The move comes at a bad time for TNA after this Tuesday’s episode, anchored by the spectactle that was the Final Deletion, led to Impact’s highest rating in over a year.
The company is all too familiar with the loss in viewers that changing time slots can bring. Impact’s time slot has been in seemingly constant flux since being canceled by Spike TV in 2014, but WWE’s decision to air SmackDown live on Tuesday put TNA in a tough spot, and they were forced to either stay on Tuesday against tough wrestling competition or change nights.
Pop TV released a video promoting the show’s Thursday night debut on Twitter.
The absurdity of “The Final Deletion” ultimately proved to be a success for TNA Wrestling.
According to ShowBuzzDaily, this week’s edition of Impact did 410,000 viewers on television, up from 322,000 viewers the previous week. It was the highest rated episode of Impact on Pop TV and the highest rated episode since May 2015.
TNA put a lot of effort into promoting the event and generated a significant social media buzz. They sent out screeners of the match and uploaded video of various people from the wrestling and film industries reacting to it.
TNA hopes that the buzz they created with the Final Deletion will lead to sustained ratings succes, and that will be tested with next week’s Destination X edition of Impact featuring Bobby Lashley vs. Eddie Edwards in a title vs. title match.
Given the success of the Final Deletion, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the organization think outside of the box with similar ideas and use similar promotional tactics in the future.
“The situation with Moose changed in the past week as well. WWE backed off on signing him at this moment due to a 2009 domestic violence allegation which led to him being suspended for a game when he was in the NFL. He was actually told not to worry by WWE with the idea it’s just a timing situation (given the recent situations with Adam Rose and Jerry Lawler) and not a closed door.
He was originally expected to be part of their September NXT introduction class with guys like Tommy End and Big Damo and most likely Roderick Strong, who did finish up here over the weekend. Moose has had offers from Lucha Underground, TNA, which offered the most money of anyone ($100,000 per year) and the door is open to staying here as well. Those at ROH view his future here as something that has changed a few times and it may or may not change again.
Right now they are going with the idea it could go either way. But the plans aren’t booked right now with him as a key part of things. The impression we have is it is most likely he will be elsewhere soon which rules out WWE as well. He was beaten a few times on TV and the PPV because he may be gone and was expected to be gone when the shows were first laid out. But the door is open for him to stay. The TNA offer was always the best one money-wise, but there is the feeling that if you go to TNA, you fall off the radar. Plus, nobody knows the future of TNA.”
At one time it appeared that Ojinnaka was headed to the WWE and would start at the Performance Center in September, but Dave Meltzer reported in last week’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE backed off of signing the former football journeyman because of a 2009 domestic violence allegation that led to him being suspended from the NFL for one game.
Ojinnaka’s wife alleged that he threw her down the stairs during an argument over a female friend that he had friended on Facebook, and Ojinnaka accused her of trying to stab him with a pen. The two are now divorced.
Ojinnaka left the NFL in 2012 after a seven-year career with four different teams. After his time in football was over, the longtime wrestling fan decided to pursue a career in professional wresting and debuted in 2014 with Ring of Honor.
MLW also tweeted that Lucha Underground/AAA have not made an offer to Moose, but that TNA and ROH are still in play for his services.
Last week on Impact, Bobby Lashley retained the TNA World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Drew Galloway and EC3 in a triple threat match. Also, Broken Matt Hardy showed up in a wheelchair and challenged Jeff Hardy to one more match. After Jeff agreed, Matt jumped out of the wheelchair and beat him down.
Tonight on Impact:
On tonight’s Impact, Matt and Jeff will face off in one final encounter known as The Final Deletion. This match will not take place at the Impact Zone, but instead will be held at Matt’s home in North Carolina. The match has a good amount of buzz going in.
Show Recap:
– Impact kicks off with a warning from Matt’s gardener, Senor Benjamin. He tells us that only trained professionals can perform matches like tonight’s and not to imitate what we see. He says all of this in Spanish.
– Next we go into the Hardy home where Matt and Reby are celebrating Maxel’s birthday. Senor Benjamin has a present for Maxel and asks if Matt is sick. Matt says that his birthday present to Maxel is deleting Jeff from the family. Matt tells Senor Benjamin to prepare the battlefield for massacre. This was done incredibly well and was effective in building anticipation for the main event.
– In the arena, X Division champion The Miracle and Maria make their way to the ring. The Miracle reminds us that he is going to use Option C and wants to use it tonight.
TNA President Dixie Carter makes her return after a one-week leave of absence. Miracle and Maria are not happy to see her. Dixie informs Miracle that he can use Option C, but is first going to defend the X Division title against the entire division in an Ultimate X Match.
X Division Champion “The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady Of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis-Bennett vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Mandrews vs. DJ Z vs. Braxton Sutter vs. Rockstar Spud vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett /Gregory Shane Helms in an Ultimate X Match
– Back from commercial and the match is underway. This was a really good match. The story was that Miracle is out of his element in this environment. Sutter kicked Spud really hard and he had to be taken to the back after being busted open. DJ Z leaped off of Lee’s back and dove onto a bunch of guys on the outside.
Miracle tried to jump vertically to grab the belt, which obviously failed. He tried climbing across the cable but again failed. Mandrews climbed up the Ultimate X structure and hit a sweet looking moonsault onto everyone on the floor. Miracle can’t figure out how to get the X Division belt so he grabs a ladder. But Edwards won the match when he climbed the structure and kicked Miracle off of the ladder he was climbing.
Edwards is the new X Division champion and the question now becomes whether he will cash in the title for a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
– Josh informs us that both EC3 and Drew Galloway have been suspended for the backstage brawl they had last week. The two will meet later tonight in a face-to-face interview.
King of the Mountain Champion Eli Drake vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
Drake tried to get disqualified by hitting Storm with the KOTM title but referee Brian Hebner stopped him. Storm got the advantage and hit the Last Call Super Kick, but the momentum sent Eli to the outside. Storm tried to bring him back in but Drake was finally able to use the belt to get purposely disqualified.
Post-match, Drake hit his finisher on Storm and posed with the belt.
– In the back, Edwards is glad to be X Division champion again but has a lot to think about in regards to Option C.
Jade vs. Marti Bell in a Street Fight
Both women are wearing street clothes. There are all kinds of weapons at ringside, including a trash can, baking sheets, chairs and kendo sticks. Bell uses a baking sheet to get the advantage and then backdrops Jade onto a trash can. Bell brought in a baton but Jade used nunchucks to counter her attack. Jade won the match with a package piledriver on a steel chair.
– Next, we see Jeff at his home gardening and playing the guitar. At first it seems like the start of Jeff’s newest drama on the CW. But what happens next is like a combination of Doctor Who and Star Wars. Suddenly, a drone flies into the shot and spies on Jeff. A hologram of Matt appears out of the drone and challenges Jeff to show up at his house. Jeff chases the drone away, but Matt is actually at Jeff’s house and ruins all the hard work Jeff just completed in the yard.
– The Miracle and Maria come back out and they’re irate over Bennett losing the X Division title. Maria has had enough and calls out Dixie Carter.
Instead, TNA executive Billy Corgan comes out. They’re both happy to see Billy. Maria says that she wants to be made TNA President and that Dixie’s one-week leave of absence wasn’t long enough. Maria says it’s either her or Dixie.
Dixie Carter comes back out. Maria goes crazy repeating “You or Me” over and over like a maniac. Miracle demands to be in the main event at Destination X for the title or they walk. Maria repeated “You or Me” over and over again until Billy told her to shut up. Billy actually backs up Dixie despite siding with Miracle and Maria for the last few weeks. Billy is sick of this too and tells Miracle and Maria to quit. Miracle instead promises that he’s going to ruin Destination X.
– Back from commercial, Senor Benjamin is busy preparing the battlefield. There is a ring, chairs and fireworks. Matt shows up with gasoline and tells Benjamin to soak the battleground.
– In the back, TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley is asked about Eddie Edwards and Option C. Lashley says he fights with his hands and doesn’t do a bunch of circus moves. Lashley tells Edwards to keep his title.
Decay (Abyss, Crazy Steve & Rosemary) vs. BroMans (Robbie E. & Jesse Godderz) and Raquel
The BroMans came out first. As Decay made their way to the ring The BroMans showed a video of Rosemary making out with Bram. All six brawled on the outside to start the match. The finish came when Raquel took out Rosemary. Abyss went to chokeslam Steve on Robbie E. but he moved. Jesse took out Abyss and The BroMans hit the Bro-Down on Steve for the win.
– In the back, Jesse and Raquel reveal to Robbie E. why they were being so secretive last week. Robbie E. was happy and they celebrated their win.
– Jeremy Borash is in the ring and brings out X Division champion Eddie Edwards for his decision regarding Option C. Lashley comes out as Edwards is about to make his decision. Lashley tells Edwards not to vacate the title. Instead, Lashley suggests that both men put their championships on the line next week. Edwards can end up with both the X Division and World titles, but so can Lashley.
Both men agree and It’s official for next week, TNA World Heavyweight Champion Lashley vs. X Division Champion Edwards for both championships. They brawl briefly and Lashley set up Edwards for a spear but Edwards countered with a knee. Edwards posed with both titles to close the segment.
– The interview with EC3 and Drew is next. Because of their suspensions, neither man is allowed in the Impact Zone and are at separate locations. This was a great segment and both men were excellent here.
– Next, we get the referee pulling up to Matt’s home. It’s night with the ring set up outside surrounded by lights. Matt plays a violin to summon Jeff.
The Final Deletion – Broken Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy
This was an insane match and a gigantic spectacle. I would highly recommend going out of your way to see it. There is background music throughout the whole match and no commentary. The editing, music and directing were all excellent.
They used all kinds of weapons including kendo sticks and ladders. Jeff hit the Swanton but Matt kicked out. Jeff wedged a ladder in the corner and placed Matt on it. Jeff climbed up a tree and went for the Swanton but Matt moved. Matt picked up fireworks and shot them at Jeff. The whole place filled up with smoke. In a great spot, Matt looked for Jeff but ran away as Jeff shot him with fireworks. Matt was able to briefly find cover inside of a dilapidated boat.
Eventually, Matt got a sleeper on Jeff and left him for dead in a lake. Matt thought he had the match won, but Willow suddenly jumped out of the lake.
Willow had the advantage until Senor Benjamin shocked him with a taser. Both Willow and Benjamin disappeared. Matt found Willow and covered him to win, but when he unmasked him it was Senor Benjamin. Jeff reappeared and choked out Matt. Jeff climbed up a giant structure shaped like the Hardy’s symbol. At this point, Matt pulled out a match and we get a quick flashback. Matt sets the structure on fire and Jeff falls off the top. Matt pins Jeff to win the match.
Next Time on Impact:
Next week on Impact, it’s a special edition known as Destination X. The main event will feature TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley against X Division Champion Eddie Edwards in a match for both titles.
Last week on Impact, Jeff Hardy defeated his brother Broken Matt Hardy in a Six Sides of Steel Cage Match. Jeff further broke Matt by putting him through two tables and a pile of chairs. Also, Billy Corgan advised Dixie Carter to take a leave of absence due to her issues with Maria and The Miracle. On top of that, The Miracle defeated Eddie Edwards for the X Division title and promised to cash it in for a world title shot at Destination X. Life is full of miracles.
Tonight on Impact:
On tonight’s Impact, Bobby Lashley will defend the TNA World title against both Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter III in an electric main event. Additionally, Sienna will defend her TNA Knockouts title against future hall of famer, Gail Kim.
Show Recap:
The night kicks off with The Miracle and Maria already in the ring. Maria calls Billy Corgan a fair leader and thanks him for getting Dixie to take a leave of absence. This prompts her to welcome us to her show. She looks marvelous in her sparkly blue short shorts. The Miracle recaps winning the X Division title and brings up world champion Lashley. Lashley interrupts and is upset that The Miracle mentioned his name. The Miracle promises to cash in the X Division title for a title shot at Destination X.
EC3 heads down to the ring, and promises to win the world title tonight. He says The Miracle won the X Divison title by kissing up to a Rockstar and cheating.
This brings out the subtle heel Corgan. Billy said that he’s an icon outside of wrestling. Billy is upset that EC3 brought him up; the struggle has officially become real at Impact High School. EC3 thinks that The Miracle should defend the belt tonight and Billy agrees. Billy announces that The Miracle will defend that title against the winner of an X Division Battle Royal later tonight. The Miracle and Lashley jump EC3, but Drew Galloway ran down for the save. Drew went to hit the Claymore on Lashley but he moved and hit EC3 instead.
– In the locker room, EC3 and Drew argued about the events that just happened. It got really heated. The other wrestlers in the locker room tried to separate them.
TNA Knockouts Champion Sienna vs. Gail Kim
As Gail made her way to the ring, Josh reminds us that Gail will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. Allie and Sienna to come out. Allie congratulates Gail for her Hall of Fame induction, but feels that Gail should retire.
Gail and Sienna have a really good match. Sienna used power moves to dominate Gail. Gail hit the blockbuster and Allie jumped on the apron. Jade ran out and went to hit the package piledriver on Allie. Marti Belle ran out and knocked out Jade. Allie distracted Gail and Sienna hit the Silencer to win the match.
– In the back, Broken Matt arrived to the Impact Zone. His wife Reby pushed him in a wheelchair as he held Maxel in his lap. He’s still broken and isn’t done with Brother Nero, aka Jeff Hardy.
– The Miracle and Drew argue in the back. Miracle tells Drew the real problem is EC3. Drew tells Miracle not to underestimate the X Division guys.
Fact Of Life with King Of The Mountain Champion Eli Drake
Eli called everyone dummies, yeah. He talked about being the KOTM champion and that guys who had been with the company a long time were jealous. Eli brings out his guest James Storm.
Eli talks about Storm being a TNA original and wonders if he’s jealous of Eli. Storm calls him Eli “Dork”. Eli pressed his “Dummy, Yeah” Button and pointed at a different crowd member. Storm wants to play a drinking game: drink anytime Eli presses the “Dummy, Yeah” Button. Eli pulls out a jug of water and the crowd booed the water. Storm changed the drinking game to a slapping game. Eli teases pressing the button. Eli finally pressed the button and Storm gave him the Last Call Superkick.
– The “TMZ” interview guys ask Jeff if he saw Matt. Jeff says they’re going meet face to face to find a solution for Matt.
– We got a fake infomercial for “The Fixer”.
– In the back, Rosemary tries to seduce and convince Bram to join Decay. It was both scary and strangely a turn on. This segment caused lots of weird feelings.
– Broken Matt comes to the ring with his new piano theme music. Reby pushed him down in a wheelchair. Matt was dramatic and played the part well here. He made Reby push him around the ring while he berated the “creatures” and blames them for following Brother Nero. He said he’s had a lot of bad memories in the Impact Zone. He’s not the only one. Matt called out Jeff to the ring. Josh wondered if Jeff would come to the ring as we cut to commercial.
– Back from commercial, Jeff makes his way down. Matt tells him that he needs one more match and needs to win. He wants six weeks to “recuperate from his life threatening injuries”. Matt says that whoever wins this match will own the name and brand “Hardy”. Matt asked Jeff if he agrees to the stipulation for the match. Jeff says yes and starts to do the Daniel Bryan “Yes” Chant.
Matt gets out of the wheelchair and attacks Jeff from behind. Broken Matt gave Jeff the Twist of Fate with Jeff’s head wedged in a chair. Matt says the match will take place next week but not in the Impact Zone. The final match will take place at their home in Cameron, North Carolina. Matt called it The Final Deletion and kept screaming it over and over.
– We get another fake infomercial for “The Fixer”. They even leave a fake number to call.
X Division Battle Royal: Eddie Edwards, DJ Z, Andrew Everett, Trevor Lee, Rockstar Spud, Braxton Sutter and Mandrews
The Miracle and Maria are doing commentary for the battle royal. The Miracle doesn’t think anyone in the battle royal can beat him. Not a bad battle royal. Each guy had a chance to shine. Spud was the first eliminated followed by Mandrews and DJ Z.
The final four were Braxton, Edwards, Lee, and Everett. Eddie and Everett ended up on the apron. Miracle left commentary and distracted Eddie, which led to his elimination. The Helms Dynasty double-teamed Sutter until Sutter suddenly eliminated both.
Post-match, The Helms Dynasty triple teamed Sutter and left him in the middle of the ring.
X Division Champion “The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Wrestling” Maria Kanellis Bennett vs. Braxton Sutter
The Miracle demanded the match start right away. He took his time taking off his ring jacket. Sutter rolled up Miracle for a near fall but Miracle quickly hit the MIP for the win to retain the title.
– In the back, Mahabali Shera is worried about facing Al Snow and The Tribunal. He pointed out it’s 3 against 2. Grado said he’ll handle it and had a third man. Grado made a reference to the main event of the 1996 Bash At The Beach, which Shera didn’t get. One can only assume that they saw the infomercials for “The Fixer” and hired his services.
-In the back, Sutter talks about his loss moments ago. He realizes he’s swimming with sharks and is going to show everyone that he is also a shark.
Mahabali Shera, Grado, and Tyrus vs. Al Snow and The Tribunal (Basile Baraka & Baron Dax)
Grado and Shera introduce their partner and problem fixer, Tyrus. Tyrus is apparently a babyface now; I may have missed his turn. Tyrus throws The Tribunal around and stalks Snow around the ring. The heels get the heat on Grado and isolate him in their corner. Tyrus gets the hot tag and runs wild. He scores the pin for his team. Apparently, Tyrus’s new gimmick is he’s a problem solver and you can hire him to solve your problems.
– In the back, Shera wants to celebrate their victory by eating. He’s very hungry but he won’t be paying for Grado.
– Still in the back, The Miracle says his match with Braxton earlier was the most difficult of his life. The Miracle promises to cash in the X Division title at 9pm next week.
TNA World Champion “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Carter III
This was a really good main event. EC3 and Drew tease fighting but instead chase Lashley. Drew and EC3 take turns stomping Lashley in the corner. Drew and EC3 try to one up each other with moves on Lashley. Drew and EC3 argue which gives Lashley the advantage on EC3. Drew just sits back and watches. Drew and EC3 hit dives on Lashley on the outside.
EC3 and Drew trade punches in the middle of the ring. Drew chopped EC3 so hard it busted open EC3’s chest. Drew hit the Futureshock DDT but Lashley broke up the pin fall. EC3 set up for the One Percenter but Drew hit the Claymore on EC3 and Lashley hit Drew with The Spear. Lashley hit The Spear on EC3 for the win and retained the World Title.
Next Time on Impact:
Next week on Impact, Broken Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy will have their final battle at their home in Cameron, North Carolina.
Last week on Impact, TNA President Dixie Carter and Maria Kanellis & Mike Bennett had a face-to-face confrontation, which resulted in Dixie slapping Maria across the face. Also, Bobby Lashley retained the World title by defeating Drew Galloway after Ethan Carter III accidentally hit Galloway with a chair. The other big news was the announcement that Gail Kim is the newest inductee into the TNA Hall Of Fame.
Tonight on Impact:
On tonight’s show, broken Matt Hardy goes one-on-one with Jeff Hardy in a six side of steel cage match in “Hardy’s Revenge”. Additionally, the show will likely address the fallout from Dixie’s confrontation with Maria & The Miracle.
Show Recap:
-We kick the night off with former TNA World Champ Drew Galloway. Drew says that EC3 is the reason he’s not world champion and calls him out. EC3 apologizes for costing Drew the title and says he accepts the blame. Drew doesn’t blame him, he wants to fight him. They argue about everything they’ve both done for TNA. EC3 rescinds his apology and Drew tells him he’s not an ass-kicker but an ass-kisser. They are about the fight each other when TNA champion Lashley comes out.
Both EC3 and Drew want to fight each other with the winner facing Lashley but he refuses it. Lashley informs them that he spoke with TNA management and Drew and EC3 will face Lashley and a partner. If Drew and EC3 win they get a title shot but if they lose, his partner will get the title shot. They agree and Lashley brings out his partner…King of the Mountain Champion Eli Drake.
TNA World Champion “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley and King of The Mountain Champion Eli Drake vs. Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter III
Pretty good tag match. Josh and The Pope tried to explain how the stipulations for the match benefit Lashley. They said that it would be easier to face one guy instead of two on possibly consecutive nights.
The heels isolated EC3 in their corner and worked him over. Drew gets the hot tag and runs wild. Drew set up for the Claymore but Lashley cut him off. All four guys brawl in the ring. EC3 hits the One Percenter on Eli. Drew pushed EC3 out of the way and Lashley speared him. Drew took out Lashley and covered Eli to win the match. Both EC3 and Drew will receive title matches.
-In the back, Abyss and Crazy Steve ask Rosemary who she has been talking to. Apparently, she went to a mysterious person to help Decay. We’ll find out who it is next.
-Back from commercial, Lashley and Drew talk in the back. Lashley points out that he in control of Drew’s destiny because he can give the title shot to EC3 first.
-In the arena, Decay makes their way to the ring. Rosemary asks Crazy Steve and Abyss what they were before Decay. Crazy Steve used to be a voiceless clown and Abyss is now beautiful. Rosemary calls out Bram to the ring. Abyss and Steve don’t like that its Bram. Apparently, Decay wants Bram to join them. Bram says that Rosemary is kind of sexy but he’s no freak. He doesn’t do face paint. Steve spit the mist into Bram’s eyes and Decay jumps him. Rosemary told Bram that they’re not done with him.
-It’s now time for EC3 and Lashley to have their backstage confrontation. It’s similar to the one with Drew earlier. Lashley will let them know by the end of the night who he’ll defend the title against next week.
Jade vs. Marti Bell
Marti brings the weapon she used at Slammiversary to cost Jade the title. Jade teased using the same weapon but Earl stopped her. Jade had the advantage for the majority of the match until Marti blocked a package pile driver attempt. Jade went for a dive but Marti nailed her with the weapon to win the match.
-In the back, Maria and The Miracle are irate over what happen last week with Dixie. They’re going to deal with this in the ring.
-Back from commercial, Dixie approaches Lashley. Lashley flinched and mockingly asked Dixie if she was going to slap him. Dixie said, “don’t go there.” Dixie announced that Lashley will defend the title against both EC3 and Drew in next weeks main event.
-The Miracle and Maria are in the ring. The Miracle is upset because Dixie slapped Maria last week. Maria says she hasn’t slept and that it was an unprovoked attack. She called out Dixie to explain herself.
Dixie comes out with Billy Corgan. Dixie apologizes for letting Maria get to her and slapping Maria. Maria demands that Dixie step down as TNA President. The Miracle says his dad is a lawyer and he’s going to sue Dixie. Billy Corgan played a subtle heel and took Maria and The Miracles side although he denied that. Billy thinks that the heels are making good points and that Dixie has put the company in a tough position. Billy tells Dixie that she should take a leave of absence. Dixie walked away incredibly upset. Maria thanked Billy.
After Dixie leaves, The Miracle demands a world title shot from Billy. Bennett wants a title shot at Destination X. Billy noted that he and Miracle text each other sometimes. Billy tells Miracle he can have his title shot but he needs to be X Division champ. Billy makes Miracle challenging for the X Division title against Eddie Edwards next.
X Division Champion Eddie Edwards vs. “The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis
As the match starts, Josh and The Pope remind us about Option C and that whomever is X Division champion by Destination X can trade the title in for a world title shot. Really good, fast paced match. The story of the match is that Miracle is trying to prove he can work the X Division style. Bennett attempted a springboard high-risk move but slipped and fell. Josh said he didn’t execute the move because he’s not a regular X Division guy. Miracle went for the M.I.P but Eddie slipped out. Miracle held onto the ropes and pinned Eddie. Miracle is the new X Division champion.
-In the back, The Miracle and Maria are in the middle of a photo shoot. Miracle promises to cash the title in and win the world title.
-In the locker room, Robbie E. is in the back waiting for Jesse Godderz. Robbie goes on Jesse’s Ipad. Robbie E. sees Jesse and Raquel having a secret meeting and Raquel tells Jesse not to tell Robbie.
-Braxton Sutter comes out for his match when Rockstar Spud interrupts.
Rockstar Spud vs. Braxton Sutter
Spud and Sutter have an impromptu match. Sutter misses a charge in the corner and Spud gets the brief advantage. Sutter makes his comeback and hits the flat liner to win the match.
Post match, Spud teases a babyface turn but low blows Sutter instead. Spud whips Sutter with his belt and leaves.
-Next we get a video package on the new TNA Knockout Champion Sienna. Her next goal is to eliminate future hall of famer Gail Kim
Six Sides Of Steel Cage – Broken Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy
Jeff came out first but before getting in the cage he went under the ring and filled the cage with a ladder, tables and chairs. The match can only end by pin or submission. Reby came out with Maxell on her back and introduced Broken Matt. She said not to call him crazy. Matt has new entrance music, which is a simple piano theme. Jeff jumps Matt to start the match. Matt gets the advantage with a running power bomb into the cage.
After commercial, Matt is still in control of the match. Matt used a ladder on Jeff and set up a table. Matt bit Jeff’s knee and hit the side effect on a chair. Jeff hit a twist of fate but Matt got right back to his feet. Jeff hit a second Twist of Fate and a Swanton Bomb for a near fall. Jeff beat Matt with a chair but he kept getting back to his feet.
Jeff placed Matt on a table with chairs on top of Matt. Then he placed another table on top of Matt. Jeff climbed up the top tope and placed a ladder at the top. The ladder is wedged between the ring post and cage. Jeff climbed up the ladder and hit a Swanton on to the tables below. Jeff pinned Matt to win the match.
Next Time on Impact:
In Next week’s main event, Bobby Lashley will defend the World title against Drew Galloway and EC3 in a triple threat. Also, Sienna will defend the Knockout title against future Hall of Famer Gail Kim.
Here’s some notes on Wednesday’s TV tapings, courtesy of Jacob Cohen
These shows should air on 6/28 and 7/5.
– Braxton Sutter won an X Division Battle Royal to earn an X Division title shot. Afterwards, Shane Helms’ crew beat him down.
– Mike Bennett (who is the X champion after winning it Tuesday night after the show that aired last night was over) demanded the title match right away. Bennett then beat Sutter.
– Bram beat Rosemary via DQ as he wouldn’t fight her. She attacked him. He went to defend himself, but Abyss & Crazzy Steve ran in and attacked him. Rosemary stopped them and then started consoling Bram.
– Matt Hardy was in a wheelchair because of his beating in the cage match from Sunday, but he wants one more match with Jeff Hardy, but said he needs six weeks to recover from the last match. He proposes the loser gives up the Hardy name. Jeff agreed to the match. Fans started a “Yes” chant and Jeff acknowledged Daniel Bryan. Reby Sky and Jeff were arguing. Matt recovered suddenly got out of the wheelchair and attacked Jeff.. Matt then said the match would be in one week, but it won’t be at the Impact Zone, it’ll be at the ring at his house.
– Grado & Mahabali Shera & Tyrus beat Al Snow & Basille Baraka & Baron Dax
– TNA Champion Bobby Lashley won a three-way over Drew Galloway and EC3 to retain after the champ pinned EC3.
– Mike Bennett wants a match with Lashley for the title. Dixie Carter is back from her leave of absence (that didn’t last long but in the angle it was only one week) and said Bennett was disrespecting the X division title. Eventually, it was agreed he can cash in the X title for an TNA title shot if he retains the title one more time in an Ultimate X match against everyone.
– Eddie Edwards won Ultimate X and took the title back.
– James Storm beat KOTM Champion Eli Drake via DQ.
– Jade beat Marty Bell in a street fight
– Mike Bennett & Maria did an interview talking about how he was robbed of the title. Maria wanted Dixie to come out. Billy Corgan came out. Maria said she should be the President of TNA and told Corgan that either Dixie goes or she goes. Dixie then came out and said she wasn’t leaving, so Maria can leave. Bennett said they will both leave unless he gets a title match. Corgan said they are acting like spoiled children, and that Bennett had a title shot in the palm of his hands but he ruined it by losing. Corgan told them if they don’t like it here, they can leave. Bennett refused to quit, but said he will ruin Destination X.
– Jessie Godderz’s magic iPad found Rosemary and Bram making out. History says that doesn’t end well.
– Bro Mans & Raquel beat Abyss & Steve & Rosemary
It’s announced that at Destination X (likely the 7/12 show), TNA Champion Lashley and X-Division Champion Edwards will have a match and both titles will be at stake.
According to Pop TV, they will be replaying the Tuesday, June 14th episode of TNA Impact Wrestling at 9 PM EST Wednesday night due to the technical issues with airing the first-run show last night.
The show did air, but nearly two hours late in the U.S. It’s unclear what caused the problems but there were thunderstorms in Atlanta, GA, where the Pop TV transmitters are located. Of note, the show aired with no problems in Canada so it was not a problem with the show not being taped or not finished on time.
Here are results from the show which included the newest inductee announced for the TNA Hall of Fame. It was the first show after Sunday’s Slammiversary PPV where Bobby Lashley became the company’s new world champion.
Although billed as a live show, TNA actually tapes about two hours ahead of time when they bill the show as live. The company did tape a second show Tuesday, and are taping two more shows Wednesday before another expected round of tapings in July.
This past Sunday was one of TNA’s flagship PPV’s (Slammiversary) where Bobby Lashley defeating Drew Galloway to become the new TNA World Heavyweight champion. In other news, Billy Corgan is now a minority owner of TNA due to the company’s continuing financial issues.
Tonight on Impact:
Tonight’s show will feature the fallout and aftermath of Slammiversary. It shall be dubbed “Gold Rush” which means all the titles will be defended. Also, the newest inductee into the 2016 TNA Hall of Fame will be announced.
Show Recap:
– Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to Impact and tell us that we’re live in the Impact Zone.
– New TNA World Champion Bobby Lashley makes his way to the ring. Lashley mentions this is live TV and anything can happen. He said he’s better than everyone in the wrestling business. This brought out Ethan Carter III. On commentary, they mention that EC3 beat The Miracle on Sunday.
EC3 and Lashley went face to face and EC3 challenged him for a world title match. Lashley kept calling EC3’s entrance music “cute”. Of course, Lashley refused EC3’s title match. The former champion Galloway interrupts them, limping and moving very slowly. He’s in pain but wants his title back. Galloway is invoking his rematch clause and taking his rematch tonight. It’s official tonight’s main event is Lashley defending against Galloway in a rematch from Sunday.
– Josh and The Pope are at ringside and run down the card for tonight. We get shots of all the champions in the back.
– Yesterday, King of The Mountain Champion Eli Drake and Jeff Hardy argue backstage. They do agree on one thing and that’s a match.
– Jeff makes his way down to the ring to go one on one with Eli.
TNA King of the Mountain Champion Eli Drake vs. Jeff Hardy
The crowd is solidly behind Jeff. The announcers discuss Jeff defeating Matt at Slammiversary and not being 100 percent. Eli gets control of the match after taking out Jeff with a vicious clothesline on the outside. Not sure what happen but it seems like Eli botched a spot but was able to recover and caught Jeff with a nice slam. Jeff hit the Twist of Fate and hit the Swanton Bomb. Jeff had the match won when Broken Matt Hardy ran in and stopped the count by biting Earl Hebner’s hand. Apparently, Matt even had blood in his mouth presumably from biting Hebner’s hand.
– Back from commercial in the back, EC3 praises Galloway for being a fighting champion but questions if it’s too soon to invoke his rematch clause. EC3 tries to convince him to postpone the title shot but Galloway refuses.
– Back in the ring, Jeff takes the mic and addresses the situation with Matt. Jeff points out that Matt is still deranged and out of his mind. Jeff calls out Matt to end it tonight. Matt is standing in the rafters where Jeff leaped off of with the Swanton that created Broken Matt. Matt is still talking with the slow and broken tone. Matt says Jeff tried to hurt his son Maxell by hurting Matt. Jeff says that Maxell is the youngest TNA star ever. Matt and Jeff fight high up in the rafters. Reby shows up with a fire extinguisher to give Matt the advantage. Josh says they’re 40 or 50 feet up.
In a pretty creative spot, Matt slid Jeff down the rail of the steps and Jeff crashed into a table at the bottom.
– Back from commercial, Matt cut another promo in the back. Matt challenged Jeff to a Six Sides of Steel Cage Match next week. He was both great and creepy here. He put Rosemary to shame in terms of being creepy.
TNA X Division Champion Eddie Edwards vs. Trevor Lee w/ Gregory Shane Helms
Helms distracts Eddie which gives Lee the chance to jump him to start the match. Josh explains that Helms complained to TNA management about being banned from ringside at Slammiversary and that’s why he’s back. Eddie makes his comeback and runs wild on Lee. Helms grabbed Eddie’s leg but Eddie kicked him off. Eddie hits a dive onto Helms on the outside. Eddie hits the Boston Knee Party to win the match and retain the title.
– Next, we get a recap of Sting, Kurt Angle, Team 3D, Jeff Jarrett and Earl Hebner being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. Up next, we find out this year’s inductee.
– Still in the back, EC3 and Lashley had another face-to-face confrontation.
– In the arena, all the wrestlers are lined up for the Hall of Fame announcement. TNA President Dixie Carter comes out to announce the newest inductee. She thanked everyone and reflected on the previous inductees. Dixie announced the newest inductee as TNA Knockout Gail Kim.
Gail seemed genuinely surprised and began to cry. She clearly had no idea it was going to be her. Even Lashley could be seen smiling approvingly in the background. They aired a video recapping her TNA career and title wins. The crowd broke into a huge “Thank You Gail” chant. All the wrestlers applauded her. Dixie credits Gail with making the Knockout Division the best. They’re going to celebrate and officially induct Gail into the TNA Hall of Fame at TNA’s Flagship event Bound For Glory. Gail takes the mic and thanks the fans and all the women she’s worked with.
– In the back, Decay discussed their match for later. Rosemary regained her creepy title.
– Earlier today, JBorash interviews Marti Bell. We get a recap of Marti Bell attacking Jade and costing her the title at Slammiversary. Marti talked about The Dollhouse being her and Jade regardless of who the leader were but then Jade won the title and changed. Jade showed up and attacked Marti and left her on the ground.
TNA Tag Team Champions The Decay (Abyss & Crazy Steve) w/ Rosemary vs. The Tribunal (Bassille Baracca & Baron Dax) w/ Al Snow vs. BroMans (Robbie E. & Jesse Godderz) w/ Raquel vs. Grado and Mahabali Shera
Grado & Mahabali Shera and The BroMans are in the ring with The Tribunal at ringside as Decay makes their way to the ring. This was a fast paced match with lots of action. Each team got a turn in the ring and there were loads of blind tags. Jesse came in and run wild on the heels. Abyss took out Jesse with a choke slam. Grado climbed to the top but Snow pushed him off. Abyss choke slammed Steve on Grado. Decay picks up the win and retains the title.
-Backstage, Maria is upset that TNA is inducting Gail into the Hall of Fame. She yelled out Allie and sent her away. The Miracle said he had the bags packed and they should leave. Maria said no and that they should go to the ring.
– In the back, Jeff agrees to the Six Sided of Steel Cage match next week.
-In the arena, The Miracle and Maria make their way to the ring and they’re not happy. The Miracle is upset with the way the fans and TNA treat him despite him being so great and the hero TNA needs. They claimed that TNA management doesn’t want to see them succeed. Miracle demands Dixie come out and strike his loss on Sunday from the record books. Instead of Dixie, they get Billy Corgan who comes out wearing a snappy suit and shades. Miracle and Maria are happy to see Billy and Billy says they’re the future.
Maria calls out Dixie again and she comes out. Dixie cuts off Maria and tells her to shut up. Dixie says they’re wasting precise live TV time when instead they should have wrestling, which gets a big pop from the crowd. Maria claims that Dixie is the problem and that Maria could run TNA better the Dixie. Maria says herself, The Miracle and Billy work well together and have great ideas.
Dixie removed Maria as leader of the Knockouts. Maria got really intense and started shoving Dixie until Dixie finally snapped and slapped Maria across the face. Maria sold this huge and Dixie left immediately.
Seems like they’re setting up an angle, which will result in Maria running TNA. Maybe it’s just me, but Billy seemed to be siding with the heels.
TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway
EC3 is joining Josh and The Pope on commentary. Galloway is doing a great job selling his injuries, which is a nice touch because we don’t see that often nowadays. Lashley targets Drew’s tapped up ribs. The Pope points out that unlike Sunday this match can end by pin fall.
Back from commercial, Drew and Lashley are brawling around ringside. Lashley gave Drew a backbreaker on the apron. EC3 mentions that he thinks Drew should have postponed that match. Lashley sends Drew to the outside in front of EC3 and taunts EC3, but this gives Drew the advantage briefly. Lashley went for the spear but Drew caught him in a submission however Lashley made it to the ropes. Drew hit a beautiful looking pile driver for a near fall. Drew hit the Celtic Cross of the second rope but only got a near fall.
Drew went for the Claymore but Lashley moved and he hit official Brian Hebner. Lashley hit two spears on Drew as the crowd chanted for “EC3”. Lashley brought in a steel chair but EC3 came in and took it away from him. EC3 and Lashley brawled and EC3 got a hold of the chair. EC3 accidently hit Drew with the chair after Lashley moved. Lashley took out EC3 with a spear and used a submission to win in a really good match.
Next Time on Impact:
Next week, Jeff Hardy goes one on one with Broken Matt Hardy in a Six Sides of Steel Cage match.
TNA announced tonight that Gail Kim is the newest member of their Hall of Fame.
Kim has been the key player in TNA’s Knockouts division from being with the company in a manager/valet like role in its early days, starting in 2005 after being cut by WWE in late 2004. Kim started doing occasional matches in 2006. In late 2007, when TNA started its Knockouts Division and featured women’s matches regularly on television, the division was built around Kim, the first champion, and Awesome Kong, in a long rivalry.
TNA’s womens’ division, largely due to Kim and Kong, was considered superior to WWE for the early years. In 2008, WWE signed Kim away from TNA and she stayed until quitting when her contract expired in 2011. She returned to TNA at that point and for most of the past five years has been the company’s key women’s performer, most notably having some great matches with Taryn Terrell.
She has been Knockouts champion five times, tag team champions once and was also WWE women’s champion in 2003, winning the title in her television debut.
