By Jason Powell
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TNA Impact Wrestling on Pop TV
Taped in Orlando, Florida at Universal Studios
[Q1] A brief recap of last week’s show opened Impact… Josh Mathews and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero were on commentary…
Matt Hardy, Rockstar Spud, Tyrus, Reby Hardy, and baby Maxel Hardy headed to the ring. Matt demanded silence from the “insignificant nobodies.” Matt spoke about the value of the name Hardy. He said Jeff Hardy is tarnishing the family name. Matt called for Jeff to “get your ass out here.”
Jeff made his entrance. Once Jeff entered the ring, Matt asked how dare he stain the Hardy name. Jeff said he is proud to be a Hardy and the legacy that they have built. Jeff said he has no problem with Matt doing his own thing, but he objects to him disgracing the TNA Title. Jeff said the title is bigger than both of them.
Matt said he helped Jeff make towns and when he didn’t know the difference between psychology and biology. Matt said it hasn’t been a two way street. He said Jeff stuck his nose into his match because he is selfish. Matt said this is just something Jeff is good at, whereas this is Matt’s life. Matt said he is building the brand so that he can hand it to his son someday.
Matt said he wants Jeff to stop using the Hardy name. He told him to be Willow or the Charismatic Enigma, but leave him the Hardy name. Jeff said the people chant “Hardy” for a reason. Matt said he doesn’t care about the fans. Matt asked for a match to show the world that there is only one Hardy. The fans chanted “Jeff is better.”
Reby took the mic and said Jeff won’t fight Matt because he’s know he is the better wrestler and the better brand. Jeff said the only thing he is afraid of his Reby’s “crazy bitch genes” being in their family tree. Jeff asked the fans if they want to see the fight. Jeff congratulated Matt and said he has his fight…
Mathews hyped the EC3 vs. Mike Bennett match, then recapped the Beer Money and Decay brawl from last week…
Beer Money made their entrance. James Storm rode the “boozer cruiser” to the ring and it now has a camera. Mathews hyped Beer Money defending the tag titles against any team that wants to step up following the break… [C]
Powell’s POV: Another strong verbal showing from Matt Hardy, who continues to deliver the best mic work of his career. He showed good fire and intensity that matched the delusional rant he was delivering. I would like to see more of Reby being manipulative behind the scenes as she was leading up to Matt’s big turn.
[Q2] BroMans made their entrance and Mathews said it appeared the tag title match was set. However, Decay made their entrance. Mathews noted that Beer Money stated last week that they would take on all comers. Eric Young and Bram were out next. Young cut a promo saying he’s the most dangerous man in pro wrestling. Bram gave him a funny look. Young said that with Bram behind him, no one can stop him from taking what he wants…
2. James Storm and Bobby Roode vs. Jessie Godderz and Robbie E vs. Crazzy Steve and Abyss (w/Rosemary) vs. Eric Young and Bram for the TNA Tag Titles. Mathews explained the four-way rules as the teams brawled to start the match. Storm drove the cruiser around the ring and into Bram. In the end, Storm caught Young with the Last Call superkick and pinned him to win the match…
Beer Money beat BroMans, Decay, and Eric Young & Bram in 6:25 to retain the TNA Tag Titles.
Backstage, Matt told Jeff that he wants him out of his life forever. Tyrus said Jeff needs to go. Matt said he wants their match next week to be an I Quit match. Jeff suggested they have a tag match. Jeff said that if Matt and Tyrus win, then he gets his I Quit match. Jeff said that if he and his partner win, then it will be Full Metal Mayhem. Matt wasn’t happy about the possibility of a FMM match, but he agreed…
Backstage, Maria said she was going to the ring to get what the first lady of pro wrestling deserves… [C]
Powell’s POV: Good action in the tag match, but I had a hard time getting invested. I’m still not buying BroMans as a babyface act and it doesn’t seem like the live crowd is either. I thought we might see a title change with Bobby Roode leaving the company. Roode and Young deserve nice sendoffs from TNA. However, I suspect the timing of their departures coming shortly after the Kurt Angle retirement tour aired means that TNA won’t be making a big fuss over it on the air.
[Q3] Backstage, Eddie Edwards was down and selling a shoulder injury. Mathews pointed out that Edwards was scheduled to face Trevor Lee for the X Division Title… Mathews said the tag match involving Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, and Tyrus was official for next week…
Maria made her entrance and said she is the first lady of professional wrestling. She said tonight is the genesis of the new Knockouts Division. She said Donald Trump asked her how to make America great again. “And, of course, I helped him,” she said. Maria introduced Jade as the new Knockouts Champion.
Maria took credit for Jade becoming the Knockouts Champion and for the fans knowing her name. “Give me my title,” Maria said. Jade took the mic and said she earned the title on her own. She said it’s not her fault that Maria is too afraid to step in the ring and do some work. Jade said Maria will have to fight for the title.
Gail Kim made her entrance and told Jade that she has not forgotten about her rematch, but she has something more important to take care of. Gail turned her attention to Maria claiming she knows what the division needs. She said just because a dog barks the loudest doesn’t mean she’s the boss, it just means she’s a bitch. Maria said she is a lady and they are just dumb wrestlers. She called them all sheep. Marti Bell and Rebel came out. Marti said Maria broke up the Dollhouse family. She told Jade not to forget where she came from.
Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne came out and delivered a promo from ringside. Madison said Maria isn’t the boss. She said she is the Queen B of the division because she knows how to lead people. Velvet took exception.
Billy Corgan walked out wearing a suit. Maria sucked up by saying he is a rock god who belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Corgan said the TNA office is very aware of Maria’s machinations. He said one of Dixie Carter’s proudest achievements is the strength, diversity, and passion of the Knockouts Division. Corgan booked Jade in a title match against Madison. Corgan said in-ring action determines what happens, not Maria’s scheming and dreaming.
Corgan announced that there would be a match next week to determine which one of them would be the leader of the division. Maria said it doesn’t matter who wins the title match because she will be their boss. She poked Jade, who swung at her. Maria ducked and Jade hit one of the other Knockouts, which led to a brawl that Maria quickly escaped…
Backstage, EC3 said Mike Bennett is an extraordinary talent, but he is not a deity. EC3 said he is accountable for everything he has ever done, yet he apologizes for none of it because it made him the star that he is today. He said he did learn humility and that if he stands on his own he can be the absolute best in the industry. EC3 said he will teach Bennett a lesson in ass kicking… [C]
Powell’s POV: Why in the world does there need to be a leader of the Knockouts Division? Seriously, that’s the main question that needs to be answered. Of course, you can also ask why a freaking match would determine such a thing. Meanwhile, EC3 delivered a good promo. He not only acts like a star, he tells viewers he’s a star, and it works for him.
[Q4] Trevor Lee and Gregory Shane Helms stood in the ring. Helms said he had Lee prepared to beat Eddie Edwards, but Edwards was lying on the floor backstage Helms said no one has the balls to come out and face Lee. Helms challenged anyone to prove him wrong. DJ Z made his entrance wearing a mask that Dot Net staffer John Moore will have to explain to me later…
3. Trevor Lee (w/Gregory Shane Helms) vs. DJ Z in a non-title match. Z got off to a quick start, but Lee came back by slamming him onto the apron. Z caught Lee with an inside cradle for the upset win. Helms was going to attack Z afterward, but Eddie Edwards ran out and scared off the heels…
DJ Z beat Trevor lee in a non-title match in 3:00.
Powell’s POV: Meh. Lee is the X Division Champion, but he never speaks and hasn’t had a signature win in TNA (I’m sorry, but Tigre Uno doesn’t count). Lee strikes me as a guy who would work better as a dominant X Division Champion rather than a vulnerable heel champion.
Mike Bennett delivered a backstage promo in front of a unique smokey looking backdrop. Bennett said he is writing EC3’s history and tonight is the chapter where he kicks EC3’s ass… Mathews hyped Bennett vs. EC3 for after the break… [C]
Backstage, Jeff was asked about his partner. He said he had the perfect partner. Drew Galloway entered the picture and said that Jeff had his back last week and tonight he has his. Nice…
Ring introductions for EC3 vs. Bennett took place. Maria delivered her big, spiritual introduction for Bennett…
[Q5] 4. “The Miracle” Mike Bennett (w/Maria) vs. EC3. EC3 had Bennett pinned at one point, but Maria put her husband’s foot on the bottom rope to break it. EC3 chased Maria around the ring and then back inside the ring where Bennett caught him with a Diamond Cutter.
Bennett went to ringside and grabbed a chair that he swung at EC3, who ducked. EC3 caught him in a submission hold and Bennett tapped out, but the referee was caught up with Maria and the chair. EC3 struck Bennett with the chair and was disqualified. EC3 struck Bennett with the chair repeatedly after the match.
Mike Bennett beat EC3 by DQ.
Powell’s POV: Poor Earl Hebner ended up accidentally being hit on the face with the seat of the chair. Mathews did a nice job of explaining that EC3 basically won the match three times before he reached his breaking point. I was actually hoping that EC3’s visual pins were leading to Bennett getting a win by pinfall rather than DQ.
Footage aired of the Al Snow and Grado drama… Backstage, Snow delivered a promo about being suspended for attacking Grado and Mahabali Shera. He said he had a week to reflect and realized he was wrong. He said he hoped to speak with Shera in the ring… [C]
[Q6] Al Snow stood in the ring and addressed his action. Shera came out and was pissed off and wound up to hit Snow, who asked for a chance to explain. Snow said he’s been doing this a long time. Snow said he would pay for Grado’s medical bills and said he wants to help them get better.
Shera said Snow has to respect younger people. He said he respects every person in the ring. Snow said he was wrong and he’s sorry, and he will do everything he can to help Shera and Grado. Snow offered his hand and Shera accepted, then they hugged.
Snow and Shera left the ring together, but Snow suddenly ran him into the ring steps. Snow punched Shera repeadly and then yelled at him. Fans were so affected by this that some chanted, “You’ve still got it” at Snow…
Backstage, Tyrus told Galloway that he might need a bodyguard because bad things happen to good people all the time. Tyrus reminded him that he gets his title shot anytime he wants… Mathews hyped the tag team main event… [C]
Powell’s POV: Are you happy, Sony Six? India has 1.252 billion people, but TNA can’t find an Indian wrestler with more to offer than Shera?
Backstage, Snow cut a promo about Grado being a “fat turd” and how he doesn’t need to be told to apologize to him. Snow said it’s his world and this is what he’s done to feed his family for 34 years. Snow said things are the way they are and they will always be that way. He said that if Shera wants his respect he should earn it by facing him in the ring…
[Q7] 5. Jade vs. Madison Rayne for the TNA Knockouts Title. Jade got the clean pin in her first title defense…
Jade beat Madison Rayne to retain the TNA Knockouts Title.
Powell’s POV: My apologies to those of you following along live. I fell behind due to the news that Balls Mahoney died today at age 44.
Shots aired of Matt Hardy and Tyrus walking together, then Jeff Hardy and Drew Galloway were shown while Mathews hyped their match… [C] Mathews announced Trevor Lee vs. Eddie Edwards vs. DJ Z for the X Division Title, the Knockouts match for control of the division, and the Hardy vs. Hardy match with the stipulation to be determined via the main event… Entrances for the main event took place…
6. Jeff Hardy and Drew Galloway vs. Matt Hardy and Tyrus. The winning Hardy gets to pick the stipulation of the Hardy vs. Hardy match on next week’s show.
[Q8] [C] Late in the match, Reby ran out with her purse and handed Matt a hammer, which he jabbed Jeff with. Matt hit the Twist of Fate and scored the pin.
After Matt, Reby, and Tyrus left the ring, Lashley ran out and attacked Galloway. Lashley speared Galloway and then headed up the ramp. Galloway stood up and then Lashley returned to spear him again at ringside. Lashley entered the ring and picked up the TNA Title and posed with it while Galloway sold at ringside to close the show…
Matt Hardy and Tyrus defeated Jeff Hardy and Drew Galloway.
A video package for next week showed black and white footage of Jeff Hardy performing a Swanton from a high place and then a graphic hyped Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy in an I Quit match…
Powell’s POV: Matt going over to get his stipulation was logical, and I really liked the Lashley attack on Galloway. I just hope they’re not going to the Galloway vs. Lashley match too soon, as it’s too soon for Galloway to drop the title and I would hate to see Lashley lose a match at this point. The video at the end was a nice teaser for next week.
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