A few TNA stars are reportedly dealing with legitimate visa issues ahead of tonight’s iMPACT.
TNA Wrestling initially worked the visa situation into a storyline ahead of iMPACT’s AMC debut last week. The promotion reportedly made last-minute creative changes after learning that several wrestlers were unable to receive approval for their 2026 U.S. visas in time.
The visa issues also affected the company’s plans for the Genesis card. TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater, who was scheduled to defend his title at the January 17 PPV, was replaced by Joe Hendry in the three-way match against Moose and Cedric Alexander. However, Slater did appear on WWE SmackDown in the U.K. last Friday.
According to PWInsider, which originally broke the news, some wrestlers are not backstage at tonight’s TNA iMPACT, suggesting the situation is far from being resolved. Here is what the outlet reported: “TNA talent who were waiting for work visas to be processed are not backstage at tonight’s show in New Mexico, so the issue is ongoing.”
TNA producer speaks on visa issues
TNA producer Lance Storm confirmed the visa issues preventing some stars from working tonight’s live iMPACT in New Mexico, noting that he will not be able to make it to the show.
During a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Live (via F4Wonline.com), Storm revealed that he did get his visa processed, but the delivery arrived on Wednesday evening, leaving him unable to fly to the venue in time for TNA iMPACT.
“Unfortunately, no [I won’t be there]. The good news is visas came through, finally. But they came through [Wednesday] evening and [it was too late to fly out]. Several hours after I would need to be in the air already. Getting in today would be a 12-hour, probably expensive flight to get me in quite late, so the decision was made with my travel plans cancelled, I will remain home this loop,” Lance Storm said.
“Others may have managed to get in, but at least the visa issue is behind us and we can move forward. Hopefully, this evening, 9 pm on AMC, there will be a great show.”
WrestleZone will have live coverage of TNA iMPACT starting at 9 PM EST.
READ MORE: WWE Hall of Famer Criticizes TNA on AMC Debut For Feeling Like An Infomercial
