TNA Impact Review – 03.12.26

Greetings welcome to another review of TNA Impact. Once again, we are in Atlanta at the Gateway Center, home of the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA. But, we’re not dreaming tonight. It might not be Rhyne Howard and Alisha Gray, but we do have our own all-stars in Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rewholdt at the announce table. Gia Miller handling the backstage interviews and McKenzie Mitchell doing the ring announcing. Let’s say we pick and roll our way to our favorite chair or lay up in our sofa and engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Previously on TNA Impact…who knows? We go right to the music and to ringside where we are greeted by

Matt and Jeff Hardy vs. Sinner and Saint (Judas Icarus and Travis Williams)

The Hardys get a colossal reaction per usual and they shake hands with the front row crowd. Sinner and Saint are out next with new merch and a decent pop (or just leftover from the Hardys.) Matt and Williams start. Hardy worked Williams into the corner but sportsmanship is observ3d. Hardy grabbed an armlock but Williams managed to work his way out with agility. Williams grabbed a headlock but Hardy threw him into the corner but missed a charge. Williams, for his efforts, was met with a back elbow when he charged and then Hardy got the 10 descending turnbuckle ram.

Jeff tagged and they hit the second rope elbow smash on the arm (whilst Matt held it.) Jeff worked the arm and then tagged Matt. The two hit the (modified) Poetry in Motion for a two count. Matt continued to work the arm and hit Williams and Icarus with forearm shivers. Williams climbed on the turnbuckles but Matt grabbed him and attempted a Razor’s Edge (!!) but Icarus rescued him and put Williams on his shoulders. He then launched Williams to a dropkick on Matt for a two count of his own.

Hardy tried to throw Williams into the turnbuckle but Icarus sacrificed himself and allowed Williams to rebound with a knee to the abdomen. Wiliams tagged Icarus and the two hit a jawjacker/arm breaker double team for a two count. Icarus continued to work on Matt and held Matt just out of reach of Jeff.

Matt did rally as he threw Icarus into the turnbuckles but Williams sacrificed himself. However, on the rebound, Matt backdropped Icarus and tagged Jeff. Jeff dropped Icarus with a series of clothesline and the inverted atomic drop/wishbone legdrop/seated dropkick sequence with an elbow drop for a two count. Jeff booted Icarus but the Sinner escaped a Twist of Fate and tagged Williams as Jeff favored his left leg and started to hobble.

Willams threw Jeff into the corner and the challengers hit a dropkick/running enziguri from the mat (and apron.) Icarus tagged and went to the top rope. Icarus hit a Frog Splash for a two count until Matt interrupted the pin. Matt threw Williams out of the ring and hit the Side Effect on Icarus. Jeff climbed to the top rope. Williams, though, recovered and dragged Matt to the floor. Icarus recovered and dove into Jeff’s legs, dropping him to the mat.

Icarus climbed to the top again and attempted another frog splash. However, Jeff moved and Icarus rolled through it. Jeff met him with a knee to the gut and applied his new submission, the Spinal Destination (he drapes his opponent over his knee and pulls down on the chin for extra force) for the victory. Matt hit the Twist of Fate on Williams to ensure Williams could not break the pin,

Post Match: Jeff climbed to the top and hit the Swanton Bomb on Williams for good measure. After that, though, sportsmanship was met as all four shook hands and raised each other’s arms in victories. (That was a bit odd.)

We get a rundown of today’s action including Knockouts Action next…after the break.

During the break, we get an add for TNAPlus’ collection of every Hiroshi Tanahashi’s match in TNA, including a tag match with Volador Against the Motor City Machine Guns.

When we come back, we don’t quite get Knockouts Action but we do get a Knockouts Interview as Gia Miller interviews the By Elegance Brand.The Personal Concierge spoke first and tried to think of something to call ODB.M and Heather help him by calling her a “farm animal.” Speaking of farm animals, the PC turned his ire toward Mickie James. She should keep her nose out of their business.

But next week, the Personal Concierge said we get the in-ring debut of Mr. Elegance (at least in TNA.) Hopefully, he doesn’t have to fight some of these old relics that keep showing up at TNA every week. Heather taunted Miller she thought it was so cool that all the old knockouts show up. As soon as Miller tried to respond, M shot her down and no one asked for her opinion and told her that her job is to hold the mic and she’s not very good at that.

That is, until, HOLD EVERYTHING, GOLDY LOCKS walked into frame and felt the need to interrupt. She said she misses doing the job Miller does now but does not miss the disrespect. How dare they disrespect Miller and some of the former Knockouts who paved the way for James and ODB and gave the Knockouts a shot when no one else would. Miller is doing an amazing job and she earned it, something none of the Brand understands.

The Brand started to laugh but Locks told the Brand to step off before she calls ODB and some of her friends to remind them where they stand. Mr. Elegance stepped to Locks and asked “weren’t you working here when I was Four-years-old?” Locks chuckled and then said should sit down because the adults are talking. The Brand storm off and Miller and Locks exchange smiles.

Now, we get Knockouts in-ring action:
Indi Hartwell vs. Kelsey Heather

Hartwell entered first with another significantly loud pop and acknowledged the fans. Heather was already in the ring and got the cursory announcement. Heather looked a small bit like Zoey Starks. Hartwell got behind Heather and tossed her to the mat. She also grabbed an armbar and smartly rolled with Heather when Heather tried a rolling escape. Heather tried to elbow out and attempted a headlock takeover but Hartwell stood her ground and picked up Heather. Hartwell hit a huge sholderblock off the ropes. However, Heather tried to rally and met a charging Hartwell with her boots. She attempted a wheelbarrow but was blocked by Hartwell. Heather got Hartwell in the corner but missed widely with handspring back elbow in the corner. Hartwell grabbed Heather and hit a vertical suplex.

Heather wouldn’t go away and hit a double thrust to the throat of Hartwell. Heather started to beat on Hartwell in the corner with a series of boots and shoulder rams. Heather hit the ropes AND NOW we get the wheelbarrow bulldog and a seated dropkick. Heather walked over Hartwell and stood on the turnbuckles and taunted the fans. This gave Hartwell time to recover and avoided a Heather moonsault. Hartwell hit a series of running clotheslines and a spinebuster off the ropes. Hartwell measured Heather and hit the Hurts Donut for the victory.

Post-Match: Hartwell soaked in the cheers of the fans and grabbed a mic. She didn’t come to TNA just to have these matches. She is no longer a kid just happy to be here, she came to be the TNA Champion. The person holding the title now is a disgrace. She is not asking, she is telling TNA Knockouts Champion Arainna Grace she wants a title shot.

We see Grace’s chryon as she also has a mic (and “Stacks” Lorenzo in tow.) She mockingly laughs at Hartwell and said Hartwell is so funny. She can’t just demand a title shot, that’s just dumb. Hartwell reminded Grace that she asked – no, manipulated – her dad into getting a title shot. Grace agreed but if Hartwell wants a title shot, she has to get in line and rifled a list of contenders, including Dani Luna, Tessa Blanchard and Lei Ying Lee. They all the same thing as Hartwell did but Hartwell is nowhere near her level.

Hartwell agreed with Grace. She is not her level; Hartwell is way above it. The crowd agreed. She doesn’t need her dad kicking down doors for her, she kicks her own doors, thank you very much. Sooner or later, she will get her shot and she will be Knockouts champion.

We go backstage by the omniscient garage doors with the Hardys and the Righteous and Matt thanked Vincent for sacrificing himself in the tag match against the System. Vincent said no worries and it was an honor . In fact, they saw what they did earlier and Dutch said the Hardys gave Sinner and Saint a career-defining moment. Matt said someone did that for them back in the day and they pay it forward.

Vincent said it was wonderful that they spread some of that Hardy dust and gave them growth. Dutch said they inspired them. Matt realized after all these years that their job and wrestling and TNA is bigger than them and just want to help. Vincent responded that’s the beautiful thing about those two – they give and don’t take. But, the System are coming for you but luckily they now have family and are not alone, Dutch said. Vincent said know this: when they have one boot in the grave and the other one dancing around the edge, the Righteous will be there for them.

However, Nick and Ryan Nemeth entered the frame. Nick said he didn’t want to break up this love fest but they heard them talking about the System and there’s other teams out there coming for the Hardys. Ryan pointed out the obvious that it was the Nemeths. Vincent stepped to them and said they are making a very dangerous decision by disrespecting the “GOATs.”

Nick said that’s one of their jobs, including someone recently pinned Jeff Hardy – Ryan pointed out it was him. They laugh and walk off screen. The Hardys and the Righteous smile as we take a look at the rest of the action. Including six-man tag action…after the break.

We get another ad for the Tanahashi collection including a ladder match with vs. The Dudleys that featured interference from Beer Money. However, Abyss climbed the ladder whilst the Dudleys recovered and got the title shot for he and Matt Morgan.

And hey, wear your passion and show your style with TNAMerch.com

We go back to ringside action and Hannifan pointed out this is episode number 1,130 of Impact. As he did that, we get the graffiti graphic which can only stand for one thing.

Six-Man Tag Match Trey Miguel, BDE and Rich Swann vs. Order Four (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch and John Skyler – with Tasha Steelz and Agent Zero in tow.)

The graffiti signaled Miguel entering the ring first and got a decent pop. Swann an BDE are out next and synchronized their strut and dance moves. The crowd clapped along to Swann’s theme. They asked for Miguel to dance but before he could join the festivities. Ali and the Great Hands made their way to ringside (with a new and much more improved theme) flanked by the rest of Order Four and the Extra Servicemen.

Order Four slide into the ring and immediately we get a schmozapalooza with Ali and Swann fighting, Miguel and Hotch and Skyler and BDE paired. All six traded shots as we finally got a bell. Swann threw Ali to the floor; Miguel did the same with Hotch and BDE and Skyler continued to brawl.

On the floor, Ali grabbed Swann’s feet and tripped him. He spun Swann around and hit a draping DDT on the floor. Skyler ran BDE into the ring post and then joined Hotch in beating on Miguel and slammed Miguel into the apron. Ali threw BDE into the ring. He chopped away on BDE. BDE tried to rally and dropped Ali and attacked the Great Hands. However, Ali dropped BDE with a funning back elbow and tagged Skyler. The Great Hands hit a double shoulderblock for a two count.

Skyler chopped away on BDE. BDE tried to rally but Skyler stopped him and continued to maul BDE on the ropes. BDE got a quick two count from a small package but Skyler kicked out and then hit an overhead suplex on a charging BDE into the turnbuckles. Skyler continued to maul BDE in the corner and tagged Hotch. The two ran BDE into the corner but BDe tried to fend off the charging Hands. However, Ali got a blind tag and he and Hotch hit the double rolling neckbreaker through the ropes (as Skyler held BDE.)

Ali gloated and got the two count on BDE. BDE grabbed a chinlock whilst in the ropes and when the referee tried to restrain Ali, Steelz snuck around and choked BDE on the bottom rope. Ali threw BDE into the turnbuckles and hit a running dropkick. Skyler tagged and hit a full bodyslam on BDE for a two count. Skyler threw BDE into the ropes for a backdrop but BDE (sort of) reversed it (more of a case of him trying to flip but manage to flop Skyler on top of him. Eventually, he got him in position for a two count.) Skyler recovered to drop BDE with a clothesline.

Ali tagged and put the boots to BDE. He chopped away on BDE in the corner and tagged Hotch. Hotch also chopped away in the corner. Hotch also snapmared him out and hit a hard kick to the back for a two count. Hotch tried for a vertical suplex but BDE reversed it and got a rollup for a two count. However, Hotch dropped a charging BDE with a clothesline for another two count. Hotch worked the back with his knee and hit the chinlock. BDE writhed on the mat but slowly got to his feet. He tried to rally but Hotch ran him into the corner.

Hotch threw him into the corner but BDE managed to meet the charging Hotch with a back elbow. He also reversed a backbreaker into a tilt-a-whirl DDT. Swann and Miguel implored their partner to rally and make the tag. He did make the hot tag to Swann (as Hotch made the tag to Ali, too) but we go to commercial break to kill the rally (metaphorically.)

When we come back, the action is full tilt as Swann slugged away at Ali with a series of showy punches and a dancing neckbreaker. Ali flipped over a charging Swann in the corner but Swann stopped himself from crashing into the turnbuckles. After a criss-cross sequence, Swann hit a tilt-a-whirl headscissors (spiking Ali on the mat) for a pin before the Great Hands interrupted the pin.

Miguel and BDE got in the ring and brawled with the Hands. The tandem ducked stereo punches and hit stereo superkicks to send the Hands to the floor. They hit the ropes and hit stereo dives between the ropes to drop the Hands. Swann, meanwhile, climbed to the top rope and hit his 450 Splash for two-and-a-fraction. We get shock face but Swann continued and put Ali on his shoulders. Ali escaped and eyeraked Swann to gain the advantage. Ali tagged Skyler and Swann tagged Miguel. Miguel dropped Skyler with a hurincanrana and then dropped Hotch with an Enziguri.

Ali got back in the fracas. Ali attempted a handspring move but Miguel decided to sweep kick Ali. Ali backflipped over it but Miguel caught him with a Rolling Trey (a kneeling backbreaker.) He dropped Skyler with a series of kicks, backflipped over him and hit a double stomp for two-and-a-fraction. Miguel beckoned Skyler to arise but Steelz got on the ringside to interfere. This brought out Jada Stone from the back. Stone grabbed Steelz and pulled her to the floor. She and Steelz fought on the floor but Steelz beat a retreat. Stone chased her and dove off the ramp to take out Steelz and a security officer. This brought Agent Zero into the fray as he leapt into the crowd to break up that melee.

In the ring, though, Skyler hit Miguel with a huge clothesline. BDE jumped into the ring and hit the Clip Cutter (the springboard cutter off the ropes.) Hotch got in the ring and grabbed BDE. BDE backflipped out of the hold and hit the ropes for a twisting bodypress but Hotch caught him and hit a East River Crossing backbreaker. Miguel got in the ring and Hotch tried to dispense him to the floor but Miguel used the ropes to stop his momentum; eventually, he got behind him and hit a German Suplex. Hotch went to the floor and Miguel hit the ropes, slid under them and hit a small package bomb on the floor.

While Miguel soaked in the applause, Ali recovered and hit the ropes and hit how own dive between the ropes to drop Miguel. Swann got on the apron and it a running back kick on Ali to drop him. Skyler snuck up behind him and speared him to the apron. Skyler threw Miguel into the ring and attempted the springboard shoulderblock between the ropes. However, Miguel swatted him away. Miguel hit the Shell Shock and then hit the Lightning Spiral for the victory.

Post Match: Ali grabbed Miguel’s International Title and looked at Miguel. He placed it in the ring and Miguel quickly grabbed it. Ali smiled and continued to look at Miguel who was joined by BDE and Swann.

But now, let’s see who joined the Bioflex Injury Report. The Home Town Man is bruised but cleared for action after the attack from A J Francis last week. Leon Slater is out from a neck injury due to Eric Young’s piledriver last week. And, both Cedric Alexander and Moose are cleared for tonight’s Atlanta Street Fight.

We go backstage and see TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mike Santana sitting in a chair when Daria Rae walks around the corner. Santana got up and Daria Rae approached him. She forgot to tell him something last week. If he lays a finger on Steve Maclin, he will be stripped of his TNA World Title. Santana figured something like that would happen and thinks she was only hired to make people’s lives a living hell. Daria Rae said he doesn’t know the half of it.

Santino Marella now walked into frame and said since stipulations are being doled out, here’s one. If Maclin lays a finger on Santana, not only is he fired forever but worse, he will be stricken from the archives of TNA history. Rae said Marella is upset from last week. She did that because it is best for business. What Marella did was best for business, too. They bicker about who said it first and Rae starts to leave. Santana is pumped but through the doors walked Maclin. The two eye each other for a moment. Maclin said “What’s up, champ?” and walked away with security and Rae in tow off camera. Santana walked the same direction as Marella stood here smugly, polished his badge and walked in the same direction. We don’t walk in the same direction but we do walk into some ads.

Including another complete works of Tanahashi ad on TNAPlus. This match featured “The Ace” versus “Speedball” Mike Bailey. A “Tanahashi” chant emerged as he worked Bailey’s leg and booted him in the corner. Bailey recovered and hit a missile dropkick. He dropped Tanahashi with a series of kick and a standing shooting star press got a two count as we get a dueling chant for Tanahashi and Bailey.

However, we go backstage to Grace and Lorenzo with Grace saying this is ridiculous – since she won the Knockouts world title, everyone thinks they deserve a shot and ran down the list of challengers. Lorenzo said it’s okay because that’s what happens when you’re a champion. Grace said it is not okay; she should be respected and celebrated. Lorenzo took a step in front and look to the side and saw Hartwell around the corner with a production crewman. Lorenzo (audibly said) he’s got a plan and NOW starts to whisper in Grace’s ear and told her to wait for the word.

Grace agreed and stayed behind as Lorenzo turned the corner. He chased the crewman away and told Hartwell she had a lot of nerve calling out Grace and thinking she should be in the same ring with his exotic, beautiful world champion. Hartwell said she said what she said and for Lorenzo to get lost. He said “pineapples” That was the word (and a good fruit) and Grace came around the corner and kicked Hartwell’s knee and put the boots to her. Marella rescued Hartwell and started to yell at Lorenzo and wanted him out of the building – right now!! He also called for a doctor whilst the Angel Warriors (Lee and Xia Brookside.)

We go back to ringside and see Maclin’s chryon and music hit as, I guess, he kept walking all the way to ringside. Maclin smiled and walked his way to ringside to loud boos. However, Santana was watching from the stands. Maclin saw him and taunted him from afar. Maclin grabbed a mic. He said it felt great to be back on Thursday night Impact. It’s like he never left. Per his reinstatement, he had to apologize to Hannifan and to the fans. He is a man who takes responsibility and accountability for his actions and wrote a statement.

The camera cut to Hannifan who sat back and shook his head and Rehwoldt looked upset, too. Maclin started by thanking Daria Rae for all she did and is the greatest leader this locker room has ever seen and he has seen a few in his days on TNA unlike Marella who can’t keep his family in order. The crowd started the “what” chant but Maclin continued.

He focused on Hannifan, his old buddy. He is sorry that this is how their friendship had to end and that Hannifin put himself in the position where he thought stepping to him was the right idea. If he was more of a man, he would have taken the punch to the gut, stood up and realized what Maclin had been saying the whole time. But Tom is weak and has a weak core. Maybe he will realize there’s a reason why Maclin was (and will be) a TNA World Heavyweight Champion whilst Hannifan sits behind the desk. Hannifan just shook his head.

Maclin said it’s funny that he is the most talked about man in this company and he hasn’t worked here in a month. Now, he has a chance to become a two-time TNA champion. The camera panned to Santana who made the “wrap it up” symbol and that he talks too much (homebody, he never shuts up) gesture with his hands.

Maclin said it has been a long time since he was a World Champion; and the last time it happened, politics took it away from him and he has been fighting ever since to get it back. Maclin has been fighting unselfishly without using his story to gain sympathy of the fans.

Speaking of selfish people, he shouted out Santana. Santana held the belt high. Maclin said he is sorry it had to come to this but he saw an opportunity and he took advantage of it. He’s not sure Santana would do the same thing and Maclin used his ego to bring Maclin back; just like Santana uses his addiction to make all the fans care about him. Maclin said he is not wrong as he booed him. We get a “shut the hell up” chant from the crowd.

Maybe Maclin should start to show his meetings at the Veterans Administration on the jumbotron for people to feel sorry for him. Or maybe, Maclin should start to play voice mails from his dad so people can hear how tragic his life is. But wait, Maclin can’t, because, like Santana, his father’s dead. Santana is lucky he got the time he did with his dad because Maclin can’t remember what his father’s voice sounded like.

Santana continually said Maclin keeps knocking on death’s door and eventually he is going to answer. But, he opened that door a long time ago when he volunteered for his country and really knows what death is because he met it and knows what death really is. Come Sacrifice, it’s not just about the title, it’s about the door he opened and the person he let out and they are going to meet “Mister Mayhem.” Mayhem isn’t just for him, it’s for all. He dropped the mic, posed, taunted the fans and we go to break.

We get another ad for the Tanahashi collection, this time facing Alex Shelley.

We go back ringside and get the celebrity report as some of the cast of “Tulsa King” are at ringside taking in the festivities. Celebrities – they’re just like us.

We also get the cash register sound and hear the “money, money, money,” meaning our next match features:

AJ Francis vs. Elijah

We also get a surprise as Frankie Kazarian joined Hannifan and Rehwoldt who said this was a real “punch in the gut” and started to tease Hannifan, whose aid he was having a rough enough night. Kazarian said he is the gift that keeps on giving. Francis got a good round of boos but we hear the guitar strum and Elijah’s music started to play. Kazarian ran down Elijah.

Francis backed Elijah into the ropes but Elijah avoided an overhead shot. Elijah tried to beat on Francis in the corner but Francis pushed him back. When Elijah charged, Francis grabbed him for the Down Payment but Ellijah fought out of it and clotheslined Francis over the ropes and to the floor. Elijah kept the attack going as he leapt over the ropes and hit tope con hilo on Francis. Elijah threw Francis into the ring and positioned him on the apron and hit a series of forearms. He also slammed Francis into the apron. Francis crawled to the other side of the ring but Francis around the floor and hit the drive-by kick in front of the announce table. Elijah pointed at Kazarian and Kazarian jawed with him as Elijah got back in the ring.

Elijah grabbed an arm lock and tried the old-school rope walk; but, Francis managed to reverse it by putting Eliah on his shoulders Elijah elbowed out of the position. Elijah hit the ropes but Francis responded with a pop-up right cross that dropped Elijah. Francis started to choke Elijah on the ropes and stretched Elijah over the ropes by grabbing his neck. Francis hit a forearm shot to Elijah and that position and Elijah staggered to the corner – setting him up for Francis’ Tennessee Whiskey running knee strike. Kazarian and Rehwoldt shouted their approval as Kazarian said to Hannifan that is why Rehwoldt is the best analyst in wrestling. Hannifan said he was not in the mood. Kazarian did insult Francis’ gear and said he looked like he got his wrestling gear from a dead circus clown – which, not cool (see later points.)

Francis attempted a Powerbomb but Elijah blocked it. Francis pounded away on the back. He tried for another powerbomb but Elijah blocked it. Elijah got Francis on his shoulders and carried him for a bit before hitting an Alabama Slam. Elijah capitalized by hitting a running forearm smash in the corner and unloaded on Francis with a salvo of punches. Eliah got the crowd riled and went back on the attack.

Francis reversed a whip to the corner but Elijah leapt over a charging Francis. Elijah connecting with a jumping knee strike for two-and-a-fraction. Elijah climbed to the top but Francis met him there and slugged him. Francis got on the top turnbuckle and attempted a superplex. Elijah blocked it. Elijah recovered and NOW we get the old school rope walk into a Canadian Destoryer for a two-and-a-fraction.

Francis slumped out of the ring to the floor by the announce table. Elijah pursued him and ducked a clothesline attempt into a superkick. Kazarian tried to encourage Francis but in the melee an A-Plus Hydration bottle fell off the table. Elijah grabbed him, took a sig and then threw it at Kazarian (not the best way to show off a sponsor but….speaking of but, Kazarian was butt hurt and left the announce table to grab Elijah and drop his arm across the ropes. Elijah staggered in the ring right into Francis and NOW we get the Down Payment (chokeslam) for the three count.

Post Match: Kazarian bolted into the ring and started to attack Elijah. Francis held Elijah as he did it. However, the Home Town Man made his presence known as he ran to the ring with a pipe in hand to even the odds. The heels bolted up the rampway as the Hometown Man tended to his friend.

We cut a backstage segment as we see a camera shot of the floor. Like last week, Young picked up the camera and talked to Leon Slater. He asked how he was doing and if his neck hurt. Young said Slater might be trying to get out of their match but it is too late. Young knows he is a phony and a cheat. Young exposed him as that and Daria Rae agreed with him. At Sacrifice, it is Young vs. Slater for the X-Division title. He said the Cleanse was coming and now he proves it.

The main event is coming but first. The debut of Ricky Sosa…after the break.

When we come back, we have the second deadly sin of Rosemary’s list – Greed. We cut to Johnny Swinger in a make shift back room casino roulette game as he makes wise cracks about Tito Santana and Terry Taylor (well, the Red Rooser.) Suddenly, Rosemary appeared. Swinger called her Sherri Martel and Papa Shango but Rosemary sends the dealer divorce papers and referenced Chris Sabin. Skyler is there and Swinger called him Terry Gordy.

Also playing cards is JDC (hey..) Icarus and Hotch. Icarus bet everything and busted. Icarus had a small statue to help pay of the losses. JDC declared its time for a road trip and everyone left. Rosemary said Swinger is doing well for himself. Swinger said he is here to do two things – chew gum and take kizassh from the mizzarks. Rosemary said that’s great if he was to give her the deed to his greed. She can see that he can take as much kizassh from people and “Swinger’s Palace” Atlanta Division can be open for eternity. They shake on it and that completes number two (with the bunny rabbit walking by – mistakenly called the “gobbledygooker” by Swinger.) We get Rosemary telling us that everything is going as plan and not to worry. The list is grabbed by someone – it’s Allie with bloody marks on her neck.

Now comes the debut of Ricky Sosa from Belgium. The crowd is really into him – and really into him. Hannifan hypes him considerably as an International Superstar – the internet agrees, so I just yell at clouds and continue.

Ricky Sosa vs. Brad Attitude

Attitude gets the “already in the ring’ treatment. The crowd is nuts for Sosa. Attitude does not wait and punched Sosa. Attitude grabbed a headlock and an armlock but Sosa flipped out of it and fluidly reversed it into a pin attempt. Attitude escaped but Sosa threw him into the ropes and after dodging some Attitude offense, hit a dropkick off the ropes. Sosa gabbed an armlock and ran Attitude’s arm into his shoulder.

Attitude threw Sosa to the turnbuckles but Sosa leapt onto them. However, Attitude hit Sosa and Sosa crashed to the mat and a two count. Attitude mauled Sosa on the mat. Attitude hit a slingshot senton over the ropes for a two count. Hannifin continued to extoll the virtues of “The Young Savage” but Attitude kept his attack going with a series of shots to the back. Attitude tried for a swinging bodyslam but Sosa escaped and hit a release German Suplex.

Sosa hit two running back elbows and then reversed a clothesline into a spinning kick. Sosa got the crowd riled and hit a moonsault off the turnbuckles for a two count. Attitude went to the floor but Sosa leapt over the ropes and dove on Attitude. Back in the ring Sosa attempted a Blue Thunder Bomb but Attitude escaped. Attitude tried a clothesline but Attitude ducked it and leapt on the ropes for a springboard move. However, Sosa caught him and after a few revolutions, hit the Blue Thunder Bang (variation of the Blue Thunder Bumb) for the victory.

Post Match: The crowd was really into Sosa and chanted with theme.

We get some hype for the main event which is happening NEXT. After commercials.

When we return we get some hype for next week’s show as Kazarian fights The Home Town Man and we get tag team action as The Angel Warriors fight Grace and Luna. As noted earlier, we get the in-ring debut (in TNA) of Mr. Elegance, Moose continues his dismantling of the System when he fights Brian Myers, a match between Elayna Black and Jada Stone and the Nemeths face off with the Righteous.

Atlanta Street Fight: Cedric Alexander(with the System in tow but barred once the match starts) vs. Moose (with Alisha Edwards in tow)

Alexander entered first and taunted the fans. The lights go out quickly and we get the piano chords of Moose’s theme. The crowd is also really into Moose and his chant. Moose starts the proceedings early by hitting a big boot to drop Alexander. However, Moose missed a charge into the corner and Alexander took advantage to attack Moose with a running forearms and a series of chops. However, Moose reversed a whip into the corner and NOW he hit the running back elbow and the urinagi into a senton splash sequence.

Moose clotheslined Alexander over the ropes to the floor. The two traded shots on the floor with Alexander getting the better of them. However, Moose hit another big boot on the floor. The two traded suplex attempts but Moose got the upper hand again with a hard chop and another big boot. However, another suplex attempt was reversed and Alexander managed to suplex Moose on the floor.

Alexander pulled a chair from under the ring; Unbeknownst to him, so did Moose. The two started to duel with the chairs. Eventually, Moose managed to grab Alexander’s chair and then clobbered him in the back with it repeatedly. Moose wandered into the stands and grabbed a rubber garbage can and hurled it at Moose as Rehwoldt brought back the “Bad Street USA” slogan of the Freebirds.

Moose threw the garbage can in the ring as he noticeably limped around the ring. Undaunted, he reached under the ring for a metal trash can and a cooking sheet. While taking in the adulation of the crowd (and carrying the trashcan lid,) Alexander recovered, got on the apron and hit a running kick to the lid that hurt Moose.

Alexander ran Moose into the apron and then chopped away at Moose. Alexander threw Moose into the ring and started to look under the ring as the crowd saw a table under the mat. Alexander moved the apron back, ignored the table and taunted the fans. He got back in the ring and taunted the “Moose” chant. However, when Alexander went for his own spear; Moose, who was resting by the plastic trash can he threw in the ring, grabbed it and caught Alexander. He grabbed Alexander’s leg and stood the trash can upright with Alexander’s legs sticking out of it. Rewholdt mentioned the same thing happened between Moose and Sami Callahan.

Meanwhile, Alisha grabbed a chair and Moose waffled the trash can with it. Moose removed Alexander from the trash can and was ready to hit Alexander with it. But, Alexander hit Moose in the abdomen and Moose dropped the chair. Alexander grabbed it and started to attack Moose. Alexander also hit a penalty kick with it and went under the ring again as we go to commercials one more time.

When we return, Alexander had grabbed multiple chairs and cooking sheets and attacked Moose in the ring with them. He wedged a chair between the second and top turnbuckle Alexander grabbed Moose and threw him to the turnbuckles but Moose was able to stop short and hit a back elbow on Alexander. Alexander tried to thwart Moose on the corner whilst standing on the turnbuckles; but Moose grabbed him and hit the Go To Hell chokebomb for two-and-a-fraction. Both combatants slid to the floor and Moose tried to charge Alexander but Alexander moved and Moose went shoulder first into the ring steps.

Alexander grabbed the cooking sheets and attacked Moose. He also grinded Moose’s face into the steps. Alexander grabbed a chair and slowly measured Moose and was ready to deliver the chair shot on Moose. However, Alisha got in front of him and admonished him. Alexander poked his finger into Edwards’ chest three times. Edwards responded by slapping Alexander. While Alexander reeled from the shot, Moose arose and hit a big boot and hit a powerbomb onto the apron.

Moose, still limping, grabbed Alexander on the apron and tried another powerbomb but Alexander hit a low blow. Alexander then got Moose onto position and hit a powerbomb on the metal trash can standing on its top. Alexander grabbed a series of chairs from around and under the ring. Alexander put the boots on Moose and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Moose was playing opossum and quickly met Alexander on the turnbuckles and suplexed Alexander on the chairs for two-and-a-fraction.

Moose hit another big boot on Alexander off the ropes. However, Alexander responded with a standing Spanish Fly as Moose hit the ropes. Alexander tried a springboard leap but Moose met with a spear for two-and-a-fraction. Moose slid to the floor and grabbed a table under a ring which the crowd popped. Moose set the table in the corner. Moose attempted a spear but Alexander dodged it. Once again, Moose stopped himself before colliding with it. He did hit a back elbow to a charging Alexander.

However, when Moose charged Alexander, he moved and Moose went charging into the chair wedged between the turnbuckles. Alexander hit a brainbuster but only got a one count. The crowd got Moose to rally and he Moosed up. He headbutted Alexander and NOW Moose hit the TFL (spear) on Alexander through the table for the three count and the win.

Post-Match: Moose was still selling the injuries but raised his hands with Alisha Edwards as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: This was a much better produced show that last week. Everything was crisp.

Two: This was a very even show with only one or two bad points. I like the fact that Ali is now gearing toward a title shot and would love to see the showcase against Miguel. Miguel continues to impress but Ali has the complete wrestling package.

Three: Side note, I really did love the new Order Four music, it is much more ominous sounding.

Four: The Hardys and the Righteous continue to play an intriguing cat and moue game and am genuinely curious how the endgame gets to it (presumably a cinematic match.) I am glad to see the Righteous really getting a shot to show what they have after being in ROH forever and rarely seen.

Five. Okay, the Rosemary vignette was really bad. Sure, we popped for the cameos but I really can’t see this paying off in a significant manner. She is great in the ring, don’t get me wrong; but, this is such a retread trope.

Six: Also, see Young, Eric

Seven: The Interview with Maclin was odd. It started really badly as he seemed glib to the whole thing which is not the vibe he should have (I think.) However, as it progressed (and moved from the “what” chants) it got more and more serious and personal. It turned out to be a solid promo after a shaky start.

Eight: Hannifan selling the disgust nonverbally was excellent, by the way.

Nine: Better accounting of Rae in her role as short, controlled bursts is the way to curtail any mic deficiencies and play into her action-first persona, where she seems infinitely more comfortable.

10: I am curious about the cameos and guest stars from days of yore. Goldy Locks (who still looked attractive) was a deep cut (as was Allie in the Rosemary vignette.) I wonder if we are looking at another “Jericho vs. the golden vets” angle like the had in WWE.

11. Francis continues to be solid and should have something on the docket bigger than what he is doing.

12: One odd thing and not sure what this meant. I watched the Hardy match and was curious why the post-match beatdown of Saint/Williams but then sportsmanship was observed. That seemed like something got lost along the way. It could mean the Righteous influence starting to manifest itself but that just seemed like a weird sequence post-match.

13: I do like the Hardys reaching out and realizing they can’t be Dalmatians anymore with insane bumps and stick to something more conventional in moves.

14: So that is Ricky Sosa? It feels like we have a Sosa already but credit to him as his moves are fluid and showed power for a more slender wrestler. And yeah, let’s go ahead and start penciling matches with Slater (why not Je’von Evans for good measure, too?) I had not one clue who he was and not a fan when companies do that and expect me to know (AEW – looking at you.) But, everyone seemed to know him and really got the crowd invested in him. That’s the key to this thing.

15: Okay, we got the plunder brawl out of the way, still not a fan and hope the limp from Moose is just a limp and nothing worse.

Lastly: Pineapples. It’s the choice (un)safe word.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight