On a transformative evening at Bound For Glory on October 20, Impact Wrestling sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community, announcing an impending return to its original identity as TNA Wrestling in the year 2024.
Among those weighing in on this significant shift was none other than Matt Hardy, a former TNA World Champion and veteran of the squared circle, who shared his thoughts on the matter during an episode of his podcast, "The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy." Speaking on the change, Hardy expressed a mixture of intrigue and nostalgia.
"It’s captivating to witness this shift," he began. "Just today, during my morning cardio session, I had the chance to catch up on Episode 1000. I must say, they’ve really managed to create a compelling product and there’s a palpable buzz surrounding the company.
And then, of course, there’s the news about reverting to the ‘TNA’ branding, which really sets my mind racing. One has to ponder, what’s the driving force behind such a momentous decision?"
Exploring TNA's Legacy
Delving deeper into the topic, Hardy reflected on the enduring legacy of the TNA brand.
"They’ve embarked on this journey, aiming to rejuvenate and redefine themselves as Impact Wrestling, yet the chants of 'TNA' persist in echoing through the arenas. It’s a testament to the indelible mark that TNA has left on the wrestling world.
My wife and I found ourselves musing over this during our travels, and I realized, I’ve never truly stopped referring to it as TNA. It's a brand that has firmly entrenched itself in the collective consciousness of the wrestling community." In his closing remarks, Hardy revealed his personal stance on the rebranding.
"Whether this move is a strategic nod to the past or there are unseen advantages playing out behind the scenes, it’s a change I find myself at peace with. It doesn’t ruffle my feathers in the least”. Having graced the TNA ring during two distinct periods of his career — a brief spell in 2011, followed by a more substantial tenure from 2014 to early 2017 — Hardy is well-positioned to comment on this transition.
He clinched the TNA World Championship twice and celebrated tag team glory alongside his brother Jeff, cementing their legacy as one of wrestling's most formidable duos. As the wrestling world buzzes with anticipation and speculation, Matt Hardy’s reflections add a layer of depth and insight to this unfolding narrative.