TNA Wrestling embarked on a new chapter with the launch of TNA Impact on AMC on January 15th. However, as this new era began, the reign of IInspiration as TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions ended when they were defeated by The Elegance Brand. Shortly after the loss, reports surfaced that Jesse McKay and Cassie Lee were set to leave TNA, having only signed short-term contracts through 2025. AEW has emerged as the leading promotion interested in signing them.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there has been significant speculation about The IInspiration joining AEW, especially as Tony Khan aims to refresh the roster in 2026. This year alone, AEW has secured full-time deals with talents like Tommaso Ciampa, The Rascals, Jake Something (now Jake Doyle), Jordan Oliver, Alec Price, Zaida Steele, and Andrade El Idolo. Additionally, some wrestlers including Mascara Dorada and Persephone hold dual contracts with AEW and CMLL, and New Japan star Clark Connors is expected to officially sign with AEW soon.
If McKay and Lee do join AEW, they will add to this growing list, bringing their strong credentials as former TNA and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions—most notably winning the WWE belts at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Despite this, Meltzer suggests they might not be the ideal fit for AEW given the company’s already deep roster. AEW is also scheduled to travel to Australia soon for the Australian Grand Slam on Valentine’s Day, which could serve as an ideal opportunity for the duo to make their debut if signed.
Fan Take:
This potential signing is exciting for AEW fans because it signals continued investment in their women’s tag team division, an area ripe for fresh storylines and competition. Bringing in established stars like The IInspiration could elevate the division’s profile and add depth to AEW’s already dynamic roster, ultimately benefiting the sport by enhancing its talent diversity and match quality.
