Ken Anderson returned to a TNA ring for the first time in nearly ten years during the company’s television tapings on September 5 at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Teaming with Steve Maclin, Anderson defeated Frankie Kazarian and Jake Something in a main event tag team match.
The match was set up after Frankie Kazarian cut a promo mocking Steve Maclin’s military service. The promo angered Anderson, a member of the National Guard, which led to Jake Something attacking him. Maclin then made the save, setting the stage for the tag team match later in the evening.
The return was a surprise for Anderson’s own family. His wife and children were in attendance expecting only a visit and were unaware he would be competing.
During the segment, Anderson performed his trademark microphone routine. Since the venue was not equipped for the typical ceiling mic drop, Steve Cutler assisted by standing on a chair to lower the microphone for him.
Anderson also addressed the crowd earlier in the night, promoting his local wrestling training camp. He noted that while he is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, he has lived in Minnesota for decades and now considers it home.
This appearance was Anderson’s first for TNA since he wrestled a dark match for the promotion on January 7, 2016.