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Tag: TNA

  • Aroluxe Marketing revealed as company negotiating with TNA

    Dave Meltzer revealed today in a breaking news audio update that the company that Impact Wrestling/TNA has been negotiating with is Aroluxe, a company that former wrestlers Ron and Don Harris are involved with. The Harris brothers were mid-level stars in both the WWF and WCW in the late 90s and were brought in to TNA by former owner Jeff Jarrett when the company started.

    Negotiations are still ongoing. TNA president Dixie Carter was hopeful of securing a deal whereby an investor would purchase 49% interest in the company, allowing her to maintain a majority interest. Whether she finds a company willing to do that or not, the company is in a crunch position as they are essentially out of money and will require a cash influx to get them through their next set of TV tapings scheduled for later this week.

    If Carter is not able to find an investor willing to let her maintain control of the company there will obviously be a shakeup in the company and details of that are likely to come out in the next week or so.

    Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling started in late 2002 as a weekly pay per view product owned and operated by Jeff and Jerry Jarrett. Father Jerry pulled out of the partnership early and Jeff went to Panda Energy for financing to keep the company afloat. They remained as a weekly PPV property until late 2004, when they secured a broadcast contract with Fox Sports Network and used that platform to move to the more traditional monthly PPV model.

    They were at times in their history profitable but ever since spending big money to acquire free agents Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and others in 2010 the promotion has been a money loser. They started on SPIKE TV in 2005 and at times garnered audiences upwards of 1.5 million. By late 2014, they were down under a million and on top of the declining ratings, the promotion was secretly employing Vince Russo as a consultant despite the fact that SPIKE executives had made it clear they did not want the company to have any dealings with Russo.

    They moved to Destination America in 2015 and it quickly became clear that it would not be a good fit. Destination America announced midway through the first year that they would not be renewing them for a second season, despite announcing a “multi-year” contract  at the start of the relationship. In late 2015 the company announced that they would start the following year on POP TV, the former TV Guide channel. While no terms were announced at the time, it was believed to be an ad revenue sharing deal.

    POP TV president Brad Schwartz announced that they hoped that the promotion would return to the 1.3 million audience level with the move to POP. This despite the fact that the show averaged less than half of that number during it’s year on Destination America. With the move to POP, ratings declined even further, settling in around 300,000 despite being available in 80 million homes in the United States.

    Also discussed in the breaking news update was the cancelation of the New Japan PPV scheduled for later this month in Kumamoto, Japan. The earthquake was devastating as there are already 41 deaths and 968 injuries attributed to it and over 91,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Mike Bennett vs EC3 plus tag team action

    Previously on Impact:

    Last week on Impact, Drew Galloway retained the TNA World title in a hard fought battle with former champion Matt Hardy. Enticing the crowd, Ethan Carter III and “The Destroyer” Lashley had another staredown that ended with Lashley backing off.

    Tonight:

    For the first time ever, “Miracle” Mike Bennett takes on Ethan Carter III. TNA has been slowly building to this match since Bennett’s debut, which was also Impact’s debut on Pop TV. Additionally, TNA Tag Team champions Beer Money issued an open challenge to any and all tag teams for tonight.

    Show Recap:

    Matt Hardy’s music kicks the night off as Josh Matthews welcomes us to the show. The Pope is back on commentary after suffering a beating at the hands of Lashley last week.

    Matt, Tyrus, Rockstar Spud, the beautiful Reby Sky and her little rascal, Maxell stand in the ring. Matt looks pretty snappy in his suit tonight. He talks about all the hard work he’s put into his career, and he feels he’s built a great legacy for the last name “Hardy”. He claims Jeff is ruining all of that and tarnishing their last name.

    Jeff comes out to the ring. Josh mentions that Matt has always lived in Jeff’s shadow and he’s bitter about that. Basically, Matt wants Jeff gone and wants him to stop using the last name “Hardy”. Matt suggests that Jeff should change his name to “Creature” or “Willow”. This prompts Matt to challenge Jeff to match, but Jeff won’t fight his brother. The crowd chants, “Jeff is better.” After a little more pressure from Matt, Jeff finally accepts and we have a faceoff.

    – Beer Money makes their way down to the ring for their open challenge. James Storm roars into the ring on the Boozer Cruiser… again.

    TNA Tag Team champions Beer Money (Bobby Roode & James Storm) vs. Decay (Crazzy Steve & Abyss) w/ Rosemary vs. Eric Young & Bram vs. The BroMans (Robbie E & Jesse Godderz)

    Back from commercial, The BroMans, Decay and Eric Young, and Bram accept Beer Money’s open challenge. The match starts with a wild brawl with all eight guys fighting in and around the ring.

    In a hilarious spot, James Storm got on the Cruiser and rode it around the ring in a complete circle until he collided with Bram. The BroMans take over and start clearing the ring. Surprisingly, Jesse Godderz hit some impressive moves, including jumping up and hitting a hurricanrana off the top of the ropes onto Crazzy Steve. Robbie E. hit a dive to the outside taking out everyone on the floor. EY and Bram had yet another miscommunication causing EY to accidently hit Bram. EY turned around and ate a superkick from Storm. Beer Money picks up the win and retains their titles.

    – Backstage, Matt reveals to Jeff that their match is set for next week. Matt wants the match to be an ‘I Quit Match.” Jeff challenges Matt and Tyrus to tag match for later. The winning team gets to pick the stipulation for next week. Either an “I Quit Match” or a “Full Metal Mayhem”.

    – Back from commercial, somebody jumped Eddie Edwards backstage but Eddie didn’t see who did it. Josh reveals that Eddie is scheduled to challenge Trevor Lee for the X Division title.

    – “The First Lady of Pro Wrestling” Maria Kanellis comes to the ring and says she saved the Knockouts Division by getting the title off of Gail Kim. Maria claims to be the boss and leader of the Knockouts. Maria brings out “her Knockouts Champion” Jade. She says that Jade is champion because of her and Jade owes her. Therefore, Maria wants Jade to hand her the belt, but Jade refuses. #byefelicia

    Gail Kim Interrupts. The Dollhouse and The Beautiful People all come out as well. Basically, they don’t like Maria and everyone wants to be in charge. Billy Corgan comes out and announces Jade will defend the title against Madison Rayne. He also announces that next week all the Knockouts will battle it out and the winner will become the leader of the Knockouts Division.

    – Backstage, EC3 promises to teach Mike Bennett a lesson tonight that someone should have taught him long ago.

    – Back from commercial, Eric Young and Bram are backstage arguing. EY is upset about the constant miscommunication. EY has the King of The Mountain title with him and tells Bram to make things right.

    TNA X-Division champion Trevor Lee w/ Shane Helms vs. DJ Z

    Edwards is injured from the mysterious attack which took place earlier, so he’s out of the title match. DJ Z comes out to fill the vacant spot in a non-title match. He’s on fire to start the match by hitting a sweet dive to the outside. On commentary, Pope speculates that Helms and Lee might have had something to the with Eddie’s attack from earlier.

    They have a really good match with DJ Z getting in some really cool offense. DJ Z had the match won, but Shane distracted the referee. Lee got the advantage and set up for his finish but DJ Z rolls him up for the surprise win. Post-match, Shane and Lee went to beat down DJ Z, but Edwards ran out for the save.

    – Backstage, Jeff Hardy reveals his partner for tonight is TNA World Champion Drew Galloway, making it Matt and Tyrus vs. Jeff and Drew.

    “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/Maria Kanellis vs. Ethan Carter III

    As EC3 makes his way to the ring, Josh reminds us that he has never been pinned or submitted. EC3 dominated the early moments of the match. Bennett got the brief advantage after Maria distracted EC3. EC3 regained control and back dropped Bennett to the outside then gave him a sick suplex on the ramp. Bennett took back over and slowed the pace of the match down.

    EC3 made a fiery comeback by hitting his version of the Stinger Splash which Josh called the EC3 Splash. EC3 hits the TKO and had the match won, but Maria put Bennett’s leg on the bottom rope to break up the pin. He chases Maria around the ring, which gave Bennett the chance to hit the ace crusher. Bennett grabs a chair, but EC3 ducks and locks on a submission. Earl tries to get the chair out of the ring, but Maria grabs it. While this is going on Bennett taps out, which the referee doesn’t see. EC3 grabs the chair and beats Bennett with it, getting disqualified.

    – We get a recap of Al Snow attacking Mahabali Shera and Grado two weeks ago.

    – Backstage, Al Snow apologizes for his actions and breaking Grado’s arm. He reminds us that he’s been suspended without pay. He’s going to the ring to call out Mahabali Shera to give a public apology. 

    Snow is in the ring and calls Shera out to apologize. Shera is full of passion and anger as he professes his urge to knockout Al, but Al wants him to listen first. Al mentions that he’s 53 and has been doing this since he was 18. He gets a nice reaction from the crowd for that.

    Al says everyone tells him wrestling is passing him by. He becomes intensely emotional, especially when talking about how difficult wrestling had been early in his career. Al promises to pay for Grado’s medical bills and wants to help Shera accomplish his dream of becoming World Champion. Al apologizes and they embrace. As they leave, Al jumps Shera and viciously beats him down. Al was great in his role and was so good that despite being the heel, the crowd chanted, “You’ve still go it” after he backstabbed Shera.

    – In the back, Snow gives a passionate speech about wrestling not changing, and how he’s disgusted that a “fat turd” like Grado is in TNA.

    TNA Knockouts champion Jade vs. Madison Rayne

    As the match gets started, Josh announces that next week all the Knockouts will face off in a ladder match for control of the Knockouts. They explain that whomever wins will have the authority to make matches and grant title shots. Jade is in control of the match and dominates the action. Josh says that Jade reminds him of Ronda Rousey because they’re both hard hitting. Madison takes the lead for a brief moment, but it’s not enough as Jade picks up the win and retains her title.

    TNA Champion Drew Galloway & Jeff Hardy vs. 
Matt Hardy & Tyrus w/Rockstar Spud & Reby Sky

    As the competitors make their way to the ring Josh reminds us what’s at stake. If Matt and Tyrus win, next week’s match between Matt and Jeff will be an “I Quit” Match. If Jeff and Drew win, the match will be “Full Metal Mayhem”.

    Matt teases starting the match with Jeff, but he quickly tags out to Tyrus. Jeff and Drew use some of the old Hardy Boys double team moves to gain control of the match, and they clear the ring.

    Tyrus and Matt get the advantage and isolate Drew in their corner. Drew makes the hot tag to Jeff who runs wild and takes out Tyrus. Jeff hits the twist of fate and goes for the Swanton bomb, but Tyrus steps in the way. Jeff dives onto Tyrus, which gives Reby the chance to give Matt a hammer. Matt uses the hammer on Jeff and hits the twist of fate to win the match. Next week Matt faces Jeff in an “I Quit” Match.

    Post match, as Drew helps up Jeff, Lashley hits the ring and takes out both Drew and Jeff. Lashley hits the spear on Drew. On the outside, Lashley spears Drew into the steal steps. Lashley poses with the TNA World title.

    – Next, we get a cool video in black and white. It shows Jeff leaping off of a huge structure with a graphic promoting next week’s match between Matt and Jeff on the screen.

    Next Time on Impact:

    It’s Hardy vs. Hardy as Jeff Hardy goes one on one with Matt Hardy in an I Quit Match. The Knockouts compete in a ladder match battle royal for control of the Knockouts Division. Also, the X Division Champion Trevor Lee will defend his title against both Eddie Edwards and DJ Z in a triple threat.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Drew Galloway defends the title against Jeff Hardy

    Previously on TNA Impact:

    Last week, new TNA World Champion Drew Galloway proclaimed that people would start looking at the TNA World title and Impact Wrestling differently. He promised to put TNA on the map again. Perhaps he’s on to something, as ratings have been going up ever so slightly the last two weeks and started to do so the night he won the title. In last week’s main event, Jeff Hardy was victorious in a gauntlet battle royal featuring the promotions top stars to earn a shot at the TNA World Title.

    Tonight:

    Tonight’s Impact features a huge main event, as Drew Galloway will defend the TNA World Title against Jeff Hardy.

    Show Recap:

    –Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to Impact as Matt Hardy, Reby, Tyrus and Rockstar Spud make their way to the ring.

    – Matt is demanding his return match for the TNA World title and wants it before Jeff gets his shot in the main event. Suddenly “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis, looking stunning, interrupts and introduces “Miracle” Mike Bennett. Bennett calls Matt old and tells him to relax. Bennett thinks neither Matt nor Jeff deserve the title shot; he does. Reby and Maria argued back and forth. Reby called Maria “fire crotch.” Reby had to be held back from attacking Maria who didn’t back down. Matt and Bennett tease fighting each other but they’re interrupted by the catchiest music in wrestling and Ethan Carter III.

    EC3 was hilarious here referencing The Three Stooges and prayed to the Lord of Professional Wrestling to find a place for Bennett’s wrestling career in the afterlife. EC3 wants to face Bennett but the Miracle isn’t interested. Instead, Matt Hardy challenged EC3 to face all members of The Matt Hardy Brand (Hardy, Tyrus, Spud and Reby.) EC3 agreed to the match.

    Ethan Carter III vs. Matt Hardy, Reby, Tyrus & Rockstar Spud

    Mike Bennett and Maria are sitting at ringside. EC3 dominates the early moments of the action until the heels take over. The story of the match is that EC3 has nobody to tag while the heels tag out when they’re in trouble. Reby gave EC3 three slaps across the face but has yet to get in the match officially. EC3 makes his own comeback and takes out Tyrus. EC3 got the Cobra Clutch on Spud but Mike Bennett ran in for the DQ. The heels beat down EC3 until Beer Money ran out for the save and cleared the ring.

    Beer Money takes the mic and says they’re not out here to stop the fight. Beer Money & EC3 challenge Matt Hardy, Tyrus and Mike Bennett to a six man and its starts after the commercial break.

    Ethan Carter III and Beer Money (Bobby Roode & James Storm) vs. Matt Hardy, Tyrus & “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ Reby Sky, Rockstar Spud and Maria Kanellis

    Back from commercial and the match is in progress. Storm has the advantage on Bennett until Tyrus beats Storm down on the outside. The heels isolate Storm and prevent him from tagging out. Roode gets the tag and he runs wild taking out the heels. EC3 goes after Bennett but he hides behind Maria. EC3 chases Bennett to the back. Beer Money gets the double suplex on Tyrus, which gets a big reaction from the crowd. Tyrus saves Matt Hardy from the DWI and Hardy hits the twist of fate on Roode for the win.

    -Backstage, Jeremy Borash interviews TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim about last week’s Knockouts Match, where Jade apparently became the number one contender for the title. Gail announces another number one contenders match between Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne.

    -Back from commercial and in the back, BroMans talk about their surprising reunion as a team. They’re interrupted by Eli Drake, who says he has business to take care of.

    Number One Contenders Match for Knockouts Title: Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne

    Josh and The Pope mention that Velvet and Madison are best friends. The story here is that last week Maria made a number one contenders match, so Gail made a number one contenders match too. Josh wonders who will be the number one contender, the winner of this match or Jade. The crowd was mostly dead for this match but there was a small Velvet Sky chant. They had a back and forth match which ended suddenly when Madison scores the pin on Velvet.

    Post match, Velvet teased being upset about the loss but instead she raised Madison’s hand and they embraced.

    -Backstage, TNA World Champion Drew Galloway promised to beat Jeff Hardy and retain his title tonight.

    -Back in the arena, Josh asked Pope for his prediction for tonight’s main event but Pope seemed distracted. He told Josh that he has something to get off his chest. The Pope entered the ring as we cut to commercial.

    -Back from commercial, The Pope is in the ring. He talks about being happy-go-lucky Pope recently but needs to go back to the old Pope. “The Destroyer” Lashley comes out and tells Pope to go back to commentary. Lashley wants Pope to apologize for sticking his nose in his business. Pope cuts a passionate promo and challenges Lashley to a fight. Pope and Lashley end up brawling, with referees and officials trying to pull them apart. Lashley gets the better of Pope. Lashley sets up for the spear but Pope moves and Lashley falls to the outside. Pope hits a cross body onto Lashley on the outside. Security runs down to break it up but they keep fighting.

    This was a really good segment, with Pope as the underdog and Lashley as the heel. Pope was full of passion and was great overall. Also, the brawl was pretty wild and exciting.

    -Next, we get another creepy music video for Decay featuring Marilyn Manson. 

    -Back from commercial, Jeremy Borash has now joined Josh on commentary.

    -Eric Young and Bram make their way to the ring. EY and Bram tease dissension after last week when Bram accidentally eliminated EY in the gauntlet battle royal but EY says everything is okay. EY wants Jeff Hardy to win the world title tonight so he can beat Jeff for the title. They’re interrupted by The BroMans.

    Bram & Eric Young vs. BroMans (Robbie E & Jesse Godderz)

    BroMans charge the ring and attack the heels. EY and Bram cut off BroMans and get the advantage. They isolate Robbie E until he makes the tag to Jesse. Jesse runs wild and takes out both Bram and EY. Bram holds Jesse for EY but Jesse moves and he nails Bram in the face. The BroMans win with the Bro Down and Jesse surprisingly scores the pin fall on EY.

    -Josh says we’re getting the celebration for Grado getting his TNA job back after the commercial.

    -Backstage, Grado and Mahabali Shera discuss plans for the party, which Grado has spent $5,000 on. Al Snow shows up and for no apparent reason, attacks both Grado and Shera. Al breaks the arm of Grado with a pipe. Josh doesn’t understand why Al would do this. He’s not the only one.

    -In the ring, Gregory Shane Helms and X Division Champion Trevor Lee call out Eddie Edwards. J.B says that Eddie has no direction since his partner Davey Richards got injured. Shane praised The American Wolves as one of the greatest tag teams. Eddie is going to focus on his solo career and wants to go after the X Division title. Shane and Trevor Lee avoid answering Eddie’s challenge for the X Division title. Instead, Shane wants to tag with Eddie to challenge Beer Money for the tag titles. Shane is going to give Eddie a week to think about it.

    -Backstage, an irate Pope challenges Lashley to a match next week on Impact.

    -Jeff Hardy makes his way down to the ring for the main event, which comes up next after the commercial break.

    TNA World Champion Drew Galloway vs. Jeff Hardy

    Josh mentions that this is the first meeting between Drew Galloway and Jeff Hardy. They shake hands before they lock up. The story of the match is that they have a mutual respect for each other. Jeff sends Drew to the outside and hits a dive to the outside to get the advantage.

    Back from commercial, Jeff is still in control of the match. Jeff hits the twist of fate and goes up for the swanton bomb but Drew tripped Jeff up. Drew hit the claymore kick but only got a near fall. Drew was standing on the second rope and had Jeff on his shoulder in a power slam like position. Jeff countered and flipped Drew off the turnbuckle. This was a pretty scary looking spot. Jeff got another two count. Jeff set Drew up on the steal steps on the outside. Jeff went for the swanton bomb but Drew got his knees up. Jeff struggled to his feet and Drew hit the Future Shock DDT for the win to retain the World Title.

    Post match, Jeff and Drew embraced, while Drew celebrated his first title defense. Matt Hardy came out and announced that next week, he gets his return match for the TNA World title. Drew was willing to defend the belt right now and called for the bell. EY and Bram ran out and helped Matt attack Drew and Jeff.  Drew hits the claymore on EY & Bram and Jeff hits the twist of fate on Matt. Jeff then challenged Eric Young next week in a Six Side of Steel Cage match.

    Final Thoughts:

    TNA put on another solid Impact this week. The show had its ups and downs and can drag at times. However there are a lot of positives such as, their attempt to create new stars and provide compelling matches. Time will tell if TNA can build on this small bit of momentum that they have.

    Next Week on Impact:

    Next week’s show has a loaded line up with PPV caliber matches. TNA World Champion Drew Galloway will defend against Matt Hardy. Also, Jeff Hardy goes one on one with Eric Young in Six Sides of Steel. Additionally, The Pope will battle it out with “The Destroyer” Lashley. Plus, Eddie Edwards must decide if he wants to tag with Gregory Shane Helms to challenge for the TNA Tag titles.

  • Ethan Carter III explains cancellation

    Michael Hutter aka Ethan Carter III did a Facebook post earlier today regarding his missing scheduled shows on April 2 for Southside Wrestling and April 3 for Preston City Wrestling in England.

    “Unfortunately, due to a previously unforeseen opportunity to continue building a rapport between TNA Wrestling and one our of television network partners, I was forced to cancel my appearances with both Southside and Preston City Wrestling April 2-3. Canceling is not something I take lightly.”

    Hutter confirmed what Preston City promoter Steven Fludder had informed us of, that despite how TNA framed the story, Hutter never asked Fludderfor a deposit. He did say that the plane tickets hadn’t been purchased and that he felt he was out more than anyone financially, because he had printed up U.K.-specific T-shirts and EC3 foam fingers to sell at the shows.

    Hutter said that neither TNA nor the promotions are to blame for this, and if there was any heat, he would take it. “A set of circumstances arose and I had to make a decision, so blame me.”

    He said he promised to make it up to the promotions.

  • TNA’s EC III pulled from Mania week Preston City Wrestling show; TNA gives an update

    This story was updated Saturday evening with new details:

    Preston City Wrestling owner Steven Fludder announced Saturday that he was told that Ethan Carter III was being pulled by TNA from his show on WrestleMania Sunday. The original booking was made by EC 3 and not by TNA, so this was a completely independent booking of which TNA was possibly unaware.

    From Fludder:

    “It saddens me to announce that TNA have issued the withdrawal of EC3/Ethan Carter from our April 3rd PCW show. The other international talent booked being Ken Anderson, Jade, Eddie Kingston and Cedric Alexander are all still confirmed to appear. WrestleMania weekend is the hardest time of the year to secure a replacement talent, but I have worked hard to secure somebody and subject to him finding his passport we may have another guest from the USA.

    “I did reach out to TNA management, but was told, `Unfortunately nothing can be done.  This is a network commitment and something he had no control over Considering TNA was publicly vocal about not being happy when AJ Styles pulled out of an agreement with them, it does seem double standards to me that the company would ask talent to back out of a deal that has been in place for many weeks.

    “I have lost out financially, having paid for an extensive promotional campaign with EC3 clearly front and centre promoting his appearance, but most of all I feel for fans who have used their hard earned money and booked travel to see/meet EC3. 

    We have gone above and beyond to try to secure a replacement in tough times for those fans but it is a shame that when asked for assistance, TNA told us, `nothing can be done.’

    I will in the future be thinking twice about using TNA talent to avoid repeat scenarios, as even WWE respects that when a date is agreed it is agreed to do not try to pull talent from it.  I try to give my fans more than value for money and will continue to do so but even though I do take full responsibility for the change in the lineup, you know I will always be honest with you all.”

    Additionally, Carter was pulled from a Saturday Southside Wrestling show who had the same explanation as above.

    The following was updated on Saturday evening:

    The TNA side of the story is that this was a booking made directly through Michael Hutter (Ethan Carter III) and it wasn’t theirs. They said that Hutter’s flight had not been purchased and as of Wednesday, he had not been paid a deposit. They also said Hutter had made an offer to make things up for being pulled late.

    TNA had something come up for Hutter, but it was not said what it was other than it involved ECIII and James Storm, which will cause Storm to miss an appearance at WrestleCon. In the case with Storm, the booking was through TNA, the promoter had paid everything in full that was required and booked the flights, but TNA and Wrestlecon reportedly reached an agreeable solution to the product.

    Under normal circumstances, if the booking was done through TNA, the company should try and send an adequate replacement, but with much of TNA’s top talent like the Hardys and Drew Galloway booked over WrestleMania weekend, that would be difficult.  Bobby Lashley is booked in Mexico but that’s on the Wednesday prior to the Sunday.

    In fairness, when it comes to WWE, similar situations have happened where major talent has had to pull out of outside commitments based on last minute changes in plans or things that come up.

  • TNA TV taping results for early April: Goose is cooked

    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).

    – Ethan Carter III beat Eli Drake.

  • TNA Impact tapings: Matt Hardy, Drew Galloway, Bobby Lashley

    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.

    Bobby Roode beat Pepper Parks

    Trevor Lee beat Eddie Edwards

    Chris Melendez beat Beauregarde.

  • Kurt Angle’s TNA farewell does all-time low rating

    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.

  • TNA Impact still breathing; 5 days of TV tapings set

    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.

  • March 7, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: TNA seeking investors, UFC 196 preview, plus tons of news

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