Once upon a time, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling was the No. 2 promotion in the country.

It was a distant No. 2 when it began in 2002 after WCW and ECW went out of business.

Now, we live in a strange world where the TNA championship will be on the line during a major WWE event. This came together on last night’s episode of NXT.

In the opener, Hendry teamed with NXT tag team champions Hank Walker & Tank Ledger to take on DarkState.

Hendry was going for the win when Trick Williams interfered. They brawled to the back, leaving Tank to take a triple powerbomb for the DarkState victory.

Later in the 25-man battle royale, Hendry returned the favor and caused Trick to be eliminated.

Hendry will defend the TNA championship against Williams at Battleground in Tampa on May 25. Yes, that’s the same day as the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view.

BATTLEGROUND BOUTS

Myles Borne of No Quarter Catch Crew was the surprise winner of the battle royale. He threw out Ethan Page and Shawn Spears.

Borne will get a shot at NXT champion Oba Femi at Battleground.

Jordynne Grace defeated Giulia in the main event to earn a shot at Stephanie Vaquer’s NXT women’s title at Battleground.

WOMEN’S ACTION

Zaria showed off her power in a win over Kelani Jordan. Zaria speared Jordan through the ringside barricade before winning the match with the F6.

Jaida Parker also raised her stock with a victory over Karmen Petrovic.

WALK WITH ELIJAH

Remember Elias? He would often play a song on the guitar before his matched. He’s now called Elijah in TNA, and he was in the 25-man battle royale.