Gunner discusses abandoned TNA World Championship plans

Former TNA wrestler Gunner, who later competed in WWE as Jaxson Ryker, revealed that the promotion had originally planned a significant push toward the TNA World Championship for him. During an appearance on the ‘Wrestling Life’ podcast, Gunner detailed how he built momentum through victories over established performers such as AJ Styles, Sting, and Ken Anderson.

Gunner noted that a high-profile rivalry with James Storm was intended to serve as a developmental period to prepare him for a heavyweight title challenge. He praised the creative freedom provided during the feud, describing it as one of the strongest programs of that year due to the time allowed to develop the storyline.

Despite the initial momentum and support from leadership figures including Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, the championship plans eventually stalled. Gunner suggested that changes in company leadership redirected the creative focus, causing his planned trajectory toward the world title to fade after the conclusion of his program with Storm.