The road to TNA’s Victory Road took an unexpected turn on this week’s episode of iMPACT! with the return of former two-time TNA World Champion Mr. Anderson. Absent from the promotion for nearly a decade, Anderson reemerged during Frankie Kazarian’s “King’s Speech” segment and quickly found himself at the center of Kazarian’s feud with Steve Maclin. The confrontation has now set the stage for a TNA International Championship match at Victory Road on September 26.
Kazarian opened the promo by acknowledging Anderson’s return before pivoting to attack Maclin, targeting his military background. He then turned his comments toward Anderson, invoking the veteran’s own service and questioning his integrity. That provocation drew an immediate reaction, with Anderson stepping to Kazarian and grabbing him by the face.
Before the situation could escalate further, Jake Something blindsided Anderson, tipping the numbers in Kazarian’s favor. The advantage didn’t last long, as Maclin charged to the ring and cleared house, sending Kazarian and Something retreating while standing tall alongside Anderson.
With tensions at a breaking point, TNA announced that Maclin will defend the International Championship against Kazarian at Victory Road. The bout joins a card already featuring several title matches and marquee showdowns:
- TNA Knockouts World Championship: Ash by Elegance (c) (w/ The Personal Concierge) vs. Masha Slamovich (Special Guest Referee: Indi Hartwell)
- Moose vs. Mustafa Ali
- TNA X Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Myron Reed
- TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championships: The Elegance Brand (Heather by Elegance & M by Elegance) (c) vs. The IInspiration (Jessica McKay & Cassie Lee)
- TNA International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs. Frankie Kazarian
Anderson’s comeback, his first appearance since departing the company in 2016 after a six-year run, signals more than a one-off return. By immediately aligning with Maclin, he has shifted what was a personal rivalry into a broader conflict that could develop into a faction battle heading into one of TNA’s biggest events of the year.