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.


JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…

PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch’s Joshua White to review TNA Impact LIVE tonight right after the AMC telecast. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Dynamite. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.

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LIVE ON YOUTUBE RIGHT AFTER TNA IMPACT TONIGHT: CLICK HERE TO WATCH


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 they hadn’t seen her in TNA in over a year. “Bold, alluring, and toxic,” he said.

(Keller’s Analysis: Daria was strong on the mic here.)

-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]

-The Concierge stood in the ring and introduced Perez Hilton. Perez said the crowd really brought their game, their D-game. The Concierge insulted Dallas having “degenerate, filthy pigs.” He said they’ve spent the past couple of months doing research and reviewing applications and doing interviews. He said they are about to witness the greatest make-over in the history of pro wrestling. They then removed a feather covering and introduced Mr. Elegance. He pointed at the screen where an overweight shirtless guy was shown. He said he has no confidence and no appeal and is a nobody. He said he is the one they get to look at, so soak it in. The ring entrance for The Iinspiration interrupted. Lee and McKay beat down  M and Heather, who then rolled out of the ring. They cut to a break. [c]

(2) THE IINSPIRATION (Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay) vs. THE ELEGANCE BRAND (M by Elegance and Heather by Elegance) – TNA Knockouts Title match

The match was joined in progress after the break 57 minutes into the hour. They showed Sol Ruka and Zaria Watching backstage. Hannifan plugged the Triple Threat tag match next week on NXT to earn a future Knockouts Tag Title match. P.C. interfered a break up a pin attempt by Jessie. The heels took over after some yelling at ringside. Mr. Elegance distracted the ref and Cassie and Jessie. Chaos broke out with The Concierge and eventually a chop block by Mr. Elegance led to Elegance winning.

TNA President Carlos Silva present3ed the tag belts to the winners.

WINNERS: The Elegance Brand in roughly 5:00 to capture the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles.

[HOUR TWO]

-They an entire talking segment with an unidentified man (Stacks) and woman (Arianna Grace) and didn’t put a caption on the bottom of the screen as they took glee in Santino getting double-crossed by his new hire. Grace said Stacks will handle anything that her dad throws at them.

-Hannifan gave the TNA Injury Report. He said Harley Hudson and Myla Grace are being held out of action as a precaution.he said Steve Maclin is out of action after being attacked last week. He noted Santana was cleared after his arm had been injured months ago. [c]

-Indi Hartwell backstage cut a promo saying ever since her dog collar match, she’s felt in limbo. She said her goal hasn’t changed. She was interrupted by The Elegance who said some dream and others make them happen. P.C. said they’re going to send Hartwell back to Australia.

-A video package aired on the history of the TNA Knockouts Division including Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, Tessa Blanchard, The Beautiful Peopleand otherse with clips of big moves.

-Santino stood mid-ring and introduced current Knockouts Champion Lei Ying Lee (a/k/a Xia Li). She was accompanied by Xia Brookside. He said due to an international visa crisis, her matched match won’t take place at Genesis, but Lee has signed a contract for an open challenge defense. A video then played on the screen for Zaria and Sol Ruka. They walked out. The commentators wondered who would answer the open challenge.

Ruka said they were in town to scope out the competition for the tag titles, but they couldn’t resist coming out after hearing about the open challenge. She said Zaria is a warrior and she should answer the challenge. Zaria seemed surprised and thanked Ruka. She signed a contract on the back of Santino.

-A video aired on the history of the TNA World Title, beginning with images of Ken Shamrock and Joe Hendry. Then tehy showed others including the Hardys, Sting, Styles, Joe, Eli Drake, Nic Ne meth, Moose, Josh Alexander, Ron Killings, Kazarian, Kurt Angle, Drew McIntyre, Chris Sabin, and an array of others. [c]

-Santino approached Cedric Alexander in the empty arena. He said they had an international crisis. He said Leon Slater wouldn’t be at Genesis. He told him it’d be him, Moose, Joe Hendry. When he said Hendry’s name, Hendry’s name played on Cedric’s phone. Santino said it’s crazy and laughed and wished him luck.

-They went to the announcers at ringside who plugged Genesis and a TNA+ subscription. They listed the scheduled matches: A.J. Francis vs. Rich Swann, Elijah vs. Mustafa Ali, Ryan Meneth vs. Mara Sade, Lei Ying Lee vs. Zaria, Cedric vs. Hendry vs. Moose, The Hardys vs. The Righteous, JDC vs. Eddie Edwards (in JDC’s last match in pro wrestling).

-The System made their entrance onto the stage. Alisha Edwards spoke about being on AMC. Edwards said there are a lot of changes going on, but there is one final moment that will live in history at Genesis. He turned to JDC and said they’ll have one final dance. He said TNA is the best locker room he’s been part of. He said next Thursday, he’ll announce the newest member of The System to replace him. He said that’s next week, but first he has to face Eddie. He said he’s going to tear up. He said he loves Eddie as a wrestler and a father. He said his daughter is incredible. He said he’s not going out like a punk, so he warned Eddie to pull the trigger or he will.

-A video package showed how Santana lost the TNA Title in his first defense.

-Carlos Silva said he had another surprise for her. He introduced Dixie Carter. She came out to scattered boos. (Yikes!) She said she can’t believe launched 24 years ago. She asked fans who watched TNA that long. She thanked them for being there tonight. She said tonight is the start of a brand new chapter. She thanked them and said it’s a very sentimental night for her. She thanked them again. (That was awkward.) Bully Ray then walked out and looked at Dixie. After a tense moment and a few words exchanged, they hugged. Ray made his way to the ring to do guest commentary on the main event.

He said he was so excited to be there. Santana made his entrance first. Then Kaz. They cut to a break. [c]

(3) FRANKIE KAZARIAN vs. MIKE SANTANA – TNA World Title match

The bell rang 42 minutes into the hour. After fighting at ringside, they cut to a break at 3:00. [c]

Santana landed a leaping cutter at 10:00. He then put Kaz on the top turnbuckle and then landed a Spanish Fly followed by a Code Red for a near fall. Kaz caught Santana with an Angel’s Wings. Bully said somewhere Christopher Daniels is smiling. Kaz followed with a springboard cutter and a spinning legdrop for a two count. Kaz rolled out of the ring and brought his title belt into the ring. Hannifan said the title cannot change hands on a DQ. The ref got rid of the belt. Santana blocked a Fade to Black. Seconds later, Kaz went for a dropkick on Santana, but he hit the ref. The ref went down. Bully said he didn’t get all of it, but it was enough. Kaz raked Santana’s eyes, but Santana hit a Spin the Block. He made the cover and fans counted 1-2-3 through 12. Santana checked on the ref. Kaz picked up the belt from the corner and hit Santana with it. Kaz landed Fade to Black on the ring apron. They tumbled to ringside. Kaz made the cover and the groggy ef counted slowly. Santana kicked out, then hit Kaz with a Canadian Destroyer and a Spin the Block for a dramatic near fall.

Santana followed up with a Spin the Block attempt, but Kaz rolled him up for a near fall. Kaz wound up and went for a Spin the Block, but Santana blocked it and then landed his own for the win. Hannifan said there will be an immediate rematch at Genesis.

WINNER: Santana to regain the TNA World Title in 16:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: A decent main event. It was the right call to give Santana the win here.)

FINAL THOUGHTS: An uneven, overall thumbs down effort by TNA for lots of reasons which I’ll cover in detail on the post-show podcast which I’m headed to do live now.


JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…

PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch’s Joshua White to review TNA Impact LIVE tonight right after the AMC telecast. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Dynamite. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.

VIP VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE

https://streamyard.com/yd3h4zdxw3

Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine). This is a private link, so don’t share. It’s just for VIP members at this time.

Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.

LIVE ON YOUTUBE RIGHT AFTER TNA IMPACT TONIGHT: CLICK HERE TO WATCH


 

 

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