Various: Three New Matches & More Qualify for Ultimate X Match at TNA Emergence 2024, Afa Anoa’i Health in Dire Situation & Rumors of His Passing Debunked, Indies

Aug 15, 2024

Three New Matches & Two More Qualify for Ultimate X Match at TNA Emergence 2024

TNA Wrestling announced three new matches for the card of their TNA Emergence 2024 event, which takes place on August 30th at the Old Forester’s Paristown Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.

The first new match announced was a TNA World Championship 1-Hour Iron Man match of Josh Alexander vs. Nic Nemeth (c).

BREAKING: @NicTNemeth will defend the TNA World Championship against @Walking_Weapon in a ONE HOUR Iron Man Match at #TNAEmergence LIVE Friday August 30 on TNA+!

Get tickets and be there LIVE: https://t.co/LoHD9Rg8B1 pic.twitter.com/tXbvcFYlTt
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 16, 2024

The second new match announced was a Knockouts Six-Women Tag Team match of Jordynne Grace & Spitfire (Jody Threat & Dani Luna) vs. Ash By Elegance, Alisha Edwards, & Masha Slamovich.

BREAKING: @JordynneGrace, @JodyThreat and @DaniLuna_pro will face @Ashamae_Sebera, @MrsAIPAlisha and @mashaslamovich at #TNAEmergence LIVE Friday August 30 on TNA+!

Get tickets and be there LIVE: https://t.co/LoHD9Rg8B1 pic.twitter.com/gCQsbY5lJC
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 16, 2024

The third new match announced was a singles match of Matt Cardona vs. PCO.

Besides the three new matches, Thursday’s TNA Impact! show featured NXT talent Riley Osborne and Jason Hotch officially qualifying for the Ultimate X match. Osborne qualified after defeating Chris Bey and John Skyler in a Three-way Qualifier match and Hotch qualified after defeated Ace Austin and Rich Swann in a Three-way Qualifier match.

Current card for August 30th TNA Emergence 2024:

TNA World Championship 1-Hour Iron Man match – Josh Alexander vs. Nic Nemeth (c)
TNA X-Division Championship Ultimate X match – Zachary Wentz vs. Riley Osborne vs. Jason Hotch vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey (c)
Knockouts Six-Women Tag Team match – Jordynne Grace & Spitfire (Jody Threat & Dani Luna) vs. Ash By Elegance, Alisha Edwards, & Masha Slamovich
Matt Cardona vs. PCO

Afa Anoa’i Health in Dire Situation

As noted before, WWE Hall of Famer Afa The Wild Samoan, real name Afa Anoa’i, suffered a fractured back injury following a fall incident this past March and underwent successful surgery this past June. Besides the back injury, Anoa’i has also been dealing with heart-related issues since this past January.

Samu Anoa’i provided an update on Facebook on Thursday revealing that his father’s health situation has become dire and he is nearing the end of his life.

“As we embark on your final journey home, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and guidance you have bestowed upon us throughout our lives. We find solace in knowing that you will soon be reunited with the Lord Jesus, your parents, siblings, and friends who have gone before us. We have no doubt that you will establish a Wild Samoan training center in the sky, bringing us all together once again. We believe in the power of your love and legacy, and we will continue to honor it in all that we do.
Respectfully yours
Big Sam Anoa’i.
The oldest cousin of the Bloodline clan.”

In an official statement, Anoa’i’s daughter stated that the rumors of his passing are not true and confirmed that he is still alive.

“Afa Anoa’i has not passed away. Afa’s daughter has released a statement confirming that he is alive, and she urges everyone not to believe any news unless it comes directly from the family.
This situation serves as a reminder to always verify information from reliable sources, especially when it concerns someone as beloved and respected as Afa. We are relieved to hear that the news was incorrect and continue to send our best wishes to Afa and his family.
The photo we are sharing today comes from one of Afa’s mentees, Sal Corrente. Afa’s influence in the wrestling world, as a mentor and a friend, is profound, and we are grateful for the positive impact he continues to have on so many lives.
Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate Afa’s incredible legacy and the many ways he has inspired those around him. Our thoughts are with the Anoa’i family, and we will continue to support them with respect and care.”

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

Game Changer Wrestling announced this past Wednesday that they had pulled Maki Itoh from their You Only Die Once event in Tokyo, Japan due to her recently suffering an injury. Itoh provided an update on Thursday on Twitter stating that she had suffered a broken bone injury in her arm.

Former TNA/Impact Wrestling talent ODB recently stated on Twitter that she is currently ready to make her return to wrestling. ODB stated “ODB is Ready, Where would you want to see ODB????#TNA #ROH #AEW #NXT #WWE #ODB“

Major League Wrestling announced that they have pulled Davey Boy Smith Jr. from their Opera Cup 2024 tournament due to him recently suffering an injury. It was also announced that TJP will be replacing Smith Jr. for his scheduled Quarterfinal Round match against “Filthy” Tom Lawlor at their Summer of the Beasts event on August 29th in New York City, New York.

MLW also announced that The Andersons (Brock Anderson & CW Anderson) will be making their official debut for the company at their Summer of the Beats event on August 29th in New York City.

MLW reportedly recently signed MLW Featherweight Champion Janai Kai to a new contract with the company, according to Fightful Select.

Pro Wrestling NOAH announced that Daiki Odashima will be making his official in-ring debut for the company at their September 14th event in Tokyo, Japan.

Thursday’s G1 Climax 2024 event for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Chiba, Japan featured Shingo Takagi defeating Great-O-Khan and Yota Tsuji defeating Konosuke Takeshita in First Round Playoff matches. As a result of their victories, Takagi will be facing off against Zack Sabre Jr. and Tsuji will be facing off against David Finaly in the Semifinal round of this year’s tournament.

NJPW announced two new matches for the card of their Capital Collision 2024 event on August 30th in Washington, D.C.: