Santino Marella stated that TNA Wrestling is positioned to become the second-largest promotion in the industry if it secures a new television contract. In an interview with Lucha Libre Online, the current TNA on-screen authority figure said that while WWE’s top spot is unreachable, the number two position is attainable and will be determined by fan support rather than financial resources.
Marella pointed to the company’s current momentum and the upcoming Bound for Glory pay-per-view as a chance to deliver a message to the industry. He directly referenced AEW’s spot in the hierarchy, stressing how crucial a media rights deal would be for TNA. “You better look out because once we get that TV deal, we’re number two, man,” Marella said. “I know Tony Khan has lots of money, I get it. But the fans speak. The fans dictate who’s number one, number two, number three, not your bank account.”
He acknowledged WWE’s dominance, noting that the true battle lies in the fight for second place. “Of course, WWE is number one. They’re so far ahead that we’ll never catch it in my lifetime. Number two is attainable, number two is really something we can do,” he added.
Marella’s remarks echoed public statements from TNA head Carlos Silva about finding a new broadcast partner. The company has reportedly been in talks with multiple networks, including The CW and A\&E. Reports suggest strong interest in moving TNA programming to The CW, which could place the show head-to-head with AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights.
A deal with The CW would also strengthen TNA’s ongoing partnership with WWE, launched in January 2025. The collaboration has already produced notable crossovers, including a TNA invasion angle on NXT led by Matt Cardona and NXT Superstar Trick Williams currently holding the TNA World Championship.
Beyond business strategy, Marella praised the locker room atmosphere, saying he encourages former WWE talent to join TNA and “fall in love with the business again.”