2025 marks the first time since 2013 that Total Nonstop Action will present Genesis as a standalone pay-per-view. To give you context, the last TNA ran a Genesis PPV, they were in the midst of the Aces & Eights program. Flash forward to Bound for Glory 2024 and Santino Marella (TNA’s authority figure) makes the announcement that Genesis would return on Sunday January 19 at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX.
However, Genesis is a little more than just a resurrected PPV for TNA. On Thursday it was announced that TNA and WWE had entered into a multi-year working relationship. This deal will allow for NXT talent to appear on TNA television and PPV’s and TNA talent appearing on NXT TV shows and PPV’s. This makes you wonder how the results of the show will be “impacted” (totally intentional) by the ramifications of this working relationship. Let’s also not forget the contract expiration dates of Jordynne Graceand Josh Alexander are quickly approaching — so how does that come into play?
With all that in mind, let’s predict the results for Genesis!
Countdown: Frankie Kazarian vs. Leon Slater
Thoughts: Frankie Kazarian likely takes the W here against the promising UK talent. Kazarian is still positioned as an upper card guy, so you want to keep him strong especially if he’s going to clash with NXT talent (which he should, it would greatly benefit his opponents). Don’t rule out a shock pin from Slater to send Kaz into a furious fit, but the smart money is Kaz retains and a feud springs from it.
Winner: Frankie Kazarian
Countdown: The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) vs. Eric Young & Steve Maclin
Thoughts: The System has been on the losing end of things for a few months, so logic dictates that they get back on track against the rough and ready team of Eric Young and Steve Maclin. This should be a physical contest, but the former tag champs should get the W here. Again, these two are prime for rumbling with the youth of NXT, so getting them back on track is clutch. Somehow, this likely leads to a Maclin vs Young match.
Winner: The System
Mike Santana vs. Josh Alexander
Thoughts: These two are going to destroy each other. This is a hard one to pick. Alexander recently wrapped working the indies, and his wife also just finished up with the company. One could infer this to me that “The Walking Weapon” is headed out of the territory and potentially heading to Jacksonville. However, with the announcement of this working agreement, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Josh resigns and becomes a player coach. Regardless of all this, the W belongs to Mike Santana. Santana is someone TNA should be building up and working with as he’s a five-tool talent that can carry a heavy workload.
Winner: Mike Santana
TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: Spitfire (Jody Threat & Dani Luna) (c) vs. Ash by Elegance & Heather by Elegance
Thoughts: Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance are a new team so having them lose immediately would be a bit counter-intuitive. They also make for a good heel team to have a babyface NXT team to go up against. The big question is do you split Spitfire and put them into a feud against each or do they have their own singles run?
Winner: And NEW — Team Elegance
TNA World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
Thoughts: The Hardys just picked up the titles at the end of 2024 so I don’t see them dropping the titles just yet. The Rascalz will get their next run soon, but now is not the time. The Hardys (or at least Jeff) are going to be a big surprise either at the Rumble and likely in the build to Stand & Deliver. Their return will be a massive within the world of WWE, and having the belts on them will mean even more (see my thoughts on Joe Hendry at the end of this column)
Winner: And Still — The Hardys
TNA X-Division Championship: Moose (c) vs. Ace Austin
Thoughts: This a heart vs. head match. My heart says Ace Austin. Why not put the belt on a young guy who has continually gotten better in the ring, and has been a true workhorse for TNA in both singles and tag team wrestling.?My head, however, says that Moose will retain. There are certain facts in this world — the sky is blue, water is wet and TNA/Impact loves themselves some Moose. If you want to strap the rocket to an NXT talent by putting the X-Division Title on them, I got two words for you … Je’von Evans.
And Still: Moose
Clockwork Orange House of Fun match for TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Rosemary
Thoughts: This will be a super fun, violence for the sake of violence spectacle between Masha and Rosemary. However, Masha literally just showed up on NXT television and shook hands with Shawn Michaels. Couple this with the fact she recently resigned with TNA, there’s no shot she drops the title.
Winner: “And Still” Masha Slamovich
Tessa Blanchard vs. Jordynne Grace
Thoughts: Tessa Blanchard, whether you agree or disagree with her returning to televised wrestling, is back in TNA and is going to be positioned as a big deal. My tinfoil hat conspiracy is that she steals this one from Jordynne Grace, because JG is heading to WWE or NXT on a full-time basis. This won’t be the last match between the two, as they’ll probably have some sort of big gimmick blow off. One can foresee Tessa recruiting help to get the W here (maybe some heels from NXT, leading to her first NXT feud). Put money on Grace entering the Rumble for the second year in a row, though.
Winner: Tessa Blanchard
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. Joe Hendry
Thoughts: Everyone’s belief in Joe Hendry will pay off at Genesis. There’s a multitude of reasons why the blonde Scot will take title here. First, he’s missed out on the “big one” in both TNA or NXT way too many times. To not put the belt on him now would absolute gross mismanagement. Second, him having the gold over his shoulder or around his waste when he inevitably enters the Royal Rumble will be a huge piece of cache for this working relationship. He’ll get that pop, he won’t have to do much outside of his entrance, and if he last more than two minutes it’s mission accomplished and a huge feather in the cap for this TNA/WWE working relationship.
Winner: “And New” Joe Hendry
