• Former World Champion Returns To TNA (Spoiler)
At last night’s TNA iMPACT TV tapings, former iMPACT World Champion Rich Swann (former WWE Cruiserweight Champion as well) returned to the company. At Slammiversary, KC Navarro reaggravated his knee during the Tag Team Championship ladder match and is now set to undergo surgery for a torn ACL. But the bad news didn’t stop there.
During a First Class segment, AJ Francis (fka Top Dolla in WWE) addressed KC’s injury with little sympathy. Comparing the situation to the NFL, AJ declared it was “next man up” and introduced the returning Rich Swann as KC’s replacement. Making matters worse, AJ forced Navarro to hold the microphone while Swann cut a promo, visibly humiliating the injured wrestler.
Swann announced he’s back to “make the company TNAJ,” signaling his alignment with AJ Francis moving forward. That was the final straw for Navarro, who had to endure AJ officially kicking him out of First Class.
Francis didn’t hold back, calling KC a replacement from day one and blaming him for the group’s recent struggles. “I’ve been carrying 165 pounds of dead weight for 9 months,” AJ said. He also blamed KC for costing Trick his match the previous week.
When Navarro tried to defend himself, Swann escalated the situation by kicking away KC’s crutch, sending him crashing to the ramp. The segment ended with a beaten and betrayed KC limping away, his place in First Class – and potentially his future in TNA – now uncertain.
Rich Swann’s return will air on the August 7th episode of TNA iMPACT.
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• Shane McMahon Reacts To Vince McMahon’s Statement About Hulk Hogan’s Death
As we previously noted, former WWE CEO Vince McMahon issued the following statement on Hulk Hogan’s death:
“The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.
His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.
He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”
Shane McMahon had the following to say about Hogan’s passing:
“My dad could not have been more eloquent about what he wrote about the Hulkster. What a deep loss for us all. Hulk’s legacy is truly immortal. Thank you Terry for everything that you did for both the McMahon and WWE family. We will all miss you. God speed Brother.”
Also Read: WCW Veteran Slams AEW Over Silence on Hulk Hogan’s Death
