Former WWE star and TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James is heading to TNA Bound for Glory 2026, according to company president Carlos Silva. Silva went to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to reveal James’ special role at the event.
Silva announced that James will be the special guest referee for the TNA Knockouts World Championship match. Will see the fight champion Sia Brookside defends against Indy Hartwell.
“There have been a lot of issues with Santino (Marella) and Daria (Rae) and as you know, Daria was even suspended,” Silva said in a video accompanying the post about his authority figures. “So I’ve decided to jump in and make a special announcement that we’re inviting Mickie James to be the guest referee for this match at Bound for Glory Sunday in Tampa.”
Rey, TNA’s director of operations, initially opposed Hartwell’s announcement that he would be Brookside’s next challenger, saying his title shots were earned, not given. The feud between the pair saw Rae’s former Pure Fusion Collective stable debut in WWE. Zoe Serrano, who attacked Hartwelland at another point in the story, Marella, TNA’s Director of Power, worked to stop Rey.
EXCLUSIVE. @carlossilva: has a specific role statement @MickieJames: will play at #TNABoundForGlory THIS SUNDAY in Tampa.
Use code NXT50 for 50% off tickets HERE. https://t.co/w3Q52rjwnr! pic.twitter.com/Iqe5lE4YtG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) October 9, 2026
Rey slapped Hartwell on an episode of TNA iMPACT, witnessed by Marella. He took the footage to the TNA Board of Directors and successfully stopped his partner from getting fired before the pay-per-view. In addition to Hartwell winning his title, Serrano will play with up-and-comer Shayna Bassler challenge for the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship.
