TNA Impact Victory Road Review – 09.27.25

Okay, we are in Edmonton….Alberta, Canada (in Lance Storm voice) for Victory Road 2025. Will we be Edmonton Expo Center. This is TNA’s inaugural event in Edmonton. Edmonton, which gave Warren Moon his big break in football and is not the home of rats given an eradication program in the 1950’s and 60’s. Well, they won’t have to worry about rats as we start the final trip from Edmonton to Lowell, MA (which, sadly, has rats) and Bound For Glory. On the trip, let’s pass the time with some Impactful Discourse, shall we? We shall.

We start with an ariel shot of Edmonton, and yeah, it’s a nice-looking city. We see Kazarian bullying some of the backstage help to wheel his bag Maclin arrived and can wheel his own luggage. Surprisingly missing are NXT wrestlers – you would think they would know how to sneak attack someone in a parking lot

We get right to the matches as we get:
Trey Miguel vs. Zachary Wentz vs. Cedric Alexander

The Rascalz enter first to a decent pop. Cedric Alexander gets a far better pop. Loud “TNA” chant. As the crowd chants, the Rascalz look around and then Miguel superkicks Wentz!!! Hannifan hits the hyperbole and compared to Shawn Michaels superkicking Marty Jannetty (ummmm…no.)

Miguel reverses a go behind into a roll up for two. Miguel backflips over Alexande on the ropes. We get a multiple flip move that ends with Miguel hitting an armdrag on Alexander off the top rope. Miguel followed that with a dropkick. Wentz though recovered and got back in the ring and started to argue with Miguel. They dd take time to hit a series of stereo kicks on Alexander. However, Wentz leapt off Alexander’s back and hit a modified Canadian Destroyer (appropriate) on Miguel who eventually landed on the floor.

In the ring, Wentz tried for a seated dropkick but Alexander missed. Alexander missed a kick that turned to a roll up for two for Wentz. Alexander avoided the handspring leaping knee by Wentz and hit a between ropes dive on Miguel. Wentz followed suit and hit a between rope dive on Alexander. We got a chain as everyone hit dives between the ropes until it was Miguel’s third turn when Wentz hit a stunner on the ropes.

Wentz did the idiotic thing and pointed to his head that he was smart and that gave Alexander time to recover and hit a running kick on the apron. Alexander dove between the ropes and hit a downward spiral for a two-count on Miguel.

Alexander got to his feet and laid the boots to Miguel. He also hit German suplexes on Miguel and Wentz who got back in the ring. Alexander continued to land hard kicks on Migel’s back. While HE SOAKED IN THE CHEERS, Wentz entered the ring; but, Aleander hit a go behind and hit a German suplex on both Rascalz at the same time.

Alexander then hit a running splash on Miguel and then hit a seated drop kick for two. However, Miguel connected on a kick to a charging Alexander in the corner. He followed it with a leap over Miguel and a headlock driver. Wentz followed with a sling blade of his own. The Rascalz then charged each other and hit simultaneous sling blades which dropped them both. They eventually got to their feet. Wentz hit a flying knee in the corner and then a flying knee to Miguel in the other corner. Wentz then hit a rolling snapmare on Miguel. Went then hit a jumping knee strike to Alexander and then a running kick to Miguel. He followed that with a twisting bodypress for two on Alexander.

Wentz tried for another headlock driver but Alexander reversed it with a forearm smash and a Michinoku Driver for two-and-a-fraction. Miguel tackled Alexander and hit a Sharpshooter. He also caught Wentz and hit a Lightning Spiral on Wentz whilst hitting a dragon whip screw on Alexander. Miguel then locked in the Cattle Mutilation on Alexander who desperately tried to fight through it.

This gave Wentz time to recover, head to the top and hit a Swanton Bomb on Miguel. He also grabbed Alexander and hit a UFO cutter for three.

Post Match: Wentz celebrates to the crowd as Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about the card and being in Edmonton. They then go backstage to Gia Miller and Steve Maclin. Miller went over some of things Kazarian said about both Maclin and his military service. That hit home to Maclin, since it is more personal to him than the title. Kazarian insulted his brothers and sisters who served and that makes it way, way more personal, he said. This is for all his brothers who had to carry that disrespect and for those who fight the war after the war. He promised that when he is done kicking Kazarian’s butt, he will be known as King Nothing.

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, someone walked into frame and glared at Maclin as we go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt. Rehwoldt said that the mystery guy was El Mesias, who just went nose-to nose Maclin in AAA.

Whilst the package was shown, the ring was set up for the First Class Penthouse and AJ Francis. Francis wore a Houston Texans jacket (nice for the home team – my home team, at least – to get some run.) It was given to him as he was on the sidelines on Monday Night Football (they could have used you, Francis.) He doesn’t think Edmonton has any sports team so he doesn’t expect them to know who the Texans are or what football is, just that he is a star. The only star in the galaxy is Trick Wiliams.

A” Let’s go, Oilers” chant emerged but Francis said he does not speak French. He hyped Williams some more and wondered why he doesn’t get more of the star treatment. Francis ran down his appearances on MNF, TNF, Pat McAfee and the Kay Adams show, amongst others. He demanded bigger star treatment.

A loud “Shut the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Up” chant emerged and Francis reminded the crowd there are children here. Heat is served cheap as Francis said he got a little hot under the collar and took off his jacket to reveal a Florida Panthers T-Shirt. Now, he remembered Edmonton – they lost the last two Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers.

Francis also took time to hype his new recording “Dear $ummer” available soon on all streaming platforms (Williams is on some tracks, too.) He wanted the album to play what was met with silence. Blaming it on Canadian production, he asked again to hit and Matt Hardy’s music started to a thunderous pop.

Francis stopped the music as a loud “Hardy” chant emerged (Francis: “He knows his own name.”) He knows Hardy is the guest but he needs to come out when Francis gives the word. Hardy retorted that he came out to save the show. No one wants to hear Francis’ music but rather Hardy’s theme. He said no one wants to see the oldest tag team title match in history between the Hardys and the Dudleys (shoot comments that are not…???) but here we are: First Class should be in that match.
Hardy asked what alternate reality is Francis living because the Hardys and the Dudleys are the GOATS of the tag team wrestling. They defined what the next generation of tag team wrestling should be and ran down their trailblazing status. Hardy talked what Francis created in wrestling – boredom and headaches. Swann and Jeff Hardy aren’t here so Francis might create a butt whipping if he doesn’t get off his show right now. Francis and Hardy eyed each other as another “Hardy” chant emerged. Hardy asked why doesn’t Francis kick him of the show if he is man enough.

So, Francis did. The two traded blows but Francis hit a big boot as Hardy came off the ropes and then hit the Down Payment on the table. Francis posed with the tag tile and dropped it on Hardy as he left the ring.

The System head to the ring. Eddie Edwards got the mic said it felt really good to bring TNA to Edmonton. He recapped the stips in the Ali vs. Moose match but look around and they’re here and JDC is back. Edwards figured why wait for Hardcore War. So, an impromptu six-man match is booked by Santino Marella, who appeared from backstage as the System challenged “order quatro.”

We get a recap of the System vs. Order Four feud. This leads to our next match:

The System (Myers, JDC and Eddie Edwards with Alicia Edwards in tow) vs. Order Four (John Skyler, Jason Hotch and Special Agent Zero with Tasha Steelz in tow)

Order Four then head to the ring as the Great Hands and Special Agent Zero head to the ring. This is Zero’s first TNA’s match. Skyler and Myers start the match but Skyler immediately tags in Zero. Zero has a good physique to him. He got in the ring and instantly started to manhandle Myers with a big boot and punches in the corner. He hit two hard vertical suplexes on Myers.

Agent Zero pounded away on Myers. Edwards was able to get the tag and started to beat on Zero who no sold it. Zero hit a snap powerslam on Myers. Zero pounded on Edwards and tagged Hotch, who beat on Edwards. Skyler got the quick tag and the Hands placed Edwards in the tree of woe and managed to both stand on his groin on the second turnbuckle. Skyler got a chinlock off a snapmare on Edwards and then a Russian Legweep for two. Hotch tagged back into the match .

However, Edwards stopped a Hotch charge with a back elbow and evaded a Skyler charge in the corner. Edwards also dispatched Hotch out of the ring. Hotch got a measure of revenge by quickly getting back in the ring and knocked Myers to the floor. Edwards, though, caught the charging Hotch with a backdrop.

JDC got the tag and was a discothèque on fire. He dropped Hotch with a back elbow and hit the running back elbows to Hotch and Skyler in opposite corners. He avoided a Hotch charge and kicked Hotch’s leg to where he sat on the turnbuckle; putting him in prime position for a slingshot legdrop. Falcon’s Arrow for two until broken up on Skyler. Myers hit a running knee on Skyler.
This brought Zero back into the mix who grabbed Myers and then Edwards. But the System broke the hold and hit a double superkick. JDC hit a running elbow that sent Zero to the ropes and a Myers and Edwards running clothesline sent Zero over the ropes but to his feet.
Myers and Edwards hit a double powerbomb on Hotch as JDC went to the top rope and hit the Down and Dirty for the win.

Post Match: Zero quickly entered the ring and The System hit the floor to celebrate.

We get the full hype package for Victory Road (again) as Hannifan and Rehwoldt greet us properly as a loud “TNA” chant emerged from the crowd. First, though, we get Ash……by Elegance (but no Personal Concierge.) She entered the ring with Santino Marella and Carlos Silva already present. They are going to address the state of the Women’s Division.

Ash had to address something and it will be difficult. She came here 18-months-ago and was mentally defeated. But now, TNA is her home and we are her family. She wanted to represent this with her best ability. Life threw her a curve ball, though. She cannot compete and do what she wants to do. She is stepping away from in-ring competition and has to forfeit the title.

But, she is confident that whatever woman wins the title she will hold it high and keep it to the standard that she wanted to achieve. Whether you cheer or boo for her, they gave her the best moments of her life and she will miss us. A loud “Thank You Ash” chant emerged as she kissed the belt, gave a hug to Silva and Marella and was in tears as she left the ring.

Marella grabbed the mic and said the tag title match scheduled will be held Thursday. So, they will hold a battle royal next and the final two competitors will face off for the Knockouts Title later tonight.

Rehwoldt and Hannifan both were hit hard by the announcement and try to regroup. Whilst the do that, the women start to enter the ring for the battle royal, including NXT’s Kelani Jordan. Okay. The Angel Warriors, Iinpsiration, By Elegance Brand, Jodi Threat, Dani Luna are seen amongst the competitors.

Luna stated to jaw at the other competitors who promptly dogpiled her. However, she knocked all of them over and they all crowd. Meanwhile, Luna picked dup Threat and tried to throw her over as the Iinspirations STRUCK THEIR POSE but the By Elegance Brand started to argue with them. THIS brought out the Personal Concierge who climbed into the ring and I sense a comedy spot. The PC removed his jacket but before the Iinspiration can attack, the PC ran out of the ring and put someone in their way. Hannifan and Rehwoldt are at a loss for who it is but she does not last long as the Iinspiration through her out after a quick dance battle. They talked over her name but the internet told me it is La Pascarita from AAA.

Threat barreled into Luna and dropped her and hit a yakuza kick on M By Elegance and tripped Heather. However, Luna snuck up and threw Threat over the ropes. The Angel Warriors took turns beating on Luna in the corner until Lund dumped Lee on the apron. Brookside hit the monkey flip on her but A hurincanrana was blocked by Luna and Brookside was thrown over the top rope.

Lee took umbrage to that and beat on Luna, lifting her on her shoulders but Luna reversed it and hit a huge lariat clothesline. Luna tried to eliminate Lee but the Iinspirations, by Elegance Brand and Kelani Jordan teamed to throw Luna over the top rope.

The By Elegance Brand and Iinspiration took turns hitting stereo moves on the other, both teased throwing the other team over the top rope. M and McKay were tangled in the top rope as their partners tried to throw the other out. However, Lee and Jordan snuck from behind and eliminated all four. That means Lee and Jordan were the winners and would compete for the Knockouts title later tonight.

The two started to square off but stopped as the two played to the crowd. Sportsmanship was displayed as the two pointed as each other who was going to win. We go to Miller backstage with Indi Hartwell. The division is turmoil there is a lot of pressure on them and on Hartwell, since she gets the winner at Bound For Glory. But, she promised to call the match right down the middle and has special “Indi” referee gear.

Tonight, she wants to make sure the winner really earned the title. She wants to see how much they are willing to do to win because the winner will face Hartwell. The action continues with the next match:

The Nemeths vs. Matt Cardona and The Hometown Man (with Stinger in tow)

The Nemeths are out first as both strut down to ringside and in the ring. Cardona comes out next with a huge pop. HTM gets a giant pop, complete with a Connor McDavid and Stinger, who is the mascot of the Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Sure. HTM taught Stinger how to do the HTM moves. Stinger made their way up the ramp. The fans are into the HTM.

Cardona and Ryan start the match. Cardona pushed Ryan to the ropes and gave a clean break but Ryan took time to shove Cardona. Cardona blocked a kick and hit a clothesline and then hit a flapjack off the ropes. A loud “Chelsea’s Husband” chant emerged as Hannifan laughed. HTM was tagged and hit an axe handle off the second turnbuckle. Rehwoldt had this gem
“I can spit facts, too ‘That’s Cody Deaner’ clap clap clapclap ‘that’s Cody Deaner’ clap clap clapclapclap.” Meanwhile, Ryan got the advantage and slugged HTM in the ring and tagged Nick.

HTM, though, rallied and started to pound away on Nick, finishing with the Dusty Rhodes punch. HTM put the boots to Nick in the corner and a loud “Home Town Man” chant emerged from the crowd. HTM hit a hip attack on Nick in the corner and then a FULL BODY SLAM on Nick. Ryan entered the ring and was quickly dispatched to the floor by HTM. HTM also hit the ummm.. Home Town Man’s elbow drop (with a “Home Town” chant as he got ready.) HTM went to the top turnbuckle but Ryan grabbed his foot for distraction, giving Nick time to charge HTM. HTM leapt over Nick but Nick responded with a huge dropkick.

Ryan tagged into the match and hit a clothesline for a two count.

BUT WAIT…we go to a backstage camera and we see Joe Hendry writing in pain.

Meanwhile, Nick tagged in the match and choked HTM on the ropes. Nemeth hit the back suplex and we get gyrations by both Nemeths. Nick hit an elbow drop and got the arrogant cover for a two-count. Ryan tagged and made fun of Cardona’s old “Woo Woo Woo” (changing the last “woo” to “boo” but an attempt at a Reboot was met with a HTM clothesline. Both combatants are on the floor but both make it to their corners for the tag. Cardona’s being hotter than Ryan’s, he dropped Nick with a clothesline and knocked Ryan from the ring apron with a forearm.

Cardona got his knees up to drop the charging Nick and then climbed to the second turnbuckle for a missile dropkick. Cardona clotheslined Nick in the corner and then hit the successful Reboot. He also managed to hit the Unprettier (!) for two (as Hannifan said “We miss you, Chelsea.” Rehwoldt noted that Green’s is better because it usually ends her matches.)

However, Nemeth reversed a Radio Silence and tossed Cardona to the turnbuckles and blind tagged Ryan. However, a second attempt is successful but Ryan hit his leaping DDT for two. Ryan and Nick lifted Cardona; but, he backflipped out of the move and staggered backward to tag the HTM. The HTM promptly hit a flying bodypress on both Nemeths for a two count.

Ryan dropped HTM with a forearm; Cardona dropped Ryan with a forearm of his own. However, Nick hit a superkick and Cardona went sprawling to the floor. HTM had time to recover and grabbed Nick and Ryan and attempted Hometown Bread. However, The Nemeths blocked the attempt. Nick slugged HTM and then held HTM Ryan for the Hart Attack (again, appropriate. Rehwoldt said they did it as good and they were both wearing pink. Factually true, I can’t argue the logic.)

Another loud “Hometown Man” chant emerged as Ryan set up HTM for a sharpshooter. However, Cardona grabbed Nick by the feet and dragged him out of the ring. This distracted Ryan and that gave the HTM a chance to rollup Ryan for the victory.

Post Match: The faces soaked in the cheers and chants but the Nemeths snuck up from behind and beat them. They knocked Cardona to the floor and Nick hit the Danger Zone on HTM. They both pointed at the mask and Nick started to remove HTM’s mask. However, HTM tried to cover his face and Cardona came to help but got kicked by Nick as they left the ring. A loud “you suck” chant emerged.

We get an A-Game hype piece and then we go to Mike Santana wandering around the concourse (Hall E.) As fans mob him (sir, put your shirt on, please) he asked what’s good Edmonton, Trick Williams sent Ridge Holland to beat him but Holland is going to face hell like he has never experienced. He is sending a message to Wiliams and the world that he is built for war. He is walking to Bound for Glory as the nastiest but leaving as TNA champion. Santana made his way through the fans to ringside. The fans love him.

Mike Santana vs. Ridge Holland

Holland emerged next to not much of a reception. Santana didn’t wait for the bell and hit a kangaroo kick that sent Holland to the corner. When he came out of the corner, Santana attacked him further and then hit a shoulder block to drop him. The beatdown continued until Holland bailed form the ring but Santana hit the ropes and leapt over the ropes to nail a senton splash to drop Holland and soak in the cheers.

On the floor, Santana chopped away on Holland until Holland ran him into the apron. However, Santana reversed a whip to the stairs and Holland flipped over the chairs. Holland did manage to get some offense as Santana leapt from the steps for a body press but Holland caught him. He then dropped Santana face first on the apron and followed it with a seated dropkick.

Holland threw Santana back into the ring and hit a cradle shock for a two-count. A loud “TNA” chant emerged as Holland charged Santana in the corner, only to be met with a kick. Holland tried again and Santana leapt over him, blocked a boot and then hit a back elbow. A reverse bodypress got a two-count as Hannifan went over Holland’s athleticism and backstory.

Holland reversed a whip into the ropes and caught Santana with a nice powerslam for a two-count. Another slam by Holland got another two count. Holland and Santana tried to recover but Holland got to his feet and attack Santana but “The Realest” blocked a suplex and a DDT attempt and hit a backdrop for his efforts. Santana started to get the crowd riled as he slugged away on Holand and dropped him with a series of clotheslines, including a flying clothesline off the ropes.

Santana chopped away in the corner but a whip to the turnbuckles was reversed. Santana blocked a kick and then hit an enziguri in the corner. Santana tried for a roll up but was blocked by Holland. Holland ran him into the ropes but Santana bucked him off for the Rolling Block 50; however, Holland blocked it. Santana caught Holland on his shoulders and hit a Death Valley Driver for two.

Santana got ready and was ready to hit the Spin the Block but Holland met him with a big boot. Holland got behind Santana and threw him face first to the turnbuckles. Santana blocked this and NOW we get the Rolling Block 50 for two. Santana hit a cannonball in the corner and then picked up Holland on the top turnbuckles. After Holland rebuked the first attempt, Santana was successful with a superplex from the top turnbuckle but a Three Amigos attempt was reversed to a powerslam for two by Holland.

Both combatants slugged away in the “yeah/boo” spot. Santana hit a knee strike off the ropes but a Spin the Block attempt was blocked. Santana slipped two punches by Holland; who decided to hit the ropes. Santana was ready and NOW we get the Spin The Block for the victory.

Post Match: Trick Williams’ music played and his chryon displayed. However, Willams jumped him from behind on the other side as Holland held Santana’s legs. Santana managed to fight off Williams and started to fight off Holland. However, Williams hit him with a belt shot and dropped Santana. He stood on Santana on one foot as the crowd broke into a “Whoop that, Trick” chant. Willams celebrated and walked up the rampway.

We get a Bioflex Health Report: Hendry’s status is uncertain after the mysterious (coughEircYoungcough) attack. Moose is cleared after the headbutt form Agent Zero. Sade is dealing with bruises emanating from the Battle Royal Last night. Maclin is cleared after being checked by the Doctor.

After the attack by AJ Francis in the pre-game festivities, Matt Hardy is getting his neck checked. He asked and begged the doctor to clear him because he has to put AJ Francis through a table. The doctor relented and the match is ready to go.

We get a hype piece chronicling the Moose vs. Mustafa Ali feud.

Moose (with the System in tow, for the moment) vs. Mustafa Ali (with Order Oru and the Extra Servicemen in tow, also for the moment.)

The arena goes dark and we get Moose’s theme adorned in black and silver. Hannifan reiterated that once the match starts the System must leave. Ali is next with the full entourage and two dancing women wearing masks (remember that count.) He makes the gesture and Order Four and the works head backstage.

Ali rolled away form a charging Moose and ducked and dodged him and then hit the floor to soak up the adulation of the fans. Moose headed to the floor, though, and hit a pump kick to drop Ali (with Shawn Michaels flip sell.) Moose threw Ali back into the ring and got some love from the fans. This gave Ali time to recover and hit Moose with a knee as he was entering the ring. Ali chopped away on Moose in the corner, who no sold it.

Moose brushed off the chops and threw Ali into the corner to hit chops of his own. Moose whipped Ali in the corner but Ali flipped over a charge. Moose grabbed Ali and put him on the top turnbuckle and hit him with a dropkick that dropped Ali to the floor.

Moose stated to dismantle the ring steps and then picked up Ali. He tried to powerbomb Ali on the steps but Ali escaped and came back with a Tornado DDT of his own. Ali threw Moose to the ring and then hit a leaping moonsault from apron to the turnbuckle. HE went back to the apron and then hit the rolling neckbreaker between the ropes. Meanwhile, there are now three women on the rampway sat there in pose (hmmm….)

Ali dropped a series of elbows and a seated dropkick on Moose (after polishing his head.) Ali grabbed the chinlock, digging his knee into the back. Moose powered out and threw Ali to the floor. A hit a back elbow on the charging Moose in the corner and then hit a hurincanrana to drop him. Ali then hit a dive between the ropes that drove Moose to the barricade (and damaged the small table there.)

Ali went to the top to set up the 450; but, Moose got up and Ali rolled out of it. Moose caught Ali with an urinagi and then a senton. Moose kiped up and set up Ali for the spear but was met with a knee. The two traded chops and superkicks but Moose got the upper hand with a clothesline.

Ali, though, reversed a power bomb into a Code Red for two. Both combatants were on the at but Ali managed to pull himself to the top rope but Moose met him there with a chop. Moose tried for a superplex but Ali got out of it. Moose went to the mat but tried again but Ali once again escaped and hit the bell calp. Moose caught Ali coming off the ropes and hit a sit-out powerbomb for two-and-a-fraction.

Moose went to the corner and set up for the spear but Ali ducked it. He tried to get Moose in a suplex but couldn’t. Moose tried to hit a powerbomb but Ali reversed that and NOW Ali hit the vertical suplex. Ali blew kisses to the fans and started to taunt Moose as he hit a series of kicks. Ali tried for a handspring move off the ropes but Moose avoided it and NOW Moose hit the Spear for two-and-a-fraction as Ali just got his foot on the ropes.

Moose pleaded his case but the referee remained firm. Ali hit the floor and Moose pursued him but Ali backdropped him into the ringsteps. A “Holy excrement” chant erupted. Ali threw Moose to the ring and hit the 450. But, Moose kicked out at two and grabbed Ali when he kicked out. Ali was generally scared. Ali chopped away but Moose got fired up. Ali went to the top turnbuckle and tried a reverse bodypress but Moose headbutted him on the way down. Ali crumpled to the mat as Moose went to the corner.

Ali reversed it to a sunset flip for two. Ali blocked a clothesline with a backslide. Ali blocked a powerbomb into a hurincanrana. However, Moose reversed a spear into a huge Powerbomb for two-and-a-fraction. The three women made their way to ring side and got on the apron. The referee was trying to get two of the women out of the ring but the third came behind Moose and got a low blow. She scurried out the ring as Ali recovered hit a dropkick that sent Moose colliding into the corner and then to the mat. NOW, Ali hit the 450 for the win.

Post-Match: The third woman was Tasha Steelz as all three women applauded and Ali celebrated on the turnbuckle.

We get the Eric Young “cleanse” angle and his feud build of Eric Young.

Eric Young vs. Joe Hendry

Young comes to the ring in usual mask and poncho. Young grabbed the mic and said the city doesn’t understand winning because they have been losers for a decade. This isn’t a farewell or goodbye but on purpose. It is a cleansing and inevitable and he is gone forever. Say goodbye to….Joe Hendry.

You know what that means. Hendry appears and makes a beeline to the ring and started to beat on Young. Young ducked two clothesline attempts but got caught on the third. Young stemmed the tide with a series of blows to the back of Hendry but was caught with a backdrop off the ropes. Hendry chopped away at Hendry at the corner. A corner charge was evaded by Young but Hendry managed to grab him and toss him over the top rope.

Hendry chased Young on the floor and slammed into the apron and the ringpost. Hendry and Young got back in the ring and Hendry wanted to beat Young in the corner. However, Young pulled the referee in the way and as Hendry gently moved her, Young caught him with a punch and a DDT. Young dropped a series of elbows on Hendry and got a neck snap.

Young continued his offense by choking him with his boot int ehcorner and on the ropes. Meanwhile, the camera focused on the fan holding “The Cleanse is Coming” sign. In the ring, Hendry got to his feet and started to beat on Young but a back elbow off the ropes swung the momentum back to Young.

A loud “We Believe” chant arose as Young continued to choke Hendry in the corner. Young pounded on Hendry and then hit the chinlock. Hendry got to his feet but Young got a sleeperhold of the ropes. Hendry tried to escape but Young reapplied the sleeper off the ropes. The two followed the same sequence as Hendry dropped to the canvas, trapped in a sleeperhold and a bodyscissors.

The ref checked on Hendry who got his arm up on the third check. Hendry managed to get to this feet and got Young up for a big vertical suplex. Hendry blocked two Young charges to the corner and came back with a series of clotheslines. Hendry also got a hurincanrana off the ropes. Hendry hit the fallaway slam and he STRUCK THE POSE. He got the crowd in a frenzy but the Standing Ovation was blocked with an eye rake. Hendry wasn’t finished and hit a shoulder block off the ropes. He got Young on the shoulders and hit the Olympic Slam for a two count.

Hendry put Young on the top turnbuckle but Young met him on the top with a forearm bite that sent Hendry to the canvas. Young followed it with an elbow drop for a two-count. Yong took umbrage with the count and then mocked the fans. Young tried for a Death Valley Driver but Hendry escaped and hit a series of European uppercuts.
Young blocked a backdrop attempt with a piledriver for two-and-a-fraction. Young accosted the referee and Hendry snuck from behind and grabbed Young. Young, though, hit a low back kick that dropped Hendry. Young went to the floor and grabbed a chair under the ring. However, the Northern Armory (Travis Williams and Judas Icarus) stopped Young and revived Hendry. Young dropped the chair and Hendry hit the Standing Ovation on the chair for the victory.

Post Match: the crowd, the Armory and Hendry celebrated by waiving their hands from side-to-side. The armory joined Hendry in the ring. We got a bit of a swan song from Hannifan who said “no matter where Joe Hendry goes, his home will always be here in TNA Wresting.”

We get a recap of the NXT vs. TNA kerfuffle from Tuesday’s NXT show.

We also get a recap of the pre-game show as AJ Francis hit the Down Payment on Hardy on the table.

AJ Francis vs. Matt Hardy

Francis was met with a salvo of boos and tried to steal a sign from a fan. Rehwoldt said Francis has nothing to lose tonight. Hardy came out next but not in the best physical shape. Nonetheless, Hardy has a mic and said he spoke to Marella and made this match a “tables match” and Hardy is going to throw Francis’ glutes through a table.

Francis missed a clothesline but Hardy came back with one of his own and sent Francis over the ropes. Francis headed up the ramp to recuperate as McKenzie Mitchell gave us the parameters of a tables match (luckily, nothing changed.) As Francis headed back to the ring, Hardy met with him with a dropkick between the ropes. Hardy threw Francis into the ringsteps. Hardy grabbed a table under the ring but Francis pounded away on his head.

Francis then did a comical spot by putting the table back under the ring. This, though, gave Hardy a chance to recover and slam Francis into the ring post and back into the ringsteps. Francis caught a leaping Hardy with a punch that dropped him on the floor. Francis started to smother Hardy with the steps. He threw Hardy back in the ring. The crowd started a “for unlawful carnal knowledge you AJ” chant as Rewholdt said Francis only needs real friends like Rich Swann (hey…) Francis choked Hardy on the ropes and pounded away on him. He taunted the fans and hit the Tennessee Whiskey running knee in the corner.

Francis soaked in the boos but missed a backsplash and Hardy started to rally. He went back and grabbed the table and slid it into the ring. Francis got smart and stood on it. Francis threw Hardy into the ropes and hit a big boot. He set the table in the corner and put Hardy there. Francis got into a football stance and charged but Hardy moved.

Luckily, Francis stopped himself in time but Hardy escaped and tried to hit the Twist of Fate on Francis. Francis threw him off and Hardy had to stop himself from hitting the table. Francis tried for a cannonball and missed and smashed through the table.

The referee, though, said it did not count. So, Hardy continued his offense. He hit the turnbuckle spot and slammed Francis on every turnbuckle on the way down. Hardy climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit a tornado DDT on Francis. Hardy went back to the floor and grabbed a chair. He unfolded the chair and put it around Francis’ head but Francis got smart and rammed the bottom part of the chair into Hardy’s throat.

Francis sat Hardy on the chair and hit the ropes; but Hardy arose and leg tripped Francis so he dropped on the chair. Hardy did the windmill punch a la Bart Simpson and AJ Lee (shoutout to Botchamania.) But Francis grabbed the chair and threw it at Hardy. It hit him in the face and Hardy fell to the mat. Francis put the chair on Hardy and indicated he was going to hit a moonsault. Hardy got to the second turnbuckle and gloated. This gave Hardy a chance to garb the chair and hit him in the back. He then used the chair to get to the second turnbuckle and a Side Effect.

Hardy, once again, grabbed a chair and set it up on the floor. He got in the ring and hit the TFL. He went to the floor and grabbed Hardy’s tag belt – he also took time to scream at Hannifan that “this should be mine.” Francis went back to the ring to hit Hardy with the belt but Hardy ducked and hit the Twist of Fate on the belt. Hardy used the belt to hit Francis over the ropes. Francis conveniently staggered to the second table as Hardy pounded on him with the belt. Hardy put Francis on the table and cimbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a legdrop on Francis which properly broke the table and earned Hardy the victory.

Post Match: Hardy celebrated up the ramp with the fans. As we get a Bound for Glory (featuring the Hardys and Dudleys) hype piece and the same promo for TNA Immersed Series.)

We re-show the end of the earlier battle royal which leads us to

Knockouts Title Match: Lei Ying Lee (with Xia Brookside in tow) vs. Kelani Jordan (with Indi Hartwell as special referee)
Hartwell comes out first and gets a huge pop. Jordan comes out next with a moderate pop. Lee is next with full gear. She got a bigger pop than Jordan and tried to get the crowd into the match.

A loud “TNA” chant emerged from the crowd as Hartwell goes through the rigorous pat down of the combatants. Hartwell signaled for the bell as we are underway. Sportsmanship is observed as the two trade takedowns until Lee has Jordan in the corner. Lee let go of the old and Then Jordan backed Lee into the corner. Again, sportsmanship on display.

Lee grabbed an armlock but Jordan flipped out of it and grabbed an armlock of her own. Lee reversed it to a leg lock and then a side headlock. Lee hit a shoulderblock off the ropes but Jordan tried to hit an arm drag off the ropes but botched it. Lee sold it anyway. Jordan did hit a clean dropkick that sent Lee to the floor. Jordan ducked a Lee kick on the apron but got one of her own. Jordan threw Lee back into the ring but Lee responded with a rolling block off the ropes and a jumping kick for a two-count.
Lee missed a leap into the turnbuckles and Jordan hit a snapmare and a basement body press for two. The two traded cradle attempts. Jordan hit a standing bridge to counter a Lee cradle and hit a backslide by two. Jordan blocked a kick and swiped the legs for another two count.

We get dueling “TNA/NXT” chants as sportsmanship is, again, shown. Jordan got a small package rollup for two. Lee used her legs on the kick out to push Jordan to the corner. Lee followed it with a flying forearm and a 10 spot on the turnbuckle. She hit an overhead suplex for two. Lee then got Jordan on her shoulders but Jordan evaded, nearly hitting Hartwell. Lee tried to charge Jordan, who evaded and she nearly collided into Hartwell.

Jordan kicked Lee in the abdomen and hit a northern lights suplex for two. Jordan grabbed a single-leg crab for a submission attempt, enhancing it with repeated kicks to the back of Lee. Lee used her leg strength to again send Jordan flying, this time out of the ring. Jordan climbed back into the ring and climbed the turnbuckles. Lee met her there and hit a series of forearms. Lee, then climbed the ropes and hit a hurincanrana from the top turnbuckle.

The two traded forearms and kicks but Lee got the best of it. She hit a back elbow off the ropes and two side kicks dropped Jordan. She got a Natural Selection and seated dropkick for a two-count. Lee grabbed Jordan for a powerbomb but Jordan evaded and hit a superkick. Lee evaded a Jordan charge to the corner and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two-count. Jordan slid out of the ring to recover but Lee followed her.

Lee blocked a throw to the apron with a kick but Jordan did the same. Jordan then leapt onto Lee and dropped her. Jordan threw Lee back into the ring and hit a somersault back elbow off the ropes. Lee blocked a superkick into a crossface. Jordan powered out of it and hit a facebuster followed by a frog splash from the top rope.

Jordan went back to the top turnbuckle for her One of a Kind moonsault but Lee moved and Jordan landed on Hartwell. Jordan was beside herself but Lee hit the Thunderstruck but in vain since there is no referee. Hartwell regained her senses but Jordan kicked out at two-and-a-fraction. Jordan tried for her airplane spin but sold her back being injured. Jordan and Lee traded rollups. The two tried for a backslide but Jordan got a split-legged stunner. NOW, Jordan ascended to the top and hit the One of A Kind Moonsault for the victory and the new Knockouts Women’s champion.

Post Match: Silva handed Jordan the belt. Jordan graciously accepted it and celebrated on the turnbuckle. Lee was dejected but Jordan, again showing sportsmanship, held Lee’s hand in triumph. Jordan headed up the rap and was greeted by Ash. Hartwell shook her hand made a gesture toward Jordan and went in the back.

We go backstage (and outside?) to see Myron Reed and Leon Slater warming up but before that, we get Steve Maclin and Frankie Kazarian. We get a hype package for the two (aired previously.)

Frankie Kazarian vs. Steve Maclin

Kazarian came out first with what looked like Nick Nemeth hand-me-downs. Maclin got a decent pop as he headed to the ring. Maclin posed with the belt. When the match started, Kazarian and Maclin traded armlocks with Kazarian getting an early chicken wing attempt before Maclin powered out of it. Kazarian jawed with the fans and Maclin and then got a side headlock WHICH Maclin easily reversed. Kazarian turned that into headscissors which, again, Maclin reversed.

Kazarian doggedly tried for the side headlock and then chopped away at Maclin. Maclin reversed it and Kazarian bailed to the apron. Once he returned, Kazarian and Maclin continued to jaw at each other and Maclin shoved Kazarian into the mat. Kazarian arose and traded strikes which Maclin won and hit a knee to the abdomen off the ropes. Maclin continued to pound on Kazarian in the corner and hit a backbreaker for two.

Kazarian went back to the apron but missed the leg drop on the apron. Maclin, though, missed his dive between the ropes. Kazarian beat on Maclin and posed with his foot on Maclin’s chest. Kazarian threw Maclin back in the ring and his slingshot legdrop. Maclin momentarily rallied but Kazarian regain eth momentum with a double chop off the ropes. Kazarian threw Maclin into the turnbuckles twice. Maclin again rallied with a Bossman Slam as Kazarian charged Maclin in the corner.

Kazarian would not give up momentum with a series of punches and kicks. He grabbed Maclin into a cravat hold and then a cravat cutter a la Chris Hero. Kazarian cinched in the hold as Maclin, again, tried to rally. Maclin, again, tried to rally but a sunset flip off the ropes was blocked for a two-count. Maclin got an assisted knee strike off the ropes and a clothesline which finally got things going for him.

He followed it with a series of clothesline and the Thesz Press. Maclin continued to pound away on Kazarian with a series of punches and an Olympic Slam for a two-count. Kazarian attempted to hit the chicken wing but Maclin backed into the corner to prevent that. A snapmare and the Psycho Knee put Kazarian on the mat and a flying headbutt off the second turnbuckle got a two-count. Maclin continued his assault with forearm in the back. Maclin put Kazarian in the tree of woe and set up for The Crosshairs but Kazarian grabbed Maclin and hit a cutter for a two-count.

Kazarian attempted the chicken wing but Maclin reversed it but Kazarian hit a back elbow off a Maclin charge into the corner. Kazarian also hit a jumping neck drape on the top rope. Kazarian climbed to the top rope but Maclin met him there. The two traded punches on the turnbuckles but Maclin got the best of it and hit a Superplex and a Fireman’s Carry neckbreaker that sent Kazarian to the floor.

Kazarian got back into the ring and hit an encroaching Maclin with a shoulderblock to the abdomen and then a slingshot DDT for two-and-a-fraction. Kazarian lifted Maclin to the top and followed him. The Flux Capacitor was teased but Maclin elbowed him from the top rope. Maclin went for a flying headbutt but missed. Now, Kazarian got the chicken wing. Maclin dropped to a knee as Kazarian cinched it but eventually escaped the hold and threw Maclin to the floor. Maclin hit the dive between the ropes.

Maclin and Kazarian got back in the ring and Maclin again got him in the tree of woe. Maclin did the “Tag ‘Em and Bag ‘Em” gesture but stopped noticing El Mesias making his way ringside. Maclin changed direction and hit Mesias with the dive between the ropes. The referee headed to the floor to remove Mesias. This gave Kazarian time to kick the ropes as Maclin entered the ring and hit the Slingshot Cutter for the victory and the New International Champion.

Post Match: Silva headed into the ring and Kazarian got his title and Rewholdt went over Kazarian’s title reigns. He then taunted the fans at ringside with the belt and headed up the ramp.

We get another rundown of Bound for Glory and went over the TNA Hall of Fame selections of Mickie James and the Beautiful People. We then get ready for the Main Event.

X-Division championship: Leon Slater vs. Myron Reed

We get the Rascalz entrance as Myron Reed headed got the crowd fired up from the ramp. He headed back to ringside after getting the hype from his Rascalz compatriots. Hannifan said this is the first time in a year-and-a-half that an X-Division match headlined a TNA PPV. Slater was next and got a huge pop on his way to the ring. Hannifan and Rehwoldt extolled the virtues of the “Youngest in Charge.”

We get a “TNA” chant to start the match and good sportsmanship is shown. Reed got the first advantage with an armbar. The two traded headlocks and takeovers to a stalemate. Slater evaded series of kicks and Slater reversed a slingshot backbreaker. Reed got a takedown and a legdrop in an attempt to stop the champion. Slater wasn’t keen on that and shoved Reed and got a headlock. Reed back him into a corner. Reed had a clean break but teased a punch which Slater covered. Reed got a chuckle out of that.

Slater, though, went through with a shot of his own and menaced Reed. Slater pounded away on Reed on the ropes. Reed countered with a slingshot dropkick. Slater reversed a dive by lifting Slater over the ropes to the apron. Reed re-entered the ring with a monkey flip. Slater regained the momentum by dropkicking Slater to the floor when Reed tried a slingshot leap. Slater continued by hitting a dive on Reed over the top rope to the floor.

Slater threw Reed back into the ring as a “Leon Slater” chant arose. Slater hit some huge chops in the corner that got the “woo” treatment. He also got the 10-punch spot in the corner and huge cross bodyblock for a one count. Slater was impressed with Reed but got him on the shoulders for Utopia but Reed escaped for a rollup and then a hurincanrana on a charging Slater for a two-count.

A huge superkick dropped Slater. Both combatants were on the mat but made it to their feet. Reed hit the Kazarian ring apron legdrop. Slater evaded a charge by Reed which led to a series of kick and punch reverses. Eventually, Reed got the upper hand with an enziguri and then a slingshot throw off the ropes for two.

Reed got Slater on his shoulders but a facebuster was blocked by Slater on the ropes. Slater escaped Reed’s grasp and headed to the top turnbuckle. Reed evaded a charge but Slater rolled out. A series of reverses occurred but Slater got Reed on his shoulders and hit the Utopia with extra rotations for a two-count. Slater got to the top turnbuckle but Reed met him there. Slater escaped but was met with a Reed boot. Reed leapt from the top but Slater caught him with a knee.

Reed fell out of the ring and Slater ran to the corner and leapt over the turnbuckle and hit Reed with the dive, nearly taking out the timekeeper’s table. A “holy expletive” chant arose as Slater climbed to the top for the Swanton 450 but Reed moved and Slater rolled through it and caught Reed with a jumping side kick.

A suplex was reversed by Reed but Slater reversed a suplex attempt over the ropes and both landed on their feet in the ropes. Reed eventually got the best of it with a Slumdog Millionaire on the floor. Rehwoldt said this is what pro wrestling is all about (well…..) Reed tried for a slingshot move but Slater moved so Reed landed on his feet. Slater made it to the apron which let Reed hit the Flame On to the floor. Reed got Slater back in the ring and hit the springboard 450 splash for two-and-a-fraction.

A dueling “X-Division/Fight Forever” chant emerged as Reed pounded on Slater. Slater threw Reed into the turnbuckles but Reed matrix ducked a side kick and hit a cutter on Slater. Reed picked up Reed and put him on the turnbuckle. Reed got to the top but Slater hit a twisting suplex. Slater got to the top turnbuckle and hit the Swanton 450 bomb and got the victory.

Post-Match: Silva got in the ring and gave Slater the title. Reed got up and good sportsmanship was shown. We then get Marella’s music as Marella made the announcement. Marella hyped up Marella and made a huge announcement: he had been negotiating with NXT and “A-VAH” and at Bound for Glory Slater will face a guy who is feeling a little “jumpity-jump,” Je’Von Evans. We get a quick video from Evans with the challenge. Slater accepted and Rehwoldt and Hannifan are excited as Hannifan said we are on the doorstep to immortality (easy there, Thanos.) Slater celebrated the victory as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: Let’s get the biggest news out of the way. I generally felt for Ash. She spoke from the heart and she was seemingly disposable in the WWE. She really found her way in TNA Impact and I became a fan of hers. Everything came together for her but at the wrong time. She really did a great a job in her role and will be missed.

Two: Staying with the fallout from the news. This puts TNA in a bad way since their number one heel is gone via injury and their (arguably) number one face is gone via conduct issues. So, they painted themselves in the corner and the dearth of depth in the division is really evident.

Three: I have a hypothesis how they can get themselves out of said corner. I am not terribly upset with Jordan winning the title. The reason being, I think – THINK – is this. In three weeks, she faces Hartwell. Hartwell should -SHOULD – win the belt. That puts the stakes higher for her feud with Tessa Blanchard. Now, you have your top heel and face re-established but the depth is still missing. They made a big production about making Luna a monster(ish) heel and there are others who could add depth but it is a schism.

Four: I know they got a team name and are working well, but I would not mind seeing Lee pair away from Brookside. Lee showed a lot of talent in the past and held her own against Jordan.

Five: I figured what I don’t like about Jordan. She is a fine acrobatic wrestler (she actually did very well in her match with Lee.) But, that is her whole personality, acrobatics. Nothing rivets me to the seat to have an emotional investment with her. That was very evident in this match. There is no set charisma there except the moves.

Six: For an organization that is purported to be the silver medalist right now behind WWE, they did some pretty AEW-type stuff. I had no idea who El Mesias was and I had to dig really deep on the internet who La Pascarita was. If Hannifan and Rehwoldt don’t know who it is, I won’t, either. You can’t spring this on someone who does not have the time to scour the internet looking for who this person was. When Mesias made his presence known in the Maclin interview, they cut to Rehwoldt, who asked Hannifan does he know who that was and then told him. I don’t know who he is. That was some AEW announcing type stuff and felt angry that they did this to me.

Seven: The Hendry match was great and Hendry will be huge in the WWE. Should this have been his farewell match or, heaven forbid I type this, should this have been the match on Bound For Glory? It sounded like a bit of farewell from Hannifan at the end. Hendry is still great and be any kind of face you need him to be (and, seeing some of his stuff online, can be an effective heel, too.) And, when is this cleanse going to start? Although, heating up the Northern Armory to the top of the tag division is not a bad idea.

Eight: Francis is a tremendous heel on the mic and in the ring. Cheap heat is a cliched trope but he made it work and I laughed at the Panthers’ shirt reveal.

Nine: I am not sure why we have an influx of strong, burly heels (Something, Holland and Mesias.) I don’t know if the latter two are heels are one-shots but I am okay with the diversity of heels on the men’s side (would like to see it on the women’s side, too, though.)

Ten: I needed more with the HTM unmasking angle. Cardona making a more concerted effort in hiding his face. The Nemeths doing more to show what they did. The actual match was really good and no qualms with the pacing and psychology of it.

Eleven: Slater is a real star. That match with Reed (who really gave a great showing and I wouldn’t mind seeing him pare away from the Rascalz) was a solid match and showed what he could do given various styles of work and not just highspots. Speaking of which, I was wondering if we would get a match with Evans and here it is. Given how the two work, this might be the second-best match at BFG.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight