Former WWE NXT and AEW Stars Backstage for 2025 Slammiversary

TNA Slammiversary 2025 is already a massive night for the company—but it’s not just the matches stealing attention. Some surprise appearances backstage at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, are sparking major conversation.

According to PWInsider, former AEW and MLW star EJ Nduka is backstage at the event, as is former WWE NXT standout Bull James. It’s currently unclear whether either man will appear on camera or if they’re simply visiting behind the scenes.

They join AEW’s Deonna Purrazzo, who’s backstage supporting her husband Steve Maclin, one of the featured names on tonight’s card. While Purrazzo is unlikely to appear on the broadcast, her presence alone adds to the cross-promotional flavor of the night.

TNA has also flown in a large group of talent who aren’t scheduled to wrestle, which signals how serious the company is about stacking the building and creating a lively backstage environment. Whether any of these surprise names will show up during the live show remains to be seen.

With returning icons, possible debuts, and backstage appearances from talent across the wrestling world, TNA Slammiversary 2025 is setting the stage for a wild night in and out of the ring.

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Lineup:

• TNA World Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana
• Winner-Take-All: Masha Slamovich (TNA Knockouts Champion) vs. Jacy Jayne (NXT Women’s Champion)
• Ladder War for TNA World Tag Team Titles: The Nemeths (c) vs. The Hardys vs. The Rascalz vs. First Class
• X-Division Championship: Moose (c) vs. Leon Slater
• AJ Styles Returns
• Tessa Blanchard vs. Indi Hartwell
• Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali
• DarkState vs. Matt Cardona, Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC
• Knockouts Tag Team Titles: The Elegance Brand (c) vs. The IInspiration (Pre-show)
• Steve Maclin, Mance Warner & Jake Something vs. Real1, Zilla Fatu & Josh Bishop

Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage of the event.

What do you think EJ Nduka and Bull James are doing backstage? Should TNA bring them in full-time, or is this just a friendly visit? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.