TNA Wrestling locker room in 2009 featured a solid mix of young blood and veterans. While homegrown stars such as AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels delivered bangers week in and out, Hall of Famers in Sting and Kevin made for compelling television.
The birth of the Main Event Mafia saw some big names unite in the name of respect. Sting, Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, and Booker T (with Sharmell) banded together to form arguably the first true star-studded stable in company history.
Former WCW Champion Scott Steiner would join the fray, giving additional boost to the group. Main Event Mafia would go to war with the TNA originals, giving fans some great moments and matches on free television.
AJ Styles vs. Chris Sabin (March 9)
Two flagbearers of the X Division met in this explosive match on the IMPACT Zone. This bout was the TNA World Heavyweight Championship tournament semi-final. Styles and Sabin laid out each other with a barrage of offense.
The crowd was heavily into the match which made the overall atmosphere even better. Both men had counters for each other, but it was the Phenomenal One who came out as the winner.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Lethal Consequences (February 19)
The Motor City Machine Guns engaged in a competitive feud with Lethal Consequences in 2009. The two teams met in a series of matches to assert their dominance. The tag team street fight was taped on February 10, 2009.
Fans of fast-paced, spot-fest wrestling will probably enjoy the match. Though it’s only seven minutes long, every minute carries explosive action.
20-man Steel Cage Gauntlet (TNA iMPACT #248)
TNA Wrestling have always remained consistent when it comes to innovation and creativity. From the six-sided ring to the X Division, the company has captivated fan interest over the years.
Back in 2009, TNA delivered an interesting 20-man Steel Cage Gauntlet match. Think of it as Royal Rumble inside a cage where the only way to eliminate your opponent is via pinfall or submission.
Speaking of submission, Kurt Angle absolutely dominated this match-up. The Olympic Gold Medalist almost single-handedly destroyed competition until Samoa Joe put him away with a Muscle Buster.
Kurt Angle vs. Christopher Daniels (April 16)
This was the second meeting between two of the very best at the time. Angle first squared off against Daniels at an Ultimate Pro Wrestling event in 2000. Nine years later both men met again in a different promotion.
This was another great match featuring two absolute workhorses. The Fallen Angel held his own against the Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle would pick up the win against nearly 11 minutes of thrilling action.
Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles (TNA iMPACT #277)
The Main Event Mafia’s declaration of war brought them at the forefront against the TNA Originals. The storyline led to a series of singles and multi-man matches between members of the two groups.
One such match saw AJ Styles take on Kurt Angle at the October 15, 2009, episode titled Super iMPACT. Both men tore the house down with their in-ring work. This was pure, unadulterated action from start to finish with plenty of counters and nearfalls.
The only downside to this all-time classic was the finish.
Also read: Best TNA Wrestling TV Matches Of 2010
