TNA Impact Review – 12.18.25

We are still in El Paso, Texas for this edition of TNA: Impact. There is a lot happening was we head toward AMC and a new lease on life. But, there is no time to relax here and now, we got to get our working boots, like Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt, Gia Miller and McKenzie Mitchell to call the action in “Boot City,” El Paso’s unofficial nickname due to the two largest bootmakers are located here,) Like a good pair of Tony Lama’s, let’s get comfortable and engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Previously on Impact: We get Lexis King cheating to beat – and injuring (with help from “Stacks” Lorenzo”) – Matt Cardona for the advantage tonight. We also get highlights of the Hardys interview with the Righteous interruption. We get Marella’s main event interview that he will be taking the place of Cardona in the match tonight and a closing shot of Lorenzo sucker punching his dad-in-law.

Opening Battle Royal for a shot against Frankie Kazarian CW Anderson, Eric Young, The Home Town Man, Rich Swann, Ryan Nemeth, Cedric Alexander, John Skyler, Trey Miguel, Moose, Zachary Wentz, Jake Something, Mance Warner, Myron Reed, Bear Bronson, Judas Icarus, Travis Williams, Brock Anderson, Jake Painter, BDE, Jesse Funaki

The ring is halfway full when we getYoung’s full entrance, followed by Warner (with Steph DeLander in tow.) We get the intro of the Rascalz before go to Hannifan and Rehwoldt who officially welcome us to Impact. We also get Moose’s full entrance, with Hannifan noting that he will challenge Ethan Page for the NXT North American Championship. Before the match starts, Kazarian heads to ringside and to the announce table to join in this segment.

Basic schmozzapalooza to stat. Hometown Man got the first elimination as he hit an airplane spin and discarded Jake Painter Brock Anderson threw a charging Jesse Funaki over the top rope and, indeed, got the second elimination. BDE and John Skyler started to brawl on the apron and a superkick sent Hotch to the floor. Something and HTM started to brawl on the ropes and Saint and Sinner (Travis Wiliams and Judas Icarus) join Myron Reed in stomping their former mentor, Young, in the corner as we stomp away to commercials.

On the feed, we get an ad for three-plus hours of Samoa Joe on TNAPlus. This match features Joe vs. Kurt Angle who brawl in the ring, apron and, eventually, the ringside area. We also get an ad for TNA Genesis coming from that city on North 45.

Moose, BDE and Miguel stomp away on Ryan Nemeth in the corner as we return. BDE makes the mistake of climbing to the top for the 10-punch spot as Ryan recovered to dump him to the floor. Nemeth and HTM brawled as HTM was on the apron. HTM did the hope saves but an eyepoke did the trick as HTM fell to the floor. Nemeth than focused his attentions on Bear Bronson. Meanwhile, Brock and CW Anderson hit stereo spinebusters on Saint and Sinner. While the Anderson’s gloated, Zachary Wentz snuck behind him and threw him over the top rope.

The Rascalz then focused their bevy of stereo kicks on Brock. Reed joined them in the beatdown and the trio hit a triple dropkick. Saint and Sinner grabbed Wentz and hit an assisted Jawbreaker and forearm smash on Wentz before Wiliams threw the Rascal over the top rope. They then did the same to Miguel. However, Reed took the opportunity to throw Wiliams over the top. Reed attempted to throw Icarus over the top but Icarus landed on the apron. Reed left for another battle as Icarus and Brock started to brawl on the apron.

From there, Reed performed the Kofi Spot as he hit the Flame On Cutter to the top to eliminate Icarus but the Rascalz caught Reed and put him on the apron. Reed then started to brawl with Brock. Brock attempted to suplex Reed but Reed landed in the ring and superkicked Brock to the floor. Reed’s rally didn’t last long as Something grabbed him and threw him over the ropes. However, Something backed into Bronson and the two traded punches in the middle of the ring as everyone rested in the corner. The two joined them on the canvas as they hit dual clotheslines on each other.

Rich Swann recovered just enough to jump on Nemeth in the corner. Nemeth backdropped him abut Sann landed on the apron. Swann dragged Nemeth to the apron and the two started to brawl until A J Francis ran to ringside to pull Swann to the floor. He also hit a Down Payment on Swann on the apron. Francis and Nemeth shook hands as now we get a final seven.

Alexnader and Moose took turns beating on Warner. During that, Something, Nemeth, Young and Something attack Bronson. However, Nemeth eyeraked Something and threw Something over the top rope. In the other corner, Warner backdropped a charging Alexander to the apron and Warner avoided a Moose spear in the turnbuckles. Warner dropped Moose with a bulldog driver and then focused on Alexander, clotheslining him as he got back in the ring. Warner attempted to throw Alexander over the top but Alexander reversed it. With Warner on the apron, Moose had time to recover and hit a big boot on Warner to eliminate him (Alexander moved out of the way.)

With Moose and Alexander talking to each other, Young took the time to clothesline both men out of the ring. This left Bronson, Nemeth and Young s the last three. Nemeth and Young took turns beating on Bronson but Bronson recovered and dropped Young with a forearm and Nemeth with a chokebomb. Bronson then threw Nemeth over the top. Young snuck behind Bronson and attempted to throw him over the top but Bronson (sort of) skinned the cat and got on the apron.

Young thought he had won and was gloating with his back to Bronson. Not a smart move, because got to his feet. Young continued to attack Bronson on the apron and tried to piledrive Bronson on the apron. Bronson reversed it and backdropped Young to the apron and to the floor for the victory. In two weeks, it is Kazarian vs. Bronson for the TNA Impact World Title.

We get comments from Team TNA. Marella said there is something poetic about unleashing your inner animal in a cage and team NXT will regret day they invaded TNA. Maclin said it weeks ago that they picked the absolute wrong person to go to war. Jeff said after this there will be no more NXT (well, CW might have an issue with that,) Matt is next and said it is time for NXT to E-X-I-T and face deletion. Santana is the last to speak. Later tonight, you are not stepping into the ring with five men, but being locked in a cage with five dogs. As the guttural sounds are made by the other four.

Bioflex report: Cardona is out due to the shoulder injury due to Lorenzo and King’s attack. Dani Luna and Indi Hartwell are out due to contusions from their dog collar match last week. Swann is day-to-day due to the Down Payment administered by Francis earlier on the ring apron.

We get the rest of the card as the Knockout Tag Team title is up for grabs. We take time to grab some ads and another ad for Samoa Joe’s classic matches in TNA. This match is against – ah, here is a name for you nostalgia fans – Austin Aries. This is Joe’s buzzcut era and Joe mauls Aries in the corner.

Hey, did you know TNA is headed to AMC? It starts January 15. We also get footage of TNA Slammiersary as we hear Santana say he went form staring out a window in rehab a title shot. We also get comments from Santana’s Daughter. We see Williams’ interference for the title. It leads to an for the series “Immersed: Mike Santana” on TNAPlus and YouTube. Also, Santana will be on the cover of Pro Wrestling Illustrated (with the Hardys) available December 19 digitally.

Miller caught up to a very ebullient Bronson. She asked Bronson how he felt. Bronson said he felt validated because he knew it. Look at the scars on his head and body because they tell his story – his real story. Every glass shard and barbed wire strand wound is worth spilling his blood all over the country. It was worth going to home to his wife crying a river of tears but knew who he really was. It all led to where he always wanted to be – here in TNA. It’s bad news for Kazarian because this bear just kicked down the front door of his kingdom as he is the number one challenger for his world title.

“A berserker is gunning for the TNA world title in two weeks,” Hannifan said as the next match is introduced.

Mila Moore and Tessa Blanchard (with Robert Stone and Victoria Crawford in tow) vs. Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside

Stone and Crawford dance as Moore made her way to the ring as Blanchard strutted her way to the title as the “Undeniable Diamond” STRUCK HER POSE. Lee is out next aw she is now adorned in blue with her TNA Knockout world title on her waist. Brookside is next as the mood changed from the more serious tone to Brookside’s happiness.

Brookside and Moore started Moore pushed Brokside to the corner and gloated. Brookside grabbed an armlock but Brookside reversed it as Moore missed a knee drop when Brookside moved. Moore threw Brookside to the corner but ate a boot on a charge and then Brookside hit a hurincanrana out of the corner. Brookside hit a dropkick as Moore flew to the corner and tagged Blanchard.

Blanchard indicated she wanted Lee so Brookside obliged. Blanchard grabbed a headlock and hit a shoulderblock off the ropes but a second attempt gave Brookside a chance to hit a dropkick as Blanchard went to the floor and tagged Moore. Lee hit a kick and tagged Brookside as the two hit a double straitjacket clothesline on Moore and then Blanchard. When the heels hit the floor, the Warriors went to opposite turnbuckles and hit flying bodypresses (Brookside on Blanchard and Crawford Lee took out Stone and Moore.)

The two got the crowd riled and posed on the ropes. Lee got Blanchard to the corner and tagged Brookside. Brookside the two hit a Irish whip leg trip and then Brookside hit an elbow drop using Lee as a stepping stone. Lee tagged back into the match. Blanchard threw her into the ropes but Lee avoided Stone’s attempt to trip her. Stone got on the apron and distracted Lee. Lee gave chase and Stone hid behind Crawford before Crawford hid behind stone.

This gave Blanchard time to recover and hit a dropkick on Lee between the ropes as stone and Crawford gloated. Blanchard started to slug Lee on the floor and threw her back into the ring and got a series of two counts. Blanchard threw Lee to the corner and tagged Moore. Moore hit a series of shoulderblocks in the corner and tagged Blanchard. Blanchard and Moore hit a stereo wishbone.

Blanchard stood on Lee’s hand and gloated in front of Brookside. Lee tried to recover but Blanchard threw Lee into the corner and tagged Moore. Moore distracted the referee as the heels collectively beat on Lee (Blanchard choked Lee with her leg.) Moore beat on Lee in the corner as she tagged Blanchard.

Blanchard beat on Lee and gloated. She picked up Lee and kept her in the corner, choking her with her boot as Moore tagged and put the boots to her. The heels continued to beat on Lee as we get beaten by commercials.

On the feed, we get an ad for Every Single DDP Match in TNA history on TNAPlus. This one is the Lethal Lockdown from 2005. Page and Jarrett beat each other in the stands as Sean Waltman karate kicks Jarrett on the announce table.

We returned to Lee trying to rally against Moore but fecklessly. Blanchard tagged and the heels threw Lee to the corner but Lee fought back, landing boots to “The Diamond Collective” when they charged her. Lee climbed to the second turnbuckle but Blanchard kicked her. But, Lee recovered and hit a missile dropkick that sent Blanchard to the mat. Lee started to do the hope crawl as Brookside implored her partner to tag. Stone snuck around to the corner and yanked Brookside to the floor just as Lee was going to tag.

The Collective tried to take advantage but Lee used her striking knowledge to fight off both heels. Lee also blocked a Blanchard kick and got a single-leg crab as Blanchard cried for help. Moore did break up the hold. Moore tagged and continued to kick Lee, eventually getting a two count. Moore got a chinlock and cinched it. Lee desperately fought but did get to her feet. She avoided a Moore kick and got the hot tag on Brookside.

Brookside was a flat on fire as she hit a series of clotheslines on Moore. She also hit a tilt-a-whirl headscissors of the ropes. She hit a back elbow in the corner and then got the Angels Wings (meteora.) Blanchard got into the ring but Brookside reversed a charge into a tilt-a-whirl octopus hold; instead, she threw Blanchard into Moore. Moore grabbed Blanchard but Brookside hit a neckbreaker that dropped the tandem as a “this is awesome” chant emerged.

Brookside and Moore were in the ring and Moore got a two-count from a surprise small package off the ropes. Brookside dropped Moore with a running boot and tagged Lee. Lee ascended to the top and hit the Heaven Sent on Moore for a two-and-a-fraction until Blanchard interrupted the pin. Brookside hit a code breaker to send Blanchard to the floor as Lee grabbed Moore and hit the Warrior’s Way (Airplane Face Buster) for the victory.

Post Match: Brookside and Lee celebrated as Brookside gave Lee her title and the two climbed the turnbuckles. Hannifan talked about a possible next challenger we saw last week in a dog-collar match victory.

Sure enough, here is the winner, Luna. Luna said she went through absolute hell but won because Dani Luna wins. If that wasn’t enough for Marella, she doesn’t know what would be. She said Lee calls herself a fighting champion, so she needs to prove it because Luna is standing right there. We are looking at her doomsday, she won her match tonight, let’s see survive Luna.

The main event is coming but first we have a concert to attend We also have another ad for the three-plus hours of Samoa Joe. This segment is a triple match with Joe, A J Styles and Christopher Daniels. The three took turns beating on each other as Joe beats on Styles to beet with a jumping leg lariat by Daniels.

We also get more hype for the AMC debut and the first PPV of the year TNA:Genesis. We also go backstage to an enraged Robert Stone. He asked Blanchard an honest question – was she the first woman to hold the TNA Impact title? Yes. He reiterated the question twice, with both parties elevating their voices. He turned to Moore and asked is she the hottest rookie in TNA? Yes. He asked if she is going to be the Rookie of the Year? Yes. He reiterated the question with more fire, and Moore answered appropriately. He turned to Crawford and said she is great. Crawford agreed.

Stone said they are the Michael Jordan of TNA; but even Jordan had bad days. Blanchard said Stone is right and they are going to redeem themselves. How? They are going to issue an open challenge to any troika of women wrestlers regardless of who they are. They are the Diamond Collective and they are not playing. They walked off camera with Stone yelling “That’s right” and Crawford saying “I’m great.”

Meanwhile, the Angel Warriors celebrated their victory backstage as Miller walked into frame and mentioned Luna’s challenge. What is her response? Lee said she is strong and tough. If she wants to fight, she won’t run. She will defend this tile with honor. Brookside agreed but did say Luna is kind of scary. Lee seemed offended by that but Brookside assuaged her by saying she is the Knockouts champion for a reason. Lee responded to Luna in Chinese and Brookside attempted translate. However, Lee cut her off, looked at the camera and said “Dani; anytime, anywhere, b—-.” She scowled at the camera as we go back to ringside.

We get the intro to Elijah’s concert as he is the man with a song in his soul and fire in his veins. He is the mystic cowboy profit and the drifter. Elijah introduces himself and we get some decent guitar strumming and wants and asked one question “Who wants to walk with Elijah?” The crowd responded with a decent pop and a “oh, walk with Elijah” chant and starts to play “Seven Nation Army” on guitar.

He said he always has fun in El Paso and references back to his wrangling of Ali “on a beautiful horse” and got him out of town. He did that because Ali ruined his comeback concert. Elijah needed to get out in the open space and his friend said he should go to El Paso. He sings “When I need to place to go” Hey Elijah, go to El Paso.” He starts to sing and the crowd claps along to the song, singing along to the chorus.

However, we hear someone saying “no” on the mic and it sounds familiar; yes, it is Tasha Steelz who is out with Agent Zero and two backstage crew who are carrying a podium to the ramp. Citizens of TNA, and asked for “silencio.” They are not here to sing and acne to Elijah’s music as the crowd booed. Elijah tried to get his concert restarted but Steelz persisted in saying they’re here to address the travesty of the actions on Final Resolution.

Elijah said she had 10 seconds or he will start playing. Mustafa Ali came to the podium and asked them to lend him his ears and his hearts. He is not here to discuss the incident that is known as the darkest day in pro wrestling – “The Lasso in El Paso.” On that horrific night, Ali, a public figure, was assaulted, lassoed and dragged off by a horse and the people cheered. Elijah got a “horse “chant started.

As Ali was saying, to commemorate that dark day, Ali wanted the people to stand, remove their “stupid cowboy hats,” bow your heads and have a brief moment of silence. Elijah took the opportunity to reprise “Seven Nation Army” and the crowd restarted the “walk with Elijah” chant to the medley. Ali said Elijah was a disgusting human being and the cause of all this; and actions have consequences.

Elijah said he wished he had a horse and stampede over him. Elijah said the concert is ruined so they can either, walk, talk or fight. Elijah put down his guitar and headed to the podium as Ali ran down Elijah, calling him a fake cowboy. As Elijah was getting ready to leave the ring and head toward Ali, the Great Hands (Jason Hotch and John Skyler, disguised as stagehands) ambushed him. Ali started to chant “stupid, stupid Elijah” to the Seven Nation Army medley. Elijah rallied from the Hands attack and sent them to the floor and made his way to the podium. This time Agent Zero stood in front but Ali asked him to stand down because Elijah doesn’t have it in him.

Elijah made his way to the podium, only to be accosted by Steelz. Steelz poked Elijah and accosted him until Elijah had enough. He picked up Steelz and carried her around the ramp. He put her down to accost her. This gave Ali time to recover, grab a guitar and “El Kabong” Elijah in the back. The Great Hands made their way to Ali and all Four stood over Elijah and STRUCK THE POSE.

We go to pretaped comments from Hartwell. She knew pain was part of the job but didn’t realize how much that was going to take out of her. She said Luna beat her. She is feeling that beating today. She is not cleared and was knocked down but will not stay down. She knows every lyric to this song – she tried and tried to climb the ladder to the title but all she does is et knocked down. Luna pushed her to the limit she never knew. When she is cleared, trust her, she will prove she is the best knockout in the division. She Can’t do that laying down, you can call her stubborn and crazy but you will call her TNA Knockouts Champion as we fade to commercials.

We also get another ad for Every Single DDP Match in TNA History, this one against Jarrett. Both tried to hit their finishers but avoided the other. We also get another ad for “Immersed: Mike Santana We get Konnan give us the Victor Hugo quote and some comments from KC Navarro. We also get some footage from Saturday Night’s Main Event as Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee and A J Styles. We cut to Tuesday as Slater won the Final Four bout to challenge Oba Femi for the NXT Title on New Year’s Evil. We also get some footage of Lorenzo and Arianna Grace interfering with Ethan Page’s promo only to be interrupted by Moose. Moose wanted a shot at Page’s North American Title.

We go backstage and Moose said he was this close to winning the title at the earlier Battle Royal. He won’t make excuses and won’t be the number one contender for the World Title but is invoking his rematch clause for the X-Division title. He knows Santino is busy with the AMC deal and is excited about it but he should give the people what they want – Moose vs Slater Two.

However, Alexander interrupted him and said that he was next in line. He does want Moose to remember that he will still be here and get another shot, just after him. Kazarian is talking to an Elvis mural and said he is about to be the face of AMC. And he is starting 2026 against a bear. He doesn’t know if Bronson is half Smokey the Bear and half Charles Bronson but he does know Bronson impressed a lot of people today.

It takes a lot to impress him; so, “bear” with him, the title is staying with him and not around his waist. It is staying with him as long as he chooses.

We go back ringside as the steel cage lowered as the Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about the stakes and rules of the match. It is, by and large, “War Games.”

Steel Cage Match: Team TNA (Santana, Maclin, Marella and the Hardys) vs. Team NXT (“Stacks” Lorenzo, Hygh Ryze, Brooks Jensen and Lexis King)

Jensen is first for team NXT with an airbrushed “NXT Outlawz” design on the back of a denim jacket. Santana is first for TNA and makes his way in a Cadillac low-rider “driven by Eddie Guerrero” Rehwoldt said. The crowd embraced him as he made way through the crowd.

Santana climbed the fence to get into the ring when Jensen used the door. Jensen tried to escape but Santana grabbed his pants and pulled back into the ring. Santana kicked Jensen and then slammed the door shut. Santana pointed at Jensen as a loud “TNA” pop emerged. Santana and Jensen exchanged shots but Santana got the best of it and ran Jensen into the cage twice. A third time was reversed by Jensen, who attempted to throw Santana into the cage but Santana stopped, got on the ropes and hit a moonsault off the ropes for a two-count.

Santana hit a cannonball on Jensen in the corner. He got Jensen on the turnbuckles, hit the 10-punch spot and then a superplex. However, the buzzer sound and King hit the ring. King, with his cane in tow, was met with a series of Santana punches but King whipped Santana into the ropes and into a Jensen superkick. King sat on Santana and started to choke Santana with the cane and attempted an eye gouge.

Maclin was next for TNA to even the odds. Maclin, adorned with face paint, slammed the cage door into a changing Jensen. He hit a psycho knee on King and grabbed King’s cane. He started to beat King who tried to escape the ring by climbing over it. Maclin threw King form the cage onto Jensen. Maclin got to the top of the cage and climbed down as Tyson DuPont was next for NT. Dupont hit a series of forearms on Maclin and Santana and a dropkick on Maclin. A huge chokeslam on Maclin tilted the odds toward NT as Lking beat on Maclin and Jensen continued to beat on Santana. DuPont joined the beat down.

However, TNA got a chance to even the odds as Matt made his way to the ringside. However, Tyreek Igwe made his way from the back and attack Matt, throwing Matt into the ringsteps and slamming his head against it.

Jensesn, King and Dupont celebrated and beat on TNA .With Jensen and King on Maclin (and then Hygh Ryze.) Meanwhile, King choked Santana choked Santana in the ropes and Jensen and Hygh Tyze beat on Maclin.

Santana tried to rally but Igwe caught him with a clothesline as TNA got a chance to even the odds with Jeff, but not before he checked on Matt. Jeff entered a ring as a compound of fire. Attacking Jensen, King and High Ryze. He hit a double stunner on Hygh Ryze. Jeff attempted the Twist of Fate on Jensen but Jensen got loose and chopblocked Hardy to drop him to the mat. Jhe then focused his attack on Maclin and launched Maclin to the cage.

This brought out the last member of NXT, Lorenzo. Lorenzo and King attacked Santana until the Coliseum turned purple and the Righteous’ chryon started to play. They came over to Matt to check on him and then put him on Dutch’s shoulders and carried him up the ramp and backstage.

Meanwhile, team NXT continued to beat on Team TNA until Santana made a one-person rally and slammed King into the cage. This brought out the last person Marella. Marella grabbed his “cobra” btu didn’t need it yet as he slugged way and dropped Jensen, King and Hygh Ryze. He stopped short with Lorenzo as the two gestured toward each other. This gave Jensen a chance to drop Marella with a knee. Lorenzo attacked Marella as the other members of the MWO traded with the other in beating the Team Impact stars and we go to commercials.

We get another AMC ad and when we return, Hygh Ryze is beating on Marella and Lorenzo beat on Santana. The MWO climbed the cage to gloat and taunt the fans. When they descend the Impact Stars recuperated and were waiting. Santana started the charge and we have another schmozapalooza. Marella on Dupont. Santana beat on Lorenzo, Maclin beat on King and Hardy attacked Igwe. Maclin went to DuPont ad hit a side backbreaker as DuPont locked an armlock and ow we get SMALL JOIT MANIUPLATION.

Maclin threw Jensen into the ring as Jeff attacked Igwe in the corner. King got the advantage on Maclin as he hit a knee to the abdomen off the ropes. Santana dropped Loenzo with a chop and then did the same to King. Santana threw Igwe into the ring. Santana and Maclin worked together beating Jensen on the corner as Marella got a sleeper on him.

Igwe reversed an Outline in Chalk into a Fireman’s Carry Slam. Maclin beat on Igwe abut ate an urinagi on Maclin. Hardy caught Lorenzo with a kick and hit the Twist of Fate on Lorenzo only to eat a King Superkick. But, this gave Santana a chance to try the rollup which king reversed into the topes. However, this put in him prime position to connect the Rolling Block 50. However, Igwe was right there and big splashed him as Santana was prone on the mat for a two count until Marella interrupted the pin. Marella hit a series of split-legged stunners on Igwe and Jensen (the Igwe sell job was incredible, for the record.) Marella got riled but Lorenzo came from behind and hit him.

This gave Maclin an opportunity to hit an Olympic Slam on Lorenzo and set Lorenzo up in the Tree of Woe on the cage. Maclin hit the ropes and hit the Crosshairs on Lorenzo for two. Maclin started to climb the cage as the crowd chanted “this awesome.” Hannifan and Rehwoldt speculated what he was going to do – which might have been the Jarhead Headbutt. However, Jensen climbed the fence and tried to get Maclin. However, Maclin remained steadfast and fended him as Lorenzo climbed the fence. Marella and Santana climbed the fence and we get the got the pyramid suplex spot from the cage as a “TNA” chant emerged.

Marella gestured at Jensen, who charged. Marella did the split dodge of a clothesline and came back with a high hiptoss and then reached for the cobra and hit Jensen. As Jensen was reeling, Santana hit the Spin the Block for the Victory.

Post-Match: Santana and Marella celebrate as Rehwoldt said “The War is over.” Team TNA celebrated as Hannifan alluded to the Righteous kidnapping Matt. Team TNA left the cage (the MWO already bailed) but Jensen and Marella remained. Marella accosted and threatened Lorenzo as Arianna Grace headed to ringside and entered the cage. The two embraced and hugged.

Grace then took the opportunity to hold her dad’s arms – and kneed him in the groin. Marella slowly sunk to the mat. Lorenzo took the opportunity to beat on Marella. Santana and Grace tried to enter with the help of officials but Grace locked the door. Macin climbed the cage and Lorenzo headed out to the other side of the cage to exit. That left Maclin and Grace, the two shouted at each other as Grace left via the door. Maclin checked on Marella as Grace verbally accosted Santana. Grace said that she hopes Santana is a better dad to her daughter than Marella’s was but probably not since they are both probably deadbeats.

She wanted Santana to get out of her way and made her way up the ramp yelling at the fans as Lorenzo joined her and we get some PDA on the rampway.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: We get a replay of the kidnapping of Hardy with the Righteous and we see Matt awaken in a somewhat dream state as we hear sound clips from Matt saying we have to defend that locker room. We get some sound from Vincent’s portion of the interview last week that they are not hear to threaten but to be grateful for the Hardys.

Meanwhile, Matt picked up a Hardy necklace and we hear the slide guitar riff. Dutch and Vincent come into the frame. Vincent said Matthew is hurt but they are here to help them. All of this dedication and devotion is for him. Everything they do is for them; so, help them, help you. He and Dutch truly believe the Hardys can ascend higher and become immortal. We just have to trust Vincent. Dutch has a gift for Matt. Dutch approaches Matt with something in his closed hand but Matt slapped it away. Matt tried to stand but struggled. He stumbled across a wall and staggered out of frame as Dutch laughed and the show ends.

Impactful Ruminations

One: (deep sigh) okay, in its most basic form, I am okay with the heel turn. When I was finishing my baccalaureate degree, Jerry Lawler went to the WWE. He was reviled everywhere but still beloved in Memphis. Lawler tried to explain the difference but it just seemed silly when everyone – by and large – had cable or just a television (it was easier to do a decade earlier.) So, her character is consistent between NXT (again TV is ubiquitous and it is a major network showing the show) and her TNA character. That being said…

Two: Who truly wanted another family turmoil angle? The McMahons beat this to death, held a séance, brought it back and beat it to death again. There are not really anything new and innovative and Grace didn’t show an inkling that this was anything more than recycled plot device. I don’t know if TNA can make this fresh – I don’t anyone can. We’re putting some heavy lifting on someone who might not be able to carry it. Arianna is good on the mic – but she’s not Shane. She really isn’t Stephanie, for that matter.

Three: Just as egregious – maybe more so – is the timing of the shot. TNA won the match; even Rehwoldt said the war is over. Now, we get Arianna as the preeminent heel on the show with just one person? That person who was seen as the wink link in his previous faction. If we are giving them the MWO seasoning, fine – so be it. But this seemed like a needless plot device – for Stacks and Arianna. Keep the MWO and give them some sense of a quality win. It’s the TNA thing to do.

Four: I know it’s a big deal for a company to get someone from a rival organization. Most of them, however, do not pan out the way people think. That being said, whilst I am glad TNA got some talent; that talent is Bear Bronson? This has to be a way to pad the stats for Kazarian and keep him churning until what (we presume) is Santana winning the title again. Bronson delivered a good, solid promo but nothing about him (at least in AEW) said he is a get and that he is a gamechanger of a pick.

Five: As much as I don’t like it, we are getting (probably) another trip to the Hardy Compound with the Righteous. The means were good but what happens when we get to the end? I like the Righteous and this seems like another attempt at delving into the mythology.

Six: Elijah, the Hardys and Hartwell, are examples of acts that are bigger what they feel like they should be. At least Elijah and Hartwell – I can’t explain the appeal. The Hardys make sense but I don’t see it with the other two.

Seven: Luna sounded good as a tough heel. I would love to see a Lee vs. Luna match. Ali always sounds great and mad the best of a bad angle. The old school cynic in me heard Brookside during Lee’s promo about her and my heel turn sense is tingling.

Eight: Crawford as the oblivious heel is actually kind of funny to me.

Nine: Speaking of the Diamond Collective: I want to look at Mila Moore and compare to Laney Reid. Moore seems clunky in the ring but she is brand new so it’s forgivable. Reid is the same way (maybe more matches but it is probably close.) The reason Reid works for me is she gets the nuances and nonverbals of the role. Watch Moore head to the ring against the Angel Warriors. Moore could have had the same cadence of Blanchard. Moore just galivanted to the ring and was behind the eight-ball. She has a good character, she just needs more character development. Reid picked up the cues right from the onset to make seem like she belonged in Fatal Atraction, Moore is still trying to get her legs under her, per se.

Ten: Can we put a moratorium on the “Seven Nation Army” riffs.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight