By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
TNA is advertising the following matches and events for tonight’s TNA Impact television show.
-Mike Bailey vs. Rich Swann for the X Division Title
-Jordynne Grace vs. Ash by Elegance in a Match By Elegance for the Knockouts Title
-TNA Champion Nic Nemeth and Josh Alexander face-off before their TNA Title match at Emergence
-Hammerstone vs. Eric Young
-Eddie Edwards vs. Mike Santana
-Joe Hendry vs. Brian Myers
-TNA Tag Team Champions Ace Austin and Chris Bey vs. Cody Deaner and Jake Something in a non-title match
Powell’s POV: TNA Impact airs Thursdays on AXS TV and TNA+ at 7CT/8ET. AXS replays the show at 10CT/11ET. John Moore’s weekly TNA Impact reviews are available on Fridays along with my TNA Impact Hit List and exclusive audio reviews for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons).
Jason, I’m curious with what’s gone down with Rich Swann, is that match even going to air? And if it does how do they explain it? And if it doesn’t, how do they explain it? Just nosy here.
Nothing to explain. It’s a taped show and the arrest incident hasn’t received much attention outside of the pro wrestling world, so there was no real pressure on them to pull the match. There’s a Cleveland Browns rookie who was arrested on a domestic violence charge earlier this month. He missed practice the day he was arrested and returned the next day. He’s also played in their preseason games since there. There was some media attention and pushback, but it’s not like it’s been a major story. I’m not condoning any of this. I’m just saying that from a PR standpoint, TNA wasn’t really at risk of a strong backlash. Swann’s alleged actions are sad and strange, but fortunately no one was hurt. I suspect TNA would have taken a different approach he had gotten physical with someone.