Obviously the most important match of a pay-per-view is the main event, but throughout history it has been clear that a solid opening match is the basis of a great PPV, setting the tone for the rest of the show. As they say, it's always good to start off on the right foot, and that applies to PPVs as well.
In that sense, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling produced several PPVs, in which the openers were really excellent and memorable, and some of them were even the best matches of their respective PPVs. Without further ado, here are the 10 best opening matches in TNA PPV history.
10 AJ Styles, Low-Ki & Jerry Lynn Vs. The Flying Elvises - NWA Total Nonstop Action #1
This was the first PPV match in TNA history, and what a great match it was. The guy who would become one of the main faces of the company, AJ Styles, teamed up with Low-Ki and Jerry Lynn to face off against The Flying Elvises (Jimmy Yang, Jorge Estrada and Sonny Siaki).
It was an action-packed, well-paced bout, with some pretty good spots. Although it was noticeable that AJ Styles' team was more talented, in the end The Flying Elvises took the victory.
9 The Latin American Exchange Vs. Team 3D - Destination X 2007
This was a Tag Team Ghetto Street Fight, in which The Latin American Exchange (Hernandez and Homicide), accompanied by Konnan and Machete, faced Team 3D, which was formed by Brother Devon & Brother Ray (also known as The Dudley Boyz).
Brothers Ray and Devon have always been known for delivering brutal and chaotic matches, and this was precisely one of them. However, despite their experience, this time they could not defeat Hernandez and Homicide, who were absolutely irrepressible in this bout .
8 The Amazing Red Vs. Alex Shelley Vs. Chris Sabin Vs. Daniels Vs. Homicide Vs. Suicide - Bound For Glory 2009
At Bound For Glory 2009, TNA X-Division Champion, The Amazing Red defended the belt in an Ultimate X match against Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Daniels, Homicide and Suicide.
This match was truly non-stop action. It was a very exciting 15-minute affair, each performer did a great job, showcasing their skills in front of a crowd that went wild with the excellent spots. In the end, The Amazing Red managed to win the match and continue his great reign.
7 Austin Aries Vs. Samoa Joe - Slammiversary X
On June 10, 2012 at Slammiversary X, Samoa Joe and X-Division Champion Austin Aries collided in the opening match.
It was evident that Joe and Aries had a lot of chemistry, the spots were perfect and the match was fantastic. They were both just motivated and that allowed them to put on an excellent show. It was a perfectly paced bout, technical and violent at the same time, with a suitable outcome. Austin Aries got his 12th successful defense after defeating Samoa Joe.
6 Suicide Vs. Alex Shelley Vs. Chris Sabin Vs. Consequences Creed Vs. Jay Lethal - Slammiversary 2009
The opening match of Slammiversary 2009 was a King Of The Mountain match for the X-Division Championship. The champion Suicide put his title on the line against Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Consequences Creed and Jay Lethal.
The match was entertaining from start to finish, there was action everywhere and the intensity was impressive. Overall, it was a very good match with some jaw-dropping moments, although admittedly it had a couple of low points. In the end, Suicide beat the odds and retained the title.
5 America's Most Wanted Vs. Triple X - Total Nonstop Action #51
Chris Harris and James Storm formed one of the best tag teams in TNA history called America's Most Wanted, which was always fun to watch. On June 25, 2003 they challenged Tag Team Champions Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper to a Steel Cage match.
The match was truly epic, arguably the best of this historic feud that took TNA's tag team division to a whole new level. Harris and Storm did a phenomenal job and walked out of the cage as tag team champions.
4 Team TNA Vs. Team Japan Vs. Team International Vs. Team Mexico - Victory Road 2008
This four-way tag team elimination match is synonymous with non-stop action. There was too much talent in the ring and different wrestling styles, which made this bout a true classic.
Team Mexico started off on fire, as Rey Bucanero eliminated Tyson Dux and Averno eliminated Puma. However, Team Mexico was the first team to be eliminated in its entirety. The bout ended after 24 minutes, when Alex Shelley eliminated Masato Yoshino to give Team TNA the win.
3 Chris Sabin Vs. Jay Lethal Vs. Sonjay Dutt - Sacrifice 2007
Sacrifice 2007 was one of the best PPVs in TNA history, hands down. All the matches were great, including the opener, of course. Chris Sabin, Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt collided in a three-way match for the X-Division Title.
All three men did a fantastic job from start to finish, especially Chris Sabin, who stole the show with a masterful performance and managed to retain the belt. This bout only strengthened the case that the X-Division was the strongest division in the entire company.
2 The Motor City Machine Guns Vs. Generation Me - Bound For Glory 2010
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and Generation Me (Jeremy Buck and Max Buck) delivered a sensational match to open Bound For Glory 2010, and it's no wonder, as every performer is incredibly talented.
Back then, the Bucks were really young and surely many fans were impressed after watching their amazing abilities. However, The Motor City Machine Guns were on another level and were too much for Generation Me, who were out-wrestled and outclassed on this night.
1 Kurt Angle Vs. Kazarian - Slammiversary VIII
On June 13, 2010 at Slammiversary VIII, Kurt Angle faced off against Kazarian in a flawless match, as they put on a clinic. Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle had an outstanding performance, as he usually did when he stepped through the ropes, while Kazarian was excellent as well.
It was a perfectly-paced bout with cool spots and exciting nearfalls. The match ended when Angle performed his Ankle Lock on Kazarian, who desperately tried to break free, but in the end was forced to tap out.