Results from Saturday’s tapings in Orlando, FL. Here’s what you missed from Friday’s tapings.
– Al Snow came out for essentially a do-over of an angle he did Friday which included a re-do of his match with Mahabali Shera. Once again, Snow won by hitting Shera with a chain.
– Michael Bennett and EC 3 had a confrontation during a segment calld “Fairy Tale Time with Mike Bennett”. After going back and forth, they announced that “next week” was the Sacrifice show and they would have a no DQ match.
– Maria Kanellis won a match where all the women (Gail Kim, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, Jade, Marti Bell and Rebel) were in a ladder match to determine who would be in charge of the Knockouts division.
– Bram beat Eric Young in a falls count anywhere match to win the King of the Mountain championship.
– Andrew Everett beat DJ Zema Ion after a low blow
– Decay kidnapped Gail Kim, and agreed to release her only if Beer Money gives them a tag team title shot. Being gentlemen, they agreed to do so.
– TNA Champion Drew Galloway beat Tyrus to retain.
– Maria came out and ran down the entire Knockouts division. Gail Kim came out and blamed her for her kidnapping. Maria said she would be changing the division and she announces Gail Kim vs. Rosemary.
– Rosemary beat Gail Kim with tons of interference from Crazzy Steve and Maria. Rosemary blew green mist in her face.
– Matt Hardy went to a no contest with Jeff Hardy in an I Quit match for the Hardy name. Jeff dove off a very high lighting grid with a swanton and put Matt through a table. Matt went out on a stretcher and was rushed out by the paramedics. They sold it as a big injury.
– Eli Drake is doing a new Talk Show called “Facts of Life”, replacing the idea they had for Ken Anderson. This week featured The Bromans.
– Decay (Abyss & Crazzy Steve) beat Beer Money in a “Valley of Shadows” match to win the tag team titles. This is why.
– Jeff Hardy did an interview and hoped that he beat some sense into Matt Hardy. Rockstar Spud and Reby Sky were out to hassle Jeff, leading to some physicality between Jeff and Spud.
– Mike Bennett beat EC 3 with a cradle — EC 3’s first pinfall loss in TNA.
They announced there would be another set of tapings in a month but didn’t announce the dates.
The reason Beer Money and Eric Young both lost their championships suddenly at the TNA tapings is because this was their last night with the promotion.
Roode confirmed it in a post on Twitter saying, “Thank u to everyone who had a part in making the last 12 years of my life unforgettable. On to the next chapter in my life #ItFactor“
Both men requested releases from their TNA contracts and were granted them to pursue other offers. Logic would mean that would be either New Japan or WWE, and likely the latter, although nothing has been officially confirmed.
Roode & James Storm had just reunited as Beer Money, and dropped the tag team titles to Decay, the team of Abyss & Crazzy Steve. Ironically Storm just had returned to TNA to bring the team back. Roode had been with the promotion since 2004 and was considered one of its best performers.
Young, real name Jeremy Fritz, dropped the King of the Mountain title today to Bram. He and Roode came to TNA at about the same time as part of Team Canada, with Petey Williams and Johnny Devine, managed by Scott D’Amore. They were actually the second version of Team Canada, but they were the ones people remember.
Roode and Young over the years were portrayed as enemies and best friends. Each had switched back and forth and Young had been pushed as the company’s crazy heel over the last year.
Notes from tonight’s TNA tapings in Orlando for early April:
– Velvet Sky beat Marti Bell after Earl Hebner kissed Bell. Earl Hebner then sold like he had a heart attack after counting the finish. Stuff like this is when you know the goose is cooked.
– Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy argued and it ended up with a match between the two of them set. The loser can no longer use the name Hardy. Stuff like this is when you know the goose is cooked.
– TNA Tag Champions Beer Money retained the tag titles in a four-way over The Bro Mans, Eric Young & Bram and Decay.
– Maria Kanellis, who helped Jade beat Gail Kim, asked Jade to hand her the Knockouts title. She refused.
– DJ Zema Ion beat X-Division Champion Trevor Lee in a non-title match so that likely sets up a title match.
– Mike Bennett beat EC 3 via DQ when he used a chair.
– Al Snow did an interview talking about how he broke Grado’s arm. Grado is back home and missed the last few days of tapings so I guess that’s the reason behind it. Mahabali Shera attacked Snow which set up a match.
– Knockouts Champion Jade beat Madison Rayne to retain.
– Matt Hardy & Tyrus beat Jeff Hardy & Dre Galloway when Matt pinned Jeff after hitting him over the head with a hammer. Lashley destroyed Galloway after the match.
– Eric Young announced he was leaving TNA and taking the King of the Mountain title with him. He said that he quits and Bram quits. Bram has signed 16 contracts and can’t quit. He and Eric start arguing over who is a loser. Bram wanted a title shot but Young kicked him low, gave him a piledirver, and then pulled out scissors and cut Bram’s beard.
– X Divison Champion Trevor Lee retained over Eddie Edwards and DJ Zema Ion. Andrew Everett knocked Edwards off the top rope to set up the pin.
– Al Snow did the bitter old man gimmick saying he hates what wrestling has become…basically copying the Alex Riley gimmick in NXT. He said how all the fans are stupid, they go on the Internet and complain but they still watch every week. Well, most of them don’t.
– Al Snow beat Mahabali Shera using a chain.
– TNA Champion Drew Galloway said he has broken ribs from being attacked by Bobby Lashley. He’s not cleared to wrestle, but he challenges Lashley to come out and fight. Instead, Spud & Tyrus come out and beat him down including using a chair. Tyrus said he’s cashing in his briefcase for a title shot with Galloway next week (taped Saturday).
The first part of the show were matches taped for the 3/29 episode of Impact. The second part are matches taped for something else, whether it be Xplosion or PPV shows.
For 3/29:
Jeff Hardy beat Eric Young in a cage match. The big spot was Hardy doing a swanton off the top of the cage putting Young through a table.
There was an interview segment with Matt Hardy’s crew including Tyrus and Rockstar Spud, and Drew Galloway (the new champion) along with Jeremy Borash. Hardy wanted his rematch with Galloway but Tyrus noted that he has the ability to cash in his briefcase for a title shot any time he wants.
Bobby Lashley beat The Pope in a no DQ match pretty much destroying him
EC III issued a challenge to Mike Bennett
Jade won the Knockouts title in a three-way over champion Gail Kim and Madison Rayne. Maria Kanellis caused Kim to lose.
Drew Galloway beat Matt Hardy to retain the title
Other matches taped:
Robbie E & Jessie Godderz beat Tom LaRuffa & Pierre Marceau – LaRuffa & Marceau were with WWE as Sylvester Lefort and Marcus Louis.
James Storm beat Bram
Pepper Parks issued an open challenge against anyone.
On last week’s Impact, “The Destroyer” Lashley defeated Kurt Angle in Angle’s final match in TNA. After the match, Lashley continued to beat down the Olympic Gold Medalist until Ethan Carter III made the save and Lashley backed off.
Tonight:
TNA returns to Orlando for a semi-live edition of Impact. Impact airs on a two-hour tape delay, which is the closest to live that TNA gets. In the main event, TNA World Champion Matt Hardy will defend his title against Ethan Carter III. Finally, coming back to the action, Jeff Hardy makes his return to TNA and will take on Eric Young. Additionally, “Miracle” Mike Bennett and “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis face off against the team of Drew Galloway and Knockouts Champion, Gail Kim in an exciting mixed tag team match.
Show Recap:
-Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida. We kick the night off with Jeff Hardy making his return to TNA.
-Backstage, Eric Young is going nuts and is looking for TNA President Dixie Carter. He finds her at the Gorilla Position and he promises to hurt Jeff Hardy. EY tells Dixie that what he does to Jeff is on her.
Eric Young vs. Jeff Hardy
Jeff and EY brawl around ringside with Jeff dominating the early moments. Jeff is seeking revenge after EY piledrove Jeff on the steel steps prior to the tour in the U.K. Dixie comes out and announces that the winner of this match will be added to the TNA World title main event later.
Jeff goes for a springboard splash to the outside, but EY gets his knees up to gain the advantage. Jeff is over huge with the live crowd. They trade shots in the middle of the ring and Jeff gets the better of EY. Jeff hits the classic swanton bomb and scores the pin fall. Jeff is added to tonight’s main event making it TNA World Champion Matt Hardy defending against both EC3 and Jeff Hardy in a triple threat.
TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, his wife Reby and son Maxell make their way to the ring without bodyguard Tyrus.
-Back from commercial, we’re in the ring with the Hardy family. Matt congratulates Jeff for his victory and apologies for not saving him when Eric Young piledrove him on the steel steps. Reby tells Jeff that Jeff is Maxell’s second favorite wrestler. Jeff holds Maxell and the crowd chants “Uncle Jeff”. Suddenly, the tables turn when Matt asks Jeff to bow out of the main event tonight. Matt promises to give Jeff a title shot down the line, maybe at Bound for Glory 2017 or 2018. Jeff doesn’t agree to the deal and ends up hitting Matt Hardy with the Twist of Fate.
-Backstage, Eddie Edwards address Davey’s injury and title loss last week. A commotion sturs as Decay jumps Eddie, beating him into the ground.
-Still in the back, “Miracle” Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis promise to beat Drew Galloway and Gail Kim next.
-Back from commercial, Beer Money approaches Eddie Edwards and wants to help him gain revenge on The Decay.
-In the arena, Maria Kanellis introduces “Miracle” Mike Bennett. Both come out wearing hot pink, and to be honest both look pretty hot.
“Miracle” Mike Bennett & “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. Drew Galloway & Knockouts Champion Gail Kim
Gail wants to start the match with Maria, but Maria tags out quickly. Drew and Mike start off the match, but Drew tags in Gail. They double-team The Miracle, and not in a fun way. Gail ends up taking out Bennett and sends him to the outside. Maria takes the chance to gain the advantage on Gail. Gail makes a comeback, but Maria quickly tags out again.
Maria slaps Drew in the face and Drew does the gentlemanly thing and chopped the hell out of Mike instead of hitting Maria. Drew went to the top, and then Mike pulled him off. Maria tried to prevent Drew from tagging Gail; instead Gail furiously came into the ring and ran wild. She hit eat defeat on Bennett, but then got rolled up from behind by Maria for the three count. The Miracle and The First Lady of Pro Wrestling get the victory.
-Next we get a video package on the Kurt Angle vs. Lashley main event last week. Josh tells us that he’s going to interview the man the ruined Angle’s retirement last week next in the ring.
-Back from commercial, Josh Matthews is in the ring. He briefly discusses Kurt Angle’s retirement from TNA from last week before introducing “The Destroyer” Lashley. Basically, Lashley is a fighter and is not looking for friends. Josh asks Lashley why he would attack his friend and mentor Kurt after the match. Lashley says he has no friends. Crowd chants “Lashley Sucks”. Lashley gets mad at Josh and ends up throwing Josh around the ring. Lashley sets up for the spear, but The Pope leaves the announce booth and stops Lashley from spearing Josh. Pope gets Josh out of the ring, but then Lashley hits the spear on The Pope. This got a ton of heat from the crowd.
-In the back, Decay cut a promo on Beer Money and The Wolves.
-Back from commercial, Jeremy Borash replaces The Pope and joins Josh on commentary.
-Backstage, EC3 approaches Jeff Hardy and mentions that Matt has pulled a surprise on him in each of their previous encounters. He’s implies that he doesn’t trust Jeff. Jeff is out to win the TNA world title.
TNA Tag Champions Beer Money (Bobby Roode & James Storm) and Eddie Edwards vs. Decay (Abyss, Crazy Steve & Rosemary)
Rosemary is going to be Abyss and Crazy Steve’s partner in this match. The babyfaces get the early advantage until the heels are able to isolate Roode in their corner. Rosemary comes in and hits Roode with some shots before tagging back out. Roode makes the hot tag to James Storm. Storm runs wild on Crazy Steve and tags in Eddie who also goes nuts in the ring. Eddie hits a dive to the outside on Abyss. Roode and Storm went to hit the double suplex on Rosemary, but Crazy Steve pulls her out of the ring. The crowd booed this, as they really wanted to see her get the double suplex. Rosemary spits the mist into Roode’s eyes and Steve rolls up Eddie for the win.
-Backstage, Grado is seen talking to Billy Corgan. Billy tells him that they’re going to settle this issue with Eli Drake, in the ring.
-Back from commercial, Matt Hardy and Reby approach Dixie. They argue back and forth about tonight’s main event. Basically, Matt and Reby are mad that Jeff is in the match and Dixie does everything for the fans. Like an idiot, Matt reveals his plan to Dixie that he’s just going to punch the referee in the face and get disqualified. Predictably, Dixie makes the triple threat a no dq and no count out match.
-We get a video package recapping the Feast or Fired briefcase situation between Eli Drake and Grado. Eli Drake makes his way down to the ring. He demands Billy Corgan brings out his Feast or Fired Briefcase which Grado stole. Eli brings up Donald Trump to get some cheap heat.
We see a video of Eli Drake switching the Feast or Fired Briefcase. Billy Corgan and Grado come down to the ring and Billy claims that the evidence isn’t clear of what Eli is doing. So Billy announces that Grado will face Eli in a ladder match with Grado’s new contract hanging from the ceiling. If Eli gets to it first he can tear the contract up.
Ladder Match for Grado’s Contract: Grado vs. Eli Drake
With zero promotion, we get a ladder match for Grado’s contract. Eli dominates Grado in the early moments of the match. Grado sends Eli into the ladder and starts to climb up. Jesse Godderz comes out and push’s the ladder over sending Grado crashing to the mat. Mahabali Shera makes the save and sends Godderz to the outside. Inside the ring, Grado dives off the ladder onto Eli, Shera and Jesse on the outside. This gets a “This Is awesome” chant from the crowd. Grado hits the electric chair on Eli off the ladder. The crowd was a bit dead at the start of the match, but now they’re going crazy and chanting for Grado. Grado and Eli are at the top of the ladder battling for the contract. Grado knocks Eli off and pulls down the contract.
Surprisingly, this short match ended up being pretty good and the ending got a great reaction from the crowd.
-Back from commercial and in the back, Eric Young is mad at Bram for not helping him earlier in the night. Suddenly in the background Willow (who is Jeff Hardy’s alter ego) made an appearance and disappeared. EY freaked out and pointed him out to Bram.
TNA World Champion Matt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Jeff Hardy
As Jeff made his way down to the ring, Josh made absolutely no mention of Jeff’s alter ego Willow appearing in the back. EC3 gets a decent reaction from the crowd as he comes down to the ring. Matt comes out alone. Match starts off with EC3 and Jeff taking turns stomping Matt in the corner. Matt jumps EC3 and sends him in the other direction. Matt wants to do the old Hardy Boys double team move in the corner, but Jeff refuses. He does it with EC3 instead. Matt and Jeff briefly work together to take out EC3, but soon turn on each other, just like old times. EC3 hits a powerslam on Jeff off the top, and then a beautiful looking drop kick on Matt.
Back from commercial, Matt Hardy takes out EC3 and he rolls out of the ring. In the ring, Jeff and Matt exchange shots in the center. Jeff gets the better of Matt until EY and Bram interfere. They throw Jeff to the outside where EY hits another piledriver on Jeff. Jeff is apparently out of the match as officials take him to the back. EC3 gets back to his feet and attacks Matt. EC3 is beating Matt all over the ring when Rockstar Spud and Tyrus run down. EC3 gives Tyrus a huge Samoan drop, which sends Tyrus to the outside. EC3 press slams Spud onto Tyrus on the outside. EC3 hits the one percenter, but “Miracle” Mike Bennett interferes breaking up the pin. Bennett and EC3 brawl into the crowd. Bennett beats EC3 down with violent chair shots. EC3 is apparently out of the match as well as officials are helping EC3 to the back. The match is over.
Matt takes the mic and said that he told everyone that he was going to leave as the TNA World Champion. Suddenly, Drew Galloway comes out and he cashes in his Feast or Fired Briefcase and World Title shot.
TNA World Champion Matt Hardy vs. Drew Galloway
The match is official and underway. They trade shots briefly, until Drew hits the claymore and then hits the Futureshock DDT for the pin! Drew Galloway is the NEW TNA World Champion! The crowd actually went nuts for Drew coming out and popped huge for the title change. Drew celebrates his win in the crowd. The show ends with Drew Galloway celebrating his title win
Final Thoughts:
Ratings for TNA on POP TV have been down and declining for the most part. However, TNA has attempted to put on a fun and exciting show since coming to POP TV. This week’s show was a good effort by the company. The show featured a good triple threat main event and then a thrilling surprise with Drew winning the World title. The title change came across good on TV and felt like somewhat of a big deal.
Next Week on TNA Impact:
On next week’s show, Beer Money has issued an open challenge to any TNA tag team for a shot at their belts. Also, the aftermath of Drew Galloway’s title win.
The end of Kurt Angle week was not a ratings hit for TNA, as the combined audience for the two airings was the lowest to date for Impact.
The final show of the U.K. tapings, built around Angle vs. Bobby Lashley, did 222,000 viewers at 9 p.m. and another 58,000 viewers at midnight.
The midnight viewership was the lowest to date. The previous lowest combined audience was 297,000 viewers two weeks ago.
The 9 p.m. show was down 14 percent from the prior week, also built around Angle in a match with Bobby Roode. The midnight show was down 15 percent from the prior all-time low was 68,000.
Impact returns next Tuesday with the first show of a new set of tapings in Orlando, FL. The episode will be taped two hours before it is broadcast.
After a lot of concern given the already taped TV was running out and nothing had been said, TNA finally announced today five days of tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando.
The current set of television taped at the end of January in the U.K. expires with tomorrow night’s show on Pop TV. The tapings were announced for five days, from 3/15 to 3/19. Talent had been told about the dates a few weeks ago but there were still concerns over the lack of announcement and lack of travel itinerary.
TNA announced today that over the five days they will be taping episodes of Impact, Xplosion and One Night Only PPV shows.
They will run 3/15 to 3/19 with all shows starting at 7 p.m. There will also be a 3/17 at 1 p.m. show, a Thursday afternoon event.
Tickets, as always, are free, although they are selling $99 VIP tickets or premium seating and meet and greets.
The names being pushed for the tapings are Matt & Jeff Hardy, Ethan Carter III, Bobby Lashley, Drew Galloway, Eric Young, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Gail Kim and Tigre Uno.
Tuesday night Impact wrestling on Pop TV, with a main event of Kurt Angle continuing his retirement tour against Bobby Roode, saw the rating increase from last week’s record low but it was still the third lowest number since Impact’s move to Pop TV.
The first airing of the show, at 9 pm, did 258,000 viewers, up 23% from the Lockdown show last Tuesday and 1% from the Pop TV debut on January 5th.
The midnight replay was down to 68,000 viewers, the lowest replay number to date and the combined total of 326,000 was up 10% from last week’s record low.
The 2016 average is now 282,500 for the first run shows, down 14.4% from the 330,320 the show averaged during it’s run on Destination America in 2015. This was the fifth straight week that the show has done under 300,000 viewers after a high water mark of 339,000 on January 25th.
The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour and Kurt Angle’s TNA career comes to an end next week. The main event and Kurt’s final match in TNA will see him face “The Destroyer”, Lashley. TNA Tag Champs The Wolves will also defend their title against Beer Money.
Last time on Impact Wrestling: Lockdown! All the matches took place in the diabolical Six Sides of Steel Cage, sending the audience into roars. The main event left an impact with Matt Hardy defeating Ethan Carter III to retain the TNA World title! Rockstar Spud turned on EC3 by slamming the cage door on his head helping Matt win the match.
Tonight on Impact
Tonight kicks of Kurt Angle Week in TNA. Kurt’s nearly ten year long career in TNA Wrestling is coming to an end. Kurt Angle Week will include: Kurt’s final two matches in TNA and a commemorative Kurt Angle Farewell Tour bundle, which are available at ShopTNA.com. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour Bundle includes a Kurt Angle T- Shirt, Kurt Angle poster and other merchandise. Also, fans are encouraged to share their favorite Kurt Angle memories using #ThankYouKurt.
The Farewell Tour is nearing its conclusion and tonight Kurt competes in his second to last match in TNA. Kurt will face off with one of TNA’s most talented wrestlers and one of half of Beer Money, Bobby Roode. Then later, bursting back into the ring, EC3 and Matt Hardy continue their feud over the TNA World title. Not just that, but “The Miracle” Mike Bennett meets his toughest challenge yet when he faces Drew Galloway.
Show Recap
– We start the show off backstage, as TNA World Champion, Matt Hardy, Reby and Tyrus approach Rockstar Spud. Matt proclaims to Spud, “You’re my number one guy.”
– Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to the show and Josh lets us know that we’re kicking the night off with the second last match in The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.
The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour: Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
The night begins with a bang! Right off the bat we get hit with the main event, Roode vs. Angle. Roode comes out alone and leaves James Storm in the back. Josh mentions that Kurt is going to be inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame at the Arnold Expo next month. Josh failed to mention that HHH and NXT will also be involved with the Arnold Expo.
What an amazing match. These two worked a babyface vs. babyface match like it was all she wrote. They have a charismatic dual back and forth, both sides scoring several near falls. They traded submission holds with Kurt going for the Ankle Lock and Roode going for the Crossface. Kurt powered out of the Crossface and hit the Angle Slam, but only got a two count. Roode hit the Roode bomb, but Kurt kicked out. Kurt got the Ankle lock on Roode again, and this time Roode tapped out.
Post match, Kurt and Roode embraced and posed for the crowd. This was a fantastic match and they tore the house down, the roof was on fire, not literally obviously, but certainly metaphorically. The live crowd embraced this match and truly appreciated its significance by cheering for both men.
– Bobby Roode grabs the microphone, but before he speaks we cut to commercial.
– Back from commercial, it’s a mini Kurt Angle Celebration. Roode has the mic and says, “There is no shame in losing to one of the best wrestlers alive.” Roode thanks Kurt for everything he has done for the fans and the company. The crowd is chanting “Thank You, Angle, Thank You, Angle.” Kurt becomes humbled and emotional. James Storm comes down to the ring and thanks Kurt as well.
Storm pulls out two beers to celebrate Kurt’s career. The only problem is Kurt doesn’t want a beer, so James pulls out a jug of milk. Kurt chugs down the milk as the crowd chants, “Chug! Chug! Chug!” Kurt says that he wants to see Beer Money vs. TNA Champs The Wolves. The Wolves came down the ring to join the celebration and to show respect to Kurt. The Wolves agree to defend their titles against Beer Money. Josh says it’s official for next week.
– TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, his powerful wife, Reby and his brute force, Tyrus come down to the ring. Matt mentions that he’s beaten EC3 so many times it’s boring now, he’s no longer amused. Matt say’s he’s done facing EC3 and that EC3 will never get another title shot again. Matt thanks Rockstar Spud and encourages him out. Spud comes down to the ring wearing all black and not his custom bright colors and bowtie. The crowd chants “You Sold Out!” and “EC3”. Rockstar Spud becomes angry, and his enemies won’t like him when he’s angry, the crowd might though.
Spud talks about how terrible EC3 treated him. Spud promises to dedicate his life to Matt Hardy, Reby and their son, Maxell. Spud tells Matt “they’ve gotten rid of the cancer” in reference to taking out EC3 last week. Cue the catchiest music in wrestling, EC3 runs down and clears the ring. EC3 challenges Spud to a fight later tonight.
– Backstage, Gail walks down the hallway when the interviewer asks to talk to him about Maria. Gail says she wants to talk to Maria and is going to call her out to the ring for a fight.
– We get another creepy video featuring Decay walking down the streets. Bring on the nightmares!
– Back from commercial, backstage Matt, Reby, Tyrus and Spud are arguing with TNA President, Dixie Carter. Dixie is disgusted by their actions. They want her to fire EC3. Dixie is going to wash her hands of the situation by making EC3 vs. Rockstar Spud an unsanctioned match.
Monster’s Ball: Abyss w/ Decay (Crazy Steve & Rosemary) vs. Jimmy Havoc
As Decay makes their way to the ring, we get a recap of Jimmy Havoc trying to get Rosemary back and Decay beating him down. Jimmy Havoc is wearing a “Die Havoc Die” t-shirt. Havoc is the hometown hero for tonight as he hails from London. Like most Monsters’ Ball matches, and Abyss matches, there are lots of weapons at the wrestler’s disposal. Crazy Steve and Rosemary set up tables ringside. Abyss tries to use a cheese grater but Havoc steals it. Havoc uses the cheese grater on Abyss’ groin. This gives Havoc a brief advantage.
Jimmy goes to the top rope, but Rosemary distracts him and Abyss nails him with a chair shot. Jimmy falls from the top through a table on the outside. Abyss goes to use Janice, but Havoc makes another come back and he sends Abyss through a table in the corner. Havoc pulls out a barbwire board from underneath the ring. Havoc teases using Janice on Abyss, but Abyss hits the Blackhole Slam on the barbwire board for the pin and the win!
– TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim comes down to the ring. They recap the Lethal Lockdown from last week and Gail talks about the Knockouts division. The crowd loves Gail and is going crazy for her. Gail calls out Maria Kanellis and requests a fight. Maria finally comes down to the ring. They argue back and forth. Maria mentions that she was on The Celebrity Apprentice and in Playboy. Maria brings up Donald Trump to get some heat, which she got. Maria says she won’t wrestle and starts to leave. Gail chases after her, but Jade runs out and jumps Gail, beating her pretty bad. Jade poses with the Knockouts Title over the fallen body of Gail Kim.
– King Of The Mountain Champion Eric Young and Bram come down to the ring. EY wants a fight and demands a challenger and referee. Out comes Belfast’s own Big Damo. Big Damo is very well know on the Independent scene in the U.K. Josh mentions that Damo has a cult following. By the time Big Damo actually gets to speak, EY slaps him, stifling the large brute.
King of The Mountain Champion Eric Young w/Bram vs. Big Damo
Out of nowhere Big Damo hits a running dropkick that sends EY to the outside of the ring, starting the match. For a big guy, Big Damo is extremely agile and quick on his feet. Damo dominates the early moments with high impact moves. However, EY quickly gains the advantage. Damo makes a comeback and scores several near falls. Eric Young hits a very impressive Piledriver on Big Damo and scores the win.
-Backstage, Drew Galloway talks about his upcoming match with “The Miracle” Mike Bennett. Drew says that not even a Miracle can save Bennett tonight because he’s going to make an example of him.
“The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. Drew Galloway
Back from commercial, “Miracle” Mike Bennett and “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling”, Maria Kanellis make their way down to the ring. They recap Bennett beating Drew backstage a few weeks ago. Drew has his Feast of Fired Briefcase with him as he heads to the ring. In another recap, they bring up Drew beating Kurt with Drew’s new submission, The Iron Maiden.
Drew dominates the early part of the match, but Bennett trips Drew on the apron and takes over. Bennett sets up for the M.I.P. but Drew counters into a sweet looking Celtic Cross that would make Sheamus proud. Drew hits the Claymore and locks on the Iron Maiden submission. Maria puts Bennett’s leg on the bottom rope, breaking up the submission. With Drew distracted by Maria, Bennett rolls up Drew for the three count to win the match.
-Backstage, Matt Hardy and Tyrus approach Rockstar Spud and hype him for his upcoming match.
-Back from commercial, backstage The Wolves talk about their match next week with Beer Money.
-Earlier, Grado was outside talking about accomplishing his dream of competing in TNA. The dream was shattered in the Feast or Fired match. He says next week he is going to prove that he was screwed.
Ethan Carter III vs. Rockstar Spud
They recap Rockstar Spud turning on EC3 last week. Spud makes his way to the ring and he’s very confident. Backstage, as EC3 makes his way to the ring both Tyrus and Matt Hardy jump him. However, EC3 gets the better of both guys and he locks them in the back of a tractor-trailer. Back in the arena, Spud is shocked when EC3’s music hits as he expected Hardy and Tyrus to take him out.
Back from commercial, Spud tries to run up the ramp, but EC3 cuts him off. Rockstar Spud is on his own because Hardy and Tyrus are locked in the back of the tractor-trailer. Spud keeps trying to escape, but EC3 is really enjoying throwing Spud around. Spud gets the brief advantage but EC3 quickly takes over. Spud continues to find ways to cheat in order to gain the advantage, but EC3 makes a comeback each time. The crowd is chanting for tables and unlike The Dudley Boys, EC3’s going to give them what they want. EC3 sets up a table in the ring. Spud tries to crawl up the ramp, but EC3 brings him back. Spud hits a low blow to slow down EC3. EC3 makes his own comeback and powerbombs Spud through the table. EC3 locks on a chokehold to put an end to the match.
Final Thoughts
Another good Impact this week. The shows have been solid lately and TNA is trying there best to make each Impact important. Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode was fantastic match and a show stealer. Exciting matches and decent angles throughout the show kept it fun to watch and compelling for the crowd.
Next Week on Impact
Next week is a historic and sad TNA Impact with an exciting line up. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour and Kurt Angle’s TNA career comes to its final conclusion. The highly anticipated main event will feature Kurt Angle’s final match in TNA as he takes on “The Destroyer”, Lashley. Also, TNA Tag Champs The Wolves defend against Beer Money in a tag team dream match.
Despite being the heavily promoted Lockdown episode of Impact last night, the TNA audience dropped 23 percent from last week to 210,000 for the first run episode, easily the lowest in the modern history of the show.
The replay did 87,000, identical to the previous week, but still tied for second to the lowest number since moving to Pop TV with first-run shows.
The 297,000 total was the lowest as well, by a significant margin as the previous low was 345,000 on the debut show.
Matt Hardy retained the TNA World Heavyweight Title over former champion EC3 in the main event after Spud turned on EC3 and cost him the match.
The Doll House also beat Gail Kim and Velvet Sky in the first-ever women’s Lethal Lockdown match (essentially War Games), which ended up being two-on-three after Maria teased teaming up with Kim and Sky but then walked out on them.
