Various: Josh Alexander Reflects on His Time in TNA, Hammerstone to Make In-Ring Return from Knee Injury This Weekend, NJPW Announces IWGP World Title Matches for Windy City Riot & Resurgence 2025 Events, Indies/Misc.

Feb 13, 2025

Josh Alexander Reflects on His Time in TNA Following His Farewell Match on Thursday’s Impact! Show

Thursday’s TNA Impact! show featured Eric Young defeating Josh Alexander in a singles match in the main event of the show. This match was notable for being Alexander’s farewell match in TNA due to his contract expiring on Friday.

Following the show, Alexander reflected on Twitter about his time and career in TNA coming to a close.

“LINE CROSSED —
In February of 2019 I stepped foot in the ring (for a local independent promotion), much like I had hundreds of times before over the previous 14 years. It was in my hometown of Toronto, Canada. I was surrounded by friends, family and about 500 loyal Canadian fans. Most of which had seen me over the years give everything I had every time I stepped into the squared circle. That night, after my successful title defense in the main event, I walked through the curtain and heard Scott D’Amore calling me back to the ring.
As I walked back down the ramp, I had a feeling what this could possibly mean. Flooded with emotions, I got in the ring. A few minutes later, I was a signed, contracted TNA talent. I never asked Scott (or anyone) for an opportunity, a contract or quite frankly anything over the years. Perhaps I’m stubborn, but I always felt like my work, attitude and professionalism would speak for itself.
I’ve always idolized Kurt Angle (duh), Eddie Guerrero, Aj Styles, Samoa Joe and so many others. Like them, I wanted to be the best. Being the best to me didn’t mean I made the most money, it didn’t mean I was the most recognizable star. It was never about “fame” to me, and still isn’t to this day. I just wanted to wrestle and earn the respect of my peers. That being said, I felt like I had more than earned an opportunity to get a contract in wrestling on that cold February evening in 2019.
As they say, then the work began. I showed up in TNA and because of my time over the previous 14 years, I’d already had the trust of many in the locker room. They knew I was capable, coachable, reliable and was willing to go out and at the very least, give everything I had to do whatever my job was that night.
Within 3 months, myself and Ethan Page, now known as “The North”, captured tag team gold. We were driven, we wanted to climb up the card. We knew that as a tag team we complimented each other, and were creative enough to showcase ourselves in any situation (ex: Handicap match vs. Willie Mack HTK 2020 is a personal favorite).
By the end of 2020, Ethan’s contract had come to an end. With a year left on my contract, I was left to sink or swim. With no plan for me, I remember begging for a pre-show match on Hard To Kill 2021. I was granted my wish, and that night I opened the show versus Brian Myers in a losing effort. That night, in the early goings of that match, I broke my heel. The next day at tapings with my foot swollen and black, I powered on, not wanting to tell anyone I was hurt. This was due to two things; 1) I didn’t want to begin my singles run by being shelved and 2) I was struggling to make ends meet to keep food on the table for my young growing family. The reality of not wrestling and getting paid (I was on a per date contract at the time) was not an option.
By April when Rebellion rolled around, I was announced in a 3-way match for the X-Division Title. I showed up that day and to my surprise I was slated to win. I was honestly shocked. I didn’t have communication with anyone at this time, outside at shows or tapings. Again, I never pried or asked what I was doing either. I put my trust in Tommy, Robert, Scott, and everyone in Creative. This was truly a dream come true. I went on to have a run defending that championship with showcase matches that helped solidify my place amongst the best in the company, thanks to my opponents. (TJP, Jake Something and Chris Sabin were among my personal highlights).
Around August, I was doing NJPW Strong in California and Scott D’Amore asked to meet. This is where we talked about me possibly re-signing. Honestly, when Ethan left, I figured that in a year, I’d just follow him to AEW so we could showcase “The North” versus a gang of new opponents. Some years back, a friend had given me a book by Malcolm Gladwell called “Blink” and it really inspired me to follow my gut. Well in talking that day, I really felt that staying with TNA for another 3 years to be coached/mentored by the veterans in the company I was surrounded by, would benefit me in the long run.
Soon after that I was told I’d be invoking “Option C” – which meant relinquishing my X-Division title and challenging Christian Cage for the TNA World Championship in the main event of Bound For Glory, what I consider to be our biggest show of the year. Now I have to pause for a second to better help you understand. I’m very confident in my ability when that bell rings, doesn’t matter who I’m in there with. I had worked for years making every mistake imaginable and learning from each one, to get to this point. But growing up as a 300lb kid, who was never considered good at much of anything, really made me question my ability to be the “top guy”. I’ve always wrestled with my heart, because I love this, because when I do it, it feels right and I feel fulfilled. But as the pressure grew, the doubt crept back in for the first time, in a very long time. I honestly don’t think I’d have been able to rise to the occasion without my wife reassuring me that I did in fact belong or was ready for the moment (more.).
That night at BFG, I defeated Christian Cage and brought the TNA World Championship home where it belonged – only to lose it to Moose before I had time to put it around my waist. The blowback online from fans around the world was exactly what TNA wanted in making Moose the biggest heel possible. But in all honesty, it was a great confidence boost for me to realize that in the fans eyes I belonged in the hunt.
About 6 months later, after tons of sick matches with the likes of Minoru Suzuki, the now Bronson Reed, and many others, I felt like I was ready. I reclaimed the TNA World Championship from Moose in the main event of Rebellion (one of my favourite matches ever). That night, my son Jett walked me to the ring, and my wife Jade strapped that championship around my waist in the middle of the ring. I will never, ever forget that moment. I got to share my passion, my love for wrestling, with the ones I love most. My wife and son are my family, but I got to share them with my extended family of fans that had seen me scratch and claw my way to the very top of this company.
How do you repay a company that lets you do that? The only way I knew how, was to try and have the best matches I could every single time I stepped into the ring. I nearly died on I-95 driving to Cincinnati for my first defense against Ishii. My car was totalled, but I wasn’t missing that shit for anything. I had so many title defenses against so many people I respected. I am so grateful, as I became a better wrestler because of every single match. Thank you Eddie, Shelley, EY, Frankie, Speedball, Swann, Doering and many many more.
My historic reign was sadly cut short because of injury. See, when you wrestle like I do, 100% every single time, something bad is bound to happen. I tore my tricep and after nearly a year as champion, I had to relinquish my title.
I was gutted. All I wanted to do was the same thing that was done for me by Christian Cage and Moose, and pass it off the right way and God-willing, help “make” whoever took it along the way. But that never happened.
After 4 months and a shitload of obsessive work, I returned 3-4 months early from tricep surgery. My sole focus was to get back to where I had been and get that TNA World Championship back to finish what I started. But wrestling is weird. It’s always moving. There are 100 different pieces on the board and it doesn’t revolve around any one single person. So it never came to be… It’s not a regret, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a disappointment.
That’s life I suppose.
What I was able to do was continue being part of the best locker room in the world. I’m wired different y’all. People in this business think I’m crazy. I’ve said this many times – but if you haven’t heard… every-time you buy a ticket to see me, you’re going to get my absolute best whether there are 5, 500, or 5000 in attendance. So many people in that TNA locker room share that rare quality, it’s amazing.
I had two stand out matches with Will Ospreay, I had a trio with Alex Hammerstone, a couple intense ones with Steve Maclin and for the finale, I had an “I Quit” match versus Mike Santana that I’m very proud of.
My 6 years in TNA have been amazing. I’ve made lifelong friends and people I call family. I was able to travel the world with my wife when she joined the company as their Ring Announcer for a couple of years. My 6 year old son Jett, has grown up only knowing that his dad is a TNA wrestler. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I got here to show what I could do. I am also eternally grateful for the mentoring and coaching that was so freely given to me over the years. I wouldn’t be half the wrestler I am today, without it.
I love you all: from production, talent and to most importantly, the fans. Thank you for giving this man with a dream, a chance to find himself. I know who I am now and I know what I’m capable of – and to be quite honest, that’s ANYTHING. I’m a killer, and whatever I lack in God-given athletic ability, I more than make up for with a ruthless work ethic and passion to be the best.
On June 19, 2002 I rushed home from work with a friend, to watch the very first episode of TNA. I was 15, and seeing AJ Styles and Low Ki, truly inspired me to actually pursue this. I hope my matches live on forever in your memory like they will mine. But decades from now, even if they don’t, my only hope is that maybe some 15 year old kid tuned into something I did, and was inspired to follow their impossible dreams as well.
Thank you for all the memories. If it all ended today I’d be more than satisfied and that’s because of all of you. I will be eternally grateful for TNA and carry TNA with me in my heart for the rest of my career.
Josh Alexander
P.S.
I can’t write all this and not thank
– Lance Storm for everything! Being my agent most of the past 3 years, guiding me and always being honest. Cracker Barrel 4 Life!
– D’Lo Brown for believing in me, guiding me and encouraging me when you could tell I was struggling.
– Jody Threat for making me a proud coach/trainer and always tagging in to watch my boys when I had to go out and work.
– Scott D’Amore for taking a chance on me after so many had passed on me over the years. For challenging me to get out of my comfort zone. For always being real. For trusting me to deliver. Your love and passion for this after 30+ years is inspiring and infectious.
– Team Friendship Bracelet, y’all know who you are. Brothers forever.

Around August, I was doing NJPW Strong in California and Scott D’Amore asked to meet. This is where we talked about me possibly re-signing. Honestly, when Ethan left, I figured that in a year, I’d just follow him to AEW so we could showcase "The North" versus a gang of new… pic.twitter.com/cYj2dtaaVm
— Josh Alexander (@Walking_Weapon) February 14, 2025

On June 19, 2002 I rushed home from work with a friend, to watch the very first episode of TNA. I was 15, and seeing AJ Styles and Low Ki, truly inspired me to actually pursue this. I hope my matches live on forever in your memory like they will mine. But decades from now, even… pic.twitter.com/zeFIYxiAPA
— Josh Alexander (@Walking_Weapon) February 14, 2025

Hammerstone Provides Update on Knee Injury Recovery, In-Ring Return Set for Feb. 16th Destiny Wrestling Event

As noted before, Hammerstone has been out of action for TNA Wrestling since this past November due to a knee injury and surgery.

Hammerstone provided an update this past Wednesday on Twitter about his recovery from his injury and surgery.

“Training legs is still super frustrating. The amount of pain in my knee that I just have to accept and fight through is indescribable… but I refuse to let it stop me: 7 weeks post surgery. 4 plate hack.”

Training legs is still super frustrating.

The amount of pain in my knee that I just have to accept and fight through is indescribable… but I refuse to let it stop me:

7 weeks post surgery. 4 plate hack pic.twitter.com/2Wi9xsgAl0
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) February 13, 2025

In regards to an in-ring return date for Hammerstone, Destiny Wrestling recently announced that Hammerstone will be competing at their upcoming Fearless 2025 event on Sunday, February 16th in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It was announced that Hammerstone will be defending his Destiny World Championship against Donovan Dijak at the event.

This Sunday at FEARLESS. Destiny World Champion and TNA Star @alexhammerstone put his Destiny Title on the line against former WWE Superstar @DijakFYE . Who would come out on top as these 2 Giants Battle it out In Oshawa at the Bond St Entertainment Centre.

Tickets still… pic.twitter.com/9ugBEj7Dpa
— Destiny Wrestling (@DestinyWrestle) February 12, 2025

NJPW Announces IWGP World Title Matches for Windy City Riot 2025 & Resurgence 2025 Events

New Japan Pro Wrestling recently announced that their upcoming Windy City Riot 2025 event on April 11th in Chicago, Illinois and their Resurgence 2025 event on May 9th in Ontario, California will both be featuring an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match for their cards.

NJPW official website:

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to be defended in the US this spring!
Title matches to take place in Chicago and Ontario
Huge events are coming up for NJPW in the United States this spring! With tickets already flying for Windy City Riot in Chicago’s Wintrust Arena April , and set to go on sale Friday for Resurgence in Ontario California’s Toyota Arena May 9, now fans have even more to get excited about.
Both events will see the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship defended! In the case of Windy City Riot, whomever the champion will be will have to go from a title match on April 5 at Sakura Genesis, where the New Japan Cup winner will face the champion, to a defence a mere six days later in Chicago. That was an ill fate for Tetsuya Naito last year, as he defended the gold against Yota Tsuji only to fall in defeat to Jon Moxley in the Wintrust Arena.
In May, another sharp turnaround from Dontaku at the start of the month to Resurgence will create a demanding schedule for the champ. Who will hold the gold, and who will they face in the US? There’s no better way to find out than live in person!

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

Thursday’s ROH TV show for Ring of Honor featured Queen Aminata accepting Serena Deeb’s challenge for a Women’s Pure Rules match to take place on future episode of ROH TV.

Former WWE talent Karl Anderson filed new trademarks for “AKA” and “Automatic” on February 12th for wrestling and merchandise-related purposes to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Major League Wrestling announced that Donovan Dijak is the first official competitor for this year’s Battle Riot match at their Battle Riot VII event on April 5th in Los Angeles, California.

WrestleCon recently announced that wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer The Great Muta will be making an appearance for the company at their WrestleCon Las Vegas convention on April 18-20 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Westside Xtreme Wrestling announced that Peter Tihanyi recently suffered a shoulder injury and as a result, they have vacated his wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship due to him being out of action for the foreseeable future. It was announced that a new champion will be crowd at their 16 Carat Gold tournament 2025 event this March in Germany.

Game Changer Wrestling announced that Zack Sabre Jr. will be making an appearance for the company at their The Coldest Winter 3 event on March 1st in Los Angeles, California and their Just Being Honest event on March 2nd event on Phoenix, Arizona.

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling recently announced that Billy Gunn and NJPW talent Taiji Ishimori will be making an appearance for the company at their Mayhem event on March 14-15 at the St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Prestige Wrestling announced that WWE Hall of Famer X-PAC will be making an appearance for the company at their Roseland XI event on April 12th in Portland, Oregon.

As noted before, Josh Alexander’s contract with TNA Wrestling is currently set to expire on Friday, February 14th and he is expected to enter free agency. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Alexander recently enlisted sports agent Barry Bloom to represent him for his upcoming new contract talks negotiations. Bloom is famous in wrestling for representing several notable wrestlers including AEW’s Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Will Ospreay and WWE Hall of Famers Bill Goldberg, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, and Kevin Nash.

As noted before, Steph De Lander has been out of action for TNA Wrestling and the indies since this past September due to a neck injury and surgery. De Lander recently provided an update on Twitter stating “My surgeon told me I have an ‘unprecedented rate of new bone growth’ and am healing way ahead of schedule. So I am basically John Cena.“

In a recent interview with SHAK Wrestling, Joe Hendry gave his thoughts about if he will be going to WWE once his current contract with TNA expires. Hendry stated “My job is to be the TNA World Champion, and my job is to represent TNA – to elevate this championship and to elevate the company. So my focus is on TNA Wrestling.” (Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com)

DDT Pro Wrestling announced one new match for the card of their DDT Goes to Las Vegas event on April 18th in Las Vegas, Nevada:

Shinya Aoki vs. Timothy Thatcher