Matt Hardy has predicted a big year for TNA Wrestling in 2026, forecasting that the promotion will challenge AEW for the perception of being the number two wrestling company in the world. Speaking on The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Hardy credited TNA’s new television deal with AMC as the catalyst for this potential surge.
“My number three is that the TNA will push AEW for the perception of the number two wrestling company in 2026,” Hardy said. “I think this TNA new TV deal with AMC is going to totally help TNA ascend to the next level… It is going to put TNA back on the level of being a major promotion.”
Hardy acknowledged that TNA likely won’t match AEW’s revenue or media rights fees immediately, but he noted that the “look and feel” of the product on AMC will elevate its status significantly.
“Obviously, monetarily, we’re not going to be doing the same deal, especially for media rights as AEW is currently, but it is going to look and feel like a big-time promotion,” Hardy explained. “I think it is going to look bigger and bigger and like we’re going to be back in the game where they’re going to talk about oh, the top three. You’re going to hear more. Usually it’s just like, ‘oh, WWE, AEW.’ TNA is going to be in that conversation after this year, after six months or so.”
The show’s co-host, Jon Alba, pushed back slightly on the timeline, expressing skepticism that TNA could change that perception within a single year, given AEW’s current standing as a “juggernaut.” However, Alba agreed that the AMC deal would allow TNA to do better business at live events and pay-per-views.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can watch the full episode on the Matt Hardy Brand YouTube channel.
