TNA Impact Review – 09.25.25

Okay, we are less than a day away until we head to the Great White North via Victory Road. But first, we have one more cycle to cover in Minneapolis, the home of Charles Schultz and the Peanuts statues. Let’s hope TNA doesn’t move the football out from us and maybe, we’ll get a visit from the Great Pumpkin. We are spared Miss Othmar and instead, we get Tom Hanifan and Matthew Rehwoldt on commentary. So, grab your security blanket, play some Beethoven for ambiance and get ready for some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

News and happenings…

Whilst the NXT parking lot is melting pot of inequities and crimes, the TNA parking lot is used for what it should be, negotiations. On Instagram, Eric Young confronted Santino Marella whilst meandering in the parking lot for a match at Victory Road against Joe Hendry (clap, clap)

Also, After Tuesday’s events on NXT’s show, there is a possibility – possibility – according to the sheets of dirt, WWE filed a patent with the word “invasion.” Does this mean we will finally get the Invasion of 2001 correct? Inquiring minds want to know.

Previously on TNA Impact: We get a recap of last week’s Brian Myers vs. Mustafa Ali match with the team schmozapalooza with Agent Zero dropping Moose. We get the announcement of Hardcore War for Victory Road. We also get the Hardys vs. the Nemeths with the Hardys winning via Swanton Bomb with help from Matt Cardona.

Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander vs. the Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz with Myron Reed in tow)

The Rascalz are out first to a decent pop and awash in Day-Glo. Reed joined them on commentary as Hannifan and Rewholdt talk about his X-Division Title match tomorrow against Slater. He said he put the work in and he is ready. They pose with the crowd and do their wave thing. Alexander and Slater are out next and gets a good pop, too.

Wentz and Alexander start. Alexander gets a go behind. The two trade arm bars. Wentz used the flip and dip escape to arm drag Alexander. Miguel tagged into the match after Wentz hit a running back elbow in the corner. The Rascalz hit the Motor City Machine Gun tag spot that ends with Miguel dropkicking Alexander with Wentz holding him in a chancery.

The two pose but that gave Alexander time to recover and slug Miguel. Wentz took umbrage as Slater joined the fracas but the referee got control before it hit the schmozapalooza level. Alexander and Miguel traded blows with Miguel getting the best of it. However, Alexander blocked a kick and pushed Miguel into a corner hitting a charging forearm smash. He also hit a seated dropkick after a snapmare. Slater tagged into the match after Alexander hit a vertical suplex. Slater got a two count and retagged Alexander who hit a jumping stomp. Slater is back in the ring and hit his Crossover from the top turnbuckle for a one-count.

Slater continued to beat on Miguel and grabbed a chinlock. However, Miguel reversed a Suplex and Wentz tagged back into the match after hitting a kick to a charging Slater. Slater blocked a code breaker and got a back kick off a reversal. Slater hit Wentz with a flying forearm in the corner. Slater got the 10-punch corner spot and hit a flying bodypress for two.

Slater had the upper hand until Wentz ducked a handspring knee of the ropes to one of his handspring jumping knees that connected on the first try, for once. Miguel tagged back in, hit a double team elbow, wishbone and then a double seated dropkicks. Miguel hit a monkey flip out of the corner and held on to Slater. He followed that with a standing double stomp for two.

Wentz tagged and hit the chinlock as we hit a commercial break. When we came back, Slater fought out of the chinlock but Wentz hit a knee to the abdomen and then a ruing knee to the face in the corner. Wentz tagged and the duo hist a series of double kicks that ended in with a Wentz double foot stomp as a Miguel pin got two. Miguel tagged back with a chinlock as Slater, again, fought out of it, reversed a body slam and hit a nice flying cutter.

Both combatants were down but eventually made it to their feet and tagged their partner. Alexander got the advantage and hit two nice German Suplexes on Wentz and a running boot to Miguel in the corner. Wentz reversed a Lumbar check with a forearm; Alexander responded with one of his own on the ropes and then hit the Purge neckbreaker off the ropes. Alexander also hit a Michinoku Diver for two who took slight umbrage with the referee.

Alexander chopped away on Wentz in the corner and tagged Slater. Wentz pushed Alexander into the corner but Slater jumped over him but into another Wentz’ jumping knee. Miguel climbed to the top and missile dropkicked Alexander. The two hit a superkick/crucifix pin for two until Alexander disrupted the pin. All four combatants are in the ring as Migel through Alexander to the ropes but stopped. Alexander hit a running boot to Miguel but Wentz hit a bodypress as both wrestlers went over the top.

Meanwhile, Slater recovered and hit a plancha over the ropes on Wentz. Slater and Reed eyed each other for a moment but Slater went back on the Rascalz attack. But, this gave Miguel, still in the ring, time to recover and stopped Slater’s process Miguel draped Slater on the ropes. He held him as Wentz came off the rope with a senton of his own for two-and-a-fraction. We get a shocked face but The Rascalz continue to beat on Slater.

Wentz put Slater on the top turnbuckle and Miguel kicked him and hit the 619 around the ropes to Slater. Wentz, then put Slater on his shoulders and Miguel ascended to the top. All the while, Alexander was recuperating and got to the corner to throw Miguel. Wentz pushed Slater to the corner but a corner charge was hit with a boot from Slater. He launched him into Alexander who hit a German Suplex. Alexander got one more suplex for good measure and then hit the ropes for a dive between the ropes to take out Wentz. Meanwhile, Slater ascended to the top rope, STRUCK THE POSE and hit the Swanton 450 for the victory.

POST MATCH: Slater and Alexander celebrated as Reed left the announce table to have the stare down with Slater who held the belt over his head.

We then go backstage with Gia Miller with Jake Something and Frankie Kazarian who is donning a hat backwards (giving total “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids” vibes.) They are in the main event against Steve Maclin and Ken Anderson. Kazarian said he feels like a divine being and Jake Something realizing he the light and the truth. He realized that watching and learning from Kazarian will truly make him Something.

Maclin and Anderson are on borrowed time. He is sick of the solider boy routine and will take the International Title and Victory Road. He also reminded Anderson that he brought him into the TNA and he can take him out and he will remember the name “ Misterrrr Kazarian…….Kazarian.” And we will remember the commercial break….commercial break.

When we return, we get a recap of Tuesday’s cotillion between TNA and NXT during the Oba Femi vs. Trick Williams main event. After that, we get a recap of the earlier IG post of Young and Marella with Young calling him a puppet during the segment. Back in the ring, we get:

Jody Threat vs. Victoria Crawford

Crawford dances her way to the ringside. As Rewholdt thinks it’s time we all get some mentoring. Threat is out next who does her high energy run around the ring and does the headbang on the turnbuckles. Hannifan and Rewholdt recap the Gia Miller and Tessa Blanchard angle and how Hannifan applauds Miller for taking the high road despite the attack by Blanchard and Crawford. Rewholdt tried to weasel his way in by saying he helped try to retain order.

In the ring, Threat grabbed an arm bar and a side headlock. Threat got a shoulderblock of the ropes and a series of clotheslines in the corner. She picked Crawford and overhead suplexed her out of said corner. Crawford held onto the ropes as Threat tried to pull her away. Crawford launched Threat to the ropes; on the rebound, Crawford grabbed Threat and threw her into the bottom rope on her throat. She also hit a seated dropkick on the apron.

Crawford stomped away on Threat and beat on Crawford with a series of punches and forearms. She also hit a big boot off the ropes for a one-count. Crawford continued to pond away on Threat and hit an arm bar. Threat fought out of it , though, and chopped away on Crawford on the ropes. She hit a back elbow in the corner to a charging Crawford. She also avoided a running big boot by Crawford on the ropes. As Crawford tried to get her leg over the top rope, Threat tried to hit a German Suplex but Crawford blocked it.

Threat, though, came off the ropes and hit a series of clotheslines of the ropes and a running big boot. Threat also hit a meteora with Crawford draped on the ropes and hit a release German Suplex.

However, the music played and Threat looked up the ramp to a returning Tessa Blanchard (who got a pop.) Blanchard STRUCK HER POSE as Threat stood on the apron and shook her head. This gave Crawford time to recover and, as Threat re-entered the ring, Crawford hit the Watch Yo’ Face for the victory.

Post Match: Crawford celebrated and ran up the ramp to join her bestie in the entrance way they go backstage, as we do.

When we get backstage, there’s Joe Hendry in a taped segment. It is official, it is Joe Hendry vs. Eric Young at Victory Road. This has a deeper story than we realize. Hendry left and had some things to resolve. When he came back, Young was there to mentor him (?) Young showed Hendry how to do this and how to succeed.

As Hendry got better than Young, Young became bitter and a conspiracy victim. Young turned his back on the values he preached. At Victory Road, he will realize why people still chant “We Believe.” As we believe, we will go to commercial.

When we return, we are still backstage and the question that all of humanity grapples:

“Do you want to know something?” Alicia Edwards greets us with the System. Eddie Edwards said it is official at Bound for Glory – The System vs. Order Four in a “Hardcore War” match. Myers added we are down a member (points to the JDC logo on his jacket) but he is on the mend and will be there. Moose said he doesn’t need his family to win matches and he will get a chance to prove it at Victory Road when Moose vs. Ali with no one there. He will be his backside and the most important thing is he will learn why you always…trust the System.

10 person “Call Your Shot” Intergender Battle Royal for Bound For Glory.

We see the entrances of Mara Sade, Matt Cardona, Hometown Man ( adorned in and old school Kirby Puckett jersey) and AJ Francis with a mic in tow. Allow him to reintroduce himself. Talk is cheap but all he talks is money, money, money. Since we are in the home of the Timberwolves, he is wearing his Anthony Edwards Nike shoes. But, unlike Edwards and the Timberwolves, we won’t be eliminated early. All he sees are bunch of losers and a brunch of broads. He was taught never concern yourself with the actions of losers. He was taught it was money over the honey. If doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make cents and all he makes is money, money, money.

He then got in the ring and said he was going to make some people relevant (well, that’s nice of him.) He called Xia Brookside a kid, Mara looked good but hands off the merchandise. Rosemary confronted him. Francis would never hit a woman but he would chokeslam a female dog. Rosemary misted Francis (why? He was wearing shades. Nonetheless, he sold it comically.) This gave all the competitors a chance to gang up on him and collectively threw him over the top rope.

That being done, we get the usual battle royal fare. Hannifan set up the rules of the Call Your Shot match. The winner of this battle royal gets number 20 spot in the gauntlet match – the last one. The last one eliminated from this match, is number one. The crowd sang the Steam classic “Na, na, na, hey, hey, goodbye” chorus to Francis. Meanwhile, Ryan Nemeth snuck outside and languished on the floor. She held Sade and choked her o the ropes and gave Killer Kelly a chance to clothesline her over the top rope.

The Angel Warriors took umbrage and hit stereo kicks on the Killer. Lei Ying Lee got Kelly on her shoulders and dumped her on the apron as Brookside kicked off the apron to the floor. Rosemary speared both Warriors but Mance Warner got a hold of her and thrust chopped her before she could mist him. He then threw Rosmary over the top. Cardona grabbed Warner but Warner reversed a throw to the turnbuckles. Cardona got his knees up and hit a charging Warner but a Radio Silence was reversed to a sit out powerbomb.

The Warriors started to attack Warner but a double clothesline off the ropes proved feckless as Warner hit his own clothesline to drop the two. Whilst Warner celebrated, the HTM snuck behind him and started to beat on Warner. The Dusty Rhodes elbow is reversed by a kick to the abdomen and Warner grabbed the Puckett jersey and removed it. Luckily, HTM had a Kevin Garnett jersey underneath it. Smart.
HTM threatened Warner who backed into Cardona and found himself surrounded. The two took turns beating on Warner and threw him into the corner. HTM hit a clothesline into the turnbuckle (with a Cardona Irish Whip providing extra propulsion.) Cardona hit the Reboot and HTM grabbed him to toss him over the top rope. However, Warner reversed it and threw HTM over the top rope but on the apron. Cardona followed the same suit.

On the apron, both HTM and Cardona pounded on Warner and were going to suplex him over the top but Nemeth came from behind and pulled HTM and Cardona to the floor. Warner then focused his energy on Brookside and threw her to the corner. However, Brookside blocked a Warner charge and grabbed Warner with her legs for a hurincanrana. Nemeth, again, came from behind, shoved Warner and then threw Brookside to the floor.

Nemeth finally got into the ring, shook hands with Warner but then clotheslined him. Nemeth started to beat on him. Nemeth focused his energy on Lee, who beckoned Nemeth to fight her. Lee hit a series of forearms and a back kick to the abdomen. Lee hit an elevated chop to the forehead. However, an eyerake stopped her momentum. Ryan threw Lee to the ropes but Lee stopped herself. One can envision what happened next, and yes, Nemeth charged, Lee ducked and held the ropes and Nemeth went flying over to the floor and was eliminated. Nemeth was beside himself.

So, the final two were Warner and Lee. Lee beckoned Warner as Warner parodied the crane kick. Lee came back with a series of chops and a flying kick to Warner on the corner. Lee climbed to the top and started the 10 punch corner spot, but Warner escaped on the last one and pushed Lee to the corner. Warner charged Lee but Lee hit him with a shoulder to the abdomen. Lee tried to lift Warner over the ropes to the floor but Warner escaped and hit a big boot to drop Lee to the floor and grab the win.

Post Match: Warner stayed in the ring and taunted the fans as Brookside checked on Lee.

We check on some others with the Bioflex Medical Report.

Moose is cleared for action after the attack from Agent Zero. Santana is cleared after checking on him after the Ridge Holland attack. Mr. Anderson is also cleared after being check after the attack last week.

When we come back, we get a recap of the Santana vs. Trick Williams feud and a hype piece for the match on Bound For Glory. We also get recap of the announcement of Mickie James and the Beautiful People, Velvet Sky and Angelina Love, being the latest entries in TNA Impact’s Hall of Fame.

We go to a taped piece with Mike Santana as he walks the streets of the Bronx. We get a voice over talking to Santana, He has walked through fire and shadow; and the jungle of his own making. He is a prisoner not of chains brought by those around him but by his own doing telling him he was a king before he earned his crown. It poisoned his eyes, poisoning him of the blessing around him. His hunger for purpose starved. Sloth lulled him into a coffin of comfort. No one, not even him, could not hear him. False idols promised him everything but left him with nothing.

He became Babylon crumbling from within – a beast devouring himself. He was the silence between trumpets playing. But, that was not going to define him. His chains are broken and the horsemen have ridden and with them, he will rise. He will take back his life as a saint. His scars are scripture, the sins that held him down are no longer masters. He chose gratitude over envy, discipline over sloth, he does not kneel down before the beast within him. He is reborn from the ashes. Success will not be handed down but carved by the hands of his father and his blood runs through Mike’s veins. He is no longer the victim of his sins but he is their executioner. The struggle is the fire, growth is the rising smoke and success is the final trumpet. It announces the beginning of who he is -TNA Heavyweight Champion, Mike Santana.

We also get a message from his daughter and the “To be continued” graphic.

That was an expletive great vignette. That was incredible. Run, do not walk, to your devices and watch it.

And now, we get…the Final Negotiation (cue the Europe synth riff.) Marella greeted us and is excited for what is about to transpire, sharing the ring with tag team royalty. Pro wrestling is about witnessing special moments. This will be one of the moments. This will be the last match between two of the best teams in the history of wrestling. We just are going to have one final negotiation.

Team 3D is out first. D=Von looks great given his health scares. They head down to ringside. The two get a giant pop. Hannifan and Rehwoldt extolls the accolades of the team. The Hard(y) Boys are next (Marella referred to them as the Hard Boys.) A huge “Delete” chant emanates from the audience. Hannifan and Rehwoldt extoll their accolades.

All four stand and state at each other. Marella reiterates the importance of this as the crowd gets a loud “This is Awesome” chant. All four applaud the crowd. That shifts to a loud “TNA” chant. Marella is fired up.

Bubba gets the mic first. Out of respect of what the Hardys continue to do in this ring, they deferred to the Hardys. Matt gets the mic and said this is surreal. He reiterates in the ring are two of the greatest teams of all times. When they returned, they did so to cement their legacies. TNA is white hot right now. Many consider them the most popular and the most influential team of all time but they will never be as decorated as the Dudleys.

Bubba agreed with Matt that TNA is white hot right now, one of the main reasons is the Hardys. Matt thanked the Dudleys but for the Hardys to be considered GOATS, they need to face and beat the Hardys one more time. Bubba said they made a lot of history together. A loud “TLC” chant emerged. Now, D-Von got the mic. He said speaking of TLC, he reminisced about the time the two were hanging 25 feet over the ring. D-Von said never again you son of a female dog.

“Damn right, I’m scared of heights, shut up,” D-Von humorously said to a fan. Matt chimed in with his recollection hanging 16 feet and falling through four tables and is unsure how they are alive. Bubba Ray said the question should be (looks at Jeff) How are you still alive?

Jeff said only God knows why. They’ve had extreme moments and always lived on the edge, but he is a born-again Christian. Whatever this match is , it will be extremely epic. There’s only one thing left. D-Von, if you would…

“Oh, my brother Testify!!”

Bubba said as all the history made between the Hardys and the Dudley Boys (making sure he emphasized that he said “Dudley Boys”) But while it is a nice trip down memory lane, doing all the nostalgia which is all great, but they are here for business. He was happy to say that the Hardys needed the Dudleys because..that is the truth (an audible “ooh” came from the audience.)

Matt said yes, that is the truth. He needed Dudleys at Bound for Glory because they are goats. If the Dudleys win, the Hardys will shake their hands and say they are the GOATS. Will the Dudley’s do the same? Bubba Ray asked what they have to offer us. The Dudleys are not putting their legacies on the line for nothing.

Matt agreed and made it a title match, so the Dudleys can be 25 time tag team champs. There are a lot of great tag teams right now in TNA, Bubba Ray said. He mentioned the Rascalz and the System. Matt reiterated the Dudleys accolades and wanted them to jump to the front of the line for the final time.

Marella got the mic and said he will consult with the people here since he is their voice of authority, the fans gave a giant pop for the match and for the titles to be on the line. Bubba Ray summarized the events. Matt agreed. D-Von whispered something to Bubba Ray. Bubba Ray said “no” to the match. The crowd turned in a hurry. A loud chorus of “We want tables” emerged from the crowd which Matt acknowledged.

Bubba Ray said 25 years ago in Madsion Square Garden, the four of them made history. In the first tag team “tables” match. That is their thing and the Hardys won. The Dudleys said they need each other. He will admit that it bothered him that the Hardys won in their match in their hometown. Despite all the tag titles, it still bothers us. If they are going to do it, let’s do it the right way (sigh) in a tables match. The crowd loved it.

Marella wanted them to sign the contract Bubba said they don’t need to and D-Von ripped the contract. They did shake hands and that is good enough for all parties. All four soaked in the adulation as we get soaked in commercials.

When we return, we go to a pre-taped vignette of Order Four.Mustafa Ali is…tired. The type of tired sleep cannot fix. He is tired of explaining himself and tired of the disrespect. He is tried of the System. He is upset that they tied stipulations to their match. Do they not understand that actions have consequences.

John Skyler chimed in that actions do have consequences and at Bound For Glory at Hardcore War match, Order Four will unleash the consequences. Jason Hotch then takes over and said that Order Four – not the System – is a family. Tasha Steelz takes over and asks Alicia if she wants to know something: at Bound For Glory, united they stand; divided, the System falls.

Ali accepted the challenge for Victory Road. He does not want to leave anything to chance. On the horizon is Hardcore War, and Ali went over how the match works. He tied the stipulation to the match at Victory Road; the winner of the match gets the advantage during the match (which is War Games adjacent.)

He asked if the System was man enough and wanted to remind the System that it is the System is not what they trust. Everyone in TNA and the order four put their trust in one man – in Ali, they trust.

They are interrupted by the System who come through the door and into frame. The four stare at each other as the scene ends. Hannifan and Rehwoldt get the rundown of the Victory Road pre game and the actual card.

It is now time for the main event

Steve Maclin and Mr. Andreson (Anderson) vs. Frankie Kazarian and Jake Something

Kazarian and Something are out first. Maclin then enters and heads to ringside. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about Kazarian running down Maclin’s service record and the city of Minneapolis. Anderson is out next and looks like he is in decent shape, all things considered.

Anderson headed into the ring, STRUCK THE POSE and waited for the mic to come from above. No luck. He stood there for a moment until Maclin patted him and said he had an idea. He went under the ring and grabbed a chair and asked McKenzie Mitchell for the mic. Maclin got on the chair and handed the mic down to Anderson and Anderson does his gimmick. After that, we get to do some commercials.

When we return, Maclin and Kazarian start the match. Kazarian immediately tagged Something. Rehwoldt and Hannifan rehash the teacher angle with Kazarian and Something. Something got a side headlock and a shoulderblock off the ropes. But, another rope charge ended with a Maclin back elbow.

Maclin chopped away at Something in the corner and got a clothesline in the corner. However, Something blocked a bulldog attempt and hit a forearm to the back of Maclin’s head. Something soaked in the boos of the crowd but a charge in the corner was met with a boot. Macli slugged away at Something but a whip to the ropes was met with a Something body blocked which dropped Maclin to the canvas.

Something again soaked in the boos of the crowd as he pounded on Something’s back and aged Kazarian. Maclin got loose and the two squared off; however, he looked at Anderson who reached for the tag and got it. Anderson and Kazarian jawed at each other and Andreson started to slug and chop away at Kazarian. Rehwoldt went over Anderson’s school and was the trainer of Gabe Stevenson (not good) and WWE Woman’s champ Tiffany Stratton (much better.)

Anderson whipped Kazarian in the corner and met him there with a clothesline. Anderson also hit a backdrop over the ropes. Maclin tagged back into the match and thew two hit a double back elbow. Maclin hit a knee drop and Anderson an elbow drop. Something tried to charge the duo but they ducked and double clotheslined Something over the top rope.

Heel stalling ensued but Something got on the apron and threatened Maclin to hit him. Kazarian made to the apron and took his time which was too long for Maclin. Whilst jawing with fans, Maclin used the top rope to propel Kazarian into the ring. Maclin again chopped away at Kazarian and then hit a knee to the face off the ropes and a clothesline for two

Maclin tagged Anderson and the two started to pound away on Kazarian as we get our final commercial break. When we return, both combatants are on the mat but both managed to get the tag. Maclin is a barracks on fire and hits a series of clothesline on Something and then a Thesz press. He continued to pound on Something until he saw Kazarian making a charge at him. Maclin ducked a charge and then hit the Busaiku knee on Kazarian.

Maclin continued the assault and hit both heels with clothesline in the corner. He picked up Something and put him in the Tre of Woe. However, Something raised his head and avoided the Crosshairs. Maclin slid outside to the floor and was met with a clothesline from Kazarian. Kazarian soaked in the boos and middle fingers from the crowd.

Kazarian threw Maclin back into the ring and Something hit a diving shoulderblock into the abdomen for a one-count. Something clotheslined Maclin and posed for the crowd. He looked in a chicken wing and chinlock on Maclin. Maclin gradually made it to his feet and hit a jawjacker to break the hold. Maclin hit the ropes and ducked Into the Void but the two ended dropping the other with a clothesline.

Both men struggled to their feet but both made the tag. It was Anderson now a house on fire who hit a clothesline, back elbow and a reverse neckbreaker on Kazarian. Anderson tried to get Kazarian on shoulders but Kazarian slipped out and applied a chicken wing. Anderson escaped and NOW got Kazarian on his shoulders to hit the Green Bay Plunge.

Anderson paused for a moment, STRUCK THE POSE and attempted the Mic Check but Kazarian elbowed out of it. Kazarian charged Anderson in the corner but was met with a boot. Anderson went to the top and slugged Something who tried to interfere. This gave Kazarian time to recover, grab Anderson and attempt the Fade to Black.

However, Anderson reversed that to a sunset flip for two. And, NOW we get the Mic Check for two-and-a-fraction until Something disrupted the count as the crowd got a loud “that was three” chant. Something’s interference brought Maclin into the ring. Maclin and Something traded clubbing shots. Something dropped Maclin with a forearm and Maclin dropped to the canvas and the floor. But, this gave Anderson time to recover and send Something to the apron with a forearm to the back of the head.

Andreson went after Kazarian, who grabbed Anderson’s leg to drop him and attempt a pin with Kazarian’s feet on the ropes. This only got a two count. Kazarian grabbed Anderson but Anderson, again, attempted the mic check which was evaded by Kazarian into a backstabber and then a sliding clothesline. A springboard legdrop got two for Kazarian as the crowd tried to rally Anderson. Kazarian again tried for the chicken wing but Anderson elbowed out of it and grabbed his own chicken wing.

However, Something broke up the submission and grabbed Anderson as Kazarian propelled forward and struck Maclin to the floor. Something attempted a piledriver but was reversed into a backdrop by Andreson, who also hit a clothesline on Kazarian. Meanwhile, Maclin made tit to the apron and got the hot tag. He hit a dive between the ropes on something and then a back elbow on Kazarian. An Olympic Slam continued the offense for Maclin who set Kazarian up in the Tree of Woe in the corner. And, NOW Maclin hit the Crosshairs. Maclin set up for the KIA until Something broke up the attempt.

This brought Anderson back into the fray as he attacked Something. Anderosn beat on Something and threw him into Kazarian. Anderson grabbed Something and hit one more Mic Check. Maclin grabbed Kazarian and hit the KIA for the victory as the crowd rejoiced.

Post Match: the tandem soaked in the adulation of the crowd.

Impactful Ruminations

1. I had some ideas that I thought about pre-show but I want to put them aside for a moment. I am thoroughly impressed with the Santana vignette. I went back and re-watched after seeing it the first time. It is incredible. It does what vignettes should do – resonate with you. The prose, the Keith David (or Keith David adjacent) narration and the footage could talk you into buying this PLE or PPV. It was fantastic, utterly fantastic. It would not be a fool, but an heir to the throne of the kingdom of fools would not pull the trigger at Bound For Glory. Watch it – be it on DVD or YouTube or where ever. You will not be disappointed.

2. Okay, adulation aside. There was banter last week and Tuesday regarding the NXT vs. TNA rivalry. It irked me that there was no follow up tonight aside from Tuesday’s footage of the main event. This is where doing the mass tapings in one spot drags down the product because this is a dynamic thing happening and it is only being dynamic on one end.

3. In my previous employ, I had to travel to North/Northeast Texas frequently for 2-3 ½ hours one way. The one saving grace on the trip (aside from podcasts and music) was a Buc-ee’s in Centerville, TX (yeah, yeah, I know, it’s not in the center of Texas – neither is Center, Texas, either.) I knew the gas was cheap, bathrooms were clean and there were good snacks to keep me going en route to my destination. Victory Road is that Buc-ee’s. It’s a perfectly good stop but not the final destination. It would make sense, and the only viable option, to have some NXT retaliation. Aside from that, the card is just there. It’s a nice event and sets the table on some things but not the destination we aim.

4. To quote Mongul on Young Justice “The novelty of this encounter has officially worn off.” I love a good face comes back as a masked wrestler. It is a time worn trope in southern territories and I do love the Home Town Man and his antics. However, what is the end game? In days of yore, it was to get back at someone, maybe use a red herring and then have the heel get their comeuppance and then all is right in the world. I don’t see what the goal is. The ones who caused this, Eddie Edwards and the System, are now faces, so unless they revert back, revenge isn’t in the cards. Make it part of the System’s amending process to give Deaner his job back. It should have meaning.

5. The Slater and Alexander vs. The Rascalz match was the best wrestling tonight. I am a big of fan of Slater as I am not a Rascalz fan. Slater has just be a great find. Alexander and Slater make a great team but where is this going? They are a great team but Slater is your X-Division Champ. Alexander is a great hand but this angle seems odd unless there is something nefarious in the works and Alexander becomes this Svengali in purple tights.

6. The Battle Royal was okay but do we need Warner holding any sort of title. He is a good brawler and good on the mic but just strikes me as value store Steve Austin. It seemed odd to have him away for a bit and then hit him with a decent push.

7. The Dudley and Hardy “final negotiation” (cue the Europe synth riff) was great for nostalgia as they alluded. I get you are trying to connect the past and the future in the present. The crowd still loved them but it just seems superfluous or it showed the lack of depth in the tag division. It was an okay segment. Maybe, it is the lack of love and fondness for the “Attitude Era,” but this really didn’t grab me; especially, since it followed the Santana vignette. Although, as I alluded to it in the review; all things considered, D-Von didn’t look that bad.

8. Mustafa Ali and Order Four – still great on the mic.

9. Tessa Blanchard is back. That actually is good as it gives the women’s division a solid heel who does good work in the ring. I would be a complete Tessa Blanchard guy if I knew she was contrite about her past dealings with wrestlers.

10. I also love Ryan Nemeth as the weasel, sniveling, conniving heel. He knows the role and executes it brilliantly.

11. We spoke of nostalgia and its effect on the psyche. I am much more in lock step with the way Mr. Anderson was used. It’s a one-off, it perpetuates a story line, and he gets one more shot in the spotlight (aside from being known as the trainer of Tiffany Stratton, that was TIL moment today.)

Lastly: regarding the main event; yeah, I laughed when Maclin gave Anderson an assist with the mic. That was good. Also, even at his age and with the accumulated miles, Mr. Anderson still has the lungs for it.

See you tomorrow for Victory Road. Keep Fighting the Good Fight.