Anyway, rather than watching Cannibal Women In The Avocado Jungle Of Death with Adrienne Barbeau, I threw in HBK’s DVD. I fully enjoyed the first DVD of the set. The matches were fabulous, the interview segments between Cole and HBK aren’t the best, but not bad either. Stacy and I laughed at some of the fans, all of the hair styles and ring gear. Couldn’t miss giggling at Vince McMahon on announce and how over dramatic everything was back then. It’s was the HBK versus Mankind Match that really caught my attention. Rick Rude, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Chyna came out to the ring as insurance for HBK, but DX hadn’t actually become what we think about today. But what really caught our attention was how into everything the fans were and how overly dramatic everything was. HBK would get clotheslined and flop all over the mat. The fans were wild, jumping all over and screeching for those they loved and screaming obscenities at those they hated. I am going somewhere with this, bear with me.

The costumes, the hair, the ref, the announcers and the fans were so over the top that every show, every match was extreme excitement. Where has that gone? Has wrestling gone so far down the tubes that we don’t remember how exciting it really can be? There was a grit to the matches, but it’s gone and long forgotten. Where has all the grit gone? Why can’t we have it back? Remember the days of not knowing what was going to happen next? Bischoff was the king of the swerve, but hasn’t done any of that since coming to TNA. Lately all wrestling shows have seemed hollow and missing some sort of flavor that it’s almost impossible to put your finger on. There’s no spark and everything is so over-choreographed that it doesn’t look at all real. Yes, we all know it’s scripted, but there was a time that it felt realistic. Now it’s so contrived and polished that it’s easy to pick out every tiny mistake on mic and in the ring.

I just want to shake those in charge at TNA and tell them to shake things up! There’s so much they could do to make TNA different from WWE, but they keep trying to be their clone – all the while verbally condemning them. There’s so much TNA could do, but they’re staying safe and running with the big names. I want the grit, the interest, the swerves and questions that I know Bischoff can give us! Tear it all down and give us something interesting!

I also want to comment on last week’s Impact ratings. I’m sure the 1.0 they earned last Monday was much lower than they expected, but I’m also sure the 1.0 on Thursday shocked them too. While I understand why TNA is discontinuing their Thursday night Impact replay, I think they’re going to hurt themselves with it short term. Fans who do not follow wrestling online (or aren’t as avid as a lot of us) might not realize that Impact won’t be replayed this coming Thursday and might possibly miss a week or two until they get their DVR’s programmed for Monday nights. Heck, I still have to get my DVR scheduled to copy NXT as I forget until the show has already started. It’s not always at the top of people’s lists. Honestly, I don’t know why they bothered replaying it last week, but that’s just me. I will be very interested in seeing what TNA manages for ratings going against Stone Cold Steve Austin and the WM Rewind Matches. I think more people will be setting their DVR to Impact and watching RAW. I know I will be watching RAW, but that’s pretty much a given as I do the RAW play-by-play on WNW.

Oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry about this being so late! I’m not yet in the habit of Impact being on Monday nights and totally blanked on the fact that I had the Blog to write! I’m still in the mindset of Monday and Thursday nights that I completely blanked on this! I’m so sorry to everyone!

Show Starts

Video

Recap of Impact’s first regular Monday night and the big main event that started the show until Sting got involved. The whole video revolved around the three old guys – Hogan, Flair and Sting. Yes, they’re big names, but there’s so much more to TNA!

Backstage

A beautiful bronze colored Hummer pulled up. Hogan climbed from the passenger seat, Abyss from behind the wheel, Jeff Hardy and RVD from the back seat. Jeff Hardy’s face already painted up the way he’s known to do. Seeing the forming of a faction? One can hope!

Music & Pyro

In Ring Segment

Flair and AJ to the ring. Have to love the heat these two incite. AJ cut on Abyss for being scary looking, but stupid for thinking some magical ring will help him beat AJ. They had classic battles in the past, they took each other to their limits. The result has always been the same. AJ up, Abyss down. AJ doesn’t believe in the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause or magical rings. He believes he’s the best wrestler in the world. He’s a gift from God. Flair took the mic and burst into true Flair spaz. Off came the jacket, then the bandage and he busted himself wide open again. Blood just gushed! He verbally went after Abyss and Jeff Hardy. Hardy’s music hit and out he stalked as if without a worry in the world. AJ demanded to know what Hardy’s doing there. Jeff just stood there as if AJ was screaming in his face and Flair wasn’t wiping his face and flicking blood at him! AJ challenged Jeff to a match and really started channeling Flair’s spaz. “Hardy” chants and Jeff just pointed at the fans. Jeff said facing AJ would be a breeze. Flair started ranted and Jeff lost a little of his relaxed state. He said he’d be flying high on his creatures of the night. Down went the lights and everything was lit blue.
6/10 – When AJ said himself up and Abyss down, I immediately thought of Evolution when Orton won the title. All of the thumbs up and thumbs down going on during that time. Not sure how TNA meant it, but I thought it was poorly worded. I do have say that these guys are so over as heels! They’re as over as anyone right now. Matching AJ with Flair was genius! There’s no way AJ could have gotten over as a heel the way he has without him. I’m so shocked at how Jeff can act and move as if his world isn’t crashing down around him. What a pro. I still don’t understand why TNA signed him in the middle of all his legal troubles, but I’m not the one paying the piper.

Backstage Segment

Foley and Bisch got into it, again! Bisch was pissed about Foley’s reffing job last week. Bisch was still intent on cleaning Foley up by shaving Foley’s head and beard in the ring.
6/10 – Anyone who spends any time in WNW already knows what happens with this segment. I don’t know how it comes about, but I sure look forward to seeing how Bisch ends up half bald! To me it shows how committed Bisch is to TNA.

Earlier Segment

Jesse Neal was at a lunch truck and was attacked. First by Jimmy Hart, then by The Nasty Boys. Guess it doesn’t pay to be friends with Team 3D right now. Only thing I wish is that Jimmy Hart was aligned with someone else. He’s one of my favorites from back in the day of flamboyant managers and he’s one I’m thrilled to see back, but that’s because he’s not in the ring trying to wrestled day in and day out. He’s also still in better shape than most of the older wrestlers trying to relive their prime since their friend Hogan came into TNA.

Match #1

I just said Jimmy’s not trying to wrestle and he’s in a tag match! WTF is TNA doing?!?! Ray came out and said they found a partner and out came Spike! Or is he Runt? Ugh! They pitted Runt, that’s so Nasty! (Pun intended.) Jimmy in the ring was hysterical! If TNA feels they need a little comedy, Jimmy’s a great way to do it. Jimmy did his job beautifully by distracting the ref so Knobbs could nail Ray with the helmet. Even funnier that Jimmy made the pin! Jesse Neal came out to make the save as Jimmy tripped over Devon and fell on his ass. Saggs then ate a 3D through a table.
5/10 – At least they didn’t try to make this match look too serious. I’m up for as much fun as the next fan, but they need to keep it in small doses and not jam it down our throats. I personally find Jimmy Hart hysterical when he really gets going. So much better than the PG comedy that WWE has jammed down our throats with the leprechaun. (Don’t get me wrong, I like Hornswoggle, but he was much better when working with Finlay than DX.)

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Angelina Love. Love is pissed that TBP won the Knockout Tag Team Championships. Love issued an open challenge to any of TBP.
7/10 – Love was really good there! Short, sweet and to the point. My only negative comment is very girly – Her lipstick was way outside the lines of her lips and it made her look like a clown.

Backstage Segment

Borash with The Band. Waltman said they’ve been thrown out of better places than this. Hall said they’ll get it done. Nash and EY walked up and commented on Waltman getting his ass kicked last week. If Hall can last five minutes in the ring with Nash he gets $25,000.
5/10 – Other than the way they kept hugging on Borash, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Honestly, Hall sounded much less drunk than normal. He wasn’t slurring his words, but he sure looked like he was stoned or something. His eyes were really off. I also have to say I’m thrilled TNA decided to keep the old guys in the ring to five minutes or less. More than I’d give them, but at least it’s not an Iron Man Match!

Match #2

Anderson and Wolfe out to the ring. Video of the abuse Anderson took last week. Angle out with The Pope in tow. The Pope was playing up his limp quite a bit. Angle hung his medal on the ring post. That thing has been passed back and forth so many times that I’d forgotten that Angle had it back! Wolfe and Angle were working well and Anderson refused the tag, but then took a cheap shot on Angle. The Pope also worked wonderfully in this match with both Anderson and Wolfe. All four in the ring, but The Pope rolled Wolfe up in a small package for three. Of course Wolfe attacked The Pope after the bell, Anderson did the same. Anderson stole the medal again and went after Angle’s head with it again. Anderson called for his mic and got right in Angle’s face. Angle was gushing, leaving quite the ‘splat on the mat’ as Anderson ranted in his face. More punches to Angle’s head with the mic before it was over.
7/10 – Second match and second time there was more abuse after the match than during! They have a ring bell for a reason, but it doesn’t seem to mean much in TNA lately. I do have to say that Wolfe and Angle are great competitors in the ring. They can put on both a technical match and throw sick moves with each other. I know they wanted to shake things up a bit, but those two in the ring are gold and I’m glad that was the majority of the short match.

Backstage Segment

TBP discussed who was going to be stuck facing Love. Rayne and Velvet Sky decided it should be Lacey. Please, someone save us from Lacey’s crappy ring skills!

Backstage Segment

Hogan told Jeff to take care of AJ, he’s sending out Abyss as a special enforcer. RVD knows what to do. Bisch came in after they left. Bisch loves surprises, but he feels he should have been in on bringing in Hardy and RVD. Hogan said Bisch has had a lot going on with JJ and Foley. Bisch decided certain people need to know who’s in charge.
6/10 – Bisch and Hogan are obviously not on the same page and this could lead to a lot more fun in TNA – if they do it right. If Hogan ends up jumping ship and becoming a heel, it will be WCW all over again. But if they play it out to the brutal end and make it really ugly, it could get very interesting. They need to get the fans invested and controversy does that. Just as Eric Bischoff!

Match #3

Angelina Love out to the ring. All three of TBP out to the ring, actually all in matching colors for once. Velvet Sky announces for one night only an honorary member. Daffney in behind Love and attacked. Daffney really wrenched Love back hard and worked her over! From under the ring came a tool box. She disregarded vice grip and pliers to grab the hammer. Love started to gain control, but TBP interfered from outside and it was over. Again, a lot more abuse after the bell rang. The four of them on Love, but Tara from the crowd and broke it up. Tara wanted Daffney who seethed on the ramp.
3/10 – Third match and third time there was more abuse after the match ended. Once, maybe twice on one show is one thing, but this is getting ridiculous! The only good thing about this one match is that TNA might actually add a Knockout Match to Destination X!

Video

Reminding us, again, that Sting turned heel last week upon his return. Then he faced RVD in one of the most disappointing matches of the year so far.

In ring Segment

Hogan to the ring. He might be Mr. Ego, but he sure can work the fans into a frenzy every time he’s out there. He’s pissed about what happened last week. The one thing he can’t let go of was when Abyss was asking Sting why? Hogan demanded Sting get out there and explain why? Why did he stab TNA in the back? Hogan said Sting was afraid to face Hogan. Sting was up in the rafters – shocker! RVD attacked Sting as he headed down the ramp. When RVD was done with Sting he slid the bat and Sting into Hogan, but Bisch had to break it up. Bisch screamed at Hogan that he’s not a wrestler now and that part of his life is over! Sting was all smiles as he was escorted from the ring. They’re there to lead TNA, not wrestle! He needs to be done with it. The camera on Brooke and Jennifer who were both in tears. Bisch stomped off leaving Hogan in the ring. Hogan hugged Brooke ringside.
7.5/10 – Sting took so much time to get down from the rafters that the whole segment really lost its momentum. And while there was a major beat down, it wasn’t during a match! We want more wrestling, but that means actual matches! The reason I gave this segment such a high rating is because it set up interest. It created strife. It made the fans wonder what’s going to happen between Hogan and Bisch. It also further set up the feud between RVD and Sting. While I’d rather an actual match, this was interesting.

Backstage Segment

Hernandez told JJ he wanted to join with JJ to get it done against BMI. Bisch stepped in and verbally abused JJ about trying to make matches. Bisch put Hernandez into a match against BMI and JJ will be the ref. He’d better call it right down the middle.
5/10 – This feud between Bisch and JJ is getting boring. Bisch is fighting with both JJ and Foley, but for no obvious reasons other than early WCW history! People who are newer to wrestling don’t have a clue why there’s (on air) issues between Bisch and these men. Even I wasn’t watching a lot back then and only know about much of it from my research. It’s just pulling history from too far back to feel realistic to me.

Match #4

Nash out to the ring with a huge wad of cash in hand. Hall already out there in street clothes. Nash handed the cash over to the ref who just stood there holding it! Hall really sold the kidney shots from Nash, but that’s not saying much. And then Hall’s little girl slaps to the back of Nash’s head, what was that about? Waltman rushed in and hit a chop block on Nash’s surgically repaired knee. Handcuffs and Nash was stuck. Of course EY to the rescue! But numbers took over.
3/10 – Four matches that continued after the bell. Oy! It’s like TNA decides to run with one type of match every week and this week every match had to end the same because there’s a PPV on Sunday and they need to build strife! This really isn’t working for me! Bisch is a better creative mind than this! What the hell is going on? And I have to say that Waltman’s humping of EY’s face was really not cool!

Backstage Segment

Borash with BMI. Roode called him Seacrest which really went over well with Borash. He said they just wanted an opportunity because they’ve been pushed aside since Hogan and Bisch came in. Storm said Bisch gave them an opportunity, it just so happened to be JJ. This week it’s Hernandez. They’re sick and tired of finishing last.
8/10 – They were in full on heel mode and gave a great promo. While there not quite over yet as heels, it shouldn’t take much. They’re just that good and deserve to be in great matches.

Match #5

JJ out without music or pyro, in a zebra shirt. BMI out to the ring. Hernandez out to face them, but they attacked just as he got in the ring. Morgan started out to the ring, but then stopped and headed back. He then went to announce. Morgan talked down to Tenay that he should be honored to have Morgan there at announce. Morgan blamed Hernandez for getting himself in this match with another partner. Hernandez got himself into this mess when Morgan wanted a warm up match before Destination X. Morgan sounded to be in full on heel mode. Hernandez held his own well, but the numbers were against him. BMI demanded and physically pushed JJ around until he raised their arms in victory. JJ went to check on Hernandez while Morgan headed to the locker room. Of course BMI continued to beat down Hernandez and pushed JJ down. JJ removed his shirt and attacked. Hernandez hit his slingshot over the top in a double clothesline before BMI fled.
6/10 – It wasn’t a bad match, but it continued on the formula of the night. They just couldn’t leave well enough alone. But I have to say having Morgan turning heel right before our eyes has been beautiful. It’s been a slow change, but also very obvious. Very interested in see what happens when they have to defend their TNA Tag Team Championships at Destination X.

Backstage

Bisch walked along with electric clippers in hand and a smile on his face. He’s just such a fabulous heel!

In Ring Segment

Bisch told JJ that his ass belongs to Bisch next week, but now it’s Foley. Bisch demanded Foley come out and sit in the barber’s chair. If they’re going to do this why don’t they have Hogan’s good friend Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake on hand? The fans were not happy about Foley losing his hair and chanted for him. Bisch went after Foley’s hair, but Mr. Socko came out! Tenay called him Mr. Socko, something they hadn’t done before in TNA. He choked Bisch out until he was flopped in the chair. Foley had a blast buzzing off Bisch’s hair. Big long stripes off the top and then he slapped Easy E awake and showed Bisch his hair. Bisch grabbed the hair off the mat and tried to put it back on his shaved head.
7/10 – Now, I have to admit that if this was done on live TV I would have at least given it a nine. But TNA has decided that they can’t go live every Monday, so everyone knew Bisch’s head would be shave and had already seen the pictures of it. This is the type of fun swerve that makes wrestling shows fun to watch, but not when it’s taped a week ahead of time and we already know what’s going to happen. Three steps forward, two steps back.

Video

Foley turned the tables on Bisch and shaved his head. Yes, we just saw this, we know it happened.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Shannon Moore. He represents the tattooed, the brood and the screwed. He guaranteed his freaks he’d become X Division Champion. Welcome to glam rock.
5/10 – I’ve been a huge Shannon Moore fan for years. I have always thought he’s received the short end of the stick every time he started moving above mid-card purgatory. He just never seems to get far before being screwed over in some way. Between being stuck in in one of the worst groups ever formed in wrestling, Three Count, to trying to be Matt Hardy V2, Moore has had the worst gimmicks! Finally he’s coming into TNA and being a little grander version of himself; something we all knows works better than almost anything else. The problem with that promo is that he looked like he was either wearing way too much bronzer or went way overboard with the fake tan. And then there’s all the catchphrases he threw out! I don’t remember anyone of them because he threw out more than the Rock could in one promo. The problem is that this is the first time Moore has spoken and it made him look like he was trying way too hard.

In Ring Segment

The Ultimate X was set up. MCMG in the ring talking about how great Destination X will be. The return of the Ultimate X Match and the beginning of the rise of the MCMG. Starts with Generation Me. They can’t compete with the likes of the MCMG. What have they done to deserve this match? Jeremy and Max came out to the ring. Max said Generation Me beat the MCMG on their debut. Shelley said it was all luck. They’re good, but not great. MCMG are great! MCMG are their Xbox to Generation Me’s Atari. Shelley said something about the night they spent with Generation Me’s girlfriends. That sealed it and Jeremy bitch slapped Shelley. The fight broke out and half the X Division ended up in the fight – Kendrick, Amazing Red, Daniels and Kaz with a ladder came out one by one. The fight just went round and round. Max and Jeremy climbed part way up the scaffolding and then flew onto MCMG. The last left standing were Kaz and Amazing Red. Max and Jeremy in and the set up a ladder. Amazing Red climbed to the top and flew!
8/10 – While not a match, that segment made me itch to see what will happen at Destination X! TNA decided to show more fighting outside of matches tonight, but this was the one segment that worked. The X Division is known for flying all over and getting into each other’s faces, so it worked beautifully. Those high spots hit by Generation Me were sick, but nothing compared to the flying Amazing Red did! I still believe Amazing Red is one of the best small wrestlers I’ve ever seen and he shouldn’t have lost to Williams, but that’s my own personal feeling. The X Division wrestlers are amazing and it’s nice to see Hogan and Bisch finally giving them time on Impact.

Backstage Segment

Borash with Abyss who was still enthralled with his ring. He knows why Flair and AJ are after his ring. For the first time someone’s jealous of him. He’s going to take AJ’s title. And if Flair get involved tonight, Abyss will take care of him. Whatcha gonna do when the monster runs wild and crazy on you?
7/10 – Still not exactly the scary monster we wanted, but much better than the scared child Abyss had turned into. He’s just channeling Hogan too much. I’m glad he’s getting this huge push, but he’s too much like Hogan now. It’s like we’re still seeing Hogan and Flair feuding, but they’re in Abyss and AJ’s bodies. These men deserve these pushes, but as themselves and not as little clones of these old men who can no longer go.

Backstage

Jeff Hardy getting ready to face AJ.

Main Event

Abyss first out to the ring to be the Special Enforcer. AJ out looking like a Flair clone with the Nature Boy in tow. Jeff Hardy out covered in paint with than shorter hair. Commercial. They returned just as the bell rang, finally not acting as if it was a live show. AJ and Hardy went at it hard in the ring. Hardy was sent out and Flair started, but Abyss stopped him before he got going. AJ ran to fly, but stopped as to not give the fans the thrill. Brooke was in the front row, on her feet and yelling at Hardy to get up. She seemed really into the match. Dueling “Let’s go AJ” and “Let’s Hardy” chants, but Hardy’s were much louder. No matter what Hardy did, AJ seemed to have a counter for it. Pins back and forth between the two. AJ flew and took out both Hardy and Slick. With the ref down Abyss had to stop AJ from using a chair. Tenay talked about how Hardy’s moonsault was one fluid motion directly onto AJ, but it actually barely touched AJ. Dueling “Let’s go Hardy” and “Let’s go AJ” chants that were actually equally loud. AJ springboard was one of his most beautiful, but he missed. Hardy, on the other hand, hit a great swanton for three. Abyss counted the three as Slick was still ‘out’. After the bell, of course, Flair came in with a chair and attacked Hardy and then Abyss. Out on the ramp Abyss ‘Hulked up’ as Flair hit him over and over with the chair. Abyss did the Hogan point and then choke slammed Flair through the ramp!
8.5/10 – That was a really solid match between AJ and Hardy. Hardy did have a little ring rust going on there, but not enough to matter. It will really suck if Hardy is convicted and has to leave the ring, but I don’t know enough about the charges to say anything more. I fully admit I cussed loudly in front of one of my teenagers when Flair went through the ramp. My boy had just asked me who ‘the old guy’ was and why the other guy didn’t ‘beat him down’. I told him to wait a moment, but then cussed really loudly as Flair went through the ramp. I have to say that was the best ending to an Impact I’ve seen in a long time. Definitely the best pre-PPV ending I remember see from TNA.

Post Show

I have to comment on something that’s more Spike than TNA. I just don’t understand why they have to show so many Enzyte commercials during Impact! It seems during every commercial break they show at least one if not two of them in a row. Do they think that all men who watch wrestling have winky problems? That’s pretty degrading if you ask me.

Now that I got that out of my system! Did TNA spin a wheel and it came up with post-match attacks, so every match had to end that way? Just insane! Only thing that could have made this all worse would have been a Russo BS On A Pole Match!

Okay, the show wasn’t THAT bad, there were a lot of great points. The problem was that every match came to the same conclusion. They just couldn’t let any matches end with the bell. Actually, I’d be willing to be we saw as much fighting outside of the matches as in between the bells. For me that’s a serious issue. While saying that, I do think that the RVD/Sting segment worked well, Foley shaving Bischoff’s head was great, the X Division segment was fabulous and the end of Impact with Flair going through the stage was just a wonderfully shocking way to end the show. So while there were a lot of issues with this Impact, they seem to be turning a corner. They kept me interested and entertained me much of the time and that’s damn good compared to a lot of what they’ve given us recently. I hope they continue on this path, getting better and better.

KB

It’s interesting to see how people in the industry are reacting to TNA’s move to Monday nights. Vince McMahon is openly ignoring TNA and continues to go about business as usual, but I have to believe that there’s a little part in the back of his brain that’s worried about what might possibly happen. That he’s had a few nights where he’s woken up with a start and wondered if TNA with Bischoff and Hogan could move in on him and give him a run for his money. It also seems as though the boys on the WWE roster have been told not to speak a word about TNA or those involved, the complete opposite of the tactic that TNA seems to be going with. The boys on the TNA roster have been Tweeting, talking on FaceBook and posting YouTube videos. Personally I think giving Scott Hall a camera and expecting anything other than a train wreck is totally daft. Everything he says comes out like a drunken slur and the shakiness of the video made me more nauseated than a whole bottle of Captain Morgan’s, which is most likely what Hall downed before picking up the camera!

Hogan has sure been making the rounds, pushing TNA’s move, something TNA’s really needed. Having Hogan as their front man can only help TNA, and has. People are tuning in to see Hogan, Flair, Bischoff and are getting lucky enough to discover some of TNA’s great young roster. Sadly we’re also getting stuck watching old guys who are way past their prime trying to relive their glory days. I really hope the egos involved are not the downfall of TNA. Hogan himself has said he shouldn’t be in the ring. That he didn’t want to wrestle, but the fans were chanting for him and he couldn’t say no. He claims he painted himself into a corner, but no one is forcing him in the ring! Just because the fans are chanting his name doesn’t mean he has to lace up his boots. People chant a lot of things that Hogan’s been ignoring (that they don’t want to see Orlando Jordan or The Nasty Boys), but his ego won’t let him pass up another match in front of the fans he seems to need to survive. I will agree that Hogan and Flair in the ring are a HUGE draw and something TNA probably needs for their first night in their timeslot, but it will be an absolute train wreck.

So while TNA didn’t set up for an exciting night during their final Thursday night Impact, they have since worked online to push their Monday move. Between the Borash video about the first five minutes of the show, Hogan’s interviews and radio appearances, Hall and Waltman’s video, the wrestlers’ Tweets and Bischoff’s FaceBook page – they’ve done a lot to ready for TNA appearing live on Monday, going head to head with RAW. I don’t see TNA doing great in the ratings right off the bat, especially with Wrestlmania coming up, but maybe in a month or so TNA’s ratings might make a jump. Because of this I think TNA planned their move to Monday at the perfect time.

The one thing I have to say TNA has failed horribly with is keeping quiet who might be appearing on their first regularly scheduled Monday night Impact. There have been names flying around all weekend. I’ve heard Shannon Moore, Rob Van Dam, Sting, Jeff Hardy and a few others. Either TNA should have pushed these big names appearing, or they should have worked harder to keep things under wraps. Either way I think TNA has dropped the ball on setting up and advertising the big move.

I want to add a quick note about the WNW Live Blog for start of the Monday Night War. I thought it went wonderfully and have to send out huge props to my boyfriend, Stacy. I was writing the RAW play-by-play and he was on the Live Blog as me, posting my comments, polls, etc. He was such a huge help moving into this new wrestling era and I wouldn’t be able to do it all without him!
Show Starts

Music & Pyro

TNA’s new opening is fabulous! They really look as though they’re taking steps to be more professional and really step up their game to run with the big boys (WWE). My only negative is that a lot of the wrestlers shown haven’t been on Impact at all lately. They showed Lethal and Suicide, both of which haven’t been seen recently. Actually, I thought they were done with the Suicide character since they debuted Kaz. But it’s still a fabulous way to start their first regular Monday night show.

Match #1

TNA started the night with their main event; great way to hook the fans away from RAW. Hogan and Abyss out to a hot crowd, but I have to comment on Abyss’ new ring gear. It looks as though a five year old took scissors and a serger to an already poorly made nylon shirt. It reminds me too much of what Foley wore as Mankind. But I do love his new logo on the back of the shirt, that’s kick ass. I don’t understand why Hogan felt he had to dampen the fans down by running through all that happened leading up to this match, but he does like to hear himself talk! Then Flair and AJ out in their matching floofy bathrobes. Flair took his customary back body drop that made me cringe as it had for about the past ten years, then the whole match devolved to higgledy-piggledy. Lights down and when they came up, of course it was Sting. He did a damn good job of making it look like he was face before going after Hogan and Abyss, but then it was all over and the faces were toast. Last week it was Flair who was busted open, so of course it was Hogan’s turn to gush. After security broke it up Hogan had to make a No DQ Match for later in the show, as if Hogan hasn’t bled enough.
7/10 – While not a good match, it was an entertaining way to start the show. TNA wanted to come out of the gate hard and fast – exactly what they did. While I don’t think turning Sting heel the way they did was the best, it sure did throw a swerve into the show right from the start. And starting the show with color when WWE is doing everything possible to avoid it shows what they’re willing to do to be different. I do have to say that Flair is one man who should never be seen without a shirt. My daughter and I have always called Flair the Rubberman for the way his skin on his torso flexes and moves as he works the ring. The loss of muscle tone and all those years of tanning have left his torso in kind of a gross condition and it’s only become worse since the last time we saw him in the ring. Watching all that loose skin slide around makes me slightly nauseated.

Video

Replay of what happened in the ring after Sting came in and made his heel turn.

Backstage Segment

Sting stomped through and then backed Dixie into a wall with his hand to her throat. He claimed he owed her nothing. I guess if you’re going to go heel, what better way to prove it than attack the pretty lady who’s the financial backer of the company.

On Stage Segment

AJ claimed there’s no do-overs in wrestling. Flair balled his fists to show off Abyss and Hogan’s blood. They’re going to finish the job on Hogan and Abyss.
7/10 – AJ was shaking there as badly as Flair! I have to say he’s not just following in Flair’s footsteps, he seems to be channeling Flair!

Backstage Segment

Abyss walking along with a towel to mop up the blood, screaming about Sting and why?
6/10 – Wow, they’re bouncing from one short segment to another very quickly. While I know I complain about too long segment, but these are so short and fast that it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on. You just realize what’s going on and they move onto the next. I think TNA needs to find a happy medium in how they pace their shows.

Backstage Segment

Jennifer (Hogan’s girlfriend) tried to console Brooke who was totally freaked out about Hogan’s safety and how he’ll hide his pain, but he’s not okay.
6/10 – While I don’t think Brooke is great on mic, I think putting them on camera was a very smart move. Two beautiful blonde women with great racks always go over well in the wrestling industry. It is the way it is.

In Ring Segment

Kaz said almost two years ago he chose to walk away from TNA. Now he can safely say his doubt it gone. He’s back to re-ignite the flame of the X Division. If TNA’s going to war, let the warriors of the X Division lead into battle. Daniels out and said he’s leading the X Division into battle. He’s going to carry the X Division to the highest of heights. Then Doug Williams out and called them geezers trying to save the X Division. Huge “USA” chants. He claimed the X Division is alive and well because he’s Champion. Kaz asked where was Williams seven years ago? He and Daniels got into it but were cut off by Bisch! Bisch said that he was so pumped about TNA was because of the X Division. It’s the heart and adrenaline of TNA. He wants it to run bigger, faster and stronger. Kaz’s title shot will be tonight. Daniels will be in it as it’s a Triple Threat Match, right now.
7/10 – They really went at each other fast, the way the X Division should be. Kaz can really cut a promo! He’s the man to watch in the X Division right now. And we all know Daniels is fabulous on mic, it was Williams who was the weakest link in that segment, and he wasn’t that bad. Williams is no Wolfe on mic, but he is getting better.

Match #2

They really jumped on each other fast as soon as the match was announced! Kaz’s double pin on Williams and Daniels was sick! And then when he flew out onto both Williams and Daniels, also sick! Kaz hit moves that I’ve never seen before! Then there was the roll through and suplex Williams used to win the match – wow! After it was all over Shannon Moore rushed in and attacked Williams. After Moore’s beat down on Williams, Bisch announced that Moore will face Williams for the X Division Championship at Destination X – surprise!
9.5/10 – What a beautiful introduction to the X Division for the newest TNA fans. If those in power wanted to show those newly tuning into TNA just what the X Division is all about, that match showed it beautifully. Those men worked hard! Yes, some might say it was a spot-fest, but it was also wonderfully wrestled between those high spots. All three men put it on the line and the biggest winner was the people watching. I’m not sure how I feel about Moore getting a shot at the X Division Title at Destination X since he’s not been in a TNA ring since March 18, 2006.

Backstage Segment

Borash with Dixie who looked pissed. She’s thrilled Sting signed his contract, but if he wants to mix it up, he has a match. Borash wanted to know with who, but she wouldn’t say.
5/10 – I do have to admit that Dixie pulled off shaky and pissed off really well. But we all know who Sting will be facing! Even as Dixie said everyone would have to wait to find out, we all knew. Hogan really screwed up by letting it slip that RVD would be coming to TNA.

Backstage

TNA came back from commercial for all of 30 seconds to show off TBP’s asses as they stretched out. I still find it interesting that while Lacey wears colors to match Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne, she’s not in matching ring gear. Velvet Sky and Rayne are always in almost identical ring gear, but Lacey’s the odd man out. Wonder what exactly is behind that.

Match #3

Taylor Wilde and Sarita out to the ring. Tenay said that since Hamada and Kong didn’t defend their Knockout Tag Team Championships within thirty days, they’ve been stripped of the titles. This is a Triple Threat to crown new TTCs. TBP out next with Lacey in tow. Rayne just doesn’t seem as comfortable showing off her assets the way Velvet Sky and Lacey von Erich are. Angelina Love and Tara out together with Poison in hand. Of course TBP fought dirty, but that’s just who they are. But then Daffney came in (wearing the exact corset I’ve been pining after for about five years now) and nailed Tara in the back with her own strap giving Rayne the opportunity to pin her for three.
5/10 – Definitely a low point in the show. Not much actual wrestling even though the six Knockouts in the ring have proven they’re good wrestlers. And while I understand why they strapped TBP, it still gets my hackles up as there’s so many wrestlers who are so much better than them. Handing them the belts feels very WWE to me. I do have to admit that the interference there didn’t bother me in the least as it’s furthering the feud between Tara and Daffney, hopefully setting up for a kick ass match at Destination X.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with The Pope. Hemme said he’s getting his title shot but it’s not until Lockdown in April? I thought he was getting his shot at the next PPV, Destination X. Why are they waiting so long to give him the match he earned? Very odd. He talked about facing Wolfe, but then Wolfe suddenly attacked from behind, onto The Pope’s already injurer ankle. Wolfe set The Pope’s ankle on the step and slammed a chain down on it.
5/10 – It was just okay. I was really looking forward to The Pope on mic. To cut off one of your best talkers that way on such a huge show is not cool. I do have to admit the chain was a nice touch. It wasn’t the normal chair or lead pipe that so many wrestlers use as their customary weapon of choice.

Backstage

Sting climbed down some steps from the rafters. Taz asked, “What were your doing at 4:20 this afternoon?” And for anyone who had been living under a rock for the past week, there’s the biggest tell of all the RVD would be facing Sting!

Backstage Segment

Borash with TBP who are all excited about their Knockout Tag Team Championship win. Lacey wanted to know if she’s a Champion too. Rayne said she is. Velvet Sky said they couldn’t have done it without her. The bubbly arrived. Obviously what they had didn’t taste very good because of the face Lacey made after her first chug. She cringed a bit. I have to admit Velvet Sky did a great job popping the cork. Better than most men I’ve seen! Then, of course, Borash was doused in the bubbly and threw a glassful onto Velvet Sky chest.
6/10 – Fun to watch, especially for the guys. I know most men love watching TBP and seeing them covered in bubbly has to make it that much better for them. And while they were playing with the bubbles they weren’t talking and that makes me happy!

Announce Segment

Tenay and Taz talked about Sting and how he’s turned heel. Taz was shocked. I was more shocked at how much gray Taz suddenly has in his beard! They showed video of Sting turning heel and then talked about him attacking Dixie. Tenay said Dixie vowed she’d never get involved in making matches (when?), but she’s made an exception to that rule.
6/10 – Maybe I missed something somewhere, but I don’t remember Dixie saying she wouldn’t be involved in making matches. It does make sense as she brought Hogan and Bisch in to do such things. Behind the scenes is a totally different story, but she has always claimed to be a businesswoman and doesn’t know a lot about wrestling.

Match #4

Sting out to the ring to face his mystery opponent. Wonder who it might be? TNA hasn’t dropped any hints at all and kept it so quiet leading up to their first regular Monday night Impact. The fans still popped for Sting in a big way, even though he’s supposed to be heel now. He’s just been face so much in his career that the fans don’t seem to believe the swerve. But the fans were chanting loudly for RVD well before his music hit. Sting looked all shocked when RVD’s music hit. Through the fans and in the ring behind Sting. Off the top with a kick and then rolling thunder and RVD pinned Sting for three. After it was over Sting attacked a celebrating RVD with the baseball bat. Sting worked RVD over, longer than the actual match – by far. Sting acted like he was leaving, but came back to abuse RVD more. Hogan, badly cut up, came out to get in Sting’s face, but Bubba The Love Sponge was able to stop him? Hogan is obviously in bad shape, but he made a poor display of trying to get through security and into the ring. One shot from the bat to Hogan’s gut and he’s done.
3/10 – I was wrong, this was the low point of the night. What a horrible way to introduce RVD to TNA. Two moves and Sting was done? Made him look weak. Then RVD wasn’t able to fight back after the match? Made RVD look weak. Two shots to Hogan and he’s done? Made Hogan look old and weak – but of course he is. Yes, beating the heck out of RVD, Hogan and some refs with a bat made Sting’s heel turn complete in the eyes of the fans, but it could have been done so much better. I feel really bad for RVD. He comes back to the ring after so long and is booked so poorly. And that right there proved that Hogan should not be in the ring for any reason. The man is old!

In Ring Segment

Nash’s music and he came out with Eric Young. They came out to address their issues with Scott Hall and Sean Waltman, because that’s how you deal with thugs. Nash said he had a contract for a one time only match at Destination X for Hall and Waltman to face Nash and EY. Commercial. Hall and Waltman skulked in a door backstage. Commercial. They still stood in the ring waiting, nothing going on. The fans started dueling chants of “Hall is wasted” and “Waltman sucks”. As much heat as Hall gets, the fans still pop for him when he says, “Hey yo”. It boggles my mind. Hall, in his drunken slur ripped on Nash and then Hogan. Hall admitted that he and Waltman aren’t too smart, but they have lawyers. They want fat money contracts from Dixie. Hall called Easy E in on all this. Bisch told them to accept. If they win, they get their fat contracts. If they don’t get it done, they’re completely gone. The drunks agreed to that. Nash said he’d see them at Destination X. Hall said he’ll be the one who looks like Elvis. Of course Waltman bitch slapped EY and EY attacked. Bisch said he’s sick of paying for all the security and set up a match for EY to slap Waltman upside his bitch ass!
4/10 – TNA went from moving through the show too quickly to leaving Nash and EY standing in the ring through two sets of commercials waiting for Hall and Waltman. They just can’t seem to get the pacing right. But at least we won’t have to suffer through Hall and Nash in the ring!

Match #5

Before all the security had left the ring, EY was on Syxx-Pac and had taken him down hard! EY took it to Syxx-Pac all over the ring. EY managed a piledriver and it was over for Syxx-Pac.
7.5/10 – While very short, there were a lot of good moves in that match. In WWE, the only person allowed to hit piledrivers is Taker. Yes, they can be dangerous – Austin’s neck was broken taking a piledriver from Owen Hart & in Hogan‘s book he said he jammed his neck badly taking a piledriver from Taker onto a chair (doesn’t blame Taker, he was sweaty and slipped a little) – but the sure do add a lot to a match when done right. Both EY and Waltman looked strong in the ring, so at least they can carry the match at Destination X!

Backstage

A military vehicle pulled up. Five men in BDUs got out and headed off.

In Ring Segment

Suddenly there’s a lot more than the five men in BDUs. About twenty military men line both sides of the ramp, facing in. Angle’s music and he came up through the stage in a dapper suit. They surrounded the ring after Angle went through – very cool. Angle said they’re some of his closest friends. He said these are the men and women who fight for our country, but I only saw men. It’s his duty to protect these soldiers when bitches like Anderson degrade them. He’s learned that you don’t mess with an American soldier. At Destination X he’ll kick Anderson’s ass up and down the Impact Zone. Anderson on the tron, talking into his famous drop down mic from backstage. He called the soldiers high school dropouts. Anderson held up the medal on his neck, but by then Angle was there and attacked. Into the ring Anderson got the upper hand hitting Angle with the medal. Four of the military men stopped Anderson from leaving. Out one side and they beat him down, out the other side for the other guys to beat on him, then out the third side so absolutely everyone got a shot in. Angle took off his jacket for the Angle slam and he was just soaked with sweat! Then Angle with the American flag and the guys raised Angle on their shoulders.
–/10 – I can’t give it a great rating because it was so over the top corny! But I can’t give it a bad rating because then I won’t be patriotic and against the troops. So I’m not giving this a rating, but it was truly one of the most over the top, patriotic bits I have ever seen in wrestling. That made Sgt. Slaughter in in the 80’s, when he was facing off against The Iron Sheik, look barely sincere!

Backstage Segment

Bubba The Love Sponge with Hogan. He really ripped on Hogan and that he has to stop this. Hogan said it’s the last one, biggest night in TNA’s history. He didn’t want to go out there, but the fans! Earl Hebner in and needed a second chance. Hogan said there was too much going on but Bubba The Love Sponge ripped on Hogan about second chances. Hogan visibly had trouble getting up out of his chair. He told Bubba The Love Sponge to back off. He told Hebner to stop the match if it gets out of control.
3/10 – That was so obviously scripted and way over the top! Yes, we all know it’s scripted, but this came off as stilted and painfully bad. While Bubba The Love Sponge said all the right things, I still don’t like him and don’t think he has a place in TNA. I do have to say it’s nice to see Hebner back, but wonder if he’ll turn heel on Hogan when they’re out there (this is my first time seeing this and honestly have no clue what happened in the main event match).

Announce Segment

Tenay and Taz went through the matches slated for Destination X.

Backstage Segment

JJ talked to Storm. JJ ripped in him for volunteering for this match. Storm ripped back and JJ attacked. Roode jumped in until Foley told them to take it to the ring.
4/10 – I have no idea what that was about and I’m a die hard TNA fan, never missing any shows, no matter what! I’m sure first time watchers were even more lost.

Promo Video

TNA showed a promo video for their post Impact show online. So Cal Val was all sprayed down with water looking hot. But then they did the same to Borash and he spooned/danced with So Cal Val and put on a come-hither expression. It was just weird, and slightly creepy.

Match #6

The match between JJ and BMI was already in progress when Impact came back from commercial. BMI beat on JJ outside while Foley stood in the ring looking lost. He was assigned as special guest ref by Bisch. Of course Foley had to be in his new suit that Bisch decided he had to have. Finally in the ring, Foley had the bell rung to actually start the match. Off came Foley’s suit jacket to show his famous painted ref shirt. JJ didn’t have a chance against BMI in this handicap match. Storm up in Foley’s face which prompted Foley to pull out Barbie and hand it to JJ. Bisch couldn’t hand that and sent in Slick. Of course BMI got the three.
5/10 – I know it’s all about the ratings, but I’m still shocked at the abuse JJ is willing to take all this abuse in the company that was once his. And why is TNA turning so many great faces into heels? Pretty soon TNA will only have four faces left (as was commented on in the Live Blog last night) – Hogan, Abyss, Foley and Angle! Too many heels and the show falls out of balance. I know BMI teeter back and forth, but they’ve been so over as faces lately that I don’t understand their heel turn. Just more changes for the sake of change rather than changes that actually make sense.

Backstage Segment

Abyss tried to convince Hogan to let him start the match, get back at them for Hogan. Brooke in to see her father, all tears and blubbering. “To everyone else you’re the Hulkster, but to me, you’re like my Dad.” Hogan’s ‘like’ her dad? What’s that about? Something we don’t know about her paternity? I’m just picking on her poor wording, there’s never been any question about Hogan being her father, but I couldn’t pass up going after he being such a blubbering mess.
3/10 – I guess I understand why they brought her in for this show, but she’s so not good when she has to follow a script! She’s a beautiful girl and a lot of fun to watch on the stage (she came to a small amusement park in Maine to perform – my family owns the food concessions in that park, so I saw her perform), but she’s not an actress!

Backstage

AJ and Flair laughing and joking before heading out for their rematch against Abyss and Hogan. Flair ranted about them taking them down because they’re the best. Even in a short bit like that, Flair is gold on mic. But TNA came from commercial, gave us less than a minute and went back to commercial. Impact keeps getting slower and slower.

Main Event

Flair and AJ are first out for this “continued main event”. If AJ uses any more spray tan he’ll be mistaken for an orange. He is in Florida! Then Hogan and Abyss came out to Hogan’s modified nWo music. Hogan ripped his shirt off as soon as he got in the ring, but couldn’t climb the corner to pose the way he used to. Commercial and Tenay said after this they’ll stay with the match until there’s a winner. But of course during these commercials there’s ANOTHER long promo for Final Fantasy XIII! Hogan and Flair in the ring is geriatric wrestling. When Hogan reversed Flair’s Irish whip, they looked like little old men in a nursing home on dance exercise afternoon. They couldn’t seem to get their feet moving fast enough to make it look at all realistic. Then, of course, the obligatory back body drop on Flair! Can’t have a Flair match without at least one of those. I really was worried about Hogan when he carefully got down on the mat to roll out and go after Flair. I was afraid his knees would let out. Brooke said something to her father which got the camera off Flair long enough to blade. Flair was on the floor and then came up suddenly covered with blood, but there wasn’t any way he could have been busted open – to me that screams blading! Flair was just coated in blood, in a way only Flair can pull off. Of course Flair had to hit the low blow, he is the dirtiest playing in the game. Every time Hogan was down on the mat I wondered how he was going to get up again. It took so much physical effort for him to get his feet under him again. Then Flair climbed only to be caught by Hogan and sent flying. Has Flair ever successfully completed that move? And then Flair had to hit his famous Flair flop after being splashed in a corner by Abyss. Hogan and Abyss Hulk up at the same time? That’s a little much, even for me! Though that was a beautiful black hole slam on AJ to end it all. But Wolfe appeared from nowhere to attack Abyss with a chair. Then The Pope out to help, but was unable to do much. It took Jeff Hardy to take all the heels down, but Spike cut Impact off just before Jeff hit his swanton on AJ (just guessing as Jeff climbed and AJ was in the right position).
5/10 – I know TNA really felt they needed to have this match to bring in fans for their move to Monday nights. The problem is that Hogan and Flair are not ring ready any longer and TNA needs more than legendary names to keep the fans coming back. And blood for the sake of blood is not a good idea. I get that TNA wants to be nothing like the WWE’s PG programming, but all that gushing blood was more obvious than different. Color only goes so far. So while it wasn’t a great wrestling match, other than that beautiful black hole slam, it was entertaining.

Post Show

I have to agree with Richard that much of TNA’s first regular Monday night Impact was too fast paced. Anyone tuning into TNA for the first time would be totally lost. They bounced around from one spot to the next at a pace that I’d never seen before. Normally Impact is so slow that I want to hit the fast forward button, but this show was the exact opposite. I wanted things to slow down, just a tad. I think anyone new to the show might have been a bit overwhelmed by how quickly everything was thrown at them. It was as if TNA was trying to throw absolutely everything possible into two hours of show time when they could have dropped the pace a tad and given an absolutely fabulous Monday night debut.

I have to admit that TNA gave us something we’ve all been begging for – a fabulous X Division match. TNA did not cut the match short, throw in all sorts of strange gimmicks or try to change things halfway through. Instead Kaz, Daniels and Williams were able to get in the ring and wrestle an honest X Division Match and give their all for the fans. I was completely blown away by all of their work rates, but especially Kaz’s. That man is a star on mic and in the ring. Seeing just how good he was makes me that much madder that he was stuck in that Suicide costume/character for so long. He deserves a push and looks like he’ll be getting one.

The other solid match of the night, while extremely short, was EY versus Syxx-Pac. I really wasn’t expecting much from Waltman, even though he’s looked much better than Hall, but he worked hard in that ring with EY. They’re of a size and seem to work really well together. Because of this I have more faith that their tag match at Destination X won’t blow as badly as I thought it might. I still don’t think Hall or Nash should be wrestling any longer and they’re just two out of quite a handful of too old wrestlers in TNA.

Toward the end of the show Spike kept putting on longer and longer commercials/promos promoting the new Final Fantasy XIII game that was due out at midnight. I understand that Spike is using TNA’s big move as a platform, but it seemed to cut into TNA more than just being actual commercials. They got longer and longer the later into Impact it got. Personally I found it horribly distracting from what was going on in the actual show.

I just don’t understand why Hogan and Bischoff feel they need to put all these old guys in the ring. Yes, they will draw numbers, but that’s short term. People will tune in just to see these guys, they don’t actually have to wrestle! Once the fans are tuned in, then TNA needs to throw in more matches like the X Division three way dance that was so great. That’s what will keep the fans coming back. These old and broken down wrestlers will only hold the attention of the name seeking fans for so long, then they need to back it up with great wrestling. One great match and a couple lackluster matches do not make for the best show. Yes, it was worlds better than the past couple Thursdays, but TNA needs to keep giving us more and more of those great matches to keep the butts in the seats and the fingers off the recall button.

KB

Hogan has been making the rounds this week pushing TNA. For so long a number of us at WNW had been kvetching that one of TNA’s biggest problems was their lack of marketing. They just were not pushing TNA well enough and because of that not enough people knew it existed. I have to say that Hogan has really turned that around. People are talking about TNA and their numbers are growing. I think Hogan and Bischoff are exactly what TNA needed to build their name and become a viable force in the industry. Their pushing and marketing has brought TNA their highest ratings ever and are now bringing TNA to Monday night. If they’re going to make it big, they have to go to Mondays and with Hogan’s backing they convinced Spike it was the right thing to do.

The only problems I have is the direction the shows have been taking. So many fans tuned in that first Monday night to see the likes of Hogan, Bischoff, Flair and some other big names that have rarely been seen since WCW, but the ratings have been dwindling week after week. Again TNA is stacking the deck for their big move to Monday nights, but what will happen after that big night? Many people will be tuning in to see Hogan and Flair in the ring again, but after their geriatric match, what will the fans be left with? Will the fans continue to tune in on Monday nights or will they DVR TNA and watch WWE? Can TNA keep the ball rolling with all these old names and is that what the fans really want? From what I’ve been reading online and the chants of the fans, it seems the last things most of the fans want are The Nasty Boys, Orlando Jordan and Bubba The Love Sponge. There’s only so much of this fat old team (The Nasty Boys) that fans can stomach. Bubba The Love Sponge has cost TNA their hardest hitting and biggest drawing Knockout who will likely be running to the WWE ASAP. And fans don’t want to watch Orlando Jordan, even though Bischoff thinks his character and storyline are fabulous. It’s not heat that Jordan gets in the ring, the fans straight out do not want to see him, but Bischoff is so high on him he just isn’t noticing.

I’m not saying all of my ideas about where TNA should go are right, just that TNA should actually listen to the fans for once. Hogan and Bischoff say that they’re there for the fans, but they’re very quickly booking Impact to look too much like the WWE and that’s not a good thing. I fear that Hogan and Bischoff are losing perspective of what they’d planned for TNA. They’ve only really been a driving force in TNA for about three months, but it seems as though things are crumbling around the edges slightly. It was Hogan who fully admitted this week that he shouldn’t be wrestling, but he heard the fans and is doing what they want. I personally think Hogan needs to resist his ego and be a leader that the boys need. Sadly it seems that his need to be one of the boys has over-ridden his drive toward the overall betterment of TNA.

Show Starts

Video

Flair and AJ’s reign of terror leading up to Hogan and Abyss banding together to fight back.

“Never Say Never”

In Ring Segment

AJ, Flair and their bimbos to the ring. Flair said they’ve had a week to talk about what happened with Hogan. He called Hogan out to apologize and give him a gift. They want to give back to Hogan and TNA. Hogan and Abyss came out together. Flair asked if he can assume this will be peaceful? “Hogan” chants. He doesn’t want to be beaten up. He wants to tell Hogan that as a result of their bad judgment and conduct they’re setting them up with any or all four of the girls. Hogan said he’s not there for a drink or a hit of Viagra. He’s there to talk about the most important thing to him. When he came in he promised Dixie, his family and the boys to work, but not lace up his boots – he’s taking TNA to the mountain top. After what they did to him in the ring, everything’s changed. In four days, Monday night, in front of the world, they’re taking Flair and AJ to school. There’s just one question to ask… What are you gonna do? Abyss took the mic and said when Hulk Hogan and Abyssamania go wild on you! Flair said he retired and went out on a high note, but if Hogan wants him there in four days, he’ll be there to do the best thing he’s ever done, hurt Hogan. AJ asked to put on the breaks. When Hogan wrestled he was wrestling, he was king. Now AJ is the champ. Is Hogan going to risk it all live against the Phenomenal AJ Styles? AJ wanted to get out of there with the ladies… Flair said in four days, Nature Boy way. See you Monday. Bischoff out and said not so fast. They can’t leave because AJ has business tonight. He’s in a Four Corners Match against Abyss, The Pope, and Desmond Wolfe. Flair about had a hemorrhage and Bisch left smiling.
4/10 – A whole heck of a lot of nothing to set up the main event and push Monday night’s show. Yes, it’s important to push moving to Monday night, but telling us over and over and over again is not the way to do it. They need to get creative and not give us these long chunks of people talking on and on about the same things again and again.

Backstage Segment

Borash with Wolfe and Chelsea. Wolfe cut on Borash then said it’s serendipity. But when a door’s closed in his face he kicks it down. He’ll do whatever it takes to win a match. With the TNA WHC on the line, he has even more motivation. AJ might be a model Champion, but Flair says to be the man, you need to beat the man. But he could beat Abyss or The Poop. Chelsea said she likes Abyss’ ring and deserves it. That they both should get gold tonight. Wolfe said what Chelsea wants, Chelsea gets.
4/10 – I love Wolfe on mic most of the time, but that wasn’t very good. He rushed through too any colloquialisms too quickly and it didn’t flow well. And whoever thought they should have Chelsea talk needs to find a new job, she was horrid!

Backstage Segment

Bisch on his cell said to start a football company to go against the NFL? Only an idiot would do that! That the person has had a lot of great ideas and to keep trying. JJ came in. Bisch called him the chef. JJ said some of the best burgers were served in catering last week. Bisch said he has a thick skin? JJ said he’s not going anywhere. He’s glad to see JJ showing what he can go and doing what needs to be done. JJ wanted to get back to business. Bisch said things are clogged, stopped up. In the men’s room it hit him like a freight train, JJ’s name flashed in his head like 1,000 neon lights. Things are so clogged up it will take a real pro, no matter how tough or demeaning it might be to take care of business. JJ is the TNA janitor in charge and make things flow a little better. JJ said he’s been there since day one and saw all the janitors, but he’s the best. Bisch said to bring it on.
7/10 – I have to say I’m starting to love Bisch’s little cell phone comments! Yes, they are very WCW when he was taunting Vince, but they’re so beautifully done that they work. And I have to give JJ credit for this storyline. It does take a thick skin to be willing to run with this the way he’s been doing.

Match #1

MCMG out to the ring with their new tougher look they’ve had recently. Generation Me out to the ring. BMI out to the ring. Lastly out came Morgan and Hernandez. Generation Me and MCMG worked the first part of the match hard, both teams looking great. Generation Me really took it to MCMG for quite a bit, but then Hernandez came in and Max was in deep. Hernandez was about to springboard over the top and Morgan stole the tag. More little problems there! Morgan with Max in one hand and Jeremy in the other, he commented to Hernandez about how to do it and choke slammed them both to the mat. BMI tagged in. Super kick from Storm and Roode rolled Morgan up for three. Morgan was pissed at himself, though possibly not more pissed than Hernandez.
7/10 – That match started out so beautifully and then ended so abruptly. It could have been great! All those fabulous wrestlers out there and half of them each got one move in before it was over. I see a serious issue with that! These men are wrestlers, let them wrestle!

Backstage Segment

Bisch with Morley and a ref named John. Bisch said he’s putting JJ in a match, but he forgot to tell him. Falls Count Anywhere against Sean Morley. Find JJ in the men’s room. The ref’s to call it down the middle, Morley’s to get the job done.
5/10 – Short and to the point, but nothing fantastic.

Backstage

JJ was slopping out the men’s room.

Backstage Segment

Angle in to see Hogan with a problem. He wants to take care of AJ this Monday. Angle said Hogan’s done more for TNA in the past couple months than anyone in the past seven years. Hogan said they laid the groundwork. Angle said to let him take care of it in the ring while Hogan takes care of back here. Hogan said he has to earn this respect and prove this to the boys and himself.
6/10 – Just what I said, Hogan’s ego won’t let him stay out of the ring. He just can’t help himself! He said he just has to do this one thing. I’m willing to be that next month it will be another one thing, then the next month another one thing, but at a PPV. When does it end for these guys? They keep claiming their in no shape to do this, yet they keep climbing in the ring! What’s it going to take to stop them?

Video

Foley’s Etiquette School. Started with him helping her with her coat. Then they went onto walking and then his clothes and hair. He has surprisingly gently eyes and if the hair’s gone the secret might get out. Foley had and answer for everything.
5/10 – It was cute, but I almost always think Foley is cute when he’s acting like that. I guess I’m just glad it was short because it sure didn’t work as well as it should have. That could have been a rolling on the floor segment, but it was just ho-hum.

Match #2

Outside the men’s room Morley demanded the ref ring the bell. John moved his arm as if ringing a bell over his head and said ding, ding, ding as he did so. Morley charged in, said Jeff’s name and then attacked him. Face first off the stall door a couple times. Punches to the head. JJ thrown in the shower. Morley pinned for two. JJ asked what was up and John told him the match. JJ’s arm in the door and Morley slammed it on his arm and kicked the door a number of times. Morley pinned JJ for three. The ref announced the winner very loudly.
2/10 – Wow, that sucked! It sucked the first dozen times I saw bathroom matches in the WWE, WCW and ECW too. I understand the storyline is to humble JJ, but to have someone like Morley – who we haven’t seen in a couple week – suddenly there and the golden boy for Bisch, doing his bidding, but that was not even interesting. I’d go as far as saying it was craptacular.

Backstage Segment

Hemme talked about The Pope winning the 8 Card Stud, but then Flair and AJ attacked and injured him. He says he always ends up on top. They tried to take The Pope out, but he’ll let them know he’s arrived. The Pope’s doctor isn’t happy he’s there though. The Pope didn’t know about the match for later and said he’s digging the Hulk, brother. He said he’s leaving the Impact Zone TNA WHC. If that big nosed, horse toothed banana nosed Flair gets involved he’ll reach back into the 80’s with a pimp slap for him.
7/10 – Yes, he’s damn great on mic! That man can turn a phrase so beautifully. Honestly, I now believe he could be one of the top talkers of his era. He’s not Rock, Austin or Flair, but he’s still young. Give him time and he really could be the top of TNA.

Video

The problem within TBI.

Match #3

Doug Williams out to the ring. Rob Terry stomped out to face him. Terry got Williams up high above his head and slammed him to the mat. A bear hug then a really bad leg lariat to Williams. A back elbow and then a move Tenay called a chokeslam but wasn’t and the match was done. Magnus rushed the ring and attacked Terry. William held Terry while Magnus hit the big boot.
2/10 – Should we call him Super Terry now? He managed five whole moves, even though most of them left a lot to be desired. Now, I understand he has a look, but that match proved just how little ability he really has in the ring. And that they strapped the man really blows my mind!

Backstage Segment

JJ back with a trainer, telling him how to move his arm and where it hurt. Bisch in and made the trainer leave. Bisch wrenched JJ’s arm. JJ screamed and yelled about what Bisch’s up to. Bisch said JJ wanted a match, he got a match. Bisch said if he wants a match in a ring, he’s got one. He hopes Juju’s a fast healer because it’s tonight. Bisch left and JJ called him a prick.
5/10 – Personally I think they’re spending too much time on this storyline. They need to spend time building up for Monday night. Not talking about moving to Monday night, but building the show so the fans are itching to tune in and might actually change the channel from the WWE to see what’s going on in TNA. This just isn’t building the interest for me.

Backstage

Anderson in shadows heading for the ring dressed to look like Angle.

Video

More of Foley’s Etiquette School. He had a book on his head. She called him Frankenstein. She’s very into his buttoning and unbutton his jacket and when. She had to help him up from his chair. She wanted him to help her with her chair, but she had to help him up. Then they went on to the table setup. The napkin goes in the lap. He said he has his own and pulled out Socko. Then onto eating soup and rhymes to remember. He liked ‘To do it quick, eat like Mick!’
6/10 – Okay, that one was much funnier. It was fairly quick and fast moving, but not so fast that you couldn’t catch it all. They had to have had a riotous time taping these videos. I don’t know how she managed a straight face through it all.

Video

Anderson and Angle’s feud and all the horrible things Anderson’s done to Angle recently.

In Ring Segment

Anderson comes out as Angle with a cookie sheet hanging around his neck with the word loser on it. He also has a mouth guard in and is making an even funnier face than need be with it. Also the fake gold medal, bald cap, etc. He said he’s the greatest wrestler in the world today. It’s real, it’s damn real. He’s also the most injury prone wrestler in the world today. Owie, owie, owie. He thinks he broke his neck for the 17th time. He once broke it while tying his shoe, another time while walking his dog. Once he was taking a dump and broke his neck. And one time while drinking a YooHoo and one time in band camp. The fans are all up in his business! But they have some serious stuff to talk about. Mr. Anderson you SOB, you carved up his forehead with this piece of crap around his neck. He could care less about the troops, it’s just a ploy for sympathy. Make everyone think he’s a real swell guy. Out to the ring stomped Angle sans tie and jacket. A couple clotheslines and Anderson fled the ring. Angle followed but Anderson threw a cup of liquid in Angle’s face. Back in the ring the straps came down and Anderson hit the Angle slam – BADLY! Off came the skull cap and Anderson right down in Angle’s face. Anderson took the medal from around Angle’s neck. Anderson ripped off his fake Olympic medal and put Angle’s medal on.
7.5/10 – I give it such a high rating because of the heat Anderson got. I’m blown away at the heat! That was impressive! I’ve rarely heard the Zone that pissed at someone. Anderson did a pretty decent job with the whole segment, except the Angle slam. That slam was poorly executed and made me cringe.

Backstage Segment

Abyss talking to Hogan, just needed a few minutes. He said he’s not proud of this. He didn’t have a very good childhood, wasn’t raised very well… Hogan said they don’t have to go there. Abyss said he had to. He wasn’t allowed to watch TV, but he snuck up to watch that little black and white to see Hogan. He begged his mom to take him to see Hogan. The only thing she ever did was buy him a ticket and take him. The place was jamming because of Hogan. Hogan said he knew Abyss was watching him. Abyss said he always has Hogan’s back. Last week, in the ring, the blood flowing. Hogan gave him this ring that encompasses all Hulkamaniacs all over the world. He has Hogan’s power and can do it on his own. He can take care of Flair and AJ himself. Hogan asks if he’d ever leave him, push him aside? Abyss said never. Hogan said they have the same blood running through their veins. They’re family. He gave everything he loves to Abyss. It’s okay because Abyss has the power, aligned with Hulkamania, he’ll protect Hogan. He had to take this match. He knew it would be okay. All those kids now believe in Abyss. They’re safe because of all of Abyss’ kindness, Hogan’s protected. This Monday night, when they come at him, when AJ tries to destroy his leg that he’s barely standing on, Abyss will protect him. They’re safe and doing it together. They hug and tell each other they love each other.
5/10 – Cough, sputter, choke… Sorry, *sniff* they got to me man. Yeah, right! That was so over the top it made me want to gag! They could have chopped that in half and made it work. Instead they drew it out, said the same thing a dozen times and left me feeling like I’d been watching a bad chick flick!

Announce Segment

Tenay and Taz went through what’s coming up on Monday night, but there’s only one match on the card so far so it wasn’t much.

Video

The dissension in the ranks in TBP now that Love is back. More of the feud that’s been percolating there. Then they showed Love get attacked by the other three during a photo shoot. They were whipping Love and Lacey said it was enough. Velvet Sky said it’s not enough until she said it’s enough.
2/10 – I wish they’d actually do something with this rather than sneaking up on it a bit and then dropping the whole story for a few weeks, then maybe coming back to it a little bit. Either do it or don’t but stop toying with it.

In Ring Segment

Angelina Love out to the ring and called out Velvet Sky and called her something that had to be bleeped. Love said she wasn’t leaving until Velvet Sky got out there. Velvet Sky out with a big smile on her face and that belt in hand. Taz said the belt looked like it had spikes on it, but it was just a woven belt with two rows of grommets the length of it. Love out of the ring and after Velvet Sky. She caught Velvet Sky and tossed her into the ramp and then the barrier, back and forth. Big boot to Velvet Sky face and he’s down. The camera zooms in on Love’s side and a supposed bruise there. Love grabbed the belt but the other two came out. Rayne was hit with the belt but Lacey used the ugly stick on Love and they gained control. Lacey and Rayne held Love down while Velvet Sky beat her with the strap. There were some welts on Love’s back, but that’s to be expected.
3/10 – I wish it had been an actual match, but of course not. These women can actually wrestle given the chance, but they’re not given the chance. TNA’s Knockout Division is turning into a joke, a bad copy of the WWE Divas! These are tough women who know how to wrestle and should be allowed to do so for the betterment of the Division and company. I know Scott D’Amore left TNA, but they need to do something to get the Knockouts going again! The worst part of the whole thing is that Velvet Sky spent much of the time picking her wedge and screaming rather than wrestling.

Backstage Segment

Bubba The Love Sponge ripped on Hogan for lacing up his boots. He then said Hogan’s a liar. Hogan said the one thing that never left him is this business. He has to do this. Bubba The Love Sponge said he has Nick, Brooke, Jennifer, him. He’s going to be in a wheelchair. Fix it with his mind. Don’t be a mark for himself. He promised he wouldn’t work again, so don’t. Don’t be a cripple.
2/10 – Putting that man in front of a TNA camera really turns my stomach. He has no place in TNA and is only there because of his close friend Hogan. He’s bringing the whole show down and bad scandal to the company at a crucial time. Hogan’s just daft putting him in the show. And then there’s Hogan’s ego getting in the ring. How many people are going to tell Hogan not to wrestle during this one episode? We all know he will. We all know it will draw numbers. We all know it will suck.

Video

More of Foley’s Etiquette Class. She went on about shaking hands and accenting Bisch’s name to make it sound French. She asked how men say goodbye to a lady. Foley said most of the ones he know just sneak out in the morning. He hugged her, but it wasn’t what she had in mind.
5/10 – Really short which is good, but it wasn’t great. The segment fell flat for me, especially after the previous Foley segment.

Video

Nash’s feud with Hall and Waltman. This Monday they’ll be live to explain themselves.

Match #4

Tomko out to the ring looking rather chubby. JJ out without music, pyro or his guitar. He’s also rotating that shoulder that was supposedly hurt in his earlier ‘match’ with Morley. Tomko easily overpowered JJ. JJ hurt his arm but was able to fight back a bit, but that didn’t last long. “Let’s go Jarrett” chants. JJ managed to get a lucky roll up on Tomko and it was over. Backstage Bisch was not happy watching the monitor.
6/10 – While it wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t wonderful either. Tomko looks really out of shape! His gut was heaving after a very short time in the ring. He looked out of breath after very little physical activity. He still has the power in the ring, but surely no stamina

Backstage Segment

Bisch was talking to Hogan about getting in the ring. Hogan’s brand is what’s making TNA. There’s too much at risk, he should rethink it. Hogan said they came into TNA together. They’re going all the way to the top or bottom together. They take two concepts, put them together and make it work. He was called out and he has to make this right or they won’t have anything. He gave Abyss everything and they punked them out. Bisch said he’d always be behind him. Bisch said he would be behind Hogan. Hogan said he can’t take any more discussions about this. Bisch said Hogan wouldn’t hear anything from him.
5/10 – Yet another person trying to talk Hogan out of getting in the ring, making a big deal over this match, building it to epic proportions as if they hadn’t just faced off over and over again in Australia recently. Spending too much time on this one thing and not enough time everywhere else. Could hurt them in the long run.

Main Event

Desmond Wolfe out with Chelsea. The Pope out to the ring. Video of Flair and AJ attacking The Pope and working over his ankle with a chair. Abyss out to the ring showing off the ring on his finger. AJ out in a very Flair feathered and sequined robe with Flair in tow. AJ and The Pope start the match. The Pope’s limp is obvious, but he holds his own well. It’s AJ who doesn’t want to hold his own and tagged in Wolfe when Abyss tagged in. Wolfe and AJ had to work together to try to get an upper hand on Abyss, but it didn’t work. Commercial. All four fought outside briefly, then back to Commercial! Tenay said this is the type of match you expect Samoa Joe to be in, but it’s been two weeks since he was abducted. Taz said he’s not been able to get in touch with Joe at all since then. AJ got the figure four on The Pope. The Pope wouldn’t tap out and the ref made a judgment call and rang the bell giving it to AJ. After the bell Wolfe, Flair and AJ worked over The Pope. Abyss regained his senses and went after them all. Flair under the ring pulled out Barbie. Flair hit Abyss in the back with Barbie, from there they all worked on Abyss. Hogan came out and into the ring. Flair went after Hogan with Barbie, but was easily stopped. Hogan used Barbie to Flair’s head and he started gushing as only Flair can. Hogan again nailed Flair in the head with Barbie and then punches in a corner. Hogan then took out all security that tried to stop him. Abyss then in to help. People in the ring in street clothes trying to talk Hogan down.
6.5/10 – While it might have been the main even, it sure was not a main event caliber match. Those for could have torn that place up, but they really didn’t. Then having the match end with the ref calling a stop to it just was not the way to go. A dirty ending would have been better than a non-ending. Another match just handed to AJ because he’s the champ and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Of course it was almost a given that Hogan would come out to make a save of some sort. When Naitch is out there there’s bound to be some sort of dirty dealings, as there were.

In ring Segment

Hogan yelled about four days from now. That’s just an example of what will happen on Monday. Blood with fly. Flair and AJ will be history. Four days and the party’s on. The Pope got on mic and told them to get back to the ring right now. AJ and Wolfe headed for the ring, Abyss and The Pope were ready but security got in the way.
5/10 – Nothing fabulous, but of course Hogan had to get the last word at the end of the show. It looked like a WCW ending to me with bodies everywhere and Flair bleeding all over the place. Please, can we move forward with creative ideas and not just rehash the same old poop?

Post Show

Yet again not much wrestling on this wrestling show. Actually, I’m kind of at a loss about what really happened during this Impact. All the episode have had the same feel and flow the past couple weeks and I’m not sure I could really tell you one from another. All we’ve had is the older guys monopolizing the shows, a couple of wrestling matches that could have been good if they’ve been booked to last more than three minutes and tons of videos of things that have happened, but they’re not going to do anything about on the show.

Again TNA set up for a couple of really great matches but dropped the ball with the booking. These are great wrestlers who are not given the chance to prove it in the ring. Something just feels missing to me. As if things are not going just right backstage and it’s overflowing onto the show. That they’re not trying anything new, just copying WWE and hoping that will get them through to the top. Like the wrestlers are phoning it in a lot because they’re not really having good matches anyway, so why bother? And the rating have been proving this by dropping week after week since their first live Monday night show.

All of the build for this coming Monday night is around the Flair and AJ versus Hogan and Abyss match. Two of the men in this match should not be lacing up the boot while the other two are fabulous. The problem is that they’re putting all the weight on Hogan and Flair’s shoulders for this match and they’ll barely be in the ring. Not just that but they’re setting up this whole live show around this one match and nothing else has been mentioned. This should would have been the perfect opportunity to set up a couple of fabulous matches that make the fans want to tune in this Monday. TNA needs people to change the channel and they haven’t given me any reason to do so as of yet.

KB

He did say that he’s having more fun in TNA than he’s had in the wrestling business in a very long time. The problem is that the fans are the ones suffering for his fun and he’s going to end up driving TNA into bankruptcy. And then to further prove his ego and nepotism over who can actually work he said, “Scott Hall has the potential to the be one of the greatest minds in the business and still has a gift in the ring. Juvetude… I’d rather take an ice pick to my thigh.” This was after Bischoff said he’d never bring the Juice in because he’s “a world class screw up” and someone confronted him with Hall. I’m completely floored that he’d actually believe Scott Hall still even has a functioning mind after all the drugs and booze he’s dumped into his system. And if Bisch truly believes Hall can go in the ring after what we’ve seen from him, then Bisch is the one with the addled brain. Yes, we all know that Juvetude’s ego is one of the largest in the industry and he shouldn’t be brought into TNA, but the man can still go in the ring. Comparing Juice and Hall in the ring and saying Hall can still go over Juice just makes me facepalm!

He continued to try to keep TNA in people’s thoughts on Twitter in stating that he’s getting along quite well with Russo, Ferrera and Conway, going to Waffle House with them. That he’s back in the business. After all the lawsuits and bad blood there, I don’t believe it. Yes, people grow and change through the years, but Bischoff has been proving to us every week with every Impact that he hasn’t grown and changed as much as many of us had hoped he would. If he had grown we wouldn’t be complaining week in and week out about how the great young wrestlers are getting screwed for the likes of men we’re afraid will break climbing through the ropes and giving us more of their faces talking than the young guys throwing down hard in the ring.

I will give Bisch credit for one thing, he’s keeping TNA on people’s lips. They might mostly be bitching and shaking their heads at Bisch’s cheap comments, but at least TNA’s being talked about. Any publicity is good publicity?

And talking about any publicity being good publicity, TMZ is in the thick of it with the Awesome Kong / Bubba The Love Sponge debacle. I honestly have no clue what really happened there, but I will say I’m always happy when someone stands up for themselves for something they truly feel is wrong, like the start of all this. Not that Kia (Kong) was right in punching Bubba The Love Sponge in the face, but I give her credit for not taking any crap from a man who’s well known for running his mouth and causing problems by being an ass. He didn’t earn the moniker ‘shock jock’ for nothing. Heck, even Howard Stern has calmed down and grown a level of consciousness! I’m just really upset that Hogan brought this man and all his crap to TNA.

Show Starts

Backstage Segment

Abyss talked to a bunch of the boys and Borash about getting the ring from Hogan. He thought it would be the worst day ever, but it was the best day of his life and he laughed (slightly) maniacally.
8/10 – As long as Abyss stops acting like such a baby and is more of a balanced character with a huge push, I’ll be thrilled. He was very good there.

Video

Bischoff going crazy on Foley and Abyss about being brutal and pandering to him. Hogan rescued Abyss in the ring last week and gave him his HOF ring.

Title

Rage Over The Ring

In Ring Segment

AJ on the way to the ring with Flair. Video of them beating down The Pope. AJ started cutting on The Pope and how he said last week he’d be the champion of the people. AJ thinks it’s cute that The Pope wants to be the golden boy. He wants to step up and take what’s rightfully his? It won’t happen. The Pope’s a man, but AJ’s The man! Flair said it and it’s true, to be the man, you have to beat the man. So the next time The Pope wants to walk all over the champ, he’d better think again. Looks like he won’t be walking for a long, long time. Flair on mic said something happened last week that has him very mad. Last week Hogan gave his HOF ring to the Abyss! Hogan has his own Hall of fame, no one else is in it and Hogan won’t be in Flair’s. Hogan’s never been Flair and will never be Flair. He then called The Abyss out. He came out to new music that’s a take off on Hogan’s old music. He held his fist high. Flair demands to know why he came out to that music. He then called Abyss pathetic. This disgraces. Flair’s a real Hall of famer. Abyss makes him want to puke, makes them all look bad. He might have superhuman strength, but he’s no Hall of famer. Flair ranted in Abyss’ face about how Abyss makes him sick. The only thing Abyss is good for is shining AJ’s boots. He’s a clown. Abyss said Flair’s right he can’t shine his shoes because he’s not a shoe shine boy! He’d be more than happy to remove AJ’s boots and stick them straight up Flair’s ass! Flair turned bright red and said he’s not just in the HOF, he’s a god. AJ then backed Flair off and took care of things by calling Abyss a pathetic piece of crap. Did the fans come out to see him? The fans cheered. No, they came out to see AJ Styles! The fans booed. He cut on what Abyss was wearing and called him a disgrace. AJ demanded Abyss take the ring off. Flair told Abyss to put it on AJ’s finger. They both screamed at him over and over until Abyss gave AJ the Hogan point. Hogan’s music and out he came. Hogan asked AJ what he knows about having a good name? Just because he kisses Flair’s butt and acting just like him, that doesn’t give him a good name. Cutting Abyss down in front of everyone is just weak. Does AJ want to be thought of as the weakest Champion of all times? Flair cut Hogan off and said he knew this would happen. He came to TNA because everything Hogan touches turns to gold, but Hogan will never tell Flair what to do. Hogan told Flair to back off. Flair wanted to know why he gave away his ring? “Hogan” chants. Off came Flair’s jacket, then AJ’s. Flair was ready to go. Off came Abyss’ flannel and Hogan got ready. Flair and AJ fled. Outside the ring Flair said they bought time tonight, but before the night’s over that ring will be on AJ’s finger.
6.5/10 – So they want to beat WWE in the ratings, that’s fine. But they’re glorifying WWE with the HOF ring! I understand it gives Hogan and Abyss a connection and it’s a great little physical item to be held up, fought over, complained about and really give Abyss a backbone, but it’s all about the WWE and that’s what TNA keeps claiming they’re trying to beat and be different from. It’s just a little weird that at this point in TNA’s push to become the best they’re using a key item from the WWE. Just feels cheap to me.

Backstage

Foley came skulking in a back door.

Announce Segment

Anderson and Terry will face off. Abyss faces Wolfe.

Match #1

The Nasty Boys to the ring with Jimmy Hart leading the way. Video from AAO when Hart caused Team 3D the match against The Nasty Boys. Team 3D out to face them. The match was all over the place. Knobbs tried to pull out a table and couldn’t even get it up to use. Taz said Knobbs is usually fleet footed but is in so much pain he can barely run. BS! The man is so fat and out of shape he can barely walk! Sags got the what’s up and then Ray called for the tables. The fans hot and wild for the table. This gave The Nasty Boys a chance to recover, but it was so obviously set up that it looked horrid! Ray up top and Hart got involved. Jesse Neal ran out and grabbed the helmet from Hart. He tossed it into the ring and that gave 3D the equalizer to put Sags through the table and get the win. After it was all over they celebrated, but Ray was obviously in a lot of pain from something.
4/10 – Not because it was a gimmick match but because The Nasty Boys can barely hold their own walking down the street never mind in the ring. They’re a disgrace to tag teams and a disgrace to wrestling! Those two men should not be wrestling for any reason. When Ray and Devon have to carry their opponents that heavily, there’s a serious issue. Nepotism only goes so far, but I guess Hogan hasn’t figured that out yet.

Backstage Segment

Foley in Bisch’s office accusing him of setting up the whole thing. He wanted Foley out of the building so he could set his goons after Abyss. Bisch said he doesn’t understand Foley’s paranoia. Bisch said to focus on the end result. Abyss has Hulkamania in the palm of his hand. Foley said Bisch is taking credit for all of this? Bisch said it’s what he did to get Hogan to see Abyss. Why is this all about Foley? Foley said it’s about Abyss who’s very happy now, as is Borash. Bisch said he lived up to his end of the bargain, what about Foley? Bisch then asked where the suit is? Foley said it’s at the hotel. Bisch talked him into going back and putting it on.
6.5/10 – Foley seemed to get all turned around and lost in that conversation. Bisch got the upper hand and made Foley look the dunce. The problem is that Foley is a heck of a lot smarter than that and we all know it. That segment fell flat because we know Foley’s no idiot and he was made out to be there.

Match #2

ODB out in a pink dress with her ass hanging out. Daffney out looking zombie hot with a sparkly red tiny top hat to go with her outfit. Video of her attack on Tara last week. ODB tossed Daffney around a bit to start it off. Split screen of Hemme interviewing Tara. Tara called Daffney a psycho, crazy, ruthless, dangerous and extremely violent. Hemme said Daffney has her sights on the title. Tara said she’ll be ready for Daffney next time and hasn’t heard the last from Tara. This whole time the match was going on in the ring and it might have been good, but was virtually impossible to see up in the corner with the interview in the forefront. Daffney gained control over ODB and started slamming a level of the stairs into ODB’s leg. Then she went to work with a broomstick on ODB’s leg. The ref called for the bell and awarded the match to ODB via DQ. Stevie had to come out and manhandle Daffney who screamed and yelled the whole time.
5/10 – I’d love to give this match a better rating and probably would if I’d actually seen the match and not been so distracted by that interview! It’s not bad enough that TNA can’t seem to fill their wrestling show with actual matches, but now they’re cutting into the few matches they do have with interviews? Do they not care about their talent? Daffney’s one of my favorite Knockouts and she was just totally screwed out of her match with ODB. I’m just so blown away by the idiocy of it all!

Backstage Segment

Borash with Morgan and Hernandez. He asked about them facing off in the Tournament. Hernandez said he and Morgan are cool and not Borash is stirring the pot? Morgan said it’s what he does. Morgan said he didn’t do anything Hernandez wouldn’t have done in that spot. They both said they would do whatever it take to win. It’s over now. Morgan told Borash to nod and say, yes sir. Borash did just that. Morgan said they’ll take on all competitors for the titles. Hernandez agreed.
8.5/10 – That segment was wonderfully done! Fast paced and left us with more questions than we started with. Is Morgan turning heel on us? Is there dissension in the ranks? Are they really getting along? So many questions after such a short segment. That’s what a promo should be!

Backstage

Outside somewhere Hall and Waltman were playing around like five year olds without supervision. Or would that be drunks without a friend who cares?

Backstage

BMI headed for the ring.

In Ring Segment

Roode said almost two years ago he and Storm decided to form a little tag team we might have heard of called BMI! They promised each other that every time they stepped in the ring they’d be the best they could be, every minute. They’ve built a reputation that can be summed up in one word – pride. All they wanted to be was the best. And here they are the greatest tag team in TNA and all professional wrestling. Storm grabbed a mic to say they’re not here for a war of words with Hogan or Bisch. They’ve been here from day one and are the young guys who carried this company. Numbers don’t lie, they’ve made a lot of money for TNA. BMI merchandise make more money than everyone, but they’ve been sidelined and that’s not good. Roode needs his money and Storm needs his money to buy his beer. TNA is higher than it’s ever been, but if they’re going to need some BMI to go further. If not, sorry about your damn luck. Hernandez came out and said they don’t have to prove anything to anyone. They know how good BMI really are. Just like BMI, Hernandez and Morgan want to be the best. He’s going to Hogan’s office and ask for a title shot for BMI. He asked what they say. Roode said simple, the answer is yes. Hernandez started talking but someone was too quick on the button and BMI’s music cut off what he said.
8/10 – Another really fast moving promo that pushed storylines forward without wasting 20 minutes. Roode and Storm were both fabulous on mic, as per usual. That Hernandez came out by himself just adds to the questions about the Tag Team Champions. Very cool.

Backstage Segment

Borash with EY and Nash who both looked pissed. Borash said Hall and Waltman are not under contract, so that could be a problem. Nash said they don’t need a ring or a ref. they just want to bust them up, crack some skulls, break some bones. EY said they asked for a little TV time and it will probably be the highest rated segment. They just want to do what so many people have wanted, bust them up. Nash said he’s done everything he could for Hall and Waltman and they jumped him. Physical pain fades, what they did sticks with you.
7/10 – Another short segment that worked pretty well. Not saying I want to see Hall, Waltman and Nash all battling together at their ages or abilities, but it didn’t draw out and bore me.

Backstage Segment

JJ stomped into Bisch’s office and asked if that’s all he’s got? Just because JJ didn’t play by his rules he took six thugs on him? It will take more than six thugs to push him from his company. He’s had to fight for everything he’s got. Bisch better up his game because it will take more than six thugs. Bisch apologized. JJ knew it was BS. Said he’s worked to long to let this happen week after week after week. Bisch said it’s been as hard for Bisch to adjust as JJ. Bisch asked to be heard out. He knows he’s wrong about JJ. It took serious stones to stand up to Bisch and throw the bat down, but he did the right thing and Bisch respects that. He said in the ring tonight he owes him more and Bisch will give it to him in the ring, the opportunity he really deserves. Bisch needs JJ to trust him to build a bridge between them. JJ asked, Jarrett trust Bischoff? Bisch asked if JJ would be there. He said he would.
7/10 – And again a fast moving short segment that moved things in a direction. I do wish they weren’t all strung together one after another, but at least they were entertaining! Now we need a couple wrestling matches, one right after another, and not quick short matches either. Oh well, can’t get everything right off the bat!

Video

The problems between Bisch and JJ, right up to JJ standing up to Bisch last week. As if we didn’t know about all of this because of the segment we just watched before the commercial break!

In Ring Segment

Bischoff to the ring, all smug and smiles. Huge heat for him which he gladly accepted. He said he loves them all very much. One of the things he prides himself on is the fact that he’s man enough to admit his mistakes and he’s made quite a few of them in his life. That’s the great thing about getting older is looking back at your mistakes and learn from them. Much heat from the fans. He said he was wrong about JJ and wants JJ to come out, music and all. They wouldn’t be there if not for him. JJ came out to his music, pyro and applause from Bisch. JJ into the ring. Bisch said he knows it’s been tough between them the past few weeks, but he can put it all behind him. He asked for something from his office. Out came a woman with Barbie in hand. Bisch said he’s not sure it was right to ask one person to use this on another. When JJ refused, he did the right thing. In almost every respect he did the right thing. The problem is, JJ didn’t do the right thing by Bisch. Bisch dropped Barbie to the mat. That’s why they have the problem they have. JJ isn’t capable of doing what Bisch wants. He has one more chance to do the right thing. So he wants JJ to head back to catering to flip a few burgers for the fine people in TNA. Bisch handed a spatula. Then, due to health codes, the hairnet went on JJ’s head. Bisch asked if JJ had anything to say, he could just quit and make it easy on both of them. JJ just glared. Bisch left and JJ peeled off the hairnet and stared at the spatula.
6/10 – Too long, but Bisch pulled off the swerve we all knew he’d hand JJ. I know I’m a strange girl, but after many years working in an amusement park, I love flipping burgers! It might be that my family owns the company that I have a different look at things, but I have always completely loved scooping ice cream, flipping burgers, slinging pizza. Hey, you all know I’m a bit odd!

Backstage Segment

Morgan up in Hernandez’s business about the offer he put to BMI without Morgan. Hernandez asked what’s the problem? Morgan wanted to start with Generation Me or MCMG. He said that (about taking on anyone, anytime) because it sounded cool. Before Hernandez puts their titles on the line, they have to be in agreement. Hernandez said they don’t shy from anybody. Morgan said BMI are the best, other than them. If they’re going to hold the gold, they have to talk out of the ring too.
6.5/10 – Not as good as earlier, but still nicely paced and not too long. It again showed the problems possibly brewing between the two and that maybe one will turn on the other at some point. Beautiful storytelling by guys who know how to talk.

Match #3

The Brian Kendrick out to the ring looking smug. Kaz out next to face him. Tenay said Kaz has been out a year and a half but still looks great in the ring. I’m just impressed with how different he seems to move as Suicide and as himself. Dueling “Let’s go Kaz!” and “Brian Kendrick” chants, but only like three guys were chanting for Kendrick. In the ring they went back and forth very hard. Split screen to show Samoa Joe’s abduction last week. Taz said he’s heard nothing from Joe all week. Brian up top. Kaz climbed and hit some sort of sick flying move on Brian that dropped our jaws.
8.5/10 – While not a fast match, it was kick ass! I like my high flying as well as the rest of them, but I truly love watching guys like Benoit and Malenko who could work the mat and holds as well as run the ring really well. Both aspects together in the same match just adds extra flavor, but there‘s so few of those matches. Sometimes there’s just a move that leaves you feeling blown away. That’s what Kaz did to end that match with Kendrick. I don’t know if that move is something he’s planning on using much, but I hope not. I would hate to see that grow stale. Also, I’m more impressed with Kendrick who seemed to lose his spark in the WWE. He seems to be coming back to his former delight.

Backstage

EY and Nash were taping up to deal with Hall and Waltman.

Backstage Segment

Borash with Abyss. Abyss said anyone who wants that ring, bring a chainsaw, bring a see-saw, whatever you think you need. Hogan gave him this ring. With great power comes great responsibility. He has more power than he thought he could have. Now he’s the monster of the rings.
7.5/10 – Short, well spoken and really good. So nice to see a solid Abyss coming back. I like him childlike sometimes, but he was really too much of a wimp and getting very annoying. I don’t like that it took Hogan’s HOF ring to do it, but at least his character is solid again and he’s getting the push he deserves.

Video

How Rob Terry beat EY for the Global Title, blah, blah, blah.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Anderson who will face Terry for his title. Anderson tapped the mic then called for his mic to do his own bit. He told her to stand there and look purty, don’t want to smoke the joint out. Who’s been unstoppable, left the best in a pool of his own blood, referred to as ‘The One’. Who’s bringing hope and change to TNA? For those in zombie land watching on the DVR, fast forward for the answer, then rewind to watch again and again. Tonight he gets his first taste of TNA gold. That first step to when he walks out TNA WHC. It won’t be easy, Terry is big, fast, strong. He’s like six gorillas. He’s been in the ring with bigger, stronger, faster. He’s been in the ring with six gorillas and beat them. By DQ. Stop the DVR here. Then he went on to Anderson twice and disgust Hemme.
5/10 – While Anderson is great on mic, that segment was a little off. He just seemed to miss it by the tiniest bit. The thing I do think is funny is that he said Terry was big, fast and strong, but didn’t say anything about his wrestling ability. I guess Anderson didn’t want to stretch the truth too far after the gorilla comment – at least that’s more plausible than saying Terry’s a good wrestler.

Backstage

Angle in a dapper suit headed for ringside.

Commercial

Hogan was in a Rent-A-Center commercial. I’m sure that’s exactly the image TNA wants.

Backstage Segment

Terry getting ready for his match and Magnus came up on him. He said Doug and he carried him for a year. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. He’ll find out he was much better with them as friends than enemies. The minute Terry put his hands on him, they were finished. Terry will answer to him. Magnus poked him in the chest. Terry squished the finger and told Magnus to piss off.
4/10 – Not great, just like Terry’s wrestling. At least he looks the part, even if he can’t talk and can’t wrestle? Trying to think positive.

Match #4

Rob Terry out to the ring. Anderson out to the stage and called for his mic. Anderson announced himself. He’s supposed to feel sorry for spitting on something given to Angle by the widow or mother of a fallen soldier? He’s supposed to feel sorry? Suddenly Angle’s right behind him with a chair. Anderson said he’s not coming. He holds up a tag and said it was given to him by the widow of a fallen soldier. But they happen to be Vietnamese. That’s okay, right? “Angle” chants. Anderson said the fans should be ashamed of themselves. Angle nailed Anderson with the chair. Anderson hit the floor. Angle motioned for Terry to come get him. Angle put his metal back around him neck. Terry put Anderson over his shoulder and carried him to the ring. Anderson was unceremoniously dumped in the ring. The ref called for the starting bell. Running power slam and Terry pinned for three. Terry posed with his strap.
6.5/10 – Not because it was a great match, because it wasn’t a match at all. I gave it that good of a rating for Angle and Anderson’s acting. Angle didn’t say a word and didn’t have to. Anderson knew the chair was coming and played it off beautifully. Heck, even Terry proved he can actually throw one move in the ring! Four more and he’ll be as good as Super Cena and we all know how great he is!

Backstage

JJ flipping burgers on a tiny grill. There was only room for nine burgers there!

Backstage

Foley walked in with his head hung low. He had on a very Dusty looking dark trench.

Video

All the crap Hall and Waltman have pulled since Hogan and Bisch came into TNA. Then that great speech Nash gave last week, then Hall couldn’t even get into the fray.

Backstage Segment

Nash and EY went after Hall and Waltman. Off camera Hall got Nash in the knee with a pipe. EY had control of Waltman until Hall came in. Hall said it’s nothing personal and to stay out of it. A great spinning back kick to EY. Waltman sprayed ‘4 Life’ on the back of EY’s t-shirt. They walked away leaving EY on his face and Nash holding his knee.
2.2/10 – Haven’t we all seen this all before? Wasn’t this exactly what we were hoping would not happen to TNA? Why haven’t they leaned that this is old, tired and overdone? Why am I continually shocked at how low they’re taking TNA? Just so disgusted!

Backstage Segment

Abyss with his ring talking about how he can feel all the enthusiasm of all the Hulkamaniacs.

Backstage

JJ badly chopping onions and making sure he didn’t slice himself open. Either he’s never chopped onions or he’s doing a great job of looking like he’s never chopped onions.

Backstage Segment

Bisch on his cell saying no over and over again. They’re not using celebrity guests on the show each week, it the dumbest idea he’s ever heard. Keep trying, he’s sure (that person) will come up with something. Foley came in, but Bisch wanted to see what’s under the trench. Foley took it off to show a great suit, but with a huge smudge of mustard on the lapel. He did a spit take at catering when he saw JJ there. Does it mess with the overall look? Bisch said it clashes, fashion faux pas. They want to take it to the next level. He wants Foley to talk to Bisch’s assistant to find an etiquette coach to bring some dignity to him. Foley said after everything, Bisch wants to invest that type of money in him? Bisch said it’s all behind him and Foley can be an asset to this community. Foley needs to look better for meetings. Foley said he’s been confused about the forks anyway. Foley headed off and Bisch said it will be great. After Foley left Bisch had a great laugh.
6/10 – That was funny and the etiquette segment will be hysterical! Foley is just who he is and can conduct any meetings as himself. Watching those two play off each other is getting more and more interesting. I just hope they don’t invest too much time into it, I’d rather see stories that actually have matches involved.

Match #5

Wolfe out the ring with Chelsea. Abyss out to his new music. Wolfe on top right from the start. Wolfe wasn’t able to suplex Abyss. Back elbow and he tried again, but Abyss fought back. Wolfe tried to gain control, but a black hole slam later and it was over.
6/10 – Squash match, that’s what it was. But it worked in Abyss’ push. He needs to come back as a solid mother who is unstoppable and the way to do that is to have him plow through people he shouldn’t be able to plow through. So while I’d have loved to have seen a great match between the two of them, but I understand why they did what they did. It was booking to further his push and that’s sometimes needed. I just hope there’s not too many of these matches before something interesting happens in the ring with Abyss. Interesting does not mean Hogan and Abyss tagging against at and Flair!

In Ring Segment

Right after the match AJ and Flair to the ring to try to take the ring. Wolfe up and grabbed a chair. A number of chair shots and Abyss was still going. Only when Flair chop blocked Abyss’ knee did they gain control of him. The three of them on Abyss and Wolfe cuffed Abyss to a rope. Hogan walked out to the ring, none of them saw him until Flair turned into a right. Hogan on top until another chop block on Hogan. The three worked over Hogan while Abyss watched. They took off Hogan’s shirt and all chopped and hit him. AJ laughed at Abyss and grabbed his WHC strap. AJ hit Hogan in the head with the strap. Abyss’ eyes about bugged out of his head. Hogan’s busted open. Abyss broke the cuffs and rushed to Hogan’s rescue. He held Hogan’s head as Hogan blubbered and Tenay talked about all that blood!
5/10 – So predictable. Yes, there was color, but it was Hogan! This man shouldn’t be wrestling on a regular basis and he’s the one giving us color?

Video

The set up on Hogan and Abyss that happened before the break.

In Ring Segment

Hogan stopped Flair from leaving and said if Flair wants to be involved in matches, then on March 8th, when they go live every Monday from then, Flair is coming out of retirement and will be in the ring. Flair screamed that he’s not coming out of retirement, Hogan can’t make him… Hogan had Flair’s mic shut off. Hogan said AJ will be tagging with Flair. They’re going against Abyss and his partner. Abyss has the green light to run them from pillar to post. AJ screamed that Abyss has nobody to partner with. The fans screamed for Hogan and he nodded. So on the 8th Flair and AJ will be facing Abyss and Hogan. Abyss hugged and clung to Hogan. They then shook hands as AJ and Flair left all pissed off.
4/10 – Shocker! Hogan’s getting in the ring on the 8th with Flair. Shocker! Flair’s coming out of retirement. Shocker! Flair was retired for about 3.2 seconds! So much for the promise Flair made Vince about not wrestling again in the USA. Ugh! The worst part about it all is that it will bring in good numbers, even though it’s going to be a travesty to have to watch. If it’s anything like the matches they put on in Australia, then it will be short and bad.

Post Show

I honestly felt like I’ve been a total bitch about everything that’s been going on in TNA recently, but then I realized just exactly how they’re screwing over the long standing TNA roster for people who are in no condition to be in the ring. I look as shows like this one that had five matches in two hours. WWECW had been putting at least four solid matches in every one hour of their Tuesday night shows and TNA can’t be bothered to give us even that? I don’t know the numbers, but I will highly doubt there was even 20 minutes of wrestling on this Impact. And two of those matches were thrown to split screen to show something more important that was happening backstage! I just don’t know what they’re thinking.

I will give TNA credit for a couple of things. They are getting TNA’s name on people’s lips, getting people talking about TNA, letting people know it exists. That’s something huge that TNA was seriously lacking on. Also their long and drawn out mic segments were boring me to tears recently, but this Impact gave us some wonderfully flowing short promos that were both well acted and pushed everything forward quickly. Some of the best storytelling that we’ve seen since the turn of the year. But still not a wrestling show.

To me the worst thing was the backstage fight between The Band and Nash/EY. Waltman looked decent, but as usual Hall looked like he just staggered out of a bar and was looking for an alley to fall asleep in. Contrary to what Bischoff said this week, Hall is not able to go in the ring and shouldn’t even be trying. To end that fight with them spray painting EY in a cheap imitation of the old nWo just weakens everything they did in the past and all they’re trying to do now.

But the biggest disappointment on this episode of Impact was the wrestling. To me a wrestling show should have wrestling and this one didn’t.

KB

Chris: Hey everyone and welcome to the second fully loaded edition of the Fatal Four Way where the WNW blogging staff team up to bring you our WWE predictions. Lets hope I can continue my flawless streak of predictions with the second WWE pay per view offering of 2010!

Chris: In my opinion Elimination Chamber is a really crappy name for a pay per view. No Way Out sounds a whole lot better, and since it had become an Elimination Chamber pay per view anyway, the name change seems pretty pointless. I will discuss these gimmick pay per views further in this week’s Smackdown blog! Anyway looking at this card, there are only four matches slated so that screams for at least one, maybe two matches to be added during the course of the event. As I mentioned in my Rumble Review I think this is a terrible way of pushing talent and advertising an event but there you go. I fully expect the tag titles to be defended by Show-Miz, maybe against The Worlds Strongest Tag Team, as well as something to go down involving Batista seeing as he is not on the card. Whatever happens only the advertised matches will count towards the WNW blog writers challenge as how can we predict something we don’t even know is occurring! Enough chatter on with the predictions!

Paul: So here we are for the next edition of what in honour of the blunt obviousness of PPV names these days I am unofficially calling “Prediction Blog of the predictions for WWE PPV matches by four bloggers of the blog section of the wrestling news website Wrestling News World”, not quite as catchy but maybe someday it will roll off the tongue. This year No Way Out has been rechristened Elimination Chamber for well, the elimination chamber matches. I’ve generally thought the build wasn’t what it should be, but it hasn’t been too bad for a show that most people look past, as we get closer to Wrestlemania. It’ll be interesting to see some new faces in the main events, but I’m also wondering what they’ll fill the card out with, with only four matches announced on WWE.com, and also what part Shawn Michaels will play.

Kendra: I’m very much like Richard in that I’m not big on gimmick matches and the Elimination Chamber is very much a gimmick match. On the other hand, I give Eric Bischoff huge props for this lasting testimony to his brilliance and it’s one of the best gimmicks around. I have completely enjoyed every Elimination Chamber Match I’ve seen and am looking forward to this PPV. Maybe I can redeem myself by picking some winners!

Rob: The Fatal-Four Way is back at it again as we get ready for the final PPV before Wrestlemania, WWE Elimination Chamber. We’ve got elimination chambers with plenty of intrigue and possible surprises around them. Edge was the shocker last year by losing one title and gaining the other, so there is no telling what might go down this time around. The undercard isn’t exactly eye-popping, but it has the potential to deliver a couple of decent matches. Let’s get to it.

Chris Predicts: Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

Ever since John Morrison won the triple threat match to qualify for he Elimination Chamber, these two have been embroiled in a pretty decent TV feud and I think this match should make for a decent opener (although I wouldn’t be surprised to see them open with a Chamber match as they have done in previous years) Drew McIntyre is becoming one of the most dominant and aggressive heels in WWE and I think a big win over an established veteran like Kane will go a long way in getting Drew over as legitimate in the eyes of casual fans. I had hoped this would be a filler match at Wrestlemania to put both men on the card and that still might happen. Either way, there is no way in hell Kane is going over here as he does not need the Intercontinental Title at this stage in his career and Drew needs to keep his momentum rolling.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Championship)

Paul Predicts: Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

The rematch nobody wanted to see, and I am not looking forward to this. The horrible double count out that was on TV and haunted house shows doesn’t fill me with anticipation either. I can’t see them taking the title off Drew especially not for someone like Kane. Kane has also historically been used as a difficult to beat monster that nobody can get past, that a young guy finally gets past, as a way to get the new blood over. I expect this to be the same, although with Wrestlemania around the corner and no Money in the Bank match for the mid card guys to go into, you never know, this feud MAY CONTINUE.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Championship)

Kendra Predicts Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

It’s nice to see Kane in a PPV match, but I highly doubt he’ll win. Drew hasn’t been IC Champ very long and Kane just hasn’t been pushed very hard lately. Personally I think Kane should be in the Elimination Chamber, but since the removal of his mask, he just hasn’t done as well with the WWE. I think this is horrible as Kane is one of my favorites and very entertaining in the ring and on mic, no matter his character – heel or face. While this match should be an enjoyment, I don’t see it being anything special as I believe it will won’t be booked as well as it could be.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Championship)

Rob Predicts: Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

This spot definitely could have been better filled up with either a tag title match or a U.S. title match, both of which have been built more thoroughly. MVP vs. Miz would definitely benefit from a planned PPV match, but instead we are given this IC title contest. I think we can guarantee an at least decent bout here given the fact that Kane is involved. He always works well in the ring and does his best to make his opponent look good. Drew has greatly matured during his feud with Morrison and that will continue into Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see McIntyre get the clean pin over the Big Red Monster.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Title)

Chris Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

This match finally takes place after the injured Melina vacated the title nearly two months ago. Maryse showed plenty of promise and improved a huge amount when she was on Smackdown but since moving to RAW has failed to impress, and has been involved in some truly awful matches. Gail Kim is one of the best female workers in the world, but as the saying goes you cant make chicken salad out of chicken shit and I think this match is going to be a stinker and probably completely kill the crowd. We haven’t been given enough of a reason to care about either competitor and whilst this would be the perfect opportunity for WWE to put a woman that could actually wrestle over on PPV but if you look at the potential opponents for Gail (Katie Lea, Jillian and Maryse) or for Maryse (Eve, Kelly Kelly, The Bellas, Gail) it’s a pretty good indication of where this one is going. Plus Vince is reportedly very high on Maryse’s look and sadly in the world of WWE Women’s wrestling that is what counts.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Divas Champion)

Paul Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

Well this is another match that will be awful. Maybe even comically bad in this case. Maryse can’t wrestle end of, and Gail Kim botches pretty much anything that moves. Aish. Anyway, I guess WWE really digs Maryse’s look and character (her character being pretty good I guess) she’ll get the title.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Divas Champion)

Kendra Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

This should be a decent match. Maryse has greatly improved in the ring over her time in WWE and Gail Kim is one of the best Divas in WWE. The problem is that I think WWE will go with what they think is beauty over the woman who can really throw a match. Personally I think Kim has everything needed to become Champion, but I don’t write for WWE. Sadly I feel Maryse will go over Gail Kim and feel Kim will again be buried in the middle of the Divas with no chance at gold.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Divas Champion)

Rob Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

It is about time that Gail is getting recognized in a serious championship feud. The whole insulting in French thinking doesn’t make this very intriguing, especially when King is just drooling all over her bilingual talents all the time. Gail had a nice divas match with Katie on Superstars, but unless Maryse has significantly improved in the ring, this PPV match will probably be of less quality. Unfortunately, I have the feeling Maryse will be taking the title, although she is not deserving of it. Hopefully I get proven wrong.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Diva’s Champion)

Chris Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

Looking at this match it is exciting to see some stars of the future having their first shot at the main event. I think Kofi and Ted will take their ring work to another level come Sunday night and I am looking for big performances from both of them. I think this match has been built pretty well on RAW, and I like how Sheamus is defiantly coming across as more dominant now (pity Randy still wouldn’t put him over cleanly) I think the biggest story of this match will be Ted eliminating Orton and the subsequent aftermath of this. Kofi will probably be taken out early on, if his recent showings are anything to go by, and as I mentioned Ted and Randy will take care of each other so that leaves Triple H, John Cena and Sheamus. I think what would work best here is for Sheamus to outsmart both men and let them tear each other apart and pick them off. Cena has his feud with Vince/Batista to attend to at Wrestlemania and whilst I fully expect to see Sheamus vs Triple H, I certainly hope the Irishman is still holding the belt come Mania. Sheamus has grown on me as a champion and taking the belt off him here serves no purpose whatsoever other than to give Triple H another landmark Elimination Chamber win. I also think having Sheamus pin both Cena and Triple H, however dirty the tactics, will go a long way to establishing him as legitimate in the eyes of the fans.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Paul Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

Now this one I do find interesting, as to who will walk out champion. Triple H has won here the last two years straight to go into Wrestlemania title matches, and he also doesn’t randomly need the title again at least for a couple of months yet (or perhaps to beat Sheamus). Randy Orton could be a possibility if they really want to get behind Ted DiBiase. I’m kind of ruling out Kofi as another filler guy. Cena is kind of possible but I don’t think they want to bring the title into his and Batista’s inevitable Mania match. I think Triple H doesn’t need the win here and can go onto challenge anyway. I think that Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase will either go into a three way with Cody Rhodes, or a three way with Sheamus, with Sheamus having the title, but what I most expect to happen is for Sheamus to get the shock win here and have Triple H beat him at Mania. Just because that young gun Triple H really needs this push to cement his spot.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Kendra Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

I’m trilled to see Ted and Kofi in this Elimination Chamber. I feel both of them have great futures ahead of them, because of or in spite of Randy Orton. Honestly, both deserve to be main event talents and have been proving that over and over. Even in saying this, I don’t see either of them winning this match. I do see more problems arising between Ted and Orton, escalating the dissension in Legacy and hopefully leading to their feud. I also don’t see HHH or Cena winning this, but they should add some interesting flavor to the entire mix of seasoned and younger wrestlers in this match. In the end I see Sheamus winning and retaining in this match. It’s been predicted that he’d hold the strap going into WM and I don’t see any change in that plan on the horizon.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Rob Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

If I were to pick one EC match that I am more looking forward to, this would not get that honor. The most interesting intertwined story in this chamber is that of the dissention between DiBiase and Orton. It is very difficult to see exactly where this storyline is going, but hopefully we get a much clearer picture after Sunday. I would love to see DiBiase eliminate Orton with a rollup or something, causing the Viper to be infuriated and take out his frustrations. Either way, I can’t see either of them winning the match. Don’t expect Kofi to last too far after getting ripped apart by Orton. Cena is embroiled with other issues at the time and he probably won’t win either. That leaves us with HHH and Sheamus. It seems at this point that creative is set on going into WM with Sheamus as the champ, but Trips’ ego could interfere with those plans. Nonetheless, I think Sheamus will retain, and I hope it isn’t in some sort of cheap fashion.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Chris Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

Something I forgot to mention in my WWE title pick was that I expect to see Edge on guest commentary for both chamber matches as whilst I do not think he will wrestle at the show, he will defiantly make his presence felt. The big story behind the excellent build up to this match is John Morrison’s kayfabe leg injury. In my mind we will get some sort of backstage skit where a doctor advises Morrison not to compete but he will try and gut it out only for Shawn Michaels to take him out on the way to the ring and force his way into the Chamber match (just as Edge did last year) Whilst this is a tough break for Morrison, it gives us the tantalising prospect of at least one Morrison vs HBK match on the next couple of weeks of WWE TV as well as setting up the big Undertaker vs HBK II clash at Wrestlemania. I think this match is going to be really awesome and probably worth the price of ordering on its own. I expect some big performances from Truth and Punk to make up for the banged up Rey and Taker whilst I think it is an impossibility for Chris Jericho to wrestle a bad match. I think Rey and Punk will take care of each other whilst Taker eliminates whichever of them is left standing and Truth before Michaels and Taker duke it our for ten minutes with Taker eliminating Shawn only to turn right into a Codebreaker from Jericho for the title winning pin. This is an exciting match up an I cannot wait to see how it goes down!

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Paul Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

This one is difficult to predict as with the alleged current plan, it seems like Jericho is the only option. However, there are two things to consider. Jericho, until he beat The Undertaker (which is admittedly a big deal) had no momentum, and it is also so obvious, that it probably wont happen, because WWE are dickheads and wont let it. The other option is (I’m ruling out R-Truth, John Morrison, CM Punk and Rey, because at this moment in time at least, they are not Wrestlemania champions) is Undertaker retaining, but I don’t see that happening, unless WWE is going to make Taker and Shawn keep going past Wrestlemania, with both allegedly wanting to take time off like they did last time. So I’m going to take a risk and not go for something not in the match like a Shawn win, and just plump for Chris Jericho.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Kendra Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

I also believe this Elimination Chamber has a nice mix of seasoned and younger wrestlers. Even though Morrison is not as injured at he announced on Twitter, I wonder if something is going to happen here with HBK. HBK has been trying so hard to get into this match, this could be an easy switch for him. I wouldn’t put it past HBK to either push Morrison for his slot in the match or force his way in somehow. I will be completely shocked if we don’t see HBK involved in some way. About the wrestlers who are actually slated to be in this match, I can’t wait to see how R-Truth fares in this match! I also hope Rey doesn’t push himself too hard and injure himself more. The same goes for Taker. I see Jericho, Punk and R-Truth carrying a lot of this match and in the end Jericho taking the win. If Taker and HBK are going for round two at WM and they’re grooming a Jericho and Edge feud, then this is a perfect way to start it off. Of course Edgewill want to go after the title and he’s raving mad at Jericho right now. It just makes the most sense. But then again, when have any of the wrestling companies booked matches in ways that make sense?

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Rob Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

The number one issue we have to look at here is the condition of John Morrison. After what happened on the most recent edition of Smackdown, it is very possible that he might not participate in the title match. Also, as I write this there are only four scheduled matches on the card, and with Batista and HBK both absent, I predict that a match between the two to determine who will replace Morrison in the chamber. If that happens, I see HBK getting the nod as the replacement, making this group of six that much more interesting. Morrison won’t win, and we can count out Truth as well. Punk is a long shot considering his involvement with the Straight-Edge Society, and it would be tough to give it to Mysterio with his current condition. That brings us down to Undertaker, Jericho, and a possible HBK as a replacement. I feel like if Shawn were involved he would get so caught up in going after Taker that he would lose sight of winning the title. But that is all speculation considering he probably won’t even be in the match. If it comes down to Taker and Jericho, I think I would give it to Y2J. Michaels-Taker could be for real with the both of them taking time off afterwards, and Jericho-Edge is getting to be one of the hottest feuds going. I’ll give it to Jericho, making him a 6-time champ.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Chris: That is all for another edition of the Fatal Four Way. Now before anyone says anything yes I know we all have exactly the same picks but on paper this PPV looks pretty easy to call so lets see if we are right. I should have my Elimination Chamber review up in the wee hours following the pay per view (as long as my guest blogger is able to write at that point) As always I sadly wont be able to be a part of the Live blog as I order the WWE webstream and trying to watch that and take part in a Live Blog on a 14” laptop screen is a visual nightmare. However non premium members can follow my live reactions on Twitter: www.twitter.com\WNWsChrisJacks I hope you all enjoy the show and have a great week!

Paul: Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to Shawn Michaels, and to see where we’re left going into Wrestlemania after this show. Hope you guys have a great whatever you’re doing, and until next time, I have been Paul Smith.

Kendra: It’s nice to see WWE elevating some of their younger wrestlers to main event status. They really need to prepare for post WM when a number of their old workers take time off or retire completely. This is a very exciting time in wrestling and WWE. We have not seen a turnover like this since The Rock, Austin, HHH and Angle pushed their way through to become main event talents. It will be interesting to see which of these younger wrestlers will be around for the long haul and these Elimination Chambers are a big step in the direction of these wrestlers becoming the starts they’re destined to be. I can’t wait to see how they fare in these dangerous matches.

Rob: We are officially one PPV and five weeks away from Wrestlemania, and the Elimination Chamber will go a long way into painting a clearer picture for what that will look like. Of course the Elimination Chamber does not look as intimidating without blood, but that’s the world we live in today. I’m looking for some quality matches this Sunday and some good storyline building for the grandest stage of them all. Later.

Speaking of Orlando Jordan, by now we’ve all heard about the turn his character has taken. I remember before he left the WWE that they were planning on running with such a storyline, but then Jordan crossed some lines bringing his significant other places he shouldn’t have and was released. I didn’t care about the storyline then and care even less now. I have never been a fan of Orlando Jordan and his time in TNA has not raised my view of him. It’s obvious, from the chants, that I’m not the only one who feels this way. The fans don’t want him in TNA and have been quite vocal. Sadly Bischoff is high on Jordan and loves the controversy of this storyline, so Hogan’s friend will be getting pushed no matter what the fans want. Honestly, it blows how little they’re listening to the fans right now, but we expected this. The storyline doesn’t bother me at all, even though I know there are some who are up in arms over it. I think it’s time people get over their sexuality issues, but I doubt this storyline will help. I just hope it’s done tastefully. But I will give Hogan and Bischoff credit for making a stir in the industry, even if it is with a stolen storyline!

I want to make one little note about someone in the WWE. I know this is a TNA Blog, but this is something Richard has openly said he knows nothing about, so I’m going to stick my two cents in. Most people are shocked by this as I look rather punk, but I listen to a lot of country music. I listened to Mickie James’ song a couple times when it came out on Tuesday and have to say it’s an over produced fluff song. There was so much done on that song in post production that it’s hard to know if Mickie actually has any singing talent at all. I have been rooting for Mickie since day one (and especially through that terrible Piggy storyline that she should not have put up with) and was thrilled for her when it came out that she was also pursuing a music career, but now I’m not so sure. I think that was a really bad song to start with and truly hope the rest of her album is a heck of a lot better than that. If the entire CD sounds like that, she’s not even going to get a chance to a be a one hit wonder.

Time for our EAX PPV scores! Due to some early errors in in the 8 Card Stud Tournament, we really didn’t do that well. Before AAO, I had 6 right and 3 wrong. Chris had 7 right and 2 wrong. Turns out for AAO I got one more correct than Chris! That leaves us tied. We both are at 9 correct and 9 wrong right now. Can’t get more middle of the road than that!

Show Starts

Backstage Segment

Bisch climbed out of a limo and talked on his cell about signing someone and getting him out of the cesspool he’s in now. No, he doesn’t have to come back, Bisch can handle things. He hung up and said to let the games begin.

Video

Recap of Against All Odds, the PPV that I completely screwed up predicting! And then the big announce on Monday where they told us TNA’s moving to Monday nights. Shocker! Like we didn’t see THAT coming.

In Ring Segment

The Pope to the ring all smiles. He asked if there’s a party tonight in Orlando. Pope is pimpin’. At AAO he overcame the odds and is number one contender to the TNA WHC. The only thing standing between The Pope and his biggest fling is one not so honest Arthur Jackson and Dick Flair. He asked if he said Dick Flair? That’s okay because Ric is a dick! As the challenger and Arthur is left crawling, The Pope will be the new WHC! Of course Flair’s music starts (a bastardized version) and they came out with a small slew of bimbos. Flair and AJ held the ropes for the girls, then Flair held them for AJ. Flair asked The Pope if he can read and write? He showed his Armani label. The fans started in and Flair ripped on them. He said his name, his name is Ric Flair, has been and always will be. When he was 6 years old and praying at night to be just like him. He was bling before there was bling. Flair’s almost exhausted from being with AJ and his legion since Sunday. AJ’s the greatest wrestling machine he’s ever seen (even though he‘s in a butt ugly tie). Flair said AJ’s champ which makes him the greatest athlete alive. The Pope says his name might be Ric, he’s still a dick. No matter how you dress it up, at the end of the day he’s still a piece of crap. Flair thinks they have a failure to communicate. Flair says The Pope’s a street thug. AJ has more invested in that suit than The Pope’s parents have in green stamps. The Pope says they ladies are tired from being with him. That pissed off AJ who finally grabbed a mic. The Pope said he was on AJ like white on rice, and he was until Flair got involved and they worked over The Pope hard. The fans were pissed. Flair stomped low, then hit a low blow. Of course the time keeper started ringing the bell over and over like that’s going to stop two heels from beating this guy down. Flair back in with a chair. Set up on The Pope’s ankle and Flair stomped the heck out of it. Then AJ, with his horrid newly highlighted hair, locked on the figure four and kept slamming back on the mat to make the pain that much worse.
5/10 – The Pope was kick ass on mic. I have fully admitted I was wrong about that man and I have quickly grown to adore him on mic and in the ring. Sadly when Flair and AJ came out I felt like I’d seen it all before. I know Flair is known for who he is, but I want more! AJ is so good on mic, but all we’re getting is the same old Flair catch phrases. This is TNA and I want to see the young guys shine! They (Hogan and Bisch) keep telling us they’re there to push the young talent, but all we’re hearing is Flair and not AJ. I understand he’s ‘mentoring’ AJ, but I want the young guys to shine, not the ‘retired’ wrestlers.

Video

Recap of what just happened to The Pope in the ring.

Announce Segment

Taz and Tenay talked about Monday’s announcement and how huge it is. Hello! We know this.

Match #1

Daffney out to the ring in one of her hot goth ring outfits with a tiny top hat on her head. Tara out with a t-shirt over her ring gear, strap around her waist, Poison in hand and toque on her head. A smattering of “Tara” chants. Taz started to talk about Daffney’s pantyhose and it was Tenay who said it was fishnet. Tara removed her t-shirt and threw it into the crowd, but in doing so brought her ring gear up around her neck. She had to pull her little tank down over her bra before continuing. Second wardrobe malfunction. They fought to the outside where Daffney slammed at toolbox onto Tara. The ref called for the bell. I think Tara won via DQ. But Daffney kept beating Tara with the toolbox. Daffney beat the heck out of Tara and knocked a piece of the barrier onto Tara. Daffney then beat the barrier down on Tara with a chair until Stevie scooped a screaming Daffney up and carrier her away.
6/10 – While that might not have been a highly technical match, I love it when the Knockouts prove they can run with the big boys and go hardcore! Daffney has been very high on my favorites list since she debuted in WCW as a whacked out fan in love with David Flair! She’s extremely underrated and tougher than nails. I love to see her being used on TNA and this over the edge direction they’re going with her character is great! I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next. So much better than her in suits and playing Palin.

Backstage Segment

Foley into Bisch’s office. They’re tailors in there waiting. Foley said he was sorry about AAO, he kept trying to use the bat, but was unable to. Bisch said he did the best he could do. Foley put in the best he could. He knows he put in 100%. Hogan knows he could be a big asset to the company. These people here are to take measurements and see what they could do. Foley said they covered that. Bisch said they’re taking it up a notch, giving Foley a fashion makeover – going shopping. Foley said he has a sport coat from his wedding. Bisch said it was out of style 20 years ago when he bought it. Let’s just go with this. They’ll work together on this. Foley asked if this was custom stuff? Bisch said it is and all on TNA’s dime. Bisch tells them to go shopping and not hurry back. He’ll see Foley in the next couple days. Foley left. Bisch got on his cell and said to get Abyss in his office now. Bisch smirked.
7/10 – Foley was completely adorable there! That was a lot of fun, but my boyfriend’s first words when Foley left was he thought Foley was smarter than that. That’s the problem with what happened, Foley is smarter than that. So while it was beautifully acted, it was beyond belief that Foley, the man who couldn’t care less about clothes and how he looks, would go off shopping when the shit was hitting the fan in TNA. He knew the bat wasn’t used and he knows Bisch’s character is a total douche!

Match #2

Some guy and a chick walked out hand in hand. They split apart and out came Orlando Jordan. They followed him to the ring while Taz and Tenay hinted at the relationship the whole time. Samoa Joe’s music, but no Joe. Flash to backstage and Bisch was berating Joe about losing to AJ. That he’d better impress in this match. Joe to the ring. The match started with Joe on Jordan hard. Jordan started fighting back and gained control over Joe. Joe came back with clotheslines and a nice back body drop that showed Joe’s strength and speed. One sick chop up top sounded like he wasn’t pulling his punches! But Jordan came back with that tornado back stabber. Joe was left holding his head in his hands.
6/10 – Joe looked damn good in the ring, as he always does. Jordan looked like he was trying to be a young Booker T with a Sharmell wannabe and a metro sexual hanger on. And the internet has been making a HUGE deal over Jordan kissing a woman and a man before his match, this huge thing the fans have been shouting about and waiting to see, and they cut it from the show! Did Spike decide that the network is too guy oriented and couldn’t handle it? Or did Hogan and Bisch wimp out in the end? Either way it’s total BS in my book. On top of it all, what did Jordan do to his hair?

Backstage Segment

Abyss was freaking out about having to face Bisch. He stopped Borash and asked if he knew what it was about. Borash had no clue.
6/10 – We all know what it’s about! Anyone with two brain cells to rub together and have paid any attention to the storyline know what it’s about. I know Abyss is supposed to be childlike, but this is pathetic!

Backstage Segment

MCMG talked about someone. They thought it might be Petey. They looked a little more punked out than usual. Don’t get me started on the Petey thing!

Backstage Segment

Abyss in Bisch’s office. He jumped at every move. Bisch said he told him what he’d do and he’ll do it. If that bat wasn’t used at AAO, he told him what he would do. Abyss tried to talk his way out of it. Abyss said he used the tacks, gave him brutality. Bisch asked if he was to use tacks or bat? Bisch yelled at Abyss. Abyss said bat. Bisch said Foley’s out shopping and Hogan left him in charge. The mask comes off. Abyss said the mask is who he is. Bisch said he’s a whole new level of ugly and the building is on lockdown, he won’t get out. Abyss fled screaming he had to get away.
5/10 – Well acted, but they’re taking the Abyss being a child way too far. He has two sides to his character and should have snapped at being pushed so far. Abyss is also a monster who won’t put up with this stuff when his child side is in danger. I just don’t believe it.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with EY. She said we just saw Nash arrive and he doesn’t look in a good mood. EY said he’s spoken to him and Nash will speak in the ring. He said he hopes Syxx-Pac and Hall find their way in so Nash can tell them in person.
5/10 – I don’t remember seeing Nash arrive. I either missed something (very possible) or there editing has become worse than ever (also possible). I do have to say it’s good to see more of EY on Impact and hope he and Nash stick close to each other so Nash has someone who’s damn good in the ring to cover him from here on out.

Video

Dixie and Hogan making the announcement about going to Monday nights, live every other week.

Backstage Segment

Bisch walked in on JJ, Barbie in hand. JJ wanted to know what he’s going to do with the bat. Bisch said it was supposed to be used at AAO. So JJ needs to use it tonight on Abyss. So rather than sitting in his doublewide thinking about the good old days. If he does it Bisch might get him a velvet Elvis for his wall. JJ agreed to use the bat on Abyss.
4/10 – That was really boring. These segments are usually short and exciting or long and boring. This was short and boring. Barely even a chuckle for the velvet Elvis comment. It just wasn’t a good bit.

Match #3

Doug Williams, Brian Kendrick and MCMG out to the ring as a team. As I said, MCMG have more leather and stud, more punk to their looks and I really like it! They look a little different from everyone else and are finally set apart by more than their fabulous wrestling. Generation Me and Amazing Red out to the ring together. The last person out was Kaz! So nice to have Kaz back as Kaz the newly married man, rather than as Suicide! “You’re all awesome!” chants from the crowd. Kaz and Doug started, but it wasn’t until Brian tagged in that I heard a bell. Generation Me tagged in together. But only Max stayed in when Shelley tagged in. Max and Sabin worked really well together! Blind tag from Amazing Red who is always impressive! Kaz back in on Williams and they worked fast together. Generation Me in to help out and bodies flew in all directions. MCMG tried to double team but Amazing Red really worked them over with two flying moves! “TNA!” chants. Kaz came over the top in a slingshot DDT on Williams for three.
9/10 – The only thing that could have made it better is if it had been longer. Kaz moves so much better in his own skin rather than as Suicide. I don’t know if it’s visibility issues or how he wanted to play the character, but he is back in a big way! They all worked damn hard in that match and gave it their all. MCMG looked as good as ever. Amazing Red completely blew me away in the way he’s able to move and work the ring with whoever he’s in there with. Generation Me again gave their all and looked fabulous. Kendrick kept in character and worked well. Even Williams who is the heaviest and slowest of the eight gave his everything and looked as though he fit in with these high flying X Division boys. That was just spectacular! Tell me the fans don’t want to see some serious X Division after the chants that started and continued through that match.

Backstage Segment

Abyss rushed around back there freaked out. He got to a door that was locked. Slick stopped him and told him he couldn’t leave. He had to get to the ring for a match. Abyss asked with who? Slick said he didn’t know, but Abyss better get to the ring.
3/10 – Again, Abyss should be a monster at this point, not freaking out. The whole thing feels really wrong for the character and I’m one who loves the childlike side of Abyss! They keep trying to slip Slick in there as a character and it keeps not working. They need to leave him as a ref until/unless they find a real story for him.

Backstage

JJ in his ring gear sitting there staring at Barbie in his hand, poking at it, contemplating it.

Video

Again they showed the video of Dixie and Hogan announcing TNA on Monday nights. Ugh, how many times are they going to show this? I guess I should be glad they finally stopped showing the video of Hogan joining TNA!

Match #5

Abyss to the ring. JJ was announced and Abyss looked shocked. JJ out without music, lights or pyro. But he had the bat in hand. He spoke to Abyss, off mic, before getting in the ring. Abyss’ brow was furrowed as he paced before the bell rang. The bell and Abyss kept watch Barbie sitting in a corner. Shoulder block on JJ and Abyss went back to staring at Barbie. Abyss kept muscling through JJ. JJ hit a beautiful enziguri on Abyss. JJ took two clotheslines to send Abyss over the top. The problem is that Abyss set up for it long before JJ hit the second clothesline. It was so obvious what was happening that it looked bad. They fought outside and the match picked up again. Finally Abyss came to be the monster we love when he swiped at a cameraman to get away. But then Abyss moved Barbie out of the way and it was like a creepy spider he was afraid of. “Let’s go Jarrett” chants, but then a double clothesline and both down. Bisch walked out to the stage, scowl on his face and arms crossed. JJ pointed at the bat and Bisch smiled and nodded. Commercial. Side slam on JJ. Bisch slowly walked down the ramp. JJ hit the stroke on Abyss. Then he hit the stroke face first into a chair set into a corner. JJ grabbed Barbie. Bisch smiles. Abyss looked up and pleaded with his eyes. JJ turned to look at Bisch, then threw Barbie away. Bisch grabbed a mic and said he knew he couldn’t trust him to get the job done. Guys, it’s time! Out to the ring ran Homicide, Tomko, Raven and Rhino. Wolfe also came out to the ring. They took out Abyss then stomped the heck out of JJ. Then they went back to stomp Abyss. “Foley!” chant. They all held Abyss while Bisch went to the ring. He said Abyss that he told him what he’d do. He didn’t believe him, did he. Bisch grabbed the mask and yelled about seeing this. Hogan’s music played and Taz yelled that Bisch got caught with his hand in the cookie jar! Bisch looked worried and had the guys let Abyss go. Hogan strutted out to the ring in his own Vinnie-Mac way. he stopped to cross his arms and stare, then he got in the ring. Hogan pulled the mic out of Bisch’s hand and said he’s got this one. Abyss on his knees pleaded. Hogan told him to get his ass back to Hogan’s office. Hogan then stared around the ring at all the heels. Hogan dropped the mic and walked out. They all demanded answers from Bisch who didn’t have any.
7/10 & 5/10 – The seven is for the actual match. They worked well in the ring together and looked decent. These two have worked together so long in TNA that they know how to work together despite their size difference. Normally I don’t like such mismatches, but this one works. The beat down on Abyss is what garnered the five from me. It was obvious that this would happen and it looked the same as all of Bisch’s WCW heel attacks. It wasn’t at all fresh and new.

Video

Recap of what just happened in the ring. As if we didn’t just watch that!

Backstage

Abyss was walked to Hogan’s office by four guys from security.

Match #6

TBI – Rob Terry and Brutus Magnus, out to the ring. They went to stills of Terry winning the Global Championship in England on their last tour. BMI out to face them. Much obvious animosity between the two teams. Magnus and Storm worked well until Terry clotheslined from outside and they double teamed. Terry tagged in to work over Storm and Magnus demanded the tag so he could get the pin, but only got two so tagged out again. But back in Magnus was worked over by Roode and they double teamed Terry. Terry was double clotheslined from the ring and looked as though he was going to dislocate his shoulder because he did it wrong. Then Roode sent Storm flying out onto Terry who fumbled the catch! DWI on Magnus and it was over. Terry climbed back into the ring pissed off. He grabbed a mic and Magnus ripped it out of his hand. Magnus told him he can’t do anything right and is a disgrace! Magnus said he’s Terry’s superior and then bitch slaps him. He took the strap and said it should belong to him and told Terry to leave. Terry clotheslined him and posed over Magnus’ body with the strap held high.
7/10 – That was a decent match. It wasn’t the best, but it was decent. Honestly that match was more about what’s going on in TBI than a match between two teams. BMI deserves so much more than that.

Backstage

Nash pacing, thinking.

Backstage Segment

Abyss freaked out. Hogan said he’s sick of this crap and sit down. Bisch tried to come in and Hogan threw him out. Then Hogan told Abyss to stand, he blubbered the whole time. Hogan said he’s sick of watch him shake and chase his tail and be afraid of his shadow. It ends now! Hogan asked Abyss if he knows who Superman is? Yes. Hogan said he has a cape that makes him powerful. Popeye has his spinach. Hogan asks if he’s really a monster? Abyss said he is. Hogan really pumped him up and said he won’t cower, shake or backup again. Hogan pulled off his HOF ring. Hogan said this is his life, the only thing that never left him, was always with him, always loved him. He destroyed his body for 30 years selling out venues to earn this ring. He’s so crippled up he can barely get out of bed in the morning. This is Hogan’s life. Abyss yelled that he understands it encompasses Hulkamania and the world. Hogan gave it to him and said it will make him the strongest mortal man on this earth. This will protect him, love him guide him. He’ll be ten times the man, ten times the wrestler, ten times stronger than Hulk Hogan. That is his destiny! That is his mission! He will be who Hogan could never be. Does he feel the power? Abyss feels it. He said he won’t let Hulk down. Hogan left and Abyss put the ring on. He said it stands for every Hulkamaniac in the world ever and now it stands for the Monster Abyss.
6/10 – I know it was cliché and corny, but it was also cute. I’m sure I’m sounding very girly here, but I actually like that segment. It was the passing of the torch, showed they do have faith in Abyss and he should do well from here on out. Also, it should bring back the Monster that he needs to be. We have all been so sick of the cowering! I have a friend who calls me weekly to see if he should watch his DVR or skip over the Abyss segments because he’s so disgusted with this side of him. As long as they don’t remove his mask, though Bisch will try, I think he’s going to do very well from here on out. Also, it will be fun to watch Bisch trying to take Abyss down, get the mask off, all the while Hogan and Abyss fight back. Nice swerve, if a bit mushy.

Match #7

Daniels out to the ring. Haven’t seen him much recently! He looked out at the fans with disdain, but I wonder how much of it is his pissed about not being used much on Impact recently. Angle out to face him. Still from Anderson raking the tags across Angle’s face at AAO. The match started and Slick had to work hard to back Daniels off Angle. Angle reversed a sunset flip into an ankle lock and Daniels tapped out.
3/10 – That was shorter than short! Super Cena wouldn’t have been able to even get two of his moves in that length of time! I have no idea why they did that! I was so thrilled to finally see Daniels in the ring and they made him look so weak. I’ve honestly been wondering why Daniels has been hanging around and not trying to get released because the way they’ve been treating him, not putting him on TV other than to look so bad, is not cool.

In Ring Segment

Angle grabbed a mic and talked to Anderson. He’s man enough to admit when he’s been beat and Anderson beat him. That’s not what pissed him off. What pissed him off is what he did with Angle’s tag. In the military it’s a little smaller. Angle explained what a dog tag is for. “USA” chants grew loud. Angle said this means so much to him because he’s had a hard year and a half. He had a hard divorce. He shamed his kids by getting arrested and falsely accused of things he didn’t do, but none the less he was arrested. Angle broke into tears talking about the arrest and his kids. Huge “Angle” chants. He thanked them and said he needed that. He sat in a jail cell and didn’t know why this was happening. He prayed about it. After he got out he had an appearance at an Army base in Fort Hood, Texas. He met family members of soldiers who died in battle. One soldier came up to him and said he saw the news and he believed in Angle. He gave Angle the tag to remind him who he is. There’s an inscription on it that he read. “USA” chants. When Anderson cut him with this, he didn’t make Angle bleed, he made soldiers bleed. He made citizens who believe in this country bleed. When the match was over Anderson dropped it on his chest and spit on it. Anderson didn’t spit on Angle, he spit on those soldiers. He spit on the USA. For that Anderson, he’ll suffer. Angle will make him bleed every last drop out of his body. When you go down that road with Angle, there’s no going back. Anderson, Angle will see you in hell. Anderson’s music started. He came out. Commercial. Anderson fakes crying on his mic. He said he’s touched and moved. He’s amazed at Angle’s abilities, not just in the ring, but to suck up to each and every one of these people. He just wants a little pat on the back for being so sensitive and caring. That little hunk of garbage as nothing more than a utensil to carve him up. He made Angle bleed. Sometimes he likes to make people bleed. If he has a problem with that, why not come up there and getcha some? Angle came up the ramp as Anderson taunted him. Angle started with the upper hand, but Anderson went after the open wound. Anderson used his mic to Angle’s head and he crumpled. Anderson got down next to Angle and said welcome to Total Nonstop Anderson. Anderson.
6/10 – Now, I don’t want to come off as unpatriotic and unfeeling, but Angle took that way too far. It was too much and felt really fake. If it had been half as long it would have been more real and meant more. I just felt that Angle milked it for all it was worth. He might truly believe all that, but it felt like he was putting on too much there. I’m sorry if I offend anyone with that, it wasn’t my intention.

Backstage Segment

Borash with Joe as he left the arena. Borash tried to get answers from Joe, but Joe didn’t say a word. Borash turned back and a white Van pulled up. Three guys in black (much the way Tomko looked before his big reveal) jumped out, threw Joe in the back and took off.
-/10 – How do you rate an abduction?

In Ring Segment

Nash and EY headed to the ring in black leather jackets. Nash looked into the camera in a fairly tight close up. He said he doesn’t remember where or when, was 17, 18 years ago, for some unknown reason he picked Scott Hall and Sean Waltman to be his friends. He stopped for a pause. He also bought a black suit about 10 years ago because he knew they’d be putting one of them in the dirt real soon. Nash stopped for a moment and stared into the camera lens to let that sink in. He doesn’t know what’s worse in this business, broken bones or broken hearts. The tears in tendons or the tears in relationships. For three weeks, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman found their way into this building. He’s done everything he could in his career to keep them employed. He’s carried their asses on his back for the last time! This got Nash some serious cheers from the fans! He then said they’ve been able to find their way into this building, why don’t they find their way to him. This business chews up people and spits them out; he’s still standing! Nash was seething, lips quivering. He said he’ll be waiting. He’s the big gray haired son of a bitch standing in the middle of the ring. Nash then yelled up to them that it’s nice to see those two *bleeps* could make it. Hall and Waltman came to outside the ring while Nash stared out. EY slid out and got into it with Waltman. Hall into the ring. He threw his Razor Ramon toothpick at Nash and Nash punched Hall to the mat. One punch. Security held Nash back and Hall got to his feet. Security stayed between them as Taz yelled for them to let them go at it. Hall and Nash fought security to get to each other, same thing outside the ring. Nash was held back, but no one really stopped Hall, he just stood there. Hogan came out to the stage and crossed his arms. Nash looked up at Hogan, lips trembling, nostrils flaring. Nash said son of a bitch next week, next week it’s on!
8/10 – And all of that is for Nash’s little speech. He was perfectly timed, said all the things we know and said them with enough heart to make them stick. It honestly would not surprise me if he did buy a black suit ten years ago. I sometimes wonder how Hall is still alive. Most of us know someone, possibly someone very close, who has drunk themselves to death and Nash put all of that emotion into his words. It worked. What didn’t work for me was the constant trying to get to each other part at the end. We’ve seen just too much of it.

Post Show

Nash’s ending of the show really worked for me. He was on! The problem it there wasn’t much actual wrestling on the show. The best match, by far, was the Eight Man Tag Match. Those men were awesome, all of them. Only thing that could have made it better was if the match was longer, but I know I say that a lot about TNA’s matches.

I’d been waiting and hoping we’d see the match where Rob Terry beat EY for the Global Championship, but we were only told about it. Rob Terry who couldn’t wrestle his way out of a wet and shredded paper bag in a hail storm with a professionally drawn map and the best Sherpa on the planet, beat EY for his title. Let that soak in a little bit. Rob Terry, the big idiot who cannot wrestle and has not wrestled a stitch since coming to TNA, has somehow beaten EY – one of TNA’s best – for his Global Championship! Someone people explain this one to me! (I wrote this up when I found out about him winning the GC and still feel the same way.)

Do I believe that was Hogan’s real HOF ring? Heck no! will it burn Vinnie-Mac’s ass to see that segment? You know it will! He might keep saying that TNA isn’t even a blip on his radar, but with Hogan using the bisexual storyline and handing over his HOF ring, you know Vince is missing some sleep at night. No matter what he says, he is worried about TNA now that Hogan and Bischoff are involved and pushing hard to go against WWE.

I truly believe if they tweaked TNA in a couple of ways that they could give Vince a run for the ratings. They need to back off from pushing these older wrestlers and Hogan’s friends down our throats. They need to push they fabulous wrestlers who have been with TNA all along and carried it in the early days. These are damn good wrestlers and who most of the fans want to see. Lastly they have to fill the show with well booked wrestling and not all this talking! Storylines can be pushed along without filling ¾ of the show with backstage segments. They have this huge roster just sitting there, put them in the ring and use them!

KB

What a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s night than to tune into a TNA PPV? Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too! I think TNA screwed up scheduling Against All Odds pretty badly. I know they try to go once a month and can’t do it the same night as WWE, but I think scheduling a PPV for February 14th is almost as bad as scheduling on for January 1st. It’s a night many people want to spend with the one they love and very few women would think a romantic evening with her man is watching wrestling. Though I have to admit I’m the one who brought my boyfriend into wrestling and we’ve had a number of date nights that were spent going to wrestling shows, even early in our relationship. But I think TNA actually stacked the deck with some pretty decent matches for AAO. I’m really looking forward cuddling on the sofa with my Valentine and watching Against All Odds.

Just to let everyone know where Chris and I are sitting with our E.A.X. Predictions, which are totally separate from the WWE Talent Exchange numbers. Chris is ahead of me at this point, but hopefully I’ll be able to even it up with AAO!
Ken - 6-3
Chris - 7-2

Hey everyone and welcome to the second edition of the English American Exchange where Kendra and I team up to bring you our monthly TNA predictions. This month it’s Against All Odds which is built completely around the 8 Stud Challenge tournament, which is not at all a rip off of WWE’s King of The Ring, real original Hogan! However with the exception of Mick Foley, all the other participants in this match can really go in the ring and I am expecting some fabulous match ups. This tournament is of course a nightmare to predict as one wrong prediction will throw the rest off! However we do unfortunately have to sit through the Nasty Boys on pay per view, well I do since I will be reviewing the show, everyone else will probably use it as a bar break! It sucks that we have a TNA pay per view missing names like Daniels, Lethal Consequences, Beer Money and the entire X-Division but this show has almost been built entirely around the tournament and thanks to the guys involved is sure to be a hell of a lot better than TNA’s last attempt at a tournament: Deuces Are Wild! Anyway enough babble on with the predictions!

Ken Predicts – Team 3D: Brother Ray & Brother Devon vs The Nasty Boys: Jerry Sags & Brian Knobbs

I’m absolutely disgusted with this match. There’s no reason The Nasty Boys should be in the ring after all these years. I know I keep complaining about nepotism, but it’s been so obviously running rampant since Hogan and Bischoff came into TNA. The Nasty Boys are old, fat and out of shape. Knobbs couldn’t keep his breath when he was yelling at Team 3D recently, how’s he going to handle a match? And Sags isn’t in any better shape! I know some people think Ray and Devon are old, fat and out of shape, but they’re in the ring, week in and week out. These two men might be on the heavier side, but they wrestle hard and do so all over the word every week over the year. They’re loved in Japan because they can throw a match with the best of them. The Nasty Boys have barely been in the ring since they had problems with Hall and Nash in WCW in early 1997. Actually, they didn’t wrestle together again until 2007 and only sporadically since then! But I feel that Hogan is going to book them to win this match. There’s no reason they should be wrestling, never mind winning, but I have the horrible feeling that they’re going to pull it out at AAO. Clean finish? I hope not. Actually, the way The Nasty Boys have been going it’s bound to be a dirty finish.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – The Nasty Boys: Jerry Sags & Brian Knobbs

Chris Predicts: Team 3D vs The Nasty Boys

You have to love how the official TNA website is hyping this match “Two legendary tag teams collide when Team 3D faces The Nasty Boys” Team 3D are legendary, The Nasty Boys not so much. Lets face it this match is going to suck big time. I still remember Kendra’s hilarious comment a couple of weeks ago when she said her boyfriend was worried The Nasty Boys were going to have a heart attack in the ring! That had me in stitches. I fully imagine the Impact Zone are going to shit all over this and rightly so. If I were attending this event I would bring a sign saying “If The Nasty Boys Win, We Riot” Hopefully this will be the last time we ever have to witness Knobbs and Sags stumbling around the ring! I imagine Devon and Ray will make short work of them and hopefully 3D them through a table, supposing they can get their overweight, out of shape asses in the air in the first place!
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Team 3D

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – The Pope vs Desmond Wolfe

This should be one of the matches of the night. We’ve seen these two in the ring together before. Specifically on January 4th, they about tore the house down. I expect that much or even more as this is a PPV. Honestly, I’d love to see a feud between these two. Much better than watching The Pope having to slow his pace down so Orlando Jordan can keep up with him, ugh. While I would love to see The Pope get the push he deserves, I think Wolfe is going to come out the victor. He’s been on top longer and been pushed harder recently. I can only hope The Pope’s push comes along soon as he truly deserves it.
Ken’s predicted Winner – Desmond Wolfe

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: The Pope vs Desmond Wolfe

I am really glad these two have been placed together in a quarter final match. With one win a piece this is the unofficial rubber match in this mini feud and if their encounter at Genesis was anything to go by, could well steal the show. Desmond Wolfe is one of the brightest stars in TNA and should be pushing into the main event by the end of the year. Looking at the semi final layout I am going to have to give this one to Wolfe as I think another wrestling masterclass with Angle in the semi finals is something TNA will be banking on to sell this pay per view.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Desmond Wolfe

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – Hernandez vs Matt Morgan

This is another match that should be off the hook and really making me chomp at the bit for AAO. This past week we saw Hernandez acting more the heel than usual when he tagged with Wolfe. Makes me wonder where they’re going with his character. Right now I really hope they won’t break up Hernandez and Morgan as they’re quite a formidable team, but I’m getting the feeling they won’t last. The thing is both of them deserve to be main event singles competitors. Either could easily be pushed through as the winner of this match as both have been receiving pushes recently, but something tells me Hernandez is going to win this one. I got that feeling while watching him tag with Wolfe this week. I just felt like we’d be seeing them facing off at the PPV. The other question with this match is will the team come out unscathed. I think they will, but a rift might grow soon.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Hernandez

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: Hernandez vs Matt Morgan

Putting the tag champs in a match against each other is sure to lead to some dissension and certainly tease a break up. Arguably either of these guys could win the whole thing and make a worthy challenger for AJ. Hernandez came over as quite heelish this past Thursday on Impact so I think he may do the dirty on Morgan and steal the win here, especially seeing as who I am expecting him to face in the semi final. This should be a very solid big man match and I am looking forward to it. Of course since TNA love to copy WWE booking so much, they could always have something dumb like a double count out here and give the winner of the Abyss vs Foley match a bye into the final. In fact the more I think about it, the more that seems likely to happen but the fans will hate that and so would I do for arguments sake I am predicting a winner and it is Hernandez.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Hernandez

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – Kurt Angle vs Mr Anderson

I’m a little bummed about this match as Anderson hasn’t looked as good in the ring as I expected since he came to TNA. He has two of the three things needed to make a great wrestler, great mic skills and a good look, but his ring skills seem to be lacking more than I thought. Maybe he just has some ring rust he needs to work through, or some nervousness holding him back for some reason, but he’s just not cutting it for me in the ring. Luckily he’s in the ring with Angle who can carry about anyone. So while I’m not expecting fabulous, it should be solid and of course Angle will come out on top.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Kurt Angle

Chris’ Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: Kurt Angle vs Mr Anderson

Lets just hope that Anderson has a better outing than he did against Abyss last month! His mic work so far has been off the charts on Impact! and if he delivers here in the ring I think we could be in for quite a treat of a match. I see only one real winner here and that is Kurt Angle. As much as TNA are pushing Anderson , they will be well aware of the potential of an Angle vs Wolfe semi final and that is just too much of an opportunity to pass up on!
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Kurt Angle

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – Abyss vs Mick Foley

This match will probably be another let down of the night. Foley out of flannel and if he hands the match to Abyss, then Abyss will have his mask removed at the next Impact. I have heard that Bisch does not like masks. He was the one who pushed Rey to lose his mask in WCW because he feels fans can’t read the wrestler’s face if they’re wearing a mask, they don’t get enough from the wrestler during the match. I completely disagree with this theory and think that Abyss needs to keep his mask, but I think Bisch is going to try to accuse Foley of something and try to remove Abyss’ mask. So while I don’t think Foley is going to lay down for Abyss, I think it will look like Foley’s going easy on him so Abyss can get the win.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Abyss

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: Abyss vs Mick Foley

The only quarter final match that I have no desire to see whatsoever! These two had an enjoyable hardcore brawl at Bound For Glory but a straight up wrestling match between these two just wont work thanks to Foley’s questionable in ring abilities. Considering the storyline behind this I wouldn’t be surprised to see Foley throw this match to further his feud with Bischoff. Make no mistake Abyss is going through.
Chris’ Precited Winner: Abyss

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Semi Final – Desmond Wolfe vs Hernandez

Chris and I saw the 8 Card Stud chart in different ways and have predicted it a little differently, so please bear with us. I saw the chart as vertical while he saw it as horizontal. Anyway, a match between Wolfe and Hernandez could be really kick butt! Hernandez is a rising star and Wolfe is a main event man. I was surprised they got along as well as they did tagging together on this past Impact, but also saw them facing off at AAO. This is another match I’d love to see and am looking forward to happening. While Hernandez is a rising star, I don’t see him going over Wolfe yet.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Desmond Wolfe

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Semi Final: Desmond Wolfe vs Kurt Angle

This match should happen, I am ordering this pay per view (as long as the online TNA thing is working for UK customers this time!) based on the potential of seeing this two put on another clinic. This could really be something special and I hope TNA goes with this route. Wolfe and Angle have perfect chemistry together in the ring and both matches they had last year were MOTY candidates. Now I see Wolfe going over here but only because either Mr Anderson will seek revenge on Kurt for eliminating him earlier or he will be ambushed by Syxx Pac and Hall. Whilst I hate overbooking, having Anderson cost Angle the win would set up a nice feud between the two of them that would keep Angle out of the title picture for awhile as well as giving Wolfe a victory over his hated rival.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Desmond Wolfe

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Semi Final – Kurt Angle vs Abyss

I think this will be a fairly short match, for a number of reasons. First off, Angle and Abyss in a match together is not overly thrilling. Secondly, Angle has spoken recently about taking it easier in his career and this is a lot of wrestling for one match. Third, Abyss just hasn’t been getting a push lately and I can see Angle beating him rather quickly. Fourth, I can see The Band trying to get involved and either a DQ or just a quick ending because of this.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Kurt Angle

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Semi Final: Hernandez vs Abyss

Just like I am predicting interference in the other semi final, I am predicting some here as well, especially if Hernandez overcomes Morgan in a less than sportsman like fashion. If Super Mex screws Morgan then expect him to come out an exact some vengeance. I really like the idea of these two going at it, remember Abyss vs Angle a couple of years ago? Awesome match! Chris Parks is so much more than this hardcore stereotype Russo continually books him as and hopefully this will be the start of something big for The Monster.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Abyss

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Final – Desmond Wolfe vs Kurt Angle

I know we’ve seen these two in the ring a number of times, but they deliver! If this match actually comes to fruition at AAO, it will be another that’s off the hook great. They’ve proven in the past which is why I think they’re going to be facing off again. But who will win? Angle has been told over and over that each chance will be his last against Styles, but he keeps getting shots. Then there’s Wolfe who hasn’t had a shot against Styles yet. As I think there’s going to be happenings between Angle and The Band (please no tag matches when Hogan sides with Angle), I believe this match will go to Wolfe.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Desmond Wolfe

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Final: Desmond Wolfe vs Abyss

And this will be the match where Abyss reminds us just how much of a solid in ring worker he can be. By placing him against one of the best in the world in Wolfe it will allow Abyss to really show what he is capable of. Now I think Abyss is going over and will be winning the whole thing. Originally after reading the Impact spoilers I thought either Pope or Angle would win for sure but then Hogan has been talking in the media saying how Abyss is “his John Cena” and how Abyss has only come so far wearing a mask and wrestling hardcore matches just wait and see what he has in store for him. It is clear to me Abyss is in for a big push in TNA, and whilst I feel that both Pope and Morgan are more deserving, Abyss is defiantly over with the fans and will certainly provide a stern test for AJ at Lockdown, especially seeing as how the match will be inside a cage (although no longer a six sides of steel match!)
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Abyss

AJ Styles © w/ Ric Flair Versus Samoa Joe – TNA Heavyweight Championship – Special Guest Ref: Eric Bischoff

This should be the match of the night, MOYT contender. These two really haven’t faced off in a long time and now that AJ’s the heel and Joe’s the face, it adds a new little bit of flavor to it all. Then add in Flair and Bisch who could wreck all sorts of havoc, I’m more than thrilled about this match! Sometimes I might say there’s too much going on here, but not with the men involved. They’re all such pros and will give us not just a fabulously wrestled match, but a beautifully timed show. Both of them are worthy of holding the title these days, but I think AJ will retain right now. His storyline with Flair and his push is so hot right now that I can’t see him dropping the title right yet. I see AJ and Flair styling and profiling together with the strap for a while longer.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – AJ Styles

Chris Predicts: TNA Heavyweight Championship Match: AJ Styles © with Ric Flair vs Samoa Joe with special guest referee Eric Bischoff

This could really be something special. I cannot remember these guys facing off in recent history with Joe as the out and out babyface and AJ as the out and out heel. What is guaranteed here is a brilliant wrestling match as these two have produced some really memorable matches over the years. With Bischoff as guest referee and Flair at ringside, you can guarantee there is going to be some sort of shenanigans taking place during this one but hopefully they will let AJ and Joe tear the house down for 30 minutes before getting involved. TNA are clearly fully behind pushing AJ as the top guy in the company and with Flair on board and a fresh heel turn, I see no way he is losing this match. It is going to be very interesting seeing AJ wrestle as a heel and how he adapts his move set for a pay per view main event. I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see Sting show up here and clean house on Flair seeing as how Flair is itching to get back in the ring and Sting is surely set to return at some point, although they may hold this off till Lockdown. This should be a MOTY candidate and I am really hyped for this, I know Kendra didn’t like their promo on Impact this week, but personally I thought it was awesome, I loved Joe ripping on AJ and hope they show that before the match! I don’t quite know where Joe will go from here, possibly to join a potential Team Angle vs Team Anderson lethal lockdown match?
Chris’ Predicted Winner: AJ Styles (Retains TNA Heavyweight Title)

Chris is right that I was not thrilled with AJ and Joe’s promo on Impact, but it was mostly because I felt Impact should have ended with that fabulous tag match. It seemed as though everything after it just took away from the highest point of the night. If Impact had been edited differently, putting that segment earlier in the show, but then having Bisch tell AJ about the special ref right at the end, I probably would have been much happier with that segment and the show as a whole. But I do think AAO will be a damn solid PPV, even though there’s so many top wrestlers left off the card and there’s not a Knockout match in sight.

Well there you have it for the second edition of the E.A.X I hope you enjoy our continued push to increase our TNA coverage here at WNW. Thanks to South African correspondent Brandon Van Reenan for the fabulous logo. I am surprised there is no knockout match on the card and wouldn’t be shocked to see one added on the night, also perhaps something may go down with Lashley and Bischoff. If TNA’s online pay per view service is working Sunday night I shall order the show and review it immediately after, if not it will be Monday night. I hope you all enjoy Against All Odds!

KB
Chris

Now, on to TNA and everything that’s happened this week, which is not much. But there’s a couple things I’d like to comment on. First off is Bobby Lashley. He was ‘fired’ by Bischoff on TV and then went to have his MMA fight. I must say I’m very impressed with his win and how well he’s been progressing in MMA fighting. What does not impress me is how he handled himself in the press this week. He was removed from the TNA website, as one would expect after he was ‘fired’ by Bisch. But when he was asked about it, Lashley made a public comment that his “profile was removed from the TNA site for storyline purposes.” He also said he will take some time off to train, but is still with TNA. Later this week he posted a comment on his site, ‘”Alot of fans are asking me about my future in wrestling. I will address everything at a later date. Thank you for the support.” – Bobby’ I have to say I’m completely blown away by Lashley’s daftness! When you’re in the industry it’s all about the storyline and you don’t screw that up for any reason. He’s been a wrestler for long enough to know how all this works. I’m really starting to think Kristal is the brains of that operation, not just the beautiful mouthpiece!

A Foley interview came out this week and a few of the things he said really shocked me. Okay, one thing in particular shocked me, another thing only surprised me. The shocking part was what he said about his in ring work. Foley mentioned that he hadn’t planned to wrestle this past year as much as he did, but really didn’t think he was putting out stinkers after working a couple matches in a row with Angle. While I completely adore Foley and he might always be one of my top five favorite wrestlers from when I was a young wrestling fan (Taker, Nash, HBK and Benoit being the others), I cannot agree that Foley’s matches haven’t been stinkers this past year. I will always defend Foley’s writing, his mic work and the wrestling he did as Cactus Jack and Mankind, but I cannot agree with him about his matches in TNA. Foley, like many of the other aging wrestlers, need to keep their bums out of the ring and stick to managing, training, shaping the younger wrestlers, announcing and mic work. It’s a travesty to see these men who used to be so grand be reduced to looking like fools in the same ring that was their whole world. The place they used to showcase their amazing talents have turned on them and now make them look old and sad. It hurts my heart to see these men reduced to the mere shadows of the fabulous wrestlers they used to be, but yet can’t see how laughable they’ve become. It’s time for a number of men to hang up their boots permanently and many others to seriously reduce what they do in the ring. I hate to say it, but it’s dangerous and is a slap in the face to the industry they so love when they continue to act like they’re twenty years younger than they are and look the fool in the ring. It’s downright depressing for the fans to watch over and over. I will admit there’s certain times that it works, but more than a couple times a year and it crosses that line into heartbreaking. I’m sure we can all list at least a dozen wrestlers who fall into that category. So I’m sorry Foley, your matches are stinking up the place.

Show Starts

Video

Bisch and Foley’s issues as they continue. Foley faced Nash to help his friends Abyss and Borash keep their jobs. Foley hesitated and didn’t hit Nash with one of Borash’s drawings of Foley and Abyss. Hall and Waltman came through the crowd and ended up attacking and beating down Nash.

Hulk’s Moment Of Truth

This week’s title and the show started with him headed to the ring in all black with at least three crosses hanging around his neck. The fans are not really hot for him here until he prompts them in the ring. Hogan welcomed the fans and said he made the right decision coming to TNA. He has his swagger on as he hears everyone talking about TNA. Even his brothers up north (those in the WWE) are talking about TNA. The fans have made TNA the place to be. He feels like he’s cool again – Sorry Hogan, never happen! He does know of a few guys who are not cool. There’s security all over the place, if you have to go, hold it, you’re not getting out. Syxx-Pac and Hall are not getting in. They might be his brothers, but they crossed that line. Sometimes you have to get even or take someone out, but the way Hall and Syxx-Pac did that last week wasn’t cool. They’re on lockdown and if Hall and Syxx-Pac get in, they’ll have to deal with him. If he has to gear up in the red and yellow, he will. EY’s music and out to the ring he came with a leather jacket and a smirk. “Over rated” chants. EY said Hogan doesn’t know him real well, but he’s tight with Nash. Hogan’s been around long enough to know good friends are hard to find. He needs Hogan to let Hall and Syxx-Pac in to he can take care of them. EY said Hogan doesn’t know him, but he’s not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Hogan asked if it was his turn yet. Just because he just got there doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a clue. He knows about Team Canada, leader of W/E. He knows who EY is, where he’s going and what he’s about. It was EY and a hand full of guys who have the talent to take this where it should be. He should know who he’s talking to when he’s talking to Hogan. EY nodded. Hogan said ‘The Band’ is locked out. EY said that there’s few people he has respect for, but Hogan’s one of the reasons he’s standing there. Out of that deep respect that he’ll tell Hogan to his face, that if he won’t let them in then he’ll have to do what Kevin and these people would do, go to them. Hogan said not to do it on Hogan’s time. Take them off the property and bust them up real bad. A handshake and Hogan left the ring.
7/10 – I’m really hoping the ‘over rated’ chant was going after EY being a heel and not really about his work as he’s one of the best young guys TNA has on the roster and has more than proven himself from day one. EY impressed me when I started watching TNA and continues to impress me more and more as he grows into himself and becomes more seasoned in the ring and on mic. TNA would do well to full utilize EY as well as a number of other wrestlers who have been brushed aside since the turn of the year. As to what happened in the ring, I smell set up. Hogan in all black and telling EY to take it off site. Yes storyline, but total set up. Maybe something interesting will actually start happening? I can hope, but not holding my breath.

Backstage

Foley walked in the back and asked if Bisch was there. The woman told him that Bisch was in his office.

Backstage Segment

Hall and Syxx-Pac skulking along outside somewhere, trying to get in.
1/10 – I say lock them out and don’t let a camera follow them! They’re old, uninteresting, and most probably drunk (to say the least)!

Match #1

Orlando Jordan out to the ring in a really ugly Flair wanna-be robe and really crappy music! Video of Jordan taking out The Pope in the ring last month. Then The Pope out to the ring to face him! Video of The Pope stealing a win from a pompous AJ last week. “Let’s go Pope” chants. The fans loved it when The Pope got the upper hand on Jordan. Jordan really didn’t sell The Pope’s moves at all. Then there was “Pope is Pimpin’” chants that brought a smile to his face, but the chant that brought a smile to my face was the “You still suck!” chants for Jordan. The Pope fought back with an inverted atomic drop and flying forearm that made me think I was watching a reincarnation of HBK. But then Jordan fought back and I cringed. “Let’s go Pope” chants. The Pope hit his finisher and Jordan was done. The Pope advanced in the Tournament.
6/10 – In the ring Jordan just came off as a bully who rediscovered his schoolyard. While he didn’t look horrible in the ring, he sure is not up to par with the young wrestlers who have been with TNA since before Hogan came in. He’s just not needed in TNA and obviously not wanted by the fans’ reactions. I have to say that chant was clear and solid from the fans, more so than I’ve heard in a long time. Jordan is only 38, but he’s sure coming off as an older and crappier wrestler that the fans just don’t want to see. I hope Hogan and Bisch actually listen to the fans and quietly let Jordan go back to the oblivion they pulled him out of. That match would have been fabulous if The Pope had been in the ring with someone of substance.

Backstage Segment

JJ walked into Bisch’s office. Some small talk and JJ called him on what he’s doing in TNA. He hadn’t been in the ring in 7-8 months and then in the main even with Anderson, he hoped he delivered. Bisch said he enjoyed that match more than any in a long time. He was impressed with JJ’s ring psychology. Between them, he thinks he miscalculated how valuable JJ is to TNA. He’s reconsidered his spot in TNA. JJ is a world class athlete. JJ wanted to come in and build trust. He’d love a slot in the Tournament. Bisch asked if he’s read and JJ said he is. Bisch said he’s so valuable to the company, he’s not sure he’s ready. Being number one contender doesn’t sound like starting at the bottom and working his way up. He needs to work hard and be that exemplary employee he knows JJ can be. JJ saw the writing on the wall, thanked Bisch and left disheartened.
8/10 – If nothing else, Bisch is so good at being so bad. While I might not be thrilled with all he and Hogan are doing with TNA, I’m thrilled with Bisch on air. He’s such a dirty little shit that he makes me feel like I need a shower after watching a segment like that. He makes greasy used car salesmen seem honest and believable in comparison! Bisch is just so damn good at being so disgustingly bad.

Match #2

Suicide out to the ring. Matt Morgan out to face him. “Let’s go Morgan” chants right from the start of the match. Suicide tried, but Morgan was too strong and on his game. More chants for Morgan as the match continued. But then Suicide moved out of a corner and used that to take it to Morgan briefly. It didn’t take Morgan long to hit his big boot and it was over.
7.5/10 – Morgan looked great in the ring. I’m not sure if this was taped before or after Morgan found out about his father’s tumor, but it was around the time of this taping. I have to say I’ve been worried about him and his family since it came out about his father’s health issues and how life might effect his ring work. Morgan has become one of my favorites and it’s for matches like this one. He’s always on his game, no matter who he’s in the ring with. He sells moves even if they look impossible and works so well with anyone, no matter their size. Just impressive all around, only thing I wish was the match was longer. On the other hand, I’ve really been hoping they’d ditch the Suicide character and create something better for him.

Backstage Segment

Foley knocked on Bisch’s door and went in. Foley called him Mr. Bischoff. He talked about Bisch alluding to having Abyss’ and Borash’s careers in his hand. He’ll do what he needs to guarantee their jobs. Bisch said he’s shocked Foley’s back and Foley said it took a lot for him to come back. He’s thrilled Foley’s come to this decision, he can be a real asset to the company. Bisch said he’s a man of his word, Abyss and Borash are fine. As far as Abyss goes, two spots are left in the Tournament and he has one. He has someone good for him to face, perfect. Abyss will face Foley at Against All Odds. Foley, totally debasing himself to Bisch said he’d start to go get ready. Bisch stopped him with two more things. Bisch wants the Cactus Jack flannel to go, it’s so 70’s. Foley said it’s 80’s – 90’s. Foley asked what the other thing was. Bisch said if there’s any shenanigans, then Abyss’ mask will come off at the next Impact, the world will see what he looks like. Hope Abyss can deal with that and Foley better not cross him. Foley thanked Bisch and left with his head held low. Bisch then basked in his own brilliance.
7/10 – That was different. So rare to see Foley cowed in such a way. Only Vinnie-Mac has done that in the past and it wasn’t as much fun as this. Vince’s ‘Kiss My Ass Club’ just turned my stomach, but Bisch’s taking things from Foley like possibly his friends’ jobs, his flannel, Abyss’ mask, this makes it more interesting to watch. I don’t really want to see Foley in the ring against Abyss, but at least this match has an interesting set up and means more than just nothing.

Backstage

EY pacing, thinking.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Anderson and Angle backstage. Tonight they will tag against Wolfe and Hernandez. At AAO they will be facing off, how will they tag tonight. Anderson said he’s had to carry so many people in the ring he’s broken his back five times, five surgeries. He’ll be winning at AAO and be the next TNA WHC, Champion. Angle glared then said he didn’t know Anderson’s intentions, but he’ll have eyes in the back of his head. If Anderson screws him the way Hogan screwed him, he’s going to snap Anderson’s ankle faster than that ridiculous mic can fall from the ceiling. Does Anderson understand? Angle walked off and Anderson just stared. Angle walked back into the shot, put two fists together in Anderson’s face, moved as if breaking a bone and simply said, “Snap” before walking away again. Anderson made a couple faces, then held his hand out. A mic fell into his hand and he said, “Mr. Anderson!” then with an arm around the back of Hemme’s head and his breath in her bangs, “Anderson.” She didn’t look impressed, at all.
9/10 – All three of them were fantastic. If we could have short and concise promos like that one, by men who are great on mic like them, TNA would be giving Vince a run for his money. Sadly these are few and far between.

Backstage Segment

Angle walked up to EY who was still pacing. Angle told him he appreciates what EY wants to do, but this is a fight he can’t win. For all EY knows, Hogan could be lurking in the dark. He’d do anything to be the center of attention. EY said that means Angle’s coming with him. Angle said no, he’s going alone and EY will stay back and worry about his career. EY said Angle saw what they did to Kevin. Angle yelled at EY that he did see what they did to Kevin and that’s why he’s going alone and EY’s staying there. Angle left and EY punched a locker.
8/10 – Another damn great promo! What is TNA doing? They trying to lull me into a false sense of security? I’m nervous! The only problem with that segment (for me) is I didn’t realize Angle and Nash were still on good terms and why would Angle risk his chances to run for the title again at AAO by going out and confronting two drunken bullies. So while the promo was really good, it made little sense over all.

Match #3

Amazing Red to the ring. Doug Williams out to defend his newly won gold. Video of Magnus demanding Rob Terry turn over his briefcase to Williams to cash in. “USA” chants started the match and Amazing Red on Williams hard. But then Williams noticeably screwed up. Amazing Red kicked Williams in the head and Williams was supposed to go over the top rope to the outside, but didn’t get enough of a jump off and sort of flailed in the air. Then Williams dropped to the mat and rolled out which made no sense, but put him in choreographed position to continue the match. It just looked really bad on his part. Back in the ring and several near falls, very quickly. Then Williams slammed Amazing Red face first to the mat three times. The problem being is that the move didn’t look crisp. It was obvious that Amazing Red was throwing his arms down and his head didn’t come anywhere near impacting the mat. While the move might look good in person, on TV it looked extremely fake and crappy. A nice taunt and flying back elbow from Williams helped some, but not enough. Figure four head scissors on Amazing Red, something I haven’t seen in quite a while! “Let’s go Red!” chants. Amazing Red flew out in a twisting corkscrew, but Williams almost completely dropped him. “That was amazing!” chants and Taz said that move won’t be seen on any wrestling TV in this country. Amazing Red stayed on Williams fast and hard with some beautiful high flying moves, but they don’t feel over done coming from him. A rolling German and Williams got the three.
7/10 – That was a very enjoyable match, even with all the obvious problems. While Williams obviously has the move set to be great in the ring, he just doesn’t have the speed or polish that most of the X Division has. Not saying Williams is a bad wrestler, not at all. In fact I’ve become quite fond of Williams and his wrestling as of late, I just don’t think he has the speed needed to be running with the X Division and definitely not enough of the spunk that makes for an X Division Champion. So while it was nice to see a decent match on TNA that lasted more than five moves and held my attention, I’m not sure Williams is the right fit for the X Division Champion at this point. It’s almost as if TNA has lost sight of what the X Division is supposed to be all about.

Backstage

TBP headed for the ring.

Video

Tara and Love had a huge feud last year, but now they need to fight side by side against TBP. Can they work together? Honestly, I don’t remember a huge feud between the two of them last year. Either it wasn’t that big, or it wasn’t that memorable.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Love and Tara. She asked about them teaming up tonight. Love said when Tara came to TNA, she didn’t like Tara and pounced. But last week they had a great match but TBP had to stick their noses in. Tara said welcome to her world. Last week Tara had her back and she had Tara’s this week will be no different. Hemme asked about strategy. Tara said the plan is simple, it’s going to get ugly. Love pulled the mic and said, real ugly.
6/10 – That was so much better than some of those old and horrible TBP segment that Love led back when. She’s so much better on mic now and I think it’s the change in character. I said all along that if she was out of that role she could be very impressive, hopefully now we’ll see that.

Match #4

TBP to the ring. Rayne in blue, Velvet Sky in pink, but identical outfits. Lacey was in black boy shorts and numerous layered bras, not at all looking part of the team. Love out to the ring looking hotter than ever and I will admit that now that she’s not coming off the way she used to. Tara out with Poison in hand. Tara in the ring and Velvet Sky showed off her wiggle in Tara’s face. Tara immediately tagged Love in and Velvet Sky fled. Lacey got nailed outside from Love, but Rayne and Velvet Sky double teamed Love and she was toast. “You can’t wrestle” chants, but only from a small group of people and I’m not sure who they were chanting at. Velvet Sky choked Love with her own hair, interesting. Then one lone voice from the crowd yelled, “Tag in Lacey!” Tara tagged in and used Rayne’s body to roll/flip into the ring, but Tara seemed to slide down Rayne’s back and land harder on the mat than she should have. TBP regrouped outside, but Love and Tara both hit baseball slides into them together. Commercial, but rather than coming right back to the match they showed a video for the ‘Best of 2009’ DVD! Lacey tagged in, climbed to the second ropes, moonsaulted to the mat, then dropped an elbow in one beautiful motion, but she gave nothing more before tagging out. Love hit a beautiful kick on Velvet Sky, but Lacey and her ugly stick got the upper hand and TBP won. After the match Tara came back in with the ugly stick, but the three of them overpowered her and took her down.
6.5/10 – That was actually better than expected. Tara and Love looked solid in the ring together and Rayne and Velvet Sky did well fighting against them. If there wasn’t so much of TBP acting like little girls, it could have been a great match. So while it wasn’t fabulous, it wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination. And when it comes to Lacey – one good move does not a great wrestler make.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Wolfe. She asked about him tagging with Hernandez against Angle and Anderson. Wolfe got into comparing it all the matches and wrestlers to poker to try to give the Tournament some sort of meaning when it has none. Then he said he’s already destroyed Angle and should put him on the shelf for good. Super Maxipad can go back south of the border, Hemme giggled at this. And the guy who has everyone talking, Mrrrrrrrr Hemme interrupted and he told her to wait and went back to his rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. and finished with Wolfe. He then commented about some guy who talks to much. He said they’ll all be lucky to make it to AAO. Any cheap shots, he’ll injure. Team up against him, he’ll injure. He hope they understand, if they don’t, he’ll injure. Sunglasses back on and a little air kiss at Hemme. She giggled.
8/10 – I really like Wolfe’s “I’ll injure” comment. I can see that really taking off if used right. It seems as though he’s settling into his character and it’s feeling more natural than it did in the beginning. It feels more real and right to me than it did when he first came to TNA. Very cool.

Main Event

Wolfe out to the ring, but by himself without his little chippie. Taz and Tenay wondered where she was hiding. Hernandez out looking more heel than he has of late. Wolfe said something to Hernandez and then extended a hand, but the camera didn’t stay long enough to show if they shook. Anderson on the stage and on his favorite mic. He ripped on the fans, then said his name twice. I still catch myself expecting Kennedy! It just rolls off the tongue better somehow. Then Angle out through the stage with pyro. Hernandez and Anderson start and Hernandez goes through his normal match moves, including using his shirt to fling Anderson. Wolfe and Angle in the ring together working as beautifully as ever and Hernandez hit some nice moves with Angle! Ankle lock on Wolfe, but Anderson distracted the ref who never saw it. Bodies flying everywhere. Wolfe’s hammerlock slam should have taken Angle out, but he kicked out. Angle took Wolfe down, but then Anderson stole the tag and the three.
9/10 – That was really a kick ass match! It is possible, but for some reason we’re not getting enough of those. I’m really impressed by how they all worked together, but the most impressive for me was Hernandez and Angle. We’ve seen Angle and Wolfe in the ring together, but Hernandez was a different flavor. I was not thrilled when the match started as it was the same move set Hernandez starts every match with, but with Angle it developed a whole lot more. That man is so talented in the ring and it’s nice to see him moving up to main event status. As long as he doesn’t let his move set become boring, he could really rule the roost in TNA before too long.

Backstage

Joe headed for the ring.

In Ring Segment

Joe out to the ring. He said he’s out there for one reason and that’s to talk to someone. He called out AJ for a little chat. AJ came out in a beautifully cut suit, badly matched tie and Flair in tow. Flair made the cameraman back off and grabbed a mic for AJ. Joe said AJ absolutely disgusts him. AJ said it’s because he’s the champ. He’s known AJ for a long time and they were tight. They didn’t rest on their laurels and gave everything they had to the fans. When it comes to the most epic clashes in that ring they were between AJ and Joe. He’s disgusted because AJ gave it all up. He used to be a Champion, a warrior, gave his all and earned what he got. When Angle came out to compete, AJ took a shortcut and threw it all away. Flair took the mic and said he wasn’t going to talk, but they’re going to establish one thing before AJ goes to work on him. AJ is the champ, he is the WHC, he is the flagship. Joe is right, it came out of his mouth. Joe and the fans will learn the word respect. Joe said to come over here and come strutting into the ring to teach him respect, but he will be limping his way to the hospital afterward. Flair and AJ laughed at this. Joe said AJ was the last pure thing for the fans, the boys in the back and everyone to believe in. He cheated the fans. AJ said Joe’s turned more coats than the dry cleaners. He’s been with the Front Line, then MEM and then the Nation of Violence. AJ asked how that’s going now that MEM’s money’s died up. Why doesn’t Joe go hang with Taz. Taz better take a rain check as Joe will turn on him too. Who is he to question AJ Styles. Joe said he knows his transgressions and will bear his crosses. But every time some newcomer came in here offering to shake TNA up, Joe stood up in his face. AJ dropped to his knees, puckered up and kissed the ring of his new sugar daddy. Down went the mic and belt, off came the glasses and jacket and tie. Flair tried to stop AJ, but AJ didn’t listen and Joe started to hand AJ’s ass to him. But Flair rushed in and hit a low blow just before Joe could hit his muscle buster. AJ and Flair on Joe and someone starts ringing the bell over and over as if they’d stop at the sound of the bell getting annoying. Finally some refs in to get them off Joe. Flair grabbed the mic and told a ref to shut up. He then asked Joe if he understood now, tough guy! Outside the ring on the ramp, Flair gave Joe a famous ‘Whoooooo!’
5/10 – I hate to say it, but they should have ended with the main event match. That was the highest point of the night and really would have left the fans wanting more. This end segment just left me annoyed and feeling like I was watching WWE. Maybe it’s a step up from feeling like an old WCW show, maybe not.

Backstage Segment

Oh goodness, there’s more! AJ on his cell heading out the back, but Bisch stopped him. Bisch asked if AJ was proud of himself, have fun out there. Bisch asked if he’s living large. AJ said all day, everyday. Bisch said he knew Flair had a limo full of ladies waiting, but Hogan and he’d been talking and this is an important match with the title on the line. Given AJ’s recent history, the ending of the Angle match, they decided on a special guest ref. AJ demanded to know who he has. Bisch said it will be him. Bisch told AJ to go tell Flair that Bisch will be reffing this match and calling it right down the middle. See ya champ! AJ freaked out, grabbed his cell and yelled that they had a problem.
6/10 – Nice little twist to add right before the PPV. With the ‘heat’ between Flair and Hogan, of course Bisch will be biased against Flair. Very interesting, very interesting indeed!

Announce Segment

Taz and Tenay went through the Tournament and matches slated for Against All Odds.

Backstage Segment

Angle stomping his way out the back and Hogan stepped in his way. Hogan said it won’t happen this way. Angle said he knew all along Hogan was involved. He knew when Hogan came to TNA that he didn’t have good intentions. He told Dixie she couldn’t trust Hogan, didn’t know what she was getting herself into and this is exactly what he was talking about. Hogan said if he’s so hell bent on getting his ass beat, he’s making sure of one thing, it’s going to happen in his house so that maybe someone will come save his dumb ass when they’re beating him down. Hogan threw a door open and said he knows ‘The Band’ and they’ll be in real soon. Angle said that Hogan’s the boss and he’s sure he’ll see all three of them out there.
3/10 – Oy, I guess I should have paid more attention to what time it was. I stop the show and am always a little behind when it’s really aired, just to make sure I catch everything important. I was off on the time and really thought the show was over. Heck, the show SHOULD have been over after that tag match. All this extra crap brought the show down and made me less and less interested in AAO.

In ring Segment

Angle in the ring yelling for Hall and Syxx-Pac. He’s not leaving until the show. Syxx-Pac rushed through the crowd and into the ring. Angle on him hard. Drunken Hall was well behind. Angle locked an ankle lock on Hall. Of course this gave Syxx-Pac time to recuperate and pull out his brass knucks. A horribly faked shot to Angle’s neck/head and ‘The Band’ was in control. Syxx-Pac handed the knucks over to a staggering Hall who struggled to put them on while Syxx-Pac stomped and the fans chanted for Angle. They continued to work over Angle in the ring until Hogan’s music hit. He came out smiling and nodding. He acted all happy to see Hall and Syxx-Pac. Hall and Syxx-Pac posed pointing at Hogan. Hogan took off his sunglasses and watch before entering the ring. Wolfpack signs between all three off them. Hall pulled out the knucks and Hogan pointed with a smile. Hogan took them, put them on. They pulled Angle to his feet and Hall held Angle. Hogan nailed Hall in the head with the knucks, then grabbed Syxx-Pac and held him freaking before hitting him with the knucks. Angle struggled to look up at Hogan while Hogan looked annoyed and dropped the knucks to the mat.
2/10 – How obvious could they be? My boyfriend is new to wrestling. He’s only been watching for about two years, he asked which of them Hogan would be hitting first. Even though they tried to put out hints that Hogan was going heel, it was so obviously not going to happen then, if anytime in the near future. It just didn’t work.

Post Show

I really thought Impact had built to a decent crescendo with that tag match, but then the show was shot in the foot and seemed to take two weeks as it staggered around making a big show of things before it finally died, bleeding and alone in a back alley with only Hall‘s empty bottle for comfort! This episode of Impact could have been really solid if it had been edited differently and ended on the high note I thought it had ended on. Each match seem to get better and the promos were really solid there at some points, but then the show crashed and burned in an abhorrent mess.

I know their ratings jumped up when Hogan, Bisch, Flair and the others came into TNA, but they reached a certain point and have been dropping. I hope Hogan, Bisch and Dixie realize this and do something about it. I know it’s harder to deal with things like this when the shows are taped so far ahead of time and maybe it’s time they change that too. I know there’s been different ideas popping around about Impact going live every other week on Mondays, then that didn’t seem to be happening and now no one seems to know what’s going on. I think if TNA’s every going to give the fans what they want, they can’t tape so far ahead of time and really need to listen to the fans and not just run with what they want. They should honestly look at WWE and do what they claim they’re doing, give the fans what they want, not just what they want to experiment with this week to try to put the squeeze on Vince. This needs to be about great shows and even better wrestling, not about how badly they can hurt Vince McMahon, but I don’t think any of the three of them really understand this.

I truly hope someone realizes what needs to be done before it’s too late for these fabulous young wrestlers. There’s so much potential in TNA, it just needs to be tapped in the right way. I still fear that Hogan and Bisch are not the right people at the right time. Again, only time will tell.

KB

Then there’s the comments, both on Bubba The Love Sponge and on Twitter that make me wonder just how shoddily everything is being run backstage. There’s Homicide being disgruntled about the direction of the show; Scott D’Amore leaving TNA; Hogan being out of sorts on the State of TNA Address. All of these things are huge negatives, in my opinion. When key wrestlers are openly saying they’re not happy with the company, then either people need to batten down on what’s being said or something needs to be done about the issues being voiced. I have no idea what the complete story is behind D’Amore leaving TNA. He’s stated that he will be involved in the merging of Border City Wrestling with BSE Pro Wrestling. With that creating a large independent promotion. But that he left TNA without giving notice and was the agent for some of the highest rated segments for TNA in the past year, I have to wonder if there’s more to his leaving than just wanting to create this large promotion. The whole thing just leaves a huge question in my mind.

The last thing on that list, about Hogan being out of sorts, woogy, disinterested or possibly drunk at the State of TNA Address, upsets me the most. He’s trying to act like he’s running things at TNA, he’s really doing all he can to make TNA into a viable hindrance to WWE and Vince McMahon, but then he can’t be bothered to care during this big radio show? To me that just reeks of someone with a serious issue of some sort. I can’t say what that issue might be as there’s so many possibilities, but it seems like there might be something there worth worrying about. I say it was a damn good thing Bischoff was there and actually put together so he could answer most of the questions and make sure at least one of them sounded semi-intelligent! I’m baffled that Hogan would go into something like that and that Bisch would let him. They’re trying to build up TNA, not make it look like it’s being led by a raging idiot!

Speaking of raging, that’s what I was doing when I saw that TNA actually earned a 1.4 last Thursday. What the heck is that all about? I know Hogan and Bischoff can bring in fans, they did that on January 1st, but that people are tuning in more and more really makes me wonder where people’s heads are! I watch TNA every Thursday as it’s my obligation (that I love doing because I love writing about wrestling in any way, shape or form), but I’m only one person out of thousands who have been tuning in more and more to watch TNA. I do not understand why people are tuning in as they are. It makes no sense at all! The shows have been sucking in a huge way, the storylines have only become worse, there seems to be even less decent ring work and then the fricken ‘Orlando Screw Job’! It’s one thing to mention WWE, but to blatantly steal one of the biggest controversies in wrestling history and make a joke out of it the way they are is total BS. There’s been so much animosity and hate between people for twelve years and it’s finally being ironed out and Hogan and Bisch need to rub it in their faces. It makes me gag! But I’m truly at a loss as to why so many fans are tuning in the way they are. There’s too many of them to just be rubber-neckers, or old WCW fans looking for a thrill. I’m just very confused about who all these new viewers are. I’m also disgusted that by tuning in they’re making Hogan and Bisch think they’re doing the right thing and a good job when that’s so far from the truth it’s not even funny. The whole thing just makes me ill to think about for too long.

Show Starts

Video

Hogan called out Foley and made him work things out with Bisch. They talked in the office. Bisch threatened Borash’s and Abyss’ jobs. Angle was pissed about the ‘Orlando Screw Job’. Hebner said he was paid off. Angle and Hogan shook on it, but Angle told Hogan he’s accountable for everything that happens in TNA. Angle was attacked by Waltman and Hall after Hogan left. JJ had to face Anderson in the main event. A low blow and Anderson won.

’The Breaking Of The Band‘

This is what TNA has entitled this week’s Impact. Gee, I wonder what THAT’S all about?

Match #1

Qualifying Match and Brutus Magnus out to the ring. Mr. Anderson out to face him. The mic comes down high on the ramp and Anderson does his own announcing, as per usual. A solid “You suck” chant from the fans, but they also talked along with him stating where he’s from. Anderson kept talking about the four sided ring. Anderson talking about the four sided ring got the most heat of that mic promo! He claimed that he’s not the one who said he’s the future, Hogan said he’s the future and if Hogan said it, it must be true. Hogan also said (in his book) that there’s no such thing as a ‘roid rage, so that must be true too! “An-Der-Son!” chants from a decent sized group. I think they’re very confused about Anderson and not sure if they should root for him or not. Doesn’t help that he’s in there with another heel! Anderson held all the control through the first part of the match. Magnus managed to turn it around and actually make it look decent, but sadly the fans were very quiet through most of it and that effected the match in a huge way. Anderson hit the mic check and it was all over for Magnus. Anderson then announced himself the winner. Anderson… “You suck!” chants.
5/10 – Sad that Anderson on the mic was the best part of that match. It just wasn’t good and didn’t hold my attention. Putting Anderson – who isn’t getting the best of reactions and not the best matches so far in TNA – in the ring with Magnus – who’s known for not being that good in the ring (but has improved) since the day he came into TNA – TNA was guaranteeing that their first match of the night would not grab and hold the fans’ attention. Not the smartest way to start the show!

Backstage

Foley rolled up in an economy rental car.

Backstage Segment

Angle with Hemme. She brings up Tomko, but Angle wanted to talk about Waltman and Hall. Hemme asked if Angle thought Hogan had them attack Angle. Angle said this is who Hogan is and what he’s about. He’s going to find Hogan and he’s in a really bad mood.
8/10 – Interesting! This could be a lot of fun! Very well put together promo, well spoken and added huge interest to the show. Very cool!

In Ring Segment

Bisch sullenly headed for the ring. He looked like a kid heading for the principals office, but when he got there he was all smiles. He said last week Hogan made it clear to Foley that he had to get on Bisch’s page. Foley didn’t agree and that will cost Foley dearly. Foley’s music and out he came looking rather pissed. “Foley” chants. Foley said his reputation in the industry is that there’s something wrong in his head. Not because he was willing to put his body out there or do anything to pay the price, but because he got along with about everyone. People tried to get him to say bad things about people, luminaries like Marcus (Buff) Bagwell, Paul Heyman, Jim Helwig (The Warrior). The truth is that deep down he doesn’t dislike anybody. But Bisch is the exception that proves the rule because he hates Bisch’s guts. Foley called him a ‘slick little hustler’! he’s the polar opposite of what Foley is, the antithesis of everything that he believes in. He loves this business, would have done anything to be part of it and basically did. Bisch came in from the outside, a salesman and an announcer and the worst one at that. Taz said that obviously Foley hasn’t heard of Mike Adamle! Bisch was an executive that pushed his way into power just because he didn’t embody old school wrestling. Perhaps Foley’s not old school, maybe he went to the school that burnt down before they built the old school because he can’t stand Bisch. Bisch says Foley might not be able to stand him, but this is about Foley’s decision. Foley said this is about them and his decision. You can mess with Foley’s life. He loves being part of TNA, but he’s always prepared himself for worst case scenario. That’s why he was saving every dime when he was 22 and the other wrestlers couldn’t see the future. He was sleeping on a cot at the Red Roof when he was the WWE Champion. He drives a piece of crap minivan and loves it because he doesn’t want to answer to idiots like Bisch and he won’t! Foley demanded to be heard out because he marked down to words on his hand, two names. J.B. and Abyss. Who the hell is Bisch to screw around with other people? Bisch thinks he’s just a funny guy with buggy eyes? Does Bisch know how many hats Borash wears backstage? The Zone would shut down if not for Borash! The fact that Bisch doesn’t know this, or care to know this, shows how little interest he has in knowing how TNA really ticks. Bisch says what makes him tick is the power. He’s listened to Foley babble on out there, so he can listen to Bisch. He doesn’t want to be on Bisch’s page? That’s fine, it’s his choice and he respects that. But what’s unfortunate, since Foley won’t get on the same page with him, he’s going to have to turn that page… He’ll appreciate this. He’s also a New York Times best selling author and he’s about to write the next chapter in the Foley story. Foley said that something he wrote in his book about Bisch is power should be limited to those not in love with it. Which Bisch hasn’t’ learned a thing since his failures in WCW. Foley’s been running this show and recognized around the world while Bisch was making reality shows with Chachi. This is the deal Eric. He’s always told his wife that his first real love, and she knows this, and there was a day that it might find love with someone else, but he’ll be damned if he watches Bisch have his way with the woman Foley loves. Bisch stops Foley to ask about those names on his hand, Abyss and J.B. Bisch still has their futures in the palm of his hand. Since he’s about to write the new Foley chapter, tonight Foley will face Nash in the ring. He has history with Nash. He jumped Nash in the Zone. It’s time for Nash to get some revenge. Then Bisch started chanting ‘titty-tatty’ over and over again. Bisch smiles that sickening authoritative smile he has.
4/10 – That made no sense! They rehashed a number of things, nothing was accomplished and even though Foley said he’s out of TNA, he now has a match? No sense at all! Then we’re supposed to believe that Bisch is playing heel to Hogan’s face and Hogan’s not seeing any of Bisch’s heel-ness, even though it happened in the ring and on camera? So much stupidity in that whole segment and we’re supposed to take it and act like nothing was out of sorts? So not cool!

Backstage Segment

Abyss was watching a monitor and freaked out. Borash was there too. Abyss asked if he’d be okay. Borash said he was just there to get his last check. He worked for Bisch ten years ago and nothing’s changed. when Bisch is around, nobody’s okay. Abyss really freaked out then.
6/10 – Everyone knows I’m a huge fan of Abyss when he’s acting childlike. Well, that wasn’t childlike, that was just whiny and annoying! It was Borash that saved that segment. His straight up honesty really came through. Might have been scripted words, but I’m wondering how close to reality they’re really ringing.

Backstage Segment

Hemme with Tara. Tara’s facing Love and there’s history there. Love tortured the heck out of Tara when she came in. She seems to have changed. Last week she earned her respect, but Love has the eye on the prize. Love better be ready for Tara, because Tara’s ready for her.
6/10 – Not great but not horrid. Luckily it was short and to the point. Wasn’t Tara’s best promo, but I do expect a lot in her match against Love.

Match #2

Team 3D out to the ring. Hernandez and Morgan out to face them. The match started out with Ray getting the upper hand on Hernandez! But then Hernandez leaves Devon and tags out, this gave Devon chance to recover. Taz made a big thing of this ‘mistake’. Up top Devon gnawed on Hernandez’s head and then he hit a flying head butt halfway across the ring. Devon and Ray really had the upper hand over these two young huge guys – not believable! The Nasty Boys got involved to knock Ray off the top, but then Ray ate a carbon footprint from Morgan for three. After the match was over Knobbs went in with a chair and Sags was directing, but Hernandez and Morgan ran back to rescue Ray. It almost became confrontational in the ring until Morgan and Hernandez explained that they’re there out of respect and to help. Fist bumps and all is good.
6.5/10 – For me this just wasn’t believable. The moves were there and they all looked good, but I just cannot believe that either Ray or Devon could get over fresh Morgan or Hernandez. These men are young, big and talented. No offense to Ray and Devon – two men who I have loved for many years (face or heel) – but they’re not as young as they used to be and they don’t go like they used to. I just did not believe the match, even though they worked hard to make it believable. Sorry.

Backstage

The Pope got ready for his match.

Match #3

Jesse Neal out to the ring with his new look – so much better that his old look! Samoa Joe out to face him. Joe really took it to Neal HARD! Many “Joe” chants. Neal raked Joe’s eyes and then climbed. Joe casually walked away as Neal flew. the look on Joe’s face was fabulous as he conveyed what an idiot Neal is. Muscle buster and Neal was done.
7/10 – While I can only barely give that match a seven, it was so much better than everything else we’ve seen in the ring so far on this show. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a bad Joe match (one that went the distance and was an actual match), but this wasn’t one of his best. I don’t know who thought it was a bright idea to put him in the ring with Neal, but whoever it was really needs to go back and watch some of Joe’s PPV main event matches! I don’t see as anyone could watch Joe’s matches and not KNOW he’s a main eventer!

Backstage Segment

Hemme stopped Hogan and asked about what Angle said. Hemme had to tall Hogan what Angle said, that Hogan put the hit out on him. Hogan said he’s there and not hard to find. Hemme said Angle’s coming after Hogan. Hogan said he’s there for Angle to come find him.
5.5/10 – At least it was short! Hogan seemed not really caring in that segment. Like he was blowing the whole thing off and not really caring about any of it. He wasn’t at all animated or into what he was doing the way Hogan is known to be. It didn’t suck, but was close!

Match #4

The Pope to the ring. AJ out with Flair in tow. Early in the match AJ chopped The Pope and turned to show off to Flair and this gave The Pope the time to get the upper hand. Commercial. Halfway through the commercials TNA came back to show AJ had regained control. AJ worked over The Pope, but also taunted and acted like a hot shot through it all. Back and forth between the two of them and they really made it look good! The Pope had some convincing moves and pins, as did AJ. Flair taunted The Pope from outside. AJ grabbed The Pope, but The Pope reversed the small package and got the three on AJ! AJ and Flair immediately started beating down The Pope. Joe’s music hit and he ran out. Joe hard on AJ. Joe went after Flair who fell on his rump on the mat. AJ attacked Joe from behind but in the end Joe and The Pope got the upper hand. Security broke it all up.
7.5/10 – I really would love to give this match a higher rating! I truly would, but all that crap at the end brought it down. I understand they wanted to set up for another feud and show that people are pissed off at AJ for turning heel, but Joe could have been introduced in a smoother way. This was out of the blue and strange. The work in the ring between AJ and The Pope was solid. AJ’s really falling into being Flair’s protégé beautifully. It worked well, but the end killed it for me.

In Ring Segment

Flair flung all sorts of threats at Samoa Joe for getting involved in their business when they were beating down The Pope. He taunted Joe from the ramp. Flair said this is the new TNA and he’ll get his ass beat. Flair also taunted The Pope. Joe grabbed a mic and told Flair to shut his mouth or he might just decide to wrestle the ‘nature’ out of his ass! Joe then called AJ an unrepentant scumbag. Joe doesn’t care, AJ was always a warrior, a man and a champion. Then he sold it all out for a couple suits and for Flair’s cheap hookers. At Against All Odds Joe is cashing in his title shot. AJ looked about to cry. Joe told AJ to go to bed and wake up knowing he has to face the inevitable. Joe then told The Pope that they should go beat them both down.
8/10 – That was fabulous! Joe was great on mic and really sold it. AJ’s facial expressions were priceless! AJ didn’t have to say a word but was able to convey every feeling. Flair, as usual, wore every bit of it on his face and added to it all. Just a great way to end an over used security break up segment. I’m impressed!

Backstage Segment

Hemme asked Love if TBP would be involved. Love said most likely. She taught them everything they know, but not everything she knows. She would have never replaced Love. Not working out to well. She’s facing Tara tonight and success is the best revenge and she’s awesome at revenge.
5/10 – Nothing really special, but much better then when she was so extremely self absorbed in TBP. She doesn’t annoy me and make me want to turn the volume down the way she used to. That’s a huge step up in my book.

Backstage Segment

Nash and EY talking and Bisch walked in. Bisch had no clue who EY was. EY introduced himself, said he was the leader of W/E, Global Champion and a three year contract holder at TNA’s happy little family. Handshake and slap on the shoulder between them. Bisch remembered but then threw him out. After he left Bisch said it’s another name he probably won’t remember in the morning. Bisch needed a favor. He needed Nash to destroy Foley in a No DQ Match, mop the floor with him. Nash brought up that Waltman and Hall don’t have contracts. Bisch said they won’t play by rules. It is what it is. If he likes it that way he can play that way, or he can destroy Foley for Bisch.
7/10 – Heel Bisch is out in full force on this episode! I don’t understand how Hogan and Bisch are not fans of EY. He’s great on mic as well as in the ring. But we’ve seen a number of long time TNA wrestlers getting brushed aside recently. They’re getting swept under the carpet only to get a couple seconds of mic time, or nothing at all.

Video

Replay of Bisch telling Foley he would face Nash later in the night.

Backstage Segment

Hemme asks Foley if he’s going to fall in line for his friends? Foley said he was told to fall in line or lace them up, he got new athletic shoes for Christmas, so he’ll lace them up. He’d cooled about Nash, but thinking about it he’s been getting hotter again. Abyss in and freaked out about not having a job. Foley said he’ll be in the ring so Abyss will have a job. Because “whatever I touch, starts to melt in my clutch, I’m too much.” Then Foley sings the last couple beats of the Heat Miser song. Foley makes Abyss promise not to go to the ring, no matter what. Abyss promised. Abyss left and Foley said to Hemme that Abyss is too much.
6/10 – It was cute, but still not the best of Foley or Abyss. Foley wasn’t really relaxed and Abyss wasn’t really in his childlike character. It seems as though everything is just a little off on this show and it just isn’t going well for anyone.

Match #5

Tomko out to the ring looking a little chubby. Angle out to face him. Angle in control until Tomko hit a freaking fast scoop slam on Angle. It was really impressive! Angle started to fight back, but Tomko picked Angle up with both hands to Angle’s throat and slammed him down hard. Angle came back but only was able to hit two of his Germans before Tomko overpowered him. Angle was able to fight back and hit all three Germans and then lock on the ankle lock. Tomko tapped when Angle put his whole body into the hold.
6/10 – A number of those moves made me wonder if Angle was going to get up again. If this hadn’t been taped, I’d have been seriously worried about Angle’s body. I was so worried about someone getting hurt that I couldn’t really enjoy it. Tomko looked a little loose cannon in his moves, as well as fat and out of shape. WWE did the right thing by letting him go once they saw how his body has deteriorated. I’m really wondering why TNA brought him back. I know he was supposed to feud with AJ, but since Hogan and Bisch came in that was obviously scrapped. He’s dead weight on the roster in my opinion.

Backstage

Split screen showed Tara and Love heading for the ring.

Video

From TNA’s European Tour – all done in stills. An interesting way of doing it and very different from WWE. I’m impressed.

Video

Early in Hogan coming in Nash sent Foley on a wild goose chase. Nash did it all to screw with Foley. Nash kept saying that Hogan wasn’t coming alone. That, of course, meant Bisch.

Backstage Segment

Nash in to talk to Hogan about facing Foley. Nash then begged for another chance for Waltman and Hall. Hogan said Nash has a sweet deal here and he needs to look out for himself. Hogan said they’ve done all they can for them and Nash can’t screw up his own spot here. Nash kept going back to bringing Hall and Waltman in.
5/10 – So hard to believe something like that when Nash has publicly backed off from Hall and said he’s done all he can for his friend. There’s been a distancing by Nash from all the really wild times and I just don’t believe him begging Hogan to bring them back. Feels really fake to me and seemed like it tasted bad in Nash’s mouth when he said it.

Video

Love had to leave TNA and that broke up TBP. After she left they brought in Lacey von Erich. Love came back and they’ve been fighting ever since.

Match #6

Angelina Love to the ring. Tara out to face her. Love actually seems more serious and determined than I’ve seen her. Commercial. Tara’s top is blurred out, so there must have been some nip slippage. Back and forth work between the two. Love countered the widows peak, but Tara was still able to roll her up and get the three. Tara extended her hand and pulled Love to her feet. TBP rushed the ring and attacked Love. Took a moment but then Tara got into it and they got the upper hand. TBP ended up fleeing. Tara’s still being blurred out as her right nip was still visible.
6.5/10 – Not the best Knockout Match we’ve ever seen, but they both worked really hard during this short match. I have to admit I’m very impressed with Love’s work. She wasn’t so worried about her looks and being uber hot, so she actually worked the match. I’ve been saying all along that she’d be great if she wasn’t stuck in TBP and she proved it there. She actually held her own with Tara and that’s saying something compared to how she had been wrestling.

Backstage

Outside Hall and Waltman were skulking around.

Backstage Segment

Angle stomped into Hogan’s office. He demanded that Hogan explain how he shook his hand and then had his boys attack him. Hogan said he’s not giving them contracts and now he’s being accused of this? It’s Angle’s bad temper. Hogan had heard before he came in that Angle’s temper had cost him opportunities and they don’t need that now. Angle said he doesn’t care about lost opportunities, he doesn’t trust Hogan as far as he can throw him. He’s heard the horror stories about the people Hogan’s done business with. He’s not going to be screwed with like them. Hogan told Angle to do himself a favor and get out of his office, please. Angle slammed his hands down and left.
5/10 – I expected so much more from that! That was typical Angle being a hot head and Hogan coming off as slightly stoned and not really into it all. He was reserved and didn’t seem to really be taking it all in. he stood up at the end and tried to look all pissed, but it didn’t work.

Main Event

Foley out to the ring with Barbie in hand. Nash out pushing a shopping cart full of weapons. Nash didn’t look like he knew what to do with weapons. Nash held a trash can as protection from Barbie and really looked uncomfortable in there. A hockey stick to take Foley down and Nash grabbed Barbie. Barbie to Foley’s face. Foley got it away from his face and mule kicked Nash to get free. Forearm to Nash’s head and he sold it very well slamming himself back on the mat in a way I didn’t think he was capable to doing! Foley grabbed a picture frame, but then hesitated. This gave Nash a chance to hit the big boot and get the three. The picture was Abyss and Foley drawn by Borash. Hall and Waltman in through the crowd. Hall attacked Nash. Nash down and the two of them beat down on Nash. Hall and Waltman posed in the ring, Waltman throwing ‘wolfpack’ signs. Outside the ring Hall and Waltman pose right in front of a camera.
4/10 – You put two old guys in a No DQ Match and that’s what you get! As if anyone expected anything different. That match was really bad. Yes, I was impressed with how Nash sold that one move, but that’s all that impressed me. Foley looked old and didn’t move well. Nash looked very old and didn’t move well. Hall looked old and drunk and didn’t move well. Waltman looked decent, but also afraid he’d hurt Nash if he did anything major to him. So basically it all sucked and wasn’t worth anyone’s time.

Post Show

What happened to the days that we tuned into TNA to watch some of the best wrestling matches available? The days that TNA showed off their X Division in matches that left us fans with our jaws in our laps? I was actually really excited when it was announced that Hogan and Bisch would be heading to TNA. I thought that they could be really good for TNA. They have a lot to prove and makeup for after WCW and I thought they would add a lot to the company and the show. I did have some worries, as did everyone. Sadly all of my worries and more have come to fruition and we’re being fed some of the worst schlock wrestling TV has seen since the downfall of WCW!

We had seven matches on this episode and all of them were very short. The first match gave us Magnus and Anderson, neither of which have given us a decent single’s match in TNA. Then we had 3D against Hernandez and Morgan. This was a very one sided match and just didn’t work for me. And then the powers that be thought we’d enjoy Neal against Joe. I don’t know who was smoking crack when they put that together, but Joe obviously was not impressed either. I have to admit that The Pope and AJ did put on a decent match, not the best, but the best of the night. But then we went right back to an overweight and out of shape Tomko facing Angle. I really feared for Angle with every move he took from Tomko as they looked really rough and not well executed. Love and Tara gave us a decent little match, but it was so short! Then we had that laughable main event. That’s a lineup of matches that I’m just shocked at. I spent a week in the hospital on serious pain killers recently and I could have come up with a better lineup than we were stuck with tonight.

To say I was disappointed with this episode is putting it mildly. I had a long week and really wanted to sit down and enjoy wrestling tonight, but instead I’ve been left with a bad taste in my mouth. I hope this week’s ratings actually reflects the content of the show, unlike last week. I really hope TNA turns things around and fast. If they go to Monday night with shows like this, they’re going to be out of business within six months.

KB

Chris: Hey everyone and welcome to this brand new feature here on WNW: The Fatal Four Way, where Kendra, Paul, Rob and I all team up to bring you our monthly WWE pay per view predictions. I came up with the idea to do this for a couple of reasons, primarily for you, the readers, to have just one place to go to read our picks, making life much easier. It will also be far easier to keep track on the WNW WWE blog writers challenge this way as well as providing yet another innovative and interactive feature that is totally unique to Wrestling News World. I really hope you enjoy this debut edition and please feel free to leave some feedback and your picks via the comment board. A big thank you to WNW South African correspondent Brandon Van Reenan for once again designing a superb logo for this blog! Brandon currently studies Graphic Design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa and if his work for WNW is anything to go by, is in for one hell of a successful career! I couldnt find a way to change the fonts when I wrote this out but Paul and I will be in Italics, whilst Rob and Kendra will be in standard text!

Chris: I think WWE have done a really solid job building the Royal Rumble. All of the feuds leading in here have been built really well and the card is solid. This show is usually one of the best of the year and I am expecting big things from WWE, especially since TNA has really been bringing their A Game (at least on the pay per view side of things) for the last few months. I haven’t really enjoyed the build for the actual Rumble match as I hate that wrestlers just seem to randomly decide to take part, I think I mentioned last year that I felt 2007s qualifying matches were a really good way of doing it. What I do like however is the fact that this is one hell of a star studded rumble with major names involved and I am sure WWE looks set to surprise us and swerve us with a few returns and surprise debuts along the way! So without further ado lets get this underway!

Kendra: I’m so thrilled to be joining the WWE PPV predictions this year! I love writing about TNA, but my love of wrestling doesn’t end there. I grew up watching McMahon TV and it holds a dear place in my heart. While I’m thrilled about joining the boys, predicting big matches like the Royal Rumble truly intimidate me! But more than that I’m very excited about joining the boys in predicting WWE’s 2010 pps!

Paul: So, it’s that time of the year again, one of the most exciting in the WWE calendar, the Royal Rumble. This year we have had some kind of miracle and the Rumble itself has been well built as a story. I know mind blowing right? Anyway, I’m always excited for this event, but this year more than ever the undercard leaves not just something but a lot to be desired. I’m not feeling any of the matches, except weirdly the women’s match, but I’m very scared that that is going to end up not going the way that it really should. Anyway, enough chatter, let’s get to some predictions

Rob: Welcome to the first mega prediction blog of 2010! I’m Rob Manisero, your WNW ECW/Superstars reporter and I’m here with my cohorts in crime of the Blog Spot to deliver some Royal Rumble predictions. The card has shaped up to be pretty decent, with some interesting title matches and a star-studded Royal Rumble bout. I expect a couple of shockers as well as the road to Wrestlemania officially begins!

Chris Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

This match had one of the best builds of any title match I can remember for a long, long time. The homecoming battle royale qualifying matches made ordinary TV matches important and gave a reason to tune in and watch ECW every week. I was surprised with Big Zeke going over, especially considering the talent that was in the battle royale but I am not opposed to it. Zeke so far has looked solid in the ring, is decent on the mic and plays the monster heel role to perfection. I am unsure if Regal will accompany him to the ring, seeing as how he is in the Rumble but if he does, expect some interference which may get broken up by Kozlov. I honestly cannot see Zeke going over here as I think it is too early to make him champion and by having Christian retain here (perhaps all the way to Wrestlemania) it will make the moment someone does finally defeat him, that much more significant!

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Christian (Retains ECW Championship)

Kendra Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

Ezekiel Jackson is one big man and really could be Champion of ECW, and I really don’t think he has enough time behind him as a singles competitor – even though he‘s been backed by Regal. I just feel that the Champion on a show should be someone developed and deserving, but obviously WWE doesn’t feel the same – read Sheamus. Anyway, as I don’t see either of the other two major championships changing hands and Christian has been ECW Champion for quite a long run, I think Jackson actually has a chance. If Regal wasn’t there to support him I wouldn’t give him a shot at all, but with Regal there I think Jackson might just be able to carry the title and add a new spark to ECW.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Ezekiel Jackson (New ECW Champion)

Paul Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

Ever since I stopped blogging ECW, my patience for the program (knowing I don’t explicitly have to watch it) has been getting lesser and lesser. I have not enjoyed seeing Ezekiel Jackson as the focus of the show lately, and that match from last week where he tagged with Regal, went on FOREVER, and does not give me high hopes at all. However, I’m gonna go out there and say that Zeke wins the title. Christian has done literally all he can with the ECW title, and now if they want to push Zeke, they need to give him the title, and they need to do it on a big PPV. I’m not pleased with it, but I’m going there. Let’s just hope it will be quick.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Ezekiel Jackson (New ECW Champion)

Rob Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

One definitive good thing can be said about this match: it has had plenty of build. Between the over-the-top challenge and the interactions between Zeke, Christian, and Regal in the past couple of weeks, the build has been well done. Now it all boils down to whether or not Zeke can deliver a solid match. He has the look, but taking the strap off of Christian now would just be the wrong thing to do. I expect an at least decent match and a good showing from the big man.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Christian (Retains ECW Championship)

Chris Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

I cannot remember a more controversial and talked about angle in WWE, since Vince faking his own death! On one hand I hate this, it is degrading and insulting to fabulous looking Mickie and sends out completely the wrong message to the millions of female fans watching WWE. However it has achieved something that the WWE women’s division has so completely failed to do in recent years and that is make people care about it again. People talk about this match, I see hundreds of tweets of support to Mickie saying they hope she kicks Michelle’s ass. And just look at some of the discussion from our readers on my Smackdown comment board last week. When was the last time anyone really truly cared about a WWE Women’s match? Now whilst these two are capable of good things in the ring against one another, I don’t want to see a competitive match here, I want to see Mickie go out there and beat the living shit out of Layla and Michelle for all the punishment and humiliation they have put her through and finally send out the right message to the fans. I am not one for good guys always win in the end, but this is one instant where they have to. Mickie deserves this and if Michelle walks out of the Rumble with the belt under ANY circumstances I will be furious!

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Mickie James (New Women’s Champion)

Kendra Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

On this one I have to go with my heart even though I will probably be wrong. I think this whole storyline is horrible and Mickie should hand Michelle her face on a platter. Mickie is not at all fat and I’m disgusted by this whole thing. On top of that she’s a heck of a lot better in the ring than Michelle. To top it off, the storyline could get much more interesting if Mickie wins. I’ll be absolutely disgusted if Vince panders to Taker’s girlfriend on this.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Mickie James (New Women’s Champion)

Paul Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

Well this one is a can of worms. The piggy James stuff has not been to my taste at all and maybe you think I’m a pussy who can’t take a wrestling angle, but when I consider all the backstage stuff and the fact that Mickie is trying to get a side career as a country music artist going, stuff like the cake and punch in the face two weeks ago has made me very uncomfortable. What’s most stupid is that the cool heel getting the better of Mickie ever week is almost telling the WWE children fans that this is what (Women’s Champion) a winner looks like, and this is what a loser, a so called fat girl looks like. It’s really stupid and the thing is it could all be made better if Mickie just beat the shit out of her here. I just don’t see it happening though. I’m sure this is just Vince burying Mickie for daring not to be stick thin and daring to try and do something else with her life, and right now is the final kick to the face while Mickie is already down. I don’t agree with this either, but I think Michelle, against all logic, retains.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Michelle McCool (Retains Women’s Championship)

Rob Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

This angle has been just disgusting for the fans and Mickie. I do not know what she did to deserve this kind of treatment, but whatever it was she better win the title this time around. Hopefully in a huge beatdown too. Michelle just has not been cutting it as Women’s champ, especially her poor mic work. Mickie is over with the fans and she is a proven champion.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Mickie James (New Women’s Champion)

Chris Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

I am very surprised WWE went with heel vs heel here but at the same time pleased because it gives us something different than the usual run of the mill title matches. This match has been built faily well on RAW despite DX overshadowing it somewhat. Sheamus has not been booked well since capturing the title, having constant squash and cheap disqualification matches. However last week on RAW he had a solid match with Cena, where he bested him and had him beaten only for Orton to interfere (and then John Cena took a turd all over the good stuff we saw but that’s a rant for another blog…) anyway for me what that match showed was Sheamus can go in the ring (as we all knew from his FCW days) and I think this has all the potential to be a very good match. The crowd are going to be heavily behind Orton but I cannot see any way he walks out as champion unless WWE pull a huge swerve and put Ted over in the Rumble but sadly that would be too creative (not to mention the fact Ted has been booked so badly he has not been able to get over as much as we all want him to!) I think Legacy will get involved but things may break down and the cost Orton the win and the victory. Randy Orton does not like to get beaten by many people but when his opponent is hand picked by Triple H, Randy may just have to swallow his pride and do the job! I don’t want to see a cheap DQ, I want to see a legitimate win for Sheamus to start building him as the real deal heading in to Wrestlemania.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Kendra Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

Even though I do not abide by Sheamus being the WWE Champion, it is what it is. Personally I would love to see Orton really smoosh Sheamus in this match. Orton might have been the new guy at one point, but he’s now a seasoned competitor and should give Sheamus quite the run for his money. But in the end I see Sheamus coming out on top with the title. Does this mean Sheamus will win cleanly? Not at all! I think Legacy, specifically Ted will somehow cause a DQ and while Orton might win the match, Sheamus will retain the title.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Randy Orton Via Disqualification (Sheamus Retains WWE Championship)

Paul Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

Heel vs heel is not a route best advised for a world title match, but as the title isn’t the focus of attention at this show, I guess they can get away with it. Orton has taken on the quasi face role here, and I can’t help but wonder how big of a reaction he will get, especially with people hating Sheamus for having the title in the first place. I don’t expect a good match here to be honest. Sheamus style is interesting when he’s got a good performer to go against, a guy he can swat down. Orton’s plodding, ‘methodical’ (read: boring) offence will not be a style clash that I think will work particularly well. I can’t really see Orton winning the title here, but I don’t see this being a clean win for Sheamus either. My prediction here is that Sheamus retains the title, even if he has take a loss by disqualification to get the ‘w’.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus

Rob Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

To me, this match is screaming, begging, and pleading for a Legacy breakup. I want Ted to run down that ramp, presumably to distract Sheamus, and go straight for Orton. Randy will most likely be getting pops considering who he is facing. Sheamus is not the guy I would want as champion going into Wrestlemania, but for the time being, I cannot see Orton taking the belt either. Sheamus will win after Legacy, specifically Ted, inadvertently helps him out.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Chris Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

I am really looking forward to this match! It is interesting that RAW is doing heel vs heel and Smackdown face vs face, definitely something quite unique! Undertaker and Rey put on a good show on Christmas Day and both of them are such savvy ring veterans, that put them together and you are guaranteed a quality showing. I hope this is given a decent amount of time, despite the questionable physical condition of both guys! This match is sure to split the crowd as both guys are immensely over and I am excite to hear the duelling chants. The only thing that has hurt this feud is Batista constantly inserting himself into the scene even though he is not part of the match. I really hope WWE keep Batista away from this and just let these two go out and entertain us for half an hour. We should see some crazy counters and reversals from Rey but despite his best efforts I see no way he is going over Undertaker here as I imagine Taker is set to head, certainly into Elimination Chamber as champion, if not Wrestlemania

Chris’ Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Kendra Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

While both of these men are uniquely qualified to work the ring and be Champion in their own ways, I don’t like this match. These men are just too different in the ring, both in size and technique. While Rey is one of the best high fliers, I see Taker’s size dominating this match and making it too one sided to be truly interesting. There’s no way Taker can lose to Rey – other than by some strange DQ.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Paul Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

This match has been built with Mysterio pretty much looking like nothing. HBK has looked straight past him to a match with Undertaker, he’s been getting decimated by Batista ever since he became #1 contender and he even lost the verbal battle in his confrontation with Undertaker. However, this could be pretty good build as what is Rey Mysterio? He is the ultimate underdog. All the same, I don’t think he’s winning the title here, not with his alleged dodgy knee playing a part as well. What I do expect is the entertaining big man/little man mesh of styles, especially with the ‘phenom’ twist Undertaker brings, and the lucha flair that Mysterio provides. So while I expect a good match, I’m still not betting against Taker.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Rob Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

Now this should be a good match and hopefully it will be around 20 minutes of exciting wrestling. Rey is going to have to pull out all the stops and use his speed and high-flying ability to have a chance here. Batista might get involved but hopefully that won’t go down. Just like in the ECW title match, I just cannot see the challenger going over here. With the talk of Rey being hurt and having surgery after Wrestlemania, plus with the developing Shawn Michaels story, it just seems like the company might lean towards Michaels Undertaker Part 2 with the title on the line. Undertaker for the win.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Chris Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

Ok I hate Triple H’s annual quest to win the Rumble. It sucks up valuable TV time, when there is no way in hell he should ever be winning the event again. For months I was hoping and praying that WWE would use this match to put over either John Morrison or Kofi Kingston. However Kofi’s push has stalled due to Randy Orton’s ego and Morrison (despite being over as anything) seems a more likely bet for MITB at this point. I think, with it now looking unlikely that The Rock is coming back for Wrestlemania, that this is the perfect time to start a Cena/Batista feud by having Cena eliminate Batista and the enraged animal take Cena out of the ring. This could be the biggest Smackdown vs RAW match ever and defiantly something I would want to see at Wrestlemania now we have a clear heel vs face and Batista is no cowardly heel either which again is refreshing. I don’t care who eliminates Triple H, just as long as someone does, maybe Shawn for ironic purposes. I would be entirely opposed to Shawn going over, if the plan is for Undertaker to enter Wrestlemania as champion and then you would have the actual best match as the main event for a change! But The Rumble should be about establishing new talent rather than putting over someone who has already won. If WWE want to put over an established guy both Chris Jericho and CM Punk have very strong arguments for the victory. I am hoping to see some surprise returns here hopefully from RVD and a couple of legends but what I am really hoping WWE do is pull a not so much of a swerve here and bring back Edge and have him eliminate Jericho and win the Rumble, if Edge is not quite ready to return yet from injury then have Jericho take him out on Smackdown next week and demand “his” title match against Taker at Elimination Chamber and then bring Edge back again after that to challenge Jericho. It is perfect and Jericho deserves to main event Wrestlemania more than anyone else on the roster after being consistently the best performer of the last two years (as well as having to endure that awful Legends angle last year) Edge as a babyface would be great as well and can you imagine the roof blowing off the place when “You Think You Know Me” hits! For me this would be perfect and for once my far out there predictions do actually have some evidence to support them, just check out this inadvertently released picture that Netflix had for the Rumble DVD (It has since been pulled and replaced with the Rumble poster!)

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Edge

Kendra Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

This is the first time I’m predicting the actual Royal Rumble Match for anything other than my own personal fun and it’s really tweaked me out! While I’d love WWE to take a huge leap of faith and book Cody Rhodes, MVP, Ted DiBiase Jr. or even Bryan Danielson (wouldn’t that be huge?) to win, I do not see it happening with the match being so stocked with bog names. Therefore I have to wonder if WWE will go with the obvious – HBK, HHH, Cena or Batista – or something more interesting like Kane or Big Show. But I have whittled it down to two people who would make the win interesting – Kofi Kingston and Chris Jericho. I’m sure Kofi makes sense to most fans as he’s so interesting and truly a rising star, but I’m sure some wonder about my picking Jericho. I just have a feeling that he would be an interesting swerve. He’s been a star for quite a while, but he’s never won the RR and I think it’s about time. The problem is that Jericho just pulled a dumb and drunken move by getting arrested with Hurricane! That again leaves me with no clue again. So I’m going with HHH. Maybe this will be the breakdown of DX!

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Triple H

Paul Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

I actually have been really impressed with the way that WWE has gone in trying to build up the Rumble match as actually being important. That hasn’t happened for a good few years and unlike last year when it was nearly a given that Randy Orton would win (so obvious in fact in the prediction blog from last year I felt it was too much of a safe answer and went elsewhere), there are several guys that could win here. You look at HHH, HBK, John Cena, Batista and Chris Jericho as the main event candidates and perhaps guys like Big Show, Kofi Kingston and CM Punk with an outside shot. There are many different guys who have all put their say forward and claimed that they can win the Rumble and that does make it more interesting, especially when there isn’t an obvious way to go. I’ve been mulling through various possibilities in my head. I thought on the outside way of things, following a shock upset from Rey Mysterio, CM Punk could win the title to go for hair vs title/mask but that doesn’t look very likely. I considered Shawn Michaels winning and going straight to Wrestlemania to face Taker, but I don’t really see that either. what I could see is John Cena perhaps winning to go on to face an Elimination Chamber winning Batista at Wrestlemania. And while I think we may see some combination of the aforementioned matches at Wrestlemania, I think it will be due to a Triple H win, going on to face maybe Sheamus, or maybe someone else, maybe HBK depending on the outcome at Elimination Chamber.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Triple H

Rob Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

There is no doubting the star power in this year’s Royal Rumble match. A plethora of guys can easily win this thing, including HHH, HBK, Batista, Cena, and Jericho, to name a few. I would love to see a young guy like Kofi outlast everyone, but it looks like Orton sent him back down to the mid-carders. There is a really poor chance of a young guy being elevated here, especially with Sheamus already looking like the WWE champ for WM26. It will be interesting to see if it comes down to DX, and in my mind it probably will. Cena is always there, and considering he single-handedly made the WWE title match look weak with his superhuman antics on Raw, he is a definite favorite. Jericho is deserving of it too, but I’m hoping that a guy named Edge will take him out. That being said, I’m going to go with a DX ending and a HHH win.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Triple H

Chris: Well there you have it, the first fully loaded edition of The Fatal Four Way is complete. As I said, I hope you enjoy this new feature and we will all be back again for Elimination Chamber next month as well as with our respective blogs in the week. I will also be reviewing The Rumble (hopefully immediately following the event if I can manage to stay awake!) and have something else special lined up for that as well so be sure to check that out. Thank you so much for your continued support of Wrestling News World and its writing staff!

Kendra: I really think this Royal Rumble will be one of the more interesting in past years. There’s a lot of big names in this year’s Rumble and that should make for a lot of intrigue and fun. I also see some new feuds starting from the Rumble Match. I just can’t wait to sit down to watch and live Blog with everyone!

Paul: So, there you have it folks, thats the Royal Rumble. Since Satan apparently put together my University timetable I wont be able to stay up to join and moderate you guys in the live chat, but I will be catching the show as soon as possible, and will give you my thoughts in the pre-game of my RAW blog. For now though, I hope you enjoyed this new style of prediction blog, and you should let us all know your thoughts. Until next time then, I have been Paul Smith

Rob: Well there you have it. This big-four PPV should definitely deliver and hopefully with my picks, which will give me an early lead in any sort of standings we might have. Until next time, here’s hoping we see Edge!