Bound For Glory is often held in high regard by TNA Wrestling and its fans. The company’s equivalent to WrestleMania (though it takes place in October rather than April) has featured many memorable title matches over the years, many of which have stood the test of time. However, today we won’t be focusing on those matches; instead, we will highlight the bouts that stood out for their insane spots, incredible action, and unexpected surprises—even if they weren’t fought for a championship. Here are the Top 10 Non-Title Matches at Bound For Glory.
10. The Call Your Shot Gauntlet: Bound For Glory 2022
The fourth annual Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound For Glory 2022 effectively combined the company’s stars from both past and present.
Featuring names like Tasha Steelz, Gisele Shaw, Bobby Fish, Steve Maclin, Johnny Swinger, Rich Swann, Sami Callihan, Rhino, and a returning Bully Ray, the action was enjoyable, with several storylines initiated or advanced.
Bully’s return, along with surprise entrants like Taylor Wilde and Joe Hendry, elicited genuine reactions from the commentators and the crowd.
Although fans were displeased with the idea of Bully Ray—an established star—winning a title shot over a rising talent like Steve Maclin, it ultimately led to a great match between Bully and Josh Alexander for the IMPACT World Championship in the opening match at Hard To Kill 2023.
9. The Monster’s Ball Match: Bound For Glory 2005
At the inaugural Bound For Glory, amidst other highlights like Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger vs. Samoa Joe and a 30-minute Iron Man match for the X Division Championship, one of the standout matches was the Monster’s Ball between Abyss, Sabu, Rhino, and Jeff Hardy.
What ensued was a chaotic display of destruction, with everything not nailed down becoming a weapon. Sabu impressively executed high-flying spots without a hitch, while Jeff Hardy’s legendary Swanton Bomb from atop a structure remains one of his greatest moments.
Rhino ultimately claimed victory in this match, later becoming the new NWA World Champion by the end of the night.
8. The Eight Mile Street Fight: Bound For Glory 2006
Almost two decades before continuing his heelish ways in All Elite Wrestling, ‘Captain Charisma’ Christian Cage was enjoying a career renaissance in TNA. One of his toughest opponents during this time was Rhino, leading to a street fight at Bound For Glory 2006. The event’s location in Michigan inspired the “8 Mile Street Fight,” despite the Eminem movie of the same name releasing four years prior.
This match showcased solid street fight action, with Rhino immediately dominating Cage and even dragging his body into the arena on a Zamboni. Highlights included chair shots, the use of a fake light pole, an 8 Mile road sign, table spots, and a moment where Rhino was locked in a straightjacket. Ultimately, Christian Cage emerged victorious.
7. Hulk Hogan vs. Sting: Bound For Glory 2011
Despite being a low point in the promotion’s history, this era had its moments, including the semi-main event between Hulk Hogan and longtime rival Sting, who battled for control of TNA.
Given Hogan’s physical limitations and back problems at the time, expectations for this match were low. However, it defied those expectations. While Hogan used questionable tactics against Sting, the action was surprisingly good—arguably the best match the two had in their careers.
The post-match moment, where Hogan turned babyface to help Sting fend off Immortal and Eric Bischoff, remains one of the most iconic in Bound For Glory history.
6. Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam: Bound For Glory 2011
Bringing together two of the best wrestlers from Extreme Championship Wrestling, Jerry Lynn and Rob Van Dam faced off in a location synonymous with hardcore wrestling: Philadelphia. This was a recipe for an incredible match.
Lynn and RVD brutalized each other with chairs and ladders, executing numerous high-risk spots that made fans hold their breath. The match’s highlight was RVD hitting a Van Terminator, using a chair against a ladder with Lynn trapped in between.
RVD ultimately emerged victorious, and both men put their issues aside, ending their renewed rivalry in the City of Brotherly Love.
5. The Steel Asylum Match: Bound For Glory 2008
The Steel Asylum match, a unique creation of TNA, divided fans throughout its run from mid-2008 to early 2010. Like many cage matches, visibility for the audience was a challenge, necessitating creative camera work to capture the action.
Regardless of opinions on the concept, the Steel Asylum match at Bound For Glory 2008 delivered an entertaining spectacle. Most of TNA’s then-X Division roster made the most of the structure with combo moves, finishers, and high-flying action, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
Overall, it was a solid match and a fitting way to kick off a Bound For Glory pay-per-view.
4. Matt Sydal & Ethan Page vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack: Bound For Glory 2018
Another standout opening match was this underrated tag team classic from Bound For Glory 2018.
Rich Swann teamed up with debuting Willie Mack to face the unlikely duo of Ethan Page and Matt Sydal. As expected, the talent involved delivered a fantastic bout.
The action was great, and the chemistry between Sydal and Page was surprisingly good, despite their alleged animosity at the time. The crowd was fully invested, leading to a victorious outcome for the good guys.
3. Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle: Bound For Glory 2008
The longstanding feud between Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle featured some of the best matches in both men’s careers, including their first encounter at Bound For Glory 2008.
The action was outstanding, but it was the storytelling that truly stood out. Commentary raised questions about Jarrett’s mental readiness, while Angle showcased his dominance by outmaneuvering Jarrett’s offense.
As the match progressed, Jarrett gained momentum, only for Angle to snuff it out. The finish saw Angle grab a steel chair in frustration, but Mick Foley (the special guest enforcer) intervened. Ultimately, Jarrett triumphed in this first battle of many against Angle.
2. Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey: Bound For Glory 2023
Dubbed a five-star classic by Dave Meltzer, the first-ever meeting between “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Will Ospreay at Bound For Glory 2023 certainly lived up to the hype.
The match featured high-impact moves, including kicks, knife-edge chops, a Phenomenal Forearm, and a Styles Clash. The crowd was electric as the bout became a test of endurance, showcasing moves like the Hidden Blade, Ultimo Weapon, and Storm Driver 97, with Ospreay ultimately emerging victorious.
This match is undoubtedly a classic, but there is only one match that can surpass it.
1. Bobby Roode vs. James Storm: Bound For Glory 2012
While I mentioned that Cage vs. Rhino was a good street fight, Bobby Roode vs. James Storm at Bound For Glory 2012 can be considered the true king of street fights.
Aside from the unnecessary addition of Bellator fighter King Mo as the special guest enforcer, this match was excellent from start to finish. The opening fistfight, Storm’s bloodied face, and Roode’s selling of offense from various weapons set the stage for an intense encounter.
One standout moment was Roode landing back-first into a pile of thumbtacks—not ideal for Bobby, to say the least.
The match concluded with Roode low-blowing Storm and grabbing a beer bottle, only for Storm to retaliate with a low blow of his own before smashing the bottle over Roode’s head and hitting the Last Call superkick. This match remains a classic over a decade later.
