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.
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.
Last week on Impact, Matt Hardy was revealed as the one behind the Willow mask, making him the master mind behind the attacks on his brother, Jeff Hardy. Meanwhile, Ethan Carter III defeated Tyrus in a Last Man Standing match and brings him one-step closer to getting his rematch with Mike Bennett. Last but not least, TNA World Champ, Drew Galloway and Bobby Lashley wrestled to a no contest in a Lumberjack match, which resulted in the entire roster brawling to end the show.
Tonight on Impact:
On tonight’s show, EC3 continues on his Road to Redemption as he goes one-on-one with the twisted and disturbed, Matt Hardy. Also, Trevor Lee will defend the X Division title in an Ultimate X Match. Furthermore, Grado returns and seeks revenge against Al Snow.
Show Recap:
–The night kicks off with Matt Hardy making his way to the ring as Josh Matthews and The Pope tells us that tonight’s show is “May Mayhem”.
-Matt addresses the Impact Zone. He is a changed man and speaks in a strange way. It’s a weird tone and he’s using very proper grammar. Matt has a mad scientist kind of vibe to him that matches his “Einstein” hairstyle. Matt calls his match with EC3 a warm up match. He promises to destroy Jeff at Slammiversary, whom he keeps calling “Brother Nero”. Rockstar Spud and Tyrus hit the ring. Spud seems rather bothered by the changed Matt Hardy. He implores Matt not to face Jeff. Matt challenges Spud and Tyrus to take on Jeff in a ladder match for the Slammiversary contract. If Spud and Tyrus wins he won’t face Jeff, but if they lose he will. However, if Spud and Tyrus are not successful they can no longer associate with Matt. The match is official.
Suddenly, we cut to the catchiest music in wrestling and EC3 makes his way to the ring for his match. Josh reminds us that if EC3 wins he gets his rematch with The Miracle at Slammiversary.
Ethan Carter III vs. Matt Hardy
Back from commercial, EC3 doesn’t know what to make of the changed Matt Hardy. Josh and The Pope talk about the transformation that Matt has gone through and is now a “Psychotic Lunatic”. Matt said the same earlier about himself so they’re pushing this as his new character.
They have a really good back and forth match. These two usually have good matches together. Josh reminds us that EC3 is on his Road to Redemption and he must win by pin fall or submission to get his rematch. EC3 gets the advantage and The Miracle comes down to ringside to get a better look. EC3 locks on the Cobra Clutch but The Miracle jumps EC3 for the disqualification, which means EC3 doesn’t get his rematch.
Post match, The Miracle beat down EC3 and laid him out with the Miracle in Progress. Miracle tells EC3 he failed on his Road To Redemption and that he won’t be getting his rematch. Pope and Josh speculate that The Miracle had no intention to face EC3 ever.
-A whole lot of hot is headed to the ring, as Maria Kanellis is on her way into the arena with her assistant Allie following behind like a little puppy.
-Back from commercial, the interviewer guy asks The Miracle about his actions. The Miracle says he created art but putting together the EC3 Road to Redemption. He compared himself to Prince and mentioned “Purple Rain”.
-In the ring, Allie demands the audience quiet down and listen to her. She introduces Maria. Allie looks at Maria in awe and agree with everything Maria says. The crowd started chanting for Velvet Sky who made her last appearance with TNA last week. Gail Kim interrupts and takes the mic. Gail is very upset about Maria forcing Velvet out of TNA last week. Maria lets us know that because she is the leader of the Knockouts, Maria and Gail can’t touch each other unless it’s in a match. Maria announces that Gail will face Sienna and if Gail loses she has to leave TNA. Sienna jumps Gail from behind and beats her down.
-Backstage, Grado and Mahabali Shera talk about Al Snow. Grado is going to bring weapons and pulls out a chicken leg from his tights. Shera eats the chicken and Grado pulls out a chain from his tights. #notweirdatall
-Backstage, Robbie E. calls Jesse Godderz on his cell phone. Robbie doesn’t realize that Jesse is standing on the other side of the fake wall. Robbie E. wants them to meet a “Guru” at the gym who will help them get the tag titles back. Jesse is ignoring Robbie E. and giving out high fives to random people walking by. This is an interesting way to build up a tag team.
-Still in the back, Gail is very upset about what happen just now. She is determined to defeat Sienna. She has no plans to leave TNA.
-We get a recap video of Al Snow and Grado’s lasting feud. Al asks if the fans want tables and chairs. They cheer, but he says his fists are the only weapons he needs. Al hides on the stage and attacks Grado as he comes out.
Street Fight: Al Snow vs. Grado
Al dominates Grado and beats him around the ringside before sending him in the ring. Al went into his tights and pulled out a white powder (insert dirty joke here.) Grado managed to blind Al with his own white powder. Shera ran out with a trashcan enabling Grado to use the lid on him. Shera brought out the chicken leg from earlier and Grado used it. Grado used the chain and had the match won when two “gentlemen” in “France” shirts run down and attacked Shera. They distracted Grado, which gave Al the chance to beat him. After the match Josh and The Pope wondered who these two gentlemen are. It was the debut of recently released NXT stars formally known as Marcus Louis and Sylvester Lefort, but the announcers did not name them on air.
-Backstage, TNA Champ Drew Galloway and Bobby Lashley have been ordered to the ring and both are on their way.
-Back from commercial, Reby tries to convince Matt to not face Jeff, even trying to use Maxell to get Matt to change his mind. Not surprisingly, not even the kinship between father and son stop Matt from destroying his own brother.
-Jeremy Borash was in the ring recapping last week when Lashley interrupted him. He intimidated J.B. to leave the ring. Lashley wants the TNA titled handed to him because he was screwed out of the title last week. Galloway comes out and wants to fight right now. Before they can fight, TNA President Dixie Carter comes out and announces that they will face in the main event at Slammiversary. Dixie wants a clear winner so the match can only end by knockout or tap out. Drew and Lashley end up brawling. Drew has the advantage until security comes out. Lashley gives the spear to both Drew and the referee. Lashley uses his headband to choke out Drew, and then poses to end the segment with a lot of carnage left in the ring.
Ultimate X Match: X Division Champion Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. Eddie Edwards vs. DJ Z
Shane Helms is in both Lee and Everett’s corner. Josh wonders if Everett will help Lee or try to take the title for himself. Eddie hits a dive right off the bat to start the match. This was a really good match and each guy got the chance to shine. There was lots of climbing up the structure and across the cable before being cut off.
DJ Z climbed up and across the cable, but Lee pulled him down into a German suplex in a cool spot. Everett went up to get the belt, but Lee stopped him and freaked out that he was going for the belt. They teased fighting but Shane convinced them to work together. DJ Z prevented Lee from winning and took on both guys. Eddie pulled down the belt, but Lee stole the belt out of Eddie’s hand who was still hanging from the cables. Shane had the referee distracted at ringside so he didn’t see Eddie pull the belt down.
-In the back, Maria pumps Sienna up for her match with Gail. Sienna promises to eliminate Gail from TNA. Allie was repeating Maria, which clearly annoyed her.
-Backstage, it’s time for EC3 to cut his weekly awesome promo. He talked about how The Miracle rigged the game. EC3 compared himself to Bobby Fisher and said he won’t lose this game. He going to make a phone call he doesn’t want to make but he’s going to make it because he wants to face The Miracle.
-Next we get a recap of Sienna ending Velvet’s TNA career. We also get her emotional goodbye.
Sienna w/ “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” and Allie vs. Gail Kim w/ Gail’s Job on the Line
Josh calls Sienna Maria’s enforcer. Josh wonders if Sienna will end Gail’s career like she ended Velvet’s last week.
Gail runs wild on Sienna right from the start. She goes for several near falls and tries to put Sienna away early. She’s in control until Maria distracts her. Sienna takes over on Gail and dominates her. Gail climbs to the top, but Maria pulls her down and Gail takes a nasty fall to the outside. Sienna goes to put Gail away but then Gail rolled up Sienna for the win.
Post match, Maria beats down Gail with the help of Sienna. Maria went absolutely crazy on Gail and kept slapping her over and over.
-Backstage, Spud is worried about their upcoming match. Tyrus tells Spud not to worry about it. Reby shows up and tells them they need to fix this. She tells them they need to end Jeff Hardy. She tells them that Matt won’t even hold Maxell. They promise to handle it.
-Robbie E. and Jesse Godderz are at the gym looking for the “Guru” who will help them win the tag titles. For some reason, they both take their shirts off. The “Guru” ends up being a woman with purple hair called Raquel. The BroMans think it’s weird to be trained by a girl. Robbie couldn’t even look at her. To make a long story short, she’s a tough trainer and they had a good workout. This is the same Raquel that was appearing in segments with Lashley a few months back, but the angle was dropped without explanation. It appears she will now be the valet for the BroMans.
Ladder Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Tyrus & Rockstar Spud
Spud jumps Jeff on the outside to start the match. The heels double-team Jeff, but he makes his own comeback. Jeff slides a ladder in the ring and works over Spud. Tyrus pulled the ladder out of the ring. The heels regain control of the match. Tyrus lays out Jeff and attempts to climb the ladder but the second rung breaks under his weight. Apparently, Tyrus can’t climb the ladder because of his size.
Jeff takes out Tyrus with the Twist of Fate. Spud sneaks up the ladder. Jeff and Spud exchange shots at the top of the ladder until Jeff hits the Twist of Fate sending Spud face first into the ladder. They both fall off the ladder, but Jeff quickly climbs back up and pulls the contract down. That means Jeff vs. Matt is official for Slammiversary and Spud & Tyrus can’t associate with Matt anymore.
Post match, Matt and Jeff have a stare down to end the show.
Next Time on Impact:
Next week, Drew Galloway and Lashley will compete in “Pick Your Poison”, where they will each get to pick the others opponent for the night.
Last week on Impact, Bobby Lashley defeated Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett in a triple threat match to become the number one contender for the TNA World title. Lashley and World Champion Drew Galloway had two pull apart brawls including one that took place at a gym.
Tonight on Impact:
On tonight’s Impact, the feud between Lashley and Galloway kicks into high gear as we enter Slammiversary season. Also, Jeff Hardy has some questions for Tag Champs Decay, whose interference last week cost Hardy the triple threat match. Last but certainly not least, The Miracle has something nefarious planned for Ethan Carter III. Muah ha ha ha!
Show Recap:
–Josh Matthews and The Pope stand ringside and welcome us to tonight’s Impact.
-Jeff Hardy makes his way down to the ring to a roaring reaction from the crowd. He says he does everything for his fans, also known as The Creatures. He brings up Decay and their interference in last week’s main event. Jeff mentions that he had no problem with Decay and even thought they were cool. Jeff is cut off by Decay’s music and the TNA tag champs make their way to the ring.
Abyss tells Jeff that it was just business and they actually like him. Rosemary lets Jeff know that they were paid to attack him. Abyss mentions that the individual who paid them off will make himself known when the time is right. A brawl breaks out with Decay getting the better of Jeff until James Storm hits the ring for the save. Storm and Hardy challenge Decay to a title match and Josh tells us that we’ll find out if they accept after the break.
TNA Tag Team Champions Decay (Crazy Steve & Abyss) w/Rosemary vs. Jeff Hardy and James Storm
Back from commercial and the match is underway. Decay briefly isolate Storm with double team moves including Abyss chokeslamming Steve onto a prone Storm. Storm made the hot tag to Jeff who ran wild on the champs. Jeff laid out Abyss with the Twist of Fate and then went to the top for the Swanton when the lights suddenly went out. When the lights came back on, Willow, Jeff’s alter ego, appeared on the stage and distracted Jeff. Decay spit mist in Jeff eyes and pinned him to retain the tag belts. Willow disappeared and Josh pointed out the obvious: that it wasn’t Jeff dressed up as Willow.
– Back from commercial, Jeff is in the back and screaming in pain. Jeff wonders who that was dressed up as Willow. Jeff says that he’s Willow but that wasn’t him out there. Jeff promises to reveal who is behind the Willow mask tonight.
– Next, we get a great video of Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis attending a Smashing Pumpkins concert. They went backstage to visit lead singer and TNA management Billy Corgan. They pitch some ideas to Billy.
– TNA World Champion Drew Galloway comes out to the ring. Drew cuts a passionate promo about defending the TNA title and making TNA great again. Drew calls out Lashley to the ring and the number one contender joins him in the ring. They argue back and forth until Drew finally challenges Lashley to fight right now. Instead, Lashley is going to take his title shot next week. Lashley walks away leaving Galloway in the ring.
– Eli Drake comes out with his Feast or Fired briefcase. He challenges Drew to a title match and luckily for Eli, Drew is looking for a fight tonight. They end up brawling and Josh informs us that the title match is official.
TNA World Champion Drew Galloway vs. Eli Drake
Drew doesn’t have his ribs taped up this week, but Josh points out that his ribs aren’t fully healed. Eli got in a good majority of offense and was in control for a good portion of the match. Eli tried to use the world title and Feast or Fired briefcase, but got caught by referee Brian Hebner. Drew caught Eli with the Claymore and Future Shock DDT for the win.
Post match, Lashley snuck up on Drew and caught him with a spear. Lashley posed with the belt.
– In the back, EC3 is on his way to the ring and is going to call out Mike Bennett. EC3 has been on fire lately with his promos.
– Backstage, Maria informs Knockouts Champion Jade and Gail Kim that they’ll have a match later with Sienna at ringside.
– The catchiest music in wrestling hits and EC3 makes his way to the ring. EC3 comes across like a really big star. The crowd loves him and chants his name. He promises to not talk over the chant. EC3 is a man with a vendetta and calls out The Miracle telling him to bring his wife. The Miracle and Maria make their way to the ring and look stunning.
EC3 said he’s glad that Bennett wore his sunglasses because it’s always sunny in “doucheville.” This was a funny line and gets a “doucheville” chant from the crowd. EC3 challenges Bennett to another match but Bennett refuses him. Bennett will give EC3 a match if he can beat the “demons” from EC3’s past. He accepts and The Miracle informs him that later tonight EC3 will compete in a cage match, but won’t tell him who his opponent is yet.
TNA Knockouts Champion Jade vs. Gail Kim
Sienna is ringside for this match. They have a really good back and forth match. Jade scored a close near fall with a German suplex. Gail took over on Jade and they brawled on the outside. Sienna distracted Gail and Jade hits a suicide dive on Gail. Jade sends Gail back in the ring at which point Sienna jumped Jade and knocked her out. Gail and Sienna brawled with Sienna getting the better of Gail.
– Next, we get a video of Al Snow at the Al Snow Wrestling Academy. Two of his students were competing while Snow cut a passionate promo. Al said that this is how wrestling use to be. He adds that he’s like Donald Trump: he’s not allowing anybody into the wrestling business. He’s going to eliminate Grado and Mahabali Shera.
Al Snow vs. Mahabali Shera
Al takes the mic and basically repeats the previous promo from the academy. He tells everyone that he is the Donald Trump of wrestling. Al is going to build a wall around wrestling and will decide who gets in. Al rips the fans as they chant “boring”. There has been a lot of talking on this episode of Impact. Shera comes out and Al quickly gets the advantage. Al uses an illegal object on Shera, but is able to hide it from the referee. Snow went into his tights and pulled out another illegal object, but Grado showed up and distracted Al, giving Shera the chance to pull out the surprise victory.
– In the back, Jeff is searching for Willow and finally finds him. They brawl around the backstage area as we cut to commercial.
– Back from commercial, Jeff is beating the life out of Willow when suddenly a second Willow attacks Jeff from behind. The strange new Willow takes out Jeff with the chair. The camera pulls back and it’s revealed that it was three Willows that attacked Jeff.
– Backstage, Snow cut an insane promo about his loss to Shera. Al points out that it took two guys to beat him. Al calls himself a real athlete and charges off.
– EC3 comes out for the cage match. Josh reminds us that this is the first match in EC3’s road to redemption. He must win this match to eventually get another match with Mike Bennett. Bennett introduces the first “demon” EC3 must over come is Rockstar Spud.
Steel Cage Match: Ethan Carter III vs. Rockstar Spud
Spud charges into the cage full of passion and fire. This is short lived as EC3 quickly takes over. EC3 bounces Spud all over the ring. Spud gets the advantage with a low blow. Spud uses his belt and viciously whips EC3 on the back. Spud kept trying to escape the cage, but EC3 prevented him each time. EC3 bounced Spud off the cage. Spud climbed to the top of the cage but EC3 caught him and gave him a press slam from the top. EC3 hit the One Percenter for the pin and the win.
Post match, Mike Bennett walked out onto the stage and applauded EC3’s victory to end the show.
Next Time on Impact:
TNA World Champion Drew Galloway will defend against “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley.
In last week’s main event, Mike Bennett performed a miracle when he pinned Ethan Carter III, his first loss by pinfall since debuting in TNA. Also, Drew Galloway defeated Tyrus to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Title. To top it all off, Reby revealed that her husband Matt Hardy had become cold and distant since suffering an injury at the hands of Jeff Hardy.
Last week’s Impact was also significant for being the final television appearance of Bobby Roode and Eric Young. Decay defeated Roode & James Storm for the TNA Tag Titles, while Bram defeated EY for the King of the Mountain title. Both Roode and EY had been with TNA for over ten years.
This Week on Impact:
On tonight’s Impact, Drew Galloway promised to call out Bobby Lashley for a face-to-face confrontation. In addition, Bram will defened his King of the Mountain title in a KOTM match.
Show Recap:
– Earlier today, Bobby Lashley pulls up in front of the gym Drew Galloway is at, looking for a fight. Inside the gym, Galloway is being interviewed when Lashley runs in and jumps him. They brawl in front of the treadmills and eventually to the back. Lashley throws Drew into an Octagon and says “Now you’re in my world.” They continued to brawl until they were pulled apart.
– In the Impact Zone, Josh reminds us that Drew had challenged Lashley for a fight tonight but apparently Lashley couldn’t wait.
– Josh and The Pope officially welcome us to Impact as Mike Bennett and Maria make their way to the ring. Bennett recaps his victory over EC3 last week. He points out that by being the first person to pin EC3 he did something Sting, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy couldn’t do. Bennett mentions that he holds a victory over Drew and wants World title match. Bennett calls himself God and this brings out Jeff Hardy. Bennett brings up Jeff hitting the Swanton Bomb on Matt and the crowd cheers. They argue and Bennett says he’s going to ask his “good friend” Dixie Carter to make a main event match for later. Jeff doesn’t need to ask Dixie and knocks Bennett out of the ring. Bennett calls for a referee and Bennett vs. Jeff is official.
Jeff Hardy vs. “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professorial Wrestling” Maria Kanellis
Back from commercial, Jeff is on the top and Maria is standing between him and a fallen Bennett. Maria slaps Jeff and he goes after her, which allows Bennett to hit the ace crusher. Hardy makes a fiery comeback and sets Mike on the top. He sets up for the twist of fate but Lashley sneaks in and spears Jeff. Bennett thanks Lashley and they celebrate. Suddenly, Lashley spears Bennett in half. Lashley demands Dixie Carter come out and give him a title match. Dixie comes out but won’t just give him a title shot.
Dixie makes a major match for tonight when she announces that Lashley will face Jeff and Mike in a number one contenders three-way match with Drew Galloway as referees in tonight’s main event.
– In the back, Rosemary cuts a promo that is scarier then a dead child in a cornfield in a horror movie. She asks Crazy Steve if he’s ready for his transformation. He nods yes and she spits the mist into his mouth. He screams in pain and twitches on the floor. She then tells Abyss to take off his mask and she spits the mist into his face. He also screams in pain but it switches to laughter. Rosemary holds Abyss and screams “Decay! Decay!”
– In the arena, The TNA Tag team champions Decay (Abyss & Crazy Steve) are lead to the ring by Rosemary. Both Steve and Abyss have towels hiding their faces. Rosemary reveals the new Crazy Steve and Abyss. The new Crazy Steve can now speak presumably because of the mist she spit into his mouth. Steve spoke before revealing the new Abyss. He has face paint instead of wearing a mask. Abyss said that he’s free and beautiful. Rosemary said they banished half of Beer Money.
James Storm comes out to Beer Money’s theme. Storm says that Decay might have something with Beer Money not being around but he’s still here. Storm is now on his own. Storm hits the ring and sends Decay to the outside. Storm challenges Abyss to a match.
James Storm vs. Abyss w/ Crazzy Steve and Rosemary
Abyss and Storm brawl around ringside to start the match. Rosemary and Steve distract Storm long enough for Abyss to get the advantage. Storm makes a wild comeback and hits a flurry of offence. Steve tried to spit green mist into Storm’s face but he ducked and took out Steve. Abyss then spit blue mist into Storm’s eyes and picks up the win with the Black Hole Slam.
– In the back, Jeff talks about the three way main event. The interviewer guy asks about Matt. Jeff says that the Swanton Bomb was from 32 Feet and the he broke Matt, the table and their relationship.
– In the ring, the leader of the Knockouts Division Maria is in the ring and demands Knockouts Champion Jade come out. Maria wants Jade to stand behind her and admit her mistake. Maria claims she handed Jade the title and wouldn’t be champ without her. Maria wants Jade to lie down and give her the title. Jade says she doesn’t lay down for anyone not a woman, man or bitch. Maria is offended and brings out the debuting Sienna to take fight Jade.
Sienna tosses Jade around the ring. The crowd is solidly behind Jade and chanted “Jade” and “Badass”. Sienna dominates Jade but she gets in a bit of offense. In a sick looking spot, Sienna picked up Jade in a German suplex/wheel barrow position and swings her head/shoulder first into the steal steps. Sienna finishes Jade off and leaves her lying in the ring.
– In the back, Bram discusses winning the KOTM title and sending Eric Young out of TNA.
– Coming up next, Jeremy Borash is going to have an exclusive interview with EC3.
– In the back, Sienna is asked about being Maria’s muscle. She says that Maria is the leader of the Division and will follow her.
– J.B. is scheduled to interview EC3 but he’s a no-show. Instead he gets Mike Bennett. He says EC3 is scared and that nobody in TNA can beat The Miracle.
King of the Mountain Champion Bram vs. Eli Drake vs. Jesse Godderz vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Andrew Everett w/Gregory Shane helms
Rules for the match, once a wrestler is pinned he goes in the penalty box for 5 minutes. Whoever scores the pin is eligible to climb a ladder and hang the belt up. It’s a typical KOTM match with lots of brawling, quick pin falls and ladder spots. Bram is the first to become eligible with a pin fall on Everett. Shane pushes Eddie off the top and helps Eli score the pin fall. Wouldn’t Shane want to help Everett get the pin?
Everett misses a beautiful looking moonsault, which allows Jesse to score the victory. Everett and Eddie fight to the back. Eli uses the KOTM title shot brief case to knock out Jesse. Bram connects with a drop kick knocking Eli off the ladder. Bram climbs the ladder and hooks up the belt and wins the match. Eli teases cashing in this KOTM Feast or Fired contract but doesn’t at the last second.
– In the back, Eli talked about the fear in his eyes being a reflection of the fear in Bram’s eyes. Bram shows up and chases Eli away. Bram goes looking for Eli.
– We get a recap of “The Swanton from The Heavens” that Jeff executed on Matt. Next we get an interview with Matt. It’s dimly lit and done some place backstage. He says the doctors have told him he can’t wrestle because the injury to his spine is so severe. He asks, “how can Jeff be so cruel?”
– Bennett and Maria come out for the main event, but they’re soon followed by EC3. EC3 congratulates Bennett for doing something he said he was going to do. EC3 accepts his loss like a man and won’t complain about it. EC3 hopes that Bennett wins the three-way and goes onto the win the world title so he can know the satisfaction of winning the title. EC3 vows that he’ll beat Bennett for the title. EC3 says if Bennett is God that must mean he’s the devil. Once again EC3 is the highlight of the night. His promo was fantastic here and is the kind of promo a babyface should cut after losing a major match.
As EC3 left, Lashley made his way to the ring. They had a very brief showdown. They’re teasing EC3 vs. Lashley for down the road, which would make sense to happen at Bound for Glory in the fall.
Jeff Hardy vs. “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley vs. “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ Maria Kanellis (w/special ref Drew Galloway)
Referee Drew Galloway is wearing shorts. Match starts with Lashley and Bennett taking turns beating down Jeff. Drew can do nothing but watch as Bennett and Lashley double-team his friend. Hardy fights back and takes out both guys. Jeff sends Lashley and Bennett to the outside. Jeff leaps off the corner and lands on Lashley and Bennett on the floor.
Jeff hits the Twist of Fate on Bennett and hits the Swanton off the top. Lashley takes out Jeff before he can go for the pin. Lashley points at Drew as he holds up Bennett in a delayed standing vertical suplex. Lashley sets up for the spear on Bennett, but he moves and he spears Drew instead. Jeff pins Lashley, but Drew is on the outside in pain and unable to make the count. Instead Jeff goes after Bennett on the outside.
Jeff hits the Swanton onto Bennett who is on the steel steps on the outside. Decay runs down and attacks Jeff. Abyss gives Jeff the choke slam on the steel steps. Jeff lays on the steps and struggles to his feet. In an awesome spot, Lashley runs up the steps and spears Jeff into the ring post. Lashley gives Jeff another spear in the ring. Drew recovers and is forced to count the three. Lashley is the winner and new number one contender.
Post match, Drew checks on Jeff and helps him out of the ring. Lashley demands that Drew raise his hand, which he does reluctantly. They end up brawling to end the show just like they did to start the show.
Next Time on Impact:
The build for one of TNA’s flagship PPV’s Slammiversary will continue on next week’s Impact.
TNA Impact Wrestling ran a set of TV tapings Thursday Notes in Orlando, FL, for Pop TV that will begin airing on Tuesday, May 3rd:
Eddie Edwards beat Caleb Konley. This may have been a dark match.
James Storm cut a promo that he’s now a singles wrestler.
Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett had a confrontation that led to a match that Hardy won by DQ when Bobby Lashley ran in and speared Hardy.
James Storm beat Abyss who was accompanied by the rest of Decay who had new looks. Abyss now has face paint.
Sienna (aka the debuting Allysin Kay, a 28-year-old vet of AIW, Shimmer, Shine, etc.) debuted and laid out Jade.
X-Division Champion Trevor Lee beat Mandrews
King of The Mountain Champion Bram retained the title in a match against Eli Drake, Jessie Godderz, Robbie E, and Andrew Everett. Drake attacked Bram post-match
Jeff Hardy wrestled Lashley. Drew Galloway was ref. Bennett interfered and they had a four-way brawl.
In a cage match, EC3 defeated Rockstar Spud. Bennett was out supporting Spud.
On last week’s Impact, Ethan Carter III made his triumphant return and saved Rockstar Spud and Dixie Carter from Matt Hardy and Tyrus.
Tonight On Impact:
Ethan Carter III and Matt Hardy continue their feud over the TNA World Title. TNA World Tag champions, The Wolves defend against Decay in a Monster’s Ball Match. Tag action ensues when The Dollhouse faces off with Madison Rayne and TNA Knockouts Champion, Gail Kim. Plus, appearnces by “Miracle” Mike Bennett, Dixie Carter, Rockstar Spud, Reby Sky, and Tyrus.
Show Recap:
-Backstage, EC3 approaches his Aunt and TNA President, Dixie Carter. Dixie grants EC3 his return title match on next week’s Impact: Lockdown. EC3 will challenge Matt Hardy for the title in a Six Sides of Steel Cage match. EC3 is happy to finally get his title shot, but has some business to take care of right now.
-After the opening theme and video, Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to Impact and reminds us that we’re still in the U.K. this week. EC3 makes his way to the ring and talks about his title shot next week. EC3 wonders if Tyrus is babysitting Matt’s son Maxell or breastfeeding him. Tyrus comes out and makes a very subtle Scarface reference. EC3 and Tyrus brawl around ringside. EC3 gets the better of Tyrus until Matt Hardy runs out and attacks EC3 from behind. Tyrus and Matt double-team EC3. Matt gets a chair but EC3 uses it first and clears the ring. Matt grabs the mic and challenges EC3 to find a partner to face Matt and Tyrus in the main event or face them alone.
-Back from commercial, King of the Mountain champion, Eric Young and his partner Bram are in the ring. EY mentions that Jeff Hardy isn’t tough enough to beat him for the KOTM title. Of course, a few weeks ago EY piledrove Jeff threw a table off the apron. Beer Money comes out, but EY won’t give Bobby Roode a title shot. James Storm takes the mic and professed his need for the title shot. Storm hits the ring, leading to our next match.
King of the Mountain Champion Eric Young w/ Bram vs. James Storm w/Bobby Roode
Eric Young gets the advantage over Storm with help from Bram, but Strom makes a comeback and sets up for the super kick. Before he can make contact with Young’s face, Bram jumps in the ring. Swiftly, Roode cuts him off and all four guys brawl again outside the ring. Storm and EY are counted out. Basically, both teams brawled all over the place, even went into the crowd.
– Backstage, Drew Galloway approaches EC3 and offers to be his partner in the main event. EC3 declines and says he stands alone.
– Back from commercial, Beer Money, EY and Bram do some more brawling backstage. The fight is out of control and goes everywhere, wrecking the backstage.
– They show “Miracle” Mike Bennett interrupting Kurt Angle last week, which led to Angle knocking Bennett down.
– Do you believe in miracles? Maria Kanellis sure does as she introduces “Miracle” Mike Bennett into the ring. Maria’s words give Bennett his cue, and they walk to the ring together. Side note, Bennett cut a promo where he talked about Angle and Drew Galloway. Once in the ring, Bennett said that because Kurt Angle is avoiding him, Bennett will face a local favorite.
“Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. Mandrews
Mandrews strolls his way down to the ring on his skateboard. The Miracle dominated Mandrews making this basically a squash match. Bennett hit his finisher the M.I.P. (Miracle in Progress) to win the match. After the match, Bennett continued to beat down Mandrews until Drew Galloway ran down to help, making Miracle bail from the ring.
– Backstage, Decay cut a creepy promo from backstage in a cage about tonight’s match. Suddenly, a guy comes towards the cage and promise to save Rosemary. They didn’t explain anything or even elabote slightly.
– Back from commercial, Drew Galloway and Mandrews were being interviewed when “Miracle” Mike Bennett attacked them from behind and left them both beaten on the ground.
– Next, we get a teaser for the debut of Mysterious Odarg The Great.
– Still backstage, Matt Hardy and Tyrus warn Rockstar Spud to stay out of their business.
– Kurt Angle will wrestle his last match (with TNA) in three weeks. Kurt will take on Lashley. We get to see a video package of their first meeting.
Monster’s Ball Match: TNA World Tag Champions The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) vs. Decay (Crazy Steve & Abyss w/Rosemary)
Despite not being the champions, Decay comes to the ring with the belts. All kinds of trashcans with weapons and ladders surround the ring. A really good match between these two teams. Both teams brawl around ringside to start the match. The crowd is going crazy for all the violence and carnage in the ring. Crazy Steve pulls a table out from underneath the ring and Abyss pulls out a barbwire board.
Back from commercial, Both Wolves were climbing to the top rope when Rosemary spits mist into Davey’s eyes. Abyss throws the steal chair into Eddie’s face, which causes him to fall off the top and into a table at ringside. Davey hits a suicide dive onto Abyss, which sends Abyss into the barbwire board. Crazy Steve sets up a chair and places Eddie Edwards on it. Rosemary pours thumbtacks on Eddie’s head. Eddie fights Steve off. Rosemary goes to spit the mist in Eddie’s eye but Davey kisses Rosemary. In the process he sucks out the mist, which he then spits back into Rosemary’s eyes. That sounds dirtier than it actually was. The Wolves defeat The Decay and retain the titles.
– Backstage, Rockstar Spud and EC3 meet. EC3 tells Spud that he’s taking on Matt Hardy and Tyrus alone.
– Backstage, The Wolves discuss their victory over Decay. Next, The Wolves want to face Beer Money to prove that the Wolves are the best tag team of all time.
TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim & Madison Rayne vs. The Dollhouse (Jade & Marti Bell w/Rebel)
The Dollhouse jumps Madison and Gail to start the match. The Dollhouse works over Gail Kim until she makes the hot tag to Madison. Madison runs wild and clears the ring. Madison rolls up Marti to pick up the win. After the match, The Dollhouse jumps Madison and Gail again until Velvet Sky returns and makes the save. Velvet then announces that next week Velvet, Madison and Gail will take on The Dollhouse in a first ever Knockouts Lethal Lockdown Match.
– Backstage, Mahabali Shera introduces his mystery partner Odarg The Great. Odarg The Great is actually the recently fired, Grado in a mask.
– Back from commercial, Beer Money and EY & Bram continue to fight all over the back stage area. EY & Bram ran off and Beer Money challenges them to match next week on Impact: Lockdown.
Odarg The Great & Mahabali Shera vs. Eli Drake & Jesse Godderz
Odarg The Great comes out and he got a really good reaction. It’s obviously Grado under the mask. Not a great match. Shera isn’t the best at selling. Eli and Jesse use double team and power moves to isolate Shera. Shera makes the tag to Odarg who runs wild. Eli tried to take off Odarg’s mask but Odarg took off his own mask, which distracted Eli. Odarg then rolled up Eli for the pin and the win.
TNA World Champion Matt Hardy & Tyrus w/Reby Sky vs. Ethan Carter III
EC3 comes out alone and starts his match with Tyrus. EC3 gets a great reaction from the crowd. Matt Hardy and Tyrus dominate EC3 for most of the match. Rockstar Spud comes out to be EC3’s partner. EC3 has the chance to tag, but chooses not to. Matt regains the advantage on EC3. EC3 finally makes the hot tag to Spud. Spud goes crazy on Matt Hardy. Matt and Tyrus turn things around on Spud and isolate him from EC3. They work over Spud until Spud makes the hot tag to EC3. EC3 goes crazy on both Hardy and Tyrus. EC3 clears the ring and then hits a cross body off the top to the outside on both Hardy and Tyrus. Tyrus went to hit EC3 with the spike but Spud hit Tyrus with a low blow. EC3 hits the One Precenter on Matt Hardy and scores the win.
Next Week:
In seven days, it’s a spectacular and can’t miss edition of TNA Impact: Lockdown. All matches will take place in the Six Sides of Steel Cage. In the huge main event, TNA World Champion Matt Hardy will defend against EC3. Beer Money will take on EY & Bram in a tag match. The Dollhouse faces off with Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne & Gail Kim in the first ever Knockouts Lethal Lockdown Match.
Last week, EC3 beat DJZ and Uno lucked out a win over Gail Kim. Davey Richards pinned Bram with a small package, while Shera beat Eli Drake. Bobby Roode worked heel for one match and lost by V1-ing Matt and eating a Twist of Fate, while Godderz cheated to beat Kong, and EY beat Kenny King. In the main event, Lashley beat Drew Galloway. We get a recap of last week’s matches to set up tonight’s matches, including Lashley vs. Shera. A tale of the tape makes them seem very similar. Josh talks about building up a lot of momentum just by winning, which Shera has done. Well, he’s done one of those things. Pope calls him a household name as well. Josh and Pope debate whether it’s the Shera Shuffle or Shera Shake before Josh just decides that Shera Shuffle is trending. Lashley comes out in Wal-Mart workout gear for the World Title Series. Josh talks about Drew and uses the captain moniker for him a ton. Why is Drew the Captain of TNA? Shouldn’t he be the Dollar General?
Mahabali Shera vs. Lashley
Shera dominates Lashley in the corner while a “Maha-bali!” chant breaks out. He gets a Frankenstein’s monster choke in the corner. Shera spends a long time to set up mounted punches, but he eats a powerbomb. Lashley clubs away in the corner. Floatover snap suplex gets 2 for Lashley. Lashley punches him down for an ad break. They brawl on the floor for a bit after the Shera Shuffle backfires. Josh hypes up that that World Title Series is completely on Youtube. Lashley dives off the apron and Shera grabs him and slams him down. A fan in a purple Macho Man shirt is either doing the Shuffle or summoning a genie. Shera lifts him up and lands the scariest press slam in a decade on Lashley. Lashley recovers, spears him, and wins. Josh tells the “young man” Lashley to pack his backs because he’s moving on.
Pope talks about how fast and powerful Lashley is, and that he’s a two-time former TNA World Champion to fill the show with more content that they’ve already talked about. Josh sends us to an “in-depth look at Tigre Uno versus Eric Young”, which doesn’t seem possible. This “world class maniac”-filled video proves that it isn’t. We get a very echo-filled promo of Eric Young saying threatening words. The Knockouts division returns in a cheesecake video for the holidays. We see a preview of a Dixie Carter interview with Josh talking about the importance of the TNA World Title. Matt Hardy vs. Jessie Godderz is previewed with a recap of Jessie beating Kong. Tigre Uno comes out to face Eric Young, who is in fact the bearded terror according to Pope.
Eric Young vs. Tigre Uno
Eric has fashioned his hair into an awful pseudo-mohawk and has gigantic bags under his eyes. EY tells him to leave because it’s his ring and his world. EY calls him a coward, and Uno responds by springboard dropkicking him out of nowhere. A running rana gets 2 for Uno, while EY chops away and yells “LUCHA!” He lands a series of forearms to the back and neck in the corner. One-armed backbreaker by EY gets 2 for an ad break. EY clotheslines Uno while Josh plugs the 2016 Impact tapings. EY tosses him to the floor and punches away. EY goes for a moonsault to mock Uno, but it misses. Uno hits a rana to the floor onto EY. Tigre gets a low blow legdrop off the top for 2. They fight up top and EY eats a super rana for 2. EY blocks another rana with a powerbomb for 2. The piledriver hits and EY wins. He faces the winner of Hardy-Godderz. Josh and Pope recap why EY is a world-class maniac and a bearded terror. Recap of Matt Hardy’s World Title Series matches. We see clips of Dixie talking about having the best women’s wrestlers in the business. EY logically points out that Tigre’s attack to start the match was cowardly, and then the Canadian rants about Uno being “foreign scum” and blames him for possibly ending Uno’s career. Josh and Pope pick the winners in a guessing game. Jessie Godderz comes out to no reaction to face Matt Hardy, who gets an okay one.
Matt Hardy vs. Jessie Godderz
Matt grinds away at the neck, but Jessie tosses him off. Matt grinds away on the arm while Josh talks about how the World Title Series has been compelling and it’s all due to Dixie. Matt lands a series of slams and does the V1 pose before making the mistake of posing like Godderz. Matt gets a Russian legsweep for 2. They fight to the floor and Jessie eats the apron. Jessie shoves Matt’s back into the steps before Jessie dropkicks him and Matt sends his head right into the steps for an ad break.
We come back to see Jessie stomping away on the back. He attacks the back more with forearm shivers. Matt’s knee buckles as he goes for a slam and Jessie gets 2. Bearhug to Matt lasts a while and they talk about it being a setup for the Adonis Crab. Jessie clamps on a reverse bearhug and uses the ropes. Matt elbows out of it, and Matt gets an iffy Side Effect. Matt gets a sleeper slam for 2. Matt gets a snapmare off the top for 2. Flying standing elbow hits for 2. Matt goes for the Twist, but Jessie tosses him into the ropes and gets 2 off a dropkick. Jessie gets a partial dropkick/enzuiguri and goes for the Adonis Crab. Matt gets to the rope, so Jessie stomps away. Matt goes up top, but gets pulled down into a fireman’s carry, which he counters into a Twist of Fate for the win. Pope and Josh talk about Matt Hardy having passion. The Dixie interview is next.
Josh talks about how exciting 2016 is while happy music plays. Dixie said that 2015 was a year with a bit of everything, and the year started off strong with the debut of Drew Galloway. Dixie talks about how she respects Matt for winning the title in his hometown holding his baby high .She brags about the knockouts division and she says that the semi-finals and finals of the World Title Series will be held on the live show in January. Pope talks about Twitter predictions and Bracket Brawl. Because the show needed more filler, we get a recap of the BFG match and World Title Series. Next week, all of Future 4 faces Group X Division. There will also be a four way cage match between guys who aren’t feuding for some reason. We get a recap of tonight’s matches. Davey Richards comes out to face EC3 in the main event. EC3 says it’s time to separate the wolves from the winners. Davey says he’ll kick EC3’s head off his shoulders and says it’s time for the hunt to begin.
EC3 vs. Davey Richards
Josh asks if Davey has ever been this close to the World title and Pope says “not here”. Basic headlock and armwork to start. Davey gets a dropkick and EC3 goes to the floor. Davey gets his leg picked by Tyrus and EC3 attacks for 2. Davey lands a series of nice forearm strikes, but EC3 sidesteps him and sends him to the floor for a Tyrus attack. EC3 elbow smashes his neck on the apron and stomps a mudhole in him in the corner. Davey eats a Bret Hart-style turnbuckle smash and flips backwards. EC3 locks on a chinlock while Josh hypes up EC3 as being unbeaten for “nearly 1,000 days”.
They exchange chops, but Davey misses a corner charge and EC3 gets 2. EC3 traps him in a cravate before we get a punch exchange mid-ring. Pope buries EC3 for having a spray-tan while Josh says he lives in Boca Raton and it’s real. Davey lands a double dive. Make that a triple! Big missile dropkick gets 2. Davey lands a high kick and gets 2 off a snap German suplex. EC3 gets a TKO for 2. EC3 goes up top, but gets stopped by Davey and eats some headbutts. Superplex from Davey leads to another suplex for 2! They go through the motions of countering finishers before EC3’s Rampage powerbomb hits and he hits the One Percenter to win. To see every screenshot for the show, just click here.
Last week, the World Title Series continued when Awesome Kong beat Brooke, while Uno beat Manik with a corkscrew moonsault. Eric Young beat James Storm with a piledriver, while Shera beat Aiden ‘O Shea. Crimson’s losing streak continued when he lost to Eli Drake, while Bobby Roode beat Abyss with a spinebuster in one of the most forgettable episodes of Impact since the WTS began. The opening video recapped last week’s matches. Spud faces Drew Galloway tonight, while Aries faces Lashley. Manik vs. Uno vs. DJZ is up next to determine who moves on in Group X Division. No one gets an intro and they just cut to the ring.
Manik vs. Tigre Uno vs. DJZ
Double leapfrog by Uno and DJZ leads to DJZ getting a pop-up dropkick sending Manik to the floor. Uno gets a dropkick on the apron to a seated DJZ sending him to the floor. Uno moonsaults onto both men from the top to the floor. Uno gets a wacky lucha submission, but Manik goes for his own move before DJZ prevents it. Manik rakes Uno’s face in the corner before DJZ flips around a bit to finally land a flying back elbow. Manik locks on a goofy Billy Goat’s Curse and Gory Special submission, which is turned into a cradle for 2. Manik rakes DJZ’s eyes, and Z moves leading to Manik and Uno clashing mid-ring. Double tornado DDT by DJZ gets the win to advance to the field of 16 – so the next winner here advances as well.
Manik gets a quick inverted sunset flip for 2. Dueling uppercuts lead to Uno getting a quebrada turned into a stunner for 2. Manik gets a combination armbar/kneebar and places Uno up top and crotches him. Manik goes for an electric chair, but Uno turns it into a German suplex and a corkscrew moonsault to win – so he advances alongside DJZ. This was a cluster of moves. Josh runs down Group UK while Josh says that tonight, Kurt Angle address his future. After a break, they run down that Group X Division is done, but all of Group UK is still alive. Drew cuts a promo on what appears to be a cheap Android phone from 2008 at Glasgow airport. He says he’s always seeing his friends growing up and is asked when he’ll be married – but he’s married to the business. Rockstar Spud comes out and looks much skinnier and less tan than his last appearance in the series. Josh calls Drew “the captain” for reasons that he never explains.
Drew Galloway vs. Rockstar Spud
Spud stands around while Drew takes a squatting position as his base before each puts up their dukes. Drew goes for a punch, but it misses, so Spud runs wild with a few punches of his own. Spud turns a gorilla press slam into a sunset flip, but that fails, so he takes Drew down anyway. Drew spinebusters Spud into the apron three times before trying to lawndart him into the post. Spud avoids that and sidesteps a dive, resulting in Drew bonking his head on the steps. Spud bets the ref to count quickly, but he gets in at 9. Spud goes for a cover and gets 2. Drew catches a crossbody and turns it into a tilt a whirl backbreaker.
Josh says he’s been reliving the World Title Series every day – so I assume he lost a bet. Spud hits the elbows and gets a shining wizard. He takes off the tie, but can’t hit the Underdog. Drew punches him on the apron and teases a powerbomb off the apron onto the steps. He doesn’t do it, so Spud kicks him into the ring. Spud gets a wonky flying DDT for 2. Spud runs at Drew and eats White Noise before hitting the Claymore kick to the chest rather weakly for the win. Each man is capable of having far better matches, but Drew at least won and advances to the round of 16. Quick ad break for Black Friday and Cyborg Monday – every order placed Mondays gets a free Kurt Angle banner.
Bram vs. Grado
Pope is astonished that Grado could in fact advance in the tournament when Grado faces Bram tonight. They kill some time talking about just what the brackets could be before Bram comes out to face Grado. Grado comes down as a fountain of charisma in purple and gold gear with polka dots. Pope says that when he watches Grado, he thinks he’s watching PBS. Josh mocks Grado for the Spud vs. Grado comedy match. Pope asks what Grado’s actual music is because he doesn’t listen to his entrance, and Bram just cradles him and beats him. Lashley highlight reel sets up another one for Aries showing off his big moves. Spud and Grado are out of Group UK as a turkey graphic appears on the screen beyond the green screen of Josh and Pope. Pope doesn’t want to give predictions, leading to Josh wondering just why TNA hired Pope as a broadcaster. Micah and Jessie Godderz get no ring introductions.
Micah vs. Jessie Godderz
Micah gets a back elbow while Pope talks about Micah missing aggression and he really needs ruthless aggression. Pope offers to give him advice while Josh says that Pope really shouldn’t be offering advice to anyone. Jessie drop toeholds Micah into the buckle while Pope cuts a fine promo about whether he was a face or a heel, he was intense. Jessie gets a bearhug while Josh plugs the TV tapings from January 5-9. Jessie rushes into a corner boot and eats a lariat and a big corner flying elbow before getting a back body drop. A giant Stinger splash hits and leads to a Big Ending for 2 because Jessie gets the ropes. Jessie gets some body shots and goes for the Crab, but Micah avoids it. Samoan drop hits for Micah, but a giant headbutt misses and Jessie gets the crab for the win. Jessie advances to the round of 16 and we get our first screen-filling graphic for someone advancing.
Robbie E vs. Davey Richards is up next, but first up next, Kurt talks about his future. We get a hype video for everyone in Group Tag Team Specialists. Robbie comes out to face Davey while Pope says that Robbie has reinvented himself. Robbie comes out fist-pumping, in a giant hoodie, and with his wacky hair. We get clips of Davey’s intro while Pope rambles on for a while. And then they just cut away from the intros and throw to Kurt Angle. Kurt talks about the talented roster in TNA and that the Maximum Impact tour is his retirement tour in TNA. Kurt says he’s loved his career, from WWE to TNA. Kurt says that he’s glad that his final run in TNA is in the UK before we go to Christy and get the full intros for the match we just got clipped intros for.
Davey Richards vs. Robbie E
It begins with some mat wrestling as Josh talks about Robbie “trying to wrestle”. Robbie hiptosses him down and gets an armdrag. Davey drops down and hits a big dropkick to send Robbie to the floor. Running penalty kick misses and Robbie gets a somersault senton to the floor off the apron. Robbie gets a flying Hart Attack while Josh says Robbie wants to be a real hybrid athlete. Davey gets 2 of an exploder suplex. Davey locks on a modified version of the Indian Deathlock before Robbie gets to the ropes. They exchange punches before Davey headbutts him down. Robbie sends him to the corner, gets a lariat and gets 2. Creeping Death flying kick is countered by a full nelson into the Boom Drop for 2! Davey gets 2 off a cradle before nailing a double stomp to counter a sunset flip for 2. Alarm Clock hits before a tornado buzzsaw kick gets the win for Davey. Davey raises Robbie’s hand high. Josh plugs Bracket Brawl in a weirdly sped-up ad for that contest. We get a graphic for the people in the round of 16, with several faces cut off by the TV-14 graphic. Group Wildcard is up with Crazzy Steve facing off against Kenny King.
Kenny King vs. Crazzy Steve
The referee tells Steve to put his horn away while the crowd cheers wildly for Kenny King. King spins out of a hammerlock in a slick way and nips up. King runs him down before running in place before Steve knocks him down and struts. Josh runs through Steve’s backstory with the Menagerie and how he isn’t quite sure why Steve is still on the active roster. Steve gets a takedown to grab the horn. King kicks his face off and slams him while we see Aiden ‘O Shea put a stogie in his mouth. Steve gets a corner forearm and a series of clotheslines before grabbing the horn and hitting a running knee. Springboard rana hits for Steve before he bites his head and gets 2 off a schoolboy. A crucifix gets 2, but the Royal Flush wins for Kenny King. With the win, King and Shera are the only ones in Group Wildcard who advance to the round of 16. The final person will be determined by the winner of Lashley vs. Aries. Aries cuts a promo with Thea saying that he’s had some great matches with Lashley before, and Lashley’s a smart guy. Aries vs. Lashley is up next. But first, we get yet another awards show. Shera hitting the Sky High is the move of the series, while Brooke won biggest upset for beating Kong. Pope called Grado vs. Spud the turkey of the series. Bram is the sleeper of the series, and it’s time for the main event. Aries comes out while we see clips of him having great match after great match in the series. Lashley comes out and they hype up his Bellator career.
Lashley vs. Austin Aries
Lashley gets a big takedown to start. Aries gets a headlock, circles Lashley and locks on a hammerlock. Josh recaps how Aries is back after losing a “loser leaves TNA” match and how Aries used the loophole of the Group Champions name to get back in. Aries lands a missile dropkick, but Lashley sends him down anyway. Lashley shoulderblocks him in the corner to the floor. Aries tries to get back in, but eats the apron. Corner shoulder charge hits again and Lashley goes for the delayed suplex, but Aries fights back with knees, but Lashley hits it anyway and gets 2! Fantastic sequence leads to an ad break.
We come back to see Aries stomping the foot to avoid a German suplex. Discus elbow is countered into an overhead belly to belly by Lashley. Lashley goes for the spear, but Aries avoids it and sends Lashley into the post. Missile dropkick hits again and sends him down hard. Lashley deadlifts him off the mat into a stampede powerslam for 2. Josh says we have five minutes left in the match as Aries locks on the Last Chancery as Lashley dives into the ring – but he’s tied in the ropes. Lashley gets up and eats some knee strikes. Lashley counters a brainbuster into a press slam, but Aries gets two discus elbows! Big corner dropkick leads to a brainbuster attempt, but Lashley gets a flip German suplex! Aries goes for the suicide dive, but his feet get caught in the ropes and he lands out of control on the floor. Lashley shoves Earl down, which should be a DQ. Lashley tosses him in while Earl checks on him. Lashley picks him up, but Earl puts him back down. Lashley preps for the spear while Earl tells him no. Aries fights back with an overhand chop. It’s all Aries has left and he goes down. Lashley goes for the spear, but Aries gets the Last Chancery in the middle of the ring. Lashley makes it to the rope, so Aries breaks the hold. Aries goes up top for the 450, but Lashley avoids it and eats the spear! Lashley moves on in the series – this was easily the best match of the series so far. The main event is over, but there’s still 15 minutes left in the show with nothing announced.
Josh says that the brackets will be announced – so that may actually be the main event segment. We see clips of tonight’s matches. Block A will feature EC3 against DJZ, while Bram faces Davey Richards. Block B features Lashley against Drew Galloway while Shera faces Eli Drake. In Block C, Gail faces Tigre Uno while Eric Young faces Kenny King. In Block D, Jessie faces Awesome Kong while Bobby Roode faces Matt Hardy. EC3 cuts a very echoey promo and buries DJZ. DJZ cuts another promo on his phone and says he’s a recovering scumbag and he loves walking around with girls while EC3 likes walking around with a 300 pound man. Davey cuts a very sedate promo from what appears to be a massage room, while Eli says that he’s moving on and there’s no surprise in that and while Shera dances, he’ll dance to the top. EY says that he’s king of the world and God, while Jessie says that no man, woman, or Kong can stop him. More cell phone footage, now with Roode in a ratty hoodie talking about respecting Matt Hardy, but doing whatever it takes to win. Matt says that Roode can’t stop the Matt Hardy Train and we get a quick hype video for next week. Well, Aries vs. Lashley was well-worth watching. The rest of the show was pretty skippable. To see every screenshot for the show, just click here.
TNA announced Thursday morning that it has signed a deal with POP TV for Impact, which will start on the station on January 5th, 2016, in a Tuesday from 9-11 p.m. time slot. Dixie Carter announced the news on Twitter stating that they are now on a station that reaches 85 million homes.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter had reported that POP TV, which has been airing Paragon Pro Wrestling weekly as a time buy, along with WGN America, were in negotiations for TNA. Of the two, the POP TV deal was considered the weaker station overall even though both stations were in similar amounts of homes.
It is an upgrade as far as reach is concerned, although POP TV is in closer to 75 million homes right now as compared to 57 million for Destination America. Finances were not disclosed which is the key when it comes to TNA, because there is little revenue coming in with the exception of selling the television show, since they almost never do live events that tickets are sold to, and PPV numbers are weak. TNA wil remain on Destination America through the end of 2015.
In a related note, Paragon announced today that their final date on POP TV will be November 21st. They are moving their programming to various platforms including Tuff-TV, Fight Net, You Too America and WADL-TV in Detroit, MI.
