TNA Genesis delivered an action-packed event full of thrilling matches, shocking moments, and a major title change. The show also marked the beginning of a new partnership between TNA and NXT, which was front and center throughout the night. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down.
Pre-Show
The TNA-NXT partnership was officially introduced by NXT’s Arianna Grace, who took full credit for facilitating the collaboration. She wasted no time in hyping up the relationship before the surprises began. The first? Ashante “Thee” Adonis made an unexpected appearance, issuing an open challenge to the TNA roster.
That challenge was answered by none other than Jake Something, who overwhelmed Adonis with his raw power and sealed the win with a devastating swinging side slam.
In another pre-show bout, TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian squared off against rising star Leon Slater. Despite Slater’s high-energy offense and crowd-pleasing dives, Kazarian’s experience and cunning gave him the edge. Slater’s showboating cost him the match, as Kazarian countered a high-risk swanton 450 splash with his knees before sneaking a roll-up victory with a handful of tights.
Genesis
X-Division Championship: Moose (c) Retains Against Ace Austin
The show opened with a high-stakes clash between Moose and Ace Austin for the X-Division Championship. Moose unveiled a sleek new belt design before stepping into a power-versus-speed battle with Austin.
Ace had momentum on his side late in the match, even managing to fend off interference from Moose’s allies in The System. However, Moose’s relentless power proved too much. After catching Austin mid-air with a brutal spear, Moose landed another devastating spear to retain his title. The post-match beatdown by The System was thwarted by Eric Young and Steve Maclin, setting up the next bout.
Eric Young & Steve Maclin defeated Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards
In a continuation of the chaotic scene, Eric Young and Steve Maclin teamed up to take on Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards of The System. Despite interference from Alisha Edwards, who tried to tip the scales in her husband’s favor, the babyfaces emerged victorious. Young neutralized Edwards, allowing Maclin to hit the KIA finisher on Myers for the win.
Knockouts Tag Team Championship: Jody Threat & Dani Luna (c) defeated Ash by Elegance & Heather by Elegance to retain the titles.
The Knockouts Tag Team Champions Jody Threat and Dani Luna successfully defended their titles against Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance. Ash and Heather, decked out in Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-inspired attire, couldn’t match the champions’ intensity. Luna’s German suplex barrage and a massive deadlift suplex set up their signature Pressure Drop powerbomb combo to retain the titles. However, a bit of controversy about the legal competitor hinted this feud may not be over.
Tessa Blanchard Defeats Jordynne Grace
In a hard-hitting battle, Tessa Blanchard emerged victorious over Jordynne Grace. Grace used her incredible power to keep Blanchard on her heels, but Tessa’s underhanded tactics ultimately won the day. After removing a turnbuckle pad and using it to her advantage, Blanchard landed a flying Codebreaker to score the win.
Mike Santana Defeats Josh Alexander in an “I Quit” Match
Santana and Alexander put on an absolute war in their “I Quit” match. With Northern Armory banned from ringside, Alexander unleashed a relentless assault, but Santana’s refusal to quit kept the match going. Santana eventually zip-tied Alexander’s hands behind his back and threatened to curb-stomp him onto steel steps, forcing Alexander to say the dreaded words. After the match, Alexander honored his word, shaking Santana’s hand and officially passing the torch to him as TNA’s new standard-bearer. The moment was bittersweet, as Alexander announced he was leaving TNA.
Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) defeated Rosemary in Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match to retain the title.
Masha Slamovich retained her Knockouts Championship in a brutal Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match against Rosemary. The bout featured everything from barbed wire boards to ladders and even Janice, Rosemary’s signature weapon. Despite Rosemary’s resilience, Slamovich ended things with an avalanche piledriver onto a pile of chairs. After the match, NXT’s Cora Jade made her presence felt, staring down Slamovich in a tease of what’s to come.
TNA World Tag Team Championship: Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz to retain the titles.
Matt and Jeff Hardy defended their TNA World Tag Team Titles against Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz in a thrilling encounter. Midway through the match, NXT’s Fraxiom appeared ringside, creating tension with both teams. After security intervened, the Hardys took control, with Jeff hitting a Swanton Bomb on Trey to secure the win.
TNA World Champion: Joe Hendry defeated Nic Nemeth (c) to win the title.
The main event saw Joe Hendry dethrone Nic Nemeth to capture the TNA World Championship in a thrilling conclusion to the night. The match had its fair share of drama, with Ryan Nemeth banned from ringside and Frankie Kazarian teasing a Call Your Shot cash-in. However, Kazarian’s attempt to enter the fray was cut short by a surprise appearance from JBL, who laid out Kazarian with a Clothesline from Hell.
The match resumed cleanly, with Hendry showing incredible heart. After trading finishers and near falls, Hendry countered a superkick into his Standing Ovation slam to secure the victory and claim the TNA World Championship. The crowd erupted in celebration as Hendry stood tall to close the show.
Final Thoughts
Genesis was a landmark event for TNA, showcasing the promotion’s ability to seamlessly blend veteran talent, emerging stars, and a dose of unpredictability. From Joe Hendry’s emotional title win to the rising tensions between NXT and TNA rosters, the seeds have been planted for some exciting developments in the weeks to come. What’s next for this burgeoning partnership? Only time will tell, but the future looks bright.
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