TNA iMPACT Recap: February 19, 2026 – Ali & Elijah Delivered Big, But Booking Is Testing Patience
Last nights February 19, 2026 edition of TNA iMPACT was a tale of highs and lows. The main event absolutely slapped, Maclin and a few characters were must-watch, but some creative and booking decisions had me shaking my head….again.
Below are my thoughts, along with our latest TNA podcast.
Main Event: Mustafa Ali vs. Elijah (Guitar Case Casket)
Absolute banger! Mustafa Ali is an absolute beast, and this was very likely Elijah’s best match to date. A legitimate main-event-of-the-year contender that delivered fire from bell to final second.
It was also a pretty wild match gimmick, something my co-host Gary and I have been begging for! Classic TNA was wacky gimmick matches (with rules that needed a full screen to read LOL), with great X and Women’s Divisions, let’s get back to that.
Maclin Angle
Loved the Maclin stuff this week — the progression feels natural, the storytelling landed, and it’s got me fully invested in where they’re headed next.
Never-ending Indi Hartwell Push + Awesome Arianna
I’m SO exhausted with Indi Hartwell being shoved down our throats, she’s the definition of “mid”. The opposite goes for Arianna Grace, who cut a really strong promo, and came off as a legit KO’s champ.
Tessa Blanchard vs. Jody Threat
Tessa did not defeat Jody Threat (DQ finish). This was ridiculous—Tessa is clearly operating in a completely different, superior league.
The System 2.0
It was awesome in week one, but the creative team has already run it into the ground — such a rapid, disappointing drop-off from a promising start.
Hardyz & The Righteous
Hardyz and The Righteous… come on, do something already. The pieces are all in place—now’s the time to pull the trigger and make it unforgettable!
Elayna Black & Mara
The segment was okay overall despite a few shaky promos. The actual feud has genuine potential and should prove fun to watch.
Ash by Elegance, Mickie James & Knockouts Title Picture
Ash and Mickie building heat is great, but it just proves why Jody as #1 contender is a problem. Those huge names (plus Tessa) are going to overshadow the championship.
Daria in Charge
Daria absolutely rules! I hate when wrestlers book their own matches, so her shutting that down was perfect—simple, logical, and deeply satisfying to watch.
Rich Swann & BDE
Swann and BDE taking the loss to Sinner & Saint was odd. I’d like to believe it’s part of a bigger story, but recent creative hasn’t given me much faith.
Trey Miguel (c) Retention & Creepy Carlos
Trey retained in a pretty obvious outcome. Carlos Silva being at every single title match is overkill—I was actually laughing when he strapped the belt on him again.
Carlos has a face for radio, but needs that tv time!
Eric Young Promo
EY dropped arguably his best promo since returning. He’s this close to being must-see again—just drop the Cleanse gimmick already.
Ryan Nemeth
Ryan Nemeth straight-up rules. I made fun of the signing at first, but he’s quickly become one of my favorite characters on the show.
Final Grade: 7.8/10
Main event and Maclin carried the night, but the booking gripes are stacking up.
What did you think of last night’s episode?
