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Masha Slamovich, the reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion, is at home talking about TNA this week. After all, she's in her native New York City to talk about TNA's resurgence, upcoming events and future matches now that she's solidified her role as the definitive Knockout, leading the promotion's women's division.
Being a proud New Yorker from Queens, Masha is especially excited about TNA’s Slammiversary event in the New York metropolitan area. She recalls her last appearance in New York as part of TNA back in 2019 when she wrestled Havoc. Masha says, "The last time that I was in a TNA ring in New York was in 2019 when I wrestled Havoc on a TNA or like an impact at the time episode." She adds that it’s been a while since TNA has been in New York, and she's thrilled for the event to bring a larger audience: "I'm really excited for TNA to be back in New York city with a much larger audience."
Having watched TNA evolve over the past few years, Masha emphasizes how rewarding it is to see the company’s growth from taping episodes in one location to hitting the road once again, alongside the burgeoning relationship with NXT. She credits the company’s rise to the tireless efforts of the roster, staff, and wrestlers, stating, “Every single night that I'm at TNA, I see not only myself, but like you said, everyone else on the roster putting their best foot forward, their best self forward, and everyone's been putting on awesome matches." Masha continues, “The more we get to share that with the world and the more we get to put that in front of a bigger audience, the better it is for everyone.”
Slamovich has fully embraced her role as the focal point of the Knockouts division, and she’s proud of how far she’s come. Reflecting on the last year, Masha admits that holding the Knockouts Championship has been a journey of growth. She says, “It has brought the best out of me as a wrestler and as a person, and I really look forward to growing and representing both myself, the company, and the title to the best of my abilities in and out of the ring.” She also believes that everything happens for a reason, stating, “I think that everything in life happens exactly when it's supposed to, and right now is the perfect time for me to be where I'm at.”
Masha’s next challenge comes at Sacrifice on 3/14, where she’ll defend her Knockouts Championship against NXT’s Cora Jade. While Masha says she looks forward to the match, she went into promo mode, noting “I look forward to beating Cora Jade" before reflecting on the TNA-NXT relationship, noting she is excited to see how the two companies continue to build momentum together and believes the growing partnership will only benefit everyone involved. “I’m really excited to see it grow. And more and more people from both sides are getting involved and the stories are getting more tied together. And it's really awesome to see.”
Another big storyline surrounding Masha is her eventual showdown with Tessa Blanchard. While Masha looks forward to sharing the ring with Tessa, she’s also eager to face a growing list of talented new Knockouts joining the roster. Masha says, “I look forward to sharing a ring with Tessa the same way I look forward to sharing a ring with the growing number of new Knockouts who have joined our roster, who I haven't had the chance to wrestle yet.” She adds, “It’s once again exciting for me to see new people and new faces coming in, which just means that I will have more opportunities to defend the title and put on some really awesome matches.”
Masha reflected on how her confidence has helped her navigate the challenges of her career. From her early matches in Japan to becoming TNA Knockouts Champion, she’s thrived under pressure. She confidently says, “I've always thought of myself as a person who strives, performs well under pressure. And I really think that's something that's been really consistent across the course of my career." She believes that the more pressure she faces, the better she becomes, adding, “I think the more pressure that's applied on me, the more I am able to be my best. What is it that Diamonds are created under pressure? And I definitely think that's rang true for me and will continue to ring true.”
Masha also touched once again on her dream match she’s long wanted with Meiko Satomura, expressing that she still hopes to share the ring with the legendary wrestler one day soon before the Japanese legend retires. Masha says, “100%. That is definitely a match that I have on my bucket list. And I feel like the time for that match to take place is running out. Anyone across the world, anywhere, hello, please, book the match.” She adds, “Let us gift the world something great.”
With Rebellion in Los Angeles, Sacrifice in El Paso, and Slammiversary at the UBS Arena in Long Island, Masha noted the thrill of performing in larger venues. She recalls the electric atmosphere of past shows and how the larger crowds heighten the energy and excitement for both performers and fans alike. “Like you said, the electricity and that excitement that you can feel from the audience is something that I really, I look forward to. I look forward to that energy right before you walk out through the curtain.” She continues, “It feels like there's little milestones where you keep building and you keep hitting them. And the energy is something that I hope a lot of people get to experience, even in the audience from each other.”
When asked about her proudest moment, Masha cites her victory at Bound for Glory when she won the Knockouts Championship as a major milestone in her career. Reflecting on the win, she says, “The journey was leading to, and it was a moment where I could stop and take the accomplishment and just enjoy it. And then continue to grow and build myself.” When asked about Jordan Grace’s legacy, Masha makes it clear that she is focusing on her own journey. “I don't compare myself to her or anybody else...this is just the chapter of Masha Slamovich.”
Masha also discusses the recent buzz surrounding WWE veteran Natalya, who has publicly stated her desire to challenge Masha for the Knockouts Championship. Masha is aware of Natalya’s challenge and even recently trained with her in the famed Hart Dungeon, making it clear that she’s excited for the opportunity to face one of WWE’s best in the future. “I think we both would safely say that we look forward to sharing a ring together again, and hope that it will be for the title match somewhere around the world.”
Masha is also thrilled about TNA’s upcoming involvement in WrestleMania week in Las Vegas for Unbreakable. She looks forward to being part of the action during one of the most anticipated weekends in professional wrestling. “Mania week is obviously another one of those wrestling events that everybody looks forward to yearly...I'm really looking forward to this show.”
Masha’s message to fans, both old and new, now is the time to start watching TNA. “Listen, try again, because even a year ago, it was completely different than it is now.” She urged fans to give TNA another chance, adding, “Take a look, and I guarantee you, there's something for every single person that we offer at TNA.”
For more on TNA, visit www.TNAWrestling.com. Click here to order tickets to upcoming events.
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