Twenty years ago, as the world prepared to usher in 2005, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling presented a special episode of its weekly television program, Impact!, a New Year’s Eve broadcast that offered a compelling snapshot of the company at a critical juncture in its then-nascent history. Airing on December 31, 2004, this particular installment was more than just another weekly show; it was a declaration of intent, a blend of established talent and burgeoning stars, all striving to carve out a distinct identity in the shadow of the industry’s behemoths. For those who followed the promotion during its Fox Sports Net era, this episode served as a significant waypoint, showcasing the strengths and ambitions that would eventually propel TNA onto a larger stage, while simultaneously highlighting the unique challenges of operating as the number two promotion in North America.
At the close of 2004, TNA was still finding its footing. Having transitioned from its initial pay-per-view-only model, where fans could purchase two-hour weekly events, the company had secured a television deal with Fox Sports Net, bringing Impact! to a broader audience, albeit one often difficult to locate on cable guides. These broadcasts, emanating from the Universal Studios soundstage in Orlando, Florida, affectionately known as the "Impact Zone," cultivated an intimate, almost independent feel, yet with a professional sheen. The roster was a fascinating mix: veterans like Jeff Jarrett, Raven, and Dusty Rhodes provided a link to wrestling’s past, while a new generation of high-flyers and technical wizards – A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe (who would arrive shortly after this period), and Petey Williams – were redefining modern professional wrestling. The company proudly aligned itself with the National Wrestling Alliance, lending historical prestige to its NWA World Heavyweight and Tag Team Championships, which were central to its storytelling.
The New Year’s Eve Impact! episode itself was designed to feel like a major event, a fitting conclusion to a year of growth and a springboard into the promising new year. The card was packed with significant matchups, each contributing to ongoing storylines and building anticipation for the upcoming Final Resolution pay-per-view in January 2005. The main event featured Jeff Hardy, a recent, high-profile acquisition for TNA, against "The Canadian Destroyer" Bobby Roode, then a prominent member of Team Canada. Hardy, fresh off his WWE departure, had quickly become one of TNA’s most popular figures, his enigmatic persona and daredevil style resonating deeply with the audience. Roode, on the other hand, represented the disciplined, often villainous contingent led by Scott D’Amore, a faction that consistently challenged American pride and talent. Their clash was a classic power-versus-speed encounter, showcasing Roode’s burgeoning technical prowess against Hardy’s unpredictable aerial offense, a fitting capstone to an episode aimed at excitement.
One of the most crucial bouts on the show was a three-way dance for the right to challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss versus Monty Brown versus Raven. This encounter perfectly encapsulated TNA’s efforts to establish new main event players. Abyss, the monstrous "Monster Clown," was a force of nature, a silent, destructive behemoth who brought an element of hardcore brutality to the promotion. Monty Brown, with his electrifying "Pounce" and undeniable charisma, was quickly ascending the ranks as a powerful, athletic contender, radiating main event potential. Raven, a hardcore icon and master of psychological warfare, brought a darker, more cerebral edge to the main event scene, often intertwining his personal demons with his quest for gold. The winner of this grueling contest would earn a shot at Jeff Jarrett’s NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Final Resolution, signifying the immediate stakes of the match and the company’s commitment to building credible challengers for its top prize. The clash of these three distinct styles—Abyss’s brute force, Brown’s explosive power, and Raven’s cunning—made for a compelling narrative of survival and ambition, showcasing the diverse talent TNA was cultivating for its top tier.
The NWA World Tag Team Championship was also on the line, as the beloved tandem of America’s Most Wanted, "Wildcat" Chris Harris and "Cowboy" James Storm, defended their titles against the opportunistic duo of Frankie Kazarian and Michael Shane. America’s Most Wanted had become synonymous with TNA’s tag team division, their blend of southern charm, hard-hitting offense, and remarkable chemistry making them one of the most popular acts in the company. Kazarian and Shane, both products of the X-Division and formidable athletes in their own right, represented a challenge rooted in speed and agility. This match was a testament to the strength of TNA’s tag team wrestling, often highlighted by innovative maneuvers and seamless teamwork, a division that consistently delivered high-quality action and was a major draw for fans. The dynamic between AMW’s rugged, traditional tag team style and Kazarian and Shane’s more modern, athletic approach made for an engaging championship defense.
Beyond the title pictures and main event aspirations, the New Year’s Eve Impact! also featured a fascinating blend of stylistic matchups. One such encounter pitted the "Phenomenal" A.J. Styles, already a cornerstone of TNA and a pioneer of the X-Division, against the returning Johnny B. Badd, better known to many as Marc Mero. Styles, with his unparalleled athleticism and innovative offense, represented the future of professional wrestling, constantly pushing the boundaries of in-ring performance. Mero, a veteran with a career spanning WCW and WWE, provided a glimpse into wrestling’s past, his presence adding a layer of nostalgia and an interesting contrast in styles. This match underscored TNA’s willingness to integrate performers from different eras, showcasing its homegrown talent against more recognizable names, a strategy aimed at attracting a wider audience while still cultivating its unique identity.
The X-Division, a hallmark of TNA’s early years, was also well-represented, even if not always explicitly labeled as such in every contest. Chris Sabin, one of the division’s original architects and a standard-bearer for its high-octane style, faced off against Frankie Kazarian in another single’s encounter. Both men were renowned for their agility, aerial prowess, and crisp technical wrestling, promising a fast-paced, action-packed affair that was characteristic of the X-Division’s commitment to innovation and excitement. These matches were vital in establishing the division’s reputation for groundbreaking athleticism, often stealing the show with their unique blend of high-flying maneuvers and intricate sequences.
Other matches on the card continued to flesh out the roster and build various mid-card feuds. Dustin Rhodes, bringing his wealth of experience and unique character to TNA, competed against the high-flying and aggressive Kid Kash. Rhodes, known for his ability to adapt and reinvent himself, provided a veteran presence, while Kash offered a dynamic, unpredictable challenge. Team Canada, a stable that consistently drew heat with its anti-American sentiments, was represented by Petey Williams and Eric Young, who faced the unconventional pairing of Shark Boy and Mad Mikey. Williams, the originator of the iconic "Canadian Destroyer" finisher, was a breakout star of the X-Division, and Young was beginning to showcase the comedic versatility that would define much of his later career. Finally, Sonny Siaki, a powerful and agile competitor, took on Erik Watts, adding another layer of depth to the roster and providing opportunities for different styles to clash.
The atmosphere in the Impact Zone during these Fox Sports Net broadcasts was electric. The relatively small crowd was incredibly vocal, making the venue feel far larger than it was. The intimate setting allowed for a direct connection between the performers and the audience, fostering a loyal fanbase that felt personally invested in the company’s success. For the New Year’s Eve special, the energy was palpably heightened, reflecting the celebratory mood and the anticipation for what the new year might bring. TNA understood that its presentation needed to be unique, emphasizing the athletic prowess of its roster, the intricate storytelling, and the sense of an underdog fighting for recognition.
Looking back, the December 31, 2004, Impact! episode serves as a powerful time capsule for TNA. It captures a promotion on the cusp of significant change. Within a year, TNA would make its momentous move to Spike TV, a network with far greater reach and a much larger potential audience, a move that would fundamentally alter its trajectory. The seeds of that future success, however, were sown in episodes like this one. The company was diligently building its own stars, distinct from the established names of WWE. A.J. Styles was already blossoming into the "Phenomenal One" who would carry the company for years. Samoa Joe was just around the corner, ready to ignite the X-Division. Abyss, Monty Brown, and America’s Most Wanted were proving their worth as consistent, compelling performers capable of headlining.
The "New Year’s Eve" theme of the episode was more than just a calendar date; it symbolized a fresh start and renewed hope. For a company that had started from humble beginnings with weekly pay-per-views, securing a national television deal and consistently delivering compelling content on a Friday night, often competing with other holiday programming, was a remarkable achievement. The broadcast felt like a celebration of survival and growth, a defiant statement that TNA was here to stay and ready to compete. The blend of high-flying action, traditional wrestling psychology, and larger-than-life characters was designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of wrestling fans, showcasing the company’s diverse roster and creative vision.
This era of TNA, particularly during its Fox Sports Net run, is often remembered fondly by long-time fans as a period of raw potential and unbridled ambition. It was a time when the company felt truly rebellious, offering an alternative product that prioritized in-ring action and unique character development. The NWA affiliation, while eventually dissolved, lent a credible, historical backdrop to the championship chases, making the titles feel important and legitimate. The commitment to showcasing the X-Division, with its revolutionary style, differentiated TNA from its competitors and attracted a new generation of fans who craved faster, more athletic wrestling.
The legacy of this specific Impact! episode, and indeed this entire period, is how it laid the groundwork for TNA’s subsequent successes and enduring impact on the wrestling landscape. Many of the performers featured on that New Year’s Eve show—Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, A.J. Styles, Frankie Kazarian, Chris Sabin, Eric Young, James Storm, Chris Harris, Petey Williams, Abyss, and Monty Brown—would go on to have significant careers, some becoming global superstars. Their contributions during this formative stage were crucial in shaping TNA’s identity and proving that there was a viable market for a national wrestling promotion that wasn’t WWE.
In hindsight, the December 31, 2004, Impact! was more than just a television show; it was a testament to perseverance and a vision for the future. It captured TNA at a pivotal moment, balancing its underdog status with its grand aspirations. As the clock ticked down to the new year, the company presented an entertaining, action-packed episode that not only celebrated the end of one year but confidently announced its readiness for the challenges and opportunities of the next. For two decades now, this broadcast has stood as a significant marker in the chronicles of TNA, a vibrant reminder of a time when the promotion was fiercely fighting for its place in professional wrestling, shaping an alternative narrative that would resonate with fans for years to come.
