Some elements are undeniably TNA, such as their injury report, which has notably featured Ryan Nemeth, a wrestler with undeniable talent but occasional timing issues, all while overshadowing Mara Sade’s moments in the spotlight.
Intergender wrestling isn’t exclusive to TNA, but the frequency with which it appears on TNA’s “iMPACT” makes it distinct from shows like “WWE Raw” or “AEW Dynamite.” TNA has been a forerunner in this genre within Western wrestling, demonstrated in a recent episode of “iMPACT” that highlighted four cross-gender storylines over two hours. While not every segment was flawless, it’s a positive sign that more male-female matches are being integrated into mainstream wrestling programming.
Romantic storylines are a staple in wrestling, and two of the four male-female segments on “iMPACT” displayed couples in conflict. Interestingly, the encounters between Alisha Edwards and Ariana Grace with their partners Eddie Edwards and Channing Stacks Lorenzo were perhaps the least engaging moments of the night. Nevertheless, the sheer number of such storylines is praiseworthy. Although the fiancée and fiancé trope is a familiar one in wrestling, it’s rare to see two similar plots aired in a single show—especially when both concluded with the women asserting their stances. While the storytelling could be more compelling, it reflects TNA’s willingness to delve into intergender narratives.
I find more appeal in storylines that actively set male and female wrestlers against one another. The budding alliance between Jada Stone and Elijah against Order 4 shows promise, particularly Stone’s early confrontation with their leader, Mustafa Ali, which hints at the potential for an intensifying rivalry. When I witnessed Nemeth’s innocent interaction with Thad, it struck me as a quintessential TNA moment. At this point, no major wrestling promotion openly portrays men physically engaging with women as TNA does. I wasn’t fond of Nemeth’s interaction with Shard, but considering he’s cast as a scheming heel, I’ll reserve further judgment for now.
Discussions surrounding equality in wrestling are common, as we hope for a time when female wrestlers receive equal respect and consideration as their male counterparts. Intergender wrestling could play a crucial role in achieving that goal. By demonstrating that men and women can compete based solely on skill, we could take significant strides toward equity in the ring. Well-crafted stories filled with tension certainly justify male-female matchups.
Fan Take: This focus on intergender wrestling in TNA could invigorate the sport by breaking traditional gender barriers, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere. Recognizing both men and women as equally capable competitors enriches the storytelling and elevates the overall viewing experience for fans.
