TNA Wrestling continues to expand its roster as it moves into its new chapter on AMC in 2026. With the weekly Thursday Night iMPACT! show relocating from AXS TV to AMC starting January, the promotion has announced several new signings and contract renewals. Among the latest additions is Elayna Black, a rising star with a notable past in WWE NXT, who officially signed with TNA Wrestling on Wednesday.
Her signing was publicly confirmed during a live appearance on SiriusXM’s Busted Open, marking a significant return to TNA where she previously appeared in 2019.
Elayna Black’s Wrestling Journey from Chicago to TNA’s Knockouts Division
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, Elayna Black has been involved in professional wrestling since 2018. She dedicated herself fully to the sport by leaving school at 15 and training under experienced mentors Bryce Benjamin, Isaias Velasquez, and TNA’s Mustafa Ali. Her global experience includes a highly regarded death match in 2020 that demonstrated her toughness and versatility in the ring.
Elayna’s tenure in WWE NXT began in 2021 under the ring name Cora Jade. During this period, she achieved notable success by capturing the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. She also made history as the youngest competitor in the NXT WarGames event, where she executed a daring high-risk dive from the top of the steel cage—a moment that cemented her reputation for fearless performances.
Return to TNA Wrestling and Aspirations for the Knockouts Title
Returning to TNA Wrestling, Elayna Black was introduced as the newest Knockout during the premiere of the Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC on January 15. The signing was formalized in a meeting with TNA President Carlos Silva. Now focused on competing for the coveted TNA Knockouts World Championship, she aims to build on her past achievements and cement her legacy within the promotion.
Outside the ring, Elayna has diversified her career by appearing in music videos for Machine Gun Kelly and participating in Los Angeles Fashion Week. She also embraces life as a dog mom to two Goldendoodles, adding a personal dimension to her public persona.
Where and When Fans Can Watch Elayna Black and Upcoming TNA Events
Fans eager to follow Elayna Black’s journey can catch her performances every Thursday night during iMPACT! airing at 9/8c on AMC and AMC+ in the United States, Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and worldwide on TNA+. This consistent exposure is expected to raise her profile as the new face among the Knockouts roster.
Looking ahead, TNA Wrestling has scheduled live events in multiple cities early in 2026, including Nashville, Tennessee at The Pinnacle on February 13-14; Atlanta, Georgia at the GICC Arena on March 5-6; and New Orleans, Louisiana at the Alario Center on March 27-28. These shows will provide opportunities for fans to experience TNA Wrestling’s renewed momentum and witness rising talents like Elayna Black firsthand.
Elayna Black’s Significance in TNA’s Growing Talent Pool
Elayna Black’s return is a hopeful sign for TNA Wrestling as it seeks to reclaim a prominent position in the professional wrestling scene during the challenging transition to AMC. Her blend of youth, skill, and cross-industry experiences represents a fresh energy that can attract diverse audiences.
As TNA continues to sign other notable talents alongside Elayna, the promotion is cautiously optimistic about the future of its Knockouts division and overall brand growth. Her signing underscores the shifting dynamics of the wrestling landscape, highlighting how former WWE superstars are now key figures in alternative wrestling platforms.
“TNA Wrestling Signs Elayna Black
Elayna Black, one of the most exciting rising stars in professional wrestling, has signed with TNA Wrestling.
She confirmed the news this morning during a live interview on Busted Open on SiriusXM.
The signing marks a homecoming for Elayna, who began wrestling in 2018 and made her first TNA appearance in 2019.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Elayna trained under Bryce Benjamin, Isaias Velasquez and TNA’s own Mustafa Ali – dropping out of school at age 15 to pursue her wrestling career full-time.
She has enjoyed success around the world, including an acclaimed death match in 2020.
Joining WWE NXT brand in 2021, using the name Cora Jade, Elayna won the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship and made history by becoming the youngest-ever NXT WarGames competitor – a match where she famously executed a high-risk dive from the top of the steel cage.
She was introduced as TNA Wrestling’s newest Knockout on January 15 during the premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC and now has her sights set on the prestigious TNA Knockouts World Championship.
In addition to wrestling, Elayna has appeared in Machine Gun Kelly’s music videos, walked in Los Angeles Fashion Week, and is a devoted dog mom to two Goldendoodles.
Fans can see Elayna Black on Thursday Night iMPACT! every week at 9/8c on AMC and AMC+ (US), Sportsnet 360 (Canada), and TNA+ (worldwide).
TNA Wrestling is coming to Nashville, Tennessee at The Pinnacle on February 13-14; Atlanta, Georgia at the GICC Arena on March 5-6; and New Orleans, Louisiana at the Alario Center on March 27-28. See TNAWrestling.com for ticket details.
” – TNA Wrestling Announcement
