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Although the X-Division may be TNA’s standout feature besides the six-sided ring, there was only one occasion in the 2000s when an X-Division star headlined a TNA pay-per-view. If any match were to serve as the main event, it would undoubtedly be this one.
Samoa Joe showcases his peak performance in this match, but Christopher Daniels also deserves recognition. During his prime, Daniels was an exceptional wrestler who could elevate any match. When he faced off against familiar opponents, those quality bouts transformed into incredible classics. He entered this matchup as a cunning heel champion, strategically manipulating it to keep the focus on AJ Styles while minimizing the impact of the third competitor.
Then there’s AJ Styles, who earned the title of “The Phenomenal” through matches like this, though he wouldn’t fully embody it until his later time in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He’s a walking highlight reel, executing jaw-dropping maneuvers, including an impressive shooting star press to the outside, all with the same flair he had back in 2005. While Daniels plots his moves, Styles throws caution to the wind, fully committing to every action, almost as if he revels in executing submission attempts like the Spiral Tap just for the thrill of it.
Fortunately, this match avoids the pitfalls common in multi-competitor bouts. It plays out more like a series of singles matches, with one wrestler waiting outside before jumping in to disrupt a pinfall. Daniels does his best to mitigate his numbers disadvantage, using the presence of the extra competitors to set up creative exchanges.
Describing this match as innovative seems fitting. While the conclusion may have disappointed some fans—and I personally believe the Styles vs. Joe match at Turning Point in December 2005 was more polished—every triple threat match since September 2005 can trace its inspiration back to this one. Various promotions have attempted to capture its magic, yet none have succeeded to the same extent, save for a rematch with these four competitors for the TNA World Championship four years later.
This match stands out as one of the most thrilling in wrestling history, making it endlessly rewatchable.
Fan Take: This match is significant for wrestling fans as it highlights the artistry and innovation that can emerge from multi-competitor bouts, setting a benchmark for future encounters. Its influence on subsequent triple threat matches underscores the evolution of in-ring storytelling and athleticism, reminding us of the potential for greatness in professional wrestling.
