The collaboration between WWE and TNA Wrestling is on the verge of transforming into a full-scale inter-promotional conflict. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, creative plans are in motion for a major invasion storyline, with former AEW standout Mike Santana positioned as the central figure tasked with “saving TNA” from invading NXT talent.
The report casts new light on the closing moments of last night’s TNA iMPACT!, where NXT’s Ridge Holland made an unannounced appearance and attacked Santana with a post-match ambush. Sources indicate that the official launch of the invasion angle is set for the September 23 episode of NXT, making Holland’s assault the opening strike in the brewing rivalry.
Santana’s segment before the attack underscored his role in the escalating story. After dispatching his opponent, he addressed TNA World Champion Trick Williams, who had blindsided him the previous week. With their championship clash now set for Bound For Glory on October 12, Santana made his challenge clear: “Because on October 12, Bound For Glory, you better say a prayer and give your soul to God, because your b—ass belongs to me!”
The tension is further heightened by Williams’ own involvement in cross-promotional action. On the very same September 23 NXT broadcast, he is scheduled to meet NXT Champion Oba Femi in a title-for-title showdown. That card now appears poised to serve as ground zero for the invasion storyline.
This brewing conflict stems from the multi-year partnership agreement signed between WWE and TNA earlier in 2025. The balance of that relationship shifted dramatically when Williams, under WWE contract, captured the TNA World Championship from Joe Hendry at NXT Battleground—a moment that immediately set off demands from TNA to reclaim its top prize.
The friction was further fueled during this month’s NXT: Homecoming special, when announcers read social media posts from TNA talent on-air, escalating the perception of hostility between the two promotions. Since then, several TNA wrestlers have openly threatened to appear on NXT, creating an environment primed for confrontation.
The Observer report notes that Santana’s positioning as the leading babyface in the storyline is tied to Joe Hendry’s expected departure from TNA, leaving Santana as the logical choice to anchor the promotion’s side of the feud. However, the report also raises a pointed concern: whichever company is booked to lose this inter-promotional war may face very real repercussions backstage, highlighting the delicate balance between storyline drama and industry politics.