TNA Gets Advice From WWE Hall Of Famer After Lackluster AMC Debut

TNA debuted on AMC with IMPACT on January 15.

Many viewers felt that the episode fell flat amid the hype that had been created since details about the promotion’s new television deal came to light.

The show opened with future Hall of Famer AJ Styles, who was later featured in two backstage segments with Frankie Kazarian and Mike Santana that were as awkward as they could get.

The promotion also booked only 3 matches, which was a lot fewer than what it should have been, considering the magnitude of the occasion.

Many viewers also complained about the number of adverts, as they took up more than 30 minutes of the airtime.

During a recent episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff imparted a few tips while pointing out what went wrong for TNA. He made it clear that the talent was not to be blamed.

I would just tighten up the format. I would tighten it up. 

I’d reduce the amount of, you know, backstage promos—because they don’t have that many people who are that good at it, nor do they have producers that know how to produce it, apparently.

Bischoff further advised the company to focus on in-ring action and match storytelling because that is what the audience attends the tapings for.

If you can’t do it well, don’t do it. Better to do something else. Mostly I would just tighten up that format and look for ways to minimize weaknesses and enhance the strength of your talent. [H/T: Ringside News]

Mike Santana Became The 2-Time TNA World Champion

Mike Santana had been feuding with Frankie Kazarian since losing the TNA World Championship on the November 13, 2025, episode of IMPACT.

A rematch was finalized between the two veterans for the January 15 taping.

The main event bout witnessed intense action, as Santana and Kazarian traded hard-hitting offenses on each other.

In the closing minutes, Santana hit his Spin the Block clothesline, only for Kazarian to kick out. The 34-year-old followed it up with another clothesline, this time for the win.

In a return match, Santana defeated Kazarian in a Texas Death Match at Genesis on January 17.