3/15 Powell’s TNA Impact Wrestling TV Review: New TNA Champion crowned, Jeff Hardy vs. Eric Young, Drew Galloway and Gail Kim vs. Mike Bennett and Maria

By Jason Powell

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TNA Impact Wrestling on Pop TV
Taped earlier today in Orlando, Florida at Universal Studios

[Q1] Jeff Hardy made his entrance as Josh Mathews and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero introduced the show on commentary. Backstage, Eric Young found Dixie Carter, who was seated next to John Gaburick. Young and asked, “Do you like this?” He promised the wrestling world that he was going to hurt Hardy and then said Dixie would remember this forever and would have to live with it…

Powell’s POV: Dixie did a masterful job of selling Young’s meltdown by standing there with a blank look on her face while crossing her arms. Sigh.

1. Jeff Hardy vs. Eric Young. The wrestlers brawled until Dixie Carter walked onto the stage with a mic in hand. Dear lord. Dixie said Young started this when he piledrove Jeff through a table. She announced that the winner of this match will be added to the TNA Title match later in the show.

Powell’s POV: So she’s potentially rewarding Young for putting Jeff Hardy through a table? I wonder what viewers who check in on TNA when they have “live” shows are thinking right about now with two Dixie appearances less than five minutes into the show.

Young sat on the ropes and pulled on Hardy’s neck from behind, then covered him for two. Young continued to target Hardy’s “injured” neck by performing a neckbreaker. Young went for a headbutt off the second rope, but Hardy rolled out of the way. Hardy went on a roll and ended up winning with a Swanton…

Jeff Hardy beat Eric Young to earn a spot in the TNA Title match.

After the match, Matt Hardy, Reby Sky, and Maxel made their entrance. Matt was clapping and Mathews noted that he seemed to have a smile on his face despite his brother earning a title shot… [C]

[Q2] Matt laid it on thick as he told Jeff he had the comeback of the year and maybe the decade. Matt apologized for not saving Jeff when Young hurt him. Matt claimed he was protecting his wife. Reby claimed that Matt was up all night crying that night. She claimed Matt is a sensitive guy when it comes to family.

Reby handed Jeff the baby to hold. Matt said “uncle Jeff” has a great ring to it. He said he doesn’t want Jeff to be selfish. He said he wants Jeff to give up his spot in the main event. He said this is his night to pin EC3. Matt said that he and Jeff could have the biggest match in TNA history at Bound For Glory 2017 or maybe even 2018.

Jeff handed the baby back to Reby and then asked Matt if he really believed what he just said. Jeff said “simply no, I’m in the main event tonight.” Matt said they haven’t always seen eye to eye, but he asked Jeff to shake his hand and take the deal. Matt promised him a title shot down the line and put his hand out. Jeff flipped him off and it was apparently censored. Jeff put Matt down with a Twist of Fate. Mathews hyped Hardy vs. Hardy vs. EC3 for the TNA Title for later in the show…

Powell’s POV: The usual classic heel mic work from Matt, which continues to be a breath of fresh air. I wish Jeff would have expressed some desire to win the TNA Title rather than just talking about the main event. Still, a very good segment.

Footage aired from “earlier today” of Eddie Edwards addressing Davey Richards suffering a knee injury. Decay showed up and attacked Edwards and left him lying…

Backstage, Mike Bennett and Maria delivered a promo. They recalled their first appearance on the last “live” show. Bennett said Maria isn’t afraid of Gail Kim, and he has already beaten Drew Galloway. Bennett said tonight is when the miracle happens… [C]

[Q3] Backstage, Eddie Edwards was taping up his fists. Beer Money approached him and said he doesn’t have to go it alone in his feud with Decay…

2. Mike Bennett and Maria vs. Drew Galloway and Gail Kim. Bennett and Maria had their usual big entrance. Gail wanted to start the match with Maria, who acted like she was going to, then tagged in Bennett before locking up. Galloway performed a nice overhead suplex on Bennett.

Gail checked in and wanted Maria to do the same. Gail threw strikes at Bennett. Gail ran the ropes, but Maria opened the ropes and Gail tumbled to ringside. Maria checked in once Gail was down, then tagged out when she showed signs of life.

Later, Maria tried to prevent Galloway from tagging out, but Galloway held her arm and tagged in Kim. Gail grabbed Maria, then released her when Bennett ran in so that she could give him Eat Defeat. Galloway caught Bennett with a Claymore kick. However, Maria rolled up Kim and pinned her…

Mike Bennett and Maria beat Drew Galloway and Gail Kim in 3:20.

A recap of Lashley attacking Kurt Angle after Angle’s farewell match from last week was shown… [C]

Powell’s POV: It felt like the focus is more on Gail and Maria than the issues between Bennett and Galloway, but I like that Maria was able to escape unscathed and with a victory over Kim. It’s a good move to make viewers wait to see Gail finally get her hands on Maria.

[Q4] Josh Mathews stood in the ring and introduced Lashley for an in-ring interview. Lashley was all smiles and shook some hands and pointed at fans during his entrance. Mathews asked Lashley why he did what he did to Angle. The fans booed. Lashley asked for a second to explain.

Lashley said he waited a tremendous amount of time to face Angle. He said whether it’s a ring or a cage, he’s a fighter and that’s his job. Lashley said he is the most dominating and toughest person in the entire wrestling business. Lashley turned his back to the camera and repeated himself while looking at the fans.

Lashley asked why he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. He said he is overlooked for the likes of EC3, Drew Galloway, and Jeff Hardy. He said he confronted Angle to make sure he wasn’t overlooked. Mathews said Angle was a mentor to Lashley.

Mathews asked Lashley if Angle was his friend. “I don’t have any friends, especially in this business,” Lashley said. He added that if you step in the ring with him he is going to hurt you. Mathews asked if Lashley had a response to fans chanting “Lashley sucks.” Lashley said Josh was in his ring. Lashley grabbed Mathews by the jacket and flung him to the ground.

Pope ran in and stared at Lashley, then tended to Mathews, who rolled out of the ring. Lashley speared Pope, which drew good heat from the crowd. Lashley pushed Pope out of the ring with his foot, then raised his own arms while his music played…

Decay was shown backstage. Abyss asked The Wolves if they really thought they forgot about them. Abyss said the decay of Edwards and Beer Money would come at their hands. Abyss said it’s a different world and there’s only one person dark enough to fight with them. Rosemary said tonight is a good night for Decay… [C]

Powell’s POV: A good segment with Lashley. Sure, he awkwardly turned his back to the camera, but he was more believable when he boasted about being the toughest man in the ring and the cage than he has been in the past. I really like the angle with him taking out Mathews and Pope.

After the break, Mathews was back on commentary minus Pope. He recapped the previous angle and thanked Pope for helping him, then introduced Jeremy Borash as Pope’s replacement for the remainder of the show…

[Q5] Backstage, EC3 approached Jeff Hardy backstage and welcomed him back. EC3 said the old him would probably be upset that Hardy was added to the main event. Jeff said he’s happy the bratty EC3 is gone. Hardy said he senses the new EC3 and he likes it. EC3 said Matt is manipulating, conniving, and a big old bag of douche.

EC3 said Matt always pulls out something he didn’t see coming. Jeff delivered a clunker line by asking if he was the something that EC3 doesn’t see coming. EC3 said he’s prepared for anything. Jeff said he came to win the TNA Title for himself and the creatures…

Powell’s POV: I like that EC3 is smart enough to at least consider the possibility that Matt and Jeff are working together. He’s already smarter than WWE has made the Roman Reigns character out to be. Jeff has come a long way on the mic, but his delivery of the question about whether he is the something that EC3 didn’t see coming was really bad. I don’t blame him as much as I blame TNA for not doing another take.

3. James Storm, Bobby Roode, and Eddie Edwards vs. Abyss, Crazzy Steve, and Rosemary. Mathews wished Davey Richards a speedy recovery. Steve had Abyss chokeslam him onto Roode at 3:00. Rosemary tagged in and threw punches at Roode, then tagged Abyss in once Roode recovered.

Later, Beer Money went for a double suplex on Rosemary, but Steve pulled her to ringside. Steve took the double suplex moments later, then Beer Money did their dance. Roode launched Storm onto Abyss o the floor. Storm immediately cussed and clutched his knee. Rosemary sprayed mist in to the eyes of Roode. Edwards went after Rosemary, but Steve low-blowed Edwards and then rolled him up for the win…

Abyss, Crazzy Steve, and Rosemary beat James Storm, Bobby Roode, and Eddie Edwards in 7:10.

Bakstage, Grado spoke with Billy Corgan regarding his claim that Eli Drake swapped his briefcase. Corgan said they looked at the evidence and will make their final ruling in the ring and both Grado and Drake need to understand their decision his final… [C]

Powell’s POV: Hopefully Storm isn’t the latest to fall victim to the curse of the TNA Tag Titles. It looked like his knee struck Abyss on the way down, but they switched cameras and it was impossible to see how Storm landed. Meanwhile, doesn’t the new video show that Drake swapped the briefcases?

[Q6] Backstage, Matt Hardy and Reby Hardy approached Dixie Carter and asked if they were doing this because she is jealous of them. Reby said they are bigger than the brand and Dixie should be happy because it’s a good thing. Dixie said she doesn’t make decisions for her, she makes them for the fans.

Matt said it’s unfair to add Jeff to the match. Matt said he’s going to walk to the ring, wait for the bell, and then punch the referee in the face to be disqualified. Dixie announced that there won’t be any count-outs or disqualifications and someone will walk out a winner. Matt and Reby were not pleased…

A video recapped the never ending Grado and Eli Drake saga…

Eli Drake came to the ring and said Corgan told him to dress for a fight. Drake told Corgan to bring him the briefcase that was stolen from him. Grado made his entrance and Corgan walked with him as Mathews narrated footage of a new video showing that Drake swapped the briefcases.

Corgan told Grado to give Drake the briefcase back. Grado complied. Drake wanted to leave, but Corgan stopped him. He said the footage showed that Drake did something with the briefcases even if they did not know what he did. Corgan had a contract for Grado. Corgan said Grado would have to earn his place in a ladder match, and if Drake wants to get rid of Grado then he has to win the ladder match… [C]

Powell’s POV: So no one will actually be fired as part of Feast or Fired again? This seems like a strange place to use Corgan. Even if he’s a fan of Grado comedy, you’d think they would save him for a bigger moment or a bigger storyline.

[Q7] 4. Grado vs. Eli Drake in a ladder match. Grado had Drake down and made a slow play for the contract. Jessie Godderz ran out and stopped him. Mahabali Shera ran out, punched Godderz, and cleared him from the ring. Drake struck Shera with a briefcase.

Grado climbed the ladder and then jumped off it and onto both heels at ringside. Grado climbed the ladder again, but Drake recovered in time to stop him. Drake climbed over Grado on the ladder, but Grado performed an electric chair off the ladder.

Both men recovered and fought on the ladder. Grado knocked Drake off with a bionic elbow and then pulled down the contract to win the match. Afterward, Shera entered the ring and carried Grado around in his arms as part of the celebration…

Grado beat Eli Drake in a ladder match in 7:05 to earn a TNA contract.

Backstage shots aired of EC3 and then Jeff Hardy as Mathews hyped the main event for after the break… [C]

Powell’s POV: A good ladder match and the best performances from Grado and Drake thus far. I guess the idea is that technically Grado was fired and then earned a new contract. It’s a reach and it’s going to be hard to take the next “fired” part of Feast or Fired seriously, but I do believe this long feud with Drake was a big step toward Grado getting over as TNA’s lovable comedy figure.

Backstage, Eric Young scolded Bram for not being there when he needed him most. Willow walked by in the distance and pointed at Young. Bram wasn’t looking. Young said he and Bram need to stick together now more than ever…

Powell’s POV: I hope this is step one toward the Bram and Young split.

[Q8] Mathews hyped Beer Money defending the TNA Tag Titles in an open challenge against any former TNA Tag Champions… Borash handled the introductions for the main event…

5. Matt Hardy vs. EC3 vs. Jeff Hardy in a Triple Threat for the TNA Championship. Matt came out by himself. EC3 spoke with Jeff, then attacked Matt. Jeff pulled EC3 off and kicked his brother a few times, then EC3 returned the favor. Jeff pulled EC3 off and they bickered. Matt tried to go after them, but they both elbowed him.

A short time later, Matt had EC3 in the corner and then got down on all fours hoping Jeff would perform one of their tag moves, but Jeff declined. Instead, Jeff performed the move off of EC3’s back and onto Matt seconds later. EC3 had both Hardys down heading into the final break. [C]

Jeff performed a Twist of Fate on Matt and had him down. Jeff went to the top rope and hit his finisher as Eric Young and Bram ran out. The heels attacked Jeff Hardy and threw him to ringside. Young performed a piledriver on the concrete. TNA security ran out and led Young and Bram backstage.

[Overrun] Jeff Hardy was helped backstage by two security guards. EC3 got the better of Matt Hardy. Rockstar Spud and Tyrus ran out and attacked EC3. He eventually fought them off, but Matt recovered and kicked EC3 below the belt.

Hardy went for a Twist of Fate, but EC3 hit a One Percenter. Mike Bennett entered the ring and slammed a chair over the back of EC3. Hardy covered EC3, who kicked out again. Hardy performed a Twist of Fate and covered EC3, who kicked out again. Bennett got involved again and fought EC3 into the crowd. Bennett hit him with a soft chair shot to the back, then followed up with a second soft chair shot. Security surrounded Bennett. Mathews said this is too much. Um, yeah. Security and referees helped EC3 to his feet and helped him backstage.

Matt Hardy retained the TNA Title by an apparent no-contest.

Hardy took his title belt and then grabbed a microphone and laughed at the fans. Hardy said he told all the fans. He walked around the ringside area and boasted about retaining. He said he told everyone he would walk out as champion.

Hardy started up the ramp, but Drew Galloway’s music played. Galloway came out and punched Hardy and threw him back inside the ring. Galloway cashed in his Feast or Fired briefcase.

6. Matt Hardy vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA Title. Hardy threw punches at Galloway and went for his finisher. Galloway shoved him off and performed a Claymore kick and then a Future Shock DDT and got the pin. Galloway celebrated in the crowd with the fans and his TNA Title belt…

Drew Galloway beat Matt Hardy to win the TNA Title in 0:25.

Powell’s POV: Very mixed feelings on the title change. Hardy was doing a tremendous job as champion, so watching him drop the title was a surprise. Galloway is a tremendous babyface and he’s certainly a face of the company. I’m cool with him being a TNA Champion, but I question the idea of having the ultimate babyface win the title in Money in the Bank style. It would be truer to his character to have him “do the right thing” by telling the champion when he’s going to win. It was a hot way to close the show and it sets up some fresh title matches for Galloway with both Hardy brothers, EC3, Lashley, and Mike Bennett. Overall, a much better “live” show than when TNA premiered on Pop TV.