Top 10 Iconic Matches as TNA Wrestling Makes its Epic Return
Photo Credit: IMPACT Wrestling
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With TNA Wrestling making a much-anticipated return after a long hiatus, it’s the perfect time to reminisce and celebrate its rich history. As fans eagerly await what the next chapter holds for TNA, we’re taking a trip down memory lane. Let’s dive deep into the archives and count down the top 10 most iconic TNA matches ever, showcasing the bouts that defined an era and left an indelible mark on the wrestling world.
10. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy – Lockdown 2013
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The betrayal by Bully Ray, revealing himself as the president of the Aces & Eights faction, added depth to this feud. Inside the cage, both men used the steel to their advantage, inflicting pain. Bully Ray’s underhanded tactics, with interference from his faction, saw him capture the championship.
9. Ultimate X Match – Destination X 2012
TNA’s most dangerous match, the Ultimate X saw competitors scale cables suspended above the ring to retrieve the championship. The bout was filled with high-risk maneuvers, with competitors diving from the cables and using them for offense. Zema Ion’s cunning saw him unhook the title while others were incapacitated.
8. Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett – Bound for Glory 2006
Sting’s mission to cleanse TNA of corruption led him to Jarrett. The match was a back-and-forth contest with both men using their signature moves and weapons to gain an advantage. Sting’s determination saw him emerge victorious, capturing the championship after a “Scorpion Death Drop.”
7. LAX vs. AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels – No Surrender 2006
LAX, with their aggressive style, aimed to run roughshod over the division. Styles and Daniels, although not a regular team, combined their individual brilliance. The match was a mix of high-flying spots and tactical wrestling, ending with Styles and Daniels using teamwork to overcome their fierce opponents.
6. Abyss vs. Sabu – Barbed Wire Massacre, Turning Point 2005
Two hardcore legends in a match where the ropes were replaced by barbed wire. Both competitors suffered cuts and bruises, using the wire as a weapon and defense. Abyss’s sheer size and power gave him the edge, finishing Sabu with his “Black Hole Slam.”
5. Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong – Final Resolution 2008
These two women were polar opposites in terms of style. Kim’s agility versus Kong’s raw power made for a riveting contest. Kong dominated with her strength, but Kim’s heart and determination saw her pull off a miraculous win using a quick roll-up, catching Kong off-guard.
4. Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries – Turning Point 2012
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Aries, feeling overshadowed by Hardy’s popularity, was determined to prove himself. Throughout the match, Aries targeted Hardy’s legs, trying to ground the high-flyer. Hardy, however, showcased his resilience, fighting back with his signature moves, ultimately securing victory with a “Swanton Bomb.”
3. Beer Money vs. Motor City Machine Guns – Best of 5 Series, 2010
A clash of styles and personalities. Beer Money, with their roughneck brawler approach, faced the fast-paced, synchronized style of the Machine Guns. Over five matches, fans witnessed incredible tag team sequences, near falls, and storytelling, culminating in the Machine Guns’ victory in the final 2 out of 3 falls match of the series.
2. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe – Lockdown 2008
This was a collision of wrestling titans. With Angle’s Olympic background and Joe’s TNA career on the line, the anticipation was sky-high. Inside the cage, the two exchanged fierce strikes, submission holds, and high-risk moves. Joe’s victory came after a series of intense exchanges, sealing it with his patented “Muscle-Buster.”
1. AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe – Unbreakable 2005
Amidst the rising tension between the trio, this match was a showcase of the X-Division’s high-flying, fast-paced wrestling. Daniels, the defending champion, faced challengers who were former champions themselves. The bout saw a plethora of near falls, signature moves like Styles’ “Styles Clash” and Joe’s “Muscle Buster”, culminating in Styles gaining the pinfall on Daniels after countering Daniels’ signature Angel’s Wings maneuver into a bridging pin to win the TNA X Division Championship.
TNA Wrestling, despite its ups and downs, has always been a platform for wrestlers to showcase their talents and entertain fans worldwide. These top 10 matches are just a glimpse of the rich history and legacy of TNA. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Impact Wrestling, these bouts are essential viewing.
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