Scott D’Amore D’Amore Reveals Challenges and Triumphs of AEW-TNA Partnership During Kenny Omega’s Reign

TNA Wrestling’s Scott D’Amore recently opened up about the collaboration between TNA and AEW in 2020 and 2021, shedding light on both the highs and the challenges of the partnership.

During an interview with Fightful, D’Amore detailed how stars like Kenny Omega, Thunder Rosa, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows played pivotal roles during the partnership. The most significant storyline saw Kenny Omega holding the TNA World Championship for over 100 days, a reign that brought increased visibility to TNA.

“At the time, IMPACT was really struggling to gain traction,” D’Amore admitted. “We were doing our damndest and putting out everything we could but really struggling to find ourselves. Getting Kenny Omega as IMPACT World Champion and featuring the Good Brothers on AEW shows gave us a big boost.”

D’Amore emphasized the impact Omega’s involvement had on business, saying, “From a business point of view, the two Kenny pay-per-views were two of the three highest pay-per-views the company had at that point. There was a lift in business, viewership, and social media buzz. Anything involving Kenny Omega monetized well.”

Despite the positives, D’Amore candidly discussed the limitations that emerged, which eventually led to the partnership’s end. He revealed that Omega was dealing with serious injuries throughout this period. “He was in such immense pain half the time—there were times when he could barely walk. They worked on him for 90 minutes just to get him to the ring,” D’Amore shared.

D’Amore recalled a specific moment when Omega was too injured to travel for a scheduled title defense. “Kenny was supposed to come to Nashville for tapings at Skyway, but he was in so much pain, he just couldn’t travel. We filmed it at Daily’s Place instead, which was his title defense against Moose. Tony Schiavone, a legend, called that match, and it was cool to shoot it at a different location.”

He praised Omega’s dedication despite the circumstances. “Kenny didn’t want to just have a good match—he wanted to give Moose a legendary match. Afterward, Kenny apologized because it wasn’t the match he wanted. Hats off to him for everything he did for us.”

D’Amore also reflected on the broader significance of the AEW-TNA partnership, noting, “Sure, there were restraints. That’s why it ultimately had to end. But it had its benefits—financially, with viewership, and with legitimacy. Wrestling is evolving, and that partnership was good for IMPACT, it helped Kenny with his storyline, and it was beneficial for AEW.”

Elsewhere in the interview, D’Amore explained how AEW talents like Christian Cage and Jeff Jarrett have been able to use their classic TNA theme songs during their appearances in AEW.