Scott D’Amore Explains Decision to Revive TNA Wrestling – As noted, it was revealed at the conclusion of the Bound for Glory event that Impact Wrestling is undergoing a name change and will be reverting back to its former name, TNA.
Impact Wrestling’s president, Scott D’Amore, discussed the return of TNA Wrestling in an interview with Tom Hannifan.
“When I got here and took over the helm going into 2018, the company had gone through so much. It had been TNA Wrestling, then Impact Wrestling, then I think it might have briefly been TNA, then it was GFW, then it was Impact. Coming in, the last thing it needed was another name change. What it needed was to figure itself out. What it needed was stability, it needed consistency, it needed respectability. And we spent a lot of time under the Impact banner doing that. And I think we’ve proven ourself.
But the fact is, when this company was formed, when this idea was first hatched — three men on a boat with Jeff and Jerry Jarrett and Bob Ryder — it was Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. That’s what they were looking for. And I think that while we found that stability under the Impact banner, and very proud of that, I think what we now have is we’re ready to go there and have our growth and our true success. Our true second golden era under our true name. TNA Wrestling.”
D’Amore said he thinks the Impact and TNA brands both have value, but TNA is who the company really is at its core. Their weekly television show on Thursday nights will still be named Impact.
“I think TNA at our core is who we are,” D’Amore said. “And I think it gives us back that swagger that maybe we’ve lacked. When I talk about too much apologizing, that’s done. Are we going to make mistakes? Absolutely. But when we do we’ll get up, we’ll dust ourselves, and we’ll just get back at it.”
D’Amore pointed to how TNA changed the industry by pushing smaller wrestlers, showcasing tag team wrestling, and giving women a platform to be athletes. D’Amore said people have asked for a long time what the identity of Impact Wrestling is. He believes you’ll now see a clearer vision of that.
D’Amore was asked what he’d say to those who assume this means a return to the Dixie Carter/Jeff Jarrett/Vince Russo era.
“This isn’t about looking back, this is about looking forward. Certainly TNA/Impact Wrestling has had its ups and downs over the years. But we’re looking at taking the things that worked, bringing them back. We’re looking at doing a better job of managing how things are handled. And like I said, are we going to make mistakes? Absolutely. But we’re going to do more great than we do missteps.
This isn’t about any one person. It’s not about Jeff Jarrett, it’s not about Vince Russo, it’s not about Scott D’Amore. This is about a locker room and a company that feels something special. And this is about a fan base that I think is starting to feel something special.“
D’Amore stated that new title belt designs for the promotion’s championships will be unveiled. The current champions will all remain champions and the lineage of the titles will continue.
TNA will also be debuting a new set. D’Amore said it will honor the promotion’s history while also being forward-looking.
D’Amore confirmed that the six-sided ring will not be making a return. D’Amore said the six-sided ring causes more injuries and wear and tear on the wrestlers.
D’Amore said the idea for the TNA name to return was first formulated in early 2023. He thinks it’s a testament to the type of people they have in the company, both on camera and behind the scenes, that the news never leaked before their announcement.
Hard to Kill 2024 is taking place from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 13.
The full interview with D’Amore can be watched below:
Scott D’Amore Explains Decision to Revive TNA Wrestling
