On Saturday, January 17th, TNA Wrestling returned to the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX, for its big event, “Genesis.” The event was headlined by Mike Santana putting his newly won TNA World Championship on the line in a Texas Deathmatch against the former champion, Frankie Kazarian. The big caveat is that the special guest referee of this match was Kazarian’s co-winner of the “Call Your Shot Gauntlet,” Nic Nemeth.
We also saw Matt & Jeff Hardy defend their TNA World Tag Team Championships against one of TNA’s newest teams, The Righteous. Also, Lei Ying Lee defended her TNA Knockouts Championship against NXT’s Zaria, JDC battled Eddie Edwards in his retirement match, and so much more. So, what were the top three moments of the show?
3. Elayna Black Sets Her Sights on the TNA Knockouts Championship
In perhaps the biggest moment of TNA’s big premiere show on AMC, Daria Rae (fka WWE’s Sonya Deville) made her debut in TNA. Rae debuted in a new authority figure role, nicknamed as SUIT (Shut Up, I’m Talking). She took oversight from Santino Marella and immediately made an impact, introducing her first signing, Elayna Black.
Black, previously in NXT under the name “Cora Jade,” officially made her return to professional wrestling in this segment after taking off for some time due to personal reasons. At “Genesis,” Lei Ying Lee successfully defended her TNA Knockouts Championship against NXT’s Zaria, but the big story came after the match.
Elayna Black’s music hit, and she made her way out to the entranceway. She quickly made her intentions known as she wants the TNA Knockouts Championship around her waist. Lee looked to be a fighting champion and didn’t back down from Black. It appears we may be on a collision course between Black & Lee in what is sure to be a fantastic match, which will not disappoint.
2. JDC’s Final Dance, Defeated By Stablemate Eddie Edwards
One of the biggest matches of the night saw JDC (fka WWE’s Fandango & Johnny Curtis) go one-on-one against one of his best friends and System stablemate, Eddie Edwards. On November 13th, during a promo with The System, JDC announced that he would retire from professional wrestling following the “Genesis” event. From there, he tried to help his stablemates find a suitable replacement.
On the December 11th edition of TNA iMPACT, JDC declared that he was going to face Edwards in his retirement match at “Genesis.” The two had a fantastic match at the show, which was a very suitable way for JDC to go out. The crowd even serenaded the two with a “This Is Awesome” chant. In the end, Edwards put JDC away with three “Boston Knee Party” finishing moves to win the match and end JDC’s career.
After the match, we saw a very touching moment where the locker room made their way out to give JDC a standing ovation. The fans cheered him on, showing their thanks and praise. Despite never being a top champion, JDC left his mark on wrestling in his 27-year career. He’s shown himself to be a reliably good talent, whether in a dancing gimmick or something a bit more serious. Nonetheless, professional wrestling will miss JDC.
1. Mike Santana Retains, Sends A Message to Nic Nemeth
The main event of the show saw Mike Santana put his newly won TNA World Championship on the line against the former champion, Frankie Kazarian, in a Texas Deathmatch. The big issue for Santana here is that the special guest referee would be Kazarian’s co-winner of the “Call Your Shot” gauntlet, Nic Nemeth. Nemeth also has his eyes set on the TNA World Championship, so Santana was in a very unenviable spot.
On the debut show of TNA on AMC, Santana defeated Kazarian to win back his TNA World Championship, and fended off Nemeth’s “Call Your Shot” opportunity. Marella announced the two would meet one more time in a Texas Deathmatch at “Genesis,” however, Rae would undermine him, naming Nemeth as the special guest referee. This stacked the odds mightily against Santana.
However, if history was an indication, it’s never count Santana out. Santana went to war with Kazarian and was ultimately victorious. Following the match, Nemeth hit a “Danger Zone” on Santana. However, before he was able to call his shot, Santana laid him out with a “Spin The Block.” Santana sent a message to Nemeth with this one, showing he’s not the one to trifle with. He stood tall to end the show, and showed the world exactly who he is with the TNA World Championship… Unstoppable.
What do you think? Share your thoughts, opinions, feedback, and anything else that was raised on Twitter @PWMania and Facebook.com/PWMania.
Until next time
– Scott Mitchell
You can follow me on X (Twitter) and Instagram @Scott44Mitchell
