At the WWE Royal Rumble 2024, the “Prohibited Portal” opened as Jordynne Grace made her entrance in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. After the event, Grace took to Twitter and suggested that there would be more work between TNA and WWE in the future.
Thank you, @WWE Universe.
This won’t be the last you’ll see of @ThisIsTNA.
— Jordynne Grace (@JordynneGrace) January 28, 2024
Since then, the relationship between the two companies has reportedly been positive. However, WWE fans hadn’t seen anyone make the jump from TNA since the Rumble until the May 28th episode of NXT.
Ava, as the General Manager, announced Roxanne Perez’s challenger for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Battleground 2024.
Grace’s surprise appearance on NXT was one of the best-kept secrets in recent wrestling history and it’s sparked lots of intriguing conversation. Namely, the concept of potential TNA and WWE dream matches that have become much more realistic.
With that in mind, we’ve come up with some of the biggest – and ambitious – dream matches that could take place.
Bianca Belair vs. Jordynne Grace
Let’s begin with two of the most dominant women’s wrestlers in the world. Grace, the current TNA Knockouts Champion, has made a name for herself over the past few years and established herself as one of the biggest names in women’s wrestling.
Her surprise appearances at the WWE Royal Rumble 2024 and on NXT are proof enough that she’s well-known among mainstream professional wrestling fans. So much so, that her appearance alone caused “TNA” chants to ring out around the Performance Center.
On the other side of the equation, we have Bianca Belair. The ‘EST’ of WWE has been at the top of the division ever since her arrival on the main roster in 2020. A former NCAA All-American, Belair has won everything there is to win in WWE.
These two women are undoubtedly at the top of their games and a clash between them would be a show-stopper. Their raw power and athleticism sets both of them apart from almost all others in their respective divisions, and they’d surely put on a clinic.
‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey vs. Ricochet
Recent reports would indicate that Ricochet is on his way out of WWE, so this is a match that needs to have the trigger pulled on it sooner rather than later. Both Ricochet and ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey are two of the most exceptional wrestlers on the planet, with the pair pulling off some of the most jaw-dropping feats of athleticism ever seen.
Although he’s been with WWE since 2018, Ricochet was one of the top performers on the independent scene beforehand, putting on classic matches around the world. His time in NJPW, Lucha Underground, and PWG saw him showcasing his talent amongst some of the best. However, he has never crossed paths with ‘Speedball’.
Both men have won PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles tournament, with Bailey actually highlighting his desire to face off against Ricochet in an interview after winning the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Joe Hendry vs. LA Knight
This match is on the list primarily due to the potentially award-winning shenanigans in the build-up. On the one hand, we have the fastest-rising star in WWE in LA Knight.
He has proven that he can hang with some of the best on the microphone, with his ‘kavorka’ oozing from every promo he cuts. His work with Roman Reigns and AJ Styles are two examples of his quality.
On the other hand, we have Joe Hendry. The internet darling and currently the most viral wrestler on the planet, his hilarious songwriting skills have been showcased all across the independent scene, and in TNA.
The concept is simple and could be successful if both men were given license to run. Hendry’s comedic stylings and creativity in his music would shine through, while Knight’s quick wit would allow the pair to bounce back and forth with one another.
Of course, the in-ring ability of both men is not to be ignored. Both are former DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions, and can each boast an impressive list of accolades.
If these two were given the time, they would put on a fun exhibition and entertaining feud.
Drew McIntyre vs. Moose
This match has been born from a brief exchange on social media, but it has created an intriguing concept. After Jordynne Grace made her surprise appearance on NXT at the end of May, many members of both the WWE and TNA rosters took to social media to share their thoughts.
Drew McIntyre put it simply, by stating:
Doors open both ways. pic.twitter.com/CT0B7DFHpF
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) May 29, 2024
The statement was spotted by current TNA World Champion, Moose, who seemingly invited McIntyre to step into the ring with him.
DREW i see where your Title obsession Began. If this is something you truly want. Have your Boss call my Boss. The outcome will be the same #TrustTheSystem #TheSystem https://t.co/lHAWCOgjt7 pic.twitter.com/8E8tVFmqaC
— MOOSE (@TheMooseNation) May 29, 2024
He suggested that, should the two face off, the result would be the same regardless of where the bout takes place. Confident as ever, Moose seemed to believe that he would overpower the Scotsman.
The two have battled in TNA before, with McIntyre currently leading 2-1 after a trilogy of matches in January 2017. It would be interesting to see who comes out on top in 2024, especially with the potential additional wrinkle of both being World Champions, should McIntyre win at WWE Clash at the Castle 2024.
Rhea Ripley vs. Steph De Lander
This has the potential to be the most violent match of any WWE and TNA crossover event. Rhea Ripley has been a dominant force at the top of the WWE women’s division for the past couple of years, especially as the joint-longest reigning WWE Women’s Champion of all time.
Her aggressive style and dominating performances have left her with little realistic competition on the roster. However, a match against a fellow Australian could provide her with some violent competition.
The ‘Deathmatch Queen’ Steph De Lander would be a brilliant opponent for Ripley, albeit after recovering from her injury. De Lander’s work, both on the independent scene and in TNA, has been exceptional and she has made a name for herself with bloody performances.
Both women are known for their incredible toughness and aggression, so it seems logical to pit them against one another. Ripley has vanquished all challengers, and a brutal roadblock in the form of De Lander would make for a captivating competition.
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