TNA IMPACT TV RESULTS (1/15): Keller’s coverage of AMC premiere episode with AJ Styles, Kazarian vs. Santana for TNA Title, The Hardys, more

By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor


SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

TNA IMPACT TV RESULTS
JANUARY 15, 2026
GARLAND, TEX. AT CURTIS CULWELL CENTER
AIRED ON AXS TV
REPORT BY DARRIN LILLY, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

-Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

Attendance: WrestleTix reported earlier this week that 2,356 tickets had been distributed; arena is set up for 3,070. The arena has a capacity of 8,500 spectators when configured for concerts.


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NOTE: I’m filling in for Darrin Lilly in terms of live coverage, but his report will be posted later also.

[HOUR ONE]

-They opened with a video package about TNA wrestling, including soundbites about how everyone cares about each other and group applause backstage with dramatic music and a narrator touting big moves and emotional flurishes.

(Keller’s Analysis: What are they doing? This feels like a video you play at the start of the annual company banquet for employees, not something you do to hook new viewers. I’d have spent this energy telling a story about the high-stakes main event. This video could come later in the show as a sidebar talking about the TNA brand for those who have never watched or been away for a while.)

-As they showed a wide shot of the crowd, Tom Hannifan introduced the show as fans chanted “TNA! TNA!”

-A.J. Styles made his ring entrance to his old TNA music. Color commentator Matthew Rehwoldt said you cannot tell the story of TNA without him so it’s appropriate he kicks off the new era of TNA on AMC. Styles entered the ring as fans loudly chanted, “A.J.! A.J.!” He said he’d “keep it short and sweet because we’ve got some wrestling to do.” He said TNA is bigger and better than ever, and now it’s on AMC. Fans chanted, “AMC!” Styles joined in the chant for TNA.

(Keller’s Analysis: I get this just feels normal since the “ECW” chants decades ago, but I truly believe a peak experience for pro wrestling fans is cheering for wrestlers, and it’s those wrestlers and the tone and tenor of the build up to and execution of those matches that leads to brand loyalty, not fan chants and rah rah speeches about a brand. I think it makes executives feel good, like the fans are cheering their work, but this time would be better spent promoting wrestlers who fans are paying to see wrestle in meaningful matches. This might give long-time TNA fans warm-fuzzies, but it’s rallying the converted and not winning over new fans. I want to be clear; this isn’t counter-productive. The idea that a wrestler with the recognition factor of Styles along with a rabid crowd love this brand is a good thing. I just don’t think opening with all of this is the right call, and I think with the positive comes some negative, which is the idea you’re cheering a brand filled with workers who all love each other instead of selling people on the idea that great athletes are fighting for big prizes.)

-The TNA Impact opening aired with clips of the wrestlers on the roster looking into the camera or doing big moves. Kazarian, Nic Nemeth, and Jeff Hardy were among the first shown.

-Hannifan introduced the show as they showed the exterior of the arena entrance area.

(1) MATT & JEFF HARDY & ELIJAH vs. ORDER 4 (Mustafa Ali & Jason Hotch & John Skyler)

Elijah then was shown with a guitar. He introduced himself and said he had one question for everyone. “Who wants to talk with Elijah?” The Hardy Boyz music then played and they walked onto the stage wrapped in their TNA Tag Team Titles. They went to Hannifan and Rehwoldt at ringside who built the card. Order 4 made their entrance. They showed an inset image of Elijah recently attacking Mustafa by tying his ankles together and dragging him out of the arena by a horse he was riding on. The bell rang 10 minutes into the hour.

The Hardys and Elijah knocked the three heels to the floor and celebrated as they cut to a break seconds into the match. [c]

Tasha Steele got in the ring and distracted Jeff Hardy as he was rallyingJeff sent a charging Ali into Steele in the corner and Hardy gave them both a Twist of Fate at once. Jeff splashed Ali and then made the cover. Skyler and Hotch interfered with the ref’s count. Hannifan noted this was Elijah’s first match in over six months after Elijah went after Skyler and Hotch in the ring. Elijah landed a knee strike and then Matt landed a Twist of Fate and then Jeff landed a Twist of Fate for the win.

WINNERS: Hardys & Elijah in 9:00.

-Agent Zero attacked the Hardys. The Righteous ran to the ring and the heels fled. Rehwoldt said The Righteous say they respect and revere the Hardys as they helped them up, but then The Righteous attacked the Hardys. Hannifan said The Righteous want to destroy the Hardys and take their essence. Vincent put the padlock through Jeff’s ear lobe opening and locked it. Vincent then leaped off the top rope with a Swanton onto Matt. He taunted Jeff afterward. Vincent said, “This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you.” He said at Genesis, The Righteous will become TNA Tag Team Champions.

-Gia Miller interviewed Frankie Kazarian backstage about defending his title against Mike Santana. She asked what this moment means on a night this big. Kaz said Santana has an opportunity on the biggest night in TNA history. Styles walked into the picture. Kaz asked if he’s supposed to shake his hand or give him a hug and a kiss. He said if Styles has anything to say to him, he should say, “Thank you for the house.” Styles stared back, then glanced at his title belt, smiled, and left.

-The announcers hyped the Kaz vs. Santana main event. [c]

-A video package aired on the history of TNA “There were no guarantees, no shortcuts, only an opportunity to be different,” the narrator said. Images aired of Styles, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Xaveir Woods, Shark Boy, Jerry Lynn, and Chris Sabin along with clips of big moves in X Division matches.

-They went to the announcers who touted TNA’s X Division as their signature division. Hannifan said the stars are out and tehy showed Vergil Ortiz Jr., the WBC Champion, and some “content creators.” They also showed Eric Young.

(Keller’s Analysius: They did what appeared to be live shots but it was behind the hard camera and it showed almost completely empty bleachers behind them, giving away the arena was just “half full” despite the careful camera angles otherwise showing off the packed half of the arena.)

Miller stood at ringside and introduced more notable people including Candice Michelle. She asked them about being part of a historic night for the debut on TNA wrestling on AMC. Ryan Nemeth (thankfully) interrupted (assuming any viewers were left after the last two minutes). He got in a hsoving match with some of the ringside “celebrities.” He clutched his crotch in pain.

-Santino Marella walked out to his music and was introduced as the TNA Director of Authority. Hannifan said he’s a bit of an oddball, but he’s done a great job in his role. He said they fought tooth and nail to get here and nothing is going to stop them. He said this will be incredible. He said his mindset is off because he’s been distracted as of late. (Talk to any us Minnesotans these days about that.) He said he’s been confused seeing your won flesh and blood betray you. “You can’t wash it off like water on a duck,” he said. He said he has a company to run and it’s not a job he takes lightly. He said he cannot afford to make a mistake now that they’re on “am-see,” as he pronounced AMC. He introduced his new assistant, Daria Rae (formerly known as Sonya Deville). Hannifan said she has G.M. experience and has held titles.

She entered the ring and complimented Santino for leading the team who built TNA and kept smiles on everyone’s faces. She said she’s in front of one of the best crowds she’s ever been in front of them. She then said one thing this company doesn’t need is Santino. Her voice turned harsh and she said he can’t even keep his family in order. She said his daughter doesn’t respect him. She said he’s terrible at his job. She said she’s been in this position before and she understands egos and television. She said she can do the job better than Santino.

She said as her first official order of business, she signed a new Knockout to TNA. She introduced Elayna Black (a/k/a Cora Jade). Hannifan said tehy hadn’t seen her in TNA in over a year. “Bold, alluring, and toxic,” he said.

-Styles told Santana that he’s known Kazarian for 20 years and he never  thought he’d say this, but he told Santana to mick his ass. He said he led the company as long as he could and now it’s his turn. Santana stood and looked at Styles and said, “Thanks.” They slapped hands. [c]

 


Announced Matches & Other Notes

  • Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Santana – TNA World Championship match
  • The Inspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay) vs. The Elegance Brand (M by Elegance and Heather by Elegance) – TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship match
  • Elijah & The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) vs. Order 4 (Mustafa Ali & Jason Hotch & John Skyler)
  • AJ Styles returns
THANK YOU FOR VISITING

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