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Mike Santana retained the TNA World title at TNA Genesis despite Nic Nemeth's attempt to cash in his Call Your Shot chance.

TNA Genesis 2026 (01/17/26) – Review with Match Ratings

AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann (2,5/5)

A classic bout, but a bit too long. The PowerHouse vs. the High-Flyer is a risky mix in a squared circle, unless a stipulation allows the impossible. AJ Francis absorbed all the energy Swann was putting into the match to counter move after move. The Styles Clash was on the menu. That didn’t work as it couldn’t.

Mustafa Ali (w/Jason Hotch, John Skyler, Special Agent 0 & Tasha Steelz) vs. Elijah (3/5)

Mustafa Ali knows how to win. Even if The Great Hands and Special Agent 0 are ejected from ringside, Tasha Steelz has a trick in her back pocket. It happens at every match. This time, Tasha Steelz tried to hit the guitar Elijah brought on his back. Ali did it as the referee was ejecting the goons. Inside this chaotic mess, the match worked pretty well, with some good sequences. But, in the end, Ali wins.

Eddie Edwards vs. JDC (3/5)

If it were a retirement match, I’m sorry for JDC. I thought I would be crying, and it didn’t happen. Even if the System arrived together, the emotional part of the match was not there. JDC was the strong man in the first part of the match, until Eddie Edwards showed his competitive face. The bout was good, but too long. JDC received a standing ovation from the crowd and some members of the TNA locker room, but the game is over. Sad but true.

JDC retired at TNA Genesis
Courtesy of TNA Wrestling

About Steph Franchomme

Steph, for Stephanie, is not only eNYGMAtic, charismatic, but also “très chic.” Living in France, her birth country, she broke the language barrier to become a respected writer and interviewer on many wrestling promotions. She has developed a very special bond with TNA Wrestling over time to the point of becoming an Authority on the company. The French Nygma, as she loves to call herself, has been a wrestling writer and editor for nearly a decade for SteelChair Magazine/Wrestling SC, TWM and Distortion Media. She has interviewed hundreds of wrestlers from WWE, MLW, TNA, NXT, AEW, and many more promotions. The Nygma is now the new “Authority” on TNA Wrestling and NXT for Last Word on Pro Wrestling. The writer/editor also runs @3WWrestling, her own platform.