TNA iMPACT! Review - September 18, 2025

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Mustafa Ali def. Brian Myers

I was actually looking forward to this match because both of these guys are talented, but it was cut short fairly quickly, unfortunately. The focus was on the post-match angle with Santino Marella announcing that it will be The System vs. Order 4 in Hardcore War at Bound for Glory. As we found out recently, Ali will battle Moose at Victory Road before then.

Judas Icarus def. Eric Young

Young attacked both Icarus and Travis Williams on last week's episode, but I wasn't sure if that indeed marked the end of The Northern Armory or if he was just showing them tough love. Well, we found out here it was the former. The match was fine, but I'm not sure the crowd knew who to cheer for. Joe Hendry distracting Young and costing him the win was simple stuff.

The Elegance Brand (TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions M by Elegance, Heather by Elegance and TNA Knockouts World Champion Ash by Elegance) def. The IInspiration and Masha Slamovich

This was a logical match to do with Ash defending against Slamovich and The IInspiration getting another TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship against Heather and M, both at Victory Road. This was a good match, but I didn't understand the outcome. Unless the babyfaces win next Friday night (and I don't think they will), why not give them the momentum boost here?

TNA International Champion Steve Maclin Saved Mr. Anderson from Frankie Kazarian and Jake Something on The King's Speech

As he said himself, it's been over nine years since Anderson last appeared in TNA, so it was really cool to see him back in his home town, even if this was just a one-off. WWE Royal Rumble imminent? Okay, I kid, but a guy can dream. The segment itself was solid and accomplished what it needed to as far as building toward Maclin vs. Kazarian for the TNA International Championship at Victory Road.

Indi Hartwell def. Dani Luna by Disqualification

I'm surprised this wasn't saved for Victory Road, but then again, maybe we do get it there after all given the non-finish here. The match was decent up until that point. Luna's attack on Hartwell was well done. She's off to a strong start as a heel, so hopefully they can capitalize on it. I doubt she beats Hartwell since Hartwell is challenging for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Bound for Glory, but she can still end up on the Bound for Glory card if she faces Jody Threat.

Mike Santana def. AZM

AZM trash-talked Santana before Santana made his entrance and proceeded to squash him within seconds. I don't it'd be a stretch to say that AZM's promo lasted longer than the match did. Hey, no complaints. Randomly, Ridge Holland showed up afterward to lay out Santana. I couldn't tell you the last time I saw Holland on NXT TV, but sure, let's dust him off so Santana has another roadblock to overcome, I guess.

TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys def. The Nemeths

This is another match I figured they'd want to hold off on until Victory Road, but it seems like they wanted to get it over with so The Hardys can have their face-off with Team 3D on next week's episode and establish that their bout at Bound for Glory will be for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. This was an enjoyable main event and Matt Cardona factoring into the finish furthered his feud with The Nemeths.

Overall Show

There isn't a ton of time between Victory Road and Bound for Glory, so I appreciate that they're not wasting time in announcing matches for both events. All in all, this was a thumbs-up edition of iMPACT!. It was effective as well as entertaining, and the surprise return of Mr. Anderson was a welcome treat. There was barely any talk of TNA potentially invading NXT next Tuesday, but I can virtually guarantee that's what's happening.

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