TNA Visa Issues Explained Following AMC Debut Absences

The hype around TNA Wrestling’s big AMC debut on January 15, 2026, came with one glaring issue—several stars were missing from the broadcast. Now, we have direct insight into why.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live on January 20, 2026, TNA producer and wrestling veteran Lance Storm explained the visa complications that sidelined not only Dani Luna and Leon Slater, but also Storm himself and likely others tied to TNA’s international roster.

“I’m someone who requires a work visa to be in the United States, so I’m affected by this, along with Dani Luna and Leon Slater. There are probably a few others as well.”

Storm explained that unlike WWE or WCW—where he received a P-1A visa, which covers individual talent—TNA Wrestling operates under a P-1B group visa process.

“When I was with WWE and WCW, they got me a P-1A visa, which is an individual visa. With Impact, where I’ve been for about four years now, they do a P-1B visa instead. That’s a group visa, which has multiple names attached to a single application, and you get approved as a group.”

This system creates a high-stakes delay: if one name in the group application hits a snag, the entire group is held back from being cleared to work.

“There could be others who have individual visas, but as far as me and the current people involved, it’s an all-or-nothing situation. It’s a group application because it’s a P-1B. So right now, I’m basically waiting around for everything to come through.”

These behind-the-scenes roadblocks help explain why Steve Maclin and several other talents were absent from TNA’s historic AMC debut at the Curtis Culwell Center in Texas. While the company still delivered a great show featuring AJ Styles, Nic Nemeth, and Matt Hardy, the visa setbacks have left gaps in storylines and limited appearances from international talent.

As of now, there’s no firm word on when all impacted names will be cleared—but Storm’s comments suggest TNA is at the mercy of the visa process for the time being.

Do you think TNA should change how it handles visas moving forward? And which missing star are you most looking forward to seeing return? Let us know in the comments.

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