Mike Santana is once again the king of the mountain.
In the main event of the TNA Impact premiere on AMC, Santana defeated Frankie Kazarian to capture the TNA World Championship for the second time. The finish saw Santana avoid Kazarian’s attempt at the “Spin The Block” lariat before hitting his own version to secure the pin. This marks the 65th title change in the belt’s history.
The action continued after the cameras stopped rolling. As Santana celebrated, Nic Nemeth—holding the “Call Your Shot” trophy—marched to the ring, teasing an immediate cash-in. Security separated the two before Santino Marella intervened to restore order.
Marella announced that Kazarian will invoke his rematch clause at TNA Genesis this Saturday, January 17, in a Texas Death Match. Furthermore, new authority figure Daria Rae appointed Nic Nemeth as the special guest referee for the bout.
Updated TNA Genesis Lineup (Jan 17):
TNA World Championship (Texas Death Match): Mike Santana (c) vs. Frankie Kazarian (Special Ref: Nic Nemeth)
TNA Knockouts Championship: Lei Ying Lee (c) vs. Zaria
X-Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Moose
TNA Tag Team Championship: The Hardys (c) vs. The Righteous
Retirement Match: JDC vs. Eddie Edwards
Singles Match: Mustafa Ali vs. Elijah
Singles Match: AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann