Nic Nemeth is the new TNA world champion. The Most Wanted Man called his shot to dethrone Mike Santana at Slammiversary (June 28, 2026).
The finish was set up by events from earlier in the week on Impact. A promo session between Santana and Nemeth ended in violence. Santana threw the first punch, however, Nemeth stood tall after smashing Santana’s head on the title belt. TNA reported that Santana was taken to a local hospital, and they teased that the Slammiversary main event was in doubt. Santana wasn’t
playing that BS, and he was rearing to go to fight. Still though, keep in mind that damage he suffered heading into the PPV.
On to Boston for the Slammiversary main event. Nemeth cashed in his Call Your Shot trophy with honor. This was a planned match and not an instant cash-in. Nemeth’s honor didn’t last long. Santana took him to the woodshed once the bell rang. Ryan Nemeth ran out to fight. Everyone laughed him off. The referee ejected Ryan just to be safe. That was probably for Ryan’s own protection so he didn’t get slaughtered by Santana. In the hullabaloo, Nic took advantage to smash the Call Your Shot trophy on Santana’s head. Santana was busted open.
Nemeth kept on his game for a tornado DDT and his Danger Zone finisher. Santana kicked out on the cover. Nemeth delivered a superkick. Santana reacted with the Spin The Block discus lariat finisher. Nemeth kicked out in dramatic fashion.
Santana loaded up for another Spin The Block, but Nemeth attacked low to kick the leg. Nemeth then went high for another kick to the head. Santana fired up to kick out at 1. Santana cracked a superkick of his own. He sensed victory within his grasp. Santana charged for another Spin The Block, however, he fainted on his feet when charging forward. Nemeth was exhausted, and they leaned on each other. Nemeth was the first one up, and he connected on Danger Zone to win. The idea is that the head shot from Impact, the head shot from the trophy, and all the superkicks throughout paid the toll on Santana’s consciousness.
Nemeth becomes a two-time TNA world champion.
The question becomes if this is the end of the line for Santana in TNA amidst rumors of his contract expiring soon and WWE showing interest. The finish played out to set up a potential rematch, so we’ll see if that comes to pass or if Santana heads to greener pastures.
Catch up on all the results from TNA Slammiversary (here).
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