I wrote up my predictions for Turning Point and fully admit I failed miserably. I really thought I had a handle on who I thought would win and I flubbed it in a huge way. So, let’s see what I predicted and what really happened.

Rhino versus Bashir and I picked Bashir. While I am a huge Rhino fan and have been as long as I can remember (original ECW) I really thought Bashir would win. I didn’t think TNA would want one of their Champions to look weak in a non-title match. I was wrong and Bashir took the fall. The other thing I did not expect was Scott Hall and ICP in the front row. That had to be incredibly distracting to anyone watching the PPV.

In the Knockout Tag Match I thought they (again) would not want their Champion to look weak and lose the match, wrong! On just loving who she is I wanted to pick Roxxi, but I didn’t think TNA would let Kong and Saeed lose this match. While Saeed and Wilde really stepped up their games and showed their real talent in this match (Kong and Roxxi always show their talent), TNA let another Champion lose a non-title match. It doesn’t make sense to me personally.

I got the BMI versus MCMG Match correct! While I think it’s time for someone else to hold the Tag Team Titles, MCMG are not the right team to do so right now. They have a storyline going on with dissension between them and Samoa Joe, for me that’s enough right now. Though I am ready for BMI to lose the titles very soon.

Abyss versus Angle was (from the sounds of it) the best match of the night and I can’t wait to NetFlix it when it comes out! Just reading Richard’s play-by-play had me on the edge of my seat. This was the match of the night and a contender for Match Of The Year! I really thought Abyss would go over Angle to make Angle that much more pissed off at everyone, especially JJ. But TNA had other ideas and decided they wanted MEM to win everything at Turning Point. Hopefully, in the long run, it was the right idea.

The X Division Championship Seeding Match was confusing to me. Not the match but how they announced it on TNA’s website. They did not explain how the match or the seeding would work, so I picked my top three. They were, in no particular order - Lethal, Creed and Young. I have to say I will take partial credit for getting this one right. While Creed was eliminated in the middle of the match, it came down to Lethal and EY in the end. EY won and Lethal got second seeding. I think for not having any info on the match and ten very talented men in the match, I did a pretty good job picking who would win.

The Booker T and Christian Cage match was about what I expected. Booker still had the belt over his shoulder in the Final Resolution poster, so I figured he would retain. It does not make me happy, but it is what it is.

In the Samoa Joe versus Kevin Nash match I was not expecting much from Nash, but got more than I bargained for. Not saying he was great by any stretch, but better than he had been. Joe, as always, was the consummate performer. When Hall showed up in the front row during the start of the show I was wondering if he would be involved with this match, but he might not have been invited to the show! I was a bit shocked Nash was able to get Joe up for two powerbombs, but that he did impressed me. I did expect Joe to both carry and win the match. It appears he did the first, but did not pull out the win.

Again, because of the Final Resolution poster, I thought Sting would lose this match - wrong again! AJ fought a hard battle but could not pull it out in the end. I did say I thought it was early for Sting to lose the belt, but who better to win it than AJ? I really thought the Phenomenal One would become WHC, but I was wrong. Now I wonder if the poster was a red herring or if Sting somehow loses the belt between now and then.

I will toot my own horn in that I said this would be an amazing PPV and it was. It seemed as though the wrestlers put everything they had into their matches and promos. Everyone’s work rate was excellent. They were all at the top of their game. If only they put that much into their weekly shows, I might not tune into the ‘other company’ as much.

Show Starts

Video
Video about Turning Point.

Back Stage Segment

Borash with JJ and Foley. Borash said MEM won a lot at Turning Point. JJ said the young lions need to pull themselves up and brush themselves off. Foley says someone needs to talk to them personally. Borash pissed Foley off who snapped and said Borash is part of what’s wrong with TNA. He’s pissed off after what happened with Shelley who forgot to win his match at TP because of his attitude.
8/10 - Foley is always great when he’s pissed off like that. He has a knack for going from funny to angry/serious in the blink of an eye and that can throw people off, but he does it so well. Foley and JJ are just so great together on mic. It just works!

In Ring Segment

As Foley headed for the ring they showed more video clips from TP. Foley said it was not a stellar night at TP for many of the TNA Originals. He wants some of them to the ring - AJ (huge pop), Samoa Joe, MCMG, EY, Williams, Lethal and Creed. AJ was the only one who got his music, the rest just followed him out. Then my Dish Network died and I lost all signal. I am very sorry about this. We’ve had issues before, but only during bad weather, which we do not have right now! My boyfriend worked frantically to get the signal back for me. I finally got it back when Foley told Joe that Nash was really the smartest man in wrestling. Joe beat Nash from pillar to post, but Nash got the win. Foley then moved on to AJ, how Sting was a big talker and AJ got distracted in the ring. They need to learn from their mistakes. EY earned his shot and can have it tonight. EY agreed to it. To AJ he says that he’s one of the most talented people he’s seen in the ring. Foley then said that in a book he wrote for another wrestling company, he said that Joe is the most convincing badass in the business. So they, AJ and joe, will be facing BMI for their titles. Lethal gets Sting for the title. He told them to hit it out of the park tonight.
?/10 - I don’t feel as I can rate this as I did not see it all. From what I saw Foley was great and strong, but I obviously missed a lot - sorry! I do have to say I love what Foley said about Joe, how he wrote about him. That shows huge respect to me.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde approached Christian Cage out in the parking lot. He said it doesn’t matter (joining MEM), because he has to do it. Then MEM showed up and said they’d give him the welcome party like he’s never seen before. They all welcome him. Steiner handed him a suit in a fabric bag to wear to the ring later for the party. Nash took a deep sniff of the blonde’s hair. They all leave. Cage rolled up the suit and stuffed in a trash can.
9/10 - Not a lot was said by Cage, but it was powerful. In what MEM did and said made them look even more powerful. Beautifully written and executed!

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed ODB who was building stuff. She said she’s getting ready for her own show. She said that you do not have to be beautiful to have your own show, so her’s will debut next week. It looked like a junk sale, right down to the ‘Christmas Story’ leg lamp wearing a fishnet stocking!
9/10 - What a bloody mess! Not the segment, but the area ODB was organizing. Her hair was wilder than ever, she never looked at the blonde or the camera, but she sounded better and more mentally organized than ever before on mic. She was great!

Match #1

Kong and Khan against Wilde and Roxxi. Wilde was headed for the ring but did not make it as Kong hugely slammed her down on the ramp. Wilde then was slammed into the barrier. Finally Kong put her in the ring and the bell rang. Taylor continued to be tossed around and abused, so much so that a big “Taylor” chant started. It did not help but was nice to see them behind her. Khan tagged in and again wore very little. She is a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. She looked great (as a wrestler) in the ring. Roxxi finally got the tag and locked on a sleeper. She was up on Kong’s back, but Khan kicked Roxxi in the upper back/neck area. Khan made it look easy! That woman has some amazingly long legs. Taylor was working outside with Khan when Kong hit her finisher on Roxxi for the win.
8/10 - This was pretty good. Taylor was impressive. That girl is just getting better and better with every match. Khan could really be a force to be reckoned with. She is good in the ring and TNA was amiss in not having her wrestle much sooner. She had been a valet for quite a while, but not wrestling. Big mistake! I can’t wait to see more of them all in the ring.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed MCMG. Shelley acted like a total jerk. They sounded more like heels than young lions. They ripped on EY, AJ and Joe. I can’t wait to see where they go with these two as they are part of the young lions, but they’re not fitting in. They’re not like BMI who are not getting involved in it at all, they’re in the middle of it and causing issues. Could be fun.
5/10 - They just did not hold my attention. This could be me as I have never been a MCMG fan. Maybe I have heard too much about their locker room attitudes to care too much about them as wrestlers. If they can’t be decent to the rest of the wrestlers or the TNA higher ups, I just can’t seem to care much about them and how far they make it in the industry.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde was in Traci’s office. Saeed ranted and threatened that if Kong did not get new opponents, Kong might attack vacationing people who glorify that stupid mouse. The blonde then asked Khan why she ditched Taylor last week. Khan said she wanted to be on the side with the beast. They left and Traci called them all freaks.
6/10 - Saeed was the best of the bunch. The rest made me want to go get a beer, not wait for a commercial. Just boring.

Match #2

EY faced off against Bashir for the X Division Championship. Sewell was the ref. “Let’s go Eric” chants were loud and long. It seemed like everyone loves EY. The match went back and forth between the two. EY pushed Sewell out of the way, then Bashir hit a low blow on EY. Bashir covered EY for two but Sewell stopped the count because he realized something was wrong. He asked the fans if Bashir had hit a low blow, they said he had. Bashir and Sewell argued. Sewell attacked Bashir. EY took over, hit his finisher and covered for three. The young lions came down to the ring to celebrate with EY. They lifted him on their shoulders, but Sewell was behind them looking dazed and confused through the whole celebration.
7/10 - I would love to give the match a 10 as I am a huge EY fan. I think he’s a tremendous worker who does not get his due because he’s kind of goofy and has that sweet little boy look. But this match was not all it could have been. I really expected something semi-spectacular as EY and Bashir are capable of it and it was a Title Match. It just did not give me anything exciting, that saddens me.

Back Stage Segment

EY dedicated the win to Foley. They all celebrated out back. ODB was getting trashed during the celebration. Joe and AJ are happy, but not as crazy as Creed, Lethal, Williams, etc.
7/10 - It was nothing to write home about, but it was a fun little segment. It’s great to see them all so happy and full of it even though the leaders of the group were much quieter than the rest. Waiting for the other shoe to drop?

Video

Video about Hernandez. He talked about his high school football career. Other people talked about what a great guy he is. He then went on to talk about wrestling in Mexico early on. Someone said, “He was the biggest luchador I’d ever seen!”
7/10 - Solid video, but I do not understand why they aired it when they did. LAX has not done anything big lately. Unless they’re setting them up for a push it just seemed rather out of the blue.

Back Stage Segment

Borash interviewed MEM, Angle to be specific. Angle said EY didn’t beat anyone in MEM, so it doesn’t matter. Petey Williams wandered in and they threatened him. Steiner told him he would talk to him later, alone.
7/10 - I have been telling my boyfriend, ever since Steiner showed up, that there would be something interesting between him and Williams. I’m hoping this goes someplace. Steiner did so much to groom Williams and now they’re on opposite sides. They’re feuding, but nothing actually happened between them. This could be a very interesting quirk to the factions storyline.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed Lethal. He is wound up and stayed in character beautifully. He was thrilled about facing Sting. He left and then she told Williams to be careful when he spoke to Steiner. He said he will be fine, he and Scotty are boys!
9/10 - This is what I have been waiting for - the Steiner/Williams thing. Lethal is what made this rating so high. He has Savage’s character down perfectly. It amazes me how good he is in this roll. When he started I did not think he would be able to carry it, but he has more than done it justice.

Match #3

Angle walked out with Steiner and then went to the announce table. Rhino came out to face Steiner. Steiner did not take his shirt off. I did not notice if he took it off last week. I know he is more scarred up now than he was, but he has such an amazing physique and has always wanted to show it off. Plus all that new ink he has added over the past couple years. Very interesting that he left it on. It looked as though Steiner’s ring rust mysteriously disappeared! He looked great. He seemed to have control through most of the match, then Rhino took over, but both offensively and defensively Steiner looked really good, much better than he did previously. Angle saw Rhino setting up for the gore and distracted him. Steiner hit his belly to belly for the win.
8/10 - That was a really solid match. I am very impressed with both of them. They both looked strong and worked hard. They’re both good sized men, not huge, but good sized and really made much of the work look effortless. I’m very impressed.

Back Stage Segment

Borash interviewed Sting who rattled on and on about respect and who will point fingers at who on the young lions side of things.
5/10 - His voice sounded great on mic, but all I heard was blah, blah, respect, blah, blah, blah. Boring. Same thing every week from him and I am over it.

Match #4

It’s 10:02 and the 4th match is about to start. Normally at this point we are only in the middle of the third match. The speed of the show is very shocking, but I like it! Borash did a good job introducing Lethal and Sting in the ring. He’s pretty good at this! Lethal gained control over Sting and looked great in the ring, very on the mark with every move. Lethal’s suicide dive was the only thing that did not look right. Sting was too far away and they only seemed to touch fingertips when Lethal hit him. It looked like two five year old girls in a slap fight - it was only that one part of that one move, but it killed a lot for me. Made me feel like Sting was being wimpy in this move that Lethal threw himself into. I understand Sting isn’t in his twenties any longer, but if he’s going to be in there doing it, he needs to give it his all. He is the WHC Commercial! Back in the ring and Sting was in control. He put his all into it which pulls back my reaction to the move before the commercial, some. MCMG were ringside watching the match, cheering on Lethal. Dueling chants for Lethal and Sting. People are still behind Sting even though he’s a member of MEM. These two worked better in the ring together better than I thought they would or could. Sting has really proven as of late that he can hold his own with the younger guys. Shelley distracted the ref while Sabin held Sting for Lethal. Lethal did not want things to go that way and tossed Sabin from the ring. Sting took that distraction and got the win with a scorpion death drop. MCMG then rushed in to go after Lethal. Joe and AJ were there immediately. They backed MCMG off and argued with them. Creed and ODB rushed out to stop it from breaking down into a fight. EY also hit the ring to help Lethal.
8/10 - That was a very, very strong match! I am very impressed with Sting’s work in the ring, other than with that one move. He did not need Lethal to carry the match. Sting did not need Lethal’s help to looks good, he did it himself. Lethal, as usual, was technically perfect, but did not look like a technical wrestler. He is so smooth and on the mark. He makes it all look so effortless. I could watch him wrestle anytime and wish he did so more often.

Back Stage Segment

Williams was getting beaten down by MEM, especially by Steiner and Booker T. Steiner got Williams up on a ladder and tossed him off. Angle ranted through the whole bit. He yelled and screamed the whole time. I am wondering if Angle has not lost it just a little. I don’t mean as a character, I mean as a person.
7/10 - I personally think it would have been better if they had drawn it out a bit and had only Steiner attack Williams, but that’s just me. I know MEM is a faction and they do everything together, but I thought this one would be more Steiner’s fight. Look at the size difference, it’s not as if Steiner couldn’t do it by himself! I hope they do more with this story, but just between the two of them.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde had blood on her hands from Williams’ who she kneeled over. The originals were all around trying to get Williams taken care of.
5/10 - Nothing to it, just a bunch of people running around freaked out about Williams who was prone on the floor. I don’t think they really needed the segment personally.

Back Stage Segment

Borash interviewed BMI. Jackie put her hand over Borash’s mouth to shut him up. Roode was pissed that Foley made this match, he said Foley is a bum and pathetic. He does not care who Foley thinks he is. Storm then ranted, but I did not get anything real from it, just their call phrases.
5/10 - I was not impressed. Roode is fine on mic, but it was nothing special. Storm was just confusing as he did not really say anything. I have seen them give good interviews, that was not one of them.

Main Event

Storm rode a motorized cooler/scooter to the ring for the Tag Titles Match with AJ and Joe! Wow, AJ sure did earn the name the Phenomenal One. He is just so astounding in the ring. Not saying Joe is not one of the best workers in the business, he is. It’s just that some of the moves AJ executes blows my mind! Team 3D made their way to the ring, or possibly the announce table, as TNA went to commercial. This is the match of the night and there’s a commercial in the middle of it. One of the commercials is for the SD! Vs RAW video game! What great promotional work by Spike! They won’t even market their own wrestling show to the best of their ability, but they will put a WWE commercial during the TNA Main Event. Makes no sense to me! BMI worked in the ring like a well oiled machine. They always seem to have perfect timing. AJ hit a beautiful enziguri and Roode landed the Flair flop as if he created it himself. BMI continued to work together in a great way and isolated AJ from Joe. AJ hit the pele and managed to tag out. I really do not know how Joe moves as fast as he does for his size. He moves like a cruiser weight and that fast scoop slam always leaves me with my eyes bugged out of my head. It should not be possible for him to move the way he does. Joe was about to hit the muscle buster but Storm spit beer in Joe’s eyes. BMI set Joe up for the double team and the win, but Team 3D got involved. Hebner called for the bell. AJ and Joe lost due to Team 3D and they argued with them about it.
9/10 - If there had been a real ending I would have given it a 9.5. It was a fun and exciting match to watch from start to almost finish. All four of them just gave the match everything and the fans all they had. That’s what a good match is made of - amazing wrestlers with great chemistry giving it their all. It’s disheartening that they could not give the fans a real end to the match.

Back Stage Segment

TBP were impressed with the money Palin spent on her wardrobe and they love her look. They offered up 50K for whichever charity she desires if she comes to Final Resolution. They invited her to join TBP. ‘Cute’ Kip hummed through the whole thing with his back to the camera. At the end he turned around and said he approved that message.
3/10 - Not for the normal reasons do I give that a low mark. I had read that TNA had invited Palin to Final Resolution. I had actually thought I might be possible for her to appear, but then they showed that segment and it sealed it for me. There is no way Palin would come to the PPV to join that group. They brought up a hugely embarrassing part of the campaign - the clothing purchased for her - but they expect her to join them? Highly doubtful.

In Ring Segment

MEM headed to the ring in their suits, minus Sting. Angle called out Cage to join them in the ring. Cage came out in his jeans and black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up that he’d been wearing earlier. Angle said when they give him a suit to wear, he wears it. Angle then went on and on about the differences Cage has had with about all of MEM. They’re there to welcome him into the family. Family is helping their brothers and sister out, no matter what. It’s having a bond with your brothers and sister, even tighter than your wife. Commitment is Steiner who had a career ending injury, but he came back to be the hitman for MEM. Commitment is Nash and Booker who turned down lucrative offers from other companies to stay and fight the good fight. But Angle is worried about Cage’s commitment. He heard that Cage’s attorney won’t talk to TNA and that Cage will jump ship in a few weeks when his contract is up. Angle said he realized that this is not a welcoming party, it’s a going away party. The young punks will not help Cage as he’s abandoning them too. Cage tried to fight back, but he got a beat down. They basically passed him around. Steiner hit a belly to belly from up top. Booker hit his axe kick on Cage. Nash then hit his jackknife. Angle took his tie off and hit his Angle slam. After they’re done beating Cage down they put their suit jackets back on and hold each other’s hands up over their heads while standing over Cage’s prone body.
5/10 - I have never liked it when a group beats down just one person without anyone else to help. From what I have read this was Cage’s idea so if he did end up leaving TNA, he would not leave them in a lurch. While that is a very cool thing to do, it just left a bad taste in my mouth. The earlier segment between Cage and MEM was so beautifully done yet this just did not have the same creative flair to it. It didn’t feel right at all.

Post Show

So much of this show was fantastic! I was really impressed with much of it, but some of it just missed the mark. AJ and Joe versus BMI was phenomenal, but the lack of ending hurt it. The early segment between Cage and MEM was beautifully written and executed, but the last segment of the show was almost painful to watch in its lack of flavor.

Much of the show flowed along very quickly and the matches were good and solid overall, but there was just something intangible missing. The EY and Bashir Match could have been so much more, but TNA did not give it to us. The possible Steiner and Williams feud could have been stretched out more, but instead they gave us a heel faction beat down.

I am not saying the show was bad, not by any stretch of the imagination. I really enjoyed most of the show. There were just a few small things that I either did not like how they were handled or I thought they were pushed along too quickly. The fact that I am itching to watch next week’s show (even though I have read the spoilers) shows what a good show it really was. More shows with this type of flow and matches like the main event and I will be glowing all day on Fridays. I will have a semi-glow tomorrow.

KB

I want to talk about Monty Sopp, otherwise known as Kip James. He is a man who has had many highs and lows in his career. I decided to bring him up this week is because I noticed something I rarely think about. While watching the 800th Episode Celebration of RAW, they showed many clips from past episodes of the show. A bit of Episode #257, 1998, was shown. It was the bit where DX had a military Jeep and tried to invade an episode of Nitro. They were all in military fatigues with face paint and helmets with branches on them. On the back of the Jeep was ‘Billy Gunn’ (Kip) and ‘Roaddog Jesse James’. Even though I knew they were part of DX, it was just such a shocker to see them there! I watched very diligently back then and loved watching ‘Billy Gunn’ and ‘Roaddog’ with DX, but they have both changed so much and moved in such a different direction from HBK and HHH.

I do not think Kip is any less talented than HHH or HBK, but I think he career has taken some odd turns. There was the whole ‘Mr. Ass’ thing. While he got a huge female following with it, it was also a bit creepy (and this is coming from a chick)! Then we can’t forget the whole ‘Billy & Chuck’ fiasco that brought in good ratings, but I do not think either of them have recovered from it.

I do not think Kip is at all beyond his prime. I was shocked to find out that Kip is 6 years older than HHH and two years older than HBK, but that means nothing in this industry! Wrestlers are lasting longer and longer in the ring, the thing is to find a good character and storyline. That’s where Kip is lacking these days and has been lacking for a long, long time. Honestly it has not been since the ‘Billy & Chuck’ thing has he done anything monumental with a storyline. Coming back to TNA after his feud with BG James only to become ‘Cute Kip’ as part of TBP is not going to help his career in any way.

All I am going to say is that I hope they are both very happy, BG James being a road agent and Kip being ‘Cute’, but in the long run I highly doubt that is how Sopp wants to be remembered.

Show Starts

Video of the young guys pulling together last week and then the MEM coming out to face them. It was followed with the end of last week’s show and Steiner coming out to attack everyone.

In Ring Segment

MEM came out to the ring slowly in their well cut suits, led by Angle, but without Steiner. Then Angle introduced their ‘Hitman’ Steiner who came out to his famous siren. I have to say he looks amazing! Incredibly healthy and better put together than I have seen him look in a very long time. I hope he’s feeling as good as he looks. Steiner said he’s been home rehabbing his knee and watching the young guys disrespecting the guys who paved the way in this business and it pissed him off. He said this is the greatest assemblage of champions to ever come together. They have earned their respect and come together out of respect. They’ve put it all out there, the blood, sweat and tears because they love it and earned it. They’ve wrestled all around the world. They’ve wrestled in the Boston Garden, MSG, Tokyo. The difference between them and the guys in the back is that the young guys play video games when they’re not in the ring. During the week they go online together and play video games and get their ratings, asking geeks what they think. Ask the legend what they think and they will tell them they suck. Before he came to TNA he had never heard of any of them. They did not build this company, no one knows who they are. AJ could walk down the street in his hometown and no one would know him. Joe can go back to Samoa and they’ll ask who is the half breed. Who’s name is on the marquee? MEM. At home we turn on the TV to see the stars. The only time the young guys are stars is when they step in the ring with MEM, the real starts. It’s a new day in TNA and they’re going to kick ass. They’re going to kick ass and look good doing it. Samoa Joe heard enough and came out to the stage area with AJ , MCMG and others in tow. He said Scott had some strong words, but if they could understand half of what he said, they might be offended. Ultimate X was them, building TNA from ground up, that was all them! They’re building a nice little war here. He’s not beating the hell out of Nash because he will do it at Turning Point. Joe said MEM might have been recruiting, but so have they… Cage’s music and he came out to the stage. Cage said he’s not picking a side. He doesn’t mind helping when it comes to these veterans, but he is not joining up. He does not like to hear them talking trash about these young guys. They better not talk trash about him, especially googly eyed Booker. The young guys are just trying to climb the ladder the way they did. Booker did not just step in and become a six time Champion the next day. Cage did not step in and become a two time Champion the next day, he busted his ass for it. At TP he’s going to beat Booker, embarrass Booker. At the end of the night he will be standing over Booker’s body with the belt saying, “I am legend.” Booker says after TP Cage will be standing with them. He says he will own Cage’s punk ass all over the place.
6/10 - Steiner looked great, but he’s still not wonderful on mic - never has been. He has a habit of yelling rather than talking. His raspy voice adds to issues with him just not sounding right. So while he is understandable, he’s just not great.

Back Stage Segment

AJ and Foley out back with Borash. Borash brought up taking a Kurt and wiping his Angle, but Foley said they were visiting a sick kid in the hospital. AJ said they rode together because Foley had to tell him something. Borash asked what it was. Foley said they didn’t get to it, but it involves everyone, so it is no big deal, he’ll announce it. Foley walked off. AJ said he has no idea why they rode together.
7/10 - Nice little segment. AJ and Foley together were rather fun. They could really work well together as they have a similar casualness to them. They’re also both very funny men in a similar way.

Match #1

BMI came out to the ring. For the second week in a row Jackie is not dressed in tight shirts, but a looser top with a blazer that does not look right on her. Booker tagged with them. They faced off against MCMG and Cage. MCMG did some beautiful double teaming on Roode. I was very impressed with how well they moved together. Then the heels gained control and would not relinquish it until Cage managed the tag. A double inverted DDT to BMI was a bit sloppy as Cage had trouble getting in the right spot, but it worked well. Then Cage had troubles getting over the top rope cleanly. He looked just the tiniest bit off. Cage had the pin but Jackie interfered with the ref. Sharmell slid the belt to Booker who used it on Cage for the win. MCMG re-entered the ring to check on a prone Cage which was pretty cool and showed a nice solidarity in the team.
7/10 - This was a nice solid match. A little high flying, a little mat work, some double teaming, some dirty interference. All good things for a match, but did not give an outstanding match by any stretch. I really expected a bit more.

Back Stage Segment

Borash rushed into JJ’s office and said Angle was on his way in. JJ said Angle and everyone else is welcome in his office. Borash said Angle wants JJ in the ring. JJ said it won’t happen and told Borash to leave if he had nothing else to say.
6/10 - Noting special, but not bad. Just a little informative bit to keep the storyline moving.

Back Stage Segment

Security tried to keep Angle out of JJ’s office, but he pushed his way in. Angle asked when JJ will come out from behind his desk and into the ring. When will JJ stop throwing guys like Abyss at him. After he is done with JJ he is going after Foley. Angle does not care that Foley is retired. JJ said it’s won and done. Angle again tried to threaten JJ’s daughters. JJ threw him out.
6/10 - Not thrilling. Angle keeps threatening to go to JJ’s daughters, but that is it. It has been a few weeks of that. Do something or shut up!

Back Stage Segment

Saeed and Kong stomped the heck out of Roxxi. They tossed her into a bunch of trash cans. Security pulled Kong and Saeed off. Taylor and the blonde rush to Roxxi’s side. Borash called for a doctor.
9/10 - Just like last week they snuck a nice short Knockout bit in. It had more impact that an actual match between them but did not take anywhere near the time. So beautifully done!

Back Stage Segment

The blonde told us that Roxxi is bleeding from the neck and back. They show Roxxi on her side about to be rolled on a back board.

Match #2

Voldaor and Hiroshi are just one of the teams in a Four Team Ladder Match. Abyss and Morgan were next out to the ring. Team 3D joined them followed by LAX to round out the teams. They all started feuding at the same time and it was an ultimate mess to try to follow. Like many rumbles, it’s too confusing to catch 3/4 of the work and moves. I personally think these types of matches do not show the best of the wrestlers. Team 3D hit ‘what’s up’ on Homicide and then a commercial! Normally I hate commercials in the middle of matches, but this makes a little sense. Hopefully by the time they come back it will be closer to the end and will have some sort of meaning. Morgan was at the top of the ladder, but Hernandez pushed it over and Morgan landed on the barrier fence. Homicide face planted Devon off the ladder. Abyss took Homicide off the ladder and hit the shock treatment, but then Abyss ran into a Bubba choke slam. Hiroshi took Bubba down then went after Devon! They hit the 3D on Hiroshi. But then BMI rushed out to beat down Team 3D! Abyss climbed and took down the contract for the Tag Title Match this Sunday at Turning Point.
7/10 - That was actually better than I expected, even though a lot was lost due to there being too much action at once. BMI’s interference added a nice little bit of flavor to the match. I think this is a great set up for a future BMI and Team 3D feud. It could set up for Team 3D getting involved at TP. All this and it wasn’t an over booked ending!

In Ring Segment

Foley in the ring in a nice black shirt, nice blazer and black sweat pants - so typically Foley! He introduced AJ to the ring. He said it was six years ago JJ brought about TNA. It was gutsy to build the company on the back of an unknown wrestler. Foley saw clips of AJ doing amazing things. Foley asked Raven about AJ. Raven’s name got some cheers. Raven told Foley that AJ was Phenomenal. AJ was the first TNA Triple Crown winner. This Sunday AJ has to keep his cool, keep all the dreams alive and defeat Sting. Foley said he knows he can do it as change is inevitable. We have a new president elect. They may not agree, but they have to put it behind them. For the young wrestlers, AJ is our new president elect. This Sunday AJ has to take his oath of office and maybe Sting will come to his senses. Sting came out in full makeup and gear. Sting said he has not lost his sense. He has spoken nothing but the truth since day one. If the young guys don’t get or hear what they want, they throw tantrums. Foley just has not been there long enough. Sting respects Foley and what he’s done in the industry. “Foley” chants. They have been friends for a long time and he has not steered him wrong ever before. They will disrespect Foley too. AJ said he does not have a silver spoon in his mouth. Everything Sting asked for in his contract he got. The limo and first class tickets, wooooo! He asked if that’s where Sting got all his ideas. He doesn’t know if Sting’s trying to piss AJ off, but he did that at BFG. AJ does not know how they got to this point. Sting said they got there the moment AJ opened his mouth, spit in his face. Sting sarcastically said AJ is never wrong. Sting went off on a rant on AJ’s father, again. He then moved on to AJ’s son! AJ got pissed but Foley held him back.
8/10 - They are all great on mic and hit the hot buttons to get each other going. The whole thing just worked. I wish all vignettes sounded as good and flowed as well as that did.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed Taylor about her partner getting destroyed. Taylor said she would do what she had to do. She said this one is for Roxxi and started to stomp off. Khan showed up in front of her and said Taylor needed a weapon of mass destruction and they headed out together.
6/10 - Taylor is not good on mic. I don’t know how Khan plans on wrestling in that outfit as she’s barely wearing anything at all!

Match #3

Kong and Saeed to the ring followed by Taylor Wilde then Khan in one of the tiniest ring outfits I have ever! Taylor did pretty well in the ring with Saeed. Well enough that I actually want to see more of her. I was not impressed with her at first. But the more I see of her in the ring with people closer to her size, the more I like her. They isolated Taylor from her corner but she finally got the tag. But then Khan slammed Wilde down and handed her off to Kong who pinned her for three. Khan and Kong smiles at each other.
6/10 - Not a great match. Just too much of a one sided mess, other than when Saeed was in the ring. Also, I had read that TNA was going to start a feud between Khan and Kong. I guess that won’t be happening and it makes no sense to me. Physically she is the only woman who can really face down Kong, but now she is siding with her. I hope they know what they’re doing!

Back Stage Segment

Borash interviewed Nash about facing Joe at Turning Point. Nash said he has trained harder than ever before for eight weeks. Nash is ready, but is Joe ready?
7/10 - More of the quiet Nash we have seen lately. He talked big, but his in ring performances really has me wondering how he’s going to handle a PPV match. I hope Joe can carry it.

Back Stage Video

An earlier interview with Bashir by Tenay. He ranted about 9/11 and how he has been treated since then. He said he is a fan favorite everyplace in the world but in the USA. They get yelling and Bashir lapsed out of English and pushed Tenay. Security pulled him away.
7/10 - Not bad, but it’s the same rhetoric we have been hearing from Bashir from moment one. Like Sting and his respect speech, it is getting a bit old. He needs to mix it up a bit.

Match #4

Tenay said MEM is more impressive then nWo in its members. Why the heck is Tenay talking about nWo? It just draws away from the wrestlers TNA has and brings fans back to the ruined WCW. Not a smart move in my opinion. Nash, Angle and Sting to the ring. Eric Young did not freak and fall over from his pyro going off. He has more confidence now. Creed joined him to tag, as did Lethal. Then there’s a commercial. The match hadn’t started yet, so I feel a little better about that, but still bad timing. This is the second set of commercials with people in the ring. The MEM worked over Lethal for a while, not letting him tag out as they rotated around. But then EY tagged in and looked great. He looked better in the ring with this new confidence than he has in a while - other than as Super Eric. A huge super kick from Creed took down Nash hard and Lethal flew out over the top onto Sting. Angle grabbed Creed, hit his slam and covered for three. That was really confusing as they were both in stars and stripes. When Angle picked up Creed it just looked like a mass of red and white stripes. It was dizzying!
6/10 - I really expected more. This is the first night of real matches between these factions and I really thought they would pull out all the stops. They didn’t. This match was really nothing special.

Back Stage Segment

The Blonde interviewed Rhino about facing Bashir at TP. Rhino sounded a bit racist at first, but then worked it out. He threatened the blonde for interrupting him. He then turned uber American, but he sure did not seem like a good guy.
5/10 - I did not like him threatening the blonde for no reason and I did not understand what type of role Rhino is supposed to be playing. Yes, he dislikes Bashir, but he also seems to dislike everyone right now. Just a bit much.

Main Event

Steiner faced off with Joe. Joe attacked before Steiner had his sunglasses off. Luckily they fell off before Joe kicked Steiner in the head! Steiner did his famous cover then rolled off and did push ups, but then they went to commercial! Five matches and three of them have commercials in them, what the heck is that about? Joe missed his back slam. Well, he hit it, but not very well. Then his big boot to Steiner did not look right either. I’m not sure which of them were off. Then Steiner seemed to land wrong on a suplex, too much on his neck/head. Nash came out and distracted Joe. Joe flew out through the ropes onto Nash! When Joe returned to the ring Steiner had brass knucks out and easily got the win. After the match they proceeded to beat down Joe in the ring, but AJ very quickly ran out with a chair to break it up. It might not have ended at the bell, but it didn’t go long and it did elevate the tension for Turning Point and the war.
8/10 - This was much better than the last match. There were not too many people involved and Joe worked as hard as ever. Steiner looked pretty good, not much ring rust. This is more what I expected for all the matches between the factions tonight. It had more heart and intensity.

Post Show

I honestly expected more tonight. I thought they would have put more into their matches as it is really the big start to this huge faction war, but most of the matches were just blah. Not many of the lot were incredibly exciting or thrilling. Not many major high points (Joe flying onto Nash was it) or much at all that sticks in my mind as interesting. Also, that they put commercials during three of the five matches really makes me wonder about the people organizing this show. There had to have been a better way to put it together in post production so that the commercials did not fall when they did. It was very distracting and annoying. It took a lot away from an already not great show.

Overall I have to say this was not one of TNA’s best. The past couple shows had been very enjoyable, but this one was a bummer. I am ready to go to bed, not at all excited and wound up as I have been after the last couple shows. That’s not a good sign at all. Goodnight!

KB

Last week’s Impact! blew me away. While there was not a lot of actual wrestling (I think I read 23 minutes), the show had a great flow with a lot of action. The Main Event Mafia was formed which brings me back to WCW’s Millionaire’s Club versus New Blood and that’s not a good thing. Then in an interview this week Sting actually said he never thought of the storyline they’re doing now was like the one WCW did, but they’ll have to wait and see. Since Russo wrote the storyline for WCW and is writing now for TNA, I’m really afraid we’ll just be seeing a replay of the destruction of WCW.

On the other hand TNA has people like Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Eric Young, Christian Cage, Christopher Daniels, Sonjay Dutt and they rest of the talented young guys who put their hearts, souls and blood into TNA. WCW, toward the end, had a lot of young guys who were lost and not getting very good guidance and they had big names who had full creative control over everything they did. If they did not want to do something, they did not have to do it. WCW, Bischoff and Russo were pandering to Hogan, Nash, Hall, Sting and the rest. That is one of the big differences between these two companies, even though they’re using the same storyline. This difference is what could save TNA.

Another thing Sting mentioned in his interview with ‘The Sun’ was that Spike TV had to step up for TNA. Nash said the same thing about a month ago. When the wrestlers are saying this, Spike TV really needs to listen. These legendary wrestlers do not want their careers to end while their giving their all to a company that is not going to make it to the top because they’re not being given the support they deserve from their network. While TNA needs to step up and do a lot of marketing themselves, Spike TV also needs to do their fair share for this federation they took in under their wing. I feel that they should have done a lot more for TNA from word one, but they sadly haven’t.

One quick note about the ‘other company’. My heart goes out to Evan Bourne. Coming off two of his best televised matches - Matt Hardy at CS, followed by facing Rey on RAW - he was injured on ECW. When he landed outside my boyfriend and I looked at each other with that knowing look. I personally think Evan Bourne is one of the most amazing up-and-comers in WWE (he has that young TNA wrestler feel to him). It really sucks that he got injured since he was really being pushed in a big way due to all the big name injuries on RAW. I feel like such a girl, but my heart goes out to him and I hope he recovers quickly and comes back bigger than ever.

I’m going to use Bourne as a segue into a brief bit about ROH. (Did you see what I did there?) We all know what an amazing indy wrestling company ROH is. So many great names come out of ROH. While a few went to the ‘other company’ (and are getting good pushes) many are in TNA, while still spending time in ROH. To me that means TNA has some of the best seasoned young guys in the industry. They should be able to utilize these guys and make a huge name for their company because of these guys and the rest of their hugely talented roster, but they’re floundering! While I hope this new stable and storyline will do something great for TNA, I’m not banking on it.

I’m going to make one last TNA/ROH comment before I go on to the start of the show… I really think TNA needs to snap up Gabe Sapolsky as quickly as possible. I have been screaming about the ineffectualness of Russo for a while now (since WCW) and this is the perfect opportunity for TNA to shake things up. Sapolsky has a huge name in the industry and could do amazing things for TNA. Bring in Sapolsky!

Show Starts

Video about what happened last week - the creation of the Main Event Mafia, Booker T revealed his belt and Cage challenged him for it, Foley stated he’s a shareholder and boss, he asked Angle if he wanted to stay and add to the company.

In Ring Segment

AJ Styles and Samoa Joe in street clothes. AJ said they’re ready to fight their fight. He’s been there for six years and has seen TNA grow leaps and bounds. “TNA” chants. It’s so nice to see the fans actually being involved in the show, rather than the blah they quite often give in the Impact Zone. AJ said he’s grown too. As TNA grows, so does the talent. AJ, for some reason, mentioned Sting, Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle and Booker T. Three of the guys he mentioned are most likely responsible for another company going out of business. Last week in Vegas with HD, TNA growing, but what did we see? AJ and Joe getting their heads bashed in and bleeding in HD. What bothers him is some of the young guys who are like brothers to him did not come out to help. They might not have had the main event status, but you have to reach out and take it. TNA is about ‘Crossing The Line’. He asked if they have the balls to come out and stand with him and Joe. Jay Lethal’s music played and he came out to the ring with his head down. Creed, Petey Williams, Eric Young and ODB all came out to join them in the ring. Joe said he appreciates them coming out and joining them, but MCMG’s music cut him off. AJ and Joe looked confused. Alex said that all those sheep are about to be brainwashed by him. They’re not biting. He wants to know why they should participate in their little battle. Joe said it’s not his war, not AJ’s war, it’s their war. Joe said this is about everybody’s future. It would be in their best interest to go against those who had kept them down and out of the main event scene. Alex said Joe doesn’t care about them. Joe hasn’t done anything for them. Joe said he’s done this… and bitch slapped Shelley. Then the MEM comes out to the stage area. MCMG turned as if they were with the young guys against MEM, but nothing was settled there. Angle said the young guys are a disgrace to themselves, this business, TNA and the fans. Angle said AJ wants to talk about family, MEM is family. They have over 75 years of experience, that demands respect. Angle said they did not ask for this war. All they wanted was a thank you. Nash told Joe he tried to teach him how to act toward the stars, but Joe spit in his face. The reason Hall didn’t show up at the PPV because Joe wasn’t worth the rub and in retrospect Hall was right. The fans yelled out all sorts of other reasons why Hall was not there that night. So if they want a war, they’ve got a war. Booker then took a mic and babbled about how the young guys looked, how they’re dressed. He talked about ‘his country’. From this day forward the war will start from here, tonight. Booker said it’s all about the five. No one, other than the MEM understood what he meant by that.
8/10 - I would have given it a higher rating if not for the problems understanding Booker on mic. He used to be good on mic, but with this accent he’s sometimes unintelligible. AJ was great and Joe was pretty good. Of course the legends were great on mic, as always.

Back Stage Segment

Borash asked JJ what he was going to do about MEM. JJ said AJ, Joe and them do not want him fighting their war, so he will let them do it. Foley showed up and asked if he can improvise tonight, if he can talk to Sting. JJ said he couldn’t get through to Sting himself, so maybe Foley can. JJ started to walk off. Foley asked where he was going. JJ said he was going to take a Kurt. Foley told him to make sure he wiped his Angle!
8/10 - I do not remember if JJ and Foley were ever in the ring or on mic together before this most recent stint in TNA. If they were not, then McMahon missed some golden moments!

Back Stage segment

TBP harassed the blonde as she tried to interview them. They then started to pick on Hemme. They asked when she suddenly became a wrestler and said that she needs to stick to Playboy. Then they moved on to ODB and asked if she’s a dude or a tranny, that she’s as female as Rosie O’Donnell. Just because ODB ODd on ugly pills, don’t hate them!
5/10 - Blecht! They really need to work on their mic work. They sound so robotic and fake. It does not add to the reality of them being the hated beautiful and popular clique.

Match #1

TBP faced off with Hemme and ODB. ODB actually did something with her hair, but it was not good and her roots were showing badly. Velvet Sky acted like a prissy little girl in the ring - worse than ever. At least Angelina Love put in some ring work. While her moves might not always be right on, she at least looked like she knew what she was doing. TBP double teamed Hemme. Hemme bounced around in horrible pain, then stopped dead to readjust her shorts that were moving in the wrong direction. In other words, not very good selling! Of course ODB had the best work rate of the group. I feel putting her in the ring with the other three is just silly and a step down for her. ODB got the pin on Velvet Sky for the win, though that was not a shocker. I would have been very disappointed in TNA if they’d let TBP go over ODB and Hemme in this match.
5/10 - It sure was not good wrestling by any stretch of the imagination. ODB carried the match and was the one shining light in the whole thing.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde asked Alex Shelley about what’s going on with them and Joe. Joe then showed up. Sabin said they need to move forward and they’re in. Joe said he has trust issues, so they will see when the shots are fired.
7/10 - Short and to the point but nothing special.

Back Stage Segment

Borash interviewed Eric Young. Young said he’s been there from the start with AJ and has been in the trenches. He’s not sure who he really is, but tonight we might all find out.

Match #2

BMI headed to the ring, but it’s only Storm who wrestled. Eric was his opponent. Storm quickly gained the upper hand, but it didn’t last. Eric got a kick to the head and fell out through the ropes. While Storm held the ref, Roode stomped the heck out of Eric on the floor. Eric kicked out of Storm’s finisher. Storm sent Eric to Roode who was waiting on the apron, but Roode spit the beer in Storm’s face by accident when Eric ducked. Eric got the win. But, of course, they could not leave it at that! They attacked Eric and beat him down until the MCMG stepped up and rescued Eric! While I hate the over booked endings, this one was not too long and made absolute sense.
8/10 - Not a long match, but Eric hit some high spots and put his heart into it. The ending really forwarded what was set up earlier between the MCMG and Joe.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde stopped Roxxi and Taylor Wilde. She asked them why they had weapons. Roxxi replied that it was none of her #$%#@% business but they were going to get that bitch Kong, and they stormed off.
7/10 - Great little vignette except that Roxxi has to be bleeped so much. If they keep this up we’re never going to hear anything the girl says.

Video

Clip about Suicide.

Back Stage Segment

Borash started to interview Kong and Saeed, but Roxxi and Taylor rushed in screaming. They used their weapons and beat them both down quickly before it cut to commercial again.
9/10 - It was short, but they really took it to them. It was great to see them really go after Kong full force. Short solid bits like that can do a lot for the Knockout Division because it was so strongly fought.

Match #3

Bashir headed to the announce table area. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Voldaor headed to the ring. MCMG came out to face them. Voldaor and Hiroshi both started the high flying very early. Why are these two not on TNA’s regular roster? Wow, they’re great in the ring! They brought out the best I have seen of the MCMG in a long time. MCMG pulled out the win after some beautiful moves and Bashir was pissed. Bashir headed to the ring to verbally abuse Hiroshi and Voldaor. Voldaor pointed behind Bashir. Bashir turned into a gore from Rhino! Again, more over booking that actually worked! It did not last too long but furthered the storyline.
10/10 - That match was thrilling to watch. I sat with my eyes wide waiting to see what they might possibly do next. That’s what TNA wrestling should always be about.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde asked Cage if he was going to accept Booker T’s challenge. Cage ranted about the title belt Booker is holding, the title he invented. Cage said he doesn’t want to pick a side, but it sure would not be with the MEM. Booker is confused about who Booker is, whereas Cage is not confused about who Cage is. Cage will take his title and the side he will be on is the side he’s always been on, his own.
8/10 - Cage was really strong on mic. He has his good times and not so great times, but he was on the money during that interview.

Match #4

Booker T and Kevin Nash took on Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. AJ got right in the ring, but it took a moment for Nash and Booker to decide who would be starting and for Nash to actually get in the ring. Nash looked a bit better in the ring than he has of late, but still not great. I’m actually kind of shocked they’re putting him in the ring week after week considering his age and the condition of his knees. AJ flew from the top in a cross body then Joe flew through the ropes onto Booker just before the commercial break. When they came back from break Joe was working over Nash in the ring. A back elbow from Nash stopped that, but then he tagged out. Nash played the prefect heel by screaming at Hebner that AJ was in the ring illegally, then Nash dropped an elbow on Joe when Heb’s back was turned. Every chance the heels had to take a dirty shot, they took it. They were bigger heels and fought dirtier than I have seen any tag team fight since nWo days. Joe managed to get his uber quick slam in on Booker and was finally able to tag out. AJ got an arm bar on Booker, but Nash broke it up with a head butt! That head butt might have been Nash’s quickest and best executed move of the night. Then Joe got his submission choke on Nash. Booker broke that up. AJ hit the pele on Booker and got the three just before Nash could break it up. All the young guys from earlier came out to celebrate with Joe and AJ on the ramp in a show of solidarity.
7/10 - AJ and Joe carried that match. Nash and Booker just gave us what they normally do - the same slow moving moves and reactions. While I have never been a Booker fan, I have always been a huge Nash fan, but I think it’s time for them to hang up their boots and do something else in the industry. There’s so many young guys that are not getting their big break because these guys are in the ring. I think it is time they step out of the ring for more mentoring/managerial roles, but I doubt we’ll see that happen any time soon.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed Abyss and Morgan. She asked Abyss how he’s feeling, how are his injuries. Abyss said, “It’s only a flesh wound.” I think every Monty Python fan has waited to be able to use that line. We were both laughing here after he delivered the line so beautifully and so off handedly. Matt Morgan said he was half lit on fire and now it’s just a flesh wound? Morgan berated Abyss about this match, how he’s not mentally or physically prepared for this match. Abyss said he’s ready for this. When Angle was ripping open and exposed the puss on his flesh wounds, he remembers that. Abyss laughed maniacally.
9/10 - Abyss is priceless on mic. Morgan takes away from the segments, in my opinion.

Video

Replay of Foley and Angle in the ring last week.

Back Stage Segment

Borash asked Sting what he thought Foley was going to say to him. Sting said he’s had no confirmation that Foley’s his boss. He has not spoken to Foley in over a decade. He’s going in with an open mind and hope Foley doesn’t close it. Sting was not in makeup and it did not appear he was going to put on makeup before heading to the ring. Also, he’s in a nicely cut suit. He looked more like a Flair wanna-be than Sting. I know he’s trying to look more mafiaesque now, but he’s Sting and it just does not work for him.
6/10 - Did not look like Sting and wasn’t anything great. I know they’re going in a different direction with him now and I’m very glad he’s not ranting about respect, but he’s Borden when he looks like that, not Sting.

In Ring Segment

Foley talked about the new Impact Zone and how great it looks. He then pushed that TNA is in HD on Spike TV. He announced that Nash will take on Samoa Joe at Turning Point. Also, AJ Styles will go one on one for the title with Sting. Foley then asked Sting if he’d come to the ring. Foley said it must be strange as it’s the first time they’ve been face to face in about 14 years. Foley said it was Sting who put Cactus Jack on the map way back then. Sting has his respect as a wrestler and as a man. That’s why it was hard when he saw Sting with the rest of the MEM. He asked Sting why. He said TNA is on the verge of something very big. All the pieces are there. Guys like AJ and Joe, guys like the X-Division. Foley sees Sting’s job as a legend to be the glue to hold those pieces together. But instead he seems to be a wedge driving those pieces apart. Sting said he wanted to be the glue. What he had to say was rejected by the Joes and the AJs. He asked Foley if he had respect for Terry Funk. Foley said he did. Sting said that the young guys in TNA have no respect. Foley said he respectfully disagrees - Sting needs to do what he needs to do, but Foley’s going to do what he has to do. Sting says he understands, but this is not Foley’s war, it’s Sting’s.
9/10 - Very well done segment. Foley, as always, was great on mic. Sting was actually better than I expected from him considering his respect rant as of late. I love that Foley gave Sting the props he deserves for helping put Foley on the map. That type of respect is always nice to see in the industry.

Back Stage Segment

Borash started to ask Angle a question, but Angle pushed Borash out of the way rather roughly. He asked JJ how long he was going to hide behind Abyss. He wants JJ in the ring. He knows what makes JJ tick. JJ knows Angle’s capable of doing anything… anything.
5/10 - It was well delivered, but I’m so bored. We have seen this storyline done how many times before in how many companies? Bischoff did it, Kane did it, Taker did it. It’s been done, move on and find something else to draw tension into their feud!

Main Event

Angle faced off with Abyss. Abyss really showed his strength more than a couple times and Angle looked a little shocked. Abyss just kept slamming him down and around the ring. Angle left the ring and started walking up the ramp but Abyss went after him and worked him over. Back in the ring a side slam gave Abyss two. A clothesline sent Angle out over the top. The fans seem split over who they’re rooting for. They had dueling chants for a little bit and while the fans are not really loud, they’re split - interesting. Just as TNA went to commercial Angle had started to climb the stairs through the crowd and Abyss was about to head after him. But they felt they had to put a commercial in the middle of the main event! After the commercial Abyss beat Angle down the stairs, though the crowd, and into a wall. I guess this is a No Count Out Match? I did not know it was anything other than a regular match, but the ref has not called for the bell for any long stretches spent out of the ring. Again the fans went back to their dueling chants! It sounded like there was more noise for Abyss, but I can’t be sure. Angle started to gain control by going after Abyss’ knees, but Abyss would not go down easily and fought back into the match. The shock treatment back breaker looked horribly painful. Angle bounced off Abyss’ shoulder’s like a superball! It was rather sick. But Abyss could not get the three on that. Angle tried to fight back with the ankle lock and his slam, but Abyss would not stay down. Abyss hit a drop power bomb on Angle and I wondered how many more of those his neck can take. Angle rolled from the ring. Abyss followed and got a chair to the face. The ref called for the bell and it’s over. Well, the match is over but Angle isn’t. He continued to beat on Abyss back in the ring. He raked his nails over Abyss’ “flesh wound.” Finally Morgan came to the rescue, but that did not last for long. Booker and Nash rushed out, Morgan and Abyss were beaten down nWo style. The young guys came down and cleared the ring of the MEM. They were staring off to where the MEM went. What they did not see was Steiner climb in the ring behind them with a lead pipe. Steiner started taking everyone apart, but he pointedly did not hit Petey Williams when he was right in front of Steiner. Angle, Booker and Nash returned to the ring. Angle quickly took Petey down. They continued with the nWo style beat down. Sting finally came out to join the fray. AJ spit in Sting’s face as he entered the ring. Sting hit a scorpion death drop on AJ. There were bodies everywhere and the end of this episode looked about like the end of most of the later WCW episodes - the MEM (nWo - Millionaires Club) beating down everyone who does not agree with them / the young guys. I hope I’m not seeing the start of what I’m afraid I’m seeing!
8/10 - The match was actually pretty good. Abyss kept having to readjust his mask, but other than that he and Angle worked really well together. It was not the young high flying match that I enjoyed earlier in the show, but it was a solid match. But then the so over booked ending! I know they’re trying to set up this huge ‘war’, but all I am seeing is the downfall of WCW.

Post Show

Tonight’s show had it’s high points, actually a lot of high points, but a few low points. The low points are the same low points they have been every week. There’s the over booked endings to almost every match that had been fewer and fewer as of late, but came back in a big way during this episode. TBP were not great on mic and really not great in the ring. Also Booker is getting harder and harder to understand. Both his accent and his odd comments are just making him sound daft and slightly insane - and not in a good way.

The fans were the normal not crazy crowd they have every week. There’s now more mics around the arena, most likely due to the change to HD, so a lot more ring noise and crowd pop came through than ever before. A few times they started getting loud and wild, but it did not last the way it did last week in Vegas. They have this beautiful new Impact Zone to watch TNA, but they just did not pop like us fans watching on TV need them to in order to give us a more enjoyable show. Though I have to say I love the look of the new Zone! The new entrance is very cool. The heels and faces still have their own tubes to enter through, but it brings them onto the same stage and down the same ramp. They also added a number of new big screens that adds to the overall look of the arena. It’s a very nice update to the Zone in that it still looks very much like the TNA arena we know, but it has changed with the new improvements the show is making. There’s also a lot less fog and more lights which makes it a lot easier to see what’s going on throughout the arena.

All in all the show this week was very decent. Much of is was same old, same old, but that MCMG match was off the charts. More matches like that I will have to change my rating system. I drool over matches like that, but unfortunately TNA doesn’t give us many of them. But on the bad side I saw too much of Russo’s over booking and the possibility that we could be going down the same horrible flush that WCW went through with a very similar storyline. I’m hoping for the best, but after this episode of Impact I am worried.

I’m going to make another little comment about CCW this week. Most likely you’ll be stuck with a tiny blurb about it each week until it ends. I was really impressed with Bischoff asking Erin if she was alright after Bonaduce made her cry. I saw a side of Bischoff that I know is there, but we rarely get to see. I’m very glad that it was not left on the cutting room floor! Other than that the rest of the show was about on par with the first episode. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t horrible. The fans are loving who they want us to love and hating (Dustin Diamond) who they want us to hate. Frank Stalone was booted off the show this week and it was not a great loss - in my opinion. What about those of you who actually stuck it out for the second episode of CCW?

KB

I know I have said this before (as has Richard), but TNA really needs to step up with their marketing. One little back stage segment with TBP does not make for great marketing for their big move to HD. It was from reading WNW that I first learned about the move to HD and about the live Impact! show. That is very wrong! They should have been shouting it from every corner of their show and every bit of Spike should have been pushing it too, but they didn’t so people who do not watch regularly do not know how monumental this Impact! is! Yes, I am very annoyed.

But since it’s a live show and we don’t know what’s going to happen, which is very unusual, I’m going to make my guesses for who’s going to win the matches and see how close I get. I always write the pre-Blog at least a couple hours before the show starts. It’s before noon (now, for me) and I’m going to write according to the matches announced on TNA’s website and posted on WNW.

Hemme challenged TBP last week and will be facing one of them in the ring. My guess is it will be ‘Cute’ Kip and the whole thing will be a debacle starting a feud between TBP and R&RI.

Taylor Wilde’s Knockout Title is on the line against Awesome Kong and I think the live show is the perfect place for Kong to take the title away from the ineffectual Champion.

TNA Tag Team Champions Beer Money vs. Team 3D vs. Matt Morgan & Abyss vs. LAX in a “Hard Rock Hardcore Tag Team Text-off Gauntlet”. This does not say it’s a Title Match, so I guess it will not be - unfortunately. I really think it’s time for the Tag Titles to change hands. But since they will not in this match I think I have to hand it to BMI. I think they’ll find a way to cheat the win. I’m not even going to attempt to pick the order they’ll enter the ring!

While I’d love to see Jay Lethal take the X-Division Title away from Bashir, it’s still too early. I see this one really going the distance and being the best match of the night, by far. I foresee huge moves and high spots from these two amazing wrestlers.

I’d love to say that the main event of Sting and Nash taking on Samoa Joe and AJ Styles is going to be great, but we’ve seen both Sting and Nash in the ring lately and they just cannot keep up with the speed or agility of the younger guys. I will admit Sting is much better in the ring these days than Nash, but he’s still not wonderful. They were amazing in their day and deserve the notoriety they get, but they’re older and physically cannot perform the way they used to. So I say AJ and Joe will be carrying this match and will somehow lose, most likely due to Nash’s cheating.

If you’ve read my Blog at all you know how huge of a Booker T fan I am *cough*. Well, tonight he’s supposed to reveal what’s in his briefcase - most likely in that horrible and weekly changing accent of his. While I am not a Booker T fan, I am interested to see what that new belt will look like and what they have in store for it. I think it sucks that Booker will be holding a belt of any sort, but hey it’s a storyline (and I keep reminding myself of that).

Last, but not least, Foley is going to make a huge announcement tonight. Considering TNA released their Turning Point poster with Mick Foley on it, I’m guessing Foley won’t be leaving TNA yet and they have something planned for him involving TP. Shocker! I just hope to see Foley back in the ring at some point soon.

All in all I hope this show goes over greatly and gets a wonderful rating. TNA really needs to pick up it’s game - both in its shows and its marketing - to give Vince a run for his money. I think if they do that then all TV wrestling will get better and that’s what we need. The fact that both TV wrestling federations are doing ‘respect’ storylines shows us that we really need something to happen with the industry. Maybe TNA’s first ever HD live Impact! from Vegas will help move everyone in that direction!

Show Starts

TNA opening video about the start and evolution of the company and how the dream blossoms tonight in HD and another bold step will be taken in the evolution of the phenomenon.
9/10 - Great little video showing little video bits of the wrestlers as the narrator spoke.

Match #1
TBP came to the ring together and Hemme came out alone. Hemme did a horrible job of beating down Velvet Sky. She looked off and her moves were sloppy. Angelina sprayed something in Hemme’s eyes and Sky briefly gained control - but her wrestling wasn’t any better. Hemme seemed to get her groove a bit more. She climbed and managed to knock Kip down off the apron as he tried to attack her. She hit the FFG (?) for the win. TBP rushed the ring but Hemme bolted out quickly to save her ass.
3/10 - The wrestling just was not very good. Hemme hasn’t been in ring much and seemed to have ring rust or something. Her timing was off.

Back Stage Segment

Borash said he’d been instructed to be there for an Angle announcement that will trump Foley’s announcement. Angle said after all Foley and JJ did last week, then they rode off into the sunset, he decided to change the industry all together. Not just the company, but the industry. The camera pans to show Booker T and Sharmell are also there. Booker babbles about the king of the jungle, the lion. He said they want respect. Then the camera pans and it’s Nash. He said he had left, thought he was done. But this is about respect. Joe didn’t give Nash or Hall respect. Joe made it personal, that’s why he’s back. Borash said that they younger guys are uprising and while they’re icons, the odds might be stacked against them. Angle said the business was built on honor, dignity and respect. When he goes into battle he doesn’t go in with a stick, but with heavy artillery. The last person in their group is… Sting walked in, out of makeup. He said all they wanted was a little bit of respect. 75 years of combined history between them. 75 years of blood, sweat and tears for this industry. They’re not asking for respect any longer, they’re demanding it. Sting left and Angle made a toast to the “Main Event Mafia.”
7/10 - Nice set up and timing for them to do this, for them to come together. What hurt it for me was that every time anyone said the word respect, Booker echoed it.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde was outside waiting for Foley. She talked about Foley having a huge announcement. Foley showed up in a beautiful old VW Beetle - SWEET! He said he just got it and it gets 40MPG, have to be careful in this economy. She asked him what the announcement is. He said he’s going to wait until the Hard Rock is full and it’s standing room only in living rooms around the country.
7/10 - Typical good Foley bit. The car was beautiful!

In Ring Segment

Booker and Sharmell to the ring, dressed to the nines. The fans are chanting, “Respect!” He said it’s time to share with us what will shake the landscape of TNA. It will immortalize Booker forevah! “No more accent!” chants. The fans are really full of it! Even though it’s such a small crowd they’re louder than the normal fans. Booker pulled out the belt and it’s beautiful, on red leather. “Booker T” chants! He says it’s the TNA Legends Championship. It belongs to him and him only. He says he’s the Legends Champion. Christian’s music cuts Booker off. Cage is dressed much more casually. “Christian” chants. The fans are so into this! Christian said when he hears the word legend he thinks of a lot of things, but not a second rate Little John impersonator that talks with a horrible accent. A legend is someone who’s career is so great that they demand respect. Booker’s career has been great, but does he have the respect? Not so much! Now he comes out with this title he didn’t win and just invented and expects all the TNA fans to respect him. Booker said he didn’t come out to make trouble. Booker wanted to ask Christian a question. Christian agreed mockingly. Booker started to get pissed. He then calmed down and said tonight’s about a celebration. In his country Christian is a legend and he should join the Main Event Mafia. Christian said he’s not interested in joining, but how about Booker wrestle someone for the Legends Title? Why doesn’t he wrestle Christian for the title at Turning Point? Not that Christian wants the title, but he knows when he beats Booker, it will really piss him off. In Christian’s country, that’s a challenge. Booker agreed. He then said that if Christian wins he gets the title. If, actually when, Booker wins, Christian will join the MEM.
6/10 - It would have been better if I could have understood Booker. Sometimes his accent got so thick I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I am interested in seeing what will happen with this belt. Even though I don’t think they need it, I understand why they introduced it. It’s going to be another separating rift between the legends and the young guys.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed Morgan and Abyss. Morgan said Abyss will not be in the ring tonight. He said Abyss got 3rd degree burns and he will not let Abyss go to the ring. If Morgan hadn’t let Abyss go to the ring at BFG it wouldn’t have happened. Abyss said he had a special session with his therapist and learned he has to think for himself. He talked about the puss filled, singed skin that will heal, but what they need to think about is this Gauntlet Match and how to deal with Angle. Morgan said he’d handle it all and walked off. Abyss said Morgan’s his best friend and Abyss needs to do something about Kurt.
7/10 - Not as good as their usual back stage interviews. Abyss is so good on mic, better than Morgan. They need to let Abyss talk more.

Back Stage Segment

Borash interviewed JJ about the big announcement. JJ said it’s Foley’s announcement to make. Borash asked about Angle at TP. JJ said Angle will get over it as JJ will not be in the ring at TP.
8/10 - Short, sweet and to the point.

Match #2

Oh, I have been waiting for this one! I really hope Bashir and Lethal give us a great match! Bashir attacked quickly and gained control. He also gained huge heat. “Let’s go Lethal” chants. Lethal hit a beautiful series of moves that drove Bashir from the ring, then Lethal flew out through the ropes onto him. This is the beautiful wrestling I was expecting… Then it’s over! Bashir hit his WMDDT and it was over. I’m sorry but that’s not an impressive finisher and I don’t see how it should end any match. I was drawn into this match, drooling over the beautiful moves and it ended short. While it wasn’t a horrible drawn out ending, it still sucked.
8/10 - For the actual wrestling.
3/10 - For the short ending to what could have been a stellar match.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed AJ and Joe. She asked about the Main Event Mafia. AJ said he and the young guys were give the opportunities and now they’re falling apart at the seams. This isn’t about AJ, Nash, Sting or Joe. It’s about TNA. Joe then called Nash a scumbag. He said Nash made him into this and he’s hunting him down. Nash took his championship, Joe’s taking his career. If Nash’s friends get in the way, he’s taking their’s too.
9/10 - Their passion made up for any possible mistakes that came through on diction.

Back Stage Segment

Rhino said to Bashir that he’s sick of the politics. This is his country and he doesn’t want to hear it. Rhino said he will take Bashir’s open challenge and deport him in a body bag. Rhino started to walk away and Bashir attacked. Bashir beat Rhino down, choked him out and left him rolling on the ground.
7/10 - Nice to see someone stand up to Bashir over his politics. They’ve had him ranting about them, but no one else had mentioned them. Maybe they’ll actually have a feud over why Bashir is a heel and gets so much heat from the fans - that would actually make some sense!

Match #3

Storm and Jackie headed to the ring, then they threw a commercial at us. At least the match had not started yet, but why even bother? They should have spaced the show out better so we wouldn’t have to deal with this! Bubba was next to head to the ring. Now fans can text in which weapon can be added to this match - ladder, table or chair. They should have started this when the show started. I personally think fans would be more interested in watching the match than texting about it, but that’s just me. Roode was the next to the ring and Bubba was in trouble. Of course they double teamed him until Devon rushed to the ring. Two full teams? That seemed odd, but they said they went by the voting and the fans picked this. Team 3D started to dominate and the fans called for tables. Hernandez is in and he flew over the top to take down Team 3D, then took out each member of BMI. He briefly had control of all four but then was taken apart. Homicide was next out. There’s no way the fans picked it this perfectly by texting who they wanted to enter. I personally don’t believe it. Also, there had been no eliminations yet. Morgan joined the fray and eliminated almost every one. He was doing great in the ring until Abyss came out and started fighting eliminated wrestlers outside the ring. Morgan ended up getting eliminated when he argued over the top rope at Abyss. Then Team 3D was in the ring and called for tables as that’s what the fans voted for. They set up a table and pulled out the lighter fluid. I had no clue who was actually legal at this point. Devon coated the table in fluid. Bubba was about to light it when Abyss rushed in and attacked him from behind. Abyss picked up the lighter but was attacked before he could use it. They tossed Abyss from the ring which left the two legal teams as Team 3D and BMI. They started the second portion of this match as teams. Roode was quickly sent through the table and pinned. But as the ref counted Jackie pulled him from the ring to stop it. Storm spit beer in Devon’s face and pinned him, the ref counted from outside for the three to end this convoluted match. I know how it was supposed to go, but Morgan eliminated so many people so quickly I lost track of who was legal and who wasn’t. I had no clue who was part of it until Abyss was eliminated and BMI re-entered to finish the final part of the match. There was too much that happened too quickly for it to be followed and enjoyable.
6/10 - I know it’s difficult when there’s a lot of wrestlers in the ring. The timing is hard and following everything that happens can get tough, but this was one of the worst for that. A little bit of tweaking of the match and it would have been great, but it just felt too contrived from the order they entered to the fans choosing tables.

In Ring Segment

Angle headed to the ring and Dave Penzer about hid from him but the camera picked up his swollen and bruised face. Angle said tonight was historic due to the birth of the Main Event Mafia. But he’s out to the ring because of JJ. He doesn’t give a damn about Foley’s announcement. He wants to get his hands on JJ. He wasn’t playing around when he said he’d go see JJ’s kids. Angle said he doesn’t give a shit. He demanded JJ come out. JJ came out looking shocked and freaked. He told Angle that it’s over, done. They have the best damn talent roster ever in TNA, there’s no reason for JJ to be in the ring. He’s going to pass the torch and Angle should think about doing the same. It’s about AJ, MCMG, Lethal and the rest of the young guys. Angle screamed it’s about him. He doesn’t give a damn about JJ or his company. All he cares about is whooping JJ’s ass tonight. JJ said Angle had to take no for an answer. There’s a lot of guys from the locker room who want Angle. In fact there’s someone behind him who wants him right now. Abyss stood behind Angle with a huge grin on his face. He looked both goofy and sadistic at the same time - I didn’t think that was possible! Abyss briefly had control, but Angle went after Abyss’ legs. Abyss went for a black hole slam, but Angle scrambled from the ring to get away from him.
8/10 - There’s huge emotion between these two - Angle and JJ - and it makes for great segments. Angle fleeing the way he did made him look like a coward which is great for a heel to gain more heat, though I’m not sure Angle could get much more heat without bursting into flames!

Video

Angle promo video.

Video

Knockout Title promo video that showed how Kong lost the title to Taylor Wilde.

Back Stage Segment

The blond interviewed Kong and Saeed. Saeed yelled at the blonde to “Quiet swine!” Saeed asked how many times Kong would have to go through this fair haired American (Taylor). She said tonight will not be Taylor’s last match with Kong, it will be her last match period.

Back Stage Segment

Borash questioned Wilde about the interview. She said she can only do what she does best in the ring. If Kong wants to beat her, she’ll have to end her career to do it.

Match #4

Kong and Saeed headed to the ring, but they again cut it short and went to commercial. Why they can’t seem to hit the timing better, I do not know. I know they do not want to be like the ‘other company’ but there’s a certain flow that makes things feel stilted, and they’ve had that problem a lot tonight. After the commercial Wilde came out to the ring. Taylor tried to work Kong over but was quickly slammed down. A flying move landed Wilde to the mat again due to a clothesline. Dueling, “Let’s go Taylor” and “Let’s go Kong” chants. If they could get a crowd this hot every week they’d have a much more enjoyable show. The excitement carries through the TV. Taylor somehow gained control by reversing a move and hitting a bunch of dropkicks and a flying dropkick. She managed to pin Kong twice for two long counts, but could manage to bring it home. A huge power bomb and Kong (finally) regained the Knockout Division Title (thank goodness).
9/10 - That was the best Knockout match I have seen in a long time. It takes a lot of hard work from both of them to make a match between them look good and realistic. This was the first time they actually managed it. More matches like that and the Knockout Division will be back on top.

Main Event

Nick Bockwinkle was in the front row. The legends - Nash and Sting headed to the ring together first. The music was so loud that I could not hear the fan’s reaction to them. Joe and AJ came out separately. AJ managed quick control over Nash until he used his power. AJ tagged out so Nash quickly tagged out to tick off Joe. Joe easily had control. The heels used a few shots that were a bit cheap, but then they cut to commercial! It was bad enough that they broke up other parts of the show the way they did, but to put a commercial in the middle of the main event… Come on, that’s just ridiculous! AJ and Sting were still in the ring beating on each other. Sting seemed to be holding his own pretty well, but AJ did more than half of the work. They both were able to tag out and Joe took it to Nash - hard. Joe managed to let Nash take a stinger splash, but that momentum didn’t last long and Nash was able to take Joe down for three. Well he did it with a cheap shot from Sting’s belt. After the match AJ attacked Nash and Sting. Joe got to his feet and locked his choke hold on Nash that was only broken when Booker and Angle rushed out to save the rest of the MEM. Even though Joe had been busted open with the first shot from Sting’s title belt, it didn’t stop them from destroying both him and AJ.
9/10 - This match actually was better than expected. It was fairly short, but decent. Sting moved and lasted better than I thought he would and even Nash impressed me - compared to his in ring performance last week. I normally really dislike drawn out endings, but this was the first of the night and it made sense! Of course all of the MEM was going to end up in the ring to beat down the young guys. While I do not like the storyline much, they’re doing more and better with it than I expected.

In Ring Segment

Foley headed to the ring in a really bad fringed black leather vest that made him look like a chubby cowboy from the 1980’s. It’s obviously brand new. He said it’s major declaration time now. He wanted to take us behind closed doors with JJ. JJ said that Foley made a lot of money in this business. Foley agreed. JJ then brought up the rumors that have been following Foley for over 20 years. That Foley was the cheapest penny pinching wrestler in the business. Foley agreed with that too. It’s obvious that no money goes into his hairstyling, his car isn’t expensive and his clothes are not Palin-esque. Since he made big money but didn’t spend much, maybe he’d like to invest a little in something he’d like to sink his teeth into… The MEM, well Angle, came to the ring. Booker and Sharmell stayed at the top of the ramp. Angle said he heard that Foley said on national TV that he was going to “take a Kurt and wipe his Angle.” Foley tried to get out of it, but Angle hit a huge head butt to Foley’s face. Angle asked Foley if he’s laughing now. Foley was rolling on the mat but slowly got to his feet and he actually was laughing. He finally said that Angle didn’t know what JJ wanted Foley to invest in. JJ wanted to ask Foley if he wanted to make a major investment in TNA. It is funny because Kurt just head butted his new boss. Foley said that the first thing he’s going to say is, “Angle, you’re fr……” He told Angle he’s free to work for TNA if he wants. He knows Angle loves it and he believes in him. He believes in all the guys like AJ, Lethal, Joe, all of them. They can all feel it, the way they did in WWE, on the verge when it all exploded. They’re on the edge of something very, very big. The question to Angle is, does he want to be a part of history. Or does he want to be history. The choice is up to him. Angle looked shocked and lost as he left the ring. Confetti fell from the rafters onto Foley who wandered the ring with his arms in the air for the fans.
8/10 - Foley was tremendous on mic, as always. He is so much fun to listen to, even when he’s pissed off, but tonight it left a tiny bit of a bad flavor in my mouth. The set up was good, we all know Foley’s been cheap through his whole career, but I highly doubt he’d really invest in TNA. The whole thing about watching wrestling, or any TV show, is about being able to suspend disbelief through it all. They had me until Foley confessed he’d invested in TNA. That’s just too much for me to swallow. I know wrestling throws a lot of ‘too much to swallow’ at us, but for some reason this one hit me more than most. So while I can’t wait to see what they do with the storyline, I do not believe in it. I do think JJ and Foley are going to have a lot of fun and be a great level between the young guys and the newly formed MEM. So much so that I’m really looking forward to next week - I just wish that next week’s show was going to be live too.

Post Show

The venue was tiny, but it really worked well for this. It gave the show a bit of an old ECW feel. The fans were wildly involved and seemed to love it more than they ever seem to in Orlando. I hope TNA saw what happened with tonight’s show and rethink a few things, such as more live shows in different venues. The crowd popped so loud for everything that it makes me wonder why they’re not doing more venues. The fans at their house shows have show this type of reaction. I also really enjoyed the big screen compared to what they usually have. The camera work and lighting was much cleaner and less choppy than usual.

This show was such an improvement over their normal weekly show that I did not even realize I’d watched most of the show until the announced Sting and Nash. I was shocked and looked at my watch to make sure they were not coming out for some in ring segment. It seemed much too soon for the main event to start, but the show was 3/4 over. I’d been lost in the speed and intensity of the show and could not believe it was almost over. That’s the sign of a great show and that’s what they gave us tonight. The overall show was great.

PS - Did anyone see Hogan, Bischoff and the rest last night on Celebrity Championship Wrestling? I’m still reeling from seeing Dustin Diamond, Todd Bridges, Tiffany, Bonaduce and the rest in the ring. Rodman and Butterbean have both been in wrestling rings in the past - heck Butterbean beat Bart Gunn in a boxing match at WM15 and Rodman teamed with Hogan at the 1998 WCW Bash At The Beach - so they were less shocking. But the whole show was just… Not what I was expecting and too generic. I know most ‘reality shows’ are generic, but I’d been expecting more from Bischoff and Hervey. I’d love to know how others felt.

KB

Johnny Devine received the release he had been asking for. In his Blog he said that he’d promised himself he’d stop when it wasn’t fun any more. It wasn’t, so he did. His plan is to go back to college and keep working with D’Amore. He wants to learn what it’s like behind the camera rather than being in front of the camera. I think he made a great decision, if he feels it’s right. You have to do what’s right for you and it appears he’s doing just that.

Also Karen Angle was released. I have to think it was rather hard for her and Kurt to be there together considering their impending divorce. I think she made the right decision to spend time with her kids and away from Kurt and the TV cameras.

Now on to Bound For Glory. Being as I am disabled I rarely purchase PPVs and I am rather bummed that I missed this one. While not all of the matches were amazing, enough of them appear to have been great that I really would love to see this show.

The first match had a really interesting concept - a cage with a small hole in the top. I don’t like gimmick matches, but I do like a good gimmick cage match. I love the Elimination Chamber, Hell In A Cell and War Games, so this Steele Asylum Match was right up my alley. I figure if their’s going to be a cage around the ring, might as well make it one heck of a match! The thing that would have made this match better would have been more pushing of this match before hand. Letting the fans know who was going to be involved in the match would have made people more excited for it and more hyped to watch it. From the sounds of it there were a number of high spots and interesting moments, especially the ending. Having Lethal win with Dutt right there, exchanging blows up top. That’s just a cool way of ending the match and a great way to start a PPV.

While I loved Rhino’s “gore the whore” comment last week, matching him up with two Knockouts and having them face off with TBP was kind of lame. First off there was no build up for this match, so for the fans it’s a throwaway. The way TBP have been winning and beating down people, it was almost guaranteed that Rhino, ODB and Khan would win this one. From what I understand it was not a great match in any way, so it was a throwaway from start to finish.

I am not at all surprised Bashir retained his title. He has too much heat on him for them to remove the strap from him yet. From the sounds of it, it was a great match. Having Bashir win by using the ropes both helps cement his heel status and opens up for more faces being determined to take him down. While I know a lot of fans would love to see the continuation of the Bashir/Creed feud, Lethal is next in line for a title shot. I’ll be interested to see how they keep Creed in the title mix as I really feel he should be on top or fighting for the top slot. The man is great in the ring, has the right look and charisma to be the golden boy right now.

I am very disappointed in the Knockout Title Match. I know a lot of people expected Kong to go over, but I really thought it might be Roxxi. They have been pushing her hard as of late. I am really impressed with her ring work, her character and her guts. There are so few really hardcore female wrestlers out there (on TV) and she’s one who’s not afraid to bleed. But, if Roxxi couldn’t win the title, Kong should have. I see very little reason to leave the strap on Taylor Wilde. To me she just does not have the personality or fan recognition to be the Champion. TNA needs to get the belt off her to save the Knockout Division.

I am itching to see Monster’s Ball. I have no want or need to see Mongo, but some of the spots during this match were sick! Huge props have to be given to Chris Parks for being willing to do that spot in the first place, but that the people with fire extinguishers did not get there as fast as they should have! That had to have been scary and painful for him. I’m just glad he’s okay with few lingering burns. Obviously he’s well enough to be involved in this week’s Impact! and that shows a lot about who Parks is as a man. But I’m not happy with the outcome of the match. While there were a lot of cool spots and the flaming table, BMI should not have retained. They are over as huge heels, but it’s time for someone else to win the belts. I don’t think it should have been LAX as they held the belts most recently. While they’re great in the ring, I’m not getting a lot of personality from them lately. I also do not think Abyss and Morgan are established enough as a tag team to win the titles. That leaves Team 3D. While I am not big on the older guys winning titles on TNA, Team 3D does not really fall into that category. They should have won this match and really given the Tag Team Division a major push.

I have to say I am mildly disgusted by the AJ Styles, Booker T and Christian Cage Match. While I heard/read it was a really good match, that Booker won makes me twitch uncontrollably. I am so put out by his winning that I can’t even see straight. I see no reason for him to come on top of any match which also involves either Cage or Styles. Both of them are stellar workers compared to Booker and should be given the nod over a man who could not even show up to the last PPV. AJ is an amazing wrestler and Cage isn’t a slouch himself. I just do not understand this. To top it off I personally think that if Cage had won it would have continued the storyline beautifully. But what do I know?

The Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle match is something I’m also itching to see. It’s been so long since we’ve seen JJ wrestle and from the sounds of it he had virtually no right rust! I thought there would be more people running in and trying to cause problems in this match since there was a Special Enforcer in Mick Foley. But the way things worked out Foley was hugely involved. Foley got to do what he does best - take a chair shot and use his little buddy Mr. Socko. Even though he was the Special Enforcer his three count ended the match and gave JJ the win. I honestly expected Angle to go over in this match. I did not expect him to win cleanly, but I did expect him to go over. It will be interesting to see how things play out from here.

If I had been paying close attention while reading the results to this PPV as Richard posted them, I would have realized the outcome of this match before it even started. There had been no titles changing hands at all during the entire PPV which pretty much guaranteed Joe was going to lose. I personally think this turn of events sucks. There’s no way Samoa Joe should have lost this belt. It’s just TNA showing their lack of confidence in the younger and less established guys. JJ said straight out that the young guys is why he created TNA, but here he showed that he’s pandering to the legends! It just does not make sense for his vision. It also does not make sense to take the strap off Joe and put it on Sting. It shows a huge lack of respect for Joe’s legitimacy as a headliner and I find that disappointing. Also, Sting does not have the stamina to be able to defend the WHC week in and week out and that’s what the Champion should be expected to do, even if he doesn’t. With the stipulation for the match that they both agreed upon, Joe cannot go after the title while Sting holds it. Not that I think Sting will retain very long and Joe will be starting a program with Nash, but it still doesn’t look good all the way around. While I have to say I am happy Nash re-signed with TNA and I’m thrilled they’re continuing the Joe/Nash storyline, I do not think they should have taken the strap off Joe. In the long and short runs I think it’s a huge mistake.

So while I do not agree with everything that happened and all the outcomes at Bound For Glory, I really want to catch this PPV. This is the first TNA PPV that I am truly bummed I missed watching the fist time around. Hopefully everything they finished and set up this past Sunday will lead to some great episodes of Impact! While we have seen the technical write up of what happens this week, let’s see how it looks on the screen!

Show Starts

Video from Bound For Glory. Post match JJ said he’s done. The last place he needs to be is inside a wrestling ring.

Announce Table
Tenay and West talked about what’s going to happen tonight and what happened at BFG. The said Abyss was severely burned and will not be on the show.

Match #1

MCMG faced off against Sonjay Dutt (with SoCal Val) and Bashir. Personally I have never been big on heel on heel matches as the fans really have no one to cheer for. Making a heels on heels tag match makes very little sense to me because that’s just four people for the fans to hope lose and someone has to win. That just doesn’t make anyone happy. There are some (very few) cheering for MCMG, but the rest of the fans are very quiet. Not even Dutt can gain much heat by showing off in the ring. They’re all great in ring workers, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t feel right to give us this as the first match after BFG. MCMG were defacto faces for this match as everyone hates Bashir and Dutt so much. I know TNA likes to state they do not have heels or faces, but it is really cut and dry who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. TNA can state it all they like, but it’s just the way the industry works. Shelley gained the win by pinning Dutt, but it didn’t end there! Angle came out to the ring and cleaned house. He took out MCMG, then Dutt was in his cross hairs and received an Angle slam. Angle grabbed a mic and said no one steals a win from him then walks away from wrestling. JJ might have, with the help of Foley, won the battle at BFG, but the war is still going on. Angle asked JJ if he’s a champion like him or a candy-assed-hick from Nashville. He’s going to pick apart every member of the roster until it’s down to the two of them. Angle is not done with Jarrett.
8/10 - The match was fine, nothing fantastic. But Angle really stole that one. I hate it when they over book endings of matches, but that was beautifully executed! Loved it!

Back Stage Segment

Out back Borash cornered Nash on his way in and asked about his unexpected return. Nash says someone paid for his airline tickets, so someone knew he was coming. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Ten months ago Samoa Joe disrespected Nash and Hall. Now Nash is out for Nash and only Nash.
8/10 - Huge Nash fan here, you should know that by now. But actually I really liked this because it was short, sweet and to the point. They did not drag it out. They got the point across and ended it.

BFG Video

The main event from BFG. Nash used Sting’s ball bat to hit Joe in the back and give Sting the win.

In Ring Segment

Sting in the ring talking about being the Champion. He said Joe should be the Champion now. Joe was, at BFG, and is the better wrestler. He took Sting to his limit. But he was always coherent enough to know that ten minutes in Joe had him beat. Joe, instead, chose to mock him and his generation. Joe tried to put Sting out, humiliate him. The bottom line is that due to his disrespect that Sting’s the champion and Joe’s not. How many times did he have Flair beaten and he took the three? Every time. So when he walked into the dressing room a group of guys shook his hand and a group of guys did not. AJ is one who did not. He knows AJ is good friends with Joe, but… AJ’s music cut Sting off. AJ came to the ring. AJ told Sting that he and Joe have been friends for along time. If Sting would just listen to what people have to say, then he’d have their respect. The reason he has the title belt is because Sting has no respect. Don’t belittle AJ and AJ won’t belittle him. Every week AJ is on the road earning money while Sting is home spending his. AJ’s wife is basically a single mother while Sting is home coaching Little League. Sting thinks he can show up, hang a fancy chandelier that costs a lot of money but isn’t worth much. Sting brings up AJ’s father and how AJ didn’t like how he was raised and does not want to turn into his dad. AJ said, “Don’t!” AJ bitch slapped Sting. They started brawling. Security rushed out and broke up the fight. The announcers said something was going down out back.
7/10 - If it had been less of Sting talking about respect and more of AJ and the rest of what Sting said, I would have given it a higher rating. But the broken respect record and name dropping keeps going.

Back Stage Segment

Angle was beating down Curry Man. Shark Boy ran up and pulled Angle off. Shark Boy got out one punch before Angle turned on him. Eric Young rushed in to help them, but only got a couple punches out before Angle started to beat him down.
5/10 - Nothing great, nothing bad - just was.

Back Stage Segment

Borash is in the locker room with Booker T and Sharmell. The accent is even thicker tonight. He keeps talking about ‘his country’. I understand that Texas is a very big state, but it’s not a country unto itself. I understand Texans have an accent, but it sure is not the accent we’ve been hearing out of Booker! Sharmell actually admitted that Booker will reveal the contents of the briefcase next week in Vegas.
2/10 - I just can’t give him any more than that. Booker needs to find a new gimmick because this one just is not working!

Match #2

Hernandez faced off with Booker T in the ring. I do not get why they’re in a match together. Booker has faced off with a number of people over the past couple weeks, but he’s not really in a feud with anyone. He just keeps facing off with random people. Hernandez hits an amazingly long delayed vertical suplex that was just inspired. But other parts of the match seemed stilted. Hernandez is a big guy and while he’s quick, he’s nothing compared to the little guys. But he seemed like he had to slow everything down a little more for Booker and the acting in doing so was kind of poor. A slingshot shoulder block over the top rope onto Booker gave Hernandez two, but of course Sharmell distracted the ref. Booker hit a low blow on Hernandez. Follow that up with a hit to the head with the briefcase and a scissors kick and Booker got the three.
6/10 - It was not really a good match. Hernandez hit a couple of great moves, but the whole thing was rather slow and stilted. All it did was set up for that mystery item that is in the briefcase. That mystery item that we know is a belt that Booker is ‘bringing in’ to TNA and of course he will be wearing.

Back Stage Segment

Angle beat the heck out of Rave. Christy Hemme got in the middle of it. Angle didn’t hit her. He backed off and left.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed Roxxi. Roxxi said she didn’t give a shit about Kong. The blonde told her she knew it was Roxxi’s first interview but couldn’t say that on Spike. Roxxi said she doesn’t give a shit about Spike. She said she’s lost a lot of matches, had her head shaved, bled. She’s not afraid of anything, especially Kong who’s a big fuck (or possibly shit). She cussed a bit more than apologized to Spike sarcastically before she walked off.
7/10 - Not bad for her first time. She was crass and brash and I really liked it. She’s not as raunchy as ODB, but sure not a little prissy thing.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde asked Christy how Rock and Rave were. Christy said she was heading to the hospital to see them. As she walked through a door she ran into TBP. They held her tightly and proceeded to do an HD promo and not let her leave. She finally broke free but Sky and Love beat her down at Cute Kip’s prompting. They left her on a flight of stairs with a brown bag on her head. The bag had Cute Kip’s face on it.
4/10 - The only reason they’re getting more than a 2 is because TNA actually made an HD promo.

In Ring Segment

Angle came out to the announce table and attacked the in ring announcer David Penzer. Angle dragged Penzer into the ring and beat him with Penzer’s own shoe. Then he locked on an ankle lock until security pulled him off. Jeff Jarrett’s music and he came out. Angle demanded a rematch. JJ said he has business to take care of and will not be back in the ring. JJ told him to let it go. Angle said it’s not over until he says it’s over. Angle talked about when he signed with TNA and how Angle knows where JJ lives and he should visit JJ’s kids. JJ had started to leave the ring, but that stopped him. JJ went after Angle but security stopped him. Angle backed up the ramp with a huge grin on his face.
7/10 - I am not big on non-wrestlers getting attacked by wrestlers. It sets a bad example. But other than that it set up for the furthering of the feud.

Video

BFG video set to a Smashing Pumpkins song.

In Ring Segment

Foley came out to the ring to say goodbye to TNA. Why they’re even perpetrating this farce is beyond me. We’ve all seen the Turning Point poster! Has said it’s always been assumed because of the way he wrestled that he had some special recuperative powers or loved pain. He’s always been a junkie - a roller coaster junkie. He was able to deal with everything he did in the ring by looking at the whole world as his own personal theme park. He could deal with the pain as long as he had something to look forward to. He gave the Hulk Coaster and Orlando a cheap pop. He said maybe he’s getting old or sentimental, or Angle rattled his brains with that chair shot. But sometimes you need to go back to the hotel, take a dip in the pool so you can take on more coasters and more fun. After 23 years he found himself having less fun and more stress than ever. His decision to come to TNA was like a nice, refreshing swim in the pool because he reemerged ready for more fun. With everyone at TNA by his side, it’s been one of the greatest thrill rides of his life. But there’s only so many times a guy can be a Special Guest Enforcer and that number is one. He’s loved every minute of his time here and he wanted to thank us. Foley left the ring. Refs and wrestlers - Creed, Lethal and AJ came out to shake his hand and hug him. JJ was at the top of the ramp. JJ asked for ten minutes of Foley’s time. He asked Foley to go to his office and not to leave that way.
8/10 - I would have given it a nine if I hadn’t known it was total BS. I love Foley on mic even more than I love him in the ring and what he just gave was some of his best.

Announce Table

Cornette is on the phone from Vegas. He said Angle is out of control. He said that Angle will have to face Morgan tonight as he thought Morgan would slow him down.

Match #3

The announcers talked about how Wilde had managed to pull out another win. Saeed with Kong and then Roxxi made their ways to the ring. I actually stated recently that I thought these two would be quite a feud and here they are in the ring! Roxxi’s acting was a bit off, selling rather badly, but the rest was enjoyable to watch. It was a decent match until Roxxi went after Kong on the outside. In my opinion she should have been more focused in on Saeed in the ring. The announcers should have also been more interested in what was happening in the ring rather than talking about everything but the match. Roxxi managed to hit the voodoo drop and get the win over Saeed, but the Kong attack was too distracting from the actual match. Then after the match Kong had to enter and take Roxxi out. I want to see an actual feud between Saeed and Roxxi without Kong attacking Roxxi at every turn!
6/10 - I think it would have been so much better if it had actually been a straight match and not all sorts of Kong spots.

Back Stage Segment

The blonde interviewed Morgan. He said his mind is with his best friend Chris Parks - not in the main event where it should be. He goaded Abyss into going into that match at BFG and now he’s hurt. He feels horrible about it. Now he’s going to take it all out on Angle.
8/10 - I am usually more up on Morgan and Abyss promos because of Abyss, but tonight Morgan delivered.

Back Stage Segment</