TNA Exercises Contract Option for Josh Alexander

The former world champion will remain in TNA.

TNA Wrestling has exercised their option to extend the contract of Josh Alexander, Sports Illustrated has learned.

Courtesy TNA Wrestling

The former world champion is a major part of TNA’s immediate future. Only 36, Alexander–whose real name is Josh Lemay–helped re-establish the company’s reputation for elite wrestling during his 335-day title run. A triceps tear forced him to relinquish the belt, but based on his Hard To Kill pay-per-view bout last month against Alex Hammerstone, as well as his bout the very next night against Will Ospreay, it is clear that Alexander is back to form.

“TNA, those are the letters that inspired me to get in the ring and chase this wild dream,” said Alexander. “TNA picking up the option means I have a lot of work to do, and I’m excited to put in the work and make it happen.”

Courtesy TNA Wrestling

Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Contacts within the company have confirmed it runs for the next year, at which point Alexander will become one of the industry’s most sought-after free agents.

Alexander was close with former TNA President Scott D’Amore, who was just let go by the company after an extremely successful tenure. Since D’Amore’s departure, Alexander has been thrust into a different type of position as a locker room leader. Asked whether the company can build off the growth from D’Amore’s tenure and make TNA even more successful, Alexander offered a thoughtful response.

“I have so much respect for Scott,” said Alexander. “Working with him over the last five years, and seeing the way he operates, he is the ultimate leader. I’ve tried to take pieces of that in the way I give advice to people. My goal is to lead by example. We have a locker room of like-minded people and we all have a chip on our shoulder. Those shows in Vegas [Hard To Kill and Snake Eyes] were so successful, and it’s tough to say we can be even more successful than we were under Scott, but I’m going to bust my ass trying.”

Courtesy TNA Wrestling

One of the most thrilling highlights for TNA thus far in 2024 happened in, of all places, a WWE ring. Knockouts world champion Jordynne Grace was a surprise entry in the women’s Royal Rumble match, and she made a phenomenal impression.

“I watched it live, and the second her music hit, I got goosebumps,” said Alexander. “When she locked up with Trin [Trinity Fatu, who starred in TNA before returning to WWE], who I’ve been lucky enough to build a relationship with over the past year, I literally welled up.

“Seeing that moment for my friend Jordynne Grace, someone who tirelessly puts in work, she deserved that fanfare. It’s great for TNA, it’s great for her, and it’s great for our locker room. I thought she had the best performance of anyone in the Royal Rumble, and that is a testament to the talent that she is.”

Starting with a match on Friday against Simon Gotch in New Orleans at No Surrender, Alexander has a chance to define the promotion in 2024 by delivering the best wrestling in the world. That is a challenge that he and the rest of the locker room are eager to embrace.

When Alexander becomes a free agent in 2025, he will be in high demand by every major wrestling promotion in the world. Yet that is not his focus, instead preferring to concentrate on the task at hand.

“Every time I go to the ring, whether it’s in front of 500 or 5,000 or 50,000 people, I’m going to give my absolute best,” said Alexander. “I’m working to be the best match every time I step in the ring.

“I’ve worked so hard to be in this position. At the end of this contract, I’ll have been with TNA for six years. We’ll see how this year goes. With new management coming in, things are going to be changing. I just hope it continues to be an amazing place. Right now, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Courtesy Jade Chung

A source of pride for Alexander has been working with his wife, Jade Chung, who is TNA’s ring announcer.

“I’m insanely proud of her,” said Alexander. “She’s so dedicated, and she’s completely immersed in being the best announcer possible. When Raw is on, we have to be quiet during the ring announcements. Her confidence is building, and I’m really proud of how hard she works and how much she loves it.”

NO WAY! 😲

TNA Knockouts Champion @JordynneGrace has just entered the 2024 Women's #RoyalRumble Match! pic.twitter.com/RPHw7vX0UM

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024

Staring at the most significant year of his career, Alexander is motivated to deliver the absolute best wrestling in TNA.

“We have the hungriest locker room,” said Alexander. “You’re not getting the greatest hits here. You’re getting people who want to create something new. If you’re a wrestling fan, tried-and-true, then this is the product for you.”