Impact Wrestling Alumni: An era of Legacy of Wrestling Excellence
Impact Wrestling, formerly known as Total Nonstop Action (TNA), has been a significant player in the professional wrestling industry since its inception in 2002. Over the years, it has produced and showcased some of the most talented jobs wrestlers who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Many of these stars have gone on to achieve remarkable success in other major promotions, including WWE, AEW, and NJPW. Here we will take a deep overview into some of the most notable Impact Wrestling alumni and their contributions to the wrestling world.
Key Takeaways
- Impact Wrestling has been a launching pad for some of the biggest stars in the industry.
- Many former Impact wrestlers have achieved great success in WWE, AEW, and NJPW.
- The company played a crucial role in the careers of legends like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Bobby Roode.
- Impact Wrestling alumni have influenced the wrestling industry with their unique styles and in-ring abilities.
- The promotion continues to develop new talent while honoring its rich legacy.
AJ Styles
AJ Styles is arguably the most iconic wrestler to have come out of Impact Wrestling. Known as “The Phenomenal One,” Styles was a cornerstone of TNA’s X-Division and a multi-time TNA World Champion. His matches against Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and Kurt Angle are widely regarded as some of the best in the promotion’s history. After leaving Impact, Styles found immense success in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as the leader of Bullet Club before signing with WWE in 2016, where he became a multiple-time WWE Champion.
Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe was one of Impact Wrestling’s most dominant forces. His undefeated streak and feuds with Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Sting cemented his legacy as one of the toughest competitors in the company’s history. Joe later transitioned to WWE, where he won the NXT Championship twice and became a mainstay on the main roster. His intense promos and in-ring psychology made him one of the most respected names in wrestling.
Bobby Roode
Bobby Roode, a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, spent over a decade with the promotion and was a key member of Team Canada and Beer Money Inc. His transition to WWE saw him winning the NXT Championship and later capturing the United States Championship on the main roster. Roode’s “Glorious” persona gained him a significant fan following, further proving his adaptability and charisma.
Eric Young
Eric Young is one of Impact Wrestling’s most versatile performers. From comedic roles to serious championship reigns, Young proved that he could excel in any role given to him. He was a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion and led the faction Violent By Design upon his return to Impact. His time in WWE was also notable, where he was the leader of the Sanity faction in NXT.
The Complete History Of impact wrestling alumni
Gail Kim
Gail Kim is one of the greatest female wrestlers in Impact Wrestling history. She was a pioneer of the Knockouts Division and helped establish women’s wrestling as a serious part of the industry. Kim won multiple Knockouts Championships and played a crucial role in training and mentoring the next generation of female wrestlers. Her influence extends beyond the ring as she continues to work as a producer for Impact Wrestling.
Christopher Daniels
Christopher Daniels was a key figure in Impact’s X-Division and tag team division. As a member of The Fallen Angel persona, he captivated audiences with his technical prowess and high-flying abilities. Daniels later moved to Ring of Honor (ROH) and AEW, where he continued to showcase his wrestling skills and backstage expertise.
Abyss
Abyss was Impact Wrestling’s resident monster, known for his hardcore matches and brutal in-ring style. He captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and had unforgettable feuds with legends like Sting and Mick Foley. Later, he transitioned into a backstage producer role for WWE, helping shape the future of wrestling behind the scenes.
Kurt Angle
Although Kurt Angle was already a well-established star before joining Impact, his time with the company solidified its legitimacy. Angle won multiple TNA World Heavyweight Championships and delivered some of the best matches of his career against the likes of AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Jarrett. His tenure in Impact Wrestling helped elevate the promotion’s reputation globally.
Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy had multiple stints in Impact Wrestling, where he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. His unorthodox style, high-risk maneuvers, and creative persona made him a fan favorite. Hardy’s time in Impact allowed him to reinvent himself before making a successful return to WWE.
The Dudley Boyz (Team 3D)
Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, known as Team 3D in Impact Wrestling, were one of the most successful tag teams in the company’s history. They won multiple TNA World Tag Team Championships and were later inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame. Their legacy in tag team wrestling is unmatched, spanning across multiple promotions.
The Future of Impact Wrestling Alumni
Impact Wrestling continues to develop and showcase future wrestling stars. Many of today’s top wrestlers, including Moose, Jordynne Grace, and Trey Miguel, could become the next set of alumni to make waves in the wrestling industry. With its reputation for fostering talent and creating compelling storylines, Impact Wrestling remains an essential part of professional wrestling’s evolution.
FAQs
Who is the most successful Impact Wrestling alumnus?
AJ Styles is widely considered the most successful Impact Wrestling alumnus, having won multiple championships in WWE and NJPW.
Did Impact Wrestling help launch AEW stars?
Yes, several AEW stars, including Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, have appeared in Impact Wrestling and benefited from its platform.
Which Impact Wrestling alumni have been inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Notable Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees include Kurt Angle, Team 3D, Gail Kim, and Abyss.
Is Impact Wrestling still producing top talent?
Yes, Impact Wrestling continues to develop new stars and remains an essential part of the wrestling landscape.
Where can I watch Impact Wrestling alumni in action today?
Many former Impact Wrestling stars can be seen in WWE, AEW, NJPW, and independent promotions worldwide.
Impact Wrestling’s alumni have left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. Their contributions, innovations, and in-ring excellence continue to inspire generations of fans and wrestlers alike.
