TNA Impact Review – 01.08.26

TNA Impact has been seen on AXS for 2264 days. Today is its last day. It has taken a sojourn up and down the cable listings; going from Fox Sports, Spike TV, Destination America, Pop, The Pursuit Channel and now AXS. Next week, we get a debut on AMC and what many feel like is a breath of fresh air with a credible, widely known and accepted basic cable channel. That is next week; this week, we wrap up a taping cycle in El Paso and the AXS Era. As we strum our last chords, we leave AXS to Dan Rather Interviews, Sammy Hagar road trips and even Art Mann appearances. However, we will bring one thing over from AXS to AMC – Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Previously on Impact, we get the announcement of the eight-man tax match this week on Impact between the System versus the Hardys, Cedric Alexander and Leon Slater. We also got the highlights of Frankie Kazarian beating Bear Bronson to retain the title and the announcement by Mike Santana that the AMC debut will have the TNA World Title match between Kazarian and himself.

The gravitas is not lost on announcers Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt. Hannifan said that We are the brink of the biggest opportunity in this company’s history and hypes the move to AMC.

We are greeted by the Hardys (without Jeff’s dance) who make a direct beeline to the ring. They have a big match this week but have something else on their mind. The Righteous (or sickos, according to Matt) have officially crossed the line. They kidnapped him and locked him in a spooky ritual room. Last week, they walked into their locker room into a spooky room with pictures of the wives and kids. The Righteous crossed the line and you cannot come back from that. It was not respect or admiration, it was blasphemy. Jeff said the Righteous need to face them like real men.

Ask and one shall receive. The slide guitar and snapping start and the Righteous appeared at ringside. Vincent apologized they are so upset. Before Vincent could continue, Matt interrupted them and wanted them to stop. They are past that and only want to beat them and delete them. He called for a match between the two teams.

Vincent said he would love to share thing ring with them. Dutch reiterated that they are not threats; in fact, The Righteous are Die Hardys and seeking truth, creation and elevation. For they are Righteous and they are many.

The more Vincent thinks about it; the more it sucks. This was their intention and this is a misunderstanding. But, Matthew and Jeffrey, if we are to do this; Vincent wants a friendly competition and end of it all, all they are looking is some peace. Matt said they trespassed in their lives and will never have peace. Vincent said he could trust us. Vincent said in this business we are all here because we are not all there. Matt interrupted and wanted a match right now in El Paso. A loud “Hardy” chant emerged.

Unfortunately, the Righteous can’t do that. That is something they want to prepare for – facing greatness and a tag team that is forever. But, there is Genesis and How fitting it will be the creation and rebirth of the Righteous. Dig what he is saying? Jeff agreed and the match seemed to be on at Genesis.

Gia Miller is backstage with Steve Maclin. She asked where is head is. Getting his title back and finishing the mission. Everyone backstage has come to him and said he is glad on the side of TNA. BUT WAIT, Eric Young walks into frame. Young said he tried to open Maclin’s eyes and show him the truth. Young said he tried to recruit him but Maclin decided to go his own way and is not convinced of Young. Young is here to say this – Maclin knows what has to be done, if not and doesn’t complete the mission, we will – the cleanse is coming. He walked off scene.

Hannifan runs down the rest of the card and next we get Knockouts action – and some ads. We get an ad for TNAPlus’ Hiroshi Tanahashi collection of every match he had in TNA. This ad is the match he had with AJ Styles from Final Resolution 2006. We also get another ad for the AMC show.

“Doomsday” Dani Luna vs. Harley Hudson (with Myla Grace in tow)

Luna is out first and walks to the ring with her chain in hand. She STRUCK THE POSE on the corner with chain in hand. Hudson STRUCK HER POSE on the rampway and she and her partner Grace made their way to the ring.

The action started at the onset as Luna hit her running boot to Hudson in the corner. Grace hit an overhead suplex. Luna continued the onslaught with a FULL BODYSLAM as Grace tried to encourage her partner. It partially worked as Hudson blocked a tilt-a-whirl slam into a standing chinlock until Luna slammed her to the mat.

Luna stalked Hudson and mauled Hudson whilst staring at Grace. Hudson tried to rally again with a series of a chops and a jumping elbow smash to Luna’s head off the ropes. Hudson hit a series of forearms on Luna in the corner. Luna hit a double karate thrust and tried for a Stratusfaction tornado bulldog. Luna blocked it but Hudson tried to reverse it into a sunset flip. Luna blocked that but missed an elbowdrop as Hudson evaded it.

Hudson kept the offense going and hit a legdrop and NOW we get the tornado bulldog for a two count. Hudson seemed apprehensive in what to do. Her hesitancy was her undoing as Luna picked up Hudson and threw her and caught her with another big boot as Hudson charged her. Luna got Hudson on her shoulders and hit the Luna Landing for the victory.

Post Match: Luna turned around and looked at Grace, who was checking on Hudson. Luna put Grace on her shoulders and hit another Luna Landing. She grabbed both by the hair but Lei Ying Lee came to ringside. Luna headed to the floor as Lee checked on Hudson and Grace. However, Luna snuck back into the ring and put Lee in the sleeperhold. Xia Brookside came to the ring to help her partner and attack Luna. But, Luna got the best of that and hit the Luna Landing on Brookside. Luna posed with the title amongst the carnage she wrought.

We go backstage to Mara Sade who is checking her phone until Ryan Nemeth came into the frame. Ryan mentioned all the superkicks Sade landed on him. Sade wanted him to walk away but Ryan she does not want that. Ryan thinks she wants something from her; Sade said yes, she wants him to go away.

Ryan thinks she is interested in her but Sade wanted him to check the speed limit. Ryan asked what the speed limit is. Sade said it’s 35. Ryan asked how fast he was going and Sade said 100. “Maybe you should arrest me,” Ryan said. Sade said slow down and this is the warning. Ryan asked what if he doesn’t want the warning. Sade said then she will give him another superkick and walked off screen. Ryan said that Sade likes him, which earned him – yup one, guessed it – another superkick.

Hannifin said Ryan needs to read the room and then goes over the rest of the card and an appearance by Order Four. We cut backstage and see Tasha Steelz and Ali walking into the arena and Ali asked where is Agent Zero. John Skyler and Jason Hotch tried contacting him and he is not answering. Ali asked Steelz when is his State of the Union address and Steelz said now. Ali said the people await their fearless leader. They walk off screen but we linger on the shot. Elijah walked into the frame with his guitar in hand. He (and the camera) turn and we see Agent Zero in a crumpled heap on the floor. Elijah tips his hat and walks slowly out of frame and into commercial.

We get another ad for the Tanahashi collection as we get a match between he and Volador vs. The Motor City Machine Guns and some banter between Mike Tenay and Sheik Ali Bashir. We also get another ad for the AMC debut.

We get another segment in the search for Mr. Elegance. It is taking so long and Ash laments the findings. The Personal Concierge said the ladies have to find him but Ash said it is impossible they all think differently. UNTIL, Ash caught a glimpse of a stagehand and instantly fixates on him and asked if they see what she sees.

“Himmm?” asked the Personal Concierge in comedic overacting.

We pan to the stagehand and all three start to nod. Ash asked when he submitted his application. The stagehand said he worked there for eight years and shot all their promos. He is perfect. The PC asked “You think he could be – Mr. Elegance?” All three agreed; Heather said “duh,” M chimed in with “100 percent.” The stagehand said he is not a wrestler but PC wasn’t hearing that. He trained some of the worst pieces of garbage in the business (funny moment as the By Elegance Brand looked around insultingly.) PC thinks he can make him a star. The By Elegance Brand start a “Take it off” chant as the stage hand takes off his shirt. And, PC had a great idea – makeover. He and the Brand usher him away. “We’re headed to Dallas – a star is born,” the PC said as he headed off shot.However, we see a figure emerge from under the table in a traditional Japanese outfit and the koba strings. “I must protect the Elegance Brand.” He said as he threw a cloth over the camera.

We cut back to the ringside as Hannifan and Rehwoldt debate the deservedness of the Mr. Elegance. Rehwoldt said it is the raw material and we should trust the process.

State of the Union with Mustafa Ali

Order Four (sans Agent Zero) and the Extra Servicemen flank Ali as he asked Steelz where Zero is. Nonetheless, Order four get in the ring and to the dais. Steelz announced to the citizens of the TNA that we are gathered here for a special announcement. Skyler said Order Four stated due to recent circumstances they have dictated changes that will be imminent and permanent that will benefit Order Four and all of TNA wrestling Hotch got the mic and said in deference to the people of El Paso, they’ll do it nice and slow. Do they comprehende? Steelz grabbed the mic and yelled at them in Spanish and the crowd jeered them in Spanish.

Ali grabbed the mic and thanked the crowd. Steelz said the crowd had been calling him “Mr. Culero” he doesn’t know what that means but “graci-ass amigos.” But, Ali needed to move important matters. Actions have consequences and the actions of Elijah “If that is real name” will now have consequences. The crowd continued to jeer in Spanish and Ali said he ordered that at his favorite Mexican restaurant and thanked a fan for the recommendation.

Ali asked TNA management to remove the distractions that Elijah brings to the show. But, this is a democracy and we get to vote on the matter. Ali gave his proposal which is for their benefit. He proposed no more concerts, guitar and cowboy gear. All those in favor say “aye.” Order Four are the only audible ones. Ali chocked it up to a language barrier so all those in favor, say “si.” The crowd roared in disapproval.

Ali wanted to be nice but now must be direct. The fans (morons) don’t know what’s good for them. They will cheer for anything; they cheered when he was dragged away on a horse – a horse. The rant is interrupted by the guitar strumming. Elijah comes to ringside on a horse with his guitar in tow. He headed to ringside as Order Four headed out to the floor. However, Elijah headed them off at the pass and chased them into the crowd. They ran by the horse so Elijah got on the horse, started to twirl his lasso and gave chase to Order Four as we get chased into some commercials.

We get another ad for the Tanahashi collection. This time it is a match against Bully Ray (AKA Bubba Ray) and D-Von Dudley. The Dudleys hit the 3-D and set up a ladder but James Storm and Bobby Roode interfere and knockdown the Dudleys. However, Abyss climbed and grabbed a tag team title contract for he and Matt Morgan. And, obligatory, at this point, an AMC ad. We also get another ad for the YouTube/TNA Plus series ad for the “Mike Santana: Immersed” special.

We head back to, well, outside the arena as Order Four makes a hasty escape – OR DID THEY? After Ali asked who chases people on horse, the camera pans back and Elijah is behind them on said horse. We get the comedic slow motion run with music as Elijah continues to give chase.

International Title match: “Stacks” Lorenzo (with Arianna Grace and the MWO in tow) vs. “Bulletproof” Steve Maclin

Maclin is out first to a decent pop. Lorenzo and Grace emerge with the rest of the “MWO.” Grace is none the worse for wear after dealing with Shiloh Hill and his tooth. Maclin started quickly with a Thesz press and started to pound away on Lorenzo on the match and in the corner. He hit a one armed backbreaker for a two-count and a back elbow off the ropes.

Maclin threw Lorenzo over the top rope. Maclin went to the floor and continued his onslaught with a series of chops. He threw Lorenzo back into the ring but Brooks Jensen grabbed Maclin’s leg for a distraction. Lorenzo took the time to recuperate and a standing driving kneedrop on Maclin and drove him to the canvas.

Lorenzo continued his offense with a back elbow off the ropes. Lorenzo started to beat on Maclin with a series of punches and a flying elbow off the ropes. Lorenzo slowed the action down with a cravat hold. Maclin tried to rally with a series of punches and a back suplex but a corner charge was met with a boot. Lorenzo grabbed Maclin and slammed him to the mat. Maclin crawled to the apron but Lorenzo hit a sliding dropkick and sent Maclin to the floor and to a beatdown by the “Outlaws.” Lorenzo draped Maclin on the ropes and hit a double stomp from the top turnbuckle for a two count. Grace pumped up Lorenzo who continued to attack Maclin with a series of elbows and knees before3 cinching in a chinlock and we lock into a break.

We return with Maclin in the grasp of Lorenzo. Maclin tried to rally but Lorenzo reversed a back suplex and draped Maclin on the ropes. Lorenzo choked him with his boot; when the referee tried to restrain Lorenzo, Tyreek Igwe choked Maclin on the ropes from the floor. The referee had enough and ejected Igwe.

This gave Maclin time to recuperate and drop Lorenzo with a series of clotheslines. Maclin also got another Thesz press off the ropes. He ducked a Lorenzo punch and hit a back elbow and grabbed a back suplex. He set up Lorenzo in the corner but Grace climbed into the ring and stood in front of him. She quickly climbed out of the ring. This gave Maclin time to plan his strategy, which was diving between the ropes on Tyson Dupont and dropping Lexus King with a clothesline. He also hit a Thesz Press from the apron to the floor on Jensen. He jawed at Grance and hit Lorenzo with a clothesline in the corner. He set up Lorenzo into the Tree of Woe but Ariana Grace got into the ring again. She physically accosted Maclin and clawed his eyes, causing the disqualification.

Post Match: The Outlaws hit the ring and attacked Maclin. Jensen and King held Maclin as Lorenzo hit the Concrete Shoes (running boot to the back of the head.) We cut to an exterior shot of the arena.

We get the BioFlex Injury Report: All earlier Knockouts who felt the wrath of Luna are in evaluation as we speak. All eight people involved in the main event are cleared. Santino Marella is medically cleared but his mental and emotional anguish from his daughter’s betrayal. Santana, despite some lingering issues with his arm, is cleared to wrestle Kazarian next week. Maclin is also in evaluation after the attack, well, just now.

Next up, appropriately enough, is the eight man tag match. Also, it is another ad for the Tanahashi collection, this time a match against “Speedball” Mike Bailey. And, hey TNA Impact is coming to AMC.

We go to highlights from Tuesday’s NXT as Slater took on Oba Femi for the NXT Title. Femi dominated the first half of the fight but Slater rallied to nearly pinning Slater with a crucifix pin. Slater sold an injury during the match and caused his downfall as Femi hit the Fall from Grace for the win but a great effort by Slater. This Tuesday Lorenzo faces Hill for the International Championship.

We also cut to a digital exclusive with the First Class Penthouse and A J Francis running down Rich Swann. First Class has always been about Francis. Francis reminded Swann that when he was in First Class, he was somebody. When Swann was world champ, they couldn’t get 10 people in the building. When Francis got there, it is record social media views, record attendance and a new TV deal. Francis saved TNA wrestling and made Swann.

Swann hit the ring with a bat and slugged Francis. He emerged from the top rope and hit a flying bodypress on a table and broke Francis’ record “Hello, Summer” as a TNA chant emerged. We get an ad for TNA: Genesis PPV next Saturday. Hannifan and Rehwoldt run down the card. We also get the announcement that Joe Hendry (clap, clap) will make a return to TNA Impact Wrestling.

We get our (wrestling main event): The System (JDC, Brian Myers, Moose and Eddie Edwards – with Alisha Edwards in tow) vs. Slater, Alexander and the Hardys.

The System come to ringside first and shake hands with the crowd. Alexander is out first for the opposition, Slater is next to a good pop and the loudest pop goes to the tag champions, the Hardys with a loud “Hardys” chant as we go to break.

We get another Tanahashi TNAPlus collection ad and a match with Alex Shelley at the Multiverse United 2 card with dueling “Alex Shelley/Tanahashi” chants.

We go back to ringside and Alexander and Myers start the match. Myers gets a headlock takedown but Alexander reversed it. Hannifan took time to thank AXS for the six-year partnership. Rehwoldt said AXS gave TNA a home when the promotion was trying to find a voice and now TNA Impact is ready to shout that voice as loud as they can.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Moose and Matt hardy tagged and we get dueling “Delete/Moose” chants. Moose got the initial upper hand by pounding away on Matt but Matt dodged a spear in the corner and attacked Moose with the descending turnbuckle slam. Moose grabbed the momentum against with a knee to the abdomen and tagged Eddie who slugged away on Matt with a series of punches and headbutts.
Matt regained the momentum with a back elbow as Edwards charged off the ropes. He also got a rope snap on Eddie’s neck as he catapulted him on the ropes. Jeff added to the damage with a leg drop on the apron. Jeff stayed in the ring and got a two count on Eddie. Jeff locked a chinlock as Edwards tried to escape.

Slater tagged and he and jeff hit the Poetry in Motion. Slater pounded on Edwards in the corner. Slater got on the top rope but Edwards hit an enziguri. Hannifan and Rehwoldt extolled Slater’s performance against Femi on Tuesday and Slater’s schedule going around the world. Edwards climbed to the top rope and hit a top rope Frankensteiner on Slater. Edwards tagged Moose and cleared the Hardys and Alexander from the corner and hit a dropkick on Slater.

Moose continued the onslaught with an urinagi and a senton for a two count. Moose tried to charge Slater on the ropes but Slater ducked and held the ropes. Moose went to the floor and Slater dove over the ropes onto Moose. Myers climbed in the ring hit the ropes and hit a dive of his own onto Slater. Alexander got int the ring and dove between the ropes onto Myers. One can see where this is going.

Edwards dove on Alexander. Jeff and Matt jumped form the apron onto Myers and Eddie. And, why not complete the set, JDC and Alisha climbed to the top. Alisha dove onto everyone and JDC got in the ring to the adulation of the crowd. JDC threw Slater into the ring and Moose launched him into the corner. JDC was officially tagged and hit a dropkick on Slater for a two count.

JDC sent Slater into the ropes but Slater tried to get a sunset flip from a backdrop by JDC. JDC did the long, long, long counter before punching Slater. However, JDC missed a dropkick. He quickly recovered and tagged Eddie.

Eddie chopped away on Slater and dropped him for a two count. Eddie tagged Moose and Moose continued the offense on Slater with a series of chops. Slater rallied after being thrown in the corner by dropping the System from their corner and ducking the big boot by Moose. He tried for the hope crawl but Moose grabbed him and stomped the X-Division Champion.

Moose dragged Slater to the corner and tagged JDC. JDC got a big backdrop on Slater and dropped a knee on Slater’s arm and focused his attack on that appendage as Rehwoldt said JDC is more than just shaking his hips. Myers tagged into the match and Myers beat on Slater and grabbed a reverse bearhug on the mat. He also stopped a Slater rally with a back suplex. He went back to the reverse bearhug and then locked in a facelock as we get our final break.

We get back ringside and Slater again tried to rally and get to his feet. He got the momentum as Myers threw him to the ropes and Slater hit a handspring back elbow. NOW, Slater got the hope crawl and tagged Jeff. Jeff was a compound on fire and dropped Myers with a clothesline. He followed it with a back elbow, inverted atomic drop and a wishbone. He got a two count form a seated dropkick and an elbow drop.

Jeff got the crowd riled and tried for the Twist of Fate but Myers reversed it into the Implant DDT. JDC tagged and got a two count. JDC pounded on Jeff in the corner and a two count from a whip into the corner. JDC locked in a chinlock and stopped a rally with a back elbow went Jeff came off the ropes. Eddie tagged and beat on Jeff with a double stomp on Jeff’s back. A loud “Let’s go Hardys” chant emerged as Eddie hit a clothesline in the corner. Eddie got a two count with a clothesline out of the corner and tagged JDC.

The two whipped Jeff into the corner but Jeff fended the tandem off and hit a (sort of) flying clothesline from the turnbuckles to drop the two.. Jeff dove and tagged Alexander as Moose also tagged. Alexander got a series of running forearms and reversed a Moose boot into a dragonscrew legwhip. Alexander continued the offense with a German Suplex on Eddie. Alexander charged Moose in the corner but Moose tried to reverse it and backdropped Alexander. However, Alexander landed on the apron and fended off the System; he hit an enziguri on Moose. He got a two count from a rope assisted leaping Flatliner into the ring.

Alexander was run into the corner but fended off a Moose charge. But, when Alexander climbed to the top rope, Moose grabbed him and hit the Go to Hell Chokebomb for a two count until the Hardys and Slater interrupted the pin. The System cleared the ring and focused on Alexander. Moose whipped Alexander into the corner and hit a back elbow. He then threw Alexander to Eddie who hit a Blue Thunder Bomb. JDC came off the top rope with the Down and Dirty legdrop and Myers hit a Flying Elbow Drop. Moose, though, could only get two-and-a-fraction. Moose gave us shocked face as Slater dragged Eddie to the floor and the Hardys dragged Myers and JDC to the floor, as well.

Back in the ring, Alexander reversed a powerbomb into a back drop. Jeff got in the ring and hit the Twist of Fate on Moose. Hardy grabbed Moose and teased the Twist of Fate. Slater grabbed Edwards, whilst Matt and Alexander got into position. The four of them completed stereo Plot Twists. Jeff tagged Slater who leapt over the everyone and hit JDC with the Crossover. Moose got back in the ring and Slater attempted another handspring back elbow. Alexander blind tagged as Slater hit the ropes. Moose hit a big boot on Slater to drop him and hit the pop-up Powerbomb on Alexander. As a “Moose” chant started to emerge, Moose went for another spear. Alexander evaded it and got the roll up for the three count.

Post-Match: The faces celebrated as Moose looked on dejectedly. Hardy looked at Moose and said he had to be at least impressed.

We get a video package for Lee and her title victory over Kelani Jordan and Jordynnne Grace for the TNA Knockout Titles. We actually get one more commercial break and then the MAIN EVENT CONTRACT SIGNING.

We also get one more Tanahashi TNAPlus collection ad, this one features a match with Consequences Creed (you might know him as Xavier Woods,) “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt. We also get another ad for next week’s debut ad for TNA Impact. We also get another ad for the TNAPlus/YouTube series “Immersed” featuring Santana.

We go to ringside and the still disheveled Marella who admits that he is going through some things right now and apologizes for his attire. He thanks the crowd for their support but he does have a job do and started the contract signing. He announces Santana first and he comes through the crowd and got the biggest pop of the night. Santana shakes hands on his way to the ring. He climbs into the ring and grabs his seat. Marella announced the champion next and Kazarian headed to ringside from the back. He glares at Santana and soaks in the boos of the crowd.

Marella reiterated the decision to move the title match to the AMC debut. There are ramifications for both for the Genesis PPV event. If Kazarian wins, Santana goes to the back of the line. If Santana wins, he defends the title at Genesis. He is going to talk to Ava (NXT GM) and possibly Trick Williams gets his rematch. Kazarian called Marella a stooge and said for Marella to call “Dwayne’s daughter” and she can one of those jabrones there to get what he has.

He was going to be honest with Santana; he was one of those who championed Santana to be here. He saw the fire, drive and passion; he knew his past and what he had been through. He’s been honest with Kazarian and with the fans. So now, Kazarian is going to be honest with him and the fans. He said he was going to admit something he had never admitted to anyone – Kazarian is an addict. He has an addiction -to the TNA World Championship. He is addicted to being the “King of TNA” and being a top guy and he likes that addiction. He doesn’t want to fight the addiction, he wants to dance with it and will walk out of Dallas, Texas as TNA World Champion.

Santana got the mic and said he wanted to be honest with Kazarian, too (keep it a buck as the lingo goes.) At one time they were in the same place and miserable as hell. They were at a place that tried to drain the passion from they loved the most. They held each other up and bet on themselves and now they are going to battle for the biggest prize in wrestling on the biggest show in TNA history.

Everything Kazarian said is not new; but guess what, he stepped back into TNA two years ago and carried his city, his heritage and his family on his back. On January 15, in Dallas on AMC, he is walking into the arena and is doing it for me. Because of that, he promised Kazarian and all the fans that he will leave as a two-time TNA world champion.

If he can’t, maybe Kazarian is right. Maybe he isn’t the man and doesn’t have what it takes or a place in TNA. He will sign that contract and meet him in Dallas. Santana goes to sign it…

BUT WAIT, we get the re-emergence of Nic Nemeth (to a sizable pop.) He said this is a nice time but we forgot about someone and that is him and he is the reason for the season. He is the reason everyone has been talking about TNA and why they debut on AMC. Here what he knows; first and foremost, Nemeth said he doesn’t like Kazarian and sure as heck doesn’t like Santana.

Nemeth also knows that Kazarian and Santana will beat each other senseless. They have to because they are warriors and that is what the title is worth. And then, Nemeth will be waiting in the wings and call his shot and walk out as TNA Championship. So, he doesn’t care if they beat each other up, because at the end the night they will show him calling his shot, holding the TNA Championship, roll credits. He then apologized for interrupting and wanted them to sign the papers because nobody cares.

Santana grabbed the contract, looked around the crowd as they roared into a crescendo and signed it. Kazarian got the contract, acknowledged the one fan who cheered for him and signed it. The two stepped to the other and stared at each other as Nemeths stood in the background hand held is “Call Your Shot” trophy and we fade to black on the AXS era.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: In an oration heavy episode, Santana delivered a home run interview. That was great. I expect nothing less from him anymore. Kazarian was solid in his attempt. I might be a bigger fan than most, but Nemeth’s interview was really good. I am not sure that calling his shot now was the smartest idea but we have been so conditioned as wresting fans to expect the sudden cash in of Money in the Bank/Call Your Shot Trophies and other guaranteed shots. That was a great way to end the show. They can’t screw this up, can they?

Two: The only really effective denouement of Nemeth’s announcement is that we are prepared for what is coming and gives extra gravitas to Santana wins if he can conquer both. They can’t screw this up, can they?

Three: Congrats on Ali on signing his new deal. He bet on himself and he, Santana and even Kazarian and Nemeth are paying dividends. This was a new dimension for Ali during his State of the Union. He did a comedic heel banter very effectively. He played off the crowd incredibly well. I am still lukewarm on Elijah. He really doesn’t do it for me. However, he did a good job controlling the horse.

Four: Say, umm…is Agent Zero still there in the Coliseum? Should we send help? You know, maybe an EMT or two?

Five: I am trying with the MWO/Outlaws (I guess it’s fair to call them that.) However, the spot with Arianna Grace was odd. Why stroll in the middle of the ring the first time? Was it a mistimed spot or a botch? That was odd. Lorenzo is becoming a credibly threat and crawling out of the shadow of Tony D’Angelo.

Six: That all being said, the inconsistencies of Grace and Lorenzo heeldom does become frustrating. We see more comedy from Grace on NXT but now they are serious threats? Pick a lane; that is all I am asking.

Seven: Interesting that after weeks of Samoa Joe, A J Styles and DDP ads for their collection on TNAPlus, we changed gears to Tanahashi. It’s like he retired or something.

Eight: Well, we are full speed ahead on Luna’s heel turn. That was almost monster heel levels. They did a good job finding the right people for her to ragdoll in the match. They are really doing a great number building her.

Nine: I am curious how the match goes between the Righteous and the Hardys. Vincent cut another really good promo with Dutch providing the right backing gravitas. I am still onboard with most that this leads to a Cinematic Match.

Ten: The Mr. Elegance contest took a weird turn with the stage hand winning. I am dying to see how this evolves. The Personal Concierge did great in comedic overacting. I am looking to see who the Asian fellow was at the end. Wait, am I reading this right, it says here it’s Dustin Nguyen. Wait, THE DUSTIN NGUYEN from 21 Jump Street and VIP???? No, wait, sorry, it is “Wind Dragon” Dustin Nguyen. Sorry. This is…curious and interesting.

Eleven: Ryan Nemeth – licensed schlub and dork. They did a great job with him and Sade. But, please don’t tell me this leads to Sade and Ryan becoming a couple down the road.

Twelve: I am curious if they do anything with Moose and the System. That was a long look Moose gave after that match.

Lastly, Do not call anyone “Mr. Culero,” for the record. You will get punched, at best. I know the definition. The decorum will not allow me to use it.

See everyone on AMC. Keep Fighting the Good Fight.