Elayna Black ‘was hesitant’ to join TNA due to WWE partnership
Elayna Black discussed why she was initially hesitant to sign with TNA Wrestling during a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio.
Black debuted for the promotion on the Impact on AMC debut show on January 15. Her in-ring debut with the company is set to air on Thursday’s episode.
“I love TNA. I grew up watching both TNA and WWE. My first ever wrestling event was actually a random TNA house show,” Black said.
“Last year when I was with NXT, I came to TNA for a few months and I had so much fun. I loved everybody there, I loved the environment, I loved the company, I love the product that they put out.”
Black was part of WWE roster cuts made public on May 2, 2025. She wrestled for several independent promotions from June to July including Seth Rollins’ Black Label Pro and GCW. Then on July 21, she announced she was taking a break from wrestling, citing mental health.
Black was asked about the WWE and TNA relationship, and said that she was hesitant to join TNA because of it.
“More so in the beginning, I was hesitant about coming to TNA just because of how close the relationship was. I kind of felt like I needed to distance myself, which I think it was good me taking that time off. I feel very more removed than I did at the time.”
Shortly after Black debuted for the promotion, it was reported that her deal with the company was for a year. She said on Busted Open Radio, however, that she plans to be with TNA for “the long run.”
“I’m here for the long run. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. I want to keep progressing my career in TNA,” she said.
When asked what her goals are for the future, she answered: “Have fun and be the best version of Elayna Black I can be.”
Black’s full appearance on the Busted Open podcast is available below:
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.