In a pivotal moment for professional wrestling, TNA Wrestling makes its highly anticipated debut on AMC this Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a live episode of Thursday Night iMPACT!, airing from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. Broadcast from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas, this two-hour special marks the beginning of a multi-year agreement between TNA and AMC Networks, ushering in greater visibility for the promotion on a network known for premium scripted content like The Walking Dead. Fans can tune in via AMC, AMC+, or TNA+ for what promises to be a blockbuster kickoff, blending high-stakes action with surprise appearances.
TNA’s television journey has been a rollercoaster of resilience and reinvention since its inception in 2002. Founded by Jeff Jarrett as an alternative to WWE, TNA initially relied on weekly pay-per-views before securing its first national TV deal with Fox Sports Net in 2004. The brand hit its stride on Spike TV from 2005 to 2014, drawing peak audiences during the Hulk Hogan era and featuring stars like AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, and Sting. However, challenges arose post-Spike, leading to shorter stints on Destination America (2015), Pop TV (2016-2019), and AXS TV starting in 2019 after Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s acquisition. Rebranded as Impact Wrestling in 2017 amid ownership changes, the promotion reclaimed the TNA name in 2024, signaling a nostalgic revival. This move to AMC represents TNA’s most significant broadcast upgrade in years, shifting from niche cable to a broader platform with over 70 million households.
For TNA specifically, the AMC deal is a game-changer. With AXS TV’s limited reach, TNA has hovered around 100,000 weekly viewers, but AMC’s wider distribution could triple that exposure, attracting casual fans and boosting live event attendance. TNA President Carlos Silva has highlighted the partnership’s potential to expand programming, including possible AMC+ exclusives, while building on recent cross-promotions with WWE—such as talent exchanges that have already elevated stars like Jordynne Grace. Financially, the multi-year contract provides stability, allowing investments in roster depth and production quality. Amid a resurgent indie scene, this positions TNA as a viable third major player, challenging AEW’s momentum and offering wrestlers more opportunities outside WWE’s orbit.
On a broader scale, this shift highlights the evolving nature of the pro wrestling business. TV rights fees have become the industry’s lifeblood, with WWE’s Netflix deal and AEW’s Warner Bros. Discovery extension proving the value of live content in a streaming-dominated era. TNA’s AMC pact, reportedly valued in the mid-eight figures annually, highlights how mid-tier promotions can leverage partnerships for growth. It also reflects wrestling’s mainstream resurgence, where networks like AMC seek affordable, engaging programming to fill slots amid cord-cutting. By integrating with AMC+, TNA taps into hybrid viewing models, potentially drawing younger demographics and fostering global expansion through digital platforms.
The debut card is stacked to capitalize on the hype. Headlining is a TNA World Championship clash where defending champion Frankie Kazarian faces hard-hitting challenger Mike Santana, following their intense contract signing last week. The TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championships are on the line as The IInspiration defend against The Elegance Brand in a battle of style and substance. Adding tag team flair, Elijah makes his in-ring return alongside The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) in a six-man tag against Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, and John Skyler). Expect fireworks with special appearances: WWE’s AJ Styles returns to his TNA roots for a “phenomenal” segment, while Bully Ray joins commentary for the main event.
This AMC premiere isn’t just a show—it’s a statement. As TNA steps into the spotlight, it could redefine its legacy and inject fresh competition into wrestling’s landscape. Don’t miss the action; the future starts Thursday.
