First, I want to apologize for the lateness of this article. There was a death in my family this week, and it took precedent over anything else. MATCH RESULTS
REY MYSTERIO AND SIN CARA DEF EPICO AND PRIMO – After the match, Rey-Cara were ambushed by the Prime Time Players, who said they were the rightful number one contenders to the tag title and wouldn’t let anyone take anything from them ever again.
EVE TORRES (DIVAS CHAMPION) DEF BETH PHEONIX – The broadcast team spent this match speculating over whether or not Eve got her title match by injuring Kaitlin, the scheduled opponent for then champ Layla, who joined the team at ringside. Layla tried to take up the debate, but faltered.
BRODUS CLAY DEF HEATH SLATER – U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro joined the broadcast team to set up a potential feud with Brodus.
DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF SANTINO MARELLA – Marella got distracted trying to get his “Cobra” back from Vicki Guerro at ringside, leaving him vulnerable to two “Zigzags.”
WADE BARRETT DEF JUSTIN GABRIEL – Little more than a squash to build up Barrett.
TEAM FRIENDSHIP DEF KINGSTON/R-TRUTH – Kane and Bryan constantly arguing left them vulnerable to double-teaming and high-impact spots, however Bryan brought the belts home with the “no” lock.
RANDY ORTON DEF TENSAI – This was the basic “face takes a beating but keeps coming back,” routine. Orton wins with the RKO.
DAMIEN SANDOW DEF ZACK RYDER – Ryder actually looked good here, even getting a close two-count with the “broski boot,” but in the end it was another win for Sandow. Prior to this match, Sandow came out to remind us that this was back-to-school season, and attempted to give the crowd a “vocabulary lesson,” by running them down with terms like “ignoramuses,” and “miscreants.” This leads to a (heated) debate by the announcers over what counts as a “big word.”
SHEAMUS AND JOHN CENA DEF C.M. PUNK AND ALBERTO DEL RIO – We got a fast-paced back and forth, with everyone getting a piece of everyone else. Match ends with Cena getting an AA on Punk for the three-count despite Punk having a foot clearly on the ropes. Punk actually badgers the ref all the way to the back about the decision.
Highlights of the night included both Jim Ross and John Bradshaw Layfield joining Cole on commentary, and a repeated update on Jerry Lawler. He is home in Memphis, recuperating and will be on RAW next week for a special interview.
Overall, a solid, if uneventful RAW; at least till the end
Last week: David Otunga and R-Truth had a bit of a falling out.
The theme song plays, the pyro goes off, and the broadcast team of Michael Cole and Josh Matthews welcome us to WWE NXT!
R-Truth and David Otunga make their way to the ring, Truth rapping the whole way. Otunga can care less about Truth’s performance, he walks right past his mentor and into the ring.
Matt Striker is standing by backstage, and he explains the rules of the show once more. The pros will vote on the rookies – but they can’t vote for or against their own rookies.
AWESOME!
The Miz leads his rookie, Daniel Bryan, to the ring. This is a tag team match, which will probably wind up coming down to which team can put aside their differences better. Miz has a pep talk for Bryan. Right now, Bryan is 0-2. He hasn’t proven anything to anybody yet. Last night on RAW, Miz was jumped. This match is very important to him. If Bryan is pinned tonight, Miz will make sure he never achieves his goal of becoming a WWE Superstar. And he’ll have him thrown off of NXT.
R-Truth & David Otunga def. The Miz & Daniel Bryan
Bryan starts off with R-Truth, with Truth having the upper hand early on. Otunga gets the tag in and the team of Truth and Otunga start utilizing classic tag team strategy, keeping Bryan away from The Miz. Things get a bit crazy – Bryan and Miz get dumped to the outside by Truth, who dives on them, sending us to a…
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When we come back, Michael Cole screws up David Otunga’s name, calling him Daniel Otunga. Miz and Bryan are also in control by this point. Bryan tags in The Miz, who admonishes him for showboating. Miz is nearly pinned by Truth off of a rollup, but manages to take control right back from him. Truth causes some separation, and finally manages to get the tag in to Jennifer Hudson’s fiancee. He gets Miz in a pinning predicament, but Bryan makes the save. Bryan tags himself in and turns the tide back into his team’s favor. He locks a heel hook in on Otunga. Will Otunga snap or tap? Miz tags himself back in, and then the two start battling – meanwhile, Truth sneaks in and nails the Lie Detector on The Miz, allowing Otunga to pin the WWE United States Champion.
After the match, Miz threatens Bryan’s career again, telling him to go away. Bryan feigns punching The Miz, who flinches, before leaving.
Video: Carlito Surprised Heath Slater by spitting in his face. That wasn’t cool to Slater. Slater says if he had an apple and Carlito was standing in front of him, he wouldn’t spit in his face, he’d chuck it like a fastball at Carlito’s head. He’ll have the opportunity, as he takes on Carlito, NEXT!
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Matt Striker wants to know how Miz feels about the fact that it was he who lost the match for his team, and not Daniel Bryan. Miz reminds Striker of all the gold he has. Bryan comes in, he doesn’t care about Miz’s accolades. He says that everybody he’s ever been partners with have carried him. Miz reminds him he’s the pro. Bryan asks if Miz is so talented, why is he the one who lost tonight?
Video: Justin Gabriel grew up in the wrestling industry and he’s a martial arts expert.
Matt Hardy is giving Gabriel a pep talk backstage, telling him to do exactly what he did last week. Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett come in. Jericho says he did good last week, but not good enough for this week, because Wade Barrett is Jericho’s protege, and look at the size of him. Barrett reminds Gabriel that last week, he destroyed Daniel Bryan in less than 3 minutes. Hardy tells Jericho that his protege will defeat Jericho’s tonight.
Heath Slater makes his way to the ring along with his pro, Christian. Carlito heads to the ring with his rookie, Michael Tarver. Carlito heard what Slater had to say about him, but he should be honored that Carlito spit in his face. You know how many WWE Superstars faces Carlito’s spit into? Slater should be begging to get spit at again. Carlito gets in the ring, takes a bite of his apple, but Slater ducks the spit.
Heath Slater def. Carlito
Slater decked Carlito to start the match and then we went to a…
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Carlito is in control when we come back, but that doesn’t last very long. Slater holds his own with Carlito, and when Carlito kicks Slater in the face, Tarver cheers from ringside, saying “that boy’s gonna need to go to the dentist!” Carlito takes control for a few minutes, but he takes some time to talk to Tarver on the outside, and Slater takes advantage. Carlito hits a spinebuster on Slater, and he goes to grab his apple, but Christian took it away. Christian tosses it to Tarver, who doesn’t think it’s funny. Carlito tells Christian to watch what he does to Slater – he goes for a Backstabber, but Slater escapes. Carlito tries to roll up Slater, but Slater rolls through and pins Carlito.
Video: Darren Young says this is his destiny. He thinks the WWE Universe will find him entertaining. There’s no better feeling than being in the spotlight, and he looks up to guys like Shawn Michaels and Ricky Steamboat.
CM Punk is discussing Young with the Straight Edge Society. Young comes in and says he respects Punk’s lifestyle, but wants to know why he can’t live his own. Punk says he can lead a horse to water, but he can’t make him drink. Straight Edge can make him a winner, but Young can live his own lifestyle and see where that gets him.
Up next, Justin Gabriel takes on Wade Barrett in our main event.
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It’s confirmed that “Be Yourself” by Audioslave is an official theme song of WrestleMania.
RAW REBOUND: Mr. McMahon defeated John Cena in the main event. Nevermind the fact that it was a handicap gauntlet match and that the WWE Champion Batista was Mr. McMahon’s last partner, Mr. McMahon pinned John Cena.
We get a rundown of the WrestleMania XXVI card – Batista vs. John Cena, Chris Jericho vs. Edge, Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker in a no DQ match, Triple H vs. Sheamus, Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon, John Morrison & R-Truth vs. ShoMiz – what a hell of a card we’ve got for the show of shows!
Chris Jericho leads Wade Barrett to the ring and we’re informed that for the first time in two years, this Friday on SmackDown it’s the return of Chris Jericho’s Hi-Lite Reel with special guest Edge!
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Matt Hardy leads Justin Gabriel into battle, and last week, Gabriel became the first rookie to have pinned a WWE pro, that pro being William Regal.
Justin Gabriel def. Wade Barrett
Power vs. speed – that’s what this match is. Barrett is a big guy who can really hurt you, and Gabriel is a smaller guy – well, compared to Barrett anyway – who can use his speed to avoid being hurt by a bigger guy like Barrett and to strike before his opponent can counter. The crowd actually starts chanting USA in this one, despite the fact that the only American in this match is Gabriel’s pro, Matt Hardy. Gabriel manages to squeak out the win, knocking Barrett down and hitting the 450 splash from the top for the victory.
Jericho attacks Hardy after the match, knocking him out of the ring, then hitting a codebreaker on Gabriel before locking him into the old school Lion Tamer style Walls of Jericho. Barrett and Jericho are the ones standing tall as NXT goes off the air.
My Thoughts: WWE did a great job this week and getting me interested in some of the rookies who I didn’t care about at all. Darren Young showed a bit of personality, Heath Slater showed that he could be a great commodity for World Wrestling Entertainment, and Michael Tarver seemed to open up a bit more this week than he had a couple of weeks ago. Still the star of this show is Daniel Bryan, and that’s not by accident. WWE is trying to make that happen, and they’re doing a good job of it – though Justin Gabriel seems to be developing quite a fan base, even if they don’t realize he’s from South Africa and not the United States. Some people I’ve talked to don’t like the show – I, on the other hand, have really enjoyed it the last few weeks and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. See you Friday for SmackDown!
Tonight was I think the BIGGEST night in wrestling history in over ten years. Im proud to be apart of the BWF Family and im proud to be brining you iMPACT results so here we go…
The show kicks off with a hype video covering the history of TNA all the way up until the Hogan signing. Really great way to start the show especially for fans that haven’t seen Impact yet. We then cut to the Impact opening and it’s a new opening for this week.
The pyro goes off inside the Impact Zone and we are live! Over at the announce table Mike Tenay & Taz hype up the show for tonight and they talk about how electric it feels in the Impact Zone, and it is VERY loud. They run down the card which will feature the Steel Asylum for the very first time ever on Spike TV! Also, ODB gets a shot at the Knockouts Title and Tara. Rhino will face Abyss in Barbed Wire Massacre III! Beer Money faces the British Invasion in Full Metal Mayhem as well! Tenay and Taz say that Bubba the Love Sponge is now part of the TNA broadcast team and we cut earlier today with Bubba talking to fans outside the Impact Zone. The fans talk about what they expect from the Hulk Hogan signing. One guy actually has TNA tattooed on his arm, wow. And now we’re going to get right into the Steel Asylum!
Non-Title
Steel Asylum Match
Chris Sabin vs. Alex Shelley vs. “Notorious 1-8-7” Homicide vs. Kiyoshi vs. “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal vs. Consequences Creed vs. Suicide vs. Amazing Red
Mike Tenay points out how there are 3 teams in this match and only Suicide & Amazing Red aren’t members of a tag team. Red’s X-Division Title is NOT on the line in this match. Those that don’t know the way to win this match is to escape the whole at the top of the cage! Suicide quickly tries to climb the cage as everybody starts going at it but Red joins him on the top rope and stops him. Lethal Consequences with a backbreaker and then a Russian Legsweep and Lethal holds Homicide in a Camel Clutch and then Creed hits a Sliding Dropkick. Lethal and Sabin are both climbing the cage but Kiyoshi climbs up and starts trading kicks with Lethal. Red with a spinning Enziguri on Suicide! Shelley is at the top of the cage as Sabin hits a Tornado DDT on Homicide. Lethal climbs up and tries to Powerbomb Shelley off the top but Shelley blocks it. Action is everywhere! Suicide with a spinning front slam on Red but then he eats the Lethal Combination from Lethal! Shelley then kicks Lethal in the face only to eat a running STO from Kiyoshi! Creed Press Slams Kiyoshi into a Gutbuster! Red with the Red Eye on Homicide! Suicide climbs up on the cage and starts climbing near the hole but Red quickly gets to the top as well and cuts him off! Red and Suicide brawl at the top rope and Suicide hip tosses Red off the top but he lands onto Sabin and hits a hurricanrana! Homicide has a baton and hits Red with it as Kiyoshi holds him but then he blats Kiyoshi with it out of nowhere! The bell rings as Homicide nails everyone with the baton and the fans boo. The match is a NO CONTEST due to the weapon, that is a lame finish. Winner: NO CONTEST
Homicide climbs through the hole at the top of the cage as the fans “THIS IS BULLS*T” at what just went down. Homicide is having trouble climbing through the cage which causes the rest of the X-Division guys to climb up to come and get him but he falls down and tries to escape through the door but the rest of the guys drop back down and start beating on him. Jeff Hardy’s music hits! JEFF FUCKING HARDY IS IN THE CROWD! HOLY SHIT He climbs over the barricade and Homicide attacks him! Homicide is laying into Hardy but Hardy throws him into the cage wall! Hardy blasts Homicide with a sickening chair shot and then hits the Twist of Fate! HOLY COW! The fans are going nuts for Hardy as the rest of the X-Division wrestlers look on in shock! Hardy climbs to the top of the Steel Asylum and sits down and stares at the crowd!
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Footage of what just went down with Hardy is shown after the break. We then cut to the back where Shannon Moore meets Jeff Hardy coming back. They talk and walk off as we are back at ringside with Tenay & Taz. We then see footage of Hulk Hogan’s limousine getting a police escort to the show.
In the back Christy Hemme is with Kevin Nash. Nash seems to be excited as he says tonight is epic for TNA. He says he has many times called himself the smartest man in wrestling and that’s because it’s true, but his first mentor was Hulk Hogan. He says whatever company Hogan has worked with in the past has been #1 and that makes TNA on their way to TNA. He says with those numbers comes more money. He says there is a lot of reasons for him to be excited and then he starts to walk off, but he stops and says he just talked to Hulk a few minutes ago. He says a, he’s on his way and b, he’s not alone!
TNA Knockouts Championship
Tara (c) vs. ODB
ODB attacks Tara as she started to take her t-shirt off. ODB chokes Tara with the t-shirt behind the referees back and then she chops away at the chest of Tara. ODB goes for a Corner Splash but Tara hits a back elbow and then a dropkick. Tara then follows up with a clothesline. ODB and Tara trade big right hands but Tara gets the advantage with some nice leg kicks and then an Enziguri! Tara hits a Scoop Slam and then the Standing Moonsault! 1…2…NO ODB kicks out! Tara attempts to whip Tara into the corner but ODB counters and then charges at her, but Tara counters into the Tarantula! Tara follows up with a Slingshot Somersault Leg Drop from the apron onto ODB in the ring for another nearfall. Tara sets up for a Powebomb but ODB forces Tara into the corner and then goes for the TKO, but Tar blocks it and goes for another Powerbomb. ODB counters it into a rollup and holds the tights, 1…2….3 and ODB wins back her title! Winner & NEW Knockouts Champ: ODB via pinfall (rollup)
After the match Tara hits the Widow’s Peak on ODB and then puts her tarantula on her. Tara then raises up the Knockouts Title as we cut to the back.
A limousine is shown arriving and in the words of Joey Styles OH MY GOD!!! IT’S RIC FLAIR! Beer Money and other staff members welcome Flair as he walks in!
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Back from commercials and Taz says that it was AJ Styles lockerroom that Flair walked into. we cut to more footage of fans earlier today, this time with Christy Hemme. She then sees Mick Foley arriving and she asks him what he’s doing. Foley says that he was barred from coming into the Impact Zone because he may be a problem. Foley says he doesn’t want to disrupt anything and he says he’ll be on his best behavior. He tries to get into the Impact Zone but security stops him and they say they have to escort him off the property.
Bobby Lashley’s music hits and he makes his way out to the ring accompanied by his wife. Kristal says tonight is the biggest night in TNA history as a big “Bobby” chant erupts. She says that Bobby wants to send a special message to Hulk Hogan. She says Bobby isn’t just a star in a pro wrestling, but also in MMA. He says no one can match his strength and potential. She says that pro wrestling is filled with a bunch of ‘inbred’ degenerates unlike MMA. The fans are getting all over her. She says Bobby is asking for his immediate release from TNA because they have better things to do! She says tonight is the last night we’ll ever see him and then she drops the mic and they leave!
In the back Velvet Sky tells the cameraman to follow her and she walks into a room where a poker table is set up with Madison & Lacey. She says tonight BP wanted to make the biggest impression tonight and she says since poker shows are so popular today that they’ll do one without a net. Lacey doesn’t know how to play Poker and says she wants 5 cards and Velvet calls her out on it. Lacey has a great hand but she’s dumb so she wins. Lacey strips off her jacket and Velvet says they’ll be there all night playing Strip Poker. Madison says when they lose, everyone wins.
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In the back Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are talking! They try to get in the Impact Zone but security won’t let them. Hall grabs one of the security guards by the throat and then Waltman grabs the other one as the rest of security tries to pull them off! Tenay says that TNA is the #1 trending topic on Twitter right now and then we see Hogan’s limo getting close to the Impact Zone.
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The limousine stops in the road and then someone pulled up in another limousine beside it and gets in Hogan’s limo!
Waltman and Hall walk in through the crowd now! The fans are going nuts for them as Hall flicks his toothpick at the camera.
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During the break they cut in to see Waltman & Hall taking pictures of each other in the front row and cheesing for the camera.
Hulk Hogan’s new music hits (very nWo sounding) and he makes his way out to a HUGE ovation! The fans are absolutely going nuts! Just a note here, Hogan is wearing all black. I don’t know if that means anything or not. Hogan sees Waltman and Hall at ringside and he smiles and nods his head towards them as they point at Hogan. Brooke Hogan (looking VERY bouncy) is shown in the audience. Hogan grabs a microphone as a ‘Hogan’ chant starts up and he soaks it all in. Hogan says TNA is making history tonight. He says there is so much talent in TNA and he says TNA will become the #1 company in the world. Hogan says he spent all day long talking to the talent and listening to their ides and now he feels the energy from the fans that he was dreaming for. He says there are a lot of old faces and new faces in TNA. Waltman and Hall are trying to get into the ring but security is holding them back. Hogan tells security to back off and tells them to get in the ring and for TNA to give them a mic! The fans are chanting “1-2-3” at Waltman. Waltman gives Hogan the nWo sign and he does it with both Hall and Waltman. Hall does his ‘Hey, Yo!’ thing to a huge reaction. Hogan says they know he’s all about the party but if they have something to say then say it right now. Hall says “say hello to the Bad Guy” and then he says that when he and Pac heard that Bischoff and Hogan were coming to TNA it meant one thing to them and that’s big paychecks, big arenas, and big parties. Hogan says this is a different time and a different place and it doesn’t work like that anymore. Waltman says that’s where Hogan is wrong and he says it is the same place with the same people and they’re there to party. Hogan says not this time and it’s going to be totally different this time. Hall says Hogan is the highest paid guy ever in wrestling and now he wants to change the business. Hogan cuts Hall off and says it’s time to grow up and do the right thing for the business. Hall says Hogan deserves everyone of the fans chants and he says things have changed. He says and they will with him or without him. Kevin Nash’s music hits now and Nash makes his way out to the ring! Nash grabs the microphone from Hall and hugs Waltman. He says Hogan has a role to play tonight so Hall and Pac need to let him play it. Hogan says it’s not a role and he says when he became a partner with Dixie he gave her his word to make a change in this business for the better. Big “TNA” chant starts up and Nash says that he’s been talking with Hogan for the past 5-6 weeks and that’s not the conversation they’ve been having. Nash asks Hogan when he turned so corporate. Hogan says it’s not about turning corporate and he says they are his brothers ‘4-life’ but it’s a different time now and they need to be forreal. Hall and Waltman look like they want to fight with Hogan but more music plays and it’s Eric Bischoff! Bischoff power walks down to the ring and we have a full blown nWo reunion in this ring now! Bischoff says it’s been awhile for all these guys and says it brings back memories. He says in the ring are the guys that changed the business. Bischoff says hopefully now they’re all a little smarter. He says he’s the one that putted that ‘band’ together in the first place. He says there has been a big breakdown in communication here and Waltman tells him to explain it to him now. Bischoff says that what Hogan is trying to say is that everybody has to earn their position in the company. Nash says he hears him loud and clear and they’ll talk to him later. Hall, Nash, and Waltman leave the ring as Bischoff and Nash look a little surprised. Hogan says in TNA everyone will have to earn the spot and he doesn’t care about past relationship or who thinks they’re on a role. Bischoff says he and Hogan have done it before and he’s sure they can do it in TNA because there is awhole lot of talent and heart in TNA. He says things will definitely change. He says he doesn’t care if you’re the World Champion or the cameraman, everyone is under a microscope. Hogan says the change starts tonight. Bischoff asks for the producer because he wants a format. Someone brings Bischoff the format and he rips it up. He says they’re starting over. He then pulls out somemore papers and gives it to So Cal Val and says that’s what’s going to happen tonight. Hogan says if you can’t talk and you can’t wrestle then you need to pack your bags and ‘head up north.’ We see Sting looking down on Bischoff and Hogan from the rafters!
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We get a shot of Sting up in the rafters from moments ago as we come back from break.
TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships
Taylor Wilde & Sarita (c) vs. Awesome Kong & Hamada
Sarita and Hamada will start the match off. They lockup in the center of the ring and they stalemate. They lockup again and Hamda hits an arm drag but Sarita comes right back with one of her own. Hamada with a leg sweep but Sarita comes right back with another armdrag. Hamada goes for a clothesline but Sarita counters into a DDT. Taylor tags in and hits a Flying Armdrag off the top and then she follows up with a series of forearms. Taylor attempts to whip Hamada into the ropes but she counters it and lights up Taylor with chops. We get a split screen now showing JB finding the Machine Guns laid out in the back. Sarita tags back in and Hamada hits a double arm drag on them and then she tags in Kong. Sarita attempts a Crucifix type move on Kong but she blocks it and then Big Boots Taylor and drops down into a sort of Samoan Drop on Sarita! Kong gets a nearfall and Hamada charges at Taylor. Taylor backdrops Hamada over the top rope onto the apron and then hits an Enziguri! Taylor with a dropkick on Kong and then another dropkick. Taylor & Sarita then hit double dropkicks on Kong sending her out to the floor with Kong. Taylor climbs to the top and she hits a Flying Plancha off the top on Kong as Sarita hits a Suicide Dive through the ropes on Hamada the same time!
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Back from commercials Kong holds Taylor as Hamada hits a sliding dropkick. During the break Taylor hit a Moonsault on Kong for a nearfall and then Kong destroyed Taylor with a shoulder block. Hamada gets another nearfall back live on Taylor. Taylor comes back with forearms on Hamada but Hamada kicks her in the gut and then headbutts her. Hamada taunts Sarita by acting like she’s going to let Sarita get a tag and then she tags in Kong. Kong continues the beatdown on Taylor. Kong goes for the Awesome Bomb but Taylor blocks it and then comes back with a Codebreaker and then she tags in Sarita! Sarita hits a Springboard Missile Dropkick on Kong and then she ducks a clothesline from Kong only to eat a nasty Superkick from Hamada out of nowhere! Hamada is limping a bit in the ring. Kong and Hamada whip Sarita into the corner but she quickly springs to the top rope and attempts a Flying Cross Body but they catch her in midair! Kong and Hamada slam Sarita to the mat but then Taylor hits a gorgeous Hurricanrana on Hamada out of nowhere! Sarita then goes for a Rolling Hurricanrana on Kong but she blocks it and goes for the Awesome Bomb! Sarita counters into a Sunset Flip attempt but Kong destroys her by sitting down on her! 1…2…NO Taylor breaks it up with a dropkick! Sarita covers Kong, 1…2…NO Kong kicks out! Kong hits a Spinning Backfist on Sarita out of nowhere and then sets up for the Awesome Bomb again as Hamada throws Taylor into the ring post on the floor. Kong lifts Sarita up and then Kong hits a Missile Dropkick on Sarita sending her down into the Awesome Bomb! 1…2…3! Winners & NEW Knockouts Tag Champs: Kong & Hamada via pinfall (Missile Dropkick/Awesome Bomb)
In the back BP are down to their bras now as Val Venis comes in! He asks if they need a fourth for their threesome. Velvet asks him what makes him think he can bust in on their game. He says they need something to take their little game to a whole new level. He says he just got out of the shower and if he loses a hand it’s all over for him. I don’t want to see that. Madison tells him to shutup and deal and he says this is going to be a very interesting night.
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Foley is still trying to get in the arena but security still won’t let him in. Foley says he has another plan and walks away as we see the Nasty Boys walk up. They try to get in but security stops them as well. They tell the Nasty Boys to go the gate and if they get clearance they can come in.
Raven & Stevie Richards w/Daffney vs. “Super Mex” Hernandez & “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan
Raven and Hernandez kick the match off. Hernandez hits a huge shoulder block and Raven quickly tags in Stevie. Hernandez tags in Morgan as well. Stevie ducks a clothesline from Morgan and kicks him in the gut. Stevie then kicks him in the head and then hits a Running Forearm Smash. Stevie comes off the ropes again only to eat a Carbon Footprint! 1…2…3! Raven attempted to stop the count but Hernandez cut him off.
Winners: Hernandez & Morgan via pinfall (Carbon Footprint)
In the back D’Angelo Dinero is with Christy Hemme. She says Hogan must think highly of Pope because he is one of the people Hogan wants to see tonight. Dinero says that doesn’t surprise him but what does surprise him is the fact that Christy is standing next to him and hasn’t ‘dipped her hand in the Pope’s cup’ yet. He says Desmond Wolfe stands in his way to the mountain top and then says he wants Wolfe to bring his very best tonight. Orlando Jordan walks up out of nowhere! Jordan tells Christy he’s a big fan of her and then says he’s a big fan of Pope too. He asks if he has seen Hogan and that Hogan invited him. Pope can’t believe it and tells Orlando to get to stepping because he’s interrupting his TV time. Jordan says Pope reminds him of himself and then offers a handshake but Pope doesn’t accept it. Pope calls Orlando a Whoopi Goldberg lookalike.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Desmond Wolfe
Wolfe and Dinero lockup in the ring and Wolfe immediately gets Dinero in a Full Nelson and then transitions into a Hammerlock and then a wristlock. Wolfe slams Dinero to the mat and then stomps the arm of Dinero. Wolfe then tries to slam Dinero into turnbuckles but he blocks it and then kicks Wolfe in the gut. Dinero then hits a backick followed by a front kick and then a running shoulder block! Dinero then goes for a Scoop Slam but Wolfe counters into the Hammerlock DDT! Wolfe then slams that shoulder into the top turnbuckle and follows up with a leg sweep. Wolfe whips Dinero into the ropes and Dinero goes for a Sunset Flip but Wolfe blocks it and grabs that arm again and slams it to the mat again. Wolfe with a crazy rolling armtrap (with the knee) and armbar on the other arm. That really looks painfull but Pope is able to counter it with a rollthrough but Wolfe kicks him in the head again. Wolfe follows up with a European Uppercut and then charges at Dinero in the corner, but Dinero sidesteps him and then hits a legsweep. Dinero then hits the Outer Limits Hanging Elbow Drop! Dinero comes right back with another slam and then he puts Dinero up on the top rope for the Tower of London! Pope blocks it and goes for that nasty Upperuct, but Wolfe avoids it and counters into a backslide attempt! Dinero lands on his feet and then rolls Wolfe up with a small package! 1…2…3! Winner: Dinero via pinfall (small package)
In the back we see Jeff Jarrett arriving!
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In the back Rhino is laid out and JB is on scene but Bubba the Love Sponge walks up and takes the microphone from him and says he’s got it.
Clips from earlier with Hogan’s promo are shown.
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In the back AJ is with JB and he talks about being in TNA for all 7 years and he says he’s never felt something this electric. JB mentions that at Genesis AJ will defend his belt against Kurt finally. AJ says he can’t hold his belt with pride until he beats Kurt and he says at Genesis the world will find out who the best is. Eric Bischoff walks in clapping and says he has heard so much about AJ and it’s an honor to meet him. He says he has some good news and some bad news for AJ. He says the AJ-Angle match is off and that’s the bad news. He says the good news is the world does need to know who the best is and they will find out tonight because AJ will face Angle tonight for the belt instead! AJ says he’s ready and he hopes Kurt is! Now that is a huge match!
Jeff Jarrett’s music hits and the TNA founder makes his way out to the ring. Jarrett says it feels great to be back home in the Impact Zone. He says 7 years ago he founded TNA after about 15 years of hard work in the business. A “thank you Jeff” chant erupts. Jeff says every critic in the world said TNA wouldn’t last 6 weeks let alone 6 months, yet he’s standing in the middle of the 6-sided ring on a Monday night in the companies greatest night. He says he’s damn proud to be there too. He says he tried to convince Hogan for years to be apart of TNA but the time wasn’t right but tonight the timing is very right. Jeff says throughout his career his done some good things and some not so good things, but by far the most rewarding thing he ever did was giving guys like AJ Styles, Beer Money, Motor City Machine Guns, Daniels, and Samoa Joe a chance. He says ‘you ain’t seen nothing yet!’ and with Hogan partnering with Dixie and Jeff anything can and will happen in TNA. Hogan shows up on the video screen and says “so what, nobody cares” about anything he just said. He says if he heard ‘I’ one more time he was going to bring security out there after him. Hogan says that Jeff founded TNA but in a short amount of time he ran the company into the ground too. Hogan says now that the truth be told, if it wasn’t for Dixie Carter resurrecting TNA and giving the young guys a chance he wouldn’t be there. He says Jeff needs to straighten his act up and as far as he’s concerned and he’s now Dixie’s partner, not Jeff’s. He says the young guys will finally get a shot now with him. He says nobody cares about Jeff’s past accolades and one thing he does have right is that he and Dixie are going to take TNA to the top. He says Jeff has no voting power or power at all in TNA. He says Jeff needs to go get his boots and lace them up because he has to prove himself just like everybody else! Jeff looks shocked in the ring and not happy at all.
In the back Hemme is with Christopher Daniels. Daniels says he’s not worried about anything but JB walks up and interrupts the interview. He says he has Mick on the phone and he wants him to help him in. JB opens the door but JB says he can’t let him in and Mick says he’ll go through him to get to Hogan.
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In the back Jeff Hardy is painting something while Shannon Moore looks on. Shannon tells Jeff he has to start selling his paintings and then tells Jeff it’s time for their meeting with Hogan.
“The Monster” Abyss vs. “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe
No Barbed Wire Massacre tonight due to Bischoff & Hogan scrapping everything previously planned. This is, believe it or not, a first time matchup between these two one-on-one. Joe charges Abyss at the bell with a forearm and follows up with a series of jabs in the corner, some nasty jabs! Joe then attempts to whip Abyss into the corner but he counters it and goes for a Corner Splash. Joe moves out of the way and hits the Leaping Enziguri! Joe then follows up with the Facewash, that move is just so nasty. As Joe was going for the running kick to cap it off Abyss got to his feet and lays Joe out with a Big Boot! Joe rolls out to the floor and Abyss follows him but Joe kicks him in the gut and grabs a chair. Joe swings but Abyss ducks and Joe hits the ring post. Abyss throws Joe into the ringsteps and then rolls Joe back into the ring. Abyss with a series of right hands and then he whips Joe into the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but Joe stops and hits a kick to the head. Joe with chops followed by an Atomic Drop and then a Running Mafia Kick! Joe follows up with the Backsplash Senton! 1…2…NO Abyss kicks out. We see a shot of Sting watching this match in the back now. Joe comes off the ropes but Abyss grabs him by the throat for the Chokeslam, but Joe counters with a back elbow only to eat a clothesline from Abyss. Abyss with a Corner Splash and then the Sidewalk Slam. 1…2…NO Joe kicks out. Abyss goes for the Corner Splash again but Joe counters with a back elbow and then a big boot. Joe climbs to the top and hits a Flying Thrust Kick for another near fall. Joe with more jabs and then he hits a Running Forearm but it just fires Abyss up! Joe then levels Abyss with the Leaping Enziguri! Joe climbs to the top and dives but Abyss catches him with the Chokeslam! 1…2…NO Joe kicks out again! Joe rolls out to the floor again and Joe reaches out to pull Joe in but the referee pulls him away. Abyss shoves the referee out of the way and then starts to climb out of the ring and eats the chair shot from Joe! Joe climbs back in and locks Abyss in the Coquina Clutch! Abyss tries to get to the ropes but taps out! Winner: Joe via submission (Coquina Clutch)
In the back Bischoff is talking to a staff member when Kristal walks up and she asks him if he’s going to say anything. Kristal says she wants to hear what Hogan says about Lashley wanting to leave. Bischoff says if she wants to meet with Hulk then she needs to go stand in line with everybody else and when she gets there she needs to check her attitude.
Bubba the Love Sponge is in the back and Beer Money is laid out now too. He says he has a pretty good idea who did it.
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Nasty Boys are still trying to get in but security says they’re not on the list. Bubba the Love Sponge walks up and says they have to be on the list. Bubba says the Nasty Boys have a history with Hogan and then he walks off with the security guy and the Nasty Boys sneak in.
We cut to JB who is with Angle. Angle says when he lost the title to AJ he never actually beat Angle and ever since then he knew they would face off one-on-one but didn’t think it would take this long. He says AJ cannot beat him. He says he’s great but he’s not the greatest and now it’s time for him to reclaim his World Heavyweight Title!
Shannon and Jeff are walking in the parking lot and they are carrying envelopes and Shannon is saying they got everything they came for. Some screaming girls run up and tell him how much they love him. He gives the girl his painting and then they get in their car to leave.
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Nasty Boys walk into Team 3D’s lockerroom because they are off in Japan. The Security guard walks in to apologize to them and he brings them doughnuts but they throw them at the security guy. They are trashing 3D’s lockerroom and they spray paint over Devon’s picture.
Main Event
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles (c) vs. “Olympic Hero” Kurt Angle
This is the rematch that everybody has been waiting on! Kurt and AJ lockup with AJ getting the early advantage with a side headlock, but Angle quickly lifts AJ up into a Back Suplex. AJ holds onto the side headlock, though, on the mat! The fans are REALLY into this already. Angle gets to his feet and counters into a hammerlock and then a side headlock of his own. AJ shoves Angle into the ropes and AJ leapfrogs Angle and then goes for the Dropkick but Angle stops in his tracks but AJ never left his feet. Angle then charged at AJ only to eat the Phenomenal Dropkick! Angle quickly rolls out to the floor to catch a breather but you are not safe from AJ Styles out there! AJ with a slingshot but Angle moves and AJ lands on the apron. Angle reaches to grab AJ’s foot but he slingshots himself back into the ring. Angle starts to climb back into the ring but AJ knocks him back to the floor and then hits the Somersault Plancha over the top onto Angle on the floor! A huge “TNA” chant starts as AJ rolls Angle back in the ring. AJ with a series of forearms as the hooded man enters the ring and attacks AJ! Angle grabs the hooded man and nails him with a European Uppercut! The referee was knocked down in all of this so he didn’t see the interference. Angle then clotheslines the hooded man out to the floor and security drags him away as Angle offers a handshake to AJ. Angle tells AJ to ‘come on’ now. AJ with a slam attempt but Angle counters and whips AJ into the ropes, but AJ comes back and whips Angle into the corner. AJ with a running forearm and then a snapmare. AJ charges at Angle but catches a boot to the gut and then Angle follows up with a disgusting Running Powerbomb into the turnbuckles!
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Back from commercials Angle has AJ in a headlock on the mat. AJ fights to his feet and hits a back elbow and then he hits an arm drag. AJ then hits a big right hand and ducks a clothesline. AJ hits a back elbow and then another one. AJ with forearms in the corner and he whips Angle into the opposite corner. AJ charges in but Angle gets his boot up. Angle charges but AJ catches him with a Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker over his knee! AJ charges at AJ in the corner and Angle backdrops AJ over the top. AJ lands on the apron and hits a forearm smash followed by an attempt at the Springboard Flying Forearm, but Angle catches him and hits the Belly-to-Belly Suplex! Angle goes for the Angle Slam but AJ counters it and hits a Discuss Clothesline! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! AJ goes for the Styles Clash but Angle counters with a Double-leg Takedown and then he catapults AJ into the corner! Angle follows up with the Rolling German Suplexes! He hits 3 of them on that one. Angle goes for the Angle Slam again and again AJ counters it. AJ goes for the Pele but Angle avoided it and grabbed AJ’s leg and locks in the Ankle Lock! AJ rolls through into a pin, 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! The fans are going nuts! Angle with a lariat attempt, AJ ducks, Pele hits this time out of nowhere! 1…2…NO Angle still kicks out! AJ goes for the Styles Clash again but Angle reverses with a backdrop. Angle then attempts to whip AJ into the corner but AJ reverses it and then goes for a Flying Forearm. Angle moves and then hits the Angle Slam! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out now! Angle with a big European Uppercut and then he attempts to whip AJ into the ropes but AJ reverses it. Angle holds onto the rope so AJ charges at Angle but he backdrops AJ up and over the top rope. AJ lands on the apron and this time he connects with the Springboard Flying Forearm! Somewhere Michael Jordan is blushing at the height AJ Styles got on that one! AJ climbs to the top rope but Angle quickly gets to his feet and climbs to the top! Belly-to-Belly Superplex! 1…2…NO AJ still kicks out! Angle climbs to the top rope and goes for the Frog Splash but AJ rolls out of the way and Angle eats the mat! AJ goes for the Styles Clash again and this time he hits it! 1…2…NO Angle BARELY kicks out! AJ lifts Angle up and puts him up on the top rope. AJ climbs up with him for a Superplex but Angle shoves AJ off and then connects with the Frog Splash! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out yet again! Angle goes for the Angle Slam again but this time AJ reverses it into the DDT! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! An hilarious “who needs Bret?” chant starts now. Styles goes for the Styles Clash again but Angle backdrops him. AJ rolls Angle up as he hits the mat but Angle rolls through and locks in the Ankle Lock! AJ rolls through but Angle holds onto him until AJ kicks him off. AJ goes for a Lariat but Angle ducks and hits a Release German Suplex! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out again! Angle whips AJ into the corner and charges but AJ hits a back elbow and then his the Springboard into the Phenomenon (Asai Reverse DDT)! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! AJ climbs to the top as Angle gets to his feet. Angle crotches AJ and then climbs up to the top with AJ and hits a Super Angle Slam! 1…2……NO AJ STILL KICKS OUT! ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Angle is frustrated and he grabs AJ’s ankle and locks in the Ankle Lock again! AJ reaches out for the ropes but Kurt pulls him back and AJ rolls through sending Angle headfirst into the middle turnbuckle! AJ hits a big Enziguri and then the Styles Clash! 1…2……NO WHAT?! ANGLE KICKED OUT AGAIN! AJ sets up for the Styles Clash again but Angle reverses and locks in the Ankle Lock again! This time he drops back and great veins the leg! AJ is about to tap as Ric Flair walks out and AJ rolls over and starts kicking Angle repeatedly! Ric Flair is looking on in the ring. Angle charges at AJ but he sidesteps Angle and he goes headfirst into the ring post! AJ hits a Back Suple and then he rolls out to the apron as Tenay says we’ll stay with this match as long as it goes! AJ hits the Springboard 450-Splash! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out yet again!
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Back from the break Flair continues to watch on at the match as Angle has AJ in a Triangle Choke! AJ counters the Triangle into the Styles Clash, but Angle counters it into the Ankle Lock again! AJ rolls over and kicks Angle off! Flair walks back down the tunnel as AJ rolls Angle up and then hits the Styles Clash again! AJ doesn’t have the strength to roll Angle over like he normally does but he’s finally able to roll Angle over and then he goes out to the apron. AJ hits the Springboard 450-Splash again! 1…2…3 and AJ retains the title! Winnner & STILL World Champ: Styles via pinfall (Springboard 450)
After the match Angle shakes AJ’s hand and then they hug. Hogan’s music hits and he walks out to the stage. Hogan says those are the two greatest wrestlers in the business today. Hogan says he has nothing but respect for Angle and AJ just raised the TNA bar to a whole new level. Hogan says this situation will go on and on and he says that they made history tonight. He says this is the beginning of the greatest rise in the history of wrestling. Someone runs up to Hogan and says something to him and Hogan runs off. We see Foley looking for Hogan and he busts into BP’s poker game and Val says he doesn’t know where the hell Hogan is. Val says he’s not intimidated by Foley and Foley again asks where Hogan is. Val says he’s down the hall and to the left. Foley walks to the office and busts in where Bischoff is sitting. Bischoff says Foley has no influence, power, or control in TNA now and his only choice is to put his boots on and fight for his job. Foley says he accepted that he worked for Dixie Carter and he could MAYBE accept working for Hogan but he made a choice a long time ago that he would never work for Bischoff. Foley says he’s going to give Bischoff a reason to fire him and that’s knocking his teeth down his throat. Then Nash grabs him by the back of the head out of nowhere and slams his head into the desk! Hall and Waltman then take turns laying Foley out! Hogan runs in and stops what’s going on. Hogan looks on at what we just saw as we fade to black!
We open with Matt Morgan and a baseball bat. Morgan wants to smash Kurt Angle’s head in with said bat. Angle and the Main Event Mafia get him in the ring and Angle explains that he didn’t pin Morgan and keep the title on purpose. He just fell on him after thinking that he had hit Sting. They agree to team up and take on Team 3D in a tables match. I was late getting to the show, so I missed most of this.
Match #1: Beer Money vs. The British Invasion: This was a street fight, and a non-title match. I’m still getting caught up, so specific moves are not being detailed right now. Loud chants of “We want tables!” Kendo sticks, trash cans, plastic bags, and both members of Beer Money in street clothes. Berr Money dominates rather well. Storm gets knocked off the ring post, but Roode gets in and puts Brutus Magnus through a trash can and gets the pin for the win. Magnus and Roode were very bloody.
To the back! Lauren interviews the Beautiful People. They sit on their thrones. Madison Rayne has been kicked to the curb, and TBP will get her tonight. Short but awesomely fun promo, as per usual from TBP.
To the back! Cody Deaner and ODB argue loudly over Deaner’s status as Knockouts champion. Foley and JB are talking, but Foley offers to help. Deaner uses Foley’s white board to visually demonstrate that when you make an assumption, you make an ass out of you and umption. Foley says that he will retreat to his inner sanctum, and issue a verdict on the Knockouts champion status next week on “iMPACT.” Abyss comes up and Foley thanks him for his help against Nash at the ppv. Foley gives Abyss a gift. “Is it groceries? I love groceries!” Foley tells Abyss that it isn’t groceries. It is, in fact, a blue flannel. Abyss cries. Foley says that there is no crying in wrestling. Abyss straightens up. Foley and Abyss discuss spilling their own blood. Foley wants his bat back.
Mike Tenay and Taz are the official broadcast team. Don West has been promoted within the merchandising company. Tenay and Taz run down the evening’s card.
Match #2: Madison Rayne vs. Angelina Love: Rayne enters to the Beautiful People’s music, alone and looking scared. Love jumps Rayne from behind and throws her into the barricade. Love manhandles Rayne to the ring. Love pins Rayne in a matter of seconds. Velvet Sky scampers down to the ring. TBP put the boots to Rayne, and give her the Brown Paper Bag treatment. Tara and Christy Hemme run to Rayne’s aid, and TBP bail.
The Motor City Machine Guns bring us all a public service message. Their lack of tv time has made their paychecks smaller. The MCMG are all about three things: Entertaining you, the fans. Getting laid. Getting paid. For $2000 an hour, you can hire their services. They’ll play video games, go see movies, or sit on your couch and do absolutely nothing while you make them dinner. Call now, and they’ll throw in a free Sham-Wow! I’ll continue this real-time when I get back from the bank.
Match #3: Samoa Joe vs. Homicide: X-Division Champion Samoa Joe has a rematch against Homicide from the ppv. Joe’s strikes seem lacking in power. Joe hits a nice snap slam on Homicide, but Homicide kicks out at two. Joe continues to outpower Homicide, but the Notorious 187 refuses to stay down. Homicide uses speed, and takes Joe down, but can’t get the three-count. Joe gets the pin with a muscle buster. Clean win for Joe.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero, totally pimped out, arrives in a chauffeured car.
To the back! Lauren interviews Tara, Christy Hemme, Sarita, and Taylor Wilde are very happy. Next week starts a Knockouts tag team tournament. Tara and Christy will team up, as will Taylor Wilde and Sarita. Tonight is the Four-way dance between Traci Brooks, Awesome Kong, Sarita, and Christy Hemme.
Match #4: Awesome Kong (w/ Raisha Saeed) vs. Traci Brooks (w/ Sharmell) vs. Sarita (w/ Taylor Wilde) vs. Christy Hemme (w/ Tara): This was a four-way singles match. Kong and Sarita start. Kong totally outpowers Sarita. Sarita pulls the ropes and Kong goes over the top and hits the floor. Sarita takes down Traci with a spinning head scissors. Traci and Christy slap at each other. Kong clotheslines Traci on the floor. Sarita flies over the top and takes out Kong. We go to a commercial break. When we return, Christy goes for the FFCLG, but Kong plants her. Christy later hits the FFCLD on Traci, but Kong hits Christy with the Implant Buster. Sarita tries a missile dropkick, but Kong catches her and throws her down. While Kong climbs to the top turnbuckle, Traci rolls over and steals the pin on Christy. Traci gets the win. KONG MAD! KONG SMASH! Kong throws chairs as the remaining Knockouts bail up the ramp.
Consequences Creed (w/ Jay Lethal) is in the ring when we return from a commercial break.
Match #5: “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Consequences Creed: Lethal is sent to the back by the ref. Pope and Creed exchange arm holds. Creed hits a springboard clothesline, and takes down Pope. Pope returns the favor with a stiff punch. Pope hits a Bronco Buster from behind, sliding through the ropes to the floor. Pope follows up with a barrage of stiff punches and a sleeper hold. Creed fights to his feet. Pope goes for a kick, but Creed catches the foot. Pope is all charisma and flash, a total major league player. Pope pulls down his knee pads and hits Creed with a running double knee to the back. Pope gets the pin and win. Post-match, the lights go out and Suicide’s music plays. Suicide rushes the ring and attacks Pope. Pope bails and looks at Suicide with the Booker T googly eyes. Suicide gestures at Pope with the slice across the throat.
AJ Styles walks toward the ring from backstage.
To the back! Lauren interviews Matt Morgan, asking him if he’s buying what Angle said earlier. Morgan claims that he’s totally buying it because Kurt Angle never lies. He slips up and says Angle will get his “boot” instead of his “back.” Morgan blames his inexperience and nervousness.
To the ring! AJ Styles is in street clothes. He has a mic. The audience chants his name loudly. He says that he’s had it pretty rough for the last few weeks. He always had it rough, but he never quit. He is proud of the man that he has become. More “AJ!” chants. What he isn’t so proud of is losing the Legends title, losing the matches against Matt Morgan, and losing friends like Eric Young and Samoa Joe. He has already missed half the lives of his kids while he’s on the road, and when he is home, he can’t stop being bothered by things like this from work. He yells at his family over petty things because he’s hung up on the work problems. It isn’t worth it. It’s time for AJ Styles to say goodbye to professional wrestling. He loves the TNA fans, and he’s sorry. Sting walks out in street clothes and sunglasses. Loud crowd chants of “Sting!” Sting grabs a mic. He asks AJ if that’s the legacy that AJ really wants to leave after seven years. He says that AJ is saying, “I quit.” He’s quitting on his wife, his kids, the fans, the little kids who want to be him. Sting takes off the glasses and tells AJ that he’s quitting on him too. Right now, AJ is a loser because quitting is what losers do. Does AJ think that Sting hasn’t suffered, both professionally and personally? He hasn’t quit in over twenty years. He wanted to pass the torch to somebody, somebody who could bring honor, dignity, and respect back to the business. He had been talking about AJ the whole time. AJ is, or was, the Chosen One. AJ can either go home and quit, or go in the back, lace up his boots, and claim what is his. AJ is near tears, but he stops, and hugs Sting. Sting says that AJ is supposed to be “The Man,” and tells AJ to come with him. They leave up the ramp together as Taz and Tenay wonder if AJ has really quit or not.
To the back! Lauren asks Hernandez when he plans to cash in his briefcase for a World title shot. Hernandez says that the night he cashes it in will be the night he becomes World Heavyweight Champion. Eric Young interrupts, and tells Hernandez to come talk to him, presumably about joining World Elite.
To the announce table! “The Boss” Bobby Lashley comes to the announce table, and says that next week will be the TNA television debut of TNA President Dixie Carter. She will announce, among other things, Bobby Lashley’s role in TNA. Tenay invites Lashley to stay at the table and join the commentary. He accepts.
Match #6: Team 3D vs. Matt Morgan and Kurt Angle: Team 3D enters first. Matt Morgan enters next. Kurt Angle enters, but makes a beeline for Lashley and attacks him at the announce table. Lashley fights back, but Angle makes it to the ring. This was a tables match. Angle and Brother Ray start. Typical Team 3D tables match, with lots of stiff punches and forearms. Team 3D targets Angle’s neck. Morgan overpowers Devon. Team 3D double-teams Morgan over the ropes, and follow up on Angle. When we return from commercial break, Devon leaps off the rope to deliver the Wazzup. “Get the tables!” Team 3D sets up the tables in the ring. Morgan rolls into the ring and clotheslines Team 3D from behind. Morgan moves a table and gestures for a chokeslam. Morgan chokeslams Devon, but Ray moves the table. Angle tags in. Angle goes after Devon, whose mouth appears to be bleeding. Angle goes for an Angle Slam through a table, but Morgan moves the table just as Devon reverses the move. Morgan rushes at another table with a Carbon Footprint, but breaks the table on his own. The match continues, as no one was put through a table by an opponent. Team 3D dominates, and Ray hits Angle with a super kick on the floor. Ray brings another table from the backstage area. Angle fights off Team 3D alone in the ring. Angle calls Morgan into the ring afterwards. Morgan’s knee is still bad from the bothced kick through the table. Angle orders Morgan to the top rope, but Morgan’s knee can’t handle it. Team 3D grab him on the top rope and throw Morgan through the table. Team 3D wins. Post-match, Angle and Morgan yell at each other.