During a recent surge in popularity, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) has boldly declared its intention to secure the number two position in professional wrestling, directly challenging AEW’s Tony Khan. This ambition was articulated amid TNA’s recent WWE invasion storyline and comes as the promotion is gaining momentum.
TNA, based in Nashville, has been steadily rebuilding its reputation through compelling matches and engaging narratives, including a high-profile invasion angle on WWE NXT. Fans have noted that this approach channels the spirit of TNA’s earlier days when it stood as the primary alternative to World Wrestling Entertainment. Santino Marella, TNA’s on-screen Director of Authority, is among the strongest voices expressing confidence in the promotion’s path to becoming the top contender behind WWE.
Santino Marella’s Views on TNA’s Growth and Ambitions
In an interview with Lucha Libre Online, Santino Marella reflected on the progress TNA has made in recent years, emphasizing the steady rise in audience numbers and the promotion’s ability to consistently attract sold-out crowds. Marella highlighted that the company’s performances are stronger than ever, attributing this to the team’s collective belief and dedication during more challenging times when attendance was much lower.
Marella outlined TNA’s plan to leverage this momentum at the upcoming Bound For Glory event in Lowell, Massachusetts. He expressed optimism that this event would signify a new chapter for TNA, sending a clear message to the professional wrestling industry about the promotion’s serious intentions.
TNA’s Challenge to AEW and Tony Khan
While acknowledging the considerable financial resources of AEW’s owner Tony Khan, Marella asserted that fan support ultimately defines the ranking of wrestling promotions more than monetary backing. He openly declared TNA’s aim to surpass AEW and claim the position of WWE’s closest competitor as entirely attainable.
“Yeah, it’s incredible. People from TNA in the past are happy for us, and the current locker room is ecstatic about the growth. When I came here, it was not like this. Sometimes we were in Nashville or even in Toronto with 350 to 500 people, but we believed in ourselves. Now we have the audience size that feels right, and we deliver every time. Every time we’ve had a sold-out crowd, we’ve never had a bad show. We’ve never wasted an opportunity, and Lowell, Massachusetts, Bound for Glory is going to be another one. We’re going to capitalize on that audience. We’re going to send the message out to the wrestling world: we’re here, we’re knocking on the door, and you better look out. Once we get that TV deal, we’re number two. I know Tony Khan has lots of money, I get it. But the fans speak. The fans dictate who’s number one, number two, or number three. not your bank account. Of course, WWE is number one. They’re so far ahead we’ll never catch them in my lifetime. But number two is attainable. Number two is really something we can do, and if we accomplish that, it’s humongous.”
Santino Marella’s remarks reveal a platform of resilience, as he contrasts the current flourishing state of TNA with its earlier struggles in cities like Nashville and Toronto, where attendance barely hit 350 to 500. His confidence stems from the growing fanbase and the promotion’s consistent high-quality shows, which he believes set the stage for TNA’s leap forward.
The Impact of WWE Invasion and What Lies Ahead for TNA
The recent invasion storyline on WWE NXT has further increased TNA’s visibility in the wrestling world, sparking renewed interest from fans and critics alike. This angle not only pays homage to TNA’s legacy but also sets the stage for potential growth as the promotion gains more eyeballs on its creative direction.
Securing a television deal remains a crucial milestone for TNA’s aspirations. Marella suggests that once this is achieved, the company will firmly establish itself as the second-largest wrestling promotion. However, the wrestling landscape remains competitive, and only time will determine whether TNA can sustain its momentum and realize its goal of overtaking AEW.
For now, TNA is positioning itself to rise from its roots and challenge the industry’s status quo with passion and determination, and the wrestling community will be watching closely as this story unfolds at Bound For Glory and beyond.
