Inside the Dark Side: The TNA Years
Jeff Jarrett is heading to television screens with a massive story to tell. A three-part deep dive on Jarrett and the early days of TNA Wrestling is scheduled to kick kick off Vice TV’s Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 on July 7, 2026. In a wide-ranging interview on Chris Van Vliet's Insight podcast, Jarrett broke down the promotion's heaviest backstage chapters, from family relationships to booking controversies.
Karen Jarrett Sets the Record Straight
The upcoming documentary season centers its early focus on the real-life drama between Kurt Angle, Karen Jarrett, and Jeff. Backstage rumors long suggested Karen left Kurt for Jeff, causing massive corporate friction in TNA. In a teaser clip released ahead of the premiere, Karen spoke out to clear her name.
“People thinking that that marriage got broken up by a love affair couldn't be more wrong. Kurt and I were legally separated in 2006,” Karen said.
She explained that Kurt Angle was going through very dark days after WWE released him. She was forced to pretend they had a perfect family while their marriage was completely broken behind closed doors.
Backstage Whispers and Addiction
Backstage whispers were rampant during TNA's peak years, with Awesome Kong stating the locker room believed the affair rumors. D'Lo Brown similarly recalled constant speculation running through the roster. Jeff Jarrett addressed Kurt Angle's struggles directly during his interview.
“Kurt was having more bad days than good days. The disease of addiction is undefeated,” Jarrett said.
Jim Cornette described the physical toll on the Olympic gold medalist, recalling Angle lying in the dressing area covered in ice packs after every match. Jeff Jarrett clarified that his romantic relationship with Karen only started after divorce proceedings began and he knew Kurt was seeing other people. Karen recalled their first phone call when Jarrett checked in and recited scripture, leaving her thinking they don't make men like him.
The Carter Disconnect
The personal drama eventually collided with TNA's corporate office. Jarrett opened up about former TNA President Dixie Carter, describing a relationship that was strained long before his first wife, Jill, passed away. Despite the tension, Jarrett maintained a professional respect for the family who funded the company.
“It has always been strained... but I had so much respect for her position. That is the investor's daughter,” Jarrett said.
As F4WOnline detailed, Jarrett personally urged Carter to participate in the documentary. The show's producers reached out to Jarrett to help secure her, prompting a direct phone call. He advised her to tell her truth, but she ultimately declined.
Defending the Six Reigns
Jarrett faced intense criticism for booking himself as TNA's top champion during the company's formative years. He held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship six times under his own creative leadership. Jarrett offered a blunt defense of those title runs, arguing he did what was necessary to survive.
Protecting the Title
In TNA's infancy, the company operated on incredibly thin margins. Jarrett explained that they worked under shoestring budgets. If he put the top championship on an outside talent, there was no way to stop WWE from signing them away.
“the only person that I can guarantee will not walk out and go to the WWE is myself,” Jarrett said.
He noted that Jim Cornette and Dutch Mantell understood the business logic at the time. He also preferred booking a heel champion for babyfaces to chase, pointing to AJ Styles' development as the blueprint.
The Rebrand Blunder
TNA eventually rebranded to Impact Wrestling, a decision Jarrett labels a massive marketing blunder. He argued that changing the company's identity confused the audience.
“You talk about the old adage, confuse them, you lose them, it just went south there,” Jarrett said.
He welcomed TNA restoring its original name in 2024. He believes the promotion needs to bring back the iconic six-sided ring next.
“My gut told me, bringing the name back, I thought for sure the next thing that would follow would be a six sided ring,” Jarrett said.
He noted the six-sided ring defined TNA's peak era from 2005 to 2009. That run put a permanent stamp on the industry with the X Division and Knockouts like Gail Kim.
The Tragedy of Over The Edge
Jarrett also discussed the darkest night of his career. On May 23, 1999, Owen Hart fell approximately 90 feet from a harness at Kemper Arena in Kansas City. Jarrett was scheduled for a mixed tag team match directly following the fall.
Stepping Into the Ring
In WrestleTalk's recap of the interview, Jarrett detailed the chaotic minutes backstage. He was dressing when he was told he was up next. He immediately realized the timing was wrong because Hart had not had time to finish his match.
“Matt Miller busted in and said, ‘You’re up.’ I’m like, ‘Owen’s up.’ He goes, No. I said, ‘Well, what happened?’ He said he fell,” Jarrett recalled.
Jarrett grabbed a T-shirt and walked through the heavy backstage area. He did a promo with Kevin Kelly and Debra while paramedics wheeled Owen Hart by on a gurney just ten feet away.
A Broken Rope
Jarrett walked out to a silent crowd and stepped into the ring. When he reached for the top rope to do his entrance, he felt it was incredibly loose.
“getting up the ring, feeling the top rope, and it was like super, super loose,” Jarrett said.
The rope was loose because Hart had struck it during his fall. Jarrett completed the match with Debra against Val Venis and Nicole Bass without realizing the gravity of the situation. After returning backstage, a police officer drove him to the hospital in silence before confirming the tragedy.
Swift Connections and the AEW Run
Jarrett's personal life has frequently intersected with mainstream pop culture. He confirmed a long-standing rumor about pop superstar Taylor Swift's connection to his family. Swift went to high school with Jarrett's daughters in Nashville after moving from Pennsylvania.
A Family Friend
When Jarrett's first wife Jill was terminally ill, a mutual friend asked Swift to play a private concert. Swift performed for several hours in their home. After Jill passed away in 2007, Swift remained a close family friend to support the girls.
“Taylor Swift was with them through it all... she’s never been on the Jarrett payroll,” Jarrett said.
Swift frequently visited to bake cookies with the daughters. Jarrett shut down internet rumors that Swift was ever hired as a paid babysitter, calling her simply a great family friend.
Living in the Present
Jarrett's focus remains on AEW. He praised AEW's pay-per-view presentation, calling Forbidden Door a massive success. He singled out Will Ospreay for praise as he prepares to headline Wembley Stadium in England.
“Nobody does pay-per-view like AEW,” Jarrett said.
He admitted his work duties kept him from watching TNA Slammiversary. He worked through the weekend prep, showing where his current loyalties lie.
Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 Schedule
The upcoming season of the Vice TV docuseries features several high-profile stories:
- July 7: Jeff Jarrett’s TNA, Parts One and Two
- July 14: Jeff Jarrett’s TNA, Part Three
- July 21: Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher
- July 28: The Big Boss Man
- August 4: The Renegade, Rick Wilson
- August 11: Paul Orndorff
- August 18: Missy Hyatt
- August 25: Zach Gowen
