Daivari debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on the June 12, 2008, episode of "Impact!" as the captain to Team International in 2008's World X Cup Tournament. Daivari then signed a contract with TNA. On the July 24, 2008, episode of "Impact!", after the conclusion of the X Cup, it was announced that he had joined the TNA roster under the name of Sheik Abdul Bashir. Retaining his anti-American gimmick and also adding a bullying mean streak, he quickly established himself as a heel after helping Petey Williams retain the TNA X Division Championship over Consequences Creed at Hard Justice on August 10, 2008, as well as delivering promos to draw heat. His official debut match on "Impact!" was a victory over Jay Lethal.