Another year, another solid outing courtesy of TNA’s biggest event of the summer. Slammiversary 2024 proved to be yet another impressive showcase for the company, taking place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, for the first time since 2011. The event’s return to Canada was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint, delivering a mix of thrilling matches and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The night was packed with great action, memorable spots, and a few shocking title changes. TNA’s Total Nonstop Summer truly peaked with this event, showcasing the company’s ability to blend storytelling with in-ring action seamlessly. Welcome to Pop Culture Sports, and here are 10 Interesting Facts About Slammiversary 2024 that every wrestling fan should know.
10. Jonathan Gresham Couldn’t Appear Due to Travel Issues
Just a day before the pay-per-view, a massive power outage hit the United States and other parts of the world, disrupting crucial systems, including airline operations. This unexpected crisis left many travelers stranded, and among them was TNA’s rising star, Jonathan Gresham. Gresham was scheduled to face Kushida in a highly anticipated match on the Countdown to Slammiversary, a bout that had fans buzzing due to Gresham’s recent character transformation.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Gresham had adopted a darker persona, inspired by the legendary Great Muta. He began wearing a black mask and wrestling tights, adding an eerie edge to his character. In a bizarre twist, Gresham also developed the unsettling habit of coughing up black ink, which would kayfabe sicken his opponents, referees, and anyone else who came into contact with it. Kushida, who had been one of Gresham’s “victims,” was eager for revenge. However, due to flight delays caused by the power outage, Gresham was unable to make it to the event. As a result, former TNA X Division and World Champion Rich Swann was called in as a last-minute replacement, altering the match lineup and adding an unexpected twist to the show.
9. No X Division Match Kicking Off Slammiversary
For the first time in recent memory, Slammiversary did not open with an X Division title match or an Ultimate X match, a tradition that fans have come to expect from TNA’s biggest summer event. Instead, the show kicked off with a highly personal grudge match between “Broken” Matt Hardy and Dirty Dango, also known as JDC. The backstory behind this match was intense, with Dango having played a key role in sidelining Matt’s brother Jeff and his real-life wife Rebecca with kayfabe injuries, sparking a fiery desire for revenge in Matt.
The match itself was a solid opener, with both wrestlers delivering a strong performance that captivated the Montreal crowd. The fans were especially vocal during Matt’s post-match beatdown of Dango, where he landed several additional Twist of Fate finishers, ensuring that his message was heard loud and clear. This match marked a significant departure from the usual X Division-centric opening bouts at Slammiversary. The last time the event didn’t kick off with the X Division title was in 2020 when Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz lost an open challenge match to the returning Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley. The absence of an X Division match as the opener was a notable change, signaling a shift in the event’s format while still delivering a thrilling start.
8. Wes Lee’s First Slammiversary Since 2019
The newly formed partnership between WWE and TNA in early 2024 has opened the door for numerous cross-promotional matches and appearances, creating a buzz in the wrestling world. One of the most exciting developments was the reunion of Wes Lee (formerly known as Dezmond Xavier in TNA) with his Rascalz teammates, Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz. The trio’s chemistry and high-flying style had made them fan favorites during their initial run in TNA, and their return was met with great anticipation.
At Slammiversary 2024, the Rascalz found themselves embroiled in a feud with Charile Dempsey, Myles Borne, and Tavion Heights, collectively known as the No Quarter Catch Crew. The feud culminated in a six-man tag team match that showcased the Rascalz’s signature fast-paced, high-energy offense. For Wes Lee, this match was particularly special as it marked his first appearance at Slammiversary since 2019, when he and Wentz competed for the IMPACT World Tag Team Titles. Unlike their previous outings, where they came up short, the Rascalz emerged victorious this time, much to the delight of the crowd. This win not only marked a successful return for Lee but also solidified the Rascalz as a dominant force in TNA’s tag team division.
7. Eddie Edwards Holds the Most Slammiversary Appearances (Of the Current Roster)
Eddie Edwards, a stalwart of TNA, continues to etch his name into the history books. At Slammiversary 2024, Edwards added another accolade to his already impressive career by setting the record for the most Slammiversary appearances among the current roster. Since his debut at Slammiversary in 2014, where he competed in a thrilling ladder match for the X Division Championship, Edwards has been a consistent presence at TNA’s biggest summer event.
Over the years, Edwards has competed in various high-stakes matches at Slammiversary, showcasing his versatility and resilience. In 2016, he captured the X Division title in the opening contest, marking one of his career’s many highlights. From 2018 onwards, Edwards has not missed a single Slammiversary, making his 2024 appearance his tenth. With a win-loss record of six wins and four losses, Edwards has proven time and again that he can deliver on the big stage. His closest competitors in terms of Slammiversary appearances are Frankie Kazarian, with nine appearances, and Moose, with eight. Edwards’ achievement underscores his status as a cornerstone of TNA and a fan favorite who continues to deliver memorable performances year after year.
6. A.J. Francis Wasn’t the First Choice to Be Digital Media Champion
A.J. Francis, known to WWE fans as Top Dolla, has made a name for himself in TNA as the Digital Media Champion. While his in-ring skills may not be on par with some of his peers, Francis’s charisma, mic skills, and background in the NFL and music industry make him a standout performer. His ability to connect with fans and promote himself on social media has made him one of the more visible and talked-about champions in TNA. However, Francis’s reign as Digital Media Champion almost didn’t happen.
In a candid interview before Slammiversary, Francis revealed that the original plan was for Rich Swann to reclaim the title, making him the first two-time Digital Media Champion in TNA history. However, Swann, whose previous reign was widely considered lackluster, declined the opportunity and instead suggested that Francis should be the one to hold the title. This decision proved to be a wise one, as Francis has excelled in his role, using his platform to elevate the Digital Media Championship to new heights. His reign has been marked by a series of entertaining promos and matches, solidifying his status as a key player in TNA’s mid-card scene.
5. PCO Wins the Canadian International Heavyweight Championship, Ending a 37-Year Drought
PCO, a veteran of the wrestling world, may have just secured the title of TNA’s Summer MVP for 2024. Not only did he play a significant role in selling out the Verdun Auditorium, but his on-screen partnership with fellow wrestler Steph De Lander has also become one of the most compelling storylines in wrestling today. At Slammiversary, PCO added another accolade to his storied career by winning the TNA Digital Media Championship in a brutal Montreal Street Fight against A.J. Francis. But that wasn’t the only title he claimed that night.
PCO also became the new Canadian International Heavyweight Champion (CIHC), a title that had been dormant for nearly four decades. The CIHC was reactivated after Francis declared himself the new champion earlier in the year, but it was PCO who brought legitimacy back to the title with his victory. PCO’s win marked the first CIHC title change in 37 years, with the last champion being the legendary Abdullah the Butcher, who won the title in 1987. PCO’s triumph at Slammiversary not only revived a historic championship but also solidified his status as one of TNA’s most important and beloved figures in 2024.
4. Jordynne Grace Has Only Appeared at Slammiversary Three Times
Despite being one of TNA’s top stars since her debut in late 2018, Jordynne Grace has surprisingly only competed at Slammiversary three times. Given her significant impact on the company and her role in elevating the Knockouts division, one might expect Grace to be a regular fixture at TNA’s biggest summer event. However, her Slammiversary appearances have been few but memorable.
Grace’s first Slammiversary match was in 2020, where she faced Deonna Purrazzo for the Knockouts Championship. The match was a standout, but unfortunately, it took place during the pandemic and without a live audience, which somewhat diminished its impact. Grace did not participate in Slammiversary 2021, but she made a triumphant return in 2022, winning the first-ever Queen of the Mountain match and becoming a two-time Knockouts Champion. By the time Slammiversary 2023 rolled around, Grace was no longer signed with the promotion, having returned and re-signed later that year. Her title defense against Ash by Elegance at Slammiversary 2024 was her first successful Knockouts Championship defense at the event, adding another chapter to her already impressive legacy in TNA.
3. Mustafa Ali Suffers His First Televised Singles Defeat Post-WWE
Mustafa Ali’s journey in TNA has been nothing short of remarkable since his release from WWE in late 2023. Adopting a politician-inspired gimmick, Ali quickly became one of the most compelling and talked-about characters in TNA. His new persona, combined with his in-ring prowess, allowed him to build an impressive undefeated streak in singles competition that lasted nearly a year.
Ali made his TNA debut in early 2024 and immediately made an impact by winning the X Division Championship in his first match. From there, he remained undefeated in singles action, defeating a series of top competitors and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His streak came to an end at Slammiversary 2024 when he faced “Speedball” Mike Bailey in a highly anticipated match. Despite a valiant effort, Ali was defeated by Bailey, who captured the X Division Championship for the second time. This loss marked Ali’s first singles defeat since his release from WWE, with his last televised loss coming against Axiom on the August 8, 2023, edition of NXT. Ali’s defeat at Slammiversary was a significant moment in his TNA career, adding a new layer of complexity to his character as he moves forward.
2. Joe Hendry Changed TNA’s Plans
Joe Hendry, one of TNA’s most popular and charismatic talents, wasn’t originally slated to be in the main event at Slammiversary 2024. In fact, TNA had entirely different plans for the World Heavyweight Championship match. However, Hendry’s skyrocketing popularity, fueled by his catchy, chart-topping theme song and his work in both TNA and NXT, forced the company to rethink their strategy.
In an interview with WrestleZone, Hendry revealed that his inclusion in the main event was a last-minute decision, spurred by the overwhelming fan support he received in the weeks leading up to the event. While the original plans for the main event remain a mystery, it’s clear that Hendry’s ability to connect with the audience played a crucial role in the decision to elevate him to the top of the card. His main event match at Slammiversary turned out to be a highlight of the night, further cementing his status as a rising star in the wrestling world.
1. Slammiversary 2024 Did Big Business for TNA
Slammiversary 2024 wasn’t just a critical success; it was also a commercial triumph, significantly outpacing the previous year’s event in terms of both attendance and pay-per-view buys. In a previous article, I mentioned that Slammiversary 2023 had an attendance of 1,500 people and a pay-per-view buy rate of 4,400. These were respectable numbers for TNA at the time, but Slammiversary 2024 shattered those records.
According to reports from Dave Meltzer and other sources, Slammiversary 2024 drew an estimated 21,000 pay-per-view buys, an increase of 16,600 from the previous year. This made it the second-best-selling event for TNA in 2024, only behind Hard To Kill. Additionally, the event sold out the venue, with around 4,100 fans in attendance, making it one of the biggest shows for TNA since the post-SPIKE TV era. The success of Slammiversary 2024 not only demonstrated TNA’s growing popularity but also solidified the event’s place in the company’s history as one of its most successful and memorable shows.
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