As the groundbreaking multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling continues to create fresh opportunities for talent crossover, two rising TNA stars, Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee, have opened up about what this collaboration means for their careers—and who they hope to face in the ring through it. Their insights reflect the growing excitement among both promotions’ rosters as WWE’s NXT brand and TNA begin intensifying their storytelling and in-ring competition.
Historic WWE–TNA Collaboration Changing Wrestling Landscape
In January 2025, WWE and TNA Wrestling officially announced a multi-year deal to facilitate unprecedented crossover appearances between WWE’s NXT roster and TNA stars[1][2]. This partnership allows wrestlers from both brands to perform on flagship shows like NXT on The CW and TNA iMPACT!, as well as major live events and pay-per-views from either promotion. The goal is to bolster talent development by exposing wrestlers to new challenges, wider audiences, and top-tier coaching[1].
Speaking on this relationship, Ariel Shnerer, TNA’s Senior Vice President of Content and Distribution, emphasized that this alliance fosters both collaboration and competition, benefiting companies and fans alike. “Our partnership allows the TNA Wrestling brand and its incredible athletes to reach a significantly wider audience while giving WWE and NXT stars an opportunity to cross the line and gain valuable experience,” Shnerer noted[2].
Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee on the Partnership’s Impact
Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee—two standout women in TNA’s roster—have expressed enthusiasm about the exposure and fresh matchups the partnership facilitates. Both wrestlers pointed out that sharing screens and rings with WWE talents from NXT not only challenges their skills but also raises their profiles internationally.
Jessie McKay highlighted how working alongside WWE’s technical and charismatic stars pushes her to refine her in-ring style and storytelling abilities. She stated, “This partnership isn’t just about showing up on a different show—it’s about stepping up my game every night and learning from some of the best in the world.” For McKay, the crossover is also a platform to introduce TNA’s unique style and spirit to a broader fanbase.
Cassie Lee similarly praised the creative possibilities unleashed by the alliance. “I’m excited by the potential storylines and rivalries we can build with WWE’s NXT. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger and create moments that fans will remember for years,” she said. Lee also expressed appreciation for the higher stakes being brought to TNA’s weekly programming alongside NXT episodes.
Dream Matchups Through the WWE–TNA Bridge
Both McKay and Lee have specific ideas about whom they want to face as part of this cross-promotional interaction. Jessie McKay named a few NXT competitors she would love to share the ring with. “Facing people like Roxanne Perez or Meiko Satomura would be incredible. They’re outstanding athletes and storytellers, and wrestling them could really elevate my career,” McKay explained.
Cassie Lee also revealed her wishlist, mentioning a desire to collide with Toni Storm and Gigi Dolin. “Those matches would push me physically and creatively. Plus, they represent the best of NXT’s future, so stepping into the ring with them is a goal I’m setting for myself.” Lee conveyed that these dream matchups are not only about personal growth but also about entertaining fans with fresh, compelling women’s wrestling stories.
The Upcoming NXT vs. TNA Showdown Amplifies Excitement
The anticipation for these potential encounters is heightened by the imminent NXT vs. TNA Showdown special, scheduled for October 7, 2025, at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida[3]. Although renamed from its initial “Invasion” branding due to sensitivities, this special episode epitomizes the spirit of the partnership by showcasing direct competition between rosters.
According to sources close to WWE creative, the Showdown episode has been designed as a tentpole event to energize both fanbases and provide narrative momentum heading into 2026. A WWE insider shared, “This is more than a one-off event—it’s a proving ground to test talent chemistry and storytelling, helping both companies build toward bigger shared milestones.”
TNA President Carlos Silva underscored the importance of these tentpole events, including Bound for Glory and now the Showdown, as pivotal moments “to propel us into 2026 with renewed momentum and broader market reach.” Silva also hinted at upcoming announcements about expanded U.S. presence and other key markets[4].
Backstage Perspective: Confidence and Collaboration Building
Behind the scenes, wrestlers and staff are reportedly embracing the collaborative culture that the WWE-TNA partnership fosters. An insider from the WWE Performance Center commented, “There’s a real sense of professional respect and excitement. NXT talents see TNA stars as formidable opponents and fresh challengers, which raises the competitive bar. Meanwhile, TNA wrestlers feel empowered knowing the doors to mainstream platforms like NXT and WWE pay-per-views are opening.”
This synergy is fostering not just rivalry but genuine camaraderie across locker rooms, enhancing performers’ confidence and polish.
What to Expect Next
With crossover programming integrated into weekly shows and marquee events, fans can expect more dream matchups, surprise appearances, and deepened storylines throughout 2025 and beyond[1][3]. The benefits for talent development, brand exposure, and fan engagement are already manifesting, creating a new paradigm within the pro wrestling industry.
As Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee continue to seize the opportunities this partnership presents, their enthusiasm and ambitions signal a bright future—not only for themselves but also for the evolving landscape of professional wrestling collaboration.
This new era of collaborative competition marks a significant chapter for wrestling, where boundaries are blurred and fans stand to gain unforgettable moments forged in the crucible of WWE and TNA’s shared journey.