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One week after TNA Wrestling officially returned to a major cable platform, the promotion finds itself in a unique situation, yet again. They return live tonight on AMC with the second episode of Thursday Night Impact, a chance to course-correct what didn't work last week and build upon what did, including Mike Santana defeating Frankie Kazarian in the main event to reclaim the TNA Championship, becoming a two-time titleholder and the face of the company’s new era.
There is work to be done, something Santana isn't afraid of leaning into. After all, that's been the story of his TNA run, grinding away and doing the work to excel and bring himself forward, as a wrestler, a father, and a man.
No matter the critical response last week, the premiere still began pouring the foundation for TNA on the network and there are aspects to be appreciated and celebrated. For the first time in over a decade, the company aired live on a major network, a milestone that Santana describes as transformational not only for himself, but for the entire locker room.
“Thursday was a pivotal moment,” Santana said. “not just for myself, but for the company as a whole. We haven’t been on a major network in over ten years, and the fact that we got to that point, and just the excitement behind it — not just from the fans, but everyone across the board. The locker room, the higher-ups, everybody, it was a good time live. That energy, man… it’s hard to explain. It was palpable. It felt like a soda bottle ready to burst."
That energy translated directly into the ring. Santana’s championship bout with Kazarian was easily the best thing on the show and was followed just two nights later by Santana headlining TNA Genesis in a physical Texas Death Match. The back-to-back main events underscored TNA’s confidence in Santana as its leading figure.
The match with Kazarian carried personal significance for both men. Santana described it as a “love letter” to professional wrestling and to TNA itself, incorporating tributes to mentors and peers who shaped their careers.
"We brought out a lot of tributes to guys we came up with, guys who were mentors to us. Frankie and I have a lot of history together. We were both in very similar places in our careers and our lives. We had just lost our dads around the same time, so we really connected through that. We both bet on ourselves, went through the process, and got to main-event the very first TNA show on AMC. That was nothing short of amazing. Then, two days later, having to main-event the Genesis pay-per-view, a lot of work, a lot of pressure. But we’ve both been around a long time, and it was just like, “Let’s do what we do best.” And here we are.
Beyond their professional history, the two share a deeper bond, having both lost their fathers around the same time, a connection that strengthened their resolve to bet on themselves and reach the highest level of the industry.
One of the most talked-about moments of the AMC premiere occurred with AJ Styles' appearances on the show, including a touching backstage segment with Santana. Styles, widely regarded as the first true franchise player in TNA history, offering his endorsement in what was obviously designed to be a symbolic passing of the torch.
"When AJ came out to open the show," Santana commented, "It was like, “That’s it. It’s a wrap. There’s no going back. That moment meant the world to me. AJ is my ultimate dream match. To share a moment with him, knowing how much that era of TNA inspired me, was incredibly special. I grew up watching that era of TNA, and even before that, AJ Styles and Amazing Red as ROH Tag Team Champions, having those crazy matches. To share that moment with him was a huge deal. And I’m still not letting go of that dream. I want that match. Hopefully, we can make it happen. For the title or just in general, I want to step in the ring with AJ Styles and have the honor of being one of his last matches."
As champion, Santana now assumes a responsibility he has long pursued: carrying the company on the road and serving as its primary ambassador. With major live events in Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans set to go on sale next week, Santana is focused on delivering compelling, emotionally grounded storytelling that resonates with fans.
"This is a position I’ve worked my ass off for. I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen. It’s a team effort, but my focus is telling compelling stories. That’s what draws people in. My personal journey is part of that story. It’s about capitalizing on it and letting fans connect to it. I’m excited. It’s a new challenge, a new obstacle, and I’m all about it."
That journey has not been without setbacks. After leaving AEW and returning to TNA, Santana made it clear that his objective was to redefine himself as a singles competitor and become the promotion’s top star. Achieving that goal, he says, required patience, consistency, and personal growth.
“I earned every opportunity,” Santana reflected. “It was a slow burn, but it allowed fans to connect with my story. My dad used to say, ‘The top of one mountain is the bottom of another,’ and that’s how I approach this. There’s no complacency.”
Santana’s evolution has been particularly evident in his promo work, which has drawn praise for its authenticity and emotional intensity. He credits his growth to embracing his real-life struggles, including his journey to sobriety, and channeling them into his performances.
"There’s always room for improvement, but I know who I am now," reflected Santana. "I’ve found my voice. I use my pain, my struggles, my real-life experiences. Before I got sober, I used those things as excuses. Now they’re my superpower. The fans know I’m not bullshitting them. I speak from the heart."
TNA returns live this Thursday at 9:00 PM Eastern from the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marking Santana’s first televised appearance as champion in front of a live crowd. For Santana, the moment represents both a culmination and a beginning. It will also continue the story of Nic Nemeth's pursuit of the new champion.
“The best is still ahead,” Santana promised. “I’m just getting started.”
Mike Santana appears every Thursday night on Impact airing live on AMC. TNA events and premium content are available via the TNA+ streaming platform.
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