Amid speculation that many former WWE stars have been approached with returning to the company due to the upcoming brand split, the possibility that free agent Kurt Angle could be one of those talents got some fans excited.
Unfortunately for those fans, that will be an unrealized dream as WWE officials confirmed Thursday that Angle is not returning to the company.
The story started when Angle was on Mark Madden’s Pittsburgh radio show on Monday and said that Paul Levesque had called him, but that no deal was in place. Although nobody officially said it, the story grew to a point where people said that a deal was done with a start date even listed.
The 47-year-old wrestler had his final TNA TV match in March, and has been working select indy dates with recent matches against the likes of Rey Mysterio Jr. and Zack Sabre Jr.
Sold out show tonight. Stacked card, hot crowd, and hot building.
Marty Scurll def. Noam Dar via submission (chicken wing) at 17:22
They started with some good ol’ World of Sport style catch as catch can wrestling. Dar got the upper hand early. Scurl played the ‘villain’ really well while Dar was the babyface. Yet, the crowd is 50/50 for both guys. This was a very good match. I’m a big fan of the ‘villain’ gimmick. Scurll has lots of nice little spots that work the gimmick perfectly. Example: setting up the superkick, then just as he calls for it, he faints and stiff kicks his opponent’s shin. Great stuff.
Pete Dunne def. Martin Stone after hitting a pump handle fallaway slam at 12:28
Dunne is the British Cruiserweight Champion but the belt is not on the line this evening. This was very much a tough guy, punch/kick match. A good match. After, Stone cut a promo to say thank you to the fans for supporting him. Despite him not living in the UK, he will always be a British wrestler. He puts over Dunne as well.
– Big Damo submitted Big Daddy Walter at 13:30
This a battle of the big guys with both wrestlers trying to…well, I guess out ‘big’ the other guy. This match was ok for a big guy brawl.
– Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr announced for the Rev Pro Summer Sizzler in July.
– Will Ospreay def. “Speedball” Mike Bailey after hitting the Springboard stunner at 17:25
Incredible reaction for Ospreay with chants of “You deserve it”. He’s truly given a ‘heros return’ ovation. They worked a karate vs wrestling/lucha story for the match. “They are artists” chants along with “F*ck you Vader” chants. Ospreay hits a Vader bomb at one point. Looks like that’s a new part of his arsenal.
Ospreay gets on the mic and thanks the UK fans and Rev Pro for being his home. He puts over Rev Pro booker Andy Quildan for always believing in him. Osprey states even though he’s only been wrestling for 4 years, this style will take a toll on his body and he most likely won’t work as many dates next year. However, he’ll always find time to come back home to Rev Pro. Nice touch.
Josh Bodom def. Chris Hero at 17:33
Bodom wins after the ref takes a bump from a hero stumble. Bodom hits a low blow while the ref is down and then a spinning back fist for the win.
Redman & Garrett def. British Tag Team Champions The Revolutionists at 8:46 to win the titles
This match started out pretty good with a nice top rope dive from Garret onto James Castle by the entrance, but the match went a bit crazy when all 4 guys were having a free for all in the ring including double pins. Not sure if the match was a NO DQ or tornado rules but it ended in a bit of a mess with Redman & Garrett picking up the victory and becoming NEW Undisputed British Tag Champions
Kurt Angle def. Zack Sabre Jr via submission at 9:03
Big reaction for Sabre, huge reaction for Kurt. They played Kurt’s WWE theme and the fans chanted, “You suck”. They begin by trading holds and reversals with Zabre getting the better of Angle and subsequently Angle taking charge. Dueling chants throughout the match. The match started at a slow pace with the expectation that they were building to something special. However, they quickly went to near falls/submissions. After a trio of rolling German suplexes, Angle clamped on the ankle lock and it was over.
Mutual respect at the end. Angle cuts a promo to say he was amazed at the level of talent at Rev Pro this evening and thanked the fans. He put over Sabre as one of the best guys on the indie scene. He than apologised for not being able to go at 100% , but he has a knee injury. He said he would be back and we will see him again, “Oh it’s true”, etc.
This show is available on RevPro’s OnDemand service on Tuesday for those wanting to check it out.
One of Cody Rhodes’ first matches on the independent scene will be on what is traditionally the biggest independent show of the year in the U.S.
Rhodes will be facing Kurt Angle, one of the names on his bucket list, on 8/27 in Wappingers Falls, NY, at Dutchess Stadium for Northeast Wrestling’s annual “Wrestling Under the Stars” event. The stadium show has featured over the years the biggest independent stars available, including names like Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, and usually draws in excess of 3000 fans.
Rhodes, by the terms of his WWE contract release, will be allowed to start working under his name on 8/19, and earlier this week, he posted a bucket list of what his goals were. Another of his bucket list items, the Battle of Los Angeles put on by PWG, is usually held at about that same time each year.
Also announced for the show will be Jeff Hardy vs. Jushin Liger in what is believed to be the first time the two have faced off in a singles match. They join Matt Hardy, Jerry Lawler, Booker T, Pentagon Jr., Sami Callihan, Kamaitachi along with local wrestlers and the wrestler formerly known as Hornswoggle.
Stemming from the success of its Wappingers Falls shows, Northeast Wrestling will be doing a series of Wrestling Under the Stars events this summer, including in Hickory, NC; Niles, OH; Pomona, NY; and Pittsfield, MA.
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.
Tuesday night Impact wrestling on Pop TV, with a main event of Kurt Angle continuing his retirement tour against Bobby Roode, saw the rating increase from last week’s record low but it was still the third lowest number since Impact’s move to Pop TV.
The first airing of the show, at 9 pm, did 258,000 viewers, up 23% from the Lockdown show last Tuesday and 1% from the Pop TV debut on January 5th.
The midnight replay was down to 68,000 viewers, the lowest replay number to date and the combined total of 326,000 was up 10% from last week’s record low.
The 2016 average is now 282,500 for the first run shows, down 14.4% from the 330,320 the show averaged during it’s run on Destination America in 2015. This was the fifth straight week that the show has done under 300,000 viewers after a high water mark of 339,000 on January 25th.
The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour and Kurt Angle’s TNA career comes to an end next week. The main event and Kurt’s final match in TNA will see him face “The Destroyer”, Lashley. TNA Tag Champs The Wolves will also defend their title against Beer Money.
Last time on Impact Wrestling: Lockdown! All the matches took place in the diabolical Six Sides of Steel Cage, sending the audience into roars. The main event left an impact with Matt Hardy defeating Ethan Carter III to retain the TNA World title! Rockstar Spud turned on EC3 by slamming the cage door on his head helping Matt win the match.
Tonight on Impact
Tonight kicks of Kurt Angle Week in TNA. Kurt’s nearly ten year long career in TNA Wrestling is coming to an end. Kurt Angle Week will include: Kurt’s final two matches in TNA and a commemorative Kurt Angle Farewell Tour bundle, which are available at ShopTNA.com. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour Bundle includes a Kurt Angle T- Shirt, Kurt Angle poster and other merchandise. Also, fans are encouraged to share their favorite Kurt Angle memories using #ThankYouKurt.
The Farewell Tour is nearing its conclusion and tonight Kurt competes in his second to last match in TNA. Kurt will face off with one of TNA’s most talented wrestlers and one of half of Beer Money, Bobby Roode. Then later, bursting back into the ring, EC3 and Matt Hardy continue their feud over the TNA World title. Not just that, but “The Miracle” Mike Bennett meets his toughest challenge yet when he faces Drew Galloway.
Show Recap
– We start the show off backstage, as TNA World Champion, Matt Hardy, Reby and Tyrus approach Rockstar Spud. Matt proclaims to Spud, “You’re my number one guy.”
– Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to the show and Josh lets us know that we’re kicking the night off with the second last match in The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.
The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour: Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
The night begins with a bang! Right off the bat we get hit with the main event, Roode vs. Angle. Roode comes out alone and leaves James Storm in the back. Josh mentions that Kurt is going to be inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame at the Arnold Expo next month. Josh failed to mention that HHH and NXT will also be involved with the Arnold Expo.
What an amazing match. These two worked a babyface vs. babyface match like it was all she wrote. They have a charismatic dual back and forth, both sides scoring several near falls. They traded submission holds with Kurt going for the Ankle Lock and Roode going for the Crossface. Kurt powered out of the Crossface and hit the Angle Slam, but only got a two count. Roode hit the Roode bomb, but Kurt kicked out. Kurt got the Ankle lock on Roode again, and this time Roode tapped out.
Post match, Kurt and Roode embraced and posed for the crowd. This was a fantastic match and they tore the house down, the roof was on fire, not literally obviously, but certainly metaphorically. The live crowd embraced this match and truly appreciated its significance by cheering for both men.
– Bobby Roode grabs the microphone, but before he speaks we cut to commercial.
– Back from commercial, it’s a mini Kurt Angle Celebration. Roode has the mic and says, “There is no shame in losing to one of the best wrestlers alive.” Roode thanks Kurt for everything he has done for the fans and the company. The crowd is chanting “Thank You, Angle, Thank You, Angle.” Kurt becomes humbled and emotional. James Storm comes down to the ring and thanks Kurt as well.
Storm pulls out two beers to celebrate Kurt’s career. The only problem is Kurt doesn’t want a beer, so James pulls out a jug of milk. Kurt chugs down the milk as the crowd chants, “Chug! Chug! Chug!” Kurt says that he wants to see Beer Money vs. TNA Champs The Wolves. The Wolves came down the ring to join the celebration and to show respect to Kurt. The Wolves agree to defend their titles against Beer Money. Josh says it’s official for next week.
– TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, his powerful wife, Reby and his brute force, Tyrus come down to the ring. Matt mentions that he’s beaten EC3 so many times it’s boring now, he’s no longer amused. Matt say’s he’s done facing EC3 and that EC3 will never get another title shot again. Matt thanks Rockstar Spud and encourages him out. Spud comes down to the ring wearing all black and not his custom bright colors and bowtie. The crowd chants “You Sold Out!” and “EC3”. Rockstar Spud becomes angry, and his enemies won’t like him when he’s angry, the crowd might though.
Spud talks about how terrible EC3 treated him. Spud promises to dedicate his life to Matt Hardy, Reby and their son, Maxell. Spud tells Matt “they’ve gotten rid of the cancer” in reference to taking out EC3 last week. Cue the catchiest music in wrestling, EC3 runs down and clears the ring. EC3 challenges Spud to a fight later tonight.
– Backstage, Gail walks down the hallway when the interviewer asks to talk to him about Maria. Gail says she wants to talk to Maria and is going to call her out to the ring for a fight.
– We get another creepy video featuring Decay walking down the streets. Bring on the nightmares!
– Back from commercial, backstage Matt, Reby, Tyrus and Spud are arguing with TNA President, Dixie Carter. Dixie is disgusted by their actions. They want her to fire EC3. Dixie is going to wash her hands of the situation by making EC3 vs. Rockstar Spud an unsanctioned match.
Monster’s Ball: Abyss w/ Decay (Crazy Steve & Rosemary) vs. Jimmy Havoc
As Decay makes their way to the ring, we get a recap of Jimmy Havoc trying to get Rosemary back and Decay beating him down. Jimmy Havoc is wearing a “Die Havoc Die” t-shirt. Havoc is the hometown hero for tonight as he hails from London. Like most Monsters’ Ball matches, and Abyss matches, there are lots of weapons at the wrestler’s disposal. Crazy Steve and Rosemary set up tables ringside. Abyss tries to use a cheese grater but Havoc steals it. Havoc uses the cheese grater on Abyss’ groin. This gives Havoc a brief advantage.
Jimmy goes to the top rope, but Rosemary distracts him and Abyss nails him with a chair shot. Jimmy falls from the top through a table on the outside. Abyss goes to use Janice, but Havoc makes another come back and he sends Abyss through a table in the corner. Havoc pulls out a barbwire board from underneath the ring. Havoc teases using Janice on Abyss, but Abyss hits the Blackhole Slam on the barbwire board for the pin and the win!
– TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim comes down to the ring. They recap the Lethal Lockdown from last week and Gail talks about the Knockouts division. The crowd loves Gail and is going crazy for her. Gail calls out Maria Kanellis and requests a fight. Maria finally comes down to the ring. They argue back and forth. Maria mentions that she was on The Celebrity Apprentice and in Playboy. Maria brings up Donald Trump to get some heat, which she got. Maria says she won’t wrestle and starts to leave. Gail chases after her, but Jade runs out and jumps Gail, beating her pretty bad. Jade poses with the Knockouts Title over the fallen body of Gail Kim.
– King Of The Mountain Champion Eric Young and Bram come down to the ring. EY wants a fight and demands a challenger and referee. Out comes Belfast’s own Big Damo. Big Damo is very well know on the Independent scene in the U.K. Josh mentions that Damo has a cult following. By the time Big Damo actually gets to speak, EY slaps him, stifling the large brute.
King of The Mountain Champion Eric Young w/Bram vs. Big Damo
Out of nowhere Big Damo hits a running dropkick that sends EY to the outside of the ring, starting the match. For a big guy, Big Damo is extremely agile and quick on his feet. Damo dominates the early moments with high impact moves. However, EY quickly gains the advantage. Damo makes a comeback and scores several near falls. Eric Young hits a very impressive Piledriver on Big Damo and scores the win.
-Backstage, Drew Galloway talks about his upcoming match with “The Miracle” Mike Bennett. Drew says that not even a Miracle can save Bennett tonight because he’s going to make an example of him.
“The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. Drew Galloway
Back from commercial, “Miracle” Mike Bennett and “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling”, Maria Kanellis make their way down to the ring. They recap Bennett beating Drew backstage a few weeks ago. Drew has his Feast of Fired Briefcase with him as he heads to the ring. In another recap, they bring up Drew beating Kurt with Drew’s new submission, The Iron Maiden.
Drew dominates the early part of the match, but Bennett trips Drew on the apron and takes over. Bennett sets up for the M.I.P. but Drew counters into a sweet looking Celtic Cross that would make Sheamus proud. Drew hits the Claymore and locks on the Iron Maiden submission. Maria puts Bennett’s leg on the bottom rope, breaking up the submission. With Drew distracted by Maria, Bennett rolls up Drew for the three count to win the match.
-Backstage, Matt Hardy and Tyrus approach Rockstar Spud and hype him for his upcoming match.
-Back from commercial, backstage The Wolves talk about their match next week with Beer Money.
-Earlier, Grado was outside talking about accomplishing his dream of competing in TNA. The dream was shattered in the Feast or Fired match. He says next week he is going to prove that he was screwed.
Ethan Carter III vs. Rockstar Spud
They recap Rockstar Spud turning on EC3 last week. Spud makes his way to the ring and he’s very confident. Backstage, as EC3 makes his way to the ring both Tyrus and Matt Hardy jump him. However, EC3 gets the better of both guys and he locks them in the back of a tractor-trailer. Back in the arena, Spud is shocked when EC3’s music hits as he expected Hardy and Tyrus to take him out.
Back from commercial, Spud tries to run up the ramp, but EC3 cuts him off. Rockstar Spud is on his own because Hardy and Tyrus are locked in the back of the tractor-trailer. Spud keeps trying to escape, but EC3 is really enjoying throwing Spud around. Spud gets the brief advantage but EC3 quickly takes over. Spud continues to find ways to cheat in order to gain the advantage, but EC3 makes a comeback each time. The crowd is chanting for tables and unlike The Dudley Boys, EC3’s going to give them what they want. EC3 sets up a table in the ring. Spud tries to crawl up the ramp, but EC3 brings him back. Spud hits a low blow to slow down EC3. EC3 makes his own comeback and powerbombs Spud through the table. EC3 locks on a chokehold to put an end to the match.
Final Thoughts
Another good Impact this week. The shows have been solid lately and TNA is trying there best to make each Impact important. Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode was fantastic match and a show stealer. Exciting matches and decent angles throughout the show kept it fun to watch and compelling for the crowd.
Next Week on Impact
Next week is a historic and sad TNA Impact with an exciting line up. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour and Kurt Angle’s TNA career comes to its final conclusion. The highly anticipated main event will feature Kurt Angle’s final match in TNA as he takes on “The Destroyer”, Lashley. Also, TNA Tag Champs The Wolves defend against Beer Money in a tag team dream match.
Ethan Carter III will break his silence and speak for the first time since losing the TNA World Title to Matt Hardy. Also, the TNA X Division Champion Tigre Uno puts his belt on the line against Gregory Shane Helms. Plus an appearance by TNA World Champion, Matt Hardy, and more on the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.
Show Recap:
– Earlier today, Ethan Carter III ran into a camera crew. He’s willing to tell everyone what has been on his mind. He is shown throughout the show getting ready for his interview.
– After the sweet opening theme song and credits, TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, Reby, and Tyrus make their way to the ring. Matt talked about his brother Jeff Hardy and he recapped how Eric Young piledrove Jeff through a table last week. Reby took the mic from Matt and said she was sick of hearing people say her husband was in Jeff’s shadow. EY & Bram come down to the ring. EY wants a shot at the champ but Kurt Angle interrupts them. Kurt announces that he’s getting a shot at the TNA World title in tonight’s main event. Beer Money comes out to try and even the odds. A brawl breaks out with all six guys. Crazy Steve & Abyss come down but before they can make it to the ring, The Wolves run out and attack Steve and Abyss. Beer Money and The Wolves announce they’ll face EY, Bram, Crazy Steve and Abyss in Hardcore War.
– Backstage, Drew Galloway was being interviewed about winning the World Title shot in the Feast or Fired. Tyrus interrupts him and they set up a match for later.
Lashley vs. Aiden O’Shea
Aiden jumped Lashley as he was trying to take his t-shirt off. The beautiful and stunning Raquel made her way to ringside. Lashley sent Aiden to the outside. Raquel got in Lashley’s way and Aiden regained the advantage. Lashley made his own comeback and beat Aiden with the spear. After the match, Raquel got on the mic and said, “I can bring you pain or pleasure.”
– Last week before the reveal of Feast or Fired, Eli Drake talked about the briefcase and that he has a 75% of getting the World title shot. Jesse Godderz was then interviewed and talked about Eli Drake winning the Feast or Fired.
– “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis came out but without “Miracle” Michael Bennett. Maria wants to talk about women’s wrestling. Maria thinks the Knockouts Division is broken and that she is here to fix it. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim comes down the ring. This is a pretty good segment. Both Gail and Maria played their roles well. Gail challenged Maria but Maria escaped from the ring.
Hardcore War: TNA World Tag Champions The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) and Beer Money (James Strom & Bobby Roode) vs. Eric Young, Bram and Decay (Crazy Steve and Abyss)
A really good match with a lot of weapons. In fact, everyone came to the ring with a weapon. Davey Richards and Crazy Steve start the match. Davey had a chair and Steve had a baseball bat wrapped in a chain. Steve went to use the chair but Davey grabbed the bat and hit the chair back into Steve’s face. Bram is the next entrant to the ring with corner turnbackle pad pipe. The heels beat Davey all over the place. James Storm is the next entrant and he comes out with a Keg of Beer. EY comes out next with a Singapore cane. Back from commercial, Eddie Edwards is now in the match. Abyss comes to the ring with Janice. The final entrant is Booby Roode who has a hockey stick. Beer Money and The Wolves clear the ring and then all four do the Beer Money Signature. Beer Money and EY & Bram fight to the back. Steve spits the mist into Davey’s eyes and picks up the win.
Drew Galloway vs. Tyrus
Drew brings his Feast or Fired World title shot briefcase to the ring. These two had a good match. The action went back and forth with both having the chance to shine. Drew was about to finish off Tyrus when suddenly, the lights went out and when the lights came back on Michael Bennett and Maria were in the ring. He attacked Drew with the briefcase. Drew did a great sell job here. He sold it like he was dead, especially in the eyes.
TNA X Division Champion Tigre Uno vs. Gregory Shane Helms
Shane Helms came out but was clearly not dressed to wrestle. Helms isn’t wrestling but he has a mystery representative, Trevor Lee. They have a good match but the crowd was flat for some spots. Lee dominated the early part of the match but Uno made a comeback. Tigre hit a sweet looking hurricanrana. Trevor Lee hits a fisherman buster into a roll up for the win. Trevor Lee is the new TNA X Division Champion.
EC3 Interview
EC3 cut a great promo from his home. This cemented his babyface turn, as EC3 was a total babyface here. He was tremendous talking about how he acted like a “piece of s**t” and that he just wants to win. This was done really well with the way it was shot and the incorporation of music. It’s worth going out of your way to see this promo. EC3 is going to take a plane to the U.K. to find Matt Hardy and he wants his world title back.
TNA World Champion Matt Hardy (w/Reby & Tyrus) vs. Kurt Angle
Another really good main event from TNA. Matt gets the advantage early but Kurt makes a comeback and hits three rolling German suplex. Tyrus jumps on the apron and Kurt sent Matt into him. Tyrus then took a really slow bump off of that from the apron to the floor. Back from commercial, Kurt locks on the ankle lock but Matt rolls through and sends him to the outside. Tyrus attacks Kurt on the outside and instantly went over and harassed The Pope on commentary. The fans broke into a small “Pope” chant.
Angle scores several near falls but is unable to pick up the win. Kurt hits Matt with another series of German Suplex. Kurt kicked out of Matt’s twist of fate. Kurt hits yet another series of German suplex, which bring the total to around 12. Kurt went to the top rope but Tyrus and Reby tried to stop him. This gave Matt enough time to hit the twist of fate from the top rope to win the match. Matt retains the TNA World Title and beats Kurt in the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.
Next Week on TNA Impact:
We’re in the UK where the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour continues as Kurt says goodbye to his U.K. fans. Bobby Lashley goes one on one with Bram and TNA World Champion Matt Hardy will make an appearance.
– Big Damo & Jimmy Havoc vs. Mike Bennett (No Maria) & Drew Galloway (Jokers Wild) (One Night Only)
The match was basically a handicap match, with Bennett & Galloway doing the partners not getting along deal, as they are currently in a program together, although by the time this airs it probably won’t be the case, but who knows. As I say, 2-on-1 with Galloway in-ring for his team, at one point he went to tag Bennett who dropped down from the apron, then later he wanted the tag and Drew wouldn’t give it to him, Galloway made his comeback, hit the double-arm DDT, Bennett made a tag without Drew’s consent, threw him from the ring, and stole the pin. Drew was one of the more over guys on the show, Havoc got a nice reaction, the match was fine.
– Matt Hardy promo to open, he’s said he has beaten EC3 so many times it’s now boring. He’ll never get a shot at Hardy again. Introduces Rockstar Spud (to his hometown). Points out that 1 year ago EC3 left him battered and bloodied, with his head shaved. Now the public are jumping on the latest bandwagon supporting EC3. He took some good old fashioned revenge, and took what EC3 craved. EC3 eventually interrupts with a run in and beats Tyrus, then Hardy. Spud tries to attack, but ends up getting away. EC3 challenges Spud to a “fight”, no ref, no rules.
Xplosion:
– Jessie Godderz beat Tigre Uno by submission with a Boston crab.
Impact Episode 1:
– Here came an hilarious part of the show for me personally. A time or two before this, Borash had added an incentive for the crowd being rowdy, the incentive being particular fans that were seen as the most rowdy would get backstage passes, which they seemed to follow through with. But this time he took it up another level. He encouraged the fans to give Gail a great ovation for the following segment, and said these extra rowdy fans would get to go in the knockouts locker room! Needless to say Gail came out, all the pervs and the place in general went nuts, and she got most probably the biggest reaction of the entire show. Maybe this is commonplace in wrestling, but this was a first for me, and I was in a fit of laughter. So when this airs, if you see some random guy in a second row laughing hysterically, that’s me.
Gail cut a promo on Maria and her involvement in the cage match, said the knockouts division has always been about wrestling and all Maria does is talk etc., calls her out, Maria comes out, doesn’t want to fight, waffles on-and-on (I was tired before the show, and I was already getting agitated as this was close to an-hour-and-a-half into the show and we’d seen two short matches, so I wasn’t paying great attention), they go back-and-forth on the mic, Maria walks-off (was standing outside the ring the whole time), Gail chases her, gets jumped by Jade who gives her a beating on the entrance ramp, grabs the mic, cuts a promo on Gail, holds the title aloft and makes clear our next knockouts program.
Birmingham street fight: EC3 vs Rockstar Spud
We were told by JB beforehand Dixie had made this match. No ref, both guys in street clothes. Standard street fight, lots of brawling around ringside, chair involvement, Carter took a lot of the match with Spud getting on top via shortcuts, crowd wanted tables, eventually got a table, EC3 powerbombed Spud through the table in-ring, locked him in a Cobra Clutch, Spud began tapping frantically, refs, Pat Kenney and maybe some other officials came running down, pulled EC3 off and successfully persuaded him that enough-was-enough.
Impact Episode 2:
– Opens with Dixie carter in ring, TNA roster outside ring. They’re here to celebrate Kurt Angle. Dixie hoped this day would never come, and can’t thank Angle enough for everything he’s done. Drew Galloway gets in the ring, says it was an honor to be picked to wrestle him on his farewell tour. Asks him please don’t go, but then says thank you so much. Angle talks, says he came to TNA to find himself, he’s a better person for being here. Bobby Lashley interrupts. It’s a bad day, but a great experience, an amazing thing for him, so thank you. But, he can see it as he looks at Angle’s eyes and Kurt’s just not ready to wrestle him.
– Borash mentions this is the Feast or Fired episode of impact, and we’ll find out who got what later.
Xplosion:
– Marti Bell and Rebel of Dollhouse vs Beautiful People (Rayne & Sky)
Crowd were really into The Beautiful People, especially Velvet, match was what you’d expect to be polite, but it wasn’t atrocious. Velvet won with a stunner, or some sort of variation. Not sure who she pinned.
Impact:
– King of The Mountain Title Match: Bram, EY, Will Osprey, Jimmy Havoc and Big Damo.
Match didn’t seem that long, Ospreay had his fans, Ospreay took a bump off the ladder into the turnbuckle and appeared to get momentarily wedged between buckle and ladder but seemed ok, Havoc did a dive off the penalty box onto multiple combatants, Young & Bram did the deal where heel partners start off working together and then prize gets between them, Havox took a piledriver from Young onto the steps, Ospreay was climbing the ladder and then Young leaped from the top rope and caught him with a flying neckbreaker from the ladder which led to the Young win.
Feast or Fired briefcases:
Beer Money: Tag title shot
Eli Drake: KOTM title shot
Drew Galloway: World title shot
Grade: Fired
– Mike Bennett & Maria come out for a promo, Bennett talks about Angle leaving and Carter having his chances, says he’s going to be #1 contender and win the title, as well as save wrestling, asks Dixie to come out and grant his request, Drew comes out, they go back-and-forth on the mic, Bennett tells Drew to go and get Dixie for him, Drew turns to do so and then turns back around and attacks Bennett, Bennett powders to end the segment.
– Knockouts Champion Gail Kim vs Jade.
Nice match, been a big admirer of Gail’s for a number of years, crowd really got into it. Gail did this ridiculous spot where he did a rope-walk whilst holding onto Jade, then leaped onto Jade for a hurricanrana, who reversed it into a powerbomb. I think she was ok, but it didn’t look pretty and was a pretty risky spot. Finish came when Gail performed a flying crossbody, Jade reversed the pin, then Gail reversed again for the win. The crossbody may’ve came a little earlier, but it definitely ended with the pinning sequence. With the nature of the finish this appeared to set-up another match, and for the aftermath Jade was screaming at Gail from the ring while Gail was on the ramp in a way that seemed to suggest this.
– TNA Tag Champions Wolves vs Beer Money
Crowd were super into Beer Money, really hot for the match, probably the most over match on the show, nice match, probably really good (again, I was beat), loud “this is awesome” chants, Davey Richards got injured leaping from the top rope and taking a super Codebreaker, after taking it whilst lying on the mat he faced my side of the arena clearly in a lot of pain, clutch his knee or shin (would think he injured his knee), rolled outside, Earl Hebner communicated with him and threw up the X, there was a “conference” between the three guys, they went a few more minutes with just the three guys, Hebner communicated with Richards just before the finish, DWI on Edwards by Beer Money to win the titles. Richards was helped to back by doctors and officials. Wouldn’t like to speculate but didn’t look good.
– Borash is about to introduce the Angle-Lashley match, Grado comes running down (pretty over), says he has video evidence that he was screwed out of his job, is about to cue it when Drake & Godderz come out, cut a promo on Grado, 2-on-1 beatdown, Shera makes the save (who maybe the worst wrestler I’ve ever seen live, he looked terrible) Shera gets clobbered from behind with the briefcase by Drake, Drake & Godderz set Grado up for a briefcase shot, miscue, Jesse eats the briefcase, RKO on Drake, Grado steals the briefcase to end the segment.
– Kurt Angle vs Lashley:
Amateur wrestling to start-off, Germans from Kurt, Lashley powders, Kurt works over Lashley, Snake-Eyes for the transition move, Lashley works over Kurt, particularly his neck (being very careful of course), Angle makes his comeback with suplexes galore, Angle Slam nearfall, a Powerslam nearfall for Lashley in here somewhere, Angle Lock escape from Lashley, Spinebuster nearfall for Lashley, two nearfalls from two separate Spears, goes for a third and hits the post, very long Angle Lock escape, Kurt did his deal where he wraps his legs around the ankle, pulled him back to the middle, this went on maybe a couple of minutes, really putting over Lashley, third Spear for the clean Lashley win. Crowd was starting to get tired, so they weren’t super-hot, but had their moments. Good match, but nothing fantastic, but again I taped-out long ago.
They embraced post-match, then as they were standing with their arms linked and aloft, Lashley ambushed Kurt with a punch and then gave him a fourth Spear to turn heel. I think there may’ve been a fifth Spear on Angle I’m not sure, Galloway ran down and attempted to calm the situation, turned his back and got a Spear for his troubles, Edwards ran down and got a Spear, absolutely monster heel Lashley, EC3 came down, there was a mid-ring stare-down, Lashley shot him a sly smile and backed-off, so Lashley-EC3 appear to be an upcoming big program, if this part airs, which I assume it does. Crowd really got into the post-match. Babyfaces all embraced Kurt and stood with their arms aloft, they left the ring to Kurt who cut a short promo saying wrestlers don’t show enough appreciation to their fans and greatly thanked the crowd, before departing with “I’ll see you again soon, some day”, or something to that effect. It was a nice moment.
One Night Only PPV taping
16 man gauntlet match, which for some reason only had 13 entrants. Borash said everybody would be involved but I saw no EC3, Lashley, Beer Money, Angle, or Richards (for obvious reason). Final four were Grado, Hardy, Galloway & Bennett, Hardy was eliminated, then Grado shortly afterwards, Bennett & Galloway went at it for a few minutes with Drew getting the win. Not a lot of people seemed to leave and they appeared to enjoy the gauntlet, especially with Drew winning who remained pretty over despite his numerous appearances throughout the show.
Order of entry: Bennett, Mandrews, Tigre Uno, Jade, Will Osprey, Bram, Eric Young, Eddie Edwards, Drew Galloway, Matt Hardy, Tyrus, Rockstar Spud, Grado.
Submitted by Stephen Lyon from Manchester, England, UK
– TNA returned to Manchester, England, for night one of their three night annual U.K. tour. Two episodes of IMPACT WRESTLING were taped this evening, said to air on February 2nd and 9th.
– The 20,000 capacity Manchester Arena appeared to be greatly cut down and curtained off for a 5000 capacity (only a small part of the lower tier only open), and I’d estimate a crowd of 3000 (possibly less). It wasn’t full for what they set up and there were lots of empty seats. The crowd were very hot at key points in the show, but it was a long show (a 4 hour taping) and a lot of people left during the 4th hour, presumably to catch the last bus or train home. I think there was only 1500 fans left for the main event of the taping, and the show started at 7pm and finished at 10:50pm.
TNA XPlosion:
Mark Andrews beat Will Ospreay
Match went 5 minutes. After they made such a big deal about featuring British wrestlers on the taping, not only did Big Damo & Jimmy Havoc not appear tonight (despite tweeting earlier that they were both in Manchester), Will Ospreay was only featured in a five minute opening match spotfest that’s not even going to air on IMPACT. Match was okay but not a patch on their PWG stuff. This was a huge disappointment in many respects, and a waste of Ospreay’s talents.
February 2nd (February 7th in the UK) IMPACT:
– They aired an Ethan Carter 3 pretaped promo in his mansion, taped ‘earlier in the week’, where Carter cut a terrific babyface promo, acknowledging he’s been an jerk in the past, but saying the defeat to Hardy had been a wake up call, and that he was flying to England to get his revenge. I’m guessing they aired this to condition the live crowd as to him being a babyface during the show, to ensure the ‘right reactions’ occurred. This was really well done.
– IMPACT opened with a Matt Hardy interview. The TNA Champion was accompanied by Reby Sky, and Tyrus was carrying little Maxel. Hardy was heavily booed and cut a great heel promo, demanding that Dixie Carter fire EC3 later in the show.
Bobby Lashley beat Bram
Eric Young accompanied Bram to the ring, and his interference backfired when he tried to hit Lashley with a chair and hit Bram instead. Lashley speared both and pinned Bram.
– Kurt Angle came out to a huge pop for a farewell interview. Mike Bennett & Maria interrupted and insulted him. Bennett challenged Angle, but Angle decked him, saying he’d only wrestle people he respected, and said his opponent tonight was Drew Galloway. Galloway then appeared on the entrance ramp before returning to the back.
X Division Champion Trevor Lee beat Tigre Uno to retain
Lee was accompanied by Shane Helms.
Beer Money beat Decay by D.Q.
Beer Money came out for an interview to a big pop. James Storm rode a scooter-like vehicle called a ‘Bruiser Cruiser’ to the ring. They mentioned their Feast or Fired Tag Title shot briefcase and challenged the Wolves to a title match tonight. Decay came out instead and challenged Beer Money to a fight. To the match, Storm had Crazzy Stevie pinned, only for Abyss to pull the ref out for the D.Q. Decay put the boots to both Roode & Storm afterwards, with the Wolves running in for the save. Wolves cut a promo on Decay, demanding their belts back, which Decay had stolen. Wolves offered Decay a tag title match. Abyss agreed, as long as it was a Monsters Ball match ‘next week’ (taped later).
– Grado came out of the crowd in his wrestling gear, acknowledging he’d been fired and was disappointed he couldn’t wrestle tonight. He then claimed that he’d been screwed, and had proof, pulling out an envelope. Eli Drake interrupted him and both Drake and two security guys chased Grado out of the ring and to the back, Benny Hill-style. It was fairly amusing and the crowd ate it up. Grado got a good reaction.
Jade beat Madison Rayne
Rebel & Marti attacked Rayne afterwards, and Gail Kim ran out for the save.
Drew Galloway beat Kurt Angle
This turned into a pretty good 15 minute match. Finish saw Galloway escape from the ankle lock and apply his own submission move for the win. Afterwards, the pair embraced. Angle looked choked up afterwards, looking at the crowd.
Finish of the first show saw Hardy, Reby and Tyrus in the ring (no Maxel this time), confronting Dixie Carter who came out. Hardy pleaded with Dixie to fire EC3, bringing up all the terrible things EC3 had done in the past. Rockstar Spud came out to a big pop. Spud was wearing a bright red suit with the POP TV logo on the back. Spud told Hardy that EC3 had done most of the terrible things to him, Spud, but that EC3 shouldn’t be fired because he can back it up in the ring, and claimed EC3 was still undefeated, unpinned and unsubmitted. Tyrus decked Spud. As the heels were about to attack Dixie, EC3 came out to the biggest reaction of the night. He stood at the top of the ramp, ripped off his suit then ran down the aisle. He nailed 2 security guards, then Tyrus, but once he made it to the ring, Hardy ran away. Crowd loved EC3, singing along to his music and waving their arms in the air.
Taped for the February 9th (February 14th in the UK) IMPACT:
Mike Bennett beat Mark Andrews
Good match. Bennett was beating on Andrews after the match and Galloway ran out for the save.
Eric Young went to double countout with James Storm
Nothing match. Afterwards, Young & Bram brawled with Roode & Storm into the crowd and into the concourses.
Mahabili Shera & ‘ODARG The Great’ beat Eli Drake & Jesse Godderz
‘ODARG The Great’ was the ‘fired’ Grado under a mask, ‘Odarg’ obviously being ‘Grado’ spelt backwards. Odarg came out to the same Madonna ‘Like A Prayer’ theme song, with ‘ODARG’ written across his singlet like Grado’s regular singlet. Everyone in the crowd knew it was Grado, not that it wasn’t obvious anyway. On the surface this seems dumb, but it was played for comedy and the crowd ate it up. Odarg pinned Drake, but his mask came off at one point during the match.
– EC3 came out for an interview, and ended up brawling with both Matt Hardy and Tyrus. Hardy & Tyrus challenged EC3 to a tag match later.
TNA Tag Champions The Wolves beat Decay in a Monsters Ball match to retain (and regain physical possession of the belts).
This was a wild hardcore match, with chairs, tables, ladders, thumb tacks, a barbed wire bat and barbed wire board used. A key spot was the Wolves caught Rosemary trying to interfere, and with Edwards holding her, Richards at first teased using a cheesegrater on her (seriously), then even better, forced a big kiss on her (similar to the Ric Flair/Becky Lynch spot at the Rumble that people raised their eyebrows over, given it’s now 2016). Finish saw Richards give Crazzy Stevie a brainbuster on a chair covered in tacks for the win.
– Jeremy Borash brought out Josh Matthews to wave to the crowd, and also later, Billy Corgan. Corgan did some brief mic work, thanking the crowd.
Gail Kim & Madison Rayne beat Jade & Marti
Afterwards, Rebel beat down the faces, with Velvet Sky making the save. Sky then cut a promo, challenging the Dollhouse to a 3 on 3 ‘Lethal Lockdown’ match, to be taped in London tomorrow.
Ethan Carter 3 & Rockstar Spud beat TNA World Champion Matt Hardy & Tyrus
Spud came out mid-way through the match as Carter’s partner. Afterwards, Spud simply glared at EC3 then left. The storyline is that although both are now babyfaces, Spud hasn’t forgiven EC3 for the way he mistreated him in the past.
Then in a dark segment to close the show, EC3 brought Spud out again, and told the crowd it was Spud’s birthday tomorrow, leading the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to him. Spud seemed happy, then said, “By the way, I still hate you’” and left.
Notes:
Overall an entertaining show. It did drag a lot towards the end of the third hour and into the fourth hour. The crowd were enthusiastic at the key moments. It was just sad to see the crowd smaller than it was last year (and the crowd size has decreased every year for the past 2-3 years), with plenty of empty seats visible on all 3 sides of the arena. The main event angle is strong, and they did a terrific job getting EC3 over as the top babyface to the point he was the most over babyface on the show by the end (with the possible exception of Kurt Angle).
Here are the final results from the TNA tapings Saturday in Bethlehem, PA — the final night of the five-day taping. It was advertised as a PPV taping, but ended up being an Impact taping.
– X Division Champion Tigre Uno won three-way over Mandrews and DJ Zema Ion to retain. Shane Helms said he wanted a title match next week.
– Jeff Hardy challenged Matt Hardy for the TNA title, saying he was mad at Matt’s actions in winning the title. Here’s how that happened, btw.
– They had the annual Feast or Fired match with briefcases going to Drew Galloway, James Storm, Grado and Eli Drake. The reveal may be done secretly and not air until the shows from England.
– TNA Tag Champions The Wolves beat Abyss & Crazy Steve via DQ in a tag title match when Steve sprayed mist. Abyss & Steve have a female clown as their valet.
– Jeff vs. Matt for the title was supposed to be next. Eric Young and Bram attacked Jeff. Beer Money made the save. Heels Abyss & Steve joined in and Kurt Angle got involved. Tyrus knocked out Angle and Matt hit Angle with a belt shot, while Young piledrove Jeff through a table doing an injury angle as Jeff went out on a stretcher.
– Awesome Kong beat Velvet Sky. The Doll House also destroyed Madison Rayne after the match.
– Bobby Lashley beat Aiden O’Shea. There is a new character, a woman, who is trying to hit on Lashley after the match.
– TNA Champion Matt Hardy, Reby Hardy and Tyrus were out. Young and Bram came out. Young wanted a title match with Matt. Angle also wanted a title match with Matt.
– X Division Champion Tigre Uno came out to defend his title against Shane Helms. Helms came out in clothes and said the challenge was for Trevor Lee, not him, and Lee beat Uno to win the title.
– Drew Galloway beat Tyrus via DQ when Mike Bennett interfered and hit Galloway with his Feast or Fired briefcase.
– Crazzy Steve won a Hardcore war match by pinning Davey Richards when they were the last two.
– Maria Kanellis did an interview saying women’s wrestling needs a new leader. This brought out Gail Kim. They went at it, so they are going to have a program.
– TNA Champion Matt Hardy beat Kurt Angle to retain thanks to help from Reby Hardy.
