TNA Genesis 2026 Notes: KJ Orso Makes Surprise Appearance, Eddie Edwards Defeats JDC in JDC’s Retirement Match, Leon Slater Gives Video Message Over Missing The Show

KJ Orso Makes Surprise Appearance & Revealed as Mystery Person for TNA International Title Match

Saturday’s TNA Genesis 2026 event at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas featured indies wrestler KJ Orso, former Fuego del Sol, making a surprise appearance.

Orso was revealed as the mystery competitor for the Four-way match for the TNA International Championship against Eric Young, BDE, and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo.

.@KJOrso returns to TNA on the Countdown to #TNAGenesis!

WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/VsgeMQJOrb pic.twitter.com/Ee7XWqJndh

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 18, 2026

This was Orso’s first appearance in TNA since 2019.

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Eddie Edwards Defeats JDC in JDC’s Retirement Match

Saturday’s TNA Genesis 2026 event also featured Eddie Edwards defeating JDC in JDC’s retirement match for his in-ring wrestling career.

Following the match, Edwards and The System embraced JDC in the ring as several of TNA’s locker room came out to the stage to give a standing ovation in celebration of JDC’s wrestling career.

Thank you, @DirtyDangoCurty.

Watch #TNAGenesis LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/VpWjSXHwKZ pic.twitter.com/d3SAhCJmb6

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 18, 2026

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Leon Slater Gives Video Message Over Missing The Show

Saturday’s TNA Genesis 2026 event also featured TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater making a video appearance.

During the show, Slater appeared on the big screen and apologized for not being able to make tonight’s show due to issues and defend his X-Division title as originally scheduled. Slater thanked Joe Hendry for filling in and taking his spot for the Three-way match against Cedric Alexander and Moose on the show.

A message from TNA X Division Champion @LEONSLATER_!

Watch #TNAGenesis LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/VpWjSXHwKZ pic.twitter.com/lofQHucBD5

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 18, 2026