Trick Williams is still the TNA World Champion after a dramatic and controversial conclusion to the Slammiversary main event. The champion pinned Joe Hendry to win a chaotic Triple Threat match, capitalizing on the efforts of hometown hero Mike Santana.
Before the main event, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella announced that Tessa Blanchard has been suspended indefinitely for her actions earlier in the evening. Soon after, Frankie Kazarian made his way to the ring, declaring himself the “King of TNA” and announcing he would be providing special guest commentary for the championship match.
The entrances for the main event were a spectacle. Joe Hendry was accompanied to the ring by the fans singing along to his theme song. Mike Santana, clearly the crowd favorite in his hometown of Long Island, entered through the crowd, preceded by a live rap performance. The champion, Trick Williams, had the most elaborate entrance of all, featuring a choir dressed in black performing a gospel-style rendition of his “Whoop that Trick” theme.
The match began with Hendry and Santana working together to neutralize the champion. With Williams on the outside, the two challengers battled in the ring. The pro-Santana crowd was vocal throughout the contest. During the match, commentator Frankie Kazarian got physically involved, prompting Santino Marella to eject him from ringside.
The action intensified with several near-falls. Santana hit a massive dive onto Williams on the floor. Later, Hendry hit his signature Standing Ovation finisher on Santana for a two-count that brought the crowd to its feet.
In the final moments of the match, Santana rallied, trading blows with Hendry before leveling him with his finisher, Spin the Block. As Santana went for what seemed to be a definitive pinfall, Trick Williams rushed back into the ring, pulled Santana off the cover, and stole the pin on the downed Joe Hendry to retain his title.
The show concluded with Trick Williams celebrating on the stage as TNA President Antony Cicione reluctantly handed him the championship belt. In the ring, a shocked Mike Santana was left to contemplate his hometown loss.
Click here for complete TNA Slammiversary results.
