NXT’s Ashante Adonis Issues Surprise Open Challenge During TNA Genesis Pre-Show

The new partnership between WWE and TNA is already paying off with NXT’s Ashante “Thee” Adonis making a surprise appearance during the Genesis pre-show (January 19, 2025) to issue an open challenge.

Arianna Grace is the liaison between NXT and TNA and she ushered in a new era. She teased what surprises were in store, then Adonis came out to the ring. After insulting the crowd, he kicked off the new relationship with an open challenge.

Jake Something intervened. He made Adonis scream. The NXT wrestler held his own for a while with some fancy footwork on a dropkick, however, Jake was too strong. He knocked Adonis out of the air, then closed with a side slam to win.

The scoreboard reads TNA – 1 and NXT – 0. At least Adonis can be considered a bit of trivia for the first NXT wrestler to cross the finish line in the Impact Zone under this new deal.

The match takes place during the free Genesis pre-show (video). The Genesis event is available on pay-per-view via TNA+, TrillerTV and other providers. Get the full PPV results here.

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