Matt Hardy Explains How WWE and TNA Finalized Teams for NXT ShowDown – WWE and TNA are preparing for one of the most talked-about collaborations in recent years, with the NXT ShowDown set for October 7. The special event will feature Survivor Series-style elimination matches, and according to Matt Hardy, the teams that fans will see almost looked very different during the planning stages.
Speaking on his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy revealed that WWE and TNA worked through several different lineups before locking in the final rosters. “I do know they went through several different versions of what they wanted the teams to look like. Nothing was locked in, so creatively they were figuring out who would fit in which spot. They’ve really tried to maximize this event and optimize the potential in this showdown,” Hardy explained.
He noted that the companies wanted to keep the event as fresh and unpredictable as possible, including by mixing talents across brands. “As far as mixing some TNA talent, there’s a TNA champion who’s on Team TNA for the women, and there’s an NXT talent who’s the TNA champion but is on Team NXT for the men, being Trick Williams. They were just trying to make it as interesting as possible, mixing up the talent and putting people together that could deliver quality performances whenever this showdown happens,” Hardy said.
Another creative twist involved placing an NXT star at the helm of the TNA team, a move Hardy described as a way to keep fans guessing. “They’re also taking a different approach by having an NXT talent lead the TNA team, just to be as creative as possible,” he added.
The finalized lineups for the NXT ShowDown feature an intriguing mix of champions, veterans, and rising stars.
Men’s NXT Team: Trick Williams, Ricky Saints, Je’Von Evans, and Myles Borne
Men’s TNA Team: Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater
Women’s NXT Team: Jacy Jayne, Jaida Parker, Sol Ruca, and Lola Vice
Women’s TNA Team: Kelani Jordan, Jessie McKay, Cassie Lee, and Mara Sadè
With both companies leaning heavily on surprises and star power, Hardy’s comments underscore how much collaboration and creativity went into designing this rare crossover. The NXT ShowDown is now shaping up to be a true clash of brands, with storylines and matchups that could resonate far beyond October 7.
Matt Hardy Explains How WWE and TNA Finalized Teams for NXT ShowDown
