Nic Nemeth Named Special Guest Referee After Daria Rae Alters TNA World Title Match

TNA Wrestling has added a major stipulation to its World Championship match just days before TNA Genesis. The title picture changed quickly after a late ruling placed Nic Nemeth in a decisive role.

On Thursday’s iMPACT debut on AMC, Mike Santana won back the TNA World Championship. He defeated Frankie Kazarian in the main event at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas. The win ended Kazarian’s reign. However, Nemeth entered the ring immediately after the match and used his Call Your Shot opportunity, starting a brawl with the new champion.

With tensions escalating, Santino Marella, acting as TNA’s Director of Authority, stepped in. He confirmed that Kazarian would receive a rematch at Genesis, adding a Texas Death Match stipulation. The stakes shifted again when Daria Rae (Formerly known as Sonya Deville in WWE) appeared.

Recently backed by TNA’s Board of Directors, Rae supported the rematch and stipulation but made a key decision. She named Nemeth as the special guest referee for the title match. Nemeth is already in conflict with Santana and has a clear personal interest in the championship. His position as referee gives him control over the match outcome.

Genesis takes place on January 17 at the same Dallas venue.

EXCLUSIVE: There was drama following the conclusion of #TNAiMPACT as @NicTNemeth looked to call his shot and a big #TNAGenesis World Title match was made official! @Santana_Proud @FrankieKazarian @milanmiracle @TheDariaRae pic.twitter.com/BNzINpMe3p

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026