TNA Wrestling had one of the strongest years when it came to PPV quality in 2011. The promotion presented 12 pay-per-view events during said year. While the company largely struggled on the creative front, it delivered top-notch action inside the ring.
From Kurt Angle’s excellent outing against Jeff Jarrett to Roode vs. Styles in an Iron Man Match, TNA proved to fans and critics alike that its superstars were truly among the best in the world.
Fortune vs. Immortal (Lethal Lockdown Match – Lockdown)
Fortune versus Immortal was the main story heading into Lockdown 2011. Christopher Daniels was the MVP because of how effortlessly he pulled off his moves in the ring. Add AJ Styles’ electric return, and you have one of the best TNA PPV matches of 2011.
That being said, there were some poor spots largely triggered by Ric Flair’s botches. The Nature Boy’s fondness for crimson really hurt the match’s flow—credit to Storm, Ray and Daniels for keeping the momentum going.
Bully Ray vs. AJ Styles (Last Man Standing Match – Slammiversary IX)
A great match that would’ve made it to the top of the list if not for the underwhelming ending!
Styles enters the match with nothing but grudge and bitterness for Bully. The former tag team specialist shows some fantastic heel work. There are plenty of great spots and some violent wrestling moves.
This is one of the rare instances where a Last Man Standing doesn’t feature the use of foreign objects. Styles is truly phenomenal, with some perfectly-timed aerial moves. It’s too bad Bully doesn’t sell them enough to make the offense believable.
Beer Money vs. Motor City Machine Guns (TNA World Tag Team Title Match – Genesis)
Beer Money and Motor City Machine Guns delivered arguably one of the best TNA PPV matches of 2011. Both teams met for the world tag team titles in front of a red-hot crowd at the Universal Studios.
Bobby Roode and James Strom displayed some fantastic heel tag teamwork. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin held more than their own against the challengers but couldn’t prevent a title change.
Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett (2 Out of 3 Falls Match – TNA Lockdown)
The Angle and Jarrett feud was a bit over the top at times, but it had its bright spots, such as this fantastic cage match from TNA Lockdown 2011. On paper, the concept of 2 out of 3 Falls inside the cage may seem a bit too convoluted.
In reality, however, the performance of both men proved you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Apart from some spots, such as the referee completely ignoring Karen Jarrett’s return, this match was one of the best TNA PPV bouts of 2011.
Austin Aries vs. Jack Evans vs. Low Ki vs. Zema Ion (Destination X)
Four of the hottest independent superstars got the opportunity to fight for the TNA Wrestling contract in this all-time classic from Destination X. You had the ultimate opportunist in Austin Aries, the incredibly athletic Evans and Ion (aka Joaquin Wilde), and the stiff-as-stick Low Ki.
All four men tore the house down with their performance. Aries was arguably the biggest star even before he entered the match. He’d play along until the right opportunity presented itself for A Double to strike and claim the contract for himself.
Honorable Mentions
- AJ Styles vs. Bobby Roode (TNA Turning Point)
- Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe (Destination X)
- Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett (Slammiversary IX)
- Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode (TNA Bound for Glory)
Also read: Best TNA Wrestling PPV Matches Of 2012
