TNA Genesis: Rob Van Dam Vs. Matt Hardy

Backstage:

RVD is backstage with Bischoff, he says it doesn't matter who his opponent is unless it's Hardy. RVD says he knows Hardy is here tonight. Bischoff says RVD wants it, he's got it, and he hopes RVD is happy.

Rob Van Dam vs. ?

RVD walks over to the entrance ramp, and waits for his music to hit, as apparently this one is up right now. RVD makes his way out to the ring to a big pop from the crowd. JB announces the mystery opponent, but it's not Jeff Hardy, it's Matt Hardy. Hardy gets a big pop from the crowd, and he's got a goofy look with cornrows in his hair.

Hardy looks to be in pretty impressive shape, but he looks like he's taking a page out of his brother's book in terms of a gimmick, sans face paint. The bell rings and this one is ready to begin. Hardy tries to shake hands with RVD, but RVD waves it off. Both men trade words, and Hardy comes up with a right hand to RVD's face. both men trade blows, and Hardy catches Van Dam with a boot to the face before slamming him down to the mat. Hardy taunts RVD, but winds up with a foot in his face. RVD buries his shoulder in Hardy's midsection before hitting a big springboard back kick. RVD hits a series of quick kicks to the back of Hardy's head before laying in with a series of forearms. Hardy charges RVD in the corner, but RVD comes up with a backdrop to the apron, and a kick that sends Hardy flying out on top of the guard rail.

Hardy tries to roll back into the ring but Van Dam kicks him right back out. RVD comes up with a springboard moonsault to the outside on top of Hardy. RVD sends Hardy back into the ring and goes to the top, coming off with a big cross body straight into a pin for a two count. Hardy goes for the twist of fate, but RVD fights it off. Hardy suplexes RVD head first into the bottom turnbuckle in a nasty move. RVD struggles to get back to his feet where he immediately eats a clothesline from Hardy. Hardy hits a running bulldog, then pins RVD for two. Hardy locks in a seated full nelson on RVD.

Van Dam fights up to his feet, but Hardy sweeps his legs out and drives him down to the mat face first which is good for another near fall. Hardy mocks RVD before hitting him with a couple of elbows to the back of the head and a neckbreaker. Hardy goes up to the middle rope and wait s for RVD to get to his feet, but when he leaps off, he's met with a superkick to the face. Hardy and Van Dam trade blows in the middle of the ring, and Hardy is able to hit a swinging neckbreaker that's good for another two count. Elbow drop from Hardy, and we get another near fall. Hardy picks RVD up and takes him to the ropes where he chokes him against the middle rope. Hardy hits the opposite ropes and comes in charging with a big leg drop to RVD who is still hung up in the ropes. Hardy locks in a rear chin lock.

RVD is able to fight back up to his feet and out of the hold but he's cut off again. RVD comes up with a big kick to the face and an inventive body scissor roll up that's good for two. Again, Hardy and Van Dam trade blows in the middle of the ring, and RVD comes out on top with two clotheslines and a superkick. Van Dam catches Hardy's leg on a kick and comes up with a back heel kick to Hardy's face. Hardy is able to lock up RVD in a small package, but he only gets a two count. RVD hits Hardy with an inverted atomic drop and a single leg dropkick from the top rope. RVD connects with rolling thunder and goes up to the top rope. RVD tries for, and connects with the five star frog splash, but when he pins Hardy, Hardy's arm is under the ropes.

RVD stomps away at Hardy and argues with the ref, but he turns right around into the twist of fate. Hardy pins RVD, and RVD gets his leg under the rope, much in the same way as Hardy, but it's not noticed and Hardy picks up the three count.

Winner: Matt Hardy

Backstage:

Christy Hemme is backstage with Kurt Angle. Angle says he's been out a few months, so he doesn't know what kind of shape he's in, but if Jarrett wants to know, he can just ask his wife. Angle says he's going to find out what kind of an MMA fighter Jarrett is, and he's going to enjoy kicking Jarrett's ass.