The ongoing crossover between NXT and TNA has produced its most significant development, with former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The IInspiration confirmed for an in-ring return after more than five years away from the company.
During the September 30 episode of NXT, Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay were revealed as the final members of Team TNA for an upcoming interpromotional match scheduled for next week. The announcement was made during an in-ring segment featuring NXT General Manager Ava and TNA representative Santino Marella.
Lee and McKay will team with captain Kelani Jordan and Mara Sade. They are set to face the NXT contingent, which consists of captain Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, and Lola Vice.
The match will mark the first time The IInspiration have competed in a WWE ring since an August 2020 episode of Raw, where they were defeated by The Riott Squad.
The women’s bout is a key part of the larger brand warfare angle. The men’s matchup will see Team TNA’s Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater challenge an NXT team led by Ricky Saints that also includes Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Myles Borne.
The IInspiration’s return was not the only one on the show. Mustafa Ali also made his first WWE appearance since his release on September 21, 2023, confronting North American Champion Ethan Page. Ali cut a promo referencing a championship opportunity he claimed was promised to him prior to his departure, leading to a title match being officially set for the upcoming Showdown event. After his WWE exit, Ali had a run on the independent circuit, which included appearances for TNA and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.