TNA iMPACT 1/23 Recap: Joe Hendry’s First Title Defense Following TNA Genesis

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Photo Credit: TNA Wrestling

The post-TNA Genesis episode of iMPACT was live from the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. What was in store now that TNA has entered a new era with Joe Hendry as the TNA World Champion? Plus, the NXT Tag Team Champions, Fraxiom, was in action to defend their gold against The Rascalz, thanks to an unprecedented partnership between TNA and WWE.

Santino Marella Promises Big Surprises

Before the show’s opening, Santino Marella said there would be surprises for tonight’s edition of TNA iMPACT. He wouldn’t reveal what those surprises might be just yet.

New TNA World Champion Joe Hendry Meets First Challenger

Joe Hendry made his way to the ring and thanked fans for always believing in him throughout his journey to the top of the TNA mountain. Hendry said he’ll put his title on the line against anyone, anywhere. Santino made his way out and said he was proud of Hendry. He also praised him for being willing to defend his gold both in TNA and outside of the promotion. He then announced that Hendry would defend his championship against Matt Cardona tonight.

Eric Young Wants To Save Josh Alexander

Steve Maclin was backstage with Eric Young and asked him why he was wasting his time with Josh Alexander. He reminded EY that Alexander had tried to end their careers. Young said that Alexander is in a dark place and he’s worth saving. Maclin disagreed with EY and said Alexander wasn’t owed anything. Alexander appeared and apologized to both men. EY shook his hand, but Maclin did not.

Nic Nemeth Struggles Processing TNA Title Loss

Nic and Ryan Nemeth were backstage with Gia Miller. Nic said he has a lot going through his mind after losing to Joe Hendry at Genesis. He said he’ll address fans next week.

Masha Slamovich and Spitfire vs. Rosemary and Heather & Ash by Elegance

Before the match began, George Iceman disrespected the fans in San Antonio. Ash and Jody Threat got the match started. Ash slapped Jody across the face, but she ate a series of clotheslines in the corner for her actions. Heather was tagged in, but she decided it was best for Rosemary to get involved instead.

Spitfire ended up showcasing a double-team combo on Rosemary, who turned the tide by raking the eyes of Jody Threat. There was clear dysfunction between Rosemary and her partners. Slamovich got a hot tag and ran wild. She threw Heather into Rosemary and dropped both of them with a clothesline.

Heather by Elegance rebounded and hit a tornado DDT on one-half of Spitfire. Dani Luna hit a series of German suplexes on Ash when NXT’s Cora Jade appeared with a picture for Slamovich. This led to Ash knocking Luna into Slamovich, and she scored the pin on Luna.

Winners: Rosemary and Ash & Heather by Elegance

The Northern Armory Turns on Josh Alexander

Josh Alexander thanked TNA for allowing him to explain his decision to quit TNA. He discussed wrestling for 20 years but said his “I Quit” match against Mike Santana broke him. He called Santana the new standard of TNA. Alexander claimed he isn’t proud of his actions in recent months and he wants to think about the good times. The fans weren’t buying it.

Alexander said he’s walking away and The Northern Armory doesn’t need him. That’s when the two turned on Alexander and attacked him from behind. Eric Young stormed down the ring and stopped the beatdown. EY laid out the challenge where he teams with Josh Alexander to take on The Northern Armory next week.

The Hardys vs. Moose and JDC

The System attacked The Hardys as soon as they entered the ring. Matt and Jeff ended up sending Moose and JDC crashing into each other. Jeff hit Poetry in Motion.

Matt went for a Twist of Fate, but JDC shoved him to the ropes, allowing Alisha Edwards to grab a hold of his leg. Moose capitalized by attacking Matt from behind. JDC whiffed on Down and Dirty, allowing Matt to tag Jeff. He avoided a Spear in the corner and hit Twist of Fate. He went up for a Swanton Bomb, but Alisha Edwards distracted the referee and JDC cut him off. Matt hit Twist of Fate on JDC on the outside and shoved Moose off the top rope. This time, Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb for the win.

Winners: The Hardys

Number 23 Mystery Solved

After The Hardys defeated The System, yet another mysterious vignette played with the number 23. The commentary team pointed out that today is January 23rd. Would the mystery be solved tonight? Sami Callihan hit the ring and demanded that number 23 show himself. Steph De Lander made her way out and said she was number 23 and Callihan was about to be introduced to her boyfriend. Mance Warner attacked Callihan from behind.

Fraxiom (c) vs. The Rascalz – For The NXT Tag Team Championship

Arianna Grace sat in for commentary. Axiom and Trey Miguel opened things up. It didn’t take long for Fraxiom to get their abdominal stretch combo into a dropkick going. Miguel was finally able to tag Zachary Wentz in, who met Nathan Frazer. Wentz connected with a knee in the corner, followed by a standing Shooting Star Press for a near fall.

Frazer hit a superplex on Wentz, lifted him up for another suplex, and Axiom landed a kick on Wentz before the landing. Wentz rebounded, bouncing off the ropes and hitting a flying knee on Axiom. Frazer went for a springboard moonsault, but The Rascalz both landed stereo super kicks in mid-air.

Wes Lee interfered in the match, distracting the referee. Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe then ran down and took out Wentz. Axiom hit a Spanish Fly on Miguel off the top rope. Frazer then hit the Phoenix Splash for the win.

Winners and still NXT Tag Team Champions: Fraxiom

Mike Santana Interrupted by Returning Mustafa Ali

Mike Santana was out and said his father taught him to be a man of his word, and he’s done that since returning to TNA. Santana made it clear in TNA that he wants to win the world championship and that his goal will not change in 2025. Mustafa Ali interrupted Santana and announced he had signed with TNA. He claimed TNA needs great leadership. He said he’s launching a campaign to become the new TNA World Champion. Ali never even acknowledged Santana.

Tessa Blanchard Addresses TNA Genesis Win over Jordynne Grace

Tessa said San Antonio is Blanchard territory. She said her family owns San Antonio. Tessa’s legendary father, Tully Blanchard, was in the crowd. Tessa blasted San Antonio for not having a real sports team. Tessa said the Blanchard family knew that she was born to be an icon in wrestling. She said there’s something inside of her greater than any Von Erich, Funk, or “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Tessa said the fans can say whatever they want, but they’ll never be able to look at her without seeing greatness. She ended her promo by saying she answers to no one.

Joe Hendry (c) vs. Matt Cardona – for the TNA World Championship

Frankie Kazarian made his way out to be a special guest commentator.

Cardona chopped Hendry in the corner, but the TNA World Champion delivered some of his own. Cardona delivered a forearm but ate a high knee. Hendry landed his signature stalling suplex. Cardona sent Hendry to the outside and connected with a baseball slide. On the outside, Cardona choked the champion with his shirt. Cardona leaped off the ring steps, but Hendry caught him and connected with the AA onto the ring apron. Cardona was able to turn things around by sending Hendry into the ring steps.

Back in the ring, Hendry hit a sunset flip but couldn’t get a three-count. Cardona locked in a guillotine choke, but Hendry powered out of it with a suplex. He followed that up with a fall-away slam. Hendry went for the Standing Ovation, but Cardona countered into a straight jacket for a two-count. Cardona landed the Reboot, but he got too greedy and was reversed on his second attempt.

The challenger hit a missile dropkick and then a close-range DDT for a near fall. Cardona accidentally knocked the referee out. Hendry hit the Pop-Up Powerbomb, but there was no official to count. Cardona hit a low blow on Hendry and looked to use the TNA World Championship as a weapon. John Layfield pulled Cardona in and landed a Clothesline From Hell. Layfield had a staredown with Hendry before walking off. Cardona cracked Hendry with the title belt, but the champion kicked out. The challenger tried using the belt a second time, but Hendry was ready for it and hit the Standing Ovation to retain his gold.

Winner and still TNA World Champion: Joe Hendry

Fernando Quiles Jr.

Fernando has been covering combat sports and pro wrestling for over a decade. He currently writes for BJPenn.com and has also contributed for Sports Illustrated’s MMA Knockout. Fernando is excited to be a part of FightsATW to provide you with the latest news content in the world of pro wrestling.

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