WWE Confirms NXT vs. TNA Invasion Special
WWE has officially announced an invasion storyline involving its developmental brand, NXT, and partner promotion, TNA Wrestling. The highly anticipated angle builds on the companies’ collaboration, which began in January, and will culminate in a special episode of NXT set for October 7.
Interference Sparks the Invasion
The storyline escalated during last week’s NXT when several TNA stars interfered in a title vs. title match featuring TNA Champion Oba Femi and NXT Champion Trick Williams. Both belts were on the line, but chaos ensued as outside involvement caused the contest to end in a No Contest.
This confrontation set the stage for what WWE is billing as a full-scale invasion, drawing comparisons to one of wrestling’s most famous storylines from the early 2000s.
Ava and Santino Marella Seal the Deal
At NXT No Mercy, General Manager Ava announced that the October 7 episode of NXT will officially serve as an Invasion Special. According to Ava, the decision came after direct talks with TNA’s Director of Authority, Santino Marella.
The special will feature two elimination-style matches, one involving male wrestlers and the other featuring the women’s rosters. Both bouts will pit Team NXT vs. Team TNA in a format reminiscent of WWE’s Survivor Series. Ava and Marella are scheduled to reveal their respective lineups on the upcoming episode of NXT.
The Hardy Boyz Return
In addition to the elimination matches, the Hardy Boyz are set to make their long-awaited return to NXT. The legendary duo will defend the TNA Tag Team Championships against Dark State, the current NXT Tag Team Champions. This clash between two iconic teams highlights the stakes of the crossover and underscores WWE’s commitment to making the storyline feel historic.
A Nod to Wrestling History
This isn’t WWE’s first attempt at weaving invasion storylines into its programming. The original Invasion Angle dates back to 2001, when WWE acquired WCW and integrated ECW talent into its shows. Wrestlers from WCW and ECW united as “The Alliance,” leading to the Invasion pay-per-view and a climactic winner-takes-all match at Survivor Series 2001.
NXT has also shown a willingness to revisit wrestling’s past in creative ways. Earlier this year, an episode was filmed at the historic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, long recognized as the home of ECW. That event included tributes to the extreme wrestlers who helped shape professional wrestling in the 1990s.
What to Expect on October 7
The upcoming NXT vs. TNA invasion special promises to deliver crossover dream matches and unpredictable moments. By involving top champions, legendary tag teams, and elimination contests, WWE and TNA are reviving one of wrestling’s most exciting concepts while giving fans a modern spin.
The NXT vs. TNA Invasion Special will air on The CW on October 7, 2025.