Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling announced Sunday at Slammiversary the creation of a new championship for its women's division: the Knockouts TV Championship. A 16-woman tournament will begin this Thursday on the program "Impact" to crown the first champion, with the title to be defended exclusively on the television show.
TNA legend Traci Brooks revealed the news to the Boston crowd, outlining the tournament's structure. The initial matches will feature several familiar names alongside new competitors. On one side of the bracket, Indi Hartwell will face Vicki Venuto, Harley Hudson will compete against Thea Hail, Elayna Black will challenge Wendy Choo, and M by Elegance will go up against Rosemary.
The other half of the bracket includes Jade Stone versus Alisha Edwards, Jody Threat against Gabby Forza, Mara Sadè taking on Tasha Steelz, and Heather by Elegance facing Allie. The winner of this single-elimination tournament will hold the inaugural Knockouts TV Championship.
In a notable matchup, Heather by Elegance and Allie will face each other. The two previously competed for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship at Slammiversary, where Allie and Rosemary emerged victorious over Heather and M by Elegance. The first matches are scheduled to air on "Impact" on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.
Beyond the tournament, "Impact" will also feature other matches, including contests between Leon Slater and Eddie Edwards, and Ryan Nemeth versus KC Navarro. Additionally, an X Division Championship No. 1 contenders match is slated to occur, featuring Fabian Aichner, Mr. Elegance, BDE, Rich Swann, and Home Town Man.
TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, Women's Champion Xia Brookside, and Ricky Sosa are also expected to make appearances and address the audience during the broadcast.