TNA President Carlos Silva has addressed the criticism from some fans regarding the ongoing crossover storyline with WWE and the upcoming NXT “Showdown” special. During an appearance on the Battleground Podcast, Silva responded to the “moaning” on social media, stating that the online discourse, both positive and negative, is all part of building the product and the storylines. He noted that despite the partnership, both companies understand that TNA is its own distinct entity, and he reiterated that TNA is playing the “long game” when it comes to its planning and strategy.
“We’re still TNA, and we’ve always been TNA. Look, you can read on socials, there’s moaning, there’s this, of course, that’s all part of building the product and building the storylines,” Silva said. “I think WWE and NXT both understand that TNA is its own property, the same way they understand that AAA is their own property, and that NXT is their own property.”
He also noted that TNA is playing the “long game” with its planning, suggesting that the current crossover is just one part of a larger, multi-faceted strategy for the future of the company. The crossover between the two promotions has been one of the biggest stories in professional wrestling in 2025. It has seen a number of TNA stars appear on NXT programming and vice versa, with the current TNA World Champion, Trick Williams, being a contracted NXT superstar.
The storyline escalated to a new level on the September 23 episode of NXT, when a large number of TNA talent invaded the show and brawled with the NXT roster to close the broadcast. This has led to the announcement of the “NXT vs. TNA Showdown” special, which will take place on October 7 and will feature a series of inter-promotional matches, including two 5-on-5 elimination matches and a “title for title” match between the two companies’ tag team champions.
Some fans of both promotions have expressed concern about the creative direction and the potential for one company to be presented as superior to the other. The storyline itself has played into this, with the on-screen narrative being built around TNA feeling disrespected by the larger WWE.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Battleground Podcast with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
