TNA Wrestling will end 2025 the same way the company started it, with panache. The last episode of the year is a new chapter of the NXT vs. TNA Cold War. The last, because the Christmas episode will be the TNA 2025 Year-End Awards one. This time, Team NXT and Team TNA will face off in a Steel Cage. There will be blood, and that will be beautiful.
Last night on NXT, Leon Slater became the #1 contender for the NXT Championship. After an impressive showing at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, alongside Je’Von Evans, Slater will face NXT Champion Oba Femi at WWE NXT New Year’s Evil on January 6, 2026. Also, Moose will face Ethan Page on December 30 for the NXT North American Championship.
Crossing the lines also means crossing the reviews. NXT may be a WWE show; taking a look at what happens on Tuesday nights has become essential to understanding what may happen on Thursday nights. That’s never been truer, and it keeps on being bigger and bigger. Let’s Nygma-dive into it.
HE DID IT!!!
LEON SLATER IS THE NEW NO. 1 CONTENDER!!!@LEONSLATER_ pic.twitter.com/sfO6FIA9cP
— WWE (@WWE) December 17, 2025
The Stakes at TNA Wrestling
The rivalry between TNA and NXT reaches a violent breaking point as Team TNA goes to war with Team NXT inside a Steel Cage. As some of the most battle-tested competitors in the TNA locker room, Mike Santana, The Hardys, Steve Maclin, and Santino Marella look to defend their home turf against a hungry and aggressive group of NXT outsiders: Stacks, Lexis King, Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, and Brooks Jensen. With nowhere to run, pride, momentum, and brand supremacy are all on the line.
A massive opportunity awaits as a 20-Man Battle Royal will determine the No. 1 Contender to the TNA World Championship on the first iMPACT! of 2026. With championship gold in their sights, the ring will be filled with hungry challengers from across the roster, all looking to outlast the competition and punch their ticket to a future TNA World Title opportunity against Frankie Kazarian. Chaos in the iMPACT! Zone is guaranteed.
Team TNA and Team @WWENXT settle their grudge inside the STEEL CAGE THURSDAY at 8/7c on @AXSTV, TNA+ and @Sportsnet 360. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/BmORkOUZod
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) December 16, 2025
The Knockouts take stage as the Angel Warriors, Knockouts World Champion Léi Ying Lee and Xia Brookside, collide with Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore, accompanied by Victoria Crawford and NXT’s Robert Stone. Blanchard’s ruthless edge and Moore’s growing confidence make for a dangerous combination. The Angel Warriors have proven time and again that teamwork and resilience can topple even the most intimidating opposition. With tensions already running high, expect a fast-paced, physical, and explosive Knockouts tag team match.
After arriving at TNA Final Resolution on horseback and dragging away Mustafa Ali, Elijah brings his guitar to the iMPACT! Zone. Elijah’s concerts are never just performances; they’re statements. What will Elijah have to say, and who might take exception to it?
The Nygma’s View
With three matches and a segment, the last TNA iMPACT episode of the year is a strong one. A new #1 contender for the TNA World Championship and the NXT vs TNA Steel Cage match will set the tone for an already exciting upcoming 2026.
Who Will be The Number One?
Twenty TNA talents will compete in a Battle Royal to determine the new #1 contender for the TNA World Championship. If you look at the match, there’s a nice mix of veterans and young talents, including former World Champions like Moose or Eric Young. Nygma says, we’ve all heard about beginner’s luck. So, why not The Home Town Man or the newly arrived Bear Bronson?
The Angel Warriors face Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore. I will say a few words on it, as I have too much respect for Léi Ying Lee and Xia Brookside. Like El Paso’s own Eddie Guerrero, Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore are natural-born liars, cheaters, and stealers. Then, the TNA Knockouts World Champion and Brookside have such a unique alchemy. Nygma says, I believe in the Angel Warriors.
20 of the best and hungriest in TNA face off in a TNA World Championship Number One Contenders Battle Royal THURSDAY at 8/7c on @AXSTV, TNA+ and @Sportsnet 360. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/sJB9wIXW8t
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) December 16, 2025
Steel Cage Rage
Mustafa Ali already asked for a boycott of Elijah’s concert on social media. He says, “I hereby propose a boycott on this and all future concerts by this ‘musician’ and/or ‘wrestler.” The man who no one can explain why he was at the ringside for John Cena’s last match is in Order 4’s radar. Nygma says, RIP to Elijah’s guitar.
It had to happen, TNA vs NXT in a Steel Cage. The partnership has had its ups and downs since the beginning of the year. The NXT Outlaws have the advantage in this match, but they face Team TNA. Mike Santana, The Hardys, Steve Maclin, and TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella. A super biased Nygma says, Team TNA makes a massacre, but be careful of Stacks and Arianna Grace.
I’ll see you on Friday. Recovery time in Nygma land is still on, so I’m definitely back. Have you read my interview with Tasha Steelz? And, don’t forget to vote for the TNA Wrestling 2025 Year-End awards. Till then, may the Nygma be with you.
TNA iMPACT Preview & Card (12/18/25)
Matches Announced
- The Angel Warriors (Léi Ying Lee & Xia Brookside) vs. Mila Moore & Tessa Blanchard (w/Victoria Crawford & Robert Stone)
- TNA World Title #1 Contendership 20 Man Battle Royal
- Ten-Man Tag Team Steel Cage Match: Team TNA (Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Mike Santana, Santino Marella & Steve Maclin) vs. Team NXT (Brooks Jensen, Channing Lorenzo, Lexis King, Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont)
Segments Announced
- Elijah in concert
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header image credit – TNA Wrestling – Stay tuned to Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on TNA iMPACT!, NXT vs TNA, TNA Genesis, and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Catch all TNA events and shows on TNA Plus.
