2012 was, by and large, a renaissance period for TNA Wrestling. The promotion transitioned away from the Vince Russo-era storylines. It started focusing on homegrown stars with an emphasis on in-ring action.
When it came to TV tapings, TNA delivered some spectacular action featuring some remarkable names on the roster at the time. Stars like Bobby Roode and Austin Aries delivered some compelling storylines with great in-ring action.
Let’s take a look at some of the best TNA Wrestling TV matches of 2012:
Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin vs. Zema Ion (Ultimate X Match)
Austin Aries was arguably TNA’s Wrestler of the Year in 2012. Aries was putting on Match of the Year contenders week in and out. He was involved in a solid Ultimate X match against Chris Sabin and Zema Ion (aka Joaquin Wilde).
Unfortunately, Chris Sabin would be sidelined due to his injuries after the match. Aries, on the other hand, would challenge for Bobby Roode’s TNA World Title at Destination X and would claim the championship for himself.
Bobby Roode vs. James Storm (November 15)
Bobby Roode and James Storm turned foes from friends in 2011. They had a series of excellent matches on PPVs in 2012. Both men collided for the opportunity to challenge for the TNA World Title at the November 12 taping of IMPACT Wrestling.
Even though this match is not on par with their PPV outings, it manages to tell a decent story in the ring. Both men know each other extremely well, so the frequent counters to the offense doesn’t come as a surprise.
AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle (Bound for Glory Series Match)
Another enjoyable match between two veterans of the industry!
Kurt Angle and AJ Styles had great chemistry inside the squared circle. Both men had delivered countless classics inside the six-sided ring. This match took place at a regular TNA TV taping in August 2012.
Angle kept Styles at arm’s length with his grappling-based offense. The Phenomenal One delivered some great aerial moves to take out the Olympic Gold Medalist by surprise. An Olympic Slam sealed the win for Angle.
Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle (World Title Match – October 25)
Jeff Hardy ended Austin Aries’ TNA World Title reign at Bound for Glory 2012. The Charismatic Enigma had his first TV title defense against the formidable Kurt Angle at a live edition of IMPACT Wrestling just nine days later.
Both men kept the action going at a consistent pace. Angle had put over a lot of people in 2012, and Jeff was one of them. A win over the Olympic Gold Medalist helped solidify Hardy’s title run.
Bobby Roode vs. AJ Styles (TNA World Title Match – IMPACT Wrestling #411)
Bobby Roode had reached the mountain top in 2011. The former tag team specialist put down a litany of challengers who stepped up to him. In 2012, Roode faced a familiar opponent in AJ Styles for the TNA World Title.
Both men met in the main event of IMPACT’s May 15 TV taping. Roode delivered a lot of offense to wear down the extremely resilient AJ Styles. A Perfect Plex sealed the win for the It Factor.
Also read: Best TNA Wrestling TV Matches Of 2013
