TNA iMPACT 1/8 Recap: Nic Nemeth Threatens To Spoil Frankie Kazarian vs Mike Santana At AMC Debut

Eric Young Puts Steve Maclin on Notice

Steve Maclin spoke to Gia Miller backstage. He said his mission is to regain the TNA International Championship. Eric Young interrupted the interview. He told Maclin that he knows what has to be done, and if he can’t get the job done, then his own faction will.

Dani Luna vs. Harley Hudson w/Myla Grace

Dani Luna immediately caught Harley Hudson with a big boot in the corner. She followed that up with an overhead suplex and then a scoop slam. Hudson fought back, sinking in a headlock. The momentum was short-lived, as Luna landed a backbreaker.

Hudson went for a bulldog, but Luna cut her off. Luna missed a standing elbow drop, allowing Hudson to hit a leg drop. Hudson was able to get her bulldog in for a two-count. Luna rebounded with the Luna Landing for the win.

Winner: Dani Luna

The victory wasn’t enough for Luna, as she ambushed Myla Grace after the match. Lei Ying Lee had seen enough, and she chased Luna out of the ring. When Lee checked on Hudson and Grace, Luna choked her out from behind. Xia Brookside delivered strikes to Luna, but she was also taken out.

Mara Sade Kicks Ryan Nemeth Yet Again

Mara Sade was approached backstage by Ryan Nemeth. Nemeth was flirting with Sade before he was on the receiving end of yet another superkick.

Agent Zero Taken Out

Mustafa Ali was with members of Order 4, and he showed concern over Agent Zero’s absence. When they walked off, Elijah was shown along with Agent Zero’s unconscious body.

Mr. Elegance Has Been Found?

All members of The Elegance Brand, including Ash, were mulling over who should be Mr. Elegant. The Elegance Brand was focused on a TNA production staff member. The Personal Concierge said he can make him a star. A different man emerged and said he had to save The Elegance Brand.

Elijah Chases Off Order 4

Order 4 was in the ring for Mustafa Ali’s special announcement. The Great Hands said changes will be coming ahead of the AMC debut. Ali said the “selfish” actions of Elijah must be addressed. He requested that fans vote to ban Elijah’s concerts and guitars. The fans weren’t buying it.

Elijah interrupted and rode his horse. He chased Order 4 through the crowd while riding his horse. Order 4 continued to be chased out of the building.

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo (c) vs. Steve Maclin – for the TNA International Championship

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo was accompanied by Arianna Grace, Lexis King, Tyriek Igwe, Tyson Dupont, and Brooks Jensen. Steve Maclin immediately took Lorenzo down and delivered strikes. The action spilled outside of the ring, and Maclin delivered two chops.

The referee was distracted, allowing Jensen to trip the leg of Maclin. “Stacks” took advantage, but he ended up taking a German suplex. Maclin charged in, but Lorenzo got the boots up to cut him off. The “NXT” outsiders stomped Maclin outside of the ring.

The referee caught Tyriek Igwe interfering and tossed him out. King, Jensen, Dupont, and Grace remained at ringside. Maclin went for Caught in the Crosshairs, but Grace got in the way. She then raked Maclin’s eyes for the disqualification finish. The rest of the “NXT” outsiders attacked Maclin after the match.

Winner by DQ: Steve Maclin

Rich Swann Gets Revenge on AJ Francis

A digital exclusive of the Fir$t Cla$$ Penthou$se aired, which showed AJ Francis talking trash about Rich Swann. Swann attacked Francis with a baseball bat. Swann then put Francis through a table with a diving crossbody. Swann also destroyed Francis’ vinyl record. Tom Hannifan announced that this is officially the end of Fir$t Cla$$.

The Hardys, Leon Slater, and Cedric Alexander vs. The System w/Alisha Edwards

Cedric Alexander and Brian Myers got the final match of the AXS era started. Matt Hardy and Moose were soon tagged in. Moose got in some strikes, but he charged the corner and crashed into the turnbuckles. Matt then sent Moose’s head crashing into each of the buckles.

Eddie Edwards was tagged in, followed by Jeff Hardy. The Hardys double-teamed Edwards. Leon Slater and Jeff hit Poetry in Motion—Slater dove on Moose outside of the ring. Alexander hit a suicide dive on Myers. Edwards had a suicide dive of his own for Alexander. JDC faked a dive on the outside, allowing Alisha Edwards to take out the field.

Alexander got a dragon screw on Moose. He then hit a German suplex on Edwards. Alexander landed a flatliner on Moose. Moose finally regained momentum with Go to Hell, but Alexander’s team disrupted the pin attempt.

Jeff was tagged in, and he hit Twist of Fate on Moose. The Hardys’ entire team landed a Plot Twist combo. Moose speared Slater, but Alexander made a blind tag. Moose planted Alexander with a pop-up powerbomb. Moose went for a spear, but Alexander rolled him up for the win.

Winners: The Hardys, Leon Slater, and Cedric Alexander

Contract Signing for Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Santana

TNA director of authority Santino Marella introduced Mike Santana and then Frankie Kazarian for their world title contract signing ahead of the AMC debut for “iMPACT.” Marella said if Santana defeats Kazarian, he will put his gold at stake at “Genesis.”

Kazarian said he wasn’t planning on losing. Kazarian also claimed to be an addict, but his addiction is being the TNA World Champion. He promised to retain the gold during the AMC debut.

Santana said at one time, both he and Kazarian were in a bad place in the wrestling industry. He was referring to their time in AEW. He said he carried his family, his culture, and TNA on his back, but on January 15, he will take the TNA World Championship for himself. Santana hinted that if he can’t defeat Kazarian, then maybe he doesn’t have a place in TNA.

Nic Nemeth made his return. Nemeth was holding his half of the Call Your Shot Gauntlet trophy. Nemeth warned that he’s ready to cash in after Santana and Kazarian are finished with their title match. Santana and Kazarian signed the contract and had a staredown to end the final episode of “iMPACT” on AXS.