As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the year so far. In professional wrestling, we’ve seen significant developments from WWE, AEW, and TNA. Notably, TNA has rebranded itself back to its original name at the Hard To Kill PPV. TNA has experienced a rollercoaster year, currently riding a wave of momentum. Their partnership with WWE, high-profile returns including Mike Santana, Sami Callihan, and the Hardy Boyz, and record-breaking ticket sales for the upcoming Slammiversary have marked a significant upswing for the company. Naturally, there have been some incredible matches since the rebranding, but which ones stand out as contenders for Match of the Year? Here are my thoughts on the top TNA matches so far…
Honorable Mentions:
- Nic Nemeth vs. Alex Shelley (TNA IMPACT – April 4th)
- Josh Alexander vs. Hammerstone (Hard To Kill)
- Ace Austin vs. Mike Bailey vs. Kushida (Xplosion: April 5th)
- Trent Seven vs. Mustafa Ali (Against All Odds)
- Ace Austin vs. Chris Bey (TNA IMPACT)
- ABC vs. Speedball Mountain (TNA IMPACT)
- Jordynne Grace vs. Trinity (TNA IMPACT)
- Knockouts Ultimate X Match (Hard To Kill)
- Steve Maclin vs. Mike Santana (Rebellion)
- Mustafa Ali vs. Ace Austin (Under Siege)
#10. Jordynne Grace vs. Gisele Shaw (No Surrender)
Jordynne Grace’s third title run has been historic, largely due to her appearances in WWE. When she’s not making surprise appearances on NXT or at the Royal Rumble, she’s defending the Knockouts World Title in solid matches like the one against Gisele Shaw at No Surrender.
Gisele Shaw, the winner of the 2024 Knockouts Ultimate X match at Hard To Kill, challenged ‘The Juggernaut’ in the semi-main event. While Grace dominated most of the match, Shaw held her own, delivering standout moments like a Spanish Fly from the ring apron to the floor and a slap so powerful it seemed to almost knock a tooth out of Jordynne’s mouth.
In the end, Grace pieced together a series of moves before hitting the Grace Driver to retain the Knockouts World Title in spectacular fashion.
#9. Leon Slater and ABC vs. The Rascalz (Countdown to Rebellion)
How good does a preshow match have to be to make a list of the best matches of 2024? This good, ladies and gentlemen. Six of TNA’s resident high-flyers put on an incredible six-man tag team match to kick off Countdown to Rebellion.
Everything about this match worked perfectly, with The Rascalz using double and triple-team tactics, ABC continuing to prove they are one of the best tag teams in wrestling today, and Leon Slater shining as a human highlight reel—a feat in itself considering the talent he was up against.
The crowd was fully invested, with not a single dull moment, further proving why TNA’s X Division and tag team division continue to captivate the wrestling world.
#8. Josh Alexander vs. Hammerstone: Last Man Standing Match (Rebellion)
Among TNA’s best signings of 2024, Hammerstone stands out. His short time in the promotion has produced several bangers, including this Last Man Standing match against former World Champion Josh Alexander.
After their first encounter at Hard To Kill, which saw Alexander victorious, and Hammerstone cheating to win the rematch at Sacrifice, the feud culminated in this brutal match at Rebellion.
Both competitors traded heavy blows, both in the ring and on the outside, including a moment where they slammed each other onto the ring apron. Memorable moments like Hammerstone using Josh’s own headgear against him and a top rope Nightmare Pendulum into a bag of thumbtacks made this match unforgettable. Alexander ultimately secured the win on the entrance ramp with his finisher, reclaiming his headgear and the victory.
#7. Mustafa Ali vs. Jake Something (Rebellion)
While the six-man tag match on the preshow set the tone, the actual pay-per-view began with a bang with Mustafa Ali defending the TNA X Division Championship against Jake Something.
In the lead-up, Ali criticized Jake for not fitting the traditional cruiserweight style associated with the X Division, despite past champions like Samoa Joe and Abyss defying that stereotype.
This match stood out from the typical David vs. Goliath narrative, with both men outsmarting and outmaneuvering each other. Ali used his quickness, intelligence, and even his secret service bodyguards to gain the upper hand, while Jake showcased his strength and surprising speed. Ali’s cunning tactics ultimately helped him retain the title.
#6. Mike Bailey vs. Trent Seven (TNA IMPACT – May 23rd)
The team of ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey and Trent Seven, known as “Speedball Mountain,” was introduced to TNA fans after Seven debuted at Final Resolution 2023 as Bailey’s tag partner. They went on to have stellar matches against teams like The Rascalz, Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers, and ABC.
This singles match between Bailey and Seven was for the number one contendership for Mustafa Ali’s X Division title. Unsurprisingly, Bailey’s high-flying style meshed well with Seven’s British wrestling technique, creating a thrilling back-and-forth contest.
When the champion, Ali, showed up to watch, things took a turn. A distraction by Ali and interference from his new ally, Campaign Singh, allowed Seven to secure the victory, setting up a title match at Against All Odds—though Seven ultimately came up short against Ali.
#5. Joe Hendry vs. Jake Something (TNA IMPACT – July 4th)
Despite taking place just a week ago, this match between Joe Hendry and Jake Something deserves its place on this list.
In the main event of the July 4th edition of TNA IMPACT, the two battled for the final spot in the six-man world title match at Slammiversary. The crowd was electric, first cheering for Hendry, then shifting to Jake, and finally splitting between chants of “You Suck” and “No, he doesn’t.”
Jake’s speed and strength were on full display, as was Hendry’s tenacity and growing popularity. Hendry ultimately secured the victory, delivering a heartfelt promo afterward that solidified why the wrestling world is starting to believe in Joe Hendry.
#4. Nic Nemeth vs. Steve Maclin (Sacrifice)
Few expected this match to be as great as it was.
Nic Nemeth’s run in TNA has been impressive, featuring world championship matches and dream bouts with top names. But his best match so far might be this one-on-one clash with Steve Maclin at Sacrifice.
Following weeks of animosity, the two left nothing on the table, battling for over 14 minutes. Nemeth used his experience and agility, while Maclin relied on raw power and intensity. A standout moment was when Maclin attempted his signature running shoulder tackle only to crash into a table after Nemeth dodged it.
This match was another example of how TNA’s opening matches have been standout highlights in 2024.
#3. Alex Shelley vs. Moose: No Surrender Match (No Surrender)
Returning to No Surrender, we have a rematch for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship between Alex Shelley and Moose, this time in a ‘No Surrender’ match.
The match had no disqualifications, no count-outs, and featured cornermen for each wrestler who could only intervene by throwing in the towel. Both men pushed the limits, targeting each other’s weaknesses with everything from steel chairs to kendo sticks and even a wrench.
Kushida ultimately threw in the towel to save his friend Shelley from Moose’s relentless spears, giving Moose the victory. Shelley proved he was world champion material, but it wasn’t enough on this night.
#2. Josh Alexander vs. Will Ospreay (TNA IMPACT – January 18th)
From the moment this match was announced, it was destined to be on this list.
Alexander and Ospreay first clashed in late 2023 in a match that was an instant classic. Their rematch in January 2024 lived up to expectations, with both men exchanging counters, big moves, and near falls, leaving the fans evenly split in support.
Ospreay even put Alexander through a table with his Storm Driver, which should have ended the match, but the referee used ‘Referee’s Discretion’ to let it continue. Alexander eventually hit the C4 Spike to defeat Ospreay, earning a 5.5-star rating from Dave Meltzer, surpassing TNA’s previous five-star matches.
#1. The ABC vs. Grizzled Young Vets (No Surrender)
The final entry from No Surrender takes the top spot as the best match of 2024 so far in TNA Wrestling.
In the finale of their Best of Three series for the TNA World Tag Team Titles, ABC defended against a very game Grizzled Young Vets. The Vets targeted Ace Austin’s injured arm and shoulder while trying to isolate him from Chris Bey.
The match went back and forth, with the Vets even hitting a Doomsday Device on Ace outside the ring. However, Ace and Bey fought back, with Ace using GYV’s scarf against them, leading to an Art of Finesse and The Fold combo to secure the win and retain the titles.
This match capped off a memorable feud and solidified ABC as one of the best tag teams in wrestling today.
