Thursday night was a big night for TNA Wrestling as Impact debuted on AMC. The show kicked off with a big appearance from AJ Styles and later in the night the Director of Authority Santino Marella made his way out into the ring.
Santino talked about the issues he’s been having with his daughter, but insisted that he’s focused on running the company. However, he said that he needs a little help, and he introduced former WWE star Sonya Deville.
Sonya Deville made her way down to the ring and explained that she will be known as Daria Rae moving forward. At first she seemed friendly as she said that she had been watching from afar, and Santino is one of the pillars of the company.
The mood quickly changed as Daria Rae turned heel as she told Santino that the one thing the company does not need is him. The crowd booed as Daria insisted the company needs structure instead of Santino’s jokes. She told the Director of Authority that she can do his job better than he can as the fans continued to boo.
Daria followed up and announced that as her first official order of business she signed a new Knockout to the company. She pointed toward the ramp and Elayna Black (formerly known as Cora Jade in WWE) made her way out.
Well.. That escalated quickly! "The Suit" has arrived. @TheDariaRae @milanmiracle
#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/gtq0j7JuFw— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026
.@TheDariaRae’s first act of business is signing @ElaynaBlack as TNA Wrestling’s newest Knockout! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/etz4sFuvbJ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026