Nic Nemeth is the current TNA World Champion. The former Dolph Ziggler captured the promotion’s world title at Slammiversary 2024. Nemeth survived Moose, Josh Alexander, Steve Maclin, Frankie Kazarian, and Joe Hendry in a six-way elimination match at the event.
At the time of this writing, Nemeth holds world titles across three promotions. He appears to be looking to solidify himself as the next belt collector outside of his former promotion. When it comes to collecting belts, however, Nemeth may find some opposition in a man who popularized the gimmick.
Matt Cardona has known Nic Nemeth for years
Cardona and Nemeth have known each other for a long time. Nemeth had a head start in WWE during the Ruthless Aggression Era. Cardona made a name for himself as one-half of the Edgeheads before breaking out as Zack Ryder. It is worth noting that Nemeth also made his GCW debut against Cardona at GCW The Coldest Winder 2 back in March 2024.
Both men have yet to cross paths in TNA and when they do, hopefully, it won’t come as a surprise given their storied history with each other. Cardona had not wrestled since WrestleMania weekend when he suffered a torn pec. He underwent surgery for his injury in May and waits to make his in-ring return.
We’ve got some spoilers here for Cardona’s next televised appearance.
Trent Seven
Trent Seven was a veteran of NXT UK before the brand folded. The former Mustache Mountain player landed a job with TNA Wrestling, thanks in part to current authority figure Santino Marella. Seven and “Speedball” Mike Bailey came to Nic Nemeth’s aid against The System on multiple occasions before Nemeth ultimately toppled Moose for the world title.
Trent has won titles around the world. It’s about time he got a world title opportunity in a major wrestling promotion. Ideally, Trent would finish his tag team run with Bailey before going after Nemeth and the TNA World Championship. I’d like to see a heel Trent feud with babyface Ziggler for the promotion’s top title.
Alex Hammerstone
Alex Hammerstone versus Nic Nemeth has been WSW’s top feud in 2024. Hammerstone subbed for Matt Cardona against Nemeth in June. He dropped the WSW World Heavyweight Title to Nemeth earlier this month.
This feud has the potential to transcend promotions. Hammerstone is a former MLW standout who’s already proven himself in TNA with great matches against the likes of Josh Alexander and Jake Something. He could emerge as a worthy adversary to Nemeth and his title.
Josh Alexander
Josh Alexander needs no introduction. “The Walking Weapon” is one of TNA’s most consistent performers. His matches against TJ Perkins, Mike Bailey and Will Ospreay are modern classics in the iMPACT Zone. Alexander knows the pressure that comes with being a world champion because of his previous history with the title.
Alexander versus Nemeth could be TNA’s next big feud for the world title. This is one match that could be a banger based on in-ring action alone. Since Nemeth was the one who eliminated Alexander during their Slammiversary match, a singles match between the two needs to happen.
Joe Hendry should dethrone Nic Nemeth for the TNA World Title
Joe Hendry has taken over the wrestling scene by storm. From chart-topping theme song to multiple appearances outside of his home promotion, Hendry has become arguably the most popular wrestler on the internet. There’s no denying that Hendry would be a crucial part of the TNA-NXT crossover in the weeks to come.
Speaking of TNA, the promotion didn’t crown Hendry as their world champion at Slammiversary. Nic Nemeth even responded to claims Hendry was buried at the event. Hendry is bound to have his glory. TNA won’t fumble it. Let the storyline progress for the next couple of months before we see Hendry as the new TNA World Champion.
Honorable Mentions
Brooks Jensen
Brooks Jensen has undergone some interesting changes over the last couple of weeks. The second-generation wrestler adopted a new persona amid his self-proclaimed free agency. The 7/23 episode of WWE NXT saw Jensen defeat former tag team partner Josh Briggs in a brutal No DQ match and align himself with Shawn Spears in the aftermath.
Jensen is someone who could benefit from the ongoing crossover between NXT and TNA. As much as I’d love to see Briggs get his shine in singles action, the big man is already set for a huge crossover with Pro Wrestling Noah’s N-1 Victory Tournament in August. Jensen, under Spears’ tutelage, could show up in TNA to challenge Nic Nemeth for his title.
Charlie Dempsey could be a great heel opponent for Nic Nemeth
Charlie Dempsey unsuccessfully challenged Katsuhiko Nakajima for the Triple Crown Title back in January. Dempsey would make his GCW debut with a win over Matt Makowski at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X event three months later. Dempsey and his NQCC teammates worked TNA Slammiversary 2024 PPV event as well.
Assuming NXT and TNA have plans for Dempsey beyond Slammiversary, the former Heritage Cup Champion shows up as Nic Nemeth’s challenger. Dempsey technical skills could make for an interesting match-up against Nemeth. Ideally, Dempsey would have his father Regal as his mouthpiece but that won’t happen – at least under current circumstances.
Wes Lee
Wes Lee, in my opinion, is one of the best wrestlers today. His NXT North American Championship run gave the NXT Universe some brilliant matches. Wes is an incredible tag team player and a standout singles competitor. I think I should really do a compilation on Wes Lee’s best matches in WWE NXT.
With The Rascalz all reunited in NXT, I think it’s time Wes Lee gets a singles run in TNA. He’s already proven himself as a singles competitor in WWE. He could have great matches against the like of Mustafa Ali and Jake Something, but the one match I’d love to see happen first should feature Wes Lee and Nic Nemeth.
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