Sun Jan 18 00:20:00 UTC 2026: # TNA Wrestling’s Genesis 2026: Santana Defends Against Kazarian in Texas Death Match, NXT Invasion Continues

The Story: TNA Wrestling is set to kick off its 2026 pay-per-view calendar with Genesis, emanating live from Dallas, Texas. The card is stacked with title matches and grudge encounters. Main highlights include Mike Santana defending his newly won TNA World Championship against Frankie Kazarian in a Texas Death Match, with Nic Nemeth as the Special Guest Referee. The Hardys will also defend their TNA World Tag Team Titles against The Righteous, and Léi Yǐng Lee will put her TNA Knockouts World Championship on the line against NXT’s Zaria.

Key Points:

  • Genesis takes place tonight, January 18, 2026, at 8 pm ET from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas.
  • Mike Santana defends the TNA World Championship against Frankie Kazarian in a Texas Death Match, with Nic Nemeth as the Special Guest Referee.
  • The Hardys defend the TNA World Tag Team Titles against The Righteous.
  • Léi Yǐng Lee defends the TNA Knockouts World Championship against Zaria from NXT due to Dani Luna’s visa issues.
  • JDC will have his final match against Eddie Edwards, marking his retirement.
  • Stacks will defend the TNA International Championship in a four-way match against Eric Young, B.D.E., and a mystery opponent from Texas.

Key Takeaways:

  • TNA is heavily promoting its partnership with other wrestling organizations, exemplified by featuring NXT’s Zaria in a Knockouts Title match and Joe Hendry’s return.
  • The Genesis card focuses on resolving feuds established at Final Resolution and on the premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC.
  • The Texas Death Match stipulation adds a brutal element to the Santana vs. Kazarian title match.
  • Visa issues continue to plague TNA, impacting match lineups, as seen with Dani Luna and Leon Slater being unable to compete.

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