TNA Works Talent Visa Issues Into Storyline

TNA Wrestling made last-minute creative changes after visa issues stopped several talents from traveling.

The issues affected the January 15, 2026 premiere of TNA Impact on AMC, which aired live from Texas, as well as plans for the upcoming TNA Genesis event. According to PWInsider, TNA had to undergo significant rewrites to both the AMC debut and Genesis card. Several international wrestlers were reportedly unable to receive final approval on their 2026 U.S. work visas in time.

The report confirmed that the delays came from the United States government’s visa processing and were completely out of the company’s control. The situation primarily impacted talent from the United Kingdom and Canada.

Leon Slater, the reigning X-Division Champion, was among those affected by clearance issues, who was still awaiting clearance. Multiple Canadian-based agents and staff members were also unable to travel while their paperwork remained in flux.

TNA management and creative reportedly worked around the clock over the final 48 hours to adjust plans. Another report noted that several talents, including Dani Luna, were absent due to unresolved visa issues.

Rather than quietly scrapping matches, TNA incorporated the situation directly into on-screen storytelling. During the show, Santino Marella announced that Dani Luna was unable to compete due to visa issues, leading Lei Ying Lee to issue an open challenge.

That challenge was answered by WWE NXT’s Sol Ruca and ZARIA. After a brief exchange, Ruca suggested that ZARIA take the opportunity. ZARIA answered the challenge, officially setting a Knockouts title match for Genesis.

Visa issues also impacted the TNA X-Division picture. Santino Marella informed Cedric Alexander that Leon Slater was unavailable. The Genesis match was changed to Alexander vs. Moose vs. Joe Hendry, but it will no longer be for the X-Division Championship.

In total, TNA had to rewrite several segments and matches just days and in some cases hours before going live.

Catch up on everything that went down on TNA Impact here.

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