose her title to maintain the partnership’s balance. This match could either elevate TNA’s prestige or underscore its secondary status to WWE. It all depends on the outcome.
Jake Something vs. Mance Warner (w/ Steph De Lander): No Contest
Jake Something aimed to build momentum toward a potential TNA International Championship shot. He faced Mance Warner, accompanied by Steph De Lander. TNA International Champion Steve Maclin joined commentary, adding tension. The match saw intense brawling. Warner targeted Jake’s knee, but De Lander’s interference at ringside shifted the dynamic. Jake inadvertently struck Maclin at ringside. This prompted the champion to attack both competitors. The referee had no choice but to rule the match a no-contest. The abrupt ending kept both wrestlers strong but intensified Jake Something’s pursuit of Maclin’s title.
Future Impact
This altercation sets up a potential championship match at Slammiversary with Jake Something. Maclin’s aggressive response suggests a defensive mindset. The main question is: Will other contenders like Eric Young and Matt Cardona get involved?
TNA World Tag Team Champion Nic Nemeth (w/ Ryan Nemeth) defeated Zachary Wentz (w/ Myron Reed)
This match was supposed to include Trey Miguel. However, Miguel is unable to compete due to a hernia injury. Zachary Wentz will take his place against Nic Nemeth. The Nemeths (Nic and Ryan) are set to defend the TNA World Tag Team Titles in a Four-Way Ladder Match at Slammiversary. This singles match tested their momentum against The Rascalz’s Zachary Wentz. The match showcased unbelievably high-flying offense from Wentz and technical precision from Nemeth. Ryan Nemeth caused a distraction, which gave Nic the victory.
Future Impact
The Four-Way Ladder Match (involving The Nemeths, The Hardys, FIR$T CLA$$, and The Rascalz) is shaping up as a highlight of Slammiversary. This match reinforced The Rascalz as serious threats with Zachary Wentz frustrating Nic Nemeth. The outcome could shift the tag team division’s hierarchy if The Hardys or The Rascalz win.
Matt Cardona defeated Eddie Edwards (w/ Alisha Edwards)
Matt Cardona faced The System’s Eddie Edwards in a match designed to disrupt the faction’s dominance. The System’s presence at ringside added an element of unpredictability. Cardona hits the Reboot in the corner, but Alisha Edwards gets involved from ringside. Eddie Edwards capitalizes with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Alisha gives Eddie the System ring, but Brian Myers tries to persuade him not to use it. Cardona turns the tide by pinning Eddie out of nowhere for the win.
Future Impact
Cardona’s pursuit of The System could lead to a larger storyline involving Brian Myers or JDC, possibly culminating in a match at Slammiversary. His momentum positions him as a potential contender for the TNA International Championship or a leadership role in opposing The System.
Key Promos and Segments
Frankie Kazarian’s “The King’s Speech”
Veteran Frankie Kazarian delivered “The King’s Speech,” a promo segment hyped as a potential turning point for his character. Kazarian’s debut speech welcomed his competitors in the TNA World Championship match at Slammiversary: Joe Hendry, Trick Williams, and Mike Santana. Kazarian sided with Trick as all four men traded barbs. Kazarian distracts everyone while Trick attacks Hendry and Santana from behind. This escalated the tension for the TNA World Championship triple threat match at Slammiversary.
Future Impact
This segment solidified the triple threat match (Trick Williams vs. Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana) as the centerpiece of Slammiversary. Williams’ outsider status as a WWE NXT star holding the TNA World Championship creates a polarizing dynamic. Hendry and Santana are being positioned as TNA’s defenders. The outcome could redefine TNA’s identity, especially if Hendry reclaims the title to restore the promotion’s pride.
Tasha Steelz Addresses Mustafa Ali and Cedric Alexander
Accompanied by The Great Hands, Tasha Steelz addressed the brewing tension within Order 4, specifically targeting Mustafa Ali and the debuting Cedric Alexander. The segment saw Alexander reminiscing about his and Ali’s shared history in WWE’s 205 Live. This included a WrestleMania match where Alexander won the Cruiserweight Championship. Ali rebuffed Alexander’s offer of help, escalating their rivalry. Steelz attempted to mediate but highlighted the fracturing of Order 4. Alexander challenged Ali to a match at Slammiversary. He promised to “beat sense” into Ali if he couldn’t talk it out.
Future Impact
The Alexander-Ali feud adds a compelling personal layer to Slammiversary. The match between these two has the potential to steal the show given their athletic prowess. The dissolution of Order 4 could lead to new alliances. Tasha Steelz could align with Alexander or emerge as a wildcard in the Knockouts division.
Additional Notes and Future Implications
TNA-NXT Partnership Dynamics
The episode heavily emphasized the ongoing collaboration with WWE NXT, with appearances by NXT’s Fatal Influence and references to Trick Williams’ title defenses on NXT programming. The Title vs. Title match at Slammiversary is a bold move. But there’s concern among fans and analysts that TNA may be positioned as the “junior partner,” potentially losing their Knockouts Championship to NXT’s Jacy Jayne or Jordynne Grace. This partnership could elevate TNA’s visibility but risks diluting its brand if WWE dominates the outcomes.
Slammiversary Card Shaping Up
The episode confirmed several matches for Slammiversary, including:
TNA World Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana
Knockouts World Tag Team Championships: The Elegance Brand vs. The IInspiration
X-Division Championship: Moose (C) vs. Leon Slater
Tessa Blanchard vs. Indi Hartwell
Mustafa Ali vs. Cedric Alexander
Four-Way Ladder Match for the TNA World Tag Team Championships: The Nemeths (c) vs. The Hardys vs. FIR$T CLA$$ vs. The Rascalz
Knockouts World Championship vs. NXT Women’s Championship: Masha Slamovich vs. Jacy Jayne or Jordynne Grace
Emerging Talent and Signings
The episode highlighted TNA’s investment in new talent, with Jada Stone and Mila Moore receiving contracts during the Pittsburgh tapings. Their integration into storylines could bolster the TNA Knockouts division, which remains a cornerstone of TNA’s appeal.
Analysis and Outlook
The July 3rd episode delivered intense matches and promos that heightened anticipation for Slammiversary. The Chain Match between Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly was a standout. It showcased the Knockouts division’s ability to blend brutality with storytelling. The promos, particularly Kazarian’s interrupted speech and Steelz’s confrontation with Ali and Alexander, effectively advanced key feuds. While the NXT crossover elements added intrigue, it also raised questions about TNA’s autonomy.
Looking ahead, TNA Wrestling’s Slammiversary on July 20, 2025, at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, is poised to be a defining moment. The outcomes of the World Championship match and the Knockouts Title vs. WWE NXT Title match will shape the promotion’s narrative. It will either reinforce its legacy or highlight its challenges in the shadow of WWE. The return of The IInspiration and the emergence of talents like Leon Slater and Indi Hartwell signal a bright future. However, TNA Wrestling must balance its homegrown stars with NXT crossovers to maintain its distinct identity. Fans can expect the July 10th episode to further clarify TNA Wrestling Slammiversary’s stakes.
Please continue to follow
The Unlocked Info for future recaps and discussions concerning TNA Wrestling.
Like this:
Like Loading...
