I did write 2025 in the title for this right? Worst thing about a New Year is remembering to write the correct date for like three months. But one of the best things is, a new year means…no more useless Awards shows with clips or “never before seen matches” that no one cares about!

We’ve got some Tessa Blanchard time upcoming and much like last year…Joe Hendry will say words probably to open the show. If we can get a semblance of a coherent storyline this year and Hendry wins the damn title at Genesis, maybe Tommy Dreamer is a redeemable booker. But currently, “Booking by Tommy” makes “Booking by Tunney” look like a genius Einstein equation.

Can we please start things off with some hope? Maybe? Please.

Rascalz vs. The Hardy at #TNAGenesis!? @MATTHARDYBRAND @JEFFHARDYBRAND @ZacharyWentz @TheTreyMiguel

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpSxQB pic.twitter.com/33UE1CdYjE

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025

Ratings:

• Ryan Nemeth vs Rhino: Ryan Nemeth wins via DQ – *
• Kushida vs Ace Austin: Ace wins via The Fold – ****
• Elegance Clique (Heather & ASH) w/Personal Concierge, Tasha Steelz & Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich & Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat): Masha wins via Requiem – **

Results:

And the show opens with a Joe Hendry segment, where’s the surprised Pikachu meme when I need it. He doesn’t say a ton of new stuff except for the fact that he’s number one contender now. Ryan Nemeth comes out to call Hendry a mid-carder and is referring to Nic as “his big brother” so often, he’s obviously trying to get it over, and it’s not the worst. It’s so lame its almost great. Hendry turns it around of course, but Ryan deflects in a delusional dweeb kind of way and talks about he’s gonna make big moves after he beats Rhino later in the night. 

Hendry decides to use the most inconsistent wrestling trope of them all and calls out Rhino to start the match now. Cause you know wrestlers don’t make matches, unless they do, and then commentary just says the authority figure texted approval or something.

Ryan Nemeth vs Rhino

They start with Arm Wringers, just very basic bare bones 90s wrestling start. Nemeth gets shot off into the ropes, grabs them to stop Rhino from getting momentum. Ryan tries to go for a hand shake, the crowd chants Gore and Rhino doesn’t fall for the hand shake. Ryan takes a few short cuts landing opportunistic kicks, spots on the outside, he gets a bit arrogant digging into old Dolph Ziggler mannerisms so that’s the cue for Rhino to start the comeback. Ryan eats fists, back to back Lariats, short Spear in the corner, and then Ryan powders. Rhino tries to grab him, Ryan rakes the eyes, grabs a chair…the referee just lets him bring in the chair. Rhino steps on the chair, levels Ryan, grabs the chair and starts lighting up Ryan.

So Ryan wins via DQ.

Awful match that only ends up giving Ryan a “win” on paper, so I guess we’re gonna get B Team level of Delusion. Which could be great…like the B Team, or it will be cringe like Axelmania.

Kushida vs Ace Austin

Starts off a little slow with both jockeying for position, very reminiscent of classic Kushida Junior matches in New Japan where he tries to shoot a little early to find something quick, but Ace is slippery. Snapmares, Headscissors and variations of those keep Ace grounded for a little until he utilizes the Wrestler’s Bridge to get out, float over but then get caught by Kushida right away before slipping out and then a rope run spot, Kushida sets up his Cartwheel Dropkick as normal but Ace Kips Up during the Cartwheel and Dropkicks Kushida himself! Kushida powders so Ace goes for the Marufuji Plancha. They toy with each other on the apron, Ace goes for his signature apron dodge but Kushida returns the favor of watching the tape and grabs Ace’s wrist he planted on and rips him off the apron. Kushida puts more focus on that arm with an Armbar, and…commercial break.

We come back, big Chop drops Ace through the ropes, Kushida hits the Baseball Slide and hypes the crowd on the apron. He collects Ace with a Wrist Lock on the bad arm, but Ace is being indignant, he’s goading Kushi to hit him, slaps Kushida a few times so Kushida hits an Enzuigiri or a snap Shining Wizard to shut up Ace. Kushida keeps up some damage on the arm, looks for the Kawada kicks but pivots to a corner spot where they drop each other with simultaneous moves. Fighting Spirit spot when they get up, Kushida kicks at the injured arm, Tanaka Punch gets countered by Ace, Russian Leg Sweep into Click Click Boom! Ace looking for a Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb but Kushida fights it off twice before Ace grits it out and snaps off the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb for two. Ace looks for the Art Finesse, but Kushi grabs him, hits him quick and pulls off the Cartwheel Dropkick into the Shotei and looks for the Avalanche Hoverboard Lock but Ace counters, then Kushida counters, a little rolling, Ankle Lock from Kushi! Ace grabs for the rope with the injured arm, Kushida lets go of the Ankle to kick the arm, Shotei off the ropes and only a two count!

Ace baits Kushida into missing the corner spot, Triangle Kick from Ace into his Miz style Rope Hung Seated Lariats. He perches Kushida, tries for the Step Over Headscissors but takes to long, Kushida catches him, rocks him, Handspring Back Kick into the Avalanche Cross Armbreaker, Ace counters it twice, they slip and counter each other, Ace tries an Art of Finesse, Dropkick from Kushi says no, Back to the Future is sandbagged from Ace! Kushi can’t get him over, Ace Roundhouse Kick rocks Kushida, hits the Fold after pulling out the old playing card, and Ace wins!

Ace cuts a heartfelt promo afterwards talking about Bey and how Bey told him to go on a crazy singles run and aim for the World title. Moose walks out to play spoiler on the promo. Moose feels disrespected, Moose tries to say something about Bey and Ace immediately gets hot and they seem to have really good promo chemistry. Moose’s comments get under Ace’s skin enough to get him to focus on Moose, wants to fight him and Santino’s music hits. So the ‘splainin’ will prolly be “You haz da match in Genisys! Terminator 5 get hype”. Yup…more or less, X Division title match Moose vs Ace. 

It's a wild scene backstage between The System, @TheEddieEdwards, @TheEricYoung and @TheJonGresham!

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpSxQB pic.twitter.com/ztlSI0vkNJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025

TNA+ Moment of the Week: DCC vs The Broken Hardyz vs Decay, Genesis 2017

Them going back to the Throwback match segment is kinda neat. As long as its not every week and maybe only to highlight old PPVs of the same name, this could be fun to bring back in moderation.

The Nemeth Brothers will deal with @Rhyno313 and @joehendry NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! @NicTNemeth @ryrynemnem

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpS013 pic.twitter.com/vroc11UnrC

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025

Santana comes out to cut a promo still with Josh’s head gear in his hand, so Josh’s music hits for him to walk out with his nerdy nobody jabroni squad. Hell the stable uses Josh’s theme, the other two literally don’t matter. The crowd in Atlanta is very vocal and it’s making all the wrestlers react to them. All in good ways, but it’s just nice to see. Josh pulls out facts about how Santana won nothing after he left TNA, Josh tries to mic drop and walk off so Santana just clowns him. He asks if he won the matches because he was good or be cause he was kissing up to the man with the pencil, and that gets under Josh’s skin. Santana challenges the entire Armoury next week. Not sure if it will be a gauntlet match or a 3 on 1. 

Nic Nemeth comes out, cuts a decent promo putting Hendry over but as soon as he starts talking about Ryan there are audible boos, so Ryan walks out to more boos. The Atlanta crowd hates Ryan, his voice is super whiny, this is frustrating fantastic work. 

Elegance Clique (Heather & ASH) w/Personal Concierge, Tasha Steelz & Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich & Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat)

Masha and Rosemary start, Rosemary tries to start quick but Masha stifles her, tags in Jordynne, Jordynne and Masha do a tandem Electric Chair Splash but only a near fall. So then things break down to all 8 throwing hands, the babyface team gets the best of it, Quadruple Suplexes cause all of the heels to powder and then Masha and Jordynne open the ropes for Spitfire to Dive through ala Motor City Machine Guns for a big car crash bowling spot. Rosemary gets tossed back in, another near fall and then we’re off to commercial town again.

We’re back and for reasons unknown beyond “tags happened” Heather is getting tossed around by Dani. Jody with the blind tag, so rolling low Dropkicks and Crossbodies make Heather desperate. Heather slips Jody’s lift and tags in Tasha, in which Tasha is immediately snatched up, slammed and Dani is tagged back into keep the punishment going. Jawbreaker from Tasha gives her the time to tag out to ASH, but ASH is immediately countered, Jody is tagged in and Tandem Stalling Suplex. The heels just look stupid in this match so far. Concierge finally makes himself useful and allows ASH to grab Jody’s hair and swing the momentum. Referee is getting spun around with all the people so Rosemary takes a short cut choking Jody in the heel corner while ASH tags in Heather and Jody is reeling. ANOTHER COMMERCIAL

The match started with a commercial and there’s been two during…sheesh. Jody is still getting worked over but this time by ASH, but I’m definitely no longer invested in this match. I’m just waiting for Tessa to show up. Rosemary tags in after ASH hits her Back Handspring Elbow, Rosemary tries to choke out Jody, Jody starts fighting back. She fights out of the heel corner, Rosemary tries to throttle her, perches her but Jody is still fighting off 4 people even though she’s been eating moves for like 6 minutes. Jordynne tags in, starts running over everyone, rocks her, Spicolli Driver with the pop, Sliding D for two. Juggernaut Driver is countered, World’s Strongest Slam into Vader Bomb but Tasha jumps off the top with a splash to break up the pinfall. Jordynne lays out Tasha with a Lariat, Masha tags in, Sambo strikes into a Capo Kick that has to be broken up by Rosemary. Signature spam moment, so we’re either gonna get a finish or Tessa to just show up and no contest the world. Tasha Okurrr on Jordynne to force her to powder but Masha is lying in wait, Roundhouse Kick into Requiem, Masha gets the pinfall.

Tessa attacks Jordynne only from behind and then the heels go after the other three with Rosemary green misting Masha. Tessa ties Jordynne’s gym bag around her neck, drags her to the door and throws her out ala Buff Bagwell and Booker T. Tessa says she’s gonna take HER locker room back. 

Overall Score: 7.25/10

Even though there wasn’t a lot of wrestling, the segments were actually pretty fantastic. Ryan’s new gimmick could get old quick, but it’s so pathetically addictive to hate and mock; I love the hell out of it. Ace and Moose have some great chemistry so that should be a great match, Kaz with Leon Slater and the Dango cameo was good stuff and I’m a big Tessa fan. So as I said for Final Resolution, if she’s really trying to become a better person and made amends, she deserves a second chance and I’ve missed her in American wrestling shows. Rascalz against The Hardyz also makes obvious sense, I can’t imagine a world where Rascalz win, but it should be a fun match and maybe build a good angle. Santana going through the Northern Armoury could be fantastic also, so it gives something to look forward to next week.

Honestly I didn’t even realize there were only three matches until we got to the main event because the show was such a fun and easy watch.

So all things considered, I’d call this a damn good start to 2025. Plus Ace vs Kushida is easily in the MOTY conversation right now (yes it’s mostly humour since its only the second).

You know, I said it a week ago and that’s part of why I couldn’t bring myself to care yesterday. “When the company doesn’t treat the matches like they care, why should I”. This card looks like such a B Level nothing show, I really hope there’s some big surprises for the end of 2024 or at least quality matches.

TNA has squandered the good faith the earned the last few years, and I just wish they’d figure it the hell out. Let’s see if this is worth the time I invest into watching it.

.@AJFrancis410 gets his shot at @NicTNemeth's TNA World Championship TONIGHT at #TNAFinalResolution! @MeanGiaMiller

Watch #TNAFinalResolution NOW on TNA+: https://t.co/2yJ0D55Gab pic.twitter.com/fFWlEYycbm

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) December 14, 2024

Ratings:

• X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Kushida: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
• Sami Callihan & PCO vs The Rascalz vs Jake Something: Rascalz win via Feed ‘Em to the Lions – ***
• Ace Austin vs Trent Seven: Ace wins via 1-2-Sweet – *** 1/4
• Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace: No Contest, Tessa Blanchard returns – ** 1/2
• Number 1 Contender Match: Mike Santana vs Joe Hendry vs Steve Maclin vs Josh Alexander: Joe Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4
• NoDQ: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Tasha Steelz w/Alisha Edwards: Masha retains via Requiem – ** 1/4
• TNA Tag Team Titles Table Match: The Hardyz (c) vs The System: Hardyz retain – *** 3/4
• TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs AJ Francis w/KC Navarro: Nic retains via Danger Zone – ** 3/4

Results:

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Kushida

Moose goes right after Kushida early, but Kushida dodges, Moose posts his left arm and Kushi starts working on it. Low Bridge from Kushida sends Moose out, Kushida tries to follow up with a Diving Frakensteiner but Moose blocks it, reverses Kushida into the steps and then a big Apron Bomb probably reminds Kushida that outside of the ring is not his friend. Don’t agree? Ask Kushida how that Hiromu Takahashi match went with the Inside Out Sunset Bomb. Moose….wait he stops the referee from counting out Kushida. Moose tries to pick his spot to charge Kushida into the steps, but Kushi dodges and Moose crashes into the steps. Kushida smashes Moose’s arm into the steps and starts looking to continue picking apart the champion. Soccer Ball kick to the arm, Kushida grates Moose’s hand against the ropes, papercut/rope burn style forces Moose to gauge the eyes for some space. Kushi perches but Moose hits the Go To Hell for a near fall!

Moose sells the arm that Kushida was working on, tries a one armed Piledriver but Kushida gets away from him, some rope running that Kushida gets the best of with the Handstand Kick, big Shotei as Moose sells to the corner, and Kushida tries more but eats an Uranage for his troubles. Moose disrespects Kushida and it fires him up, Round Kicks aplenty into the first attempt at the Hoverboard Lock. Moose fights it off but eats a Flatliner into the buckles and then Back to the Future! But only two! They trade punches, Tanaka Punch from Kushida and then he goes to the corner with Moose, floats over and HOVERBOARD LOCK! It’s close but Moose barely gets to the ropes after a few near tap outs. Kushida tries to collect Moose, but Moose pulls him into the corner buckles, looks for Lights Out but Kushida counters with a Small Package. Powerbomb attempt, Cradle from Kushida, locomotion action, Kushida looks for the Back Handspring Elbow but Moose connects on the Million Dollar Dropkick and then Lights Out to retain!

Sami Callihan & PCO vs The Rascalz vs Jake Something

So Hammerstone was at taping, but too hurt for the match? Hammer really needs to change whatever he’s been doing lately. He’s been injured more often this year than healthy. I think that bodybuilding competition put too much of a strain on him and he’s getting injured left and right. Jake decides to go at it alone, so let’s see what happens.

Sami and Wentz start, and simple tie up, not much happens and they work towards Jake’s corner for no real reason and Jake tags himself in on Sami so he comes in and starts running over Wentz, literally. Wentz does manage to slip a power move and tag in Trey, they go for speed kills and hits MCMG’s High Speed Dirt. Jake is annoyed so he tags out to PCO and PCO drops Jake in return. Rascalz then hit the ABC tandem combination, but PCO no sells and starts destroying both Rascalz. Sami comes in and he keeps beating on Trey, grounds him and just connects Forearm shots to the back of the head. PCO and Sami have some more decent tandem work, Sami uses PCO like a battering ram and drives PCO into Trey’s chest. Leg Drop follows up from PCO and tags back in Sami, and they keep on Trey. Trey isn’t looking too great, he fights back, hits the split too early to dodge a double clothesline, but like a C for effort. Jake blind tags, Trey tags in Wentz and then start brawling on the ramp. Wentz counters a Powerbomb into the Frankensteiner and catches Jake tries to jump for the Thesz Press for the Face Flapjack and a nice German Suplex from Wentz on Jake. Tags in Trey, Cristo + Superkick tandem move, Rascalz look to win but Sami just falls into the pile. Everybody exits the ring, Sami tries to Dive, but Trey Superkick blocks, and Dives himself, Sami tries another Dive but Wentz gets in the way, but Sami catches his foot and throws Wentz out of the ring. Sami thinks about a third, but tells PCO to do flip, so PCO Sault to the outside on everyone! Signature spam everybody down moment of the match.

Jake hits one Rascal with another Rascal, then hits the Sitout Powerbomb on Sami, looks to do the same to PCO…and EXECUTES THE POWERBOMB! But PCO sits right up and they throw hands. PCO looks for the Scorpion Deathdrop, but Trey breaks it up, Wentz UFO Cutter on PCO, they take out Sami, Rascalz double up on Jake, Feed Em to the Lions, and The Rascalz win!

After the match, Sami congratulates the Rascalz, the lights go out and the 23 vignette goes off. 

Ace Austin vs Trent Seven

Things spill outside quickly, Ace takes early control using the apron. He throws Trent back in, but as Ace tries a Springboard Trent hits the ropes to cause Ace to crash and Trent takes advantage with a few great quick moves including a quick Flowsion for two. PK, cover, PK, cover, he’s trying to wear out Ace. Trent just Chops the hell out of Ace, but Ace chides Trent so Trent Chops Ace’s inner thigh and snaps off a DDT for 2. He then rubs his balls with Ace’s Chris Bey t-shirt, rips it apart and throws it to the outside. Trent is being a heel, turns around and Ace hits him with the Waterwheel Kick, into a Yakuza Kick, and keeps Trent driven into the corner, connects a few Chops of his own, perches Trent and looks for something, but Trent counters, then Ace counters and connects the Gamengiri and goes for the apron run Outside In Avalanche Headscissors into a Double Stomp for only two. Ace hits the top rope for something, but Trent chops the back of the thigh, goes to apron, collects Ace and hits an Apron Birminghammer!

Trent rolls Ace into the ring, goes for a pin but Ace barely gets a foot on the ropes. Trent with the Finger Snap into X-Plex for yet another 2 count. Seven Star Lariat attempt, but Ace blocks, hits the Short Arm V Trigger, Bop & Bang, Ace recoils into the Art of Finesse but Trent hits a Chop to the back! Trent lands the Seven Start Lariat into a Corkscrew Piledriver but Ace kicks out at one! Birminghammer attempt, no, X-Plex gets countered into a DDT, Art of Finesse into The Fold! Ace wins via the 1-2-Sweet!

Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace

Rosemary charges at the bell, Jordynne connects on Forearms, tries the backfist but misses, however Rosemary can’t do much as Jordynne stays on her Sliding D Forearm for a near fall. Jordynne keeps connecting with Vader Hamers, perches Rosemary, but Rosemary fights out, tries the Sunset Bomb but Jordynne holds on, Rosemary bites Jordynne. Jordynne looks for the Japanese Ocean Bomb but Rosemary counters that into the Upside Down and heads back into the ring with a big Lariat and hammer shots to the back of Jordynne’s head. Rosemary focuses the arms of Jordynne, and Jordynne tries to fight back but gets caught a few times, gets stuck in the ropes and Rosemary kicks her in the face. Rosemary chokes her against the ropes til 4, then Sliding D from Rosemary, Upside Down attempt again but Jordynne fights it off, Rosemary stops Jordynne from doing anything but Jordynne tries to reverse the Irish Whip and Rosemary launches off the steps with a Superman Punch.

Rosemary is okay with waiting for the Count Out, but Jordynne is back in at 8. Rosemary tries a Backslide, but Jordynne stops her, rams her into the corner, hits her own Backslide then Forearm, but Rosemary sits up, the brawl happens, Jordynne hits the Air Raid Crash for two! Spinning Backfist, World’s Strongest Slam, Vader B-no the Vader Bomb misses and Rosemary hits the Spear! But Jordynne rolls through it, Rosemary tries to launch off the ropes and Jordynne hits an Uppercut! Back and forth brawling from both, they brawl to the outside, Rosemary tries the Rear Naked Choke on the ramp as the referee starts to count. Jordynne falls back to break the choke and the ref checks on them. Jordynne kicks Rosemary away but Rosemary doesn’t go far and hits a Spear through the ropes back into the ring, two count! As Above So Below attempt but Jordynne counters, Kinikku Buster! 1 -2 – The referee gets pulled out! Tessa Blanchard is back!

She beats the hell out of Jordynne, hits her Hammerlock DDT and leaves Jordynne laying. I guess the match is a No Contest because we immediately go to a package for Genesis.

Tessa Blanchard just attacked @JordynneGrace at #TNAFinalResolution!

Watch #TNAFinalResolution NOW on TNA+: https://t.co/2yJ0D55Gab pic.twitter.com/vBNhzorZt8

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) December 14, 2024

Number 1 Contender Match: Mike Santana vs Joe Hendry vs Steve Maclin vs Josh Alexander:

Things spill out random early, but Santana and Josh square off early. Santana hits a few Chops but Josh dumps him out, Maclin comes in and Josh knocks Maclin down so he powders. Hendry comes in, starts working over Josh, then Santana, Hendry and Maclin hit a locomotion spot to take Josh out for a little bit. Square off for a minute and then they start swinging. Enzuigiri from Santana rocks Maclin, Santana tries to continue but Maclin counters and levels him with a Lariat. Hendry pops up and goes after Maclin and goes into the Stalling Suplex. Josh slides back in, dispatches Hendry for a moment and then takes Maclin to the Germany. Hendry tries to come in and make something happen but Josh holds the ring. Santana pops up to get knocked down, Hendry gets crotched and rocked. Josh goes for a Dropkick but Hendry does the ole Samoa Joe “Nope” and Josh crashes. After the small moment of levity, Josh connects with a for strikes, keeps Santana on the outside and Hendry is firing up as he absorbs the strikes. But in the fire attempt, Josh hits the Kitchen Sink and throws Hendry out. Santana takes this as his cue to try, and him and Josh have the strike exchange spot.

Santana goes to the ropes, Josh catches him, Santana tries to fight off but gets dropped on the apron and the Low Crossbody from Josh takes out Santana. Josh peppers in a few shots on Hendry and Maclin to keep them down, goes back inside with Santana and starts beating on Santana some more. DDT and then King Kong Knee Drop from Josh for two! Hendry tries but Josh says go away, Maclin is struggling to his feet on the ramp as Santana keeps getting worked over. Josh sees Maclin, Maclin tries to Back Drop Josh, but Josh floats over and German Suplex on the ramp! Josh goes back in, tries the C4 Spike on Santana, but Santana fights off, a little bit of positioning and Rolling Buck Fifty connects! Spin the Block, misses, they trade hands in the corner, perches Santana, they fight on the top rope. Maclin and Hendry show up to pluck Josh off the ropes and Santana hits the old LAX finish Street Sweeper! Hendry and Santana stand up first and throw hands. Hendry gets the best of thing, a few Lariats into a Sack of Shit and Kip Up. Hendry does the turn around and eats a Busaiku Knee from Maclin. Santana comes in, Maclin tries to Leap Frog but Santana catches him into the Spicolli Driver. Josh gets up, Santana tries another Rolling Buck Fifty but Josh stops it and turns it into a Torture Rack Bomb!

Hendry and Josh fight up the corner, Hendry with the Avalanche Sack of Shit, Maclin with the Jar Headbutt, Santana Frog Splash for 1-2 but Josh breaks it up! They all fight to the outside, dives, and even Hendry hits his Senton Dive! The crown pops, Maclin and Hendry are in but hit the simultaneous Lariat spot. During the spot, Josh bounces Santana off the guardrail and zip ties him to the guardrail. In the ring Hendry gets put in the Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs! Josh comes in, Low Blow on Maclin, looks for the C4 Spike but Hendry spins him around, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!

NoDQ: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Tasha Steelz w/Alisha Edwards

Santino comes out with his best segment of his TNA career. He bans Alisha from the building because she didn’t listen to the ref at the last PPV, he brings out more security incase The System gets involved, he calls Alisha “New England Clam Chowder Ass” and then just carries her out on his shoulders while pushing a promo code right as the match starts. It’s good comedy.

Tasha started fast but Masha fights back, hell Masha hits a Tornillo into Tasha and Security members. Then Masha tries to suplex Tasha onto the steps, but Tasha counters it and snaps Masha into the steps. Tasha had control for a second until Masha rams Tasha’s back into the apron to catch her breath. To be fair the action is basic and kind of boring, so I have no real urge to type up “strike, kick, strike, miss”. As I have said many times, Tasha is not good. She has occasional moments of being decent, but her average is like…a C minus student. She’ll get a B plus on a good day, but most of the time she’s skimming by barely above hot garbage.

After about three minutes of plodding and moves that are generally inconsequential, Masha hits a Superplex and they do the strike exchange on their knees in the middle of the ring. This match hasn’t been dynamic enough to constitute the attempted psychology of a tiring struggle. Masha connects with a Double Up Kick, Snapmare into Waterwheel Kick for two. They move to the outside, Tasha connects on a DDT to give her the advantage. Lots of basic offense until Tasha tries to drag her up the ramp and hits that Mickie James inspired Bulldog onto the ramp. Tasha tries to smash Masha’s face into the ramp a few times, but she no sells and fires, hits the Package Piledriver on the ramp, now called Requiem, to retain.

TNA Tag Team Titles Table Match: The Hardyz (c) vs The System

Matt hits Myers with the Delete Head Smashes early, Jeff has Eddie in the other corner, they hit some Poetry in Motion on Eddie, then the Leg Drop/Fist combo on Myers and two Plot Twists on Myers! Matt shoves Jeff, Jeff shoves Matt and Matt says “Okay, lets both get the tables”.

They set up the table, Twist of Fate on Myers, put Myers on the table for Jeff to Swanton but Eddie finally shows up and crotches Jeff. Eddie attacks Matt, Enzuigiri from Myers and now The System is in control. They’re trying to put Matt through the table, but Matt fights off the table and shoves Eddie into the turnbuckles Myers was on to crotch him. Matt goes for a Superplex through the table, but Eddie moves the table in time!Boston Knee Party takes out Jeff, Matt gets ping ponged between the two System members and they start looking to take out Matt. Tandem Crucifix Bomb, takes out Matt! They look to double team Jeff but he keeps fighting back to avoid the tables. The System decides to rearrange the tables together on a different corner and try to set something up to take out Jeff.

The System looks to send Jeff through the tables from the ramp, but Matt is finally back up and stops them from killing Jeff! Matt hits a Twist of Fate off the ramp and through a table! Both teams have put one member through tables! Eddie lights up Jeff’s chest with those NOAH chops and Jeff sells them like he’s being shot at close range. They’re brawling on the outside, Eddie spills a fans drink, the fan slaps Eddie so Eddie smacks him back and two referees and someone from production shows up while security escorts the guy out. That didn’t look like a plant, but Eddie played it up beautifully. Going back into the ring, Eddie tries to keep control but eats a Whisper in the Wind!

Myers hits a Low Blow on Matt, so Eddie and Myers fight up into the balcony with fans. The System procure a table, but Matt appears with a chair before The System can do anything. Hardyz find a second table, they set up a Swanton Spot for Jeff! Eddie is on the table, Jeff jumps off the balcony into Eddie! HARDYZ WIN!

TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs AJ Francis w/KC Navarro

Nemeth comes out quick but AJ pops up and starts running over Nemeth with Shoulder Tackles. As AJ has the advantage, Kaz saunters down to ring side. AJ goes for a Banzai Drop or Vader Bomb or something but Nemeth powders. Nic backs down KC, so AJ ends up hitting him from behind and slamming him into the apron. Nemeth stays on the receiving end until AJ goes back to the ropes and Nic catches him, Cheeky Nandos, Avalanche Powerbomb for a near fall! Nemeth hits the Shot to the Heart Elbows, and punctuates 10 with the one from off the top but AJ gets to his feet, catches Nic and then drops him with a Big Boot. AJ misses a charge to the corner, eats a Stinger Splash from Nic, and Nic comes off the ropes and tries to chop him down with Lariats, AJ doesn’t drop so he hits the Jumping DDT, finally hits the 10th Shot to the Heart and AJ powders.

Navarro gets involved, Stun Guns Nic and then TFL connects from AJ for two! Tennessee Whiskey hit next, and Nic is splayed out in the ring as AJ and KC dance around after the move. AJ goes to the ropes and finally hits the Vader Bomb he’s been trying to hit all match. Nic gets his foot on the rope but KC slaps it away, but the ref sees it and ejects KC Navarro. Nic counters the Backdrop Driver into DANGER ZONE! But only two! AJ retreats to the corner, Nic hits another Splash, tries the Rude Awakening but AJ holds on, AJ goes for…A MOONSAULT, but hits nothing! FAMEasser for only 2! Sweet Chin Music attempt, but it gets caught, Nic tries a Crossbody but he’s caught, Nic flips out of the catch, Superkick, tries another move but AJ catches him again into a Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker for two! Down Payment connects! But Nic powders to the ramp! AJ gets Nic back on his shoulders and he throws him from the ramp to the center of the ring.

AJ goes for another Down Payment but Nic counters it into FAMEasser, Superkick and Danger Zone! Nic retains and didn’t need JBL…color me shocked.

Navarro comes back out, they beat on Nic, look to double team him but Hendry comes out for the save. Joe goes to pick up the belt at the same time Nic grabs for it, and even though Hendry made the save they have an intense stare off. 

Overall Score: 6.5/10

This show was definitely better than the build would’ve lead you to believe. While nothing was amazing quality to blow the roof off, there was a lot of solid action. Kushida v Moose was fun, Hardyz vs System was fun, Ace and Trent was pretty good and the Jake Something handicap match was surprisingly fun. And yes, I buried the lead on purpose, Tessa Blanchard returning as a heel is perfect. She is a great worker, I love her work in TNA and on the Indies, I especially remember a few of her matches on Wrestle Circus.

I’m not gonna tell anyone how to feel about someone, but from my understanding she made good with La Rosa Negra, and her being an egotistical racist is honestly one of the least egregious things that wrestlers got blacklisted for over the last 4 or 5 years. So if you still haven’t forgiven her, that’s fine, you’re allowed to feel that way. But if she’s made good with the persona she wronged and seemingly has changed or is trying to change; I see no harm in giving her a second chance. Tessa solves a lot of the holes TNA are going to have in their roster when Josh Alexander, Jordynne Grace, Mike Bailey and others don’t re-sign  Assuming she can keep her nose clean and is a better person, this could be good for all parties involved.

Solid show, solid end to 2024, and being a big fan of Tessa for her athleticism, ringwork and aesthetics, I’m looking forward to what she can do in 2025 for TNA.