TNA Wrestling scored its strongest television rating since 2009. Per Bleacher Report (H/T TNAsylum), the promotion averaged 1.17 on cable rating in 2011, beating 2009’s average of 1.15. The success came as a surprise to fans who had heavily criticized the promotion under Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.
2011 also introduced fans to some intense feuds and compelling in-ring action. Stars such as Bobby Roode and James Storm emerged as TNA’s flagbearers in what was a creatively underwhelming period for the promotion. Both men were part of some of the best TNA Wrestling TV matches of 2011.
On that note, let’s take a look at some of the best TNA Wrestling TV matches of 2011:
Jeremy Buck vs. Max Buck (TNA Wrestling Xplosion #340)
Will The Young Bucks ever face each other in AEW? Before we look into the possibility, let’s go way back to when the brothers actually faced each other in TNA Wrestling. Their one-on-one encounter came at Xplosion #340.
This was a pretty fast-paced match-up and would’ve likely been even better if not for the time constraints. As far as the question is concerned, I believe Buck vs. Buck will make for a compelling storyline in AEW.
On a lighter note, TNA should get the Bucks to run it back on the all-new Xplosion.
AJ Styles vs. Daniels vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam (July 7)
This match featured four of the biggest names on TNA and independent wrestling at the time. RVD and Jerry Lynn had arrived at the IMPACT Zone years following the demise of ECW.
The two ECW icons met TNA’s best in AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels. This match would lead to singles matches between the contestants involved at the Destination X pay-per-view event.
James Storm vs. Bobby Roode (October 6)
To the best of my knowledge, this match marked the first time James Storm and Bobby Roode collided one-on-one on the IMPACT Zone. Both men came down the ring for a pre-match promo on the night when Hulk Hogan was supposed to retire.
This match focused on the physical aspect with a subtle tease toward a heel turn for Bobby Roode. This bout featured plenty of near falls and some stiff moves. Roode would pick up the win over his tag team partner following Kurt Angle’s interference.
James Storm vs. Bobby Roode (TNA World Title Match – November 3)
James Storm’s title win over Kurt Angle was a feel-good moment for IMPACT fans. The Cowboy beat the Wrestling Machine in over a minute (1:14, to be exact) for the TNA World Title on the October 20, 2011, edition of the show.
Storm would put his title on the line against friend and partner Bobby Roode for the sake of friendly competition. This was a great TV match with an emphasis on storyline progression.
TNA did a fantastic job with the surprise Bobby Roode heel turn. Storm and fans never saw it coming and the IT Factor defeated his closest friend in controversial fashion to kick off a blockbuster title run.
Kurt Angle vs. James Storm (September 22)
Kurt Angle and James Storm hadn’t met in singles competition prior to 2011. Angle had tagged with Beer Money against Eric Young, Samoa Joe and Sting in 2007. The one-on-one encounter was taped at the Universal Studios on September 19, 2011.
Storm got a standing ovation as he made his way to the ring for this match. The Cowboy went blow for blow against one of the best in the business, Kurt Angle. He even kicked out of the Olympic Slam, to the shock of the Wrestling Machine.
The match went to a no-contest following Gunner and Bobby Roode’s interference.
Also read: Best TNA Wrestling TV Matches Of 2012
