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Welcome to PWInsider.com’s coverage of the TNA Slammiversary 2024 Press Conference!
As TNA announced: TNA Wrestling returns to Montreal for the first time since 2011 when the 20th Slammiversary is held on Saturday, July 20th at Verdun Auditorium. Slammiversary is one of the biggest events of the year for TNA Wrestling – a showcase event that, in 2024, will celebrate the company’s 22nd year. Slammiversary will air live around the world on pay-per-view with every TNA championship on the line. The Countdown to Slammiversary starts at 7pm EDT, followed by Slammiversary at 8pm.
The press conference kicks off with Josh Matthews welcoming everyone. There isn’t any audio at first, but when it kicks in, he is giving credit to the fans who showed up in the crowd. He introduces Kevin Rafael, who will be the co-host and translator for the press conference. Neither Josh or I understood him, but we both understood that he was pumping up the crowd.
Josh promotes Jordynne Grace’s arm wrestling match against the Montreal Canadiens’ mascot, METAL!, tomorrow.
Josh Matthews continues to promote Slammiversary and says it! He says the name and he appears! Joe Hendry comes out and thanks the fans for coming out. He says that the passion of the fans will make this weekend a huge moment in the company’s history and in professional wrestling. This is TNA’s moment to show the world what they are all about. He says that this is a huge moment for him. Four months ago, he couldn’t get on a PPV and now, because of the fans, he’s in the main event challenging for the World Championship. Kevin Rafael translates what he said into French while Joe Hendry takes a seat. Joe says to Kevin that “he better be saying the right thing” which gets a laugh.
Josh Matthews then introduces “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Bailey starts off by talking to the crowd in French. The crowd cheers for what he said. Josh Matthews asks if Kevin Rafael is going to translate what he said into English and Kevin obliges. Bailey basically said that he took the metro to the building since it was so close to home. He’s excited to wrestle in front of the fans and the only person standing in his way is Mustafa Ali.
Josh Matthews then introduces “The Juggernaut” Jordynne Grace. With the Women’s Championship draped over her shoulder, she starts off by thanking Joe Hendry for the house. She says it’s an honor to be a part of any TNA event, but this weekend is the biggest TNA event in the past decade, which is the biggest honor. She says that TNA has always had something to prove, but that’s what TNA does - they always prove why they are the best promotion to watch. Saturday will be no different and TNA will show why they belong in the mainstream wrestling conversation. Kevin Rafael translates.
Josh Matthews talks about how the inside of the venue looks amazing. He gives credit to all the wrestlers and staff for working so hard.
Josh Matthews then introduces AJ Francis. He has both the Digital Media Championship and International Heavyweight Wrestling Championship with him. AJ says that some of the crowd looks lovely. He tries to pull the mic up, but struggles - so he makes fun of Josh Matthews being so short as the reason for the mic’s placement. He says he’s been practicing some French and states that he loves Montreal and the women. He then, back to English, takes credit for TNA’s success since signing with them in January. He announces that his match with PCO will be the main event of Slammiversary. He says that it’s no coincidence that the biggest show that TNA has had in a decade is the one where he is defending a title. Kevin Rafael translates.
Josh Matthews then introduces PCO. PCO is in a suit with a PCO shirt underneath. The crowd chants his name and he speaks to them in French. AJ Francis says that he doesn’t know what was said, but it “sounded rude.” PCO then speaks in English and says that this is a very special weekend for him. Saturday, he will be back home and he can’t wait to take on AJ Francis, who has shown major disrespect for the International Heavyweight Championship Title. He says that Mad Dog Vachon, Joe LeDuc, and Dino Bravo wore it proudly and AJ Francis trashes them whenever he can. He switches back to French and thanks the crowd.
Josh Matthews opens up the press conference to questions from the media.
The first question is from Dave LeGreca of Busted Open. For AJ Francis: How difficult is it going to work every day knowing that everyone hates you? AJ Francis responds by saying that he’s been hated his whole life and has made a lot of money. He doesn’t care what people think of him. He was told he’d never be a champion in TNA and he has brought prestige to the title. He says that people like Mad Dog Vachon couldn’t lace his Guccis. It’s 2024 and no one cares about the old wrestlers. He says that PCO has been everywhere, but this will be the first televised match in Montreal. He says “You’re welcome.”
The next question is from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. For PCO: It’s been a while since you wrestled in Montreal. What does it mean to you to have this match? PCO says that it’s very special because it’s the first time ever that he’ll perform live in front of the world in his hometown. He can’t wait to shut up the big mouth of AJ Francis. It’ll make the moment even better. He’s fired up for it.
The next question is from Mike Johnson of PWInsider. For Joe Hendry: This Slammiversary main event is arguably the biggest match of your career and comes at a time where you are receiving more acclaim and attention than ever before. How are you keeping yourself from getting caught up in the moment in order to concentrate on the task at hand - winning the main event and winning the TNA World Championship? Joe Hendry says that this is a great question and first of all - he says that AJ was wrong about what he said about AJ never winning a title. He then sings the song he made for AJ a few months ago for clarification. He goes on to say that this is a huge moment for TNA and himself. He has worked so hard and so long for this. It’s organic and it’s happened because of the fans. He has never challenged for the TNA World Championship, so he promises to make it count at TNA Slammiversary.
The next question is from Michael Morales Torres of Lucha Libre Online. For Mike Bailey: You are facing the best junior heavyweight in the world on Saturday in Mustafa Ali on a major stage. What are you doing differently when it comes to training and preparation? Mike says that he doesn't have to do anything differently. He’s always active in wrestling and takes pride in his matches being excellent. This match is the build up of 20 years of momentum. He doesn’t have to prepare because he is already prepared.
The next question is from Tim Battle of iHeart Radio’s wrestling podcast “Battleground.” For Jordynne Grace: You have accomplished so much in TNA. What is left to accomplish? Jordynne says that there isn’t just one thing. However, one thing she can’t wait to do is beat Ash by Elegance on Saturday. She says that Ash by Elegance came into the company and acted like a fan. Jordynne doesn’t think Ash by Elegance knows what she’s in for on Saturday.
The next question is from Denise of Instinct Culture. For Jordynne Grace: You are a three time Knockouts Champion. How is this reign different and how has it challenged you? Jordynne says that this reign has allowed her to reach her final form. She’s more confident and she’s unstoppable. She’s in her element and enjoying being the face of the Knockouts Division.
Josh Matthews turns the press conference over to questions from the media in attendance.
Lawrence of Love Wrestling. For everyone: This is the biggest show in ten years. He asks for them to talk about the pressure. Jordynne starts and says that it doesn’t matter how many people are in the audience. They are all going to wrestle hard in any situation. Mike Bailey says that there is no pressure. He’s not trying to be over confident. He knows that the support will be there. That’s what he’s worried about. He is worried that the fans will be too loud and he won’t be able to focus on his opponent. Joe Hendry says that the crowd can be as loud as they want. He says that he feels immense pressure because he cares so deeply about this moment, the business, and the company. He gives credit to everyone who has come before him and those who work for the company. He says that the pressure will allow him and the company to deliver. AJ Francis says that he’s not worried about the pressure. He knows that out of the 4,000 people in attendance, 3,997 will be cheering for PCO. The other three will be Rich Swann and two women he invited. He knows it’ll be a big moment, but he’s fighting a 60-year old man, so he’s not worried. PCO says that pressure is not Saturday night - it was when he sat down with TNA executives and promised a sell out in Montreal. He said that he doesn’t think they believed him, but he fought for it and it worked. He says that he’ll put AJ Francis in his place on Saturday. AJ Francis said that PCO might have been right about selling out Montreal, but it’s because he’s facing AJ Francis.
Question for Mike Bailey in French, which Mike Bailey answers in French. Kevin Rafael translates the answer only. He’s looking forward to facing Mustafa Ali. He had matches of the year with Josh Alexander and Will Ospreay in the past. He’s looking to do the same on Saturday.
Question for PCO in French, which PCO answers in French. Kevin Rafael translates the answer only. PCO is looking forward to seeing Steph De Lander again.
Josh Matthews turns the press conference over to fan questions.
A fan asks about having a show in France like the WWE had in France with Backlash. Joe Hendry says that expansion is always on the mind. He feels that TNA is making the right moves. He can’t speak for management, but he knows that expansion is always being looked at and France is something that they'd love to do. Mike Bailey says he loves how TNA has wrestlers from all around the world. He knows that TNA can go anywhere and fill arenas thanks to the local talent. Jordynne Grace says that she just got back from Japan and would love to bring TNA to Tokyo. PCO speaks in French, but it isn’t translated. AJ Francis says he can’t understand anyone in the crowd and they all need to go back to France.
A fan asks a question in French to Jordynne Grace. Kevin Rafael translates: On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you with your faceoff with METAL!? Jordynne says that she is extremely confident. She has already wrestled so many amazing women already and starts to talk about Ash by Elegance. Mike Bailey and PCO realize she misunderstood and she laughs. AJ Francis blames the French language. Jordynne is still confident to take on METAL!
A young fan asks Joe Hendry: After you win the championship, who is your dream opponent? Joe Hendry knows the answer, but was going to save the answer until after he won. But…since he was asked, he may just call out John Cena.
Another question for Joe Hendry: After he wins the championship, what champion (in any company) would he like to challenge to become a double champion? Joe Hendry says that he’s in a unique position because he’s been competing in both TNA and NXT, so it’s possible. However, he has to focus on the task at hand - and that task is to win the championship on Saturday. He’s going to do his best to have everyone chanting “We Believe” at Slammiversary.
Last question. For Joe Hendry: He has recorded a lot of songs about wrestlers. When his wrestling career is over, can we see him record a full length album? Joe Hendry says that we may not have to wait years for that. Right now, the focus is on wrestling, but he will be releasing music during his wrestling career.
The fan then asks AJ Francis where the after party is. AJ Francis says that it’ll be at Jet Nightclub. Everyone is invited except Joe Hendry and PCO. He says that Jordynne Grace will be winning the arm wrestling contest because she’s the only person who can beat him.
Real last question from a fan. It’s the fan’s birthday. AJ Francis asks him how old he is and he says 39. AJ Francis says he looks 50, which pops the crowd. The fan asks Mike Bailey if a) did he get his hair cut locally? and b) if he wins, can he have his mullet? Mike says that he, unfortunately, did not get it cut in Montreal. He does plug a local barber, though.
Josh Matthews thanks everyone for coming and the press conference ends. Thank you for reading PWInsider.com’s coverage of the TNA Slammiversary 2024 Press Conference. We will have live coverage of the event on Saturday. See you then!
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