TNA Genesis PPV Results
January 9, 2011
Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

TNA's first PPV of 2011 began with a video package hyping the main event of Mr. Anderson vs. Matt Morgan in a #1 contender match for the TNA World Title. Each man said he will be the next TNA World Hvt. champion.

Impact Zone: Fireworks shot off inside the Impact Zone as Mike Tenay introduced the PPV. Tenay posed the question of whether Immortal will capture all of the gold tonight. "The battle for power rages on tonight at Genesis," he said. Tenay introduced the X Division Title match to begin the PPV.

1 -- X Division champion JAY LETHAL vs. KAZARIAN -- X Division Title match

They didn't waste any time quickly going after it with Lethal the aggressor looking for revenge on events that happened on Impact leading to the PPV. Kazarian slipped to the outside looking for a breather, but Lethal caught him with a suicide dive on the floor. Lethal delivered a chop, then came off the apron with a splash onto Kazarian. Back in the ring, Lethal scored a two count. Lethal scored a few more nearfalls before Kazarian went on the offensive for a few minutes. Lethal came back with a handspring back elbow smash and both men were down.

At 6:00, Lethal and Kazarian started trading bombs before Lethal landed a chop and slingshot Kazarian across the top rope. Lethal randomly started shaking out his right knee to sell an injury to give Kazarian an opening to slingshot Lethal into the ring and execute mid-air cutter for a nearfall. Nice. They went up top where Kazarian wanted the Flux Capacitor, but Lethal elbowed out and landed a sunset flip powerbomb for a close two count. Lethal sold frustration that he couldn't put away Kazarian while the announcers noted Kazarian is feeling pressure to win for Immortal.

At 9:00, Kazarian sold frustration that he couldn't put away Lethal, then slowly pulled up Lethal before shoving him down to the mat. Kazarian followed with a hard slap to the face that caused Lethal to stand tall and show fire. Lethal ducked a second slap, then ripped off a flurry of slaps and chops capitalizing on being fired up. Lethal executed a suplex, then played to the crowd to build toward a big move. Taz noted Lethal was wasting time. Lethal went up top, but Kazarian smashed him with an enziguiri kick. Kaz tried to follow with a reverse Tombstone from the top, but Lethal shoved Kaz down and into the ref. Kaz sprung to life and crotched Lethal, then caught Lethal with the reverse Tombstone. It was good for a pin and a new X Division champion.

WINNER: Kazarian at 11:38 to capture the X Division Title. Hot potato with the X Title continues, but this was a strong PPV opener. Right at that three-star level with two good stories in-play for both men, strong back-and-forth action, and enough time to tell a complete story. (***)

Announcers: Tenay and Taz talked on-camera about TNA finding out who the new #1 contender for the TNA World Title will be tonight. Tenay said they have news concerning Immortal right now.

Backstage: Ric Flair and A.J. Styles were in Eric Bischoff's office for a pre-taped segment. Flair told Bischoff that Styles cannot wrestle tonight (scheduled to challenge for the TV Title). Bischoff started talking up Hulk Hogan toughing out back surgery, then knocked Styles not wrestling tonight because of a "limp." Flair quietly said this isn't some little thing, and it's coming from him. Styles blamed it on his kid. Bischoff went off on Styles, calling him worthless for the next six-to-eight weeks. Styles had enough of Bischoff and cleared his desk before limping off. Flair told Bischoff he's clever enough to come up with something.

(We have confirmed that Styles is legitimately injured independent of Styles's comment on Twitter after the segment: "Sorry guys it's true. I tore me my hip flexor and hip labrum. I'll be back wrestling real soon.")

2 -- Knockouts champion MADISON RAYNE vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title match

Madison tried taunting Mickie early on, so Mickie caught her trying to run away and dropped her to the mat for a quick nearfall. Madison then scampered to the corner trying to slow down Mickie after agitating her. Madison slipped to the floor, then tried to bait Mickie to the outside. Mickie finally took the bait, allowing Madison to use a game of cat & mouse to take control of the match back in the ring. Mickie teased a comeback with a small package, but Madison kicked her in the head and started taunting the crowd. Mickie suddenly caught Madison around the waist and swung her around before landing a frontslam.

Mickie made her full comeback and wanted a DDT, but Madison slid to the corner. Mickie followed with a seated sentaun from the top rope, then wanted to finish it, but Tara came jogging down to ringside. Mickie took the bait and started arguing with Tara ringside. Behind everyone's back, Madison slapped on a loaded glove, then dropped to the mat to play opposum. Mickie re-entered the ring, then Madison dropped her with a loaded punch. The ref returned to the ring after trying to separate Tara and Mickie and counted to three for Madison.

WINNER: Rayne at 10:27 to retain the Knockouts Title. Strong women's match with plenty of time allotted to the match. Madison plays such a convincing heel and Mickie's comebacks were set up nicely by Madison playing her role well. The cheat-to-win finish was expected, not just because it's a TNA PPV, but it keeps the program going with Mickie still chasing. (**)

Backstage: Kazarian was celebrating with Beer Money, Eric Bischoff, Ric Flair. Christy Hemme asked Kazarian for a word on winning the X Title. Beer Money faces the Machineguns for the Tag Titles later tonight. Bischoff said he's found a replacement for Styles tonight: Abyss challenging for the TV Title. Bischoff said RVD's opponent will remain a mystery. Bischoff then looked into the camera and guaranteed Immortal will win all of the titles tonight.

3 -- TNA tag champions MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) vs. BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) -- TNA Tag Title match

Shelley and Roode started things off with a mid-match stare down. Other than a quick shove by Roode, no touching in the first minute to stretch out the feeling-out process selling the importance of the match and how familiar the teams are after being one of the top feuds of 2010. Shelley won the first exchange of the match with an enziguiri kick for a nearfall. Storm then tagged in, as did Sabin, who worked with Shelley for some double-team offense on the heels. The Guns, with full crowd support, began tagging in and out working on Storm before the Guns landed double suicide dives on the floor sending Roode and Storm crashing into the guardrail.

Back in the ring, Shelley was blindsided by a double-team move, which set up Beer Money on the offensive working over Shelley. Shelley then escaped the attack by hitting Sliced Bread #2 on Storm. He tried to make a tag, but Roode ran around the ring to yank Sabin off the ring apron to prevent the tag. Beer Money then resumed the attack on Shelley. BM continued to score nearfalls and Taz noted they should keep going for as many pinfalls as possible trying to wear down the opponent and perhaps sneak out a win.

Shelley finally fought out of the heel corner and hot-tagged Sabin, who entered the match with a flurry of offense at 12:00. Sabin stunned Roode with a standing kick, then hung Roode upside down for a basement dropkick in the corner. Sabin then suplexed Storm on top of Roode before chucking Storm to the outside. Sabin followed with a huracanrana on Roode, then the Guns set up for a double-team Tornado DDT for a nearfall. All four men were in the ring at this point and there was a noticeable quiet in the arena as the fans seemed to be anticipating a potential finish.

Storm and Sabin battled on the floor while Shelley and Roode battled in the ring. All four men returned to the ring where high-impact moves were traded. Roode then ducked an enziguiri kick by Sabin, but Sabin rolled up Roode for a nearfall. Storm then spewed beer in Sabin's face and Roode hit a Double A spinebuster, but Sabin kicked out to an "ooh and aww" reaction. Shelley and Storm resumed their battle on the floor. In the ring, Sabin nailed a kick to Roode in the corner and Sabin held the position to show the audience. Shelley then came off the top with the Skull & Bones combo with Sabin. The Guns had the win, but Storm pulled the ref out of the ring. Shelley then splashed Storm on the floor. In the confusion, Roode executed a textbook Northern Lights suplex on Sabin, who kicked out just in time.

Everyone was back in the ring at 17:00 setting up the finish. Beer Money hit a superkick combo, then the DWI combination finisher on Sabin, but it still wasn't good enough for a three count. Roode rolled his eyes back to sell disbelief as Taz said Bischoff must be ripping his hair out backstage. Beer Money went for the DWI again, but Sabin escaped. The Guns accidentally collided in the corner when Sabin popped Shelley with a corner kick, then Roode rolled up a stunned Sabin from behind and it was good for a three count. Post-match: Sabin sold shock as Beer Money quickly scampered out of the ring clutching the Tag Titles. Shelley sold he was completely KO'ed.

WINNERS: Beer Money at 17:59 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. Another day, another excellent match between the Guns and Beer Money. The teams were on the verge of over-doing the "all-four-men-in-the-ring" spots, but they effectively switched it back to one-on-one sequences when they pushed the limit. The finish sets up an easy re-match with the story that Beer Money simply cannot beat the Guns and the Guns beat themselves in this match. (***1/2)

Backstage: Hemme brought in Brother Devon to ask him about facing Bully Ray tonight. Devon talked about the old days and brought it to the present about Devon not having a partner to tag out to tonight.

4 -- BROTHER DEVON vs. "BULLY" BROTHER RAY

Ray was out first, then Devon charged the ring and Ray quickly left the ring. Ray tried to bait Devon into fighting him on the floor, then Ray pulled So Cal Val into harm's way. Val decided to slap Ray across the face, then Devon capitalized by throwing Ray off the ramp to the floor. Devon choked Ray with a TV cable before grabbing a bottle of water to smash across Ray's face. Devon landed right hands as the crowd chanted for tables. The referee tried to get them back in the ring to officially start the match, but the fight continued on the floor, including Devon choking Ray with Ray's new leather vest. Devon taunted Ray before finally rolling him into the ring to officially start the match.

Devon dropped to his knees and begged off. "Brothers, man. We're brothers," Ray repeated over and over. Devon asked the crowd what he should do, then Ray tried a low blow, but Devon saw it coming and landed a right hand punch to the forehead followed by a leaping clothesline. Devon landed a scoop slam, then went up top, but Ray rolled all the way across the ring to escape to the floor. Devon tried to follow on the outside, but Ray clubbed him with a forearm and tried to leave through the crowd. Devon gave chase and whipped Ray into the base of the grandstands.

The walking brawl continued up the steps of the grandstands as the ref began a count trying to encourage the wrestlers to get back into the ring. Devon used a fan-supplied shoe as a weapon on Ray's forehead, then tossed it back to the fan, who proceeded to bite his shoe like a dog. Taz noted that wasn't very sanitary. Back in the ring, Ray cut off Devon, who no-sold momentarily and hulked up in Ray's face before Ray smashed him in the lower region. Ray taunted Devon, then missed with an elbow smash. Ray tried a Bubba Bomb, but Devon countered with a modified uranage for a two count. Devon tried following with a top rope move, but Ray crotched him and landed two thunderous open-hand slaps across the chest. Ray followed with a superplex and both men sold the effects before Ray drapped an arm over Devon for a nearfall.

Ray proceeded to retrieve a chain, but he missed when Devon moved. The ref tried to reprimand Ray, who then missed with a fist wrapped in a chain before Devon back-dropped Ray to the mat. Devon picked up the chain and teased using the chain, but the ref tried reprimanding him. Devon popped Ray with the chain anyways, prompting a DQ.

Post-match: Devon continued to beat on Ray with the chain before Devon shoved the ref away. The crowd chanted, "Let them fight," as more referees spilled into the ring trying to calm down Devon. Devon pounded on Ray with right hand blows before three refs pulled Devon away. Ray tried to jump Devon, but Devon stood his ground and a brawl was on. The announcers said they need more than three referees. Security and agents spilled into the ring trying to separate them. Ray broke free and landed a big kick to the groin before stomping out of the ring and throwing his arms in the air to celebrate the "win." Ray disappeared to the back as Devon sold the low blow in the ring.

WINNER: Ray via DQ at 8:48. Excellent story to the match. It felt like the end of the first big chapter of the story building toward the next big chapter in the feud. Ray and Devon held their own working as singles wrestlers and everyone played their roles well: Devon as the sympathetic, fighting babyface and Ray as the "bully," chicken heel. (**)

Backstage: Hemme brought in Jeff Jarrett to talk about his "exhibition" with Kurt Angle tonight. Jarrett asked why Angle would be considered the favorite when Angle's never even had an MMA match. "He's nothing compared to me when it comes to the MMA world," Jarrett said. He said no one has beaten him, no one has taken him off his feet, and he still has $100,000 of his own money. Jarrett said the rules tonight: three two-minute rounds with grappling and submission only. No punching, no striking. He confidently said he's in the best condition of his life. Jarrett said he's going to "feel out" Angle in the first round, then put Angle in a variety of submissions in the second round, before leaving it up to everyone's imagination in the third round when he takes him out.

5 -- TV champion DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. ABYSS -- TNA TV Title match

The announcers talked up the match story prior to the opening bell - Williams is disadvantaged since it will be difficult for him to set up his trademark suplexes with an injured wrist following an attack by Styles and Kazarian on Impact leading to the PPV. Williams sold the left wrist injury early on and tried wrestling with one hand before Abyss yanked Williams's hand into the ringpost. Abyss followed by smashing Williams's hand into the ring steps before Williams made a comeback with his right hand. Abyss cut him off, then smashed Williams's left arm across the top rope. The crowd, not buying into A.J. Styles as a heel, chanted they want to see Styles. Abyss nearly DQ'ed himself trying to use the TV Title belt as a weapon, but Williams ducked and the match returned to the ring.

Back in the ring, Williams showed fire making a comeback on Abyss with consecutive offense. He teased a German Suplex, then ducked a clothesline, and used Abyss's momentum to scoop him up for a belly-to-back side suplex. Williams then went up top looking for a high-impact move (wasn't there an anti-X Division program involving Williams as a heel six months ago?) and connected with a flying knee on Abyss for a two count.

Abyss came up bleeding on his knuckles, then went to the floor and retrieved Janice. The ref, distracted, missed Styles limping in the back door to drop Williams with a belt shot. Styles hobbled out of the ring and Abyss innocently dropped Janice on the ground to tell the ref he would agree not to use it. Abyss re-entered the ring and dropped Williams with the Black Hole Slam. It was good for the pin and the win. Tenay and Taz noted Bischoff was correct on his prediction that Immortal would win all the belts.

WINNER: Abyss at 9:47 to capture the TV Title. Okay match playing off Williams's pre-existing injury and giving Williams an "out" for his loss. It was more of a story-driven match than a graceful athletic competition featuring Abyss. (*1/2)

Backstage: Rob Van Dam told Eric Bischoff that he wants "Hardy" tonight. Bischoff told RVD to be careful what he wishes for because he might just get it. "You want Hardy? You got Hardy!" RVD said it's about time, then walked to the entrance ramp. After RVD entered the ring, Jeremy Borash ominously announced the mystery opponent. Out came Matt Hardy looking like Tyler Reks with the hair while sporting a long black trench coat. He had an ultra-serious look on his face trying to sell intensity and making him an instant heel. RVD tried to act shocked that it was the other Hardy.

6 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. MATT HARDY

Before the bell sounded, Taz posed the question of whether Hardy is part of Immortal. The bell sounded and Hardy extended a hand saying he's not his brother. RVD got in Hardy's face, then Hardy popped him with a right hand to the face. Hardy landed a back drop, then lightly jogged around the ring. He mocked RVD's "R-V-D" thumb-to-shoulder pose before RVD popped him with a roundhouse kick and kick strike. Tenay then announced "TNA Genesis" is currently trending on Twitter.

The match moved to the floor and RVD flung Hardy back into the ring. RVD came off the top with a cross-body splash for a nearfall, then Hardy came back with a suplex into the corner turnbuckle. Hardy followed with a corner clothesline and the Hardy Girlz in the crowd screamed. Hardy proceeded to apply a full nelson submission before turning it into the Stroke for a nearfall. Hardy mocked RVD's pose again while stumbling around the ring before landing a neckbreaker. Hardy went to the corner turnbuckle for a high-impact move, but RVD popped him with a kick to the throat.

Hardy and RVD started trading bombs before Hardy hit the Side Effect for a nearfall. Taz wondered aloud if Hulk Hogan is pulling the strings behind-the-scenes trying to recruit talent. Tenay noted it would be against "court orders," per the storyline with Dixie Carter. Hardy continued to slow things down as the crowd was lulled to sleep before RVD made a comeback at 9:20. RVD landed a standing crescent kick and played to the crowd before scoring with a roundhouse kick for a nearfall. Hardy suddenly tried a small package, but RVD kicked out. RVD then came right back with another kick followed by Rolling Thunder.

RVD wanted a Five Star Frogsplash and they went to a faraway camera shot showing RVD connecting. RVD rolled Hardy over for a pin and it appeared to be good for a three, but the ref (Jackson James) decided Hardy's hand was underneath the bottom rope. It was another awkward non-finish spot involving Jackson, as Hardy's hand never moved and it was in the same position for the one and the two. RVD argued with the ref, then Hardy hit the Twist of Fate. RVD put his foot under the bottom rope, but the ref opted not to give him a rope break, giving Hardy a three count.

Post-match: The ref quickly left the ring and RVD was left feeling robbed. The announcers noted RVD was robbed and they went to a replay. Taz noted Hardy's hand was already under the ropes for the one and the two before the ref decided to stop before three. They replayed RVD putting his foot under the bottom rope for the eventual finish and put over RVD being screwed.

WINNER: Hardy at 11:54. They actually managed to get some legit babyface heat on RVD since everyone outside of the Hardy Girlz wanted to see Hardy get his comeuppance just for showing up. Hardy had some ring rust and the "controversial referee finish" was clunky again, but the match overall advanced RVD's quest trying to get to Jeff Hardy and Immortal. RVD just has to bring the babyface fire in the follow-up. (*1/2)

Backstage: Hemme brought in Kurt Angle and brought up Jarrett's promo earlier. Angle talked with that trembling tone where he sounds like he's on the verge of tears. Angle told Jarrett that if he thinks he's not in shape, he should ask his wife. He seemed very unsteady and not all there.

7 -- JEFF JARRETT vs. KURT ANGLE -- MMA Exhibition match

Before the "exhibition" started, Angle got on the mic and told Jarrett's MMA crew that if they try to get in the ring, he'll destroy them. The first two-minute round began with Jarrett dancing around the ring trying to avoid Angle. Angle finally decided to just lay down on the mat and give Jarrett an opening to apply his best submission. Jarrett, like a good heel, told Angle to get up and fight. Jarrett shuffled his feet as if he were in a football drill trying to avoid Angle, then Angle finally grabbed him and applied a rear naked choke. The bell sounded for the end of round one before Jarrett could tap.

ROUND TWO - Angle targeted the left shoulder and Jarrett escaped before Angle applied a rear naked choke. Angle started counting the number of take downs he scored as Jarrett continued to score rope breaks to escape. Angle slapped on a cross armbreaker and Jarrett grabbed the ropes again. Angle then slapped on the Anklelock, but the bell sounded for the end of the round to save Jarrett again. During the rest-time in-between rounds, Jarrett either barfed or spit toward Angle. Gunner and Murphy tried to talk up Jarrett with a sports cliche pep talk. That was great. Meanwhile, the crowd chanted, "Angle's going to kill you."

ROUND THREE - Taz noted Gunner and Murphy rubbed an illegal substance on Jarrett's face, which Jarrett rubbed on Angle to temporarily blind him. The bell started to sound for no apparent reason. Suddenly, they actually cut to a shot of Angle on the mat with a blade in his hand. Wow. That takes the cake for worst production moment in TNA history. Moments later, Angle came up bleeding as Jarrett smashed him with right hand blows. Angle sold being KO'ed as blood poured from his forehead onto the mat. Jarrett shouted down at Angle that he started this and now he's ending this. Jarrett said he's retiring from his MMA career and all three of them are coming to the retirement party. "You, me, and you know who else," he said. Taz, having referenced Karen Angle being the wife in the middle before the "exhibition" started, provided the proper foreshadowing for "you know" being involved in the follow-up angle. Jarrett left the ring and screamed at Taz and Tenay that he's retiring undefeated and he left Angle in a pool of his own blood. Jarrett repeated he's throwing a retirement party on Impact.

WINNER: Exhibition thrown out at 4:30. Most memorable from this will be the close-up shot of Angle pulling out a blade to cut himself across the forehead. Jarrett continued the trend of heels cheating to win on this PPV, which was fitting for where the feud is at this stage. (n/a)

Backstage: Hemme brought in TNA World champion Jeff Hardy for his comments on the #1 contender match up next. Hardy said anything can happen. No mention of big brother Matt. They went to a video package on Anderson vs. Morgan in the #1 contender main event up next.

Impact Zone: Matt Morgan's music hit to a noticeable babyface pop before he came to the ring for his third consecutive TNA PPV main event. Anderson's music hit next and he came out on the stage for the mic drop. Anderson's music stopped and he announced himself as the next TNA World Hvt. champion. Anderson entered the ring 20 minutes into the third hour as Tenay and Taz shared NFL Playoff notes with Anderson's Packers and Taz's Jets advancing this weekend. With everyone assembled in the ring, Jeremy Borash handled the formal ring introductions for the main event. Earl Hebner is the referee tonight. Morgan checked in at 310 pounds and Anderson at 242 pounds. Anderson finished Borash's ring intro before Hebner called for the bell to begin the main event 22 minutes into the third hour.

8 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. MATT MORGAN -- #1 contender match for the TNA World Title

Morgan with an early shoulder block trying to give Anderson his first taste of a big bump to start things off. Anderson tried a shoulder block, but Anderson just bounced off Morgan, who shook his head that it won't work. They went to a cool new overhead camera shot from high in the arena showing the action in the ring as the wrestlers continued to feel each other out. Morgan landed a hip toss, but missed with a leg drop. Anderson scored a clothesline and scored a one count. Morgan then scored a one count and they came to their feet for a stand-off. Nice start.

They circled each other in the ring and Morgan teased a punch, which caused Anderson to flinch. Morgan delivered a right hand that caused the announcers to question whether it was close to him targeting the concussion. Morgan followed with a headbutt and Taz noted it's anything goes with Morgan trying to get that #1 contender spot. Morgan nailed a big clothesline in the corner followed by a sidewalk slam for a two count. Anderson rolled to the ring apron, then Morgan wanted a big boot, but Anderson moved and Morgan spilled over the top rope to the floor. Anderson smirked and landed a clubbing forearm to the back of the head. He tried a splash off the apron, but Morgan caught Anderson and slammed him back-first into the ringpost. Morgan followed by ramming Anderson into the side of the ring apron before rolling Anderson back into the ring.

In the ring, Morgan shoved a boot in Anderson's throat. Anderson fought off the rapid-fire elbows once, but then Morgan scored with corner elbow strikes on his second try. Anderson quickly came back with a knee clip to take Morgan off his feet. Anderson targeted the left leg, looking like Ric Flair setting up for a figure-four leglock. Tenay noted Anderson is trying to take away Morgan's Carboon Footprint finisher by removing his plant leg. (Worth noting on this PPV is improved commentary from Tenay and Taz focusing on the matches as sports-like events.)

Morgan made his way to his feet and tried to shake off the leg work before grabbing Anderson off the top rope for a big chokeslam. It was good for a nearfall, then both men returned to their feet. Morgan landed a series of knock-down clotheslines, then tried a big discus clothesline, but Anderson ducked and nailed the Mic Check. Anderson made a cover, but Morgan escaped just in time. TNA went back to the new overhead shot as both men recovered on the mat. They came to their knees and started trading bombs, then moved to their feet and traded bombs. The blows intensified before Morgan blasted Anderson out of nowhere with the Carbon Footprint, but Anderson kicked out of a pin. "No!" Morgan shouted. The announcers noted perhaps the Footprint wasn't as effective because of the leg work by Anderson.

Morgan tried to follow with another boot to the face, but Anderson countered with a second Mic Check. Anderson couldn't make a cover, though, and eventually rolled on top of Morgan for a cover resulting in a two count. The announcers suggested perhaps Anderson isn't 100 percent of the concussion issue. Anderson suddenly went for a small package and he trapped Morgan for a three count to score the win. Taz laughed that after all that physicality, a small package ended the match.

WINNER: Anderson at 15:24 to become new #1 contender. Good main event with some nice back-and-forth and a good storyline in-play that the announcers focused on, but Anderson and Morgan didn't quite take it to the "next level" before the surprise finish. It was above expectations, but it was more of a set-up for the follow-up... (**3/4)

Post-match: The new Immortal music hit and Eric Bischoff came to the ring with a steel chair in hand. Bischoff teased a chair shot, but smiled and took a mic. He took a seat and told Anderson that he was so impressed with his work. Bischoff said he's not even going to make Anderson wait. He went ahead and gave Anderson his title match...right now. Anderson was still selling the effects of Morgan's work as he tried to pull himself up. Meanwhile, Hardy came out dressed not to wrestle while smoking a cigarette. Hardy mockingly tried to "warm up" before stomping out the cigarette on the ground. Meanwhile, Anderson sold that he could barely hold himself up in the ring. Bischoff smiled, clapped it up for Hardy, and took off to the back.

9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion JEFF HARDY vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match

Hardy quickly nailed the Twist of Hate and Taz said it's over. Hardy made a lazy cover, though, and Anderson kicked out before three. Hardy, wearing a tie, dress shirt, and jeans, sold shock as they showed Morgan still on the outside recovering from the #1 contender match. Hardy nailed another Twist of Hate, but Anderson kicked out again. Anderson continued to sell on the mat while Hardy walked around the ring trying to figure out what to do. Anderson then made a desperation heave sending Hardy to the outside where Morgan popped to his feet and landed a discus clothesline while the ref was distracted. Morgan rolled Hardy inside the ring and Anderson nearly scored the win, but Hardy kicked out.

Hardy and Anderson traded bombs on their feet as the crowd started to anticipate something more than just Hardy getting a quick win. Anderson scored a neckbreaker after they traded bombs, resulting in a close nearfall. Anderson showed a little fire, but Hardy caught him with the Whisper in the Wind off the top. Anderson rolled to the floor looking for a breather as Hardy looked down at his pants to see that his left pant leg was split down the middle. Hardy retrieved a chair from ringside, but Mick Foley suddenly showed up and stole the chair from Hardy. Ric Flair came down looking for a piece of Foley, but security intervened. And Flair vs. Foley must continue.

Meanwhile, back in the ring, Hardy wanted a Swanton Bomb, but Anderson crotched him. Anderson then went for a superplex, but Hardy shoved him down to the mat. Hardy ripped off his dress shirt and landed the Swanton Bomb. Hardy motioned that it was all over, but Anderson kicked out in time. The crowd began sensing it even more for Anderson, chanting "Anderson, Anderson." Hardy tried scooping up Anderson, but Anderson landed a rolling suplex. He was bleeding from his forehead. Hardy then cut off Anderson and called for Matt. Suddenly, RVD showed up and grabbed Matt's leg and they started fighting ringside. In the ring, Bischoff had a chair. He wanted Anderson's head, but Anderson cut him off and landed the Mic Check center ring. Hardy tried to run back into the ring and hit the Twist of Hate, but Anderson countered with the Mic Check and he scored a three count. Anderson is the new World champion.

Post-match: They cut to shots of Fortune (Beer Money, Styles, and Kazarian) selling shock. Taz said Immortal & Fortune were supposed to hold all of the titles after tonight, but Bischoff got greedy and the night will end without possession of the top title. Anderson recovered to his feet and held up Hardy's Immortal Title belt while Bischoff was shown clutching his head on the way to the back. Taz wanted to know what Hogan was thinking of all this. They cut back to Anderson inviting a fan into the ring. Anderson's music stopped and he did the mic drop to introduce himself as the new "Total Nonstop Champion." He sold losing his balance before completing his proclamation. Anderson's music hit again and Tenay said 2011 might be the "year of the a--hole" if Genesis is any indication. They signed off five minutes before the top of the hour.

WINNER: Anderson at 9:05 to capture the TNA World Title. They had to get the belt off Hardy with his guilty plea coming up on January 20, and this made the most sense with Bischoff's hubris trying to have complete domination in TNA getting in the way. The multiple run-ins were expected for a TNA PPV main event, but served a purpose of setting up multiple feuds coming out of the PPV. Surprisingly, the finish with Anderson capturing the title seemed a bit anticlimactic. TNA has delivered much bigger celebrations and the crowd has been much more excited for the likes of Christian, RVD, and A.J. Styles winning the top title in TNA as babyfaces. (*1/2)

FINAL THOUGHTS: Strong undercard, improved commentary, a bit of a lull in the second hour, some typical TNA over-booking, and a newsworthy development in the main event. Overall, a thumbs up showing from TNA to start 2011. The fall-out should definitely be interesting.

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