Bear Bronson to challenge TNA champ Frankie Kazarian, four other segments announced for January 1 show

Photo Courtesy: TNA Wrestling

A big 2026 for TNA Wrestling will kick off with a world title matchup.

TNA’s January 1 episode of Impact, one of the final shows before the promotion moves over to AMC later that month, promotional newcomer Bear Bronson will challenge world champion Frankie Kazarian in a one-on-one contest.

Bronson, an ex-AEW talent who has made a name for himself on the indies this year, reportedly signed with TNA just earlier this month. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression, winning a 20-man battle royal on the show’s December 18 episode to earn a #1 contender spot.

He will now try to take down Kazarian, who controversially dethroned Mike Santana last month in his first appearance since gaining the title. The matchup will be Kazarian’s second appearance as champ in TNA, previously defending against JDC at Final Resolution.

The world title fight is among five segments that have been confirmed for TNA’s January 1 card. Here’s a look at the full lineup:

  • Stacks & Arianna Grace to appear
  • Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Jada Stone vs. Tessa Blanchard, Victoria Crawford & Mila Moore
  • Mustafa Ali vs. Hometown Man
  • Lei Ying Lee & Xia Brookside vs. M & Heather By Elegance
  • Frankie Kazarian vs. Bear Bronson (TNA World Championship)
About Jack Wannan 1284 Articles
Jack Wannan is a journalist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He writes and reports on professional wrestling, along with other topics like MMA, boxing, music, local news, and more. He graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He can be reached at jackwannancanada@gmail.com