TNA Impact on Spike TV
Live from Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

[Q1] The show opened with a video that featured footage from the first TNA show and other major events in the company's history. It led up to footage of Hulk Hogan's press conference and also included shots of the current stars... The show is called "Time For a Change"... The opening montage aired...

Mike Tenay and Taz introduced the show from ringside and immediately hyped that Hogan would make his "historic Impact debut." The announcers were positioned near the entrance ramp with energy drink formulas in front of them. They plugged the steel asylum match, ODB vs. Tara for the Knockouts Title, Rhino vs. Abyss in a barbwire match, and Beer Money vs. British Invasion...

Tenay and Taz introduced "the newest member of their broadcast team" Bubba The Love Sponge. They introduced a pretaped video with Bubba interviewing fans at the Margaritaville event. The fans listed the changes they hope to see and put over Hogan...

1. The Steel Asylum match ended in a no-contest in 4:30. The participants were Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Homicide, Kiyoshi, Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed, Suicide, and Amazing Red. Tenay pointed out that there were three teams in the eight-man match. He also stated that Mick Foley was denied entrance into the Impact Zone tonight.

Late in the match, Homicide attacked the other wrestlers, including his own partner, with a baton. Homicide tried to climb out of the structure as the fans chanted, "This is bullshit."

[Q2] Suddenly, music played and Jeff Hardy appeared in the crowd. He headed to ringside and beat up Homicide. Hardy climbed the steel asylum structure and sat down on top of it while the fans cheered.

Powell's POV: Check the main page for another huge spoiler. I don't want to give it away here and spoil it for people who want to be surprised. As for Hardy, very big surprise. Very cool moment. I guarantee you that WWE officials are shocked by this development, as they were hoping Hardy would return at WrestleMania. I suppose he still could if he didn't sign a long-term deal.

The announcers recapped Hardy's segment. A shot aired of Shannon Moore greeting Jeff Hardy backstage... A police escort led Hulk Hogan's limo down a highway...

Backstage, Christy Hemme interviewed Kevin Nash, who said it's a great night for TNA and Hulk Hogan. He said he's also looking forward to seeing an old friend. He put himself over as the smartest man in wrestling, but added that Hulk was his first mentor. He said Hogan is on his way and he's not coming alone...

2. ODB defeated Tara to regain the TNA Knockouts Championship in 2:40. Tara went for Widow's Peak, but ODB avoided it and rolled her up. ODB grabbed the tights (to the point that Tara's ass was showing) and got the pin. Afterward, Tara hit her finisher on ODB. She took out the spider and put it on top of her...

Powell's POV: Not much of a match. The surprises are great, but both matches have been too short for my liking.

A shot aired of Ric Flair exiting a limo in the backstage area. He shook hands with Beer Money, Eric Young, and others in the backstage area. He entered a room that has A.J. Styles's name on it...

Powell's POV: For those who didn't check out the spoiler I teased earlier, it was Flair.

[Q3] [C] Christy Hemme interviewed fans outside the building in a segment taped earlier in the day. She spotted Mick Foley trying to enter the building. He said he would be on his best behavior, but security blocked him from entering the building...

Bobby Lashley and his wife Kristal came to the ring. Kristal took the mic and said her husband wanted to send a message to Hulk Hogan. She said Bobby is a star in wrestling and MMA, and that no one can match his strength. She ripped pro wrestling while praising MMA. Kristal demanded that Bobby be released from his TNA contract.

"Go ahead, take a good look at Bobby because this is the last time you may see him again," she said. "Like I said, we've got better things to do." The announcers acted stunned that Lashley wants out of TNA...

Backstage, Velvet Sky entered a room where Madison Rayne and Lacey Von Erich were playing cards. She joined them at the table and said they wanted to make the biggest impact and decided the best way to do it was to hold their own poker show "live without a net."

Lacey wanted to play with five cards. She lost. Velvet said they didn't have anything to bet with. Lacey took her jacket off. They said they'd be there playing all night. "And when we lose, everyone wins," Velvet said...

Powell's POV: It's nice to hear Velvet get the bulk of the mic time. She's the best talker of the three. I'm still holding out hope for Angelina Love returning tonight. As for Lashley, I love Kristal as the heel doing all the talking for her hubby. Too bad it's probably a way to legitimately set up his departure now that he's signed with Strikeforce.

[C] The cut-in featured another shot of Hogan's limo getting the police escort...

[Q4] Backstage, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman tried to enter the building, but security stopped them. "But the band's back together," they said. They started to rough up security when the cameras cut back to the announcers...

Tenay announced that TNA is the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter right now. Another shot aired of the limo being escorted by police. Tenay said they are only a few blocks away and that they would have the arrival coming up shortly... [C]

Another shot aired of the white limo stopping as a black limo pulled up next to it. Someone (looked like Eric Bischoff) got out of the black limo and entered the white limo...

Scott Hall and Sean Waltman entered the Impact Zone to cheers. Hall tossed his toothpick at the camera...

Powell's POV: Hall looks good in street clothes. I have no idea what he'll look like in wrestling gear, but he actually looks better now than he did the last time we saw him. Looks like TNA is getting a bunch of commercials out of the way now before Raw goes on the air.

The cut-in showed Hall taking a photo of himself and Waltman as they stood in the front row. "Hey, bring out the Hulkster," Hall said... [C]

After the break, a wannabe version of the NWO theme song played and Hulk Hogan was introduced to a big pop. Hogan came out wearing shades and all black. He also had the NWO era stubble on his face. He stopped and pointed at a sign that read, "Hogan owns Vince."

Hogan stood in the ring and soaked up the cheers from the fans, whom eventually broke out a "TNA" chant. "What's up, TNA maniacs" Hogan started. "TNA and the maniacs, we are making history tonight, right here in TNA's ring. You know something, guys, I've been in the back all day long, there is so much talent in the back, so many young guys that are running hard."

Powell's POV: If Hogan was backstage all day, where the hell did he go in the limo? Could be a minor logic gap or maybe they'll cover it later. By the way, TNA is now going head-to-head with WWE Raw.

[Q5] Hogan said there were also some older guys and that TNA would be the No. 1 company in the world. Scott Hall and Sean Waltman started to climb the guardrail, but security grabbed them. Hogan told security to let Hall and Waltman enter the ring if they had something to say.

Hall and Waltman climbed in the ring and did the Wolfpac hand greeting with Hogan. "Hey, yo," Hall said. Hogan said he's all about the party, but if they have something to say they should say it right now. "Say hello to the bad guy," Hall said. Scott said that when he and Sean heard that Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and Kevin Nash were all there, that meant big paychecks and big parties.

"Let me tell you something, Scott," Hogan said. "That was a different time and a different place. It doesn't work that way this time, brother." Waltman said Hogan was wrong. "Not this time," Hogan said. "It's going to be totally different this time." Hall put over Hogan and said he deserves all the applause. However, Hall added that things would change with Hogan or without him.

Kevin Nash's entrance music played and he came to the ring in street clothes. Nash said Hogan has a role to play and Hall and Waltman should let him play it. Hulk corrected him and said it's not a role. He said he told Dixie Carter they were going to do the right thing and that's what he intends to do.

Nash said he's been talking with Hogan on the phone for five or six weeks. "That's not exactly the conversation we've been having," Nash said. "I'm just curious when did you become so corporate?" Hogan said Hall, Nash, and Waltman are his brothers forever, but they have to realize it's a different time.

Eric Bischoff headed to the ring as his new theme music played. Hogan stood on the side of the ring with Hogan as Tenay plugged Bischoff's book. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" Bischoff said. "Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Bischoff said he was going to introduce the guys who revolutionized the business.

A shot aired of Dixie Carter shaking her head in disgust at ringside. Bischoff said there's been a serious breakdown in communication. "Please, Eric, explain it to us," Waltman said. Bischoff said that what Hogan is trying to say is that everybody has to earn their positions in TNA.

"Easy E, we hear you loud and clear and we'll talk to you later," Nash said. Hall, Nash, and Waltman left the ring, leaving only Hogan and Bischoff. Hogan said he doesn't care about past relationships or who thinks they're on a roll, everything changes and everyone has to earn their spot in the company. Bischoff said he and Hogan have done it before and they're doing it again in TNA. "I assure you, things are going to change," Bischoff said. He said everyone would be under a microscope.

Hogan said the change starts tonight. Another shot aired of Dixie shaking her head. Hogan continued to talk about changes. Dixie applauded this time. Bischoff called for a format sheet. SoCal Val handed him a format sheet. He said they were given a chance to look at the format sheet earlier and there was nothing wrong with it. He tore it up and told her to hand it to her director. Hogan delivered another pitch about TNA becoming No. 1.

The NWO music played after Hogan and Bischoff wrapped up their promo. The camera caught a shot of Sting watching them from the rafters as the show went to break... [C]

Powell's POV: A decent segment that probably made it difficult for longtime fans to turn the channel when Raw started. Honestly, though, I would have went with Ric Flair at the top of the hour and saved Hogan's debut, but I can't say I'm surprised they didn't do that. The show is really light on in-ring action so far.

[Q6] [C] 3. Awesome Kong and Hamada defeated Sarita and Taylor Wilde to win the TNA Knockouts Tag Titles in 9:40. Crickets could be heard as the champions came to the ring. Tenay hyped A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle for the Jan. 17 pay-per-view. During the match, a backstage shot aired of Jeremy Borash calling for a trainer while standing over the fallen Motor City Machine Guns tag team.

At 2:15, Sarita hit a suicide dive while Taylor dove off the top rope and they both landed on their opponents at ringside. [C] After some quality action following the break, a brief "This is awesome" chant broke out. Kong put Sarita in powerbomb position and Hamada hit a missile dropkick into the powerbomb. Kong pinned Sarita to win the match...

Powell's POV: Good match and I really like the title change. Sarita and Taylor have some potential, but they need to chase monster heels like Kong and Hamada in order to get over. By the way, am I the only one surprised by the amount of women's wrestling we have on both shows tonight? Don't worry, no Raw spoilers. I'm not watching the show until later.

[Q7] Backstage, The Beautiful People were playing cards when Sean Morley (a/k/a Val Venis) entered the room wearing a towel. He was in total Val mode. One of the women referred to him as "towel man." Morley sat down and played dealer for the women...

Powell's POV: Not a huge shocker given that Morley worked the Australian tour and is tight with Eric Bischoff. I assume WWE will be sending a legal letter over Morley being in Val mode. Here's hoping they do more with Morley. I've always thought he was a talented performer who just needed to be repackaged to make a long-term impact.

Backstage, Foley attempted to enter the building, but the artists formerly known as Main Event Mafia security stood in his way. They said they'd do anything for him, but they couldn't risk losing their jobs. As Foley walked away, The Nasty Boys entered the scene. Security told them that they knew they were Hogan's boys, but they'd have to go through the main gate...

Powell's POV: I'm fine with a Nasty Boys cameo, but I have no desire to see them get in the ring on a regular basis.

4. Matt Morgan and Hermandez defeated Raven and Dr. Stevie (w/Daffney) to earn a shot at the TNA Tag Titles in 0:30. Hernandez destroyed Raven, who tagged in Stevie. Morgan tagged in and hit the Carbon Footprint on Stevie. Raven tried to break it up, but tripped over the ropes. Oops...

Powell's POV: Did they really split up LAX just to put Hernandez and Morgan in a tag team? Strange. That said, at least they looked dominant heading into their tag title shot at the pay-per-view.

Backstage, Christy Hemme interviewed D'Angelo Dinero, who cut a promo about Desmond Wolfe. The Pope said Wolfe stands in the way of him getting to the mountain top. He said Desmond should bring his best. Orlando Jordan showed up holding a bottle of energy drink and received a bunch of groans from the live crowd. Jordan claimed Hogan invited him. Pope didn't believe him and told him to get steppin'...

Powell's POV: Ouch. Tough reaction for Jordan. Sounded more like "go away" heat than heel heat. I'm surprised so many people seemed to recognize him.

[Q8] 5. D'Angelo Dinero defeated Desmond Wolfe in 2:40. Wolfe worked the arm early, but Dinero caught him in a small package out of nowhere for the win. The announcers put it over as a huge win for Dinero...

A shot aired of Jeff Jarrett (minus the scruffy beard) walking backstage... [C]

Powell's POV: I like The Pope, but I'm stunned that TNA has yet to give Wolfe a meaningful win. He had the hottest debut of 2009 only to lose every major match he's been involved in. It's not too late, but they have killed his momentum.

Backstage, Jeremy Borash was standing over Rhino, who was lying on the floor selling an attack. Bubba The Love Sponge interrupted Borash and hijacked the update on Rhino, which was just that he was the victim of the second attack of the night (Motor City Machine Guns were first)...

The announcers recapped Hulk Hogan's return and included a shot of Brooke Hogan cheering in the crowd. They also aired clips of Hogan's confrontation with his former NWO mates...

Powell's POV: By the way, Twilling insists that the music they used for Hogan was legitimately NWO music from the past.

Another shot aired of Jeff Jarrett walking backstage... [C]

Powell's POV: Is Jarrett walking in circles? Damn, how big is that backstage area?

Backstage, Borash interviewed A.J. Styles, who said he can't wait to see what Hogan does next. He briefly plugged his match with Kurt Angle for the pay-per-view, but was interrupted by Eric Bischoff clapping. Bischoff said he keeps hearing about Styles everywhere he goes. He said it was a pleasure to meet him.

Bischoff said the pay-per-view match between Styles and Angle won't happen. Rather, he said the match is now the main event of tonight's show. Styles looked happy. "I hope Kurt's ready because I am," Styles told Borash...

Powell's POV: A.J. looked more major league than usual with a nice leather jacket on. Nice backstage moment with Bischoff looking heelish before delivering a crowd pleasing moment.

[Q9] Jeff Jarrett finally made the five mile backstage walk and headed to the ring. He received cheers from the fans and a big "welcome back" chant. "It feels great to be back home in the Impact Zone," Jarrett said. A shot aired of Dixie sitting in the crowd. Jarrett reminded everyone that he founded TNA. The fans chanted "thank you."

Jarrett said every critic in the world said they wouldn't last six weeks or six months. "Guess what, I'm standing in the middle of the six-sided ring on a Monday night, the greatest night in company history," he said. "And I am damn proud to be here." Jarrett said Hogan knows that he tried to convince him for years to be part of TNA, but the timing was never right.

"Well, tonight, on a Monday night, the timing is right," Jarrett said regarding Hogan. Jarrett said he's done some good things and bad things during his career. He said the most rewarding thing he's ever done was giving young guys an opportunity to get in the ring. He referred to Beer Money as the best team in the business. He also mentioned the Guns, Daniels, Samoa Joe, and A.J. Styles. "Guys and everybody at home, you ain't seen nothing yet," Jarrett said. He added that he, Hogan, and Carter would be working side by side and now anything can and will happen in TNA.

Hogan appeared on the big screen and said "enough of the gaga." He said if he heard Jarrett say "I" one more time he would have had him removed from the building. He said that while Jarrett started the company, he also ran it into the ground. Hogan said that if it wasn't for Dixie Carter resurrecting the company and giving the young wrestlers a shot, the company would have folded.

Hogan told Jarrett to check the paperwork. He said he's now Dixie's partner. Hogan said the young guys will finally get real pushes now. Hogan said no one really cares about Jarrett's past accolades. He said the one thing Jarrett had right was that TNA is going to the top. Hogan said Jarrett has no voting power. He told him to grab his boots because it was time to prove himself. "I hope you can hang with the young guys," Hogan said...

Powell's POV: Okay, that was just odd. The fans popped huge for Jarrett and seemed surprised that Hogan ripped into him like that.

Backstage, Christy was interviewing Daniels when he was interrupted by Borash, who told Hemme that Foley wants to come inside. Borash opened a door and Foley barged inside. Borash tried to stop him, but Foley said he has a bone to pick with Hogan and doesn't care who he has to go through to get to him... [C]

Powell's POV: My biggest complaint so far is that everything is happening way too fast. There's just too much going on. They cut away from Hogan and Jarrett to go backstage to an interview with Daniels? Granted, it led to Foley, but they really need to let viewers digest what's happening. It already feels like Jeff Hardy debuted a week ago because so much has happened since then.

Backstage, Hardy was painting a picture while Moore sat on a bench in the locker room. Moore said the big man called and it was time to meet with "the big man." They headed off to meet with him...

[Q10] 6. Samoa Joe beat Abyss in 4:50. Tenay noted that the Rhino vs. Abyss match was scrapped. He said this was the first match between Abyss and Joe. Both men hit power moves for near falls. Late in the match, Abyss shoved the referee aside and then walked into a chair shot from Joe, who was standing on the floor. Joe locked in his submission hold and got the tapout win...

Powell's POV:

Backstage, Bischoff instructed a crew member to trim time off a segment because it looked too long. Kristal Lashley entered the room and reminded Bischoff that Bobby Lashley had asked for his release. She asked for a meeting with Hulk Hogan. Bischoff told her to get a number and stand in line like everyone else. Bischoff advised her to leave her attitude at the door...

Powell's POV: Trimming time off a segment? Um, okay. Kristal is really good in her role as the bitchy heel. Heck, I wouldn't mind seeing her play a heel valet even if Lashley does leave TNA.

A shot aired of Bubba The Love Sponge kneeling in front of Beer Money, who were the latest attack victims. Bubba said he had a pretty good idea of who attacked them... [C]

Powell's POV: Well then tell us, asshole. That's an "only in pro wrestling moment." You'd never hear an NBA reporter say, "I think I have a pretty good idea of how Michael Jordan suffered a knee injury, but back to you guys on the court." It might build some suspense, but it also makes the backstage interviewer look like a total dick.

Backstage, security still wouldn't let the Nasty Boys in the building. Bubba The Love Sponge came out and ran interference so that the Nasty Boys could sneak inside the building...

Borash interviewed Kurt Angle inside the latter man's dressing room. Angle put over Styles as an incredibly talented performer, but said Styles never beat him one-on-one to win the championship. Angle said a lot has happened personally and professionally for he and Angle, but Styles still can't beat him...

Outside the building, Shannon Moore and Jeff hardy were carrying big envelopes. Moore was excited and said they got what they came for. Hardy said maybe. He was interrupted by three screaming teenage girls. He gave one of them his painting. Hardy and Moore climbed inside a car together as the girls ran off... [C]

Powell's POV: Wow, that was really cheesy. Hardy is coming across like just another wrestler tonight, which is absurd given that he was the most popular wrestler in WWE just a few months ago. Oh, and the screaming girls thing looked as poorly choreographed as the Joe vs. Abyss finish.

[Q11] [C] The Nasty Boys wandered around the backstage area and entered the Team 3D locker room. They started making a mess when one of the security gus came in and apologized to them for not knowing they were so tight with Hogan. They tossed security out of the room and spray painted over Devon's picture. On commentary, Taz noted that Team 3D is in Japan...

Powell's POV: A Nasty Boys vs. Team 3D match does nothing for me.

7. A.J. Styles pinned Kurt Angle to retain the TNA Title in 22:05. Tenay raved that it was because of Hogan and Bischoff that we didn't have to wait until the pay-per-view for this match. The crowd was red hot with dueling cheers for the wrestlers. After a couple minutes of action, the hooded man in black entered the ring and went after Styles, but Angle actually ran him off. Angle was in control of the match when the show went to break. [C]

Powell's POV: I guess that was a serve in the sense that we were supposed to think we were getting a cheap finish. The problem is that the man in black looked weak to go along with his minor league look.

After the break, Styles regained control of the match momentarily.

[Q12] At 10:20, Angle went for a frog splash and missed. Styles came back with the Styles Clash for a good near fall. They fought on the ropes a short time later. Angle won that battle and then actually hit the frog splash for a near fall. A group of fans started a "Who needs Bret?" chant. Funny.

At 14:30, the two wrestlers fought on the ropes again. Angle got the advantage and hit an Angle Slam off the top for another good near fall. Kurt applied the ankle lock, but Styles flipped out of it and sent Angle crashing into the corner. Styles came right back with a couple of kicks and got a near fall.

At 16:05, Angle applied the Ankle Lock again. Ric Flair walked through the chute and stood at the top of the stage while the fans "Wooo'd." Tenay announced that Spike TV was letting them stay with the match until they had a winner. Styles hit a great flip off the ropes for another near fall as the show went to break. [C]

After the break, Flair was still standing on the ramp. However, he headed backstage just a few seconds later. Meanwhile, Styles hit the Styles Clash and followed up with the springboard splash and got the 1-2-3.

[Overrun] The announcers narrated highlights of the match. The referee raised A.J.'s hand as Angle stood by. Angle walked over to Styles and raised his arm and then hugged him.

Hulk Hogan's music played and he walked back onto the stage. "Those are the two greatest wrestlers in this business today," Hogan said. "Kurt Angle, we've got nothing but respect for you, my brother. And A.J. Styles, you just raised the TNA bar to a whole other level. This situation is going to go on and on and on. All the TNA fans, you guys have made history tonight."

Hogan was interrupted by someone whispering in his ear. Hogan ran backstage. The cameras cut to the back where Foley entered the poker room. Sadly, Sean Morley had the least amount of clothes on. Foley demanded to know where Hogan was. Morley told him Hogan was down the hall and to the left.

Foley entered Hogan's office only to find Eric Bischoff sitting in the office chair. Bischoff asked what the hell he could do for him. Foley said he's an executive shareholder. Bischoff said that's not worth the paper it was printed on. Bischoff said Foley's only option is to put his boots on and fight for his job like everyone else.

Foley said he promised himself a long time ago that he would never work for Bischoff again. Foley said he was going to give Bischoff a reason to fire him. He grabbed him and said he was going to knock his teeth down his throat. Hall, Nash, and Waltman entered the room and roughed up Foley. Hogan walked in and surveyed the scene as the show went off the air...

Powell's POV: A very good main event match from Angle and Styles. The show closing angle was a little weak. It's shades of gray stuff as we're all left to wonder who the heels and faces are in the former NWO vs. Jarrett and Foley feud. The show was too heavy on talking and they tried to cram way too much in. I'm still disappointed that Flair and Hardy took a backseat to everything else that was going on, but there's no denying that TNA delivered some big surprises. I'll post a press conference recap later and don't forget about the two audio updates that members will be listening to later tonight. More on that below. Thanks for watching along with me tonight.

Dot Net Members will be listening to audio recaps of WWE Raw and TNA Impact tonight after the shows. Plus, they will be listening to former WWE creative team member Court Bauer discussing both shows in a special interview on Wednesday. You can gain instant access to the ad-free version of the site, all Dot Net Audio, and discuss the shows with other members in the forum by signing up for $5 per month membership via the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.

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