Eddie Edwards is a TNA wrestler and a former two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion who’s set to face the current champion, Nic Nemeth, at TNA’s annual Turning Point event. Eddie told us his thoughts heading into one of the biggest matches of his career – and what winning would mean for his faction; The System.
As last time we spoke to Eddie Edwards the company was still called Impact Wrestling, we asked him about the TNA rebrand and how we felt about the change.
“I was there from the original TNA and once we rebranded back to TNA from Impact, it felt right. You know what I mean? It felt like something clicked. When we showed that hype video in Chicago of TNA coming back, you could feel it in the air. Then the fans started shouting TNA, and it felt like we’re moving the right direction. I think everything that’s happened since then has proved that that was the right move. And it’s a it’s a cool ride to be on. There’s ups and downs, but right now, I feel like we’re definitely on that upswing.”
As TNA entered a boom period in 2024, we were keen to get Eddie’s thoughts on what’s led TNA’s revival. He said:
“I think it’s a lot of different factors. It’s hard to it’s hard to pinpoint one thing, but the roster, without a doubt, is a huge, if not the biggest factor. Everybody believes in what this company is doing. Everybody’s on the same page. Everybody wants this company to succeed more than anything else.”
“We all want to go out there and deliver every time. And I feel like the roster does that. I feel like every pay per view, every TV people go out there and they leave it all out there, because it’s an amazing feeling when you’re a part of a team, which I sincerely feel that TNA is. It’s this team. And I know the term family is overused, but I don’t care, because TNA has the family atmosphere.”
NXTNA
Now that we’re seeing TNA’s partnership with NXT play out on TV every week in both shows, we wondered if it was only a matter of time until The System goes to war with a WWE faction, or do they enter an alliance with any NXT wrestlers.
Eddie said, “I’d have to lean more towards war than an alliance. We are The System, that’s we care about. It doesn’t matter about anything else, we want to run TNA, which we basically do, I feel, and if that happens to bleed over to NXT, then that’s fine, but I don’t see working with anybody from there. There’s no need. We have our core group. I have my brothers, and I’m also out there with my wife. So I’m happy being a part of The System, and we can run over to NXT, or stay in TNA, it doesn’t matter it’s The System that survives.”
We then asked that if an NXT or TNA live event happens, would The System fight for TNA – or would they just look out for themselves?
“I think it would depend on where we are with the company at the moment, if we are champions, if we have good relationship. Then, sure, we’d fight alongside TNA. Just know that we fight for The System. But if we see an NXT versus TNA situation, then maybe we’d have to fight for something bigger than ourselves, and that would be TNA. In the end, we all want TNA to succeed. Maybe we protect TNA, we protect The System.”
Trust the System
While The System is a closed group, they have been open to inviting in new members. However in some cases, they’ve allowed wrestlers to work alongside the group, but not as fully-fledged System members. We asked Eddie if anyone else on the TNA roster might be System material.
“You know, I’d say Leon Slater. Maybe. If he plays his cards right, maybe give that kid an opportunity if he’s ready to step up to the plate. But I’m not ready to give out any invitations yet. Tasha Steelz has formed an alliance with Alisha, and that’s fine, but its a probationary period. If she can prove herself, we’ll go from there. She’s not getting a tracksuit. She’s not gonna get any rings yet, so we’ll see what she can do, and then we’ll talk.”
As Eddie’s stablemate, and long time friend/rival Moose is now X-Division Champion, we asked Eddie Edwards what would happen to the dynamic between himself and Moose if Eddie wins the TNA World Championship at Turning Point (2024)?
“Nothing changes. Moose is X-Division Champion. He wants to make the X-Division Championship the most relevant championship in TNA. And that’s fine by me. If I become the TNA World Champion again, my goal is to make that title the most relevant. So, in that sense, we’re going to push each other to succeed. We do what we do as a whole. So, when I become the TNA World Champion at Turning Point – for the third time – all that means is The System continues to run TNA. We’ll have all the power in the company at that point.”
“Sure, we’ve had some issues, but all friends have ups and downs. But in the end, we love each other and we’re going to protect each other. That’s all that matters. People like to say that Moose is the leader of The System, and that’s alright. But The System is something bigger than the one leader or any individual one piece. The System is The System and a system can’t work with only one piece. That’s what matters.”
Turning Point (2024)
Before Eddie Edwards can become a three-time TNA World Champion, he’ll first need to defeat Nic Nemeth at Turning Point. We asked Eddie about his confidence levels heading into this match, and if he’s underestimating Nemeth.
“Obviously, he’s been an amazing pickup for TNA. He chose to come to TNA which helps prove that TNA is the destination for wrestlers who want to come in and have some freedom, or a chance to prove themselves and show off what they can do. Nic came here for a reason. Obviously, he succeeded. He’s the world champion. But I’ve watched him for many years, and I’ve been a fan of his, and let’s just say I’m very confident going into Turning Point. So I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be one hell of a match. I mean, he’s a champion for reason, but in the end, I will be leaving as a three time TNA World Champion.”
Finally, and looking beyond championships and titles, we asked Eddie Edwards what are his goals for the future, either in his career or beyond it.
“It’s not one thing, really, it’s not one goal. I still have the drive to be the best, but I want to be that guy that people can turn to and they can rely on. I love doing this. It’s all of the moments that I want to cherish. I’ve been doing this a long time, and at this point I think back and I wish I had cherished certain moments more. So I feel like at this moment, I realise I’ve got to appreciate the moment I’m in.”
“Because with The System, I’m with my best friends, inside and outside the ring. I’m with my wife. Like, this is something special that we wanted to do for a while, and luckily, we were put together as a group, so now we’re having a whole lot of fun together. It’s times like these when you’ve got to sit back and recognise something special, and enjoy it while it’s still happening.”
Turning Point 2024 takes place on November 29, 2024, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and will air on TNA+.