TNA Impact Review – January 29, 2026

Greetings one and all, as we are still in Albuquerque for another iteration of TNA Impact on AMC. Albuquerque is the home of one of five active Continental rifts on the Planet. While that is the case, there are no rifts between Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt who are calling the action and Gia Miller and McKenzie Mitchell handle the backstage and ring announcing. Ther’s no rifts between us, so let’s take in some enchanting action from the Land of Enchantment and engage in some Impactful Discourse? Shall we? We shall.

We don’t get a previously segment but the WWE-ifcation as we The System enter the Tingley Coliseum adorned in black as Bear Bronson bullied a stage hand and Cedric Alexander at least chucked his coffee cup into the garbage

Hannifan and Rehwoldt greet us and get some strange hype about their next series of tapings in Nashville but now we are here and speaking of here; here comes the new System now with new Chryon (a vast improvement from the old one.) All four members (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Cedric Alexander and Bear Bronson) headed to the ring as Hannifan promised we would find out what the contents of Eddie Edwards’ briefcase he won last week. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about the heel turn last week by the System and Edwards on his former best friend JDC and Moose. No one can believe what happened, not even Alisha Edwards (who is not amongst the group.) Hannifan was sickened by Edwards. A Sign in the crowd reads “The System likes Tex-Mex.” Edwards also has newly shorn locks.

Myers spoke first and said it had to be done to a moderate “what” chant. Bronson gets on the turnbuckles and threatens the fans as Myers reiterates over and over again that it had to be done. Edwards grabbed the mic and pontificated more about the betrayal last week, which everyone has been texting and calling them..

Edwards started with Moose. Moose was the most dominant athlete in pro wrestling – at one time. He was a world champion and member of the System. However, let’s look at recent events. He is nothing more than a selfish prick. He put himself first and only cares what he needs and not about the System.

Next, Edwards talked about JDC. How could we do this to a man who just retired? As the time of retirement, it occurred to Edwards that JDC wanted to ride on their coattails to the end of his pathetic career.

BUT WAIT…”Do you want to know something” can only mean one thing, Alisha Edwards made a beeline right to her way ringside. New music, new look, they look like they are really proud of themselves. She stepped in the ring and went right to her husband, Eddie.

“Ride or Die, Ride or Die,” Alisha said. “You had the nerve to keep this from me. Most importantly how dare they do this to us.”

Eddie responded that this was the reason why, she let her emotions control her. In a place of business , that doesn’t fly.

Alisha said her contract is coming up (she’s shooting, repeat, she’s shooting) and what if she doesn’t want to stay with the System? And she promptly makes a straight line back to the back. The rest of the System tried to calm Edwards and Hannifan reiterated that we find the contents of Edwards’ briefcase later in the show.

But now, we go back to Miller who is with BDE. Tonight, he steps into the ring with Nick Nemeth. Miller asked how is he feeling. BDE said truthfully he is nervous. All he has heard is that he is nothing but a YouTuber, an influencer or a fan who got lucky. Tonight, he proves that he is more as he steps in the ring with a former world champion and proves that he belongs here in TNA wrestling as he heads off screen with Miller nodding her head.

We get another rundown of the card and we get some commercials. When we come back, lo and behold, we get the next match, appropriately it is…

BDE vs. Nick Nemeth

It doesn’t help his cause as BDE livestreamed his entrance again. However, the fans loved him and got a good pop. He got in the ring and did the RVD pose. Nemeth is out next, with the Call Your Shot Torphy in tow. He also got new chryon (also, another improvement.) Hannifan said he might be the best wrestler in wrestling (well…) he walked around the ring and put the trophy on the announcer’s desk. He jawed with the fans and got a decent pop, too,

The bell rang and a “BDE” chant arose. Nemeth feinted a lock up and taunted BDE twice. He went to shake hands with BDE but kicked him in the stomach and did a boot rake on the face. He hit an arm wringer and cinched in a n armlock, bad mouthing BDE in the hold.
BDE did reverse the hold and cinched an armlock of his own. However, Nemeth broke the hold with another boot to the abdomen and another boot rake. BDE slugged away at Nemeth, who went to the ropes. BDE clotheslined Nemeth over the tropes to the floor and then flew between the ropes and dove on Nemeth.

However, when BDE and Nemeth got in the ring, BDE tried a Clip Cutter (a la the OG cutter of Je’Von Evans) but Nemeth moved. BDE crashed to the mat both wrestlers were on the mat. After a commercial break, Nemeth got to his feet and started to taunt BDE and the crowd and hit a hip-gyrating jumping elbowdrop.

BDE tried to rally with a series of forearms but Nemeth outslugged him and choked BDE on the mat with his boot (using the ropes as extra leverage.) Nemeth di the Shawn Michaels strut and then whipped BDE hard into the turnbuckles. Nemeth posed with his foot on the back of BDE’s neck. He mauled BDE in the corner and whipped into the turnbuckles again. Nemeth stood on BDE’s neck and taunted the crowd.

Nemeth attempted to throw BDE again into the turnbuckles but BDE reversed and Nemeth went chest first into the turnbuckles and to the mat. BDE slowly started to rise and charged Nemeth in the corner with a leaping knee but Nemeth avoided it and dropped BDE with a clothesline. Nemeth continued to maul BDE on the mat. Nemeth continued to slap and taunt BDE as he tried to stand.

BDE, though, rallied one more time and blocked two punches of Nemeth and countered with his own boot to the abdomen. BDE slapped Nemeth hard. Naturally, Nemeth took umbrage with it and charged BDE, however, BDE avoided it and hit the flying knee to drop Nemeth. BDE quickly climbed to the top and hit a Frog Splash and got two-and-a-counter . BDE looked hesitant but signaled the Clip Cutter one more time. Nemeth was ready once again and hit the Danger Zone neckbreaker for the victory.

Post Match: Nemeth grabbed his trophy and posed on the turnbuckles. He booted BDE from the ring. Nemeth left the ring and taunted the fans. BUT WAIT, as he got to the top of the ramp, some mock movie posters show on the chryon of Ryan Nemeth, who appeared on the rampway. Hannifan called him Nick’s nepo baby brother.
Ryan had a mic and asked for the fans to give another round of applause to his Big Brother. Ryan said he had to do something in the ring and he’ll meet up backstage in the showers in a minute. Ryan made his way to ringside. He wanted to take this time to call out Duke City, New Mexico’s own Mara Sade. Sade made her way to the ring with a mic in hand.

Ryan said all Sade has done is assault and superkick him without warrant week after week. Ryan has not reciprocated anything she did. A “you deserve it” chant emerged from the crowd. He wanted her to come out here and admit he is the superior athlete. He wanted her, in front of family, friends and all of New Mexico, to shake his hand admit he beat her fair and square.

Sade said the only the reason he is doing this is to feel like a big man. He didn’t beat her at Genesis, but he got away with one. Ryan said he sees what is going on and that there is some physical attraction here. Sade gave good shocked face as Ryan continued. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal, Ryan said, and said he is a Hollywood hunk.

He said Sade could give her a smooch or shake his hand; it’s her choice. Sade thought for a moment and shook his hand – but didn’t let go. She started to slug Ryan, who stumbled to the ropes Sade got ready to superkick him but Ryan caught it. He gently put her foot on the ground and then clotheslined her. Ryan stood over Sade and taunted her. Hannifan was disgusted by the whole act as the referees checked on Sade. Nemeth left the ring and headed back the rampway.

We get another run down of the card and a title holder is next – after some commercials. After said ads (including an action thriller with a cop and his dog called Muzzle,) we come back and then go backstage to a celebration of the By Elegance Brand. Ash is blindfolded and guided by Mr. Elegance to the rest of the brand as the Personal Concierge gives her a bouquet of roses and M gives her a new diamond necklace.

The PC said this is not just a celebration but a restoration of the By Elegance Brand. He made the announcement that the doctor’s have cleared her and now, she is back. Everyone celebrated and Ash said she never doubted it.

However, TNA Knockouts champion Lei Ying Lee entered the shot and congratulated Ash. She said she knows she never lost the title but Lee earned it. Lee said if she wants a title shot, come get it anytime, anywhere. At this point, Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside entered the shot. Hartwell asked if their invite was lost in the mail and Brookside asked if she could have some champagne. M asked who forgot to lock the door. The Concierge said they were not invited to this party and Heather called for security. Ash proved to be the calmer head and said if they wanted to have a six-person tag match, it is done – but on her time. She dismissed them to go find Santino Marella. Mr. Elegance ushered them out with his exaggerated poses whist Hartwell grabbed two bottles of champagne. She said this awkward and not her kind of party. The Brand was aghast that they stole the Elegance Brand champagne (probably their own from a couple of months ago.) Rehwoldt called the faces a bunch of rude party crashers.

However, no time to think of the moral ramifications of the faces stealing things. It’s on to the next match.

“Stacks” Lorenzo (with Arianna Grace in tow) vs. The Hometown Man

Lorenzo’s International Title is not on the line, though. Lorenzo and Grace headed out first (I guess everyone got improved chryon.) Well, belay that, Hometown Man still has the same look, and sure enough, adorned in an Isotope baseball jersey. Rehwoldt asked what kind of team steals their name from the Simpsons? This is what the Hometown Man represents. Lorenzo looked incredulous as HTM did his shtick. Hannifan said Hometown Man has become quite the fan favorite in TNA. The fans prove that with a loud “Hometown Man” chant.

Hometown Man attempted to gauge fan excitement and throw a replica mask of his to the crowd but Lorenzo stole it and dropped it to the mat. Lorenzo threatened to stomp on it but HTM stopped him with a Thesz Press. He got Lorenzo in the corner and hit the 10-punch turnbuckle spot (with extra choreography and the mask in hand on the last punch.) HTM stomped away on Lorenzo in the corner as another “Hometown Man” chant emerged. HTM put the boots to Lorenzo to the cadence of the chant. He also hit a running hip attack on Lorenzo who fell to the mat to Grace.

Lorenzo rallied as HTM attempted to give the mask to a young girl at ringside. Lorenzo dropped him with a forearm shot. Lorenzo pounded away on HTM and taunted the young girl with the mask but put it on instead and continued to pound away on Hometown Man. He gestured at the girl and attempted to hit a piledriver (on HTM, not the girl, there was enough wanton violence on women already.)

However, HTM backdropped Lorenzo on the floor and did give the mask to the young fan. HTM got the young girl and the fans to get the “Hometown Man” chant. However, when HTM tried to get back in the ring, Lorenzo hit him with a running kick. Rehwoldt: “That poor kid is going to get bullied hard.” Lorenzo choked HTM on the ropes with his knee. As the referee restrained Lorenzo, the champion motioned to Grace to hit HTM, but Grace refused.

Nonetheless, Lorenzo hit a back suplex on HTM and mocked Marella’s “trombone taunt.” Grace was not impressed. Lorenzo hit the ropes but missed a flying headbutt (a la Marella) as HTM got a quick rollup for a two count. Lorenzo kicked out and hit a corkscrew uppercut for a two count of his own. Lorenzo grabbed a single leg crab but Hometown Man gradually made his way to the ropes. Lorenzo released the hold and tried it again in the middle of the ring but HTM launched him into the ropes with his feet (Lorenzo had to make an effort to get himself over the ropes.)

Grace comforted him and got him back in the ring but when Lorenzo wanted her help to cheat, she steadfastly refused. Meanwhile, HTM recovered and flung Lorenzo back into the ring using the ropes. HTM hit a series of clotheslines and hit a full body slam before hitting the ropes with a Hometown Elbow. Hometown Man went to the top rope and Lorenzo pleaded with Grace for some help, which she would not do. HTM hit a flying crossbody for two-and-a-fraction.

Lorenzo hit a double thrust to drop HTM. Lorenzo forcibly tried to grab the title for use but Grace forcibly took it back. Meanwhile, HTM hit a flying splash in the corner and then a bulldog. He attempted to hit the Hometown Slice (Slice Bread) but Lorenzo broke it up with an eye rake. Whilst HTM was struggling to regain himself, Lorenzo rolled him up (with his feet on the ropes like a good heel) for the victory.

Post Match: Grace seemed conflicted and turned her back on the pin. Afterwards, all seemed forgiven as Grace and Lorenzo embraced and Grace celebrated the victory.

Let’s embrace some health updates with the BioFlex Injury Report. Moose is out with a back injury from the match at Genesis and exacerbated with the attack last week at the hands of the System. Rich Swann suffered injuries at the hands of AJ Francis last week but is cleared for his match tonight. Sade is in evaluation after the attack by Nemeth.

We get the second half of the card and the main event of the No Holds Barred Match between AJ Francis and Swann. We also get commercials.

When we come back we go backstage again to Lorenzo and Grace celebrating. Grace said she was so proud of him. However, Lorenzo had something else he wanted to know. They said they were going to take over TNA together so why wouldn’t she help him. She said they talked about it earlier. She is on the straight and narrow and wanted to make amends with her father. This can’t happen anymore. Lorenzo said he asked for the help three times but Grace was glad he didn’t need it. Lorenzo said he has to do this my way.

Grace took exception to the last comment and asked what did that mean. Meanwhile, Marella entered the shot. Grace looked at her dad and said it’s fine and she has this. She is with him but saw the mistake she made with her dad. If he doesn’t want to play fair, wait to see what the mistake she can make with her, too. This is not okay, she said, as Lorenzo walked off shot.

Jason Hotch (with Order Four in tow) vs. Elijah

The extra Servicemen flank Hotch as he made his way down the ramp and to the ring. Elijah’s theme started to play and Elijah made his way to the ring with a good pop. Elijah posed with his guitar as he got ready for the match.

Elijah met a charging Hotch right at the bell with a boot. Elijah grabbed Elijah’s arm and hit an armlock. At one point, he picked Hotch over his head with the armlock and then threw him backwards in an impressive spot. Hotch went to the floor and Elijah followed suit. Elijah slammed Hotch into the apron and then in the ring. Once he made his way, Elijah missed a charge into the turnbuckles and Hotch took advantage by chopping him, which Elijah no sold. Elijah threw Hotch into the corner but missed a chop of his own.

Elijah blocked another of Hotch’s chops and grabbed a wrist lock. He ran his shoulder into Hotch’s arm. Elijah walked to the ropes and then did the old school rope walk into a forearm smash for a two count. Hotch bailed from the ring and started to head up the rampway. However, Elijah caught him and chopped him back to the ring. Hotch got back in the ring but when Elijah attempted to re-enter, Tasha Steelz and John Skyler impeded his progress. Agent Zero and Ali joined them. Ali stood in front of him but ducked an attempted an Elijah punch. However, Hotch recuperated and hit a somersault leap over the ropes to Elijah.

Back in the ring, Hotch dropped Elijah in the corner with a series of punches When the referee tried to restrain Hotch, Ali came around the corner and choked Elijah in the corner. Elijah got to his feet and Hotch attempted to throw Elijah into the other corner but Elijah reversed it and whipped Hotch into the turnbuckles. Hotch sold it flipping upside down. When he righted himself he walked into a biiiig backdrop out of the corner.
Elijah got the crowd riled and landed a series of punches, complete with fancy footwork and the crowd egging him with the “oh, walk with Elijah” chant to the tune of “Seven Nation Army.” Hotch stopped a whip into the ropes but Elijah got Hotch on his shoulders. Steelz got on the apron to distract the referee. On the other side, Skyler also climbed on the apron and Hotch got out of the predicament by raking Elijah’s eyes. Hotch pushed Elijah into Skyler; his tag team partner grabbed the arm and snapped it on the ropes whilst he jumped to the floor. Hotch grabbed the same injured arm and dropped it on his knees as he leapt.

Hotch continued to work the arm by hit a series of knee drops and grabbed another armlock. Elijah fought out of it and hit a back elbow and then ran Hotch into the corner and started to chop with his good arm. The referee restrained Elijah but Elijah continued the attack and got a two count from a twisting neckbreaker.

Elijah got Hotch into position for his Highwayman’s Farewell (tombstone piledriver) but Hotch escaped and went to the corner. Elijah chased him but Hotch avoided the charge and hit an enziguri on the apron. However, Hotch’s attempt at the rolling neckbreaker between the ropes was caught by Elijah. Hotch reversed a chokeslam and got Elijah on his shoulders for an airplane spin Blue Thunder Bomb for two-and-a-fraction. Hotch went to the top turnbuckle and leapt toward Elijah. Elijah moved so Hotch rolled through it. The two traded forearm shivers and then traded superkicks.

Elijah attempted to hit a German Suplex on Hotch but the Great Hand flipped out of it. Hotch ducked a clothesline out of the corner and ran to the other corner. However, when Hotch leapt from the top, Elijah met him with a jumping knee. NOW, Elijah got Hotch in position and hit the Highwayman’s Farewell for the victory.

Post Match: The natural Order Four run in and beat down commenced with Steelz jumping on his back and Skyler pummeling him. Ali smugly got on the apron, looked at Zero and pointed toward Elijah’s guitar. Zero grabbed said guitar and handed it to Ali. Ali attempted to hit Elijah with the guitar but Elijah booted the Order Four leader and ran the Great Hands together. Elijah grabbed the guitar and narrowly missed Ali as all of Order Four headed to the floor and up the rampway.

We see AJ Francis and Swann getting ready for the main event and we get hype for the main event and Elayna Black’s TNA Impact debut after these messages.

When we return, we see Jada Stone backstage who said she is so excited to be here. She said she has dreaming about this since she was three. Playing off her nickname “The SPARK,” she is here to light up the ring. However, Ali and Order Four enter the shot as Ali is ranting about the use of guitars and horses. Stone was upset they interrupted her and Agent Zero somewhat gently restrained her.

Ali asked what she was doing and who she was. Stone introduced her and Ali screamed for her shut up because no one cares what she has to say. Ali shooed her away because he had something important to say. Stone refused to leave and said Ali should leave. This brought Steelz to the forefront, who said we don’t like that and her unprofessionalism toward Ali is not appreciated. Stone said she didn’t like to be interrupted, Steelz looked at Ali and then turned back to Stone and punched her to the ground. Impact security restrained Steelz and Order Four left off screen.

Meanwhile, the camera came in tight on Stone who was selling the punch until a hand emerged with a guitar strum. Yup, it was Elijah, who helped Stone to her feet and asked if she wanted to walk with Elijah. Stone nodded and the two headed off screen.

Back at ringside, Daria Rae headed to ringside and to the announce table. She shook hands with Hannifan and Rehwoldt. She is here to see “the best signing in the last five years” (her words) and the future of the promotion (again, her words.)

Elayna Black vs. Ruthie Jay

Black earned the jeers of the crowd as she made her way to the ring. Jay got the “already in the ring” treatment. We also get hype for Tuesday’s NXT card and the TNA Knockouts tag title match between the By Elegance Brand and Zaruca.

Black and Jay jawed at each other but Black broke up the oration and shoved Jay. The two exchanged go behinds with getting the best of it and took Jay to the mat. She locked in a chinlock and started to kneed Jay. Black hit a gut wrench suplex for a two count. Black continued to taunt Jay in the ropes and hit a rope assisted stomp on Jay’s back and went back to the chin lock.

Jay fought out of it but Black whipped Jay into the corner. Jay flipped over Black’s charge and got two shoulderblocks on Black in the corner. Jay got on the apron and riled the crowd but Black recovered and nailed Jay with a forearm smash and a sires of knees as Jay was caught in the ropes. She charged Jay and hit a leaping knee in the corner. She grabbed Jay and set up for her old finisher (the implant DDT) but switched it to a neckbreaker for the victory.

Post Match: Rae ranted about Black’s performance as Rehwoldt called it an “emphatic performance.” Rae said Black was the best to ever do it (well…..) as Black posed in the ring and continued to taunt the fans.

We see the four suitcases and their winners from last week (Eric Young, Steve Maclin, Eddie Edwards and Trey Miguel, respectively.) The contents of the “Feast or Fired” briefcases are next. Well, almost, we come back from break to see the Hardys. Matt praised his brother for his performance last week against Ali. They continue to talk about the excitement of TNA being on AMC and Jeff talked about the endless possibilities that might happen.

However, the most inevitable possibility approached from offscreen as the Righteous made an appearance. Dutch said at Genesis, that wasn’t chaos. For he and Vincent, that was clarity. Vincent said they won because they let them be themselves. Dutch knows what they carry and what follows them and the many are behind them. “This doesn’t have to be a war,” Dutch said.

Matt asked what we are all doing here (shoot comments that aren’t…) Vincent interjected by saying “imagine, not against us, but with us… No answer needed tonight and a truce this time…Dig what he’s saying.

We go back to Miller’s station and the we get the reveal of the suitcase contents from last week’s “Feast or Fired” match. Miguel was first, looked up and said “please don’t let this happen twice in one month.” He opened his briefcase and revealed…an International Title shot. He wished the others good luck and beat a hasty exit.

Edwards was next. He opened his suitcase to reveal a TNA World Title shot. Miller asked how he felt and Edwards hit the catchphrase “You can’t beat the System” and he hit left off screen.

Maclin was next. He opened his suitcase and quickly shut it. He shook his head dejectedly and one can figure out what that meant. He got the fired suitcase. Miller apologized as Young opened his revealing his X-Division title match. Young looked at Maclin and said his chooses haunt him and left. Maclin stood there as Miller tried to get a word but Maclin was silent as he closed the briefcase and headed off screen.

We go to another backstage area as Santana is talking on the phone as Edwards headed from Miller’s portion to Santana’s portion with the rest of the System. Edwards wanted to drop some knowledge on him. As a former two-time world champion, everyone wants what Santana has. He now has a guaranteed shot while Santana has a giant target on his back.

Santana said that’s fine because he has gone through all of the System components already and he is not a hard man to find. Edwards said that was the old System, this is the new regime and you can’t beat the System as they head off screen and Santana looked around annoyed.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt. Rehwoldt said Edwards was already flexing his muscle with his new title shot but the two can’t get over the firing of Maclin, whom they both have known for a long time. Hannifan said he wouldn’t have his job here if it wasn’t for Maclin and was his best friend. Hannifan choked up and went over Maclin’s resume here in TNA Impact. Hannifan was broken hearted.

Rehwoldt understood but tried to focus as we get hype for next week’s card, featuring Elijah and Stone vs. Ali and Steelz. The Righteous will be in action and we get the six-woman Knockouts match made earlier with Hartwell and the Angel Warriors vs. the By Elegance Brand. We also get our main event.

No Holds Barred Match: AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann

Francis made his way to the ring as Rehwoldt chronicled the history between the two combatants, cumulating with the huge Down Payment (chokeslam) Francis hit on Swann during the “Feast or Fired” match that Swann could not recover. Swann was next and he stood on the rampway for a moment. He then headed backstage and emerged with a trashcan full of plunder. He brought it to the ring and grabbed a baseball bat.

Swann hit the ring and slugged away with Francis with the bat. Francis headed to the floor but Swann leapt from the apron and clobbered Francis yet again with the bat. Swann then went under the ring and grabbed a table. Whilst doing that, Francis charged Swann and slugged him. Francis posed on the floor and then attempted to throw Swann into the ring steps. Swann stopped it and evaded a Down Payment attempt as he threw Francis into the ring steps.
Swann set up the table but was met with a big boot to drop him to the floor.

Swann crawled up the rampway. Swann caught him and attempted another Down Payment which was again evaded by Swann into a spinning kick. Swann attempted a Canadian Destroyer but Francis blocked it. Swann did the same for an Alabama Jam slam and tried for a sunset flip. However, Francis blocked it and grabbed Swann. Swann tried for a Powerbomb but Swann blocked it. Swann tried for a hurincanrana but Francis blocked that. Francis tried for a Styles Clash but Swann evaded it. Francis caught Swann again and hit a Pedigree on the rampway.

Francis kicked Swann down the ramp and back toward the ring. Francis grabbed a kendo stick and hit Swann. He did the same with a trash can lid. Francis stalked Swann on the floor and stretched his arms around the ring post (using his legs as for extra force.) He then reached under the ring for a metal cane and started to beat on Swann. He choked Swann with it.

The crowd started to chant that they wanted tables. Francis obliged by grabbing another table but Swann started to rally, only to be cut short when Francis ran him into the ring post. Francis grabbed the feared weapon of street fights – the cooking sheet. However, Swann avoided the shot and superkicked Francis who dropped the sheet.

Swann grabbed the sheet and started to hit Francis with hit and then ran him into the ring post. Swann slid on the apron and hit a rotating kick. Francis tried to recover and grabbed an “A-Game” hydration bottle, appropriately enough. He walloped Swann with it. Francis properly hydrated as it dripped down his beard. Francis looked at the camera and said that it works (never a bad time to hype your sponsor, I guess.) Francis went under the ring to grab a chair and brought it into the ring. He then walloped Swann with it and set it up in the ring. He grabbed a chain as we head to our last commercial break.

When we return, Francis was sitting on the chair and choking Swann with the chain. Francis badmouthed Swann but Swann tried to rally. Swann hit the ropes and slammed Francis face first into the chair. Hannifan sold the drama of the night’s events including the “Feast or Fired” reveal. Meanwhile, in the ring Francis caught Swann’s attempt at a top rope bodypress. He put him on his shoulders and hit a Death Valley Driver on the chair for a nonchalant two count.

Francis went back to the floor and grabbed the ring steps. He threw them into the ring, setting them up vertically. He tried for another Death Valley Driver but was blocked by Swann. Swann reversed it to a DDT into the steps. Swann set up Francis on the steps and hit a Curb Stomp onto the steps. He also hit a handspring cutter off the ropes for a two-and-a-fraction. Both combatants writhed on the mat but Swann slid back to the floor and grabbed another table and set it up next to the first table. He also grabbed a series of chairs under the other side of the ring.

However, when Francis got back into the ring, Francis hit him with the TFL (spear) onto the pile of chairs for a two-and-a-fraction. Francis draped Swann on the turnbuckles and attempted a Down Payment to the floor onto the tables. Swann blocked it and with a series of punches and a kick. He then limbed on Francis and hit a hurincanrana to the floor and Francis crashed into the tables. A “TNA” chant arose as Swann slid Francis back into the ring. Swann climbed the turnbuckles and hit a Phoenix Splash for two-and-a-fraction. Now, a “This is Awesome” chant arose as Swann sold the injuries and went back to the floor to grab the bat.

Swann returned to the ring but Francis was wrapping the chain around his fist. He blocked Swann’s attempt to lift Swann and instead waffled Swann with the fist for another two-and-a-fraction. Swann gave us shocked face but went back to the floor and threw the entire trash can into the ring. He put it on top of Swann and then hit him with a chair repeatedly.

Swann laid on the mat as Francis continued his assault. Francis arrogantly pinned Swann with his foot on his chest but Swann, again, kicked out at two. Francis showed frustration as he moved the pile of chairs closer to the middle of the ring. He climbed to the top turnbuckle and attempted another Down Payment but Swann reversed it to a hurincanrana onto the chairs. Swann, now, walloped Francis with a series of chair shots. Swann again climbed to the top and hit a Frog Splash for the win.

Post Match: Rehwoldt said the ashes of First Class were strewn all over the mat as Swann picked up the victory. The referees had to help Swann to the back but Swann did pose victoriously as the credits rolled.

BUT WAIT, we have a post credit sequence as we see Rae on the phone and entering her office but awaiting her is Frankie Kazarian, who said they needed to talk as Rae closed the door.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: I was not expecting that order regarding the Feast or Fired briefcase reveals. That being said, I am not really stoked by the results. It seems like retread matches and nothing new. I don’t see Miguel beating Lorenzo (although Miguel was funny in hoping this isn’t the second time he is fired in a month. You know, if you stay off social media….) I don’t see Edwards beating Santana (unless it moves the internal strife of the Edwards forward.) And, I certainly don’t see Young beating Slater. I am curious, though, of the storyline of Maclin and what happens to him. Unless the wrestling news world gets a buzz, I don’t think he is leaving, I could be wrong. I wonder how this story line develops.

Two: Hannifan and Rehwoldt still do great work on the mic as Hannifan sold the Maclin firing really well. Rehwoldt shined in his analysis and keeping things together story-line wise.

Three: I never thought this would be uttered but I really liked the Elijah vs. Hotch match. Hotch bumped big time for Elijah and made Elijah seem like a powerful force. I came across with a whole new respect for Hotch and Elijah did a great job selling the arm injury. Great work by both in the match.

Four: As much as I am still not a fan of Elijah, it is good to see some of his shine on new talent, in this case Jada Stone. Stone is okay in the ring but if Steelz leads the way next week, they should keep the match from getting bogged.

Five: Alisha Edwards was peak South Boston/townie tonight. I know worked shoots are hit and miss but this one added some intrigue. However, as much as I find her catchphrase amusing, it seemed out of place in this context; all she had to do was head into the ring and the rest would have carried itself.

Six: Elayna Black did perfectly okay. This means the match didn’t drag but it also felt like nothing really was elevated by her. It was a squash match and went about as long as it should. She was just there.

Seven: Along the same lines, Rae was the same. Rae is good on the mic but it is not her forte. She can get in a good line or two but not to really do heavy lifting. This was another case of her just being there.

Eight: I do like the setup of a rogue’s gallery for Santana. It does feel like retreads and a new challenger would freshen it and give it more vigor but they have done a good job painting the target on his back. It’s a good way to change up the pace instead of beating just one long, drawn out series of matches against one person.

Nine: Congrats to Ash By Elegance for the clean bill of health. It gives Lee the same thing it gives Santana and that is a rogue’s gallery of her own. Luna is still out there (literally, hope she and Slater are getting the Visa issues resolved) and Ash adds the former champ to the mix. I still think M should get some semblance of a title shot or two because I think she can really go in the ring. Her mic work is also getting much better.

Ten: Are we going to get anything on the main show regarding Dustin Nguyen? This feels like an odd loose end and story that needs to be brought to the foreground with his involvement with the By Elegance Brand.

Eleven: We can stop with two things. Plunder brawls and the cheap heat of a guy beating on a woman. Ryan Nemeth’s segment went as it should and you have to build the cheap heat but here has to be a better way with this feud. Plunder brawls are just superfluous and actually distract from the match. There were a lot of wrestling moves for a “street fight.” It just has a odd rhythm to it.

Twelve: Speaking of Nemeths, Nemeth did a great job carrying BDE to a credible match. BDE is a dalmatian in the ring and Nemeth showed enough arrogance, desperation and grounded work to make the segment watchable and decent.

Thirteen: I really am not a fan of the family drama between Marella and Grace. The “will she or won’t she” got old already. It is another case of pick a lane and head that way. Grace can’t have that quick of a mind change on her dad. Lorenzo did a great job with the cheap heat and is starting to establish himself as a reliable hand and is making his way to being a star.

Fourteen: The AMC deal has paid some good dividends as the product looks better visually and the new chryons (sans the Hometown Man, but that might be by design, if you will) look really crisp and well done. This is a great development.

Lastly: Regarding the Street Fight. I still don’t get the use of cooking sheets in these brawls. I guess wrestling bookers and writers are convinced that most street brawls happen adjacent to a bakery.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight.