There’s so much information flying around the internet about what Hogan is and isn’t doing with and for TNA that I don’t know what end is up. The rumor mill is flying more now than I can remember seeing since the Benoit murder/suicide. Some people are saying TNA is already unhappy with Hogan, some are saying that Vince McMahon is totally freaked out and worried – yet other places are saying the exact opposite of both. Just too much information flying around and doubtful that most of it is true at this point.

I did read, and who knows if it’s true, that two of the Knockouts might be on shaky ground with TNA. It didn’t shock me to read that Sojo Bolt might not be in the best standing in TNA. She’s barely been used since Dutch Mantel was released. Her contract is coming due in a month and it’s doubtful it will be renewed. Many expect her to be released without any contract negotiations.

Of course the other Knockout that is not on the best standing in TNA is Lacey von Erich. She’s been showing no locker room etiquette and much disrespect toward those with much more seniority in the industry and company. To top it off she’s horrible in the ring. She’s also the only one who stays in her wrestling gear all day at TV tapings. She refers to it as her ‘costume’. TNA is not the 7th grade, but sure has seemed to act like it since she was first signed. I haven’t been impressed since day one and am becoming less impressed by the day.

The other interesting little bit of information I came across was a short bit put out my Kevin Nash. He commented that he’s not on a paid vacation and had a long talk with Dixie Carter over both of their feelings to do with what he was afraid was a serious neck injury to Sabin. He understands where Carter is coming from, but it did cost him some money. While I agree with everything Nash did and said – from what I read – I also agree that Carter had to do something about it. If she hadn’t suspended Nash without pay, it would have set a bad precedent for the wrestlers and if she really wants TNA to grow, she has to be tough. Nash showed a side of himself, when he spoke up, that I truly respect. But Carter showed a truly respectful side by suspending him for it. I think they both did the right thing for who they are and what they needed to do.

Lastly, Dixie Carter has been Tweeting like crazy this week! I added her to my list since the whole Hogan thing came about. She’s been Tweeting a lot about TNA and the possible changes. At one point she told Shannon Moore to call of his tweeting fans. I guess they’d been inundating her with ‘hire Moore’ Tweets. The most recent one this afternoon was – “Met with talent before show. Preparing the troops for battle. 1st talent mtg w/cameras allowed. Look for footage at start of show tonight.”

Why she felt she needed to Tweet about this? I have no clue. Showing Carter rallying the troops is one thing, Vince used to show it on WWE every once in a while when something big was going on. But that Carter felt it was such a big deal that she has to Tweet about it really makes me wonder where her thoughts are. I know she wants big changes in TNA, but sending out Tweets like that makes TNA seem like smaller potatoes than ever before!

Show Starts

Video

All about Hogan joining TNA – press release and some of his interviews from his book tour.

Video

Dixie Carter starts that pre-show pep talk to the wrestlers that she Tweeted about. She talks about change and how no one like big change and how everyone will be effected differently. While they might not like it, they have to support her. When you question her, you question the company and she can’t have that. She put all of everything she has into TNA and needs them to support her the way she supports them. Either stand behind her or find someplace else to work. No great success comes without risk. Now’s there time. This is a test and she needs them all to step it up and work together. You need to believe it. If you don’t believe it you’re hurting the person next to you, her and the fans. If you believe it, let’s do it together and show everyone what they’re all about.
–/10 – Some people don’t like being told to conform and don’t question authority. Carter claims it was a real meeting, but it felt too set up for the fans. It felt cheap, weak and worrisome. If it had come from Hogan or Bischoff I might have been more willing to believe it, but that didn’t feel right. Too much like a politician, too much like a fake version of someone trying to be a McMahon and falling very short.

In Ring Segment

AJ out to the ring. Taz talks about the locker room being motivated by Carter, and who wouldn’t be. AJ said there’s been a lot of changes in TNA, but he’s AJ Styles and TNA WHC! There’s always been changes in his life and TNA – all positive. Who would have thought Hogan would be part of the TNA family. Mixed reaction to that!!! They’re on a new playing field, a whole new level. He’s been dreaming of this level for the past 7 years. But where there’s positive, there’s negatives. When he won the WHC, he made it clear he’s a fighting Champion. The only problem is someone’s been lurking and jumping him when his back is turned. He’s giving them the opportunity to come out and man up! He doesn’t’ care if you’re foe or friend, look him in the eye, take your best shot and try to take what’s his. Out comes Daniels! Daniels said it’s interesting AJ would say foe or friend and wanted an explanation. AJ said he doesn’t owe one. Daniels said he does after all this time. He actually expect it’s Daniels after Joe told him. Is AJ that gullible? Or, with all due respect, that stupid? AJ said it’s enough! Daniels said it isn’t! He called AJ arrogant. After all this time AJ’s been the face and future of TNA. Along the way he’s been pampered, coddled and a little spoiled. AJ always got special treatment, always. They came into TNA together and Daniels never got anything handed to him. And he’s every bit the wrestler AJ is. The fans know it and AJ knows. The only difference between them is AJ was always helped up, but Daniels was always pushed down. Carter comes to them and says there will be a change. Maybe it’s his lucky day. But if one person out back doesn’t like him, it will be another 7 years in hell for him. AJ asks if that’s how it is? Daniels has never opened up like that in their friendship! Is there anything he can’t say to AJ? Joe comes out to the ramp and says there’s a lot Daniels can’t say because he’s working AJ. Joe called Daniels a bald faced liar. Daniels has lied to him their whole friendship. Daniels has always been jealous and always will be. The only reason they’re not friends is because AJ has something he wants. Joe has not problem telling AJ that face to face, man to man. He doesn’t need to attack AJ from behind like a punk. Daniels said he can beat AJ face to face, no doubt about it. AJ asked if Daniels thinks he’s the best. How bad doesn’t he want to find out? If he wants a piece of AJ, all he had to do is ask. Why don’t they settle this tonight? Put it in the ring where there’s a winner and loser. They shook on it and Joe laughed on the ramp.
8/10 – This set up for the PPV is getting more and more interesting. To top it off we get AJ and Daniels in the ring tonight. As long as TNA lets them show off how great they are, I’ll be thrilled.

Match #1

W/E, EY and Rob Terry out to the ring. They’re now calling him simply ‘Big Rob’. He is muscled, but not really very tall. EY all smiles with his strap that he stole from Nash. BMI out to face them. The fans were wild for them. Terry started by throwing Storm around and looked strong, but not creative. And that faux mullet! Roode hit a back body drop on EY that looked a little off and EY landed a little strangely. Storm and Roode worked so wonderfully together that there’s no wonder they’re one of the best teams in the industry today. But then Terry raised Roode high and dropped him in a funny way – looked bad. EY brought the belt in and tried to hit Roode who ducked, so Terry ate the belt. Roode pinned Terry for three. After the match BMI went after EY, but the rest of W/E came out. After security broke it all up in the ring, Williams and Magnus were on the stage and the “USA” chants broke out. Suddenly MCMG tackled them from the side and security had to rush up there and break that up!
6/10 – While BMI worked beautifully in that match, Rob Terry was in the ring! Of the three in TBI, only Williams has any real skill. You can only push a guy so far on his looks. Terry just doesn’t have it! Then add in the over booked ending and the ref not doing much to make it a TAG match, I wasn’t thrilled. Three of these guys are some of the best in TNA, but they were forced to do that schlock!

Backstage Segment

TBP said they don’t have time to interview AJ because they’re making another movie – ‘The Meanest Girls, Part 2’.
2/10 – I’m sure we’re all thrilled!

Backstage Segment

TBP rush into a locker room expecting Sarita but find ODB putting on deodorant. They say it looks like a monster movie. ODB calls them the STD sisters. ODB says she’s making a movie and looking for some slut doubles. Lacey gets all excited about this until Rayne slaps her arm. ODB really talks up Lacey, then kicks her and the fight started. They pinned down ODB and then got her into a garment bag.
2/10 – Just not thrilled by them. Lacey looked like a total idiot there. I know she was supposed to look dumb, but she can’t act and just looked lame. It’s true I have no use for her and the more I see, the less I want to see. Velvet Sky has more talent in her little finger than Lacey von Erich has in her entire body. Seeing how bad Lacey is shows me just how good Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne really are.

Backstage Segment

Lauren with Jay Lethal. She’s gushing about Hogan coming to TNA, but no one’s as thrilled as Lethal. He said nobody has a bigger history with Hogan than him. They’ve fought side by side for years. Bygones being bygones and will be the first to welcome Hogan to TNA. He has an announcement. Next week is the start of the Black Machismo Invitational. He’s challenging everyone with legendary status who wants to bring it, to see if they’ve still got it. He called out Koko B. Ware, Jake The Snake, Nikita Koloff, Bundy, Warrior, Flair! They can all come because next week starts the Freak Out Black Machismo Invitational.
7/10 – (SPOILER – In this segment!!!) This should be interesting! I know Koko B Ware has put in a little time recently working for our local NWA here in Maine – anything is better than that, even just one night in TNA! But I haven’t heard anything about any of them showing up yet. I’m sure everyone’s read that Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhard will be on next weeks show, and this explains why. I’m sure with Hogan and Bischoff, TNA will be able to draw a lot of the older names for one offs like this. I’d be surprised if we didn’t see Nasty Knobbs and Brutus Beefcake showing up during this Invitational because of their close friendships with Hogan.

Backstage Segment

Borash walked into Foley’s office trying to find out what’s going on with Abyss. Foley said he mentioned it last week when he said it was between him and Abyss. But you’d think with being a shareholder he’d be informed about all the changes going on. Borash asked what changes? Foley asked if Borash is a Hulkamaniac. Borash said Foley’s his favorite wrestler. Foley said Borash was busted. He says Foley, but his eyes say Hulkamania. When they were interrogating people about what happened, Borash was rather upset, shocked when he found out Foley had a camera in his office. Is there some reason behind that? Is there something he wants to tell Foley? Some footage he doesn’t’ want people to know about? Borash said no, he just came in to talk to him about Abyss. Foley said he had something for Abyss and left calling Borash a Hulkamaniac.
7/10 – I have to say TNA fans are very perceptive people. Many people said that something would later come of how Borash was acting when he found out about the camera in Foley’s office. Here it comes. That was short and worked very well. I’m impressed. I wasn’t sure how Foley’s character would be changing with Hogan coming in, but it looks like nothing’s changed yet.

Backstage

Desmond Wolfe getting ready for a match.

Match #2

Wolfe out to the ring. Video of Wolfe and Angle in the ring on last week’s Impact. Bloody hell! Cody Deaner was in the ring waiting for him! Do I smell squash match? Angle was on the phone with announce. Yes, one clothesline and it was over. Angle barely said hello and Wolfe pinned Deaner. Angle talked about his larynx being damaged and a pinched nerve in his neck running down his left arm. Wolfe got his attention, but not his respect. Wolfe grabbed his jacket and put it back on. His sunglasses and a mic as the camera flashed on people working on Deaner in the ring. Backing up the ramp Wolfe told them to cut his music. He said he wants everyone to take a look at the muppet in the ring. Another victim at the fangs of the Wolfe. What he doesn’t understand why all these common wankers want to get in the ring with him. They’re all the same. It’s so easy for them to get in the ring, but getting out of the ring? Not so much. He then addressed Angle. Or, after what he did to Angle last week he should call him Mr. Mangled. Angle told him to keep talking. What Wolfe doesn’t understand why Angle wants to face him at Turning Point and suffer more pain and agony. “You suck” chants. If that’s what Angle wants, he’s happy to give it to him. He can smell the blood already. He’s hungry like a Wolfe. (The Duran Duran song he was referring to with that comment actually came out when he was four years old. I don’t see him remembering it. I know the song is still around, but I wish the comment was a little more age appropriate.) Angle said Wolfe said his peace, nice sunglasses.
6/10 – I’m not a fan of characters who can destroy anyone. I know Deaner is useless in the ring, but Wolfe is being too strong. I loved what I saw of Nigel in ROH, but I haven’t been getting enough of that from him yet. Yes, he’s good on mic and a great heel, but too strong coming in and no matter what, when he loses he will forever look weak. Not a balanced character in any way and I don’t like it.

Backstage Segment

Lauren said to Suicide that Homicide attacked and unmasked him a few weeks ago. That Homicide knew it was him all along. Lauren asked if it’s time to reveal himself. Suicide said if he wanted his identity known, he’d have never worn the mask. There’s a reason he wears a mask, but it’s not time for that. “Homicide, the Dark Savior will strike down upon you!”
7/10 – That was pretty good. After the rumors of Kaz asking for his release, but then being soothed by AJ and Daniels, I wasn’t sure what they’d do with the character. I hope they finish this off soon and creatively. I’m so sick of Kaz being stuck in that horrible suit with that horrible character!

Backstage Segment

Lauren with Team 3D. She said they’re scheduled to face Morgan and Hernandez, but the past few weeks they’ve heard a lot from Rhino about them. Ray said before they talk about Rhino, Morgan and Super Mex, he wanted to talk about what the world’s talking about – Hogan. Hogan in TNA, he never thought he’d say those words. No matter what people say, Carter has the biggest set of grapefruits in pro wrestling. Now, about Rhino. He was about to say he’s paranoid and delusional and here he is! Rhino came in the other side of the shot. Rhino said he was just walking by. Rhino said he knows he’s right. He asks how their match with MCMG went last week? They still found a way for 3D to lose. Yes, bad calls happen. Was it a mistake, or a mistake? Tonight they face Morgan and Hernandez, the two who have been trying to take him out for weeks. Is that a coincidence? Rhino walked off to Ray yelling that Rhino’s crazy. Devon said Morgan and Hernandez are phenomenal young talent and they respect them. They’re looking forward to their match. Ray said a very famous man said you’ve got to beat the man. Well, to be the team… 3D is the team. Devon finished with his favorite call phrase!
6/10 – Rhino was calm again and that was unnerving. But I’m still sitting back and waiting to see what they’re going to do with this. It’s a good build up, but I need more than talking right now. I need something interesting to happen with this storyline for it to move forward. Too much talking, not enough action!

Match #3

Joe out in a zebra shirt and purple gloves. Daniels out for his match. AJ out to face him. Backstage Borash stopped AJ for a word before the match. Of course the person in black attacked AJ from behind and really worked him over. The person looked right into the camera, but he was in black pants, black hoodie and black face mask so nothing could be seen. People start working on the downed AJ. In the ring Daniels starts to climb out to head to his friend’s side, but Joe stopped him and attacked him. Muscle buster on Daniels and he’s in a lump in the ring. Joe yelled down at Daniels before leaving the ring.
6/10 – While I’m totally pissed off that we didn’t get the guaranteed amazing match between AJ and Daniels, this sure set up more interest for TP! It’s hard because I want to be mad, but it makes me itch for the PPV even more now! Now I’m really wanting to know who’s attacking AJ. I really thought it was Joe, now I’m thinking it’s someone connected to Joe. But who knows! There’s so many possibilities for this!

Backstage

Tara, with Poison, on her way to the ring.

Match #4

Tara out to the ring. Video of Kong rampage through the ring last week and then the continuing fight between Kong and Tara. Hamada out to face her. Started with chain wrestling between the women until they stopped and stared each other down for a moment. A couple of sick chops and a head butt to Tara, but Tara fought back with moves and then her famous standing moonsault. Tenay said he got a note and Taz complained he never gets notes. Tenay said TNA would be making a major announcement next week about the suspension of TBI. Hamada had Tara’s hand and climbed. Taz said this reminded him of someone in the old company used to do something like this… obviously meaning Taker’s ‘old school’. But Hamada flipped off and hit an arm drag type move. An enziguri type move into a really interesting roll up for two on Tara. Hamada climbed for a moonsault, but Tara got her knees up. Tara struggled to get Hamada up for the widows peak, but Hamada (billed at 143lbs) isn’t 110lbs like a lot of the women Tara’s used to being in the ring with. Tara hit her finisher and pinned for three. But then, of course, Kong’s music and she came out. Security tried to stop her, but Tara flew out onto Kong and brought the fight to her. Finally, after a little bit, they were split apart.
6/10 – I know they wanted to set up even more for Tara’s match with Kong at TP, but the over booked endings are getting really bad in this episode. The match itself was decent. It was obvious that Hamada was holding back against Tara because we know how great she can be in the ring. (All you have to do is look up some of Hamada’s matches in Japan against Kong!) or look back to Hamada in the ring a few weeks ago against Flash. So the over booked ending and the holding back of Hamada led to a less than stellar match. I know they wanted Tara to look strong going in against Kong at a PPV, but Hamada would be a better choice for this match of TNA really wants to turn heads in the industry.

Backstage Segment

Lauren stopped Tara and talked about how she took it to Kong. Tara said she didn’t come here for this! In Six Sides Of Steel, Tara’s not getting locked up with Kong, Kong’s being locked up with Tara.
5/10 – While short, that wasn’t great. Tara isn’t scary compared to Kong, no matter how they’ve been booking things. I don’t know anyone who believes Tara can take it to Kong in any reality.

In Ring Segment

Foley out to the ring. He states the obvious that he has something in hand for Abyss. It’s a gift for someone special. He introduces Abyss. Abyss out in all his layers, including the blue flannel Foley gave him. But Abyss still doesn’t live up to the horror of what Foley has on his body and might actually be considering style. Foley said he knows Abyss doesn’t trust him and for good reason. Last time he brought out a framed photo it was cracked over Abyss’ skull. So Foley put it down to keep it safe. They went through a lot. Foley’s been through a lot in his career, and so has Abyss. The only time he’s felt bad saying something about someone’s career, it’s when he called Abyss a cheap carbon copy. When Foley’s Tweak and Tweet picture was broken he was hot. When he found out it was Chris who did it, he was angry. Then he realized he had an opportunity. For the past 6-7 years he’s been asked what he thinks about The Monster Abyss? Does he remind him of himself. Yes, he did. He watched as Chris tore the roof down, not only on TV, but in arenas around the world. He knew Abyss was tough and good, but there was only one real way to find out how good someone else really is. It’s not by standing back and watching. A war correspondent doesn’t send his copy from the hotel room, they get out on the front lines to see how hot the action is. He’s saying Chris is as tough as Foley thought he was, but he’s not quite as good as Foley thought he was. No, because he’s even better! Even better, even tougher. All you have to show, aside from the money saved, is your legacy in this business. Foley didn’t make it to where he was on his own. He decided 23 years ago he wanted to be a cross between Bruiser Brody and the Dynamite Kid. Maybe he wasn’t as good as either on their own, but putting them together he thinks he created something special. And he nibbled off other wrestler’s plates. He took a bite off from Harley Race’s plate. When he came to Terry Funk’s plate, he didn’t just take a nibble, he devoured it like it was a smorgasbord! Abyss was smiling and nodding. Foley said Chris has only scratched the surface of what Abyss is capable of. Years from now when people ask Foley if that reminds him of himself? If it’s a carbon copy of himself? He’ll take that as an honor! Abyss’ head was down and Foley told him to hold his head up. Foley acted like he was going to hit Abyss with the picture, teased him with it, then pulled back. Foley backed off and left him with this little reminder of what they did at BFG. It was a Borash drawing of Foley and Abyss together. Foley left the ring and then stopped on the ramp and said he’ll admit he put Abyss through a hell of a test at BFG, but he thinks he has one more test in him. Next week, on Impact, it will be Abyss and Dr. Stevie. If Abyss pins Dr. Stevie, then Stevie’s gone from TNA. This brought Abyss to tears as he thought about it and looked at the picture.
7.5/10 – While I thought it was too much talking, too long, it was nice to see the passing of the torch. Too many wrestlers never get the chance to face the man they pattern their careers after and Chris Parks was a lucky man in that regard. The real thing that rubbed be wrong was that anyone who knows Borash’s artwork would recognize the picture Foley gave Abyss as just that! So the whole backstage segment with Foley and Abyss feels really lame now considering Borash drew it for them, the segment, in the first place!

Backstage Segment

Borash with Steiner. Borash asked about Lashley and Kristal, but first what about Hogan coming in? Steiner said people know they have a long history, they were in the nWo together, for life. Hogan’s going to come in and put the young punks in place and then Steiner might ask Hogan to join MEM with him. As far as Lashley goes, he heard Lashley’s having his wife ringside. Why? She’s not getting satisfaction and lusting after Steiner’s body. She wants to be his #1 freak! When it happens in the MEM locker room or a fancy hotel, you can’t stop the lust of a woman.
7/10 – That was interesting and probably very prophetic. I highly doubt Hogan will make the same mistakes he and Bischoff made in WCW, therefore I see Hogan and Steiner at odds very quickly with them both in TNA. Should be fun!

Video

Morgan talking about what Hogan coming to TNA means to him. He said you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see what it means for the company, but for him personally, it’s even bigger! He was a Hulkamaniac as a child. Then on American Gladiators Hogan helped him a long way. Gave him the ins and outs of being a good pro wrestler and he’s looking forward to having that opportunity with him 24/7 in TNA.
9/10 – I’m always so blown away thinking about Morgan’s ADHD when he comes out with something so eloquent. I know his problems as a child shaped who his is today and I hope more children dealing with the same issues can see where Morgan is today are realize how much there is in the world for everyone.

Match #5

Homicide to the ring. Video of Homicide when he face Amazing Red two weeks ago and was able to pin Amazing Red for three. Lashley out to the ring with Kristal in tow, but wearing a fugly dress! Video of the problems between Kristal and Steiner. But Hebner kicked Kristal out from ringside. That distracted Lashley and gave Homicide a chance to get an upper hand to start the match. Homicide looked sick starting this! But then Lashley kicked out so hard that Homicide flew. Tenay said he just got word that the AJ and Daniels match is still on for tonight! Somehow Lashley grabbed Homicide, slammed him down and pinned for three. The landing didn’t look right for Homicide either. After it was over Homicide attacked Lashley from behind. Homicide took off a boot to use on Homicide, but Lashley grabbed him and held him high in the air. Homicide was still in the air when Steiner and Kristal came up on the tron. Steiner demanded to know what Bobby was going to do when he discovered Kristal’s in love with Steiner, but Steiner had her pinned and really scared. Steiner picked up Kristal and started carrying her out of the building. Lashley found them, grabbed Kristal away and beat the holy hell out of Steiner, hitting him with a big metal something and then on top of him with punches while Kristal hid behind a pillar. Lashley kept on Steiner until he was pulled off by Lethal, Shelley, someone in a hoodie and someone else from backstage. Kristal screamed the whole time.
5/10 – The best part of all that was Homicide in the ring. He looked amazing! I’d love to give him a better rating, but that Lashley was booked to be so dominant and then all the extra crap juts killed it for me.

In Ring Segment

Homicide is still in the ring screaming at Hebner. Finally Homicide pushed Hebner down on the mat. Amazing Red ran out to go after him. Amazing Red really worked over Homicide until Homicide fled the ring!
8/10 – That was the best segment of the night so far. Some of the best wrestling from one of the best in the company. If it had only been an actual match with some length, I’d have been on the floor drooling. The thing I didn’t like was Earl being pushed down. I have always been of the feeling that if you’re not a wrestler, you shouldn’t have to take a bump. This came from all the times I’ve seen wrestlers beat up on refs and announcers. It mostly irks me when the older guys who aren’t wrestlers get pushed around – Hebner and JR.

Announce Segment

Tenay and Taz went through the matches slated for Turning Point.

Match #6

Madison Rayne came out all by herself, without Velvet Sky and Lacey – very strange. Taylor Wilde came out by herself to face her. Sick arm drag from Wilde, the speed! Rayne taunted Wilde who drooped her hard. A roll up and bridge from Wilde that was also impressive. Of course Velvet Sky and Lacey came out and attacked Wilde. A pink baton was held across Wilde’s throat by Lacey while the others attacked. Sarita out, but her domination didn’t last either and she was in trouble. But then ODB came out and made the save.
6/10 – These six will face off at TP, but we really didn’t need that over booked ending after all the others we’ve had to suffer through. We know there’s a PPV coming up and they’re setting up for it, but this is getting really ridiculous! Before that Wilde impressed the heck out of me. It was short, but she threw a couple of great moves and looked really strong. Now that she’s gained some confidence, she’s looking pretty good in the ring.

Backstage

AJ laces up his boots for his match.

Screaming Segment

Don West went through where TNA will be appearing live over the next weeks.

Backstage Segment

Morgan had his arm around Lauren as she talked to him and Hernandez. She said she’s sure they’ve heard Rhino’s rumblings. Hernandez said they all work for TNA. If they’re put in a match against anyone, they go out there to win. It’s what they do. Morgan said, exactly. The only conspiracy theory around there is Rhino conspiring to make himself look like an even bigger ass than he already does. They have much respect for Team 3D, but tonight they’re going to knock them off their perch. They might have been the best tag team in history. They key word is history. 3D has their work cut out for them tonight. Hernandez said something in Spanish and Morgan agreed with him.
7.5/10 – I’m thrilled with this team! These two could be scary together. Heck, they could be unstoppable if TNA booked them right. Oy, did I just say that? Anyone able to translate what Hernandez said for me? My Spanish is extremely rusty.

Match #3 – Again!

Daniels in the ring, Joe outside the ring in his zebra shirt and purple glove. AJ actually made it out to face him this time! Video of the earlier attack on AJ backstage. Joe really seemed to be working well as ref early on. Of course AJ and Daniels worked beautifully in the ring – first AJ in control, then Daniels. Daniels pinned and Joe seemed to be calling it honestly! Dueling chants for both men. Joe pulled Daniels off AJ after AJ got to the ropes. Daniels started to go after Joe but stopped because he didn’t want to lose his spot in the PPV match. AJ reversed a move and both were down – Joe counted to 8 before both were up. AJ hit his finisher and pinned Daniels for three. Joe handed AJ back his belt and raised his arm. AJ watched him closely, but Joe did it and left the ring after being an honest ref. But then, AJ turned his back to check on Daniels and Joe came back in to lock his rear naked choke on AJ. Daniels lolled on the mat as if he couldn’t respond. Joe finally let go and posed over both men holding AJ’s strap.
9/10 – That was absolutely amazing! Only reason it lost points is the over booked ending. If this had been the only over booked ending I wouldn’t have batted an eye. But after every match being over booked, this really annoyed me.

Video

Hernandez answering how he feels about Hogan coming in and what it means for him. The exposure will be great. If it’s good for TNA, it’s good for him.

Backstage Segment

Lauren with Stevie and Daffney. She said they can’t be happy with the match Foley made for next week, especially since Foley was playing Stevie the entire time. Stevie said nobody plays him! Abyss won’t beat him next week. Stevie has to take Abyss out once and for all, fine for him. He told Abyss to back out of this, because he won’t like what Stevie has in store for him next week.
7/10 – They’re both so good at crazy! And then there’s Daffney’s corset – damn! I really wonder – have not read the spoilers – what’s going to happen next week between Abyss and Stevie. Should be interesting!

Match #7

Team 3D came out to the ring. Super Mex and Morgan out to face them. Dueling chants for Morgan and Devon who started the match. Devon shoulder blocked Morgan to the mat. Morgan hit his favorite back elbows in the corner on Devon. Hernandez hit his amazing slingshot shoulder block over the top. Ray superplexed Hernandez from up top. The match was going well, but then Rhino out harassing Ray on the apron. Rhino grabbed a chair and screamed that they’re trying to take out Devon’s injured knee. Ray off the apron, pushed Rhino to the floor and threatened him with the chair. The chair is left on the apron as Ray gets back in place. The whole time Morgan worked over Devon’s knee. Finally Ray in and plowed Morgan and then Hernandez with the chair. Ray went to check on Devon, but looked very confused. Rhino in and hugged Ray. Ray pushed him off. Rhino gored Hernandez and then Morgan. Rhino said that’s how it’s done and then raised 3D’s arms in victory. Ray’s head still hung low.
7.5/10 – That was such a good match… Until the end! They couldn’t give a clean ending and had to over book it! I thought that match was so beautifully balanced. All four wrestlers in that match were getting off good moves until Rhino came out and got involved. Even though Ray and Devon are not kids, they still were made to look great in that match. I thought it was very cool that all the wrestlers made that match look good and work – until the end.

Post Show

I know TNA’s setting up for a PPV, but to have every match end in over booking to set up for all of these matches is total bull. It would have been fine for one or even two of the matches to end that way, but that it was all of them was so contrived. It’s as if creative found a formula and decided each match would be booked according to that, no matter who it was or what was going on. It could have been a fabulous show with the matches on the card.

Instead the whole thing was over booked schlock with very little that was worth the watch. Team 3D against Hernandez and Morgan was solid, but AJ and Daniels was fabulous. So much of the show could have been good, but only the last half hour was worth even the most hardcore fans’ time. Huge props to the wrestlers in the last two matches of the night. They gave it their all and it was obvious. If the whole show had been even half as good I wouldn’t be so cranky.

Arg! There’s so much that could be so good, but just misses the boat. I hope the changes coming to TNA are good. It will all get better or TNA will die a sad and pathetic death, either way we won’t be force to deal with these segments that are worse than puppy farts! Something’s got to give, and damn soon! (Yes, I have a fairly new puppy in the house, I think you can figure out the rest.)

KB