TNA Impact Review – 03.05.26

Greetings, everyone, to another review of TNA Impact. This time from Atlanta, Georgia. Unlike the Hawks, there won’t be any tributes to “Magic City,” just good ole’ fashioned wrestling action. It might not be Saturday Night on WTBS, but it is Thursday Night on AMC. It’s not Fishing with Orlando Wilson (if you know the theme, sing along) as the lead in but Die Hard 2. Still, we have quality broadcasting from Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt, Gia Miller will be handling backstage duties and McKenzie Mitchell will be doing the ringside announcing. So, hunker down on the seated device of your choice and let’s get ready for some Impactful discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Previously on Impact: We get a review of the saga of Steve Maclin, cumulating with former International Champ dropped Hannifin with a body shot that would make Mike McCallum jealous. We also see highlights of the eight-man tag match between The System vs. The Hardys and the Righteous, with Vincent taking the bullet for Matt Hardy. Moose came to help out the faces but was subject to a Systemic beatdown before Alisha Edwards helping out Moose and getting the System to leave the ringside area.

We start with a title match:
TNA Knockouts Heavyweight Championship: Arianna Grace (with “Stacks” Lorenzo in tow) vs. Jody Threat

Threat makes her way to the ring in her usual frenetic ebullience as Hannifan takes time to thank Rehwodt, Miller and TNA Management for letting him work tonight. BUT WAIT, we got celebrities as the cast of..(oh, boy) Mama June (oooff) are here and HEY, LILIAN GARCIA is here, nice. The lights go out and we get the full entrance of Arianna Grace. She makes her way into the ring BUT WAIT the lights go dim and Tessa Blanchard and the rest of the Diamond Collective (Mila Moore and Vicotria Crawford) made their way to ringside and to the announce table with Blanchard glaring at TNA president Carlos Silva. When pressed by Hannifan, Blanchard admitted the Collective were responsible for he beat down last week of Jody Threat.

Grace did not wait for the Mitchell to finish the announcing as she attacked Threat when Threat was on the turnbuckles. Blanchard said Threat is an easy target. Meanwhile, Grace mauled Threat along the ropes. Threat riled the crowd and ran Grace into the turnbuckles and hit a salvo of standing clotheslines. Threat threw out of the corner but HOLD EVERTYHING (again) Dani Luna made her way through the stands to the ringside area and stood in front of Mama June (ha!!!)

Oh yeah, the match. Threat charged Grace in the corner but Grace backdropped her onto the apron. Threat landed on her feet and continued to beat on Grace, running her into the turnbuckles. Threat climbed to the top rope but Lorenzo got on the apron to distract her. That gave Grace time to recover and hit the ropes to drop Threat. Grace puts the boots to the fallen Threat but HOLD EVERYTHING, Indi Hartwell made her presence felt and made her way through the crowd to the ringside area. Grace rammed Threat into the mat and attacked the torso with a series of standing knee drops. A neckbreaker got two as we pan up the rampway and (inhale) HOLD EVERYTHING, Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside were watching the match.
Sorry, the match, right. Grace grabbed a knee lock using her knee for extra leverage and beat on Threat’s torso. Grace tried to charge Threat in the ropes but Threat moved. Grace recovered (with the help of Lorenzo) and stood on the apron. Grace again charged Threat three times, only to be thwarted with a back elbow, knee and a clothesline on each successive try.

Threat dropped Grace with a series of clotheslines and a Yakuza kick off the ropes. She hit a Meteora to the back of Grace on the ropes and followed it with a German Suplex. She also managed to hit a Michinoku Driver for two-and-a-fraction. Grace went to the ring where Lorenzo comforted and kissed her. Meanwhile, Threat recovered and dove between the ropes. Lorenzo took the dive for Grace and fell to the floor whilst we get another pan of the other Knockouts watching.

Threat continued to pound Grace on the floor and threw her into the ring. Whilst Threat sold her back before getting into the ring, Grace pulled out Marella’s cobra (the puppet, don’t be gross.) Threat picked up Grace for the Pop, Shove It but again but her back couldn’t take it and sold it. Meanwhile, Grace grabbed the puppet. Threat recovered enough to grab the other half of the puppet and a tug-of-war commenced. Threat grabbed it and it flew into the ropes. Meanwhile, Threat sold the ribs some more and after a kick to the ribs, Grace got a rollup and got the win.

Post Match: We get reactions from the other Knockouts watching. Lorenzo stopped Silva from coming into the ring to ward Grace the belt. Lorenzo grabbed the belt and gave it to his fiancée.

We go back to the announce table and Hannifan went into more detail about the Maclin situation last week and said he knew what Maclin was trying to do. Rehwoldt hoped that Santana or someone would kick Maclin’s glutes. Hannifan took it back to the action from tonight and we go to Miller. The mic wasn’t working so we could only lipread what she said. The Nemeths walk into the shot and the mic started to work – barely.

They talked about the match last week and the match tonight between Nick Nemeth and Leon Slater for the X-Division title. At Genesis, Slater pulled a fast one but last week in the tag team main event, Nick put him back in his place. He said Slater is the future and one day he is going to rule this company but right now there is one thing he is not – Nick Nemeth. The mic started to die again although we do faintly hear Ryan saying Miller makes him sick (maybe it was Slater – something made him sick) and made gagging sounds as the Nemeths walked off shot.

One mic that is working is the ringside mic and holding the mic now is The Personal Concierge. It is his honor to introduce – the Elegance Brand (sans Ash.) Mr. Elegance is walking in his booty shorts (said like Black Zeus) and he, M and Heather are adorned in all white. They make their way into the ring as we make our way to a commercial break.

During the break we see (not hear) the Personal Concierge admonishing the crowd. M and Heather took turns taunting the crowd. This would have been great to hear – for the record. What we do get to regretfully hear is the trailer for the Mama June reality show.

When we come back, we do get to hear the Personal Concierge pontificate (albeit in an abbreviated manner.) He wanted to apologize for the absence of Ash She is taking a mental day off due to the stress of all the fans and Mickie James calling her a mark. She is not a mark.

He gave Mr. Elegance the mic but Heather snatched it form him and said she can’t take this anymore and Ash is not a mark. Ash is her hero and her best friend. She saved her career. All the fans are disrespectful just like Mickie James. M grabbed the mic and said Mickie had her moment and NEWSFALLASSSHH, her era is now the era of Elegance.

They turned their attention to Mama June (oh, no…) They asked how is she here because she can’t afford a ticket. The PC dispatched the Brand to the floor to further run her down. Heather wanted to explain something to her and she shouldn’t bot be trashy and interrupt her. The Brand are the ones with beauty and class. M said June doesn’t belong here, they belong at a food truck.

BUT WAIT, speaking of food trucks (and former Knockouts) ODB made her way through the crowd. She was trying to sell some meat from her truck and all she heard was the Brand disrespecting her people (a fairly loud “ODB” chant emerged.) They did the same thing in Nashville to her friend, the Hall-of-Famer James. M called ODB disgusting, Heather called June disgusting and they said that all the fans here were disgusting. ODB said the Brand is just a bunch of knockoffs. M responded that ODB is starving for attention but if she wants some, come get some.

The two promptly attack ODB but ODB dodges M’s clothesline and dropped Heather with a right hand. She dropped M with the right and then kicked Mr. Elegance in the groin. She slammed the Brand heads’ together and then grabbed her cooler and gave a series of cups to the Mama June cast. The cups were full of beans and dumped them on M and Heather. June and ODB taunted the Brand as they did the constant slipping from the beans comedy spot.

We head backstage and see Slater warming up as the Hardys walk into the shot. They asked about the match with Nemeth and Slater said this might the biggest of his career. Slater then said he got a chance to properly thank the Hardys for their mentorship and would not be there without them. Matt said no one has given Slater anything – he earned it. Matt also said he is going to be watching the match but will also be watching the next match – the Fatal Four Way Tag Match for a shot at the TNA Tag Team Titles after the break.

During the break, we see the entrances of the teams involved. We come back to the warning buzzer and the System are first to the ring with new music (it’s nu rock with someone screaming “You Can’t Beat the System.” Sinner and Saint are out next and the audio cuts during their entrance. Rich Swann and BDE make their way to the ring. We also don’t get audio for the Righteous making their way to the ring (although it is probably the slide guitar and the snapping.)

Fatal Four-Way Tag Match for future Word Title Shot: The System (Bear Bronson and Brian Myers) vs. Sinner and Saint (Judas Icarus and Travis Williams) vs. Rich Swann and BDE vs. The Righteous (Dutch and Vincent)

We come back “live” and the match gets underway. BDE and Williams start and we get sportsmanship on display. The two do a series of criss crosses off the ropes with BDE dropping Williams with a reverse flying body press of the ropes. BDE blocked a kick but Williams grabbed BDE and hit a vertical suplex and tagged Icarus. The two hit a double Slingshot Gourdbuster and a double seated dropkick for a two count.

BDE blocked a suplex attempt and made his way with Icarus to his corner and tagged Swann The two hit another series acrobatic dodges off the ropes and Swann landed a running dropkick. BDE tagged and the duo hit a back kick followed by a rolling neckbreaker by BDE. Swann finished with a Rolling Thunder Bodypress. Bronson broke up the pin attempt and then dropped both Swann and BDE with forearm shivers. He pursued Icarus who smartly pulled down the ropes and Bronson went over the top to the floor.

Williams threw Myers to the floor and then dove between the ropes (with Icarus’ help) to drop both System components. However, BDE and Swann hit a double superkick on Icarus to drop him to the floor. The duo then dove over the top ropes for sentons to drop both the System and S&S.

That left Dutch and Vincent. Vincent did his strut and then made his way to the ropes where everyone was. He leapt over the top rope but landed on the apron. He sat on it and extended his arms. Everyone flinched and then looked perplexed. That gave Dutch time to hit the ropes and his own senton over the top rope to drop everyone. That earned a “this is awesome” chant from the crowd.

Meanwhile, Dutch grabbed BDE and dropped him face first to the mat. That gave Vincent the opportunity to hit a sliding jaw jacker (or a mistimed DDT) for a two count. BDE reversed a whip to the ropes and as Vincent hit the ropes, Myers stuck him with his to the back. Vincent slugged Myers and dropped BDE with a back elbow off the ropes. However, Bronson got the blind tag. Bronson lifted Vincent and hit the choke bomb on him for a two count.

Bronson beat on Vincent as we see the Hardys watching from a monitor in the back. Meanwhile, Bronson continued to maul Vincent and tagged Myers. Myers hit the chin lock as Vincent tried to rally, only to be thwarted by Myers. Bronson tagged and they both knocked Dutch to the floor. The components tried for a double suplex but Vincent managed to land on his feet and hit a double Rude Awakening neckbreaker on the tandem.

Bronson tagged Williams whilst BDE tagged Swann. Swann hit a series of kicks on Williams and Icarus. Including a kick to the head when Williams attempted to leap from the turnbuckles. Swann dropped Icarus with another kick and then leapt to Williams and hit a hurincanrana on Williams onto Icarus for a two count. Swann ran Williams into the corner and Icarus got the blind tag. Swann got behind Williams but Icarus grabbed Williams’ arm and did the assisted back elbow strike on Swann.

S&S hit a series of kicks – Swann also provided a back senton – and Williams hit the brainbuster for two-and-a-fraction. The tandem tried another move but Wann reversed it and tagged BDE who dropkicked Icarus and hit his own Falcon Arrow on Williams for a two count. BDE attempted the Clip Cutter off the ropes but Williams blocked it. The two hit the ropes and dropped each other with simultaneous clotheslines.

Williams tagged Vincent but BDE blocked a suplex attempt into a small package for a two count. Vincent hit a running pumpkick as BDE hit the ropes and The Righteous hit the Orange Sunshine (a running bulldog off Dutch’s chest) finisher but the rest of the team interrupted the pin. We get the finisher spam section going as Dutch hit Death Walks (Bossman Slam) on Bronson(!) Myers clotheslined Dutch with a clothesline that sent him over the ropes to the floor. S&S hit their assisted back suplex on Myers who went to the floor. Williams grabbed BDE and Icarus grabbed Swann and threw them into the corners. They both countered it by running up the turnbuckles and hitting stereo Clip Cutters.

Vincent got back in the ring, grabbed Swann in a front facelock and grabbed BDE and hit a DDT/Flatliner combination on the two. Vincent climbed to the top rope but Bronson pushed him down. Vincent rolled to his feet but Myers hit the Roster Cut (Lariat clothesline) and hit Swann with a Spear off the ropes. Myers threw Swann to Bronson who hit the Rikishi Driver piledriver for the win.

Post Match: Myers and Bronson soaked in the boos on the turnbuckles.

We go to a vignette with Rosemary seated in a room. The audio was not great but we hear her talking to herself regarding her time in TNA when she was supposed to rule but then it all fell apart. She brought up Decay and the Death Dolls. She said it is still not too late and there is time left to make things right. She started to write things on a list – including all seven deadly sins and number eight is “The Realm.” A figure blinked on in the corner and then disappeared as the vignette ended.

The lights go dark and we hear Moose’s theme and Moose headed his way to the ring (with Alisha Edwards in tow.) The crowd got into the “Moose” chant as we got into some commercials.

We see footage on the streaming service and Moose and Edwards soak in the cheers and chants of the crowd. This goes on for a while as the break continued.

When we return, Moose said he wanted to get right to the point. The one thing that angers him about the System is they have the nerve to call themselves a family. It’s not a family – it’s just four individuals. If we wanted to know what a family is, Moose pointed to the front row where former Atlanta Falcons’ players are seated (including former Pro Bowl Defensive End John Abraham.) When they made the Pro Bowl, no one was happier as Moose (well, their accountants maybe, but he’s rolling.) When Abraham makes it to the Hall of Fame (well….) Moose will the proudest man because of what they went through. He knows they are proud of him for everything he has done in TNA and for being the “face of the franchise.”

He talked about the System’s new motto – “You Can’t Beat the System.” Moose loves a good challenge and starting next week he will go through every member of the System. He will start with Cedric Alexander in an Atlanta Street Fight next week. Myers is next and Moose will remind him why he was also known as “Edge’s (female dog)” (attribution to Joe Hendry – clap, clap.) The crowd “ooohed” for that and then broke into a “Edge’s (Female dog)” chant. Bronson is next and is not much of a replacement for Moose. He is saving the best for last and called out Eddie Edwards.

Before he could continue, Alisha grabbed the mic. Alisha said when she came down to help Moose last week, it was for him and for herself. But these last two years, she stood behind the System as they built a legacy and built the best faction in TNA history. She said now she doesn’t recognize them. She was going to leave but Moose convinced her to stay. She is going to stand side-by-side with Moose as he destroys every member of the System (is that ominous music I am hearing?)

Moose said he is going to beat the hell out of Edwards and do it in front of his wife. When he is done, he is going to pack up the System and send them out of TNA. Like a friend of his said -that’s not a promise, that’s a fact of life from “the Face of the Franchise.”

Another fact of life is the Bioflex Injury Report is next. Mustafa Ali is still out after injuries from the Casket Match with Elijah two weeks ago. James suffered multiple contusions and bruises after the attack from the By Elegance Brand last week. Slater and Nemeth are cleared to compete tonight despite small injuries from Slater.

We get the rundown of the second half and we have more Knockouts Division action next…after the break.

We get the light show from the arena as crew and staff mill about the ringside area.

When we return we go backstage and see medical staff looking after BDE as Swann approached him in the shot. Swann said it doesn’t feel like it right now but he did great now. BDE was angry because he felt like he cost them a shot. Swann assuaged him and said he didn’t cost them anything. He gave everything he got and proved he belonged. Losses don’t define people in the industry, how they handle it does.

Trey Miguel, who was getting help in the background, wandered over to the tandem and agreed. Everyone gets knocked down, but it is what they do next that matters. Take himself, for example. He has been knocked down more times than he can count but now he is International Champion. BDE started to understand until The Great Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) came into the shot with Tasha Steelz and Agent Zero.

Skyler mockingly congratulated them on the inspirational message. Swann asked what they wanted. Skyler said it should have been them in the title shot and if they were, they would be challenging for the tag titles. BDE stood up and started to argue until Swann calmed him down and said don’t worry about them and they left off screen. The Great Hands watched them leave but were interrupted by Jada Stone who asked where Ali was. Miguel stood by her and Stone asked if he was still in the casket.

Steelz took umbrage with that and called Stone an unprofessional little gremlin and warned her about running her mouth. Stone took umbrage with that and the two started to shove the other with Hotch holding Steelz back and Miguel holding Stone back. Skyler said Ali will return next week and if they don’t like it, they can see them in the ring. They walked off camera as Miguel insulted his suit and he and Stone walked off screen the other way.

We go back ringside to the next match:
Mara Sade Vs. Elayna Black

Black is out first and derisively dismissed the crowd as he made her way to the ring. Sade is next to a decent pop. The two jawed at each other as the bell rang. The two fought for position along the ropes when Black released the lock up. Black missed a chop and Sade delivered on her return chop. Black chopped Sade in the corner and grabbed a side3 headlock. She dropped Sade with a shoulder block off the ropes. Black hit the ropes again and rolled over Sade. Black hit the ropes again but this time Sade met her with a dropkick that sent Black to the floor as Hannifan and Rehwoldt talked about the divergent paths the two took to get here.

Sade hit a sliding dropkick under the ropes to Black. Sade leapt over the ropes but landed on the apron. However, Black grabbed her leg and yanked Sade face first into the apron. Black taunted Sade and ran her into the apron and chopped away on Sade. Back in the ring, Black hit a leaping, rope assisted stomp to the back for a two count.

Sade struggled in the ring as Black taunted her. She choked Sade on the ropes with her boot. Black hit the ropes and hit a running back elbow to the back for another two count. Black draped Sade between the ropes and hit a series of knee strikes on the apron. She got on the mat and started to strike Sade with a series of elbow drops to the sternum area for yet another two count.

Black attempted to grab an armlock using her knee as extra leverage. Sade did reverse it with a knee to the abdomen. Sade started to rally with a series of punches and then a series of clothesline off the ropes. Sade hit a slingblade off the ropes and then got on the ropes and hit a reverse bodypress for a two count. Sade tried for a DDT but Black reversed it into a forearm shiver. She threw Sade into the ropes but Sade stopped her own momentum. Black charged and Sade evaded her. Black was on the apron when Sade dropped her with a dropkick. Sade leapt over the ropes and hit a Tope Con Hilo and a “TNA” chant emerged.

Sade climbed to the top rope and connected with a Missile Dropkick for a two count. Sade attempted a body slam but Black escaped and hit an Enziguri. She then hit the ropes and connected with a Canadian Destroyer…for a two count. Black was audibly frustrated and hit a running nee strike on the ropes. As the referee checked on Sade, Black went under the ring and grabbed a chair. The referee wrested it from her and then Black grabbed a pair of brass knuckles in the turnbuckles.

Black attempted to hit Sade but Sade grabbed her and elevated her for an Atomic Drop. NOW, Black managed to hit Sade whilst elevated. Sade crumpled to the mat and Black got the victory (wisely chucking the knuckles out of the ring and to the floor.)

Post Match: Black strutted her way up the rampway and taunted the fans.

We cut to a backstage vignette and we are re-introduced to AJ Francis (now without a feud since Mance Warner and Steph DeLander departed the land of Impact.) He was supposed to have a big match tonight but lo and behold, he ran someone out of TNA (apparently he is DeLander’s neck doctor.) The last time he was in Atlanta, he lost his opportunity for the TNA Impact World Title. But they’re used to that here since the town is full of losers and ran down the local sports collectives.

That brought The Home Town Man into the shot (wearing a Dominique Wilkins throwback Atlanta Hawks’ jersey.) If Francis has a trouble with Atlanta, he has a problem with him. Francis told him to hit the bricks or he’ll get thumped. HTM took exception to that and attacked Francis. Francis asked if he was crazy and forcibly pushed HTM out of frame. Francis said all he does is get rid of people in TNA. However, HTM came roaring back and hit Francis with a receptable the two fought off screen and into a commercial break.

We go to another shot of the crew setting up for the King’s Speech with two stools in the ring. We see (don’t hear, though) Frankie Kazarian’s chyron play and see him walk to ringside, taunting the fans. He posed in the ring and then on the turnbuckles with a mic in his hand. He started to say something to the Atlanta crowd just for them.

We also get another ad for Dolly (with someone who looked like Matt Cardona in it?? Or a doppelganger of sorts.) When head back to ringside, Kazarian welcomed us to the show of shows – the King’s Speech. He said a couple of weeks ago, he was in Atlanta watching his friend AJ Styles retire (and a huge “AJ Styles” chant emerged.) We get it, he was okay, Kazarian said.

He said after being in Atlanta twice in two weeks, he feels dirty. He hopes there’s an ointment he can take to help him. He talked about the casket match a couple of weeks ago between Ali and Elijah. The winner of match, Elijah, is his next. We get the full introduction about Elijah as he made his way to ringside with guitar in his hand.

Kazarian welcomed him and said the guitar casket match was an instant classic. He said Elijah was a smart man and he should enlighten the marks in the crowd about his feelings in the match. We get audio glitches and some mic issues but we hear him ask “who wants to walk with Elijah?” The crowd starts the “Walk with Elijah” chant to “Seven Nations Army.

Kazarian said the scarf is not a good look for him and said he would rather walk over broken glass. He said a match like the casket match will change a man. Kazarian said he is the grand slam champion, which Elijah is no doubt aware since he is a huge Kazarian fan. However, Elijah has not won any titles here. Would this match put him on the path to any sort of title?

The guitar strummed (although he is holding the guitar in an unplayable position) and Elijah said the Casket match would change a man. Ali would never be the same again. When he closed the casket door that ended that. This, though, puts Elijah on the horizon because in TNA, we walk this way (he did it again with emphasis and the crowd changed with him.) He looked over to Kazarian and Kazarian for him to keep talking. The guitar strummed again (it’s becoming annoying) but before Elijah could say anything. Kazarian got in his face and said no one disrespects him on his show. Kazarian said he is a king but before he could finish….

We look up the rampway and Francis and HTM are STILL brawling with HTM on Francis’ shoulders. Francis tried to ram HTM into the video screen but HTM blocked and started to unload on Francis. HTM attempted a leaping punch but Francis caught him and hit a Down Payment to the floor on “some fans.” Elijah ran to HTM’s defense as Kazarian said he was glad that happened. Francis taunted both from the rampway as we cut backstage .

We see someone barge through the door and the camera pans up to Eric Young. Young said he hoped Slater wins tonight. He dropped the camera and stormed out the door. The match is next, by the way, after the break.

We return backstage and see Silva and Tommy Dreamer after we see the word “Pride” in red letters that fade to the backstage shot. Silva asked where is she and why is it so uncomfortably cold in here. Dreamer said this is what she does – trust her. We get a flash of light and Dreamer disappeared and Rosemary appeared.

Silva asked where Tommy went, which Rosemary responded that he has so many things to handle but Silva has just one item to handle. She handed him the list she worked from the earlier segment. Silva said all this was emailed to her but she said emails to get to her where she’s from and this is much more personable.

Silva looked over it and asked if Dreamer approved of it. Rosemary said yes, he agreed to everything and have mothering to worry about it. They went to sign it but Silva could not find a pen. Rosemary magically produced one of her own – a blood red quill which she pricked her finger. Silva signed the contract – as did Rosemary. Silva left and Rosemary said he was a silly little human. Suddenly, from the doorway, the figure from before emerged (it is someone wearing a huge rabbit head and a white suit.) Rosemary asked if he had a problem with it. Project has been approved and Pride has been crossed off the list. One sin down, six to go; she did admit that the next sin will be a bit of gamble as the words “to be continued” ended the segment.

X-Division Title Match:

Leon Slater vs. Nick Nemeth (with Ryan Nemeth in tow)

Nemeth is out first and Rehwoldt run down Nemeth’s Hollywood commitments. Slater is next and the crowd chants along to his music. Slater strutted to the ring as Hannifan pointed out he is the fourth-longest reigning champion but making his first defense in four months since Final Resolution due to International Visa issues.

The bell rang and the two measured each other. The two locked eventually and fought for position on the ropes. Nemeth got behind Slater and rolled him up for a two count. Nemeth booted Slater in the abdomen and then hit a Rude Awakening neckbreaker for a two count.

Slater rallied by chopping Nemeth along the ropes. However, Nemeth landed a kick to the left knee and then followed it with an eye rake on the ropes. Slater attempted another rally rebound spinning heel kick and a handspring back elbow off the ropes. Slater got the crowd riled and then leapt over the ropes and dove on Nemeth to the floor. Slater threw Nemeth into the ring but as Slater got on the apron, Ryan grabbed his leg. Slater kicked Ryan away but Nick caught Slater and hit a Fameasser as Slater was draped between the ropes for a two count as we go to break.

When we return, Ryan jawed with the crowd and Nick hit a boot rake to the face. Nemeth also thumbed Slater in the eye in the corner. As Slater struggled to see, he staggered into a Nemeth dropkick for a two count. Slater again tried to rally but Nemeth reversed a whip into the ropes and Slater flew in the turnbuckles upside down. Nick slammed Slater into the barricade. Slater attempted to get Ryan, who taunted him from a distance. However, Nick grabbed Slater and choked him on the ring steps with his boot.

Nick slid Slater into the ring and pounded away on Slater. Slater again tried to rally with a series of punches but Nemeth kicked Slater in the left knee again and Slater fell to the mat. Slater tired another rally but Nemeth headbutted Slater and choked him on the second rope. When the referee tried to restrain Nick, Ryan landed a cheap shot on Slater. After another pin attempt, Nick mauled Slater in the corner. Slater, again, tried to rally and ran Nemeth chest first into the turnbuckles and both men fell to the mat as we get another abbreviated break.

When we come back, Slater landed a kick to a charging Nemeth in the corner. Slater climbed to the second turnbuckle. Slater leapt at Nemeth but Nemeth avoided him. Slater rolled through and after a series of criss-crosses, Slater dropped Nemeth with a running kick to the head. Slater tried for a running big boot in the corner but Nemeth evaded it. Slater stopped himself and tried a Blue Thunder Bomb, only for Nemeth to escape. Nemeth pushed Slater to the ropes only for Slater to catch himself one again and land a rolling kick to the head for a two count.

Slater climbed to the tope turnbuckle but Nemeth hit the ropes and Slater fell to the canvas. Nemeth got a leaping DDT for a two count. Hannifan said we get a Santana interview to round out this show and previewed next week’s action, including the Alexander vs. Moose fight, Six man tag action as BDE, Swann and Miguel face Order Four (Ali and the Great Hands,) we also get A J Francis vs. Elijah.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Slater blocked a Danger Zone attempt and hit the ropes, A springboard move was evaded but Slater landed on his feet. Slater caught Nemeth off the ropes and hit the Utopia (Spinning rack bomb) for two-and—a-fraction. Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle and attempted the Swanton 450 but Nemeth evaded it. Slater, once again, rolled through it and attempted another rebound inverted kick but Nemeth avoided both parts of it.

Nemeth attempted the Danger Zone once more but Slater blocked it, held Nemeth and got into the Styles Clash. Slater climbed to the top rope but Nemeth got his knees up on the Swanton 450 and rolled up Slater for two-and-a-fraction. Whilst both were on the mat, Nemeth applied a sleeperhold as the crowd started a “this is awesome” chant. Slater broke the hold, but Nemeth reapplied it on his feet. Slater fell backward to break the hold the second time.

Slater made it to his feet and staggered to the corner. Ryan jumped on the apron but was met with a Slater enziguri to put him on the floor. Slater charged Nemeth but Nemeth hit him with a Superkick for two-and-a-fraction. Nemeth picked up Slater and put him on the top turnbuckle for a Superplex. However, Slater countered it and hit a twisting Superplex. Slater climbed to the top rope and NOW we get the Swanton 450 for the victory.

Post Match: Young attacked Slater before Mitchell could finish her announcement. Slater landed on the floor. Young piledrove him on the floor. Young got up, grabbed the title from Silva and shoved it in Slater’s face before posing with it as we go to our last break.

During the streaming break, we see Santana’s chryon and his entrance. He grabbed the mic but there is no audio. When we come back from break, the audio is switched and we can hear the champ. And what did he have to say?

Well, first he asked what’s good in Atlanta (not any of the sports teams.) He said two weeks ago, he came to the ring to let everyone know how tired he was of Steve Maclin and he didn’t have the guts to face him. Taking accountability is what got Santana here today as the TNA Impact Champion. The one opportunity Maclin had to take accountability; he ruined it by putting his hands on Hannifan.

Santana said he and Hannifan both went to bat for Maclin repeatedly. Santana said he realized you can’t save everybody, especially from the butt whipping he will deliver to Maclin. Wherever Maclin is, Santana will play his game. He called for Santino Marella to come to ringside and reinstate Maclin because he wanted to put his hands to work and show Maclin what it is like to be a real man.

BUUUT, we get Daria Rae’s music and entrance. She doesn’t appreciate Santana trying to run this show – he is just a performer. She tells the crowd to shut because she is talking. The crowd continued to boo as Rae continued. She agreed with Santana on one thing – Maclin should be reinstated. He is the epitome of what TNA represents – standing for his beliefs and is strong-minded. Right now, Rae reinstated Maclin. But, when the two face is up to her, not Santana.

NOW, we get Marella’s music and the crowd roared its approval as he asked “What’s up, Atlantis?” (I laughed. I saw the Futurama episode.) He asked Rae if he heard the applause he got. There has been a date approved for Mike Santana and Steve “McClaine” to fight each other – March 27 at TNA Sacrifice for the TNA Heavyweight Title. Santana wanted to keep it a buck with both of them that – on the memory of his pops – the moment Maclin stepped into this ring next week – it’s on sight. He female dog butt has a date.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt recapping tonight’s action. The two went over each match. Hannifan said he is still beside himself after all that transpired the last two weeks and this company just enabled Maclin. He lost his job and TNA management just gave it back to him. He sat fuming as Rehwoldt said Maclin is going to get his butt kick which is exactly he wanted and hopes it was worth it as Rehwoldt also sat fuming and we go off the air.

Impactful Discourse:

One: I hate starting negative (there was some really good stuff on the card) but the audio issues got to be really distracting and harkened back to the dark days of the show. Miller’s mic is one thing – that happens to the best but not being able to throw it back hurt. Also, the audio during the segments was a struggle and actually went to my tv with close captions to get it.

Two: The show did a good job recovering from the Warner/DeLander departure in pacing the show. However, Francis is still in this treadmill of challenging small men and the inevitable “David vs. Goliath” matches. Navarro should be close to recovery so that treadmill would probably continue. Kudos to Francis for attempting to make something out of a forced bad position.

Three: Tom Hannifan is…acting. In all sincerity, that was a good job by Hannifan to sell what happened last week. Also, kudos to Rehwoldt for a perfectly normal reaction to his announce partner getting assault. That was very believable.

Four: The in-ring action is still a high point for the company. I am slowly starting to come around to Bronson as a credible threat and am realizing that leaving AEW and betting on himself was a smart deal. He looked completely comfortable in his role and his moves are crisp.

Five: I am not completely upset with Sade losing since it was by skullduggery. It keeps her strong and a good litmus where she is. For that matter, same with Black. Her mic work is still awful and the nonverbals are mediocre but the in-ring work is coming along gradually. Sade still feels like she ahead but this a good slot and feud for the two.

Six: I like the positive reinforcement activity and mentorship of Swann (and by extension, Miguel) with BDE. That was a good and refreshing touch. Order Four (well, the Great Hands) made a great foil and again a good barometer for the new team.

Seven: I am curious why we are not focusing on the Personal Concierge and his mic work. Heather was okay but M really sounded comfortable on the mic. They have something in her.

Eight: I am not an ODB fan and didn’t need the cameo. I do think using her in small roles is the best way to go. I do respect female wrestlers who look different than the norm, especially in her heyday.

Nine: Can we put a moratorium on insider lingo in promos? When Kazarian uses the term “marks,” it’s bad enough. When you build an angle with James and the Brand with it, it becomes horrible. The last time lingo like that was shocking was Brian Pillman’s ECW debut promo. That was 31 years ago. You’re not shocking, anyone; you’re really not.

10: I don’t know what was happening with Elijah during the promo but the audio and the whole King’s Speech was a lost segment. As much as I was lukewarm on the HTM vs. Francis brawl, it was miles better than what was happening during “The King’s Speech.”

11: Curious how the Knockouts World Title plays. It was interesting to see everyone watch the match. Luna did a great heel thing and stood right in front of Mama June during the match.

12: On that topic, I sunk my head on my desk when I saw Mama June and she has a new special. Why? Just, why? We made not be at the bottom but we can certainly see it from here.

13: Slater had another great match with a proven star and showed he could go with Nemeth. Usually, one would rely on Nemeth to carry a match (given his experience and what not,) not so with Slater. Great job by both competitors.

14: Santana had another good promo to be diminished by Rae who is trying to hard in being the heel GM. I have made my presence known about Rae. However, Santana delivered the goods when he could in his promo.

15: The Blanchard denouement on the attack on Threat was the obvious one (despite last week’s attempt at something more creative.) Kudos to Blanchard for just saying “yeah, we did it.”

16: I am curious what this is with Rosemary. We already have one crazy person, do we need a spooky one, too? They fit the same role – they are forever etched in here and are comfortable in their roles, despite how dated they are.

Lastly: Do you hear that ominous organ music with Alisha? I do.

Keep Fighting the Good fight.