20 Greatest TNA Matches Ever

2. Kurt Angle Vs. Samoa Joe (Genesis 2006)

Kurt Angle Samoa Joe 2006
impactwrestling.com

Before analysing that particular match, it's important to focus on the first ever clash between Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle. The latter had only been in TNA for a few months by the time he faced Joe at Genesis in January, 2006. Fans were clearly enthused, because the company popped a record buyrate for the pay-per-view, apparently one that still remains their highest.

Following the unsatisfying way his first WWE run ended, Angle looked eager to prove to the world that he was still one of the best wrestlers on the planet. Right there with him, Joe was clearly excited by the prospect of locking horns with someone so respected by peers and fans alike.

Angle vs. Joe went less than 15 minutes, but length isn't a major issue when the actual quality is so high. Flawless mat wrestling and the drama of the finish made this one an instant classic.

Kurt forced Joe to submit to his Ankle Lock, giving the 'Samoan Submission Machine' his first major loss since joining TNA in 2005. In the process, fans were salivating over the prospect of a rematch.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.