In addition to drawing new eyes to both wrestling promotions, Edwards pointed out that the WWE-TNA deal has carved an opening for underutilized names to gain exposure and experience. One such case is Arianna Grace herself, who up until recently, had been rarely seen on “NXT” anymore, despite her regular showings on TNA.

“It’s great when you’re in a relationship where it’s not a take, take, take thing,” Edward said. “It’s about both companies working together where certain talent, NXT, they have a lot of people on that roster, they can’t all be on the TV all the time. They all can’t be getting the reps all the time that they want. So send them over to TNA and they’ll get a few more reps in a whole different environment, from backstage to in the ring. Each company is different and have their own thing. So I think it’s very important, as a wrestler, to be able to perform in all these different environments and different styles. I think that’s another thing that you get with this relationship that is beneficial for both teams.”

Former NXT and TNA World Champion Trick Williams has echoed Edwards’ sentiments, citing his time under the TNA banner as one that especially helped him prepare for WWE’s main roster. According to Williams, TNA’s more relaxed creative operations allowed him to build trust in himself as a performer while also building the courage take risks in the ring. In the present day, Williams is now in line for his first WrestleMania match, with WWE veteran Sami Zayn as his opponent. 

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Q101” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.