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Mike Santana Retains World Title, Defeats Frankie Kazarian in Texas Deathmatch At TNA Genesis

January 17, 2026 | Posted by Yash Mittal
Mike Santana TNA Genesis Image Credit: TNA

Mike Santana went through hell at TNA Genesis, but he was ultimately able to defeat Frankie Kazarian in a violent Texas Deathmatch to retain the TNA World Championship.

The closing stages of the violent match that saw both wrestlers push each other to their limits saw Santana, after having hit Kazarian with a sit-out Death Valley Driver, climb to the top of the ladder and hit a Frog Splash, only for Kazarian to kick out at two.

After clotheslining each other twice, Kazarian made the cardinal sin of spitting on Santana’s face, ultimately leading to his downfall. The defending champion wrapped up his arm in barbed wire before executing a Rolling Lariat to pick up the pinfall.

A bloodied Kazarian almost got to his feet before the 10 count but slipped down, ultimately failing to make it.

After Carlos Silva presented the TNA World Title to Santana, special guest referee Nic Nemeth hit the champion with the Danger Zone and signaled to execute his guaranteed shot. However, before the referee could get to the ring, Santana took him down with the Spin the Block to end the night as the reigning World Champion.

Check out the highlights of the TNA World Championship match via TNA’s X handle below:

https://twitter.com/ThisIsTNA/status/2012735563309158886

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Frankie Kazarian, Mike Santana, Nic Nemeth, TNA Genesis, Yash Mittal

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