TNA Emergence 2025 review – 08.16.25

So, here we are in Baltimore, MD, will Trick Williams, like the cheese, stand alone or will Moose come at the king and not miss as we’re building something from Bound For Glory and We’re Building It From Scratch. The game is the game but this is Emergence. So, let’s say we engage in some Impactful Discourse, shall we? We shall.

Actually, let’s start with some pre-game festivities. We see The System arrive and then Trick rolls into the arena in his sweet ride. And then, we go ringside to…

Rosemary vs. Indi Hartwell

We get a highlight package of Rosemary’s misting of Hartwell after last night’s tag match. Rosemary enters first as Indi heads next with a decent pop and the words “impressive” across the back of her trunks, self-confidence is always good. What is also good is going to right to work as Hartwell pounds away on Rosemary. Hartwell put Rosemary on Indi’s shoulders but an eye rake on the bad eye turns the tide as Rosemary pounded away in the corner and hit a clothesline in the corner.

We get a forehead bite but then Hartwell reversed a turnbuckle ram into one of her own as she hit a clothesline to the turnbuckle and then a side slam for two. We got an odd stream edit and we return Rosemary choking away on Rosemary. Rosemary got a one count pin attempt and whipped Hartwell into the turnbuckle. She hit a running splash and overhead suplex.

Rosemary attempted the sharpshooter but to be kicked off by Hartwell. Rosemary put Hartwell in the corner and tried for (her) Upside Down but Hartwell fought out of it. Rosemary jumped off the second turnbuckle for a DDT and followed it with another one for two-and-a-fraction.

Rosemary took umbrage with the count but had time to pound away at Hartwell. Hartwell blocked it and started to land elbows to the back of Rosemary’s head and then an European uppercut and a clothesline and then hit a spinebuster for two-and-a-fraction.

We get another weird edit to see Rosemary with a two-count on Indi. Rosemary can’t believe it but continues her offense by putting Indi on the top turnbuckle but Hartwell fought out of it and kicked Rosemary to the mat. Hartwell then hit a flying elbow from the top turnbuckle for two.

Hartwell stalked Rosemary but a charge to the corner is net with a boot and running boot by Indi is missed and then Rosemary pulled her to the mat and got ready to mist her. However, Dani Luna distracted Rosemary by pulling her arm and ruining the mist spot. This gave Hartwell time to recover and hit the Hurts Donut for the victory.

Post Match – Luna joined Hartwell for the victory and Hartwell soaks up the adulation of the fans. Rosemary looked like she might have done something but we get another weird edit to Sami Callihan sitting in the back on his phone as Moose sits next to him. Callihan told Moose that he lit a fire under his backside. Moose said he does respect him and hopes this is not the last night of his career. Respect is shown as Callihan wants Moose to bring back “our” title.

Ryan Nemeth vs. Hometown Man

The Zipper indicates a Nemeth is approaching and Ryan is, in fact, first. Hanifan did apologize for the streaming issue. There are no apologies from Nemeth, though, as heat is served cheap here and being in Baltimore is the armpit of the USA. Baltimore is a dump. It’s a pile of garbage with a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning on it. Baltimore is known for crabs, not for crustaceans, but, well, you know. We can check if we want. His GPS said Baltimore was a big mistake. As soon as he got here, he slipped and fell and a rat stole his wallet. He asked about the lack of hygiene but (honestly, luckily) he is cut off by The Hometown Man with a Cal Ripken jersey (I’d gone Ravens but still, pops are served cheap here, too.) He has some local DJ’s in tow (names could not be clearly heard due to streaming issues.) HTM gets in the ring and is insulted that Nemeth was talking smack about Baltimore and he should apologize; but instead, he decided to generate the inner toughness of Cal Ripken Jr and he beats his glutes all over Baltimore. He asked for the bell to be rung. It is done and here we go.

HTM stars with a series of Dusty Rhodes punches that drop Nemeth. A loud “Hometown Man” chant is started as HTM lined up Nemeth in the corner and hit him with a hip check. Nemeth staggered to the corner and HTM hit the 10-punch spot with extra seasoning on the 10th.

Nemeth finally got some momentum as he hit a standing dropkick and slugged away at HTM. Nemeth took time to show off to the fans and then continued to beat on HTM, hitting a shoulder block to the ribs in the corner. Ryan choked HTM on the ropes and insulted the local DJ’s. He started to boot down HTM in the corner and picked up HTM’s legs to slam him to the mat. Nemeth hit the chinlock and dropped a series of elbows on HTM. HTM finally Balmer’s up but Nemeth dropped him down with a standing neckbreaker for two-and-a-fraction.

Nemeth grabbed the Ripken Jersey and, again, heat is served cheap as he blew his nose in the jersey and then rubbed it HTM’s face. Rewholdt said the Orioles fans are not going to like that, although I imagine they hate being dead last in the AL East 15-and-a-half games back even more.

Nemeth took time to yell at the Baltimore fans. This gives HTM time to Bal’mer up and slug away at Nemeth and hit a serie3s of clotheslines followed by a FULL BODYSLAM. An airplane spin TKO gets two-and-a-fraction. Another eye poke stems the tide and a jumping DDT gets two-and-a-fraction. With HTM in a corner, Nemeth again tried to do the leg pull slam but HTM flipped to his feet (Mid-Atlantic lucha action!!) gets behind HTM and rolls him up for the victory.

Post Match: Nemeth is incredulous as HTM and the DJ’s celebrate up the ramp.

We get a lengthy highlight package of Williams vs. Moose. We then go to the main show and are greeted by Hannifan and Rewholdt who get us ready for the action which starts with…

X-Division title match – Cedric Alexander vs. Leon Slater

Alexander got a decent pop and he entered first. Hannifan referenced his cruiserweight titles in WWE. Slater followed with a bigger pop. Rewholdt went over Slater’s accolades. This is the first time the two squared off but Hannifan brought up Alexander’s pin of Slater on last night’s Impact.

Lexander got a go behind takedown as Slater tried to fight out of in the ropes. Sportsmanship is recognized in the ropes. Slater got a leg takedown and a leg slam but a single leg Boston crab attempt is broken up in the ropes. Slater taunted Alexander with the “too small” gesture. A kick attempt is blocked but is turned into a spinning heel kick by Slater who then hit the ropes into a handspring leaping back elbow. Hannifan said that was move that was reversed to a lumbar check for the victory last night.

Alexander was on the floor as Slater leapt over the ropes onto the apron as Alexander jumped to the apron, as well. Slater blocked an Alexander kick and attacked the knee by slamming the back of the knee into his shoulder. Alexander got the advantage again by ramming Slater to the ringpost and then hitting a bossman slam onto the apron who then fell to the floor.

Alexander sold the leg injury but picked up Slater and dropped him on the apron again. Back in the ring, Alexander hit a Falcon’s arrow for two count. Alexander hit a snapmare takedown and then repeatedly kicked Slater in the back. A corner smash landed and then a flying forearm followed a seated dropkick.

Slater tried to fight but Alexander maintained the attack by throwing Slater to the turnbuckles with enough force that it dropped Slater after impact. Alexander picked up Slater but Slater started a comeback by kicking the leg. However, Slater tried another handspring elbow but his back could not take it and had to stop. That gave Alexander enough time to hit a back suplex for two.

Alexander chopped away at Slater but a second chop was missed. Alexander, again, whipped Slater into the turnbuckle hard as Slater crumpled to the mat. Alexander got a series of two counts. Slater tried to rally again but Alexander pounded away on Slater in the corner with a series of forearms, punches and kicks.

Alexander celebrated his offense but came back to chop- away on Slater. Slater however, stopped a whip to the turnbuckles. Alexandr again began to beat on Slater as dueling “Leon Slater/Alexander” chants emerged. Alexander whipped Slater into the turnbuckles again but Slater came off the turnbuckles with a clothesline which dropped Alexander.

Both combatants tried to get to their feet, which they did simultaneously. Slater again landed a series of leg kicks and punches. Alexander tried to whip Slater in the ropes but Slater blocked it and a leg trip take down dropped a charging Alexander to the turnbuckles. Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a high body press (crossover) for two.

Both fighters again struggled to get to their feet as another dueling “Let’s Go Leon/Let’s Go Cedric” chant resurfaced. Slater got Alexander in a torture rack for Utopia but Slater’s back couldn’t hold it. Alexander hit a kick and then a powerbomb for two and then brain buster for two-and-a-fraction. Alexander tried to get Slater into the Lumbar Check twice but Slater grabbed the ropes. Alexander rammed Slater’s legs to the turnbuckle and perched him on the top.

Alexander hit a loud chop and then attempted a superplex but Slater reversed it to a neckbreaker mid suplex. Slater, then went to the to turnbuckle and hit the Swanton 450 but Alexander got his knees up. However, Alexander redamaged his knee from earlier. Both combatants got up and Slater started to kick the injured knee. But another attempted kick missed, and Alexander went behind Slater for a quick German Suplex. Two clothesline attempts were reversed in the same manner.

Alexander got fired up after standing on Slater. Alexander, once again, attempted the Lumbar check but Slater flipped out of it and then rolled up for two as Alexander did the same. Slater reversed that for two as well. Alexander slugged Slater but a charge to the turnbuckle was reversed as Slater backdropped Alexander unto the apron and the floor.

Slater recovered enough to do the flying senton over the turnbuckles on Alxander. Slater got Alexander into the ring. Slater climbed to the top, bad back and all, got the pose but Alexander got up as Slater rolled through the Swanton 450. They charged each other but Alexander got the Spanish Fly and then tried another Lumbar Check. However, Slater reversed that into a roll up and then picked up Alexander into a Styles Clash (with Hannifan doing a Don West impression.) Slater then went to the top, hit the pose and NOW we get the Swanton 450 for the pin.

“Follow that,” Hannifan challenged.

Post Match: Slater got the tile and was exhausted as both competitors got standing ovations, even from Hannifan and Rewholdt. Slater and Alexander lock eyes, limp toward each other, looked around the crowd and we get some good sportsmanship.

We get a run down of the rest of the card and then we go to Gia Miller and Trick Williams with First Class (AJ Francis and Rich Swann) in tow. Everyone knows Williams needs to introduction and bringing TV deals. In fact, Williams is the man who is carrying two brands. Francis said tonight Williams is going to take out that “bald bum” Moose and before that, First Class is going to take out the System. He said the System think they run TNA but they didn’t get the ratings and TV deals until TNA started “First Class Trickin’.” Swann said this an amalgamation of charisma, athleticism and raw talent. Soon enough, the wrestling world will find out if you’re not first class – you’re last. Williams rapped it up by apologizing to Moose’s mom for what he said a couple of weeks ago. He has to apologize again, though, for whipping Moose’s glutes as they walk off screen. Hannifan said it would be nice if Williams would turn “our title” right side up.

We see Santana getting ready for his match with Callihan and then we see Callihan doing the same. However, next we get…

Mustafa Ali vs. Matt Cardona

We get full Serviceman enrance as well as Steelz and the Great Hands as Ali headed down the rampway (Agent Zero is in back.) Ali is wearing his Ming the Merciless jacket as he headed ringside. The Order Four STRIKE THE POSE as Ali basked in the boos. That is followed by the scream of “Always Ready” as Cardona headed down the ring. Cardona walked cautiously through the Servicemen, giving extra eye time to Zero.

Cardona stated to yell at the Hands as he disrobed and the bell rang. Long stall to start before the lock up. Ali backed Cardona to the corner and shoved him. Ali got behind Cardona but it was reversed. Ali got the armlock but Cardona reversed that. Ali flipped out of it and hit the headlock. Cardona pushed hi to the tropes and ended with an Ali armdrag and a roll up cradle for two.

Ali again got behind Cardona and hit a snapmare. Ali went over Cardona in the corner onto the apron as Cardona tried in vain to slug Ali, who slid under his legs. However, a long rope run sequence ended in a huge clothesline for Cardona. Cadona took advantage by booting Ali in the corner. And hit a forearm smash. He followed it with a flapjack off the ropes for two.

Ali reversed a suplex attempt by Cardona and got a momentary advantage by clapping the ears. Cardona, though, sent a charging Ali over the top rope to the floor as the Great Hands too umbrage and started to enter the ring but Cardona hit a drop kick on both Hands (technically both chests) and they went sprawling on the floor.

Cardona headed to the floor as Ali tried to attack from behind but Cardona blocked it and beat on Ali. Ali hit a double thrust to the throat but Cardona no sold and whipped Ali head first into the ring post in a really good bump. Cardona slammed Ali into the apron and pounded away on Ali. He threw Ali back into the ring but Ali climbed out again. Cardona followed him but ate a superkick on the floor.

Ali took advantage by pulling Cardona to the announcers’ table but a powerbomb attempt was reversed to a backdrop on the floor by Cardona. Cardona slammed Ali into another table. Meanwhile, Steelz started to make her presence known to the point where she distracted Cardona. Ali tried to capitalize but was met with a back elbow and a missile dropkick from the middle turnbuckle.

Steelz got on the apron to distract the referee, which gave Ali enough time to trip Cardona on the apron skirt to the floor. Cardona reversed a whip and tried to whip Ali to the ring post but Ali slid between the ropes. Meanwhile, the Great Hands attacked Cardona and threw him the same route as Ali. Ali then hit a draping DDT to the floor. Ali, again soaked in the derision of the crowd.

Ali got a two count on Cardona back in the ring and then we hit the chinlock. Cardona got out of the hold by muscling up and hitting a back suplex. Cardona missed a charge to the turnbuckle but Ali tried the same and got caught with a boot. Cardona tried to get to the middle turnbuckle but Ali threw him off as Ali hit the rolling neckbreaker between the ropes for two-and-a-fraction.

Ali waited too long to hit a twisting sky press on Cardona who escaped and Ali hit the mat. Both combatants struggled to get to their feet when they did Cardona hit a back elbow and a clothesline on a charging Ali. Cardona was whipped to the ropes but a backdrop attempt by Ali was met with a face first slam to the mat.

Ali met a charging Cardona with a back elbow but a Tornado DDT attempt by Ali was reversed to a DDT for two-and-a-fraction. Cardona got ready but Ali escaped a Reboot attempt. However, Cardona managed to hit a flying boot to Ali on the floor. Cardona threw Ali to the mat but a Radio Silence was reversed to a powerbomb for two. Ali rested and then did a full speed charge to Cardona in the corner, only for Cardona to duck and Ali went flying into the turnbuckle. The Great Hands re-tried to interfere only to be rebuffed (Cardona hit the Radio Silence on John Skyler.)

Ali, however, measured the time as Cardona hit the Reboot on Jason Hotch. At the same moment, Ali hit a dropkick to the back of the head that floored Cardona. Ali climbed to the top turnbuckle for the 450 Splash. Ali arrogantly covered Cardona but Cardona had enough wherewithal to reverse it into a cradle for the win.

Post Match: The Great Hands attacked Cardona as Ali called Zero to the ring. The Great Hands threw Cardona to Zero who hit the giant two-handed chokeslam. However, the System came out and ran over the Servicemen and attacked the Four. They threw the Hands out and double clotheslined Zero over the top rope and onto the floor but Zero landed on his feet. Ali had to restrain Zero and the Hands as they headed up the ramp with the System still in the ring.

We get no breaks as The System is already there and here comes First Class, trumpeted by their music. First Class got a decent pop as they strutted their way down to the ring.

The System (Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards – with Alicia Edwards and JDC in tow) vs. First Class

Swann and Myers start the match. One fan held up a sign “KC Navarro deserved better.” Agreed. Myers got the early advantage and hit a huge dropkick as Swann came off the ropes. Edwards is tagged. Myers whipped Edwards into Swann for a chop and then Edwards returned the favor and whipped Swann into a flying knee.

Edwards chopped away at Swann in the corner. Myers is tagged but Swann got the advantage with an eye rake and some chops but Myers got the advantage back with an “Edgocution” jumping DDT. Myers measured Swann as Francis tried to interfere but Myers landed a kick to Francis and a back elbow to Swann. Francis grabbed Myers’ leg for distraction but Myers fought it off and caught Swann off the ropes. He then threw Swann over the top rope into the “catch” spot by Francis (always impressive to see.) Alicia distracted Francis as Myers tried to sneak behind him but Swann stopped him and ran Myers into the ringpost.

Swann threw Myers into the ring and hit a rolling thunder body press sand tagged Francis. Francis whipped Swann into Myers for a back elbow. Swann, now, returned the favor and threw Myers into a big boot by Francis for two. Francis choked Myers on the ropes with his leg. Francis then wrapped Myers in the ropes to deliver a forearm smash. Myers ended in the corner as Francis hit the running Tennessee Whiskey knee strike in the corner as an “Let’s Go, AJ/AJ sucks” dueling chant started. In the process, he tagged Swann

Swann hit a handspring moonsault on Myers for two. Francis got the tag as Swann got the cravat lock on him. Francis landed a knee and then hit the chinlock. Myers fought out of it by slugging Francis and hit the spear off the ropes. Both combatants are down as both partners are tagged.
Edwards is a house on fire as he leveled Swann with a series of punches and then a pop up face slam off the ropes. Edwards threw Swann into the Francis who just got on the apron and was back on the floor. Edwards then hit an overhead face slam on Swann. Edwards charged at Swann but caught a boot. Undeterred, Edwards caught Swann on the turnbuckle for an attempted backpack stunner but Francis bodysplashed Edwards to break up the move.Myers is back in the ring and started to pound away on Francis but got hit with a big boot. Francis set up for the Down Payment but rather hit a forearm smash which dropped Myers. Francis dragged Swann to the corner for the legal tag and Francis set up the Down Payment on Edwards but Edwards brawled out of it. Francis hit a knee to the gut but Edwards reversed a suplex attempt into one of his own.

Edwards caught Francis with a kick in the turnbuckles and then set Francis up to the top turnbuckle for a backpack stunner as Myers got on the turnbuckle on the other side. Edwards could not carry Francis. Edwards, though, pointed to the other side as the Servicemen tried to interfere but Myers leapt onto them. The Great Hands tried to interfere but JDC fended them off only for Steelz to jump on his back. This brought Alicia into the fray who threw Steelz to the floor.

Meanwhile, the System and First Class were brawling in the ring as Edwads leapt between the ropes to clothesline the Great Hands. However, Agent Zero appeared and lifted Edwards into a two handed slam on the apron. Zero rolled Edwards into the ring. NOW, we get the Down Payment by Francis for the win.

Post Match: First Class celebrate as we get a recap of we just saw (and wrote.) We also get..

A Bioflex Medical Update: Trey Miguel (after disappearing from the report) is still out with a hernia. We still get the Wentz and Reed version of the Rascalz. Navarro still out and deserved better. Moose is ready to go, though.

We get an introduction by Mitchell of our guest commentator – Joe Hendry. The place became unglued (no sign of Wren Sinclair.) This crowd loved Hendry – I mean, loved him. Hannifan said this is a pleasant surprise. Why join now? He hyped the NXT and TNA crossovers and is hyped to see the next match – much like everyone else. And that match is…

Mike Santana vs. Sami Callihan

We get the recap of Callihan’s saga as Hannifan voices over that you cannot think of the history of TNA without thinking of Callihan. We get Moose’s verbally dressing down of Callihan and Callihan going over the angle and what Santana means to him.

The “Death Machine’ is out first. Callihan is amped for the match and shoved the cameraman to the side as he embraced some fans. Santana entered from the arena walkway as the fans are stoked to see him and we get the Jey Uso walk to the ring – just no “yeeting.” He made his way through the crowd and greets the fans before running into the ring. Callihan knelt contemplatively in the corner and then arose with mic in hand asking how Baltimore is doing? He said tonight is a big match since two of his best friends are here celebrating their anniversary (the two fans he embraced earlier.) We saw the video and watched the TV show and went over the stipulations one more time. If he does go down, he goes down swinging and goes down his way. He asked Mike if we make this a Baltimore Street Fight?

He (eventually) gave the mic to Santana (in a funny botch) Santana asked how Baltimore is doing (I presume glad since football season is starting.) He came to Baltimore because he respected him and he wanted “The Death Machine.” So, I guess, he agreed? I am not sure of the legality.

Rewholdt and Hannifan figured the Street Fight is on and the Crowd seemed to agree. So, here we go. The bell rang and we get a hand shake and Callihan’s kicked Santana in the stomach and tried for a piledriver. Santana blocked it but Callihan escaped a Spin the Block attempt and we get dual clotheslines. Both get up and trade punches with each other. Santana got the best of it but Callihan caught Santana off the ropes with a stunner.

Santana headed to the floor but quickly got back in the ring to hit a superkick as Callihan went to the ropes. Callihan headed to the floor as Santana leapt on the apron and hit an Asai Moonsault to Callihan on the floor. Santana tried to piledrive Callihan on the ramp way but Callihan blocked it. So, Santana decided to beat on Callihan but a Santana charge was reversed to a back drop to the ramp as the crowd chanted “we want tables.” (Well, I don’t but I’m not most fans.)
Callihan went under the ring and grabbed a chair and whacked away on Santana. Callihan threw the chair in the ring and then headed up the ramp and backstage to grab a garbage can which he threw into the ring. Callihan threw Santana into the ring and grabbed said garbage can and reached inside. He pulled out a First Class photo and then put Santana in an armlock and put the picture between the fingers for a papercut between the fingers – odd spot, but original.

Santana sold it well. Callihan posed with the photo and attempted the same spot. Santana fought out of it by biting but Callihan did the same and then did the papercut sequence between the lips of Santana. Callihan set up a chair between two turnbuckles. However, Santana blocked a charge with a back elbow and a missile dropkick for two.

Callihan, though, clotheslined Santana. And now, Callihan reached into the trashcan for a stapler. However, Santana blocked it and hit the ropes and tried a sunset flip but could not get Callihan on his back. But, Callihan reached for the stapler he dropped and then stapled Santana in the forehead and then armpit in the corner.

Callihan posed and got the fans to clap. Santana tried to punch Callihan but Callihan went low and grabbed Santana in his groin for a claw. Callihan then hit a Cactus Driver for two. Santana still tried to fight through it and went to the second turnbuckle. However, a leap ended into a powerbomb by Callihan. We got the thumbs up, thumbs down and then another Cactus Driver for two-and-a-fraction. Callihan tried to whip Santana into the chair wedged between the turnbuckles but Santana reversed it. Santana then hit a big cannonball in the corner for two.

Santana climbed to the top but instead rolled out of a body press attempt as Callihan tried to give chase; only to be caught with a Rolling Block 50 for one. Santana got to his feet for a Spin the Block (after giving the Callihan thumbs up, thumbs down.) The Spin the Block connected for three.

Post Match: a somewhat dejected Santana took off his tape and asked Callihan to get to his feet. Callihan made it to his feet as the reality of what happened sunk into Callihan. Santana shook Callihan’s hand and then left up the ramp. Callihan then, as promised, took of his boots and left them in the ring as a “Please don’t go” chant arose. Callihan started to cry as the crowd pivoted into a “Thank You, Sammy” chant. Callihan rolled out of the ring, took a bow and headed up the rampway.

“The Death Machine has officially retired,” Hannifan said. “This is hard to watch.” We linger on a shot of his boots.

We then pivot what happened at Slammiversary in a nice montage of photos. It didn’t just honor the past but propelled it to the future. It is a build up to the TNA Slammivesary: Fade to Black special.

We head backstage as all the backstage talent and wrestlers give Callihan another standing ovation. Only for it to be interrupted by Eric Young, who said he should not fall for this. He said no one cared about him and continued to berate him until Joe Hendry step in between the two. He wanted Young to take it easy but he said he should not because Hendry was the one who started all this. Think about that, Young said.

We go back to the pregame show as we see the Hometown Man get the pin on Ryan Nemeth. We go backstage to Ryan who is angry that he lost and is still in Baltimore. HTM is not a feel good story, he is a joke. In a few days, Ryan’s BIG BROTHER comes back to Impact and hoped the Hardys are listening because the rematch clause is lingering and the title we back on the waist of the best teams even ever ever ever ever. Ryan then wants his sleepy time tea.

Four-Way Tag Match for the TNA Knockout Titles: The By Elegance Brand vs. The Iinspiration vs. Fatal Influence vs. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Lee

The tag match is next as Slamovich is out to be in the corner of Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside. Speaking of which, here they are now. Brookside is quite happy as much as Lee is focused in her traditional entrance. They have matching gear, that’s a switch.

But first Tommy Dreamer has something to say. Oh, boy. He said this business is about moments and connecting with fans. He started wrestling at age 18. This is about journeys in life. He hyped the Fade to Black and hyped Lee. He talked about Lee’s journey and how she knew not one word of English and had no clue what wrestling was. She moved to across the ocean and now she is part of TNA and she was resigned to another contract. Oh, okay. Cool.

It is an honor to the deal and she signed it on the additional table in the ring. This is cool but yet, odd.

Next out is the Iinspiration. They dance their way down the rampway BUT HOLD EVERYTHING…in their corner is Mara Sade, who is going full face tonight. Sade had the legit dance moves whist Lee and McKay looked like well, you’re well meaning, fun in-laws at the wedding.

Next out is Fatal Influence. Unlike last night, Henley got the evil Beth Dutton cosplay going. Unsurprising, Jacy Jayne will be in their corner. Jayne takes the center of the ring with both titles in tow as everyone glares at her.

Naturally, The Personal Concierge is out and will take it from here. They said one of the greatest Poets of all time is from here – Edgar Allen Poe. So, PC is going to grace us with his own.

“Roses, they are red/Violets, they are blue/The fans of Baltimore Suck/ And so do every single one of you.”

We should stand and show some respect for someone who doesn’t suck, the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champs, Heather and M….by Elegance. They enter the ring and, actually, Ash will be in the corner. The champs head to the ring in pseudo Ravens feather masks.
“To quote the Raven, show me more” Rewholdt said.

IF you can’t see the schmoz coming, I have nothing for you. M and McKay start but M quickly tagged Henley. Actually, the PC is staying for the match, despite Hannifan’s hope of having the PC run over by a sailboat. Henley slugged McKay and mockingly STRUCK THE POSE!!! Jessie, though, blocked a boot and came back with a back elbow and a knee to the gut. We get a “ride ‘em cowgirl” mock of Henley and a roll up for two. McKay hit a arm wrench suplex and McKay forced M to tag Henley. McKay tagged Cassie Lee who hit stereo kicks to the stomach and back and they STRUCK THE POSE!!! McKay grabbed an armbar but M fought out of it and forcibly tagged Brookside.

Brookside got a headlock takeover but only to be reversed by Lee into a head scissor who reversed the same sequence. The two match duck behinds and get a combative pose until Lee walked over and tagged Heather. Brookside tagged Nyx. A series of reverses follow until Heather got a rollup for two. Nyx got her own roll up for two. Nyx went to her kick (Kyx) themed offense effectively with a kick to the gut, a siding trip and then a running kick to the gut off the ropes for two until M broke up the count.

Henley is tagged and the Influencers hit a flapjack on Heather followed by dual Natural Selections for two-and-a-fraction. Cassie gets the blind tag as Heather bailed from the ring, The Iinspirers double whip Henley to the turnbuckles and then hit a running knee by Cassie Lee and a meteora by McKay for two until Heather broke up the pin. M tagged herself in and locked in a bow and arrow hold as Heather came off the top turnbuckle with a double foot stomp for two.

However, M missed an elbowdrop as McKay tagged Brookside. Brookside and Lei Ying Lee hit a double straight jacket clothesline and then hit a running boot (Brookside) and a Back senton (Lei Ying Lee) for two. M threw Brookside into the turnbuckle but Heather held on to Brookside to prevent her counter and then M hit a big running boot for two.

M choked Brookside on the ropes but within reach of Henley who tagged herself. The Influencers hit a kick to the gut (Henley,) knee to the gut (Nyx) and a sliding clothesline for two. Henley also took time to clothesline the Iinspirers on the floor. Henley got tagged into the ring but Brookside fought off the double team with a series of boots and a hurincanrana on Henley. That gave Brookside time to hope crawl and tag Lee.

Lei Ying Lee hit a series of clothesline and dropkicks on the Influence and then hit a 10=punch combo on Nyx. Brookside whipped Lee into a leg trip on Nyx. Lei Ying Lee got on all fours as Brookside leaped off her for an elevated elbowdrop for one. Brookside tagged Lee again and Lee got Nyx on her shoulders for a spinning Argentine face buster. Lee got a two count on Nyx but Jayne put Nyx’s leg on the ropes.

And, now we get some schmozapalooza. Sade came over and started to shove Jayne. Jayne and Sade got into the ring and Sade hit Jayne with a clothesline off the ropes. However, Jayne landed the Rolling Encore on Sade. This brought in Slamovich who started to beat on Jayne. This, naturally, brought in Ash who started to slug Slamovich. All three stop for a moment, and then just start to beat on each other. Luckily, the teams pull their thirds apart but the referee saw enough and ejected Ash, Jayne and Slamovich; meanwhile, Sade is selling the Encore.

We get a repeat spot of yesterday as Brookside climbed to the top of the ringpost and hit a body press on the By Elegance Brand as Lee went to the top of the other ringpost and took out the Influence.

Meanwhile, Cassie Lee dragged M into the ring as M tried to escape but a double thrust stopped Cassie Lee. M went to the top but Cassie Lee met her with a spinning heel kick. Cassie head to the top but Brookside and Lei Ying Lee join her on the ropes. Heather tries to knock the others off her partner as the Influence grab Heather and throw her down. Now, the Influence throw Brookside and Lei Ying Lee to the floor. Meanwhile, McKay hit a flying bodypress to drop Nyx and Henley. Cassie Lee finally hit the superplex on M. but everyone is on sprawled on the mat. The crowd chants “This is awesome.” Which, well…

Meanwhile, Lei Xing Lee got up and hit a spinning heel kick on M. Nyx goes back to Kick (Kyx) mode to drop Lei Xing Lee and a Pele kick on Cassie Lee. McKay, though, hit a big boot on Nyx. Henley took down McKay via a flying hair slam. Brookside hit a codebreaker on Henley. Heather hit a stunner on Brookside. However, Cassie Lee kicked Heather as the Iinspiration tried for the Iidolizer. Heather fought out of it. Meanwhile, M snuck into the ring with a title belt in tow and knocked out Cassie Lee for the victory.

Post Match: the By Elegance Brand celebrate as the rest of the teams limp their way back up the rampway.

We get a recap of the other pre-game match as Hartwell defeated Luna. We go backstage to Hartwell (and Luna.) Luna hyped up Hartwell’s performance despite the impaired vision and Hartwell said despite that she won. She reiterated she wanted a TNA Knockout Championship match. Luna said she earned it and brought up her part in the victory and she said they make a great team. Hartwell said they do but if she wants to win the championship, she has to do it alone. Luna paused for a moment (uh-oh) but agreed. Whoever wins the match between Slamovich, Ash and Jayne better keep the title close.

We get a recap of the Steve Maclin and Jake Something feud which is next.

Frankie Kazarian joined Hannifan and Rewholdt as Hannifan called Kazarian the nefarious scum of TNA.

No Disqualification Match for the TNA International Title – Jake Something vs. Steve Maclin

Something comes out first. Something comes to the ring naturally riled. Maclin is next with the skeleton face paint (similar to the Guerillas of Destiny in New Japan.) The two meet in the middle in a stare down until the ref gets enough space to hold the belt.

Maclin got a headlock to start. Something threw Maclin to the ropes dropped him with his body block variation. Something missed a turnbuckle charge and then hit the ropes only for Maclin to hit a clothesline that sent Something over the ropes and to the floor. The two slugged away on the floor as Maclin got the advantage by dropping Something face first to the apron.

Maclin chopped away at Something but Jake reversed a whip to the ringpost into one of his own. Something dismantled the steps but Maclin slugged away at Something and ran him into the steps twice. Something hit a back elbow and a punch and then clubbed away on Maclin. Both men got on the apron and slugged away on the other after a suplex spot was blocked. Something clotheslined Maclin into the ring but Maclin recovered and caught Something with a running knee off the ropes. Maclin went to the second turnbuckle and hit a flying headbutt for two.

Maclin clotheslined Something in the corner and then a standing lariat in the middle of the ring for two. Maclin pounded away on Something in the corner but Something blocked a back suplex attempt. Something clubbed away with his elbow on Maclin but Maclin got some breathing room only for the two to hit simultaneous clothesline and both ended on the mat.

Rewholdt, meanwhile grilled Kazarian if he wanted a shot at the International Title. Kazarian immediately said yes as Something clotheslined Maclin. Something grabbed Maclin for a piledriver but Maclin slugged to escape. The two continued to pound away on each other which Maclin eventually got the better of it; until, Something stood on Maclin’s foot and used it for more leverage to drop Maclin with a forearm for two.

Something stomped around the ring and channeled the Ultimate Warrior for a rope shake. However, his powerbomb attempt was reversed to a series of punches by Maclin. Maclin landed a hard back elbow and then hit an Olympic Slam on Something. Something went to the floor. Maclin dove between the ropes only for Something to catch him with a flying forearm to stop Maclin in flight.

Something went after Kazarian as Kazarian tried to weasel his way out of it. Maclin had time to recover but ran right Into the Void by Something for two-and-a-half. Something decided to yell at the fans and then dragged Maclin to the ringsteps and hit a powerbomb. Something dragged Maclin up the rampway. At the top of the rampway, Something started to slug Maclin and then signaled for a piledriver only for Maclin to backdrop reverse it.

Maclin struggled to his feet but got enough adrenaline to leap at Something from the ramp to the floor. The two started to brawl back down the ramp and into the ring. Maclin tried for a KIA but Something escaped via elbows. However, Something charged at Maclin but Maclin escaped and Something went shoulder first into the ringpost. Maclin lined up and hit the Crosshairs btu Something trapped him in a sleeperhold.

Maclin nearly submitted but fought out of it. Maclin managed to hit three Crosshairs in the corner and then hit the KIA for the victory.

Post Match: Maclin celebrates in the ring and on the floor as Miller goes for an interview. Maclin said Something did, in fact, show him something. Something said he was born for that title – but not tonight. However, Kazarian managed to saunter over and got in Maclin’s face. Maclin slid in the ring and invited Kazarian. Kazarian thought about it but headed up the rampway.

We head up to some ads.

The Hardys vs. Rascalz are next but we get a recap of a meet and greet with TNA stars at Jimmy’s Seafood. All proceeds go to charity. Also, the Hardys will throwing out the first pitch at a Twins vs. A’s game. Well, we’ll work on quality later.

Rascalz vs. Hardys

Rascalz are out first and have their fun. The Hardys are out next and get their huge pop, as usual. The Hardys are now Hardy two belts having on the Fourth Rope tag championships. They take their time greeting fans but a minute later they get in the ring and we are ready to go.

Wentz and Matt start first. Matt grabbed an armbar but Wentz flipped and rolled out of it and gets an armdrag of his own. Matt grabbed a side headlock and cinched it. Wentz tried a few times to escape. Eventually, after a Matt shoulderblock, Wentz was able to hit two dropkicks.

Matt tagged Jeff as Wentz tagged Reed. Jeff and Reed trade shoulderblocks and dance moves (advantage Reed.) Reed got an armdrag but Jeff reversed a boot to a twisting back kick. Reed came back with a huge dropkick for two. Jeff tried for a twist of fate but Reed reversed it. Jeff got Reed on his shoulders as Matt entered the ring but Wentz pulled Reed off and the teams had a stare down and then an argument.

After words were exchanged, the Hardys shoved the Rascalz, only for them to come back with stereo superkicks. However, they were caught and the Hardys hit dual clotheslines. The Hardys whipped Wentz into the rope into dual back elbows and then the fist drop and leg drop combination for two.

Matt slugged away on Wentz. The Hardys seemed to be working heel in this match. Matt got a guillotine neck snap on the ropes as Jeff hit a leg drop from the apron for a two count. Matt tagged back in and the Hardys collectively stomped Wentz in the corner. Wentz tried to stem the tide with a leaping knee from a turnbuckle toss reversal but Matt curtailed it with the slamming Wentz into the turnbuckle spot as he hit every turnbuckle.

Jeff tagged and the brothers hit a double suplex attempt for two. A drop to the back of Hardy also got two. Wentz, however, finally found a chance for the tag as a Poetry in Motion was blocked as Wentz leapfrogged Jeff and slid under Matt. Matt tried to catch Wentz but Wentz kicked Matt into Jeff. Reed

Reed finally got the tag and hit a leg drop on Matt as Matt charged Reed into the ropes. A series of kicks was reversed but Reed finally nailed a superkick. Matt backdropped a charging Reed onto the apron but Reed hit a leaping knee and then a leaping legdrop over the ropes into the ring for two. A dual “Let’s Go Hardys/Let’s Go Rascalz” chant emerged but the volume was tenfold for the Hardys. Wentz tagged and stomped away at Matt and then hit the chinnlock.

However, Wentz, as usual, went for the handspring leaping knee off the ropes, which Matt reversed into a Side Effect. Jeff and Reed were tagged simultaneously. Jeff hit a dropkick to Reed’s leg and followed it with the inverted dropkick; leg drop on the groin and seated dropkick combination. Jeff hit a leaping splash on Reed into the corner and a turnbuckle aided dropkick for two.

Hardy got Reed on the turnbuckles. Jeff ascended to the top turnbuckle for a superplex but Wentz leapt to the top turnbuckle for his own Senton. However, Matt ascended to the top turnbuckle for an elbow drop on Wentz. Both Rascalz were thrown to the same turnbuckle but the duo caught a Poetry in Motion attempt and threw Jeff into Matt in leg drop fashion. The Rascalz hit a cris-cross a sliding kick and spring board twisting kick. Wentz dove between the ropes to take out Matt as Reed got a two-count on Jeff. Reed dragged Jeff to the corner. The Rascalz hit a lung-blower/top turnbuckle stomp on Jeff for two. Wentz is tagged and goes to the top but Matt threw Wentz to the floor. Matt went to suplex Reed to the floor but Reed hit a Stundog Millionaire on the ropes to drop Matt.

With Jeff conveniently getting into position, Reed attempted a Flame On over the ropes but it was blocked by Jeff who threw Reed to Matt and hit the Twist of Fate on the floor. Matt threw Reed into the ring and Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb for the victory.

Post-Match we get highlights of the finish as Hardys grab the belts. Despite some of the heelish tactics, The Hardys are good sports and handshakes and hugs are shared with the Rascalz. The Rascalz head up the ramp as the Hardys soak in the adulation.

After a Bound for Glory package, we almost get ready for the main event but, instead we get a First Class Penthouse segment. Francis and Swann welcome us and introduces themselves. After being victorious and before Moose is but down by Williams. Pops are served cheap, though, as both members hail from Baltimore. Francis gave his backstory. Swann did, too. Swann knew the fans have that fire and determination and that lead to Swann being what he is.

All those lessons lead Francis to know the one thing he had to do become successful – leave this place forever. Baltimore doesn’t deserve it and why Francis moved to Texas and Swann to Florida. That made me laugh. It didn’t make Poe, the Baltimore Ravens mascot laugh, so he came out to confront the duo. Francis doesn’t know how Poe got out here (a loud “Poe” chant emerged.) Francis said this is his city. If you don’t act right, you could get hurt as the tone became menacing. Poe started to do the Ray Lewis dance but The System emerge – aside from Moose. Alicia gets ready to hit her phrase but Francis cut her off saying no wants to know anything from her. I laughed again.

Alicia wasn’t laughing and slapped Francis. Francis promptly ended the segment as Poe finally got a chance to do the Ray Lewis dance (consult YouTube for the steps.)

We get a great highlight package for Moose vs. Williams all the way to yesterday’s attack.

TNA Title Match Moose vs. Trick Williams

Moose enters first to a loud chant of his name. Hannifan and Rewholdt acknowledge Moose’s Baltimore roots. Trick Williams is out and the Pavlovian “Whoop That Trick” chant emerges as he enters the ring. Williams grabbed the mic and said Mitchell did a fine job but Williams will take it from here. He acknowledged Tuesday’s loss on NXT (blaming it on Moose.) They are both NFL guys but we know the real birds of the NFL is the Philadelphia Eagles. Even Moose’s mom knows it.

The two glare at each other in the ring as Hannifan detailed the history of who held the title. They traded shoves. Moose chopped away at Williams but a turnbuckle charge is missed as Williams chopped away at Moose, who no sold them. Moose tried to slug Williams but Williams was too elusive in the corner. A chop changed all that. Williams, though, held the ropes on a Moose charge and Moose went to the floor.

However, Wiliams taunted the crowd but Moose grabbed the legs and pulled Williams to the floor. Moose tried to powerbomb Williams who reversed it to a hurincanrana. Moose recovered and hit a pump kick but missed a charge and hit the ringsteps. Williams slugged away at Moose and slammed Moose into the apron twice. A third time is blocked and Moose slammed Williams to the apron.

Williams recovered and slung Moose to the ringpost. He dragged Moose over to where his family is seated and chopped away. Moose tried to reverse it but Williams got a double thrust and slid Moose back into the ring. Wiliams slugged away at Moose into the corner but a side kick is reversed and Moose headed to the opposite side and hit a reverse flying bodypress from the top turnbuckle.

Moose lined Williams up for the spear but Williams caught Moose and hit an overhead suplex into the turnbuckles. Williams slammed Moose for a two count. Williams gets a facelock as a loud “Whoop That Trick/Moose” dueling chant arose. Moose got out of the hold by slugging away at Williams but Williams got a flapjack off a Moose charge. Williams even broke out the Cena “You Can’t See Me” taunt.

Williams chopped away at Moose in the corners until Moose had enough and we had a chop trade. Williams got the advantage by hitting a drop toe hold (on the second attempt) and a capoeira kick. He then broke out a neckbreaker for two-and-a-fraction. Williams taunted Moose by doing the hand gesture for Moose as some of the crowd chanted “Trick.” Williams was sort of impressed. The crowd started to get into it to Wiliams delight.

Meanwhile, Moose started to arise and we got dueling “Moose/Trick” with the gestures. Moose was gradually, well, Moose-ing up and came alive with a running uppercut, an urinagi off the ropes and a senton for two. Williams got the advantage for a moment with a pump kick but Moose hit a pop up powerbomb for two-and-a-fraction. Williams got a series of sunset flips and cradles for two and then hit the Trick Kick and his own Urinagi. An Attitude Adjustment got two for Williams.

Williams tried for a suplex three times but Moose reversed it. Moose put Williams on the top turnbuckle and superplexed him from the top rope but another suplex attempt is reversed by Williams. A “This is Awesome” chant emerged as both competitors arose from the mat. The two traded shots (with the “yeah/boo” becoming “Moose/Trick”.) Moose missed a discus clothesline was reversed into an uppercut. However, Moose pushed Wiliams into the ropes and hit the Spear. Luckily, Willams rolled out of the ring. Moose rolled to the floor and lined Williams up for the spear only to be overhead suplexed into the timekeeper’s table. Williams threw Moose back into the ring but the trick knee was evaded but Williams evaded the spear as Moose nearly clobbered the referee. However, the referee was not as lucky as Moose ducked a clothesline and Williams clotheslined the referee.

You could see how this will end from here. Moose hit the spear but no referee. Moose is frustrated and despondent as no referee emerged and Moose tried to revive the referee. Meanwhile, Williams set Moose up for the Trick Shot but Mose reversed it to a buckle bomb. A second time connected, though, and we get a two-and-a-fraction. Hannifan is elated that it didn’t that way as Williams confronted the referee. A trick knee is reversed into a headbutt but Willams evaded another spear attempt and Moose hit the ringpost. This gave Williams time to hit the Trick Knee to the back of the head. Another Trick Shot, does the trick, no pun intended, and Williams gets the pin.

Post Match – Williams savors the cheers from the crowd. TNA President Carlos Silva stood in the ring and presented Williams the belt. Williams gloated in front of Moose’s family. We get a brief hype for NXT Heatwave and Hannifan hopes that will bring a title back to TNA. “When does the World Title head back to TNA?” Hannifan desperately wonders as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations

1. Williams is a star. He will have a far smoother ride than Hayes on the man roster. He showed a more diverse move set and Williams just has the aura of a champ.

2. Francis does, too. Francis has all the makings of a great redemption story and could be a possible crossover hit into WWE. Swann does not. Let Francis do the heavy lifting (no pun intended) and let Swann do the moves.

3. Speaking of moves, the Slater/Alexander match was great. That was a great mix of moves with psychology. Slater is a star and I can see why he is the future. Alexander did a masterful job as a reclamation project, and he is a great place here – he just needs some wins.

4. Ali is in that same situation. A rekindling of the Santana-Ali feud would be great. Agent Zero is an odd case. He has that Barry Windham physique so he doesn’t have the sheer muscle but has that natural strength and size to become a player in TNA in some capacity.

5. The Lee re-signing was a good moment, but couldn’t it have been saved for Impact or just a backstage moment? That was a weird pivot. I am a huge Lee fan, don’t get me wrong and I am happy she is finally getting a chance to show what she can do. It was just a weird segment.

6. Is Sade okay? That was an almost Roman Reigns level of selling. The women’s tag match was fait accompli as soon as you saw all the seconds (and thirds) for the teams. The Iinspiration seemed like they are still shaking off the rust. Brookside and Lee actually impressed me.

7. I am not a fan of Callihan but that was a nice send off, albeit an obvious one. Santana has one or two endgames so this match seemed like an odd filler but it gives a closure (sort of) to Callihan.

8. Choppy pre-game stream notwithstanding, we are still getting more and more of the WWE-ification of TNA – and that’s a good thing, to quote Martha Stewart.

9. Hartwell continued to be the master of the hope spots/Supergirl recoveries. I am curious if they do more with the Luna and Hartwell duo. Luna did not seem totally happy about Hartwell doing it alone. Maybe, I read too much into it.

Keep fighting the good fight.