Mustafa Ali Retains TNA International Championship at Slammiversary as Uhaa Nation Makes Debut
Mustafa Ali retained the TNA International Championship at Slammiversary after surviving a hastily structured triple-threat match against Rich Swann and debuting Uhaa Nation, formerly known as Apollo Crews during his time in WWE. What began as an open challenge turned into a three-way contest after TNA director of operations Daria Rae and TNA director of authority Santino Marella each claimed the right to name an opponent. Ali sealed the win with a backslide pin and bridge on Swann as the referee counted three.
Mustafa Ali retained the TNA International Championship at Slammiversary after surviving a hastily structured triple-threat match against Rich Swann and debuting Uhaa Nation, formerly known as Apollo Crews during his time in WWE. What began as an open challenge turned into a three-way contest after TNA director of operations Daria Rae and TNA director of authority Santino Marella each claimed the right to name an opponent. Ali sealed the win with a backslide pin and bridge on Swann as the referee counted three.
A Pre-Show Power Struggle Sets the Stage
Ali had indicated on social media that Rae would announce his challenger during the Slammiversary pre-show. He did not wait for the moment — he came to the ring during the pre-show himself. Before Rae could complete the announcement, Santino Marella intervened, and with both officials presenting opponents, the match structure shifted to a triple threat. Rich Swann was named first. Then Uhaa Nation stepped in, making his TNA debut.
Nation carried substantial credentials into his first TNA appearance. During his WWE tenure he held both the intercontinental championship and the U.S. championship. At Slammiversary he opened by dumping Ali from the ring and turning his attention to Swann, using his power advantage to set the early pace.
Order 4 Provides the Margin
Ali worked to hold off two opponents with contrasting combinations of strength and agility before the match turned in his favor. The shift came through his Order 4 stablemates. Tasha Steelz and Special Agent Zero, both members of the faction, moved in as Nation was moving to finish Swann. Zero took Nation out of the equation. With the field cleared, Ali got Swann one-on-one, avoided him and executed the backslide pin to retain.
Ali's Position in TNA Since 2024
Ali has been with TNA since 2024. He entered the company and won the X Division Championship, then earned the X Division Star of the Year recognition in his first year. He added the TNA International Championship by defeating Trey Miguel at Rebellion in Cleveland in April, and the Slammiversary defense keeps that run intact. With Order 4 alongside him, Ali has not lost often. Nation's debut places a former WWE dual champion inside TNA's championship picture going forward.