TNA Rebellion Review (part one) – April 11, 2026

Important Note: Greetings. As you know the feed would not let me replay it to finish the review. I missed the final three matches. Rather than leave with nothing, I will turn this in as almost a part one and resubmit when I have access to the last hour. I had to increase the membership to watch it and made me reassess a lot of things. I have until Wednesday to think about it (when the new membership takes hold.) Meanwhile, here is the first ¾ of the show and I did the Ruminations for the full show since I read the results. Thank you for understanding. Whilst I sequester myself again, here is what we have.

Hello, Cleveland…or, more appropriately, hello from Cleveland and welcome to TNA’s second big Pay-Per View Event, Roger Dorn Night!! I’m kidding, it’s TNA’s Rebellion. We are at the Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University. The action is going to be hotter than the Cuyahoga River when it caught on fire in 1969 with all titles up for grabs. Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are our announcers, Gia Miller gives us the happenings backstage and McKenzie Mitchell tell us who is who in the ring. As the song goes “Cleveland Rocks;” do you know what else rocks? Some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

There was some pregame action discussion prior to the festivities with Hannifan, Rehwoldt and Daria Rae (adorned in the finest business-class spiked leather jacket.) Miller rebels against Krusty the Klown’s opinion on live work and does some crowd work with two young people who said they are most excited to see the Hardy Boys? Sure…

After that, we go to some pre-game wrestling action with

Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE

Nemeth is out first and grabbed the mic. He talks up Cleveland and gives a shout-out to the Nemeth parents who are in the front row. He said Nick was dad’s favorite but his mom loved him more and she went to all of Ryan’s events. They raised him to be a Cleveland Browns fan cheat heat coming in for a landing) but the moment he became a star, he took advice from his hero, Art Modell (cheap heat landed) and he left this horrible city. He took off his warm up pants and had Pittsburgh Steelers’ theme trunks. He also admonished Mitchell and asked what she is still doing here and that she is as dumb as the people here. She also married someone from Cleveland. He finished doing the announcing and announced BDE.

BDE came to the ring in his usual aplomb. Ryan, though, wasn’t finished; however, BDE finished it by hitting a dropkick and a dive over the ropes to drop Nemeth on the floor. BDE kept the offense going as Hannifan noted BDE is looking for his first win. BDE hit a bodyslam that sent Nemeth back to the floor and BDE hit another dive between the ropes to drop him on the floor. A springboard bodypress (cue Botchamania’s “Good Enough” drop) got a two count.

Nemeth stopped the rally by hitting the ropes when BDE ascended the turnbuckles and then a dropkick to send BDE to the floor. He hit a back suplex on the apron and then a running forearm smash on the apron for a two count. Ryan mauled BDE on the mat and hit the Rude Awakening neckbreaker for another two count.

Nemeth stymied BDE’s repeated rally attempts until BDE hit a series of flying forearms off the ropes. He avoided a running clothesline and hit the Clip Cutter (springboard Cutter) for two-and-a-fraction. Nemeth stopped the rally with a leaping DDT for a two count. BDE rallied again by reversing a back suplex into an enziguri. BDE seemed unsure but dragged Nemeth into position and hit a frog splash for a two count until Ryan moved to the apron. BDE grabbed Ryan on the apron but Nemeth hit a stunner on the ropes and BDE went flying. Nemeth got back into the ring and hit the Big Hollywood Ending (a leaping reverse STO) for the victory.

Post-Match: Nemeth played to the camera and posed in front of his family before heading up the rampway.

We get some ads and then the announce team focused on the angle on Thursday between Elijah and Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian paid a kid to lure Elijah to a sneak attack by Kazarian, Rehwoldt said children are the future, as does Kazarian. Rae said victory should be by any means necessary. That is what TNA is about and that is what Kazarian did. Hannifan asked for some help. Sure enough, The Home Town Man’s music started as he made his way to the announce studio adorned with a Cleveland Rick Vaughn jersey and a Rick Vaughn inspired glasses. Rae said her ears were bleeding (a Rachel Phelps reset would have been perfect) and Hannifan wished Bob Eucker was here instead of Rehwoldt. HTM hyped Cleveland and then handed out free merchandise to the fans, including an Elijah shirt.

We also get an appearance from TNA President Carlos Silva, talking how he prevented Nick Nemeth from wrestling MJ..I mean, here to talk about the rest of the schedule of 2026. Rehwoldt brought up Ethan Carter III being here (which got a small pop? Sure…) Rae said how much she appreciates what Silva is doing. They talk about the rest of the card and talked about Nemeth and Bernie Kosar.

They turn their attention to Ricky Sosa and his signing BUT HOLD EVERYTING, the lights dim and Eric Young headed to ringside and threatened to piledrive Sosa if he returns and then focused on ECIII and his tenure in TNA. He threatened fans and reiterated that everything with TNA flows through him as we cut to a TNA hype piece.

We also get highlight packages of the Santana vs. Edwards feud. We also get an interview with TNA trainer Ace Steel about the World Title bout. They bring up Edwards’ point about Santana being an emotional champion. We also get more crowd work with Miller and gets some predictions about the match, well prediction, and the fan goes with Santana. More importantly, the pre-game festivities end and we get the main show (after Charity Evonna sings the National Anthem.)

We get musical highlights montage of the combatants involved in the card.

We get the officials intros and Hannifan will this be “The Night of The System” (it would be better than the Night of the Lepus.)

We go to our first title match:

X-Division Title Match: Leon Slater vs. Cedric Alexander

The warning buzzer means only thing – Alexander (without the System) heads to ringside. Slater is next and the crowd chants along with his theme to a huge pop. Hannifan extols the virtue of Slater and said Slater has one month left to become the longest X-Division title holder. He also said the last man to pin Slater was Alexander in August of last year. We also get a huge “TNA” chant before the match started.

When it did, Alexander took immediate control with mat wresting action. The theme of the match was evident form the onset as Slater got his offense with a series of high spots including a rebound spinning kick and a handspring leaping back elbow off the ropes. He also hit a big running boot to drop Alexander to the floor.

Alexander tried to throw Slater into the ringsteps but Slater leapt over them. He came back with a hurincanrana on the floor and then a leaping bodypress of the top turnbuckle for a two count in the ring. Slater chopped away on Alexander in the corner and then attempted the 10-punch turnbuckle spot but with Alexander dropping Slater on the 10^th one. Undaunted, Slater came back with a twisting legdrop on the apron.

Alexander finally got some prolonged offense when he snapped Slater’s neck on the ropes and then hit an urinagi on the apron. On the floor, Alexander hit a suplex slam on the apron. Alexander hit his signature snap German suplex. Hannifan brought up Slater’s neck injury at the hands of Young. Alexander snapmared Slater out of the corner and hit a seated dropkick for a two count.

Slater temporarily regained the momentum when he hit a sliding dropkick through the ropes on Alexander. However, another German Suplex stemmed the tide. He hit the chinlock and cinched in the pressure. Another rally was stopped by Alexander with a double eye rake and an eye poke. Alexnader taunted Slater. However, Slater rebounded with a quick superkick and bother combatants were on the floor.

Slater got the rally he needed by beating Alexander with a series of chops and punches. Alexander blocked Utopia (spinning Blue Thunder Bomb) but a whip into the ropes gave Slater a chance to hit a spinning kick. A huge running boot landed for the champ in the corner. Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle. Alexander evaded the leap and headed to the floor. However, Slater rolled through the jump, got into position and leapt over the ringpost to drop Slater with a dive. A huge “Holy excrement” chant emerged.

Slater continued the offense with a Salida Del Sol for a two count. Both combatants were on the mat but Slater eventually headed back to the top turnbuckle. Alexander avoided the Swanton 450 (Slater rolled through that, too) and hit a reverse kick to stop Slater. Slater hit a running big boot but Alexander recovered and (after being denied the first time) hit a Michinoku Diver for a two count.

A huge “Let’s Go, Leon” chant emerged as Alexander tried for a Lumbar Check. Slater rolled out of that but an attempted Styles Clash was evaded by the challenger. Alexander and Slater traded charges until Alexander crotched Slater on the ropes after a corner charge. Alexander promptly hit a diving clothesline from the top to drop Slater. Alexander got a brainbuster for two-and-a-fraction. Alexander was frustrated but got Slater on the top turnbuckle and hit a top turnbuckle brainbuster and Slater crumpled to the floor.

Slater hit the Lumbar Check but Slater managed to get his foot on the ropes. Alexander put the boots to Slater as a “this is awesome” chant emerged. Alexander seemed distracted and headed to the floor and grabbed the X-Division title. He brought it into the ring but this gave Slater time to recover and NOW we get the Styles Clash on the belt. Slater climbed to the top and NOW we get the Swanton 450 and Slater retained the title.

Post-Match: Silva presented the belt to Slater as the Cleveland fans showed their appreciation. Slater posed on the turnbuckles as we go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt and go through the rest of tonight’s card.

We go to Miller who is with Santana backstage. She asked how is Santana approaching this after losing two straight to Edwards. Santana started by asking Cleveland what’s good (well, the Cavaliers are, the Guardians are solid and the Browns are…hey look, the Cavs.) He has been title holders for 86 days since the debut on AMC against another pillar for TNA Impact. The challenges don’t stop because he has done this dance before with Eddie Edwards but now he is stronger, wiser and ready to go…BUT WAIT, Alisha Edwards walked into the shot and asked (quietly) if we want to something. She knows Eddie better than anyone and there are some things he might want to know. She walked off screen as Miller and Santana looked perplexed.

Before we know what was discussed, we get the next match:

Frankie Kazarian vs. Elijah

Hannifin wanted to play a game with Rehwoldt – how big a scumbag is Kazarian. He reiterated the angle from Thursday with the kid and Rehwoldt reminded him that they talked about that on the pre-game. We hear the guitar strum and Elijah comes to ringside as his personal hype guy gives his usual spiel.

Elijah immediately charged Kazarian but Kazarian evaded. Elijah no sold most of Kazarian’s punches and Kazarian went to the floor to avoid a charging Elijah. Elijah finally caught him and hit a huge boot off the ropes. He beat on Kazarian in the corners with a series of chops and then a flying clothesline off the ropes. Elijah slammed Kazarian’s head into the apron twice. Kazarian tried to escape to the other side but Elijah ran around the ring on the floor and hit a running knee strike.

Elijah capitalized on that with an old-school rope walk into a forearm smash. Kazarian finally got some sustained offense when he avoided a charging Kazarian in the corner and hit a German Suplex into the turnbuckles. Kazarian mauled Elijah in the corner locked a cravat along the apron. With Elijah on the floor, Kazarian capitalized with a leaping hurincanrana over the topes to the floor.

Kazarian gestured to the crowd and then hit the springboard legdrop over the ropes for a two count. Kazarian threw Elijah into the corner and hit a Russian legsweep for a two count. Desperate for a rally, Elijah and Kazarian traded punches on the apron but Kazarian missed a legdrop. Elijah recovered and tried to hit a springboard move but Kazarian grabbed Elijah’s guitar strap and hit him in the ribs. Kazarian continued to whip Elijah with the strap (not earning a DQ. Hannifin made up for the scene by saying Elijah said “no.”)

Kazarian continued the offense – without the strap – with a series of strikes. Kazarian got on the turnbuckles and how Kazarian attempted the old-school ropewalk. Elijah, though, recovered and flung Kazarian to the mat. With the crowd beckoning him Stipe Miocic went back on attack with a series of clotheslines until Kazarian hit a backstabber and a sliding clothesline.

Kazarian attempted another springboard legdrop but Elijah recovered again; he caught Kazarian on his shoulders and hit a powerbomb for a two count. Elijah beat on Kazarian in the corner. A Kazarian back elbow momentarily slowed Elijah but Elijah got back up to speed with a leaping knee strike as Kazarian leapt from the top.

Elijah grabbed his guitar strap on the floor and now he whipped Kazarian with it repeatedly. Elijah hit a side Chokeslam (almost a sit out chokeslam) for a two count. Kazarian went to the floor and grabbed Elijah’s guitar and they both headed to the mat. Elijah got on the apron and Kazarian hit a slingshot stunner onto the guitar for two-and—a-fraction.

Elijah blocked a Fade to Black attempt and then stepped on his guitar. Elijah grabbed the neck of the guitar and threatened to hit Kazarian with it. The referee, inexplicably, now cared about the rules and grabbed the guitar from Elijah. When Elijah turned to protest, Kazarian kicked Elijah below the belt and got the win.

Speaking of painful things, we go to a BioFlex Injury Report.The Hardys are cleared despite the injuries they received during the match on Thursday against the Righteous.ODB and Mickie James are cleared despite the beatdown on Thursday at the hands of the By Elegance Brand.“Stacks” Lorenzo has a black eye but he is cleared. And, Santana and Edwards are cleared for action.

Speaking of Lorenzo, here he is with TNA Knockouts World Champ, Arianna Grace. It’s a big night for her and her title shot. Grace is nervous since Lee is an accomplished striker and in a different mindset than previously. She also doesn’t have the “cobra” (thanks to Santino Marella and Indi Hartwell.) Lorenzo said she doesn’t need it or some old sock. Lorenzo has a plan and whispered it to her. Grace loved it and her mood improved as they walk off scene.

We get a recap of the feud between Moose and Agent Zero (including Zero’s beatdown of Moose at Sacrifice.) This is Zero’s first TNA singles match.

Agent Zero vs. Moose (with Alisha Edwards in tow)

For some reason, they switched to Order Four’s first theme as Zero (bereft of Order Four) made his way to the ring. Moose is next and the crowd canted along with his theme. However, Zero didn’t want to wait for the bell and leapt over the ropes and dove on Moose. Zero threw Moose into the ringsteps. Moose pushed Edwards out of the way but she fell to the floor and came up with a limp.

When the bell rang, Moose spring into action and beat on Zero in the corner. He also backdropped Zero over the ropes and to the floor. Moose reciprocated by leaping over the ropes and dove on Zero. Moose grabbed a table (sigh) under the ring. While Moose set the table, Zero attacked and ran him into the apron. Zero got Moose into position and attempted a powerbomb onto the table but Moose reversed it into a backdrop on the apron.

Moose threw Zero into the ring. After trading shots, Moose regained the advantage with a dropkick that sent Zero back over the ropes and to the floor. Moose charged Zero but Zero caught him, hoisted him up and threw him into the ringpost. Zero soaked in the ire of the crowd and threw him back into the ring. A loud “Moose” chant emerged. Zero stalked Moose and attempted his Chokebomb. Moose evaded it and the two traded clubbing shots and clotheslines.

Moose hit a pumpkick and a spear into the corner. Moose put Zero on the turnbuckles, climbed to the top and hit a superplex (we got a Big E Langston shoutout by Rehwoldt.) In the ring, both recovered but Moose hit a shoulderblock to send Zero to the apron and then speared Zero through the ropes and both crashed into the table. Once again, both combatants were on the floor and struggled to get to their feet. They both beat the count and got in the ring. The two traded shots once more until Moose hit a running pump kick. However, Zero hit a clothesline on a charging Moose to drop him (with Shawn Michaels sell.) Zero hit his variation of the End of Days slam for two-and-a-fraction.

The crowd, again, tried to rally Moose; and it worked, as Moose..um…Moosed up and hit a headbutt and then hit the urinagi/senton combination. Moose did the Ultimate Warrior rope shake but Zero sent a charging Moose to the floor. Zero tried to leap over the ropes onto Moose again; but this time Moose caught him and hit a powerbomb onto the ringsteps.

The crowd continued to cheer Moose and he threw Zero into the ring and set up to Hit the Stick (Spear) but now the Great Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) hit the ring. Hotch distracted the referee whilst Skyle grabbed Edwards. Edwards slapped Skyler and Moose hit the running boot on Skyler but Edwards crashed to the floor with Skyler, grabbing her left leg. Moose carried Edwards to the back but Zero ran around the floor and hit a flying boot to Moose as the faces crumpled to the floor.

Back into the ring, Zero measured Moose and hit a Chokebomb onto the apron. Zero measured Moose again and hit another Chokebomb for the victory.

Post-match: Zero calmly stood in the ring and made his way to the back.

We go right to hype for the next match and a highlights recap of the By Elegance Brand versus Mickie James feud (and subsequently Taryn Terrell and ODB.) The Personal Concierge is in the ring and is holding a sign saying he is not a pickle ummm..male phallus (although it looks like Pickle Rick from Rick and Morty, but I digress.) He emphasizes he is not that but he is the PC. If we’ve been hiding under a rock, the news broke that TNA is traveling all over North America. He heard about Cleveland, OH and begged management to never go back to that dump again and Cleveland sucks. The only good thing to come from Cleveland is Ash by Elegance (cheap heat cleared for landing) but when she realized Cleveland sucked, she did what LeBron James did and moved to South Beach (cheap heat has landed.)

They are about to compete in a Hardcore Country match with a bunch of filthy farm animals and like the fans, they smell like pigs. He is going to introduce some people who smell like roses from the Garden of Eden – the By Elegance Brand.

Hardcore Country Match: The By Elegance Brand (Ash, Heather and M with Mr. Elegance in tow) vs. ODB, Teryn Terrell and Mickie James

Ash came to ring with a sign that said “I am not a mark.” (sigh) In fact, all three of the Brand are wearing t-shirts with the same statement. Heather is also carrying a sign (I can’t make out what it says (she is carrying a stick horse with her though.) ODB is out for the faces with flask in hand. Rehwoldt said ODB is already tipsy. Terrell is out next with a lollipop and a Barbie Doll to a muted pop. James is out last and got the loudest ovation. James went backstage and grabbed a bucket of plunder (with the words “mark bucket” spraypainted on it.) The faces STRUCK THEIR POSE as the Brand went to the floor.

Ash screamed (and I mean – screamed) into the mic to stop the music. She has something to say – she is to mark. She screamed it into the mic and PC is not a pickle…..before she could finish, the faces jumped the heels and tore up the signs. The Brand started launching weapons – including a barbed wire bat (c’mon, really) and Hannifan called PC a pickle phallus (Rehwoldt took serious umbrage with that.) M grabbed something and said “this is stupid” (shoot comments that were not – etc.)

The Brand started mauling the faces but a whip into the ropes ended with the faces hitting Thesz Presses on the Brand. James pounded away o M with the garbage can and Terrell attacked Heather with a Barbie Doll. The Brand regrouped on the floor and took umbrage with some fans in the front row and threw food and accosted them. Hannifin said they are people who are on “Love is Blind: Ohio” (oh, fer….)

The faces caught up to the heels and put buckets on Ah and M and ran them together. Mr. Elegance had a bucket thrown at him by James. Terrell grabbed a bucket full of…lollipops (sigh…) and suplexed Heather onto them for a two count. The Brand regrouped – again – on the floor as the faces threw the lollipops to the crowd. James and Terrell hit dropkicks through the ropes onto the Brand.

The Brand finally got some momentum as Ash ran Terrell into the ringsteps and M ran James into a wheelbarrow and the barricade. The Brand realized ODB was alone. ODB tried to fend off the heels but the number game was too much and Ash pounded away on ODB with a kendo stick. They tied ODB to the bottom rope. M ran James into the ringsteps. M put the wheelbarrow into position but James hit a Mick Kick and M went sprawling into the wheelbarrow. Meanwhile, Terrell ran Heather into a bale of hay.

Ash tried to curtail the tide by grabbing a stop and leaping off the ring steps onto Terrell. However, Terell saw it and hit Ash’s midsection with a giant lollipop. Meanwhile, ODB grabbed a cooler and wheeled it into the floor. She opened it up and poured a giant container of pickles into it. The crowd broke into a “pickle phallus” chant and the faces grabbed the PC. However, Mr. Elegance grabbed Terrell and James. The two lowblowed Mr. Elegance and ran him into the cooler of pickles. They started to pelt Mr. Elegance with the pickles.

The faces cornered the Personal Concierge in the ring. ODB knocked PC to the floor and the faces put a pickle costume on The Concierge and threw him into the Brand. Terrell climbed to the top and leapt on the Brand, dropping them to the floor. Terrell threw Ash into the ring. ODB hit a bodyslam (with Ash’s ankle banging into a trashcan.) James climbed to the top and teased the “Wazzzzup Drop” until Mr. Elegance threw James from the top turnbuckle. He entered the ring and clotheslined ODB. HE STRUCK THE POSE and danced but ODB grabbed a prong and grabbed Elegance’s genitalia. She cinched in the grab but Ash ran to his defense with a hairspray can. She sprayed ODB in the eyes and hit the DDT for the victory.

Post-Match: The Brand celebrated on the ring and taunted the fans, further telling us they are not marks BUT WAIT, Silva and Tommy Dreamer made their way to ringside. Dreamer wanted the music to stop (and an “ECW” change emerged.) He asked “Weird Flexy Guy,” “Marky Mark and the Flunky Bunch” and “Mr. Pickle Phallus” to clear the ring. He also asked James to relax. He asked Cleveland what’s up. He said life is hard but if one understands the business, one understands the connection through actions and moves to connect wrestlers and fans. He likes to do things spontaneous. He knew ODB since Day One. He would like to see her again but dressed up (we know what is coming.) Silva said for all she has done for TNA, ODB will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in October.

He gave the mic to ODB and a “you deserve it” chant emerged (well…) She brought her partner into the ring and hugged him. She loved the fans and appreciates all the Knockouts. Meanwhile, the referees cleared the ring of debris.

We go backstage to Elyana Black, who is looking at her phone and throwing out random numbers. That is how much money she has made but since we are here interrupting her and she is sick to her stomach. She was sick because she had to get up early and meet the fans in Cleveland, OH (mimicking a bit of nausea.) She said that’s fine, she appreciates the free plane ride and hotel. She’ll watch the Knockouts Title but wanted us to know that she is coming for the title and we will all be living in the Era of Elayna.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt who recap the ODB HOF announcement. They hype a partnership with IHeart Radio and NOW we officially get the announcement to the people in Love is Blind: Ohio. From there, we go right to the next match.

A J Francis vs. Nick Nemeth (with Bernie Kosar in tow)

Francis comes to the ring first. Hannifan and Rehwoldt go over the history and the rationale of Francis attacking Nemeth. Francis grabbed the mic and asked to cut the music. He re-introduced himself and said he came out with some new clothes – and LeBron’s new sneakers. He goes over what the two of them have in common and called himself the LeBron James of Pro Wrestling. It’s true. The fans wouldn’t understand because they’re losers. Speaking of losers, the Cleveland Browns and Bernie Kosar. He doesn’t care because Francis is Shaddeur Sanders because he knows his life will get exponentially better when he leaves Cleveland.

Nemeth – and Kosar are next. For those who not acclimated with Bernie Kosar. Kosar was QB of the Browns in the mid-1980’s to early 1990’s and once made the Pro Bowl. He had an odd throwing motion but won the hearts of fans – just not the AFC Championship as he was stymied twice by the Denver Broncos in heartbreaking fashion. He is still in the top five of pretty much all of the Browns’ passing record book. Hannifan said Kosar was the best quarterback in Browns history (Otto Graham and Brian Sipe on line one and two.) Kosar’s pop was the biggest of the night by far (so far.)

Francis started the offense with a superkick for a two count. He did the Shawn Michaels stomp and threatened another superkick but Nemeth avoided it. However, Francis continued to throw Nemeth around and into the corner. The two traded corner splashes. Nemeth tried to beat on Francis but Francis caught Nemeth off the ropes and flung Nemeth over the ropes and to the floor. Francis attempted to throw Nemeth to the ringsteps but Nemeth avoided it.

The two struggled on the floor but Nemeth blocked a Down Payment (chokeslam) on the apron. However, when he leapt to Francis, Francis slugged him to the floor. Francis sat on the turnbuckles as Nemeth just made the count. Francis mauled Nemeth on the ropes, including choking him with his leg and foot.

The mauling continued in the corner as Nemeth desperately tried to rally. Francis flung Nemeth into the corner and hit the Tennessee Whiskey running elbow. He went to the floor and chastised Kosar. Francis continued to maul Nemeth, despite the crowd chanting for Nick. Nemeth did block another Down Payment attempt but was dropped by big boot off the ropes. Nemeth tried to rally again by putting Francis on his shoulders but could not sustain the lift and crashed to the mat.

Nemeth tried another rally with a series of strikes and finally made some headway with a leaping DDT and a 10-count running elbow drops. NOW, Nemeth got Francis on his shoulders and hit the Attitude Adjustment for a two count. Meanwhile, Kosar was enjoying the whole experience. Nemeth signaled for his own superkick with the Shawn Michaels stomp but Francis caught him midway with a TFL (Spear.)

Francis signaled for the Down Payment and picked up Nemeth but “The Wanted Man” reversed it into a Fame-asser for a two count and a “let’s go, Nick” chant from the crowd. Nemeth climbed to the top rope but Francis hit the ropes and Nemeth crotched on the ropes. Francis climbed the turnbuckles and tried a superplex abut Nemeth fought off Francis. With both on the turnbuckles, Nemeth got into a position and hit the Danger Zone from the top turnbuckle for two-and-a-fraction.

Francis was on the floor so Nemeth hit the ropes and attempted to dive onto Francis. Francis caught him as he leapt and NOW we get a Down Payment from the ring to the floor. Francis rested on the ring steps and taunted Kosar. He threw Nemeth into the ring and taunted Kosar and Nemeth’s family. Francis grabbed a chair from under the ring and headed into the ring. The referee grabbed the chair from him. Francis slugged the referee and crashed to the floor. Francis grabbed the chair.

But now, Kosar climbed into the ring and accosted Francis. Francis threw the chair down and the two got ready for an Oklahoma Drill (a one-on-one drill for toughness and leverage.) The two charged but Kosar stopped and put his hands up. He pointed to the rampway and K C Navarro emerged. Navarro made a straight line toward Francis. Meanwhile, Kosar grabbed the chair and hit Francis. As Francis sold it, Nemeth recovered and hit the superkick. We get another Danger Zone. Navarro grabbed the ref and threw him into the ring. Nemeth covered Francis and got the win.

Post-Match: Navarro stared a hole into Francis who looked dejected. Meanwhile, Nemeth and Kosar celebrated with the fans and made their way up the rampway.

Hey, wear your passion and show your style, shop at TNAMerch.com.

We see Francis and Edwards getting ready backstage but next we have another World Title Match to decide.

TNA Knockouts World Title: Arianna Grace (with “Stacks” Lorenzo in tow) vs. Lei Ying Lee (with Xia Brookside in tow)

We see highlights of the Lee vs. Grace rivalry (with some footage from Dani Luna.) Lee is out first and we get the usual fire and flair from the former champ. Grace and Lorenzo are next. They head right to the ring and I like the black and red outfit of Grace, almost a playing card motif.

Grace verbally accosted Lee but Lee was unfazed and hit a series of strikes (even avoiding interference from Lorenzo.) Lee leapt over Grace and hit a rolling trip and a series of kicks and a flying clothesline. Lee fended off Lorenzo again and hit a missile dropkick that sent Grace to the floor. Lee continued to attack Grace, even when Grace attempted to crawl under the ring. Finally, Lorenzo’s cheating paid off dividends as he distracted Lee and Grace sent the challenger into the ringpost.

Back in the ring, Grace hit a pumpkick and neckbreaker for a two count. Grace slugged away on Lee in the corner. We also got a PiP of Grace watching TV in the dark (that’s not good for the eyes my mom always told me.) Lorenzo made his presence known again as Lee attempted a sunset flip off the ropes and Lorenzo grabbed Grace’s arms. That brought out Brookside who accosted Lorenzo and asked for his expulsion. The referee agreed and Lorenzo was gone. Lee continued to land her strikes to and a pump kick to drop Grace. Lee hit the 10-punch spot in the corner. Lee hit an exploder suplex for a two count.

Grace rallied in the corner with a back elbow and then hit a flying forearm off the second rope for a two count. Grace beat on Lee in the corner and attempted a superplex. Grace got to the turnbuckles but Lee threw her to the mat and a Blockbuster got two-and-a-fraction. Lee attempted the Warriors Way (airplane spin facebuster) but an eye rake stopped her. Grace hit her over the shoulder face buster for a two count

Sensing desperation, Grace was trying to find some means to get out of the match, including vainly attempting to pull the turnbuckle pad from the corner. She eventually grabbed the TNA Knockouts Championship and brought it into the ring but the referee grabbed it from her.

From there, Lee recovered and hit the Warriors Way. Lee went for the pin… when Brookside put Grace’s leg on the ropes. Lee looked incredulous and asked what Brookside did. Brookside pulled her to the floor and pummeled her with much screaming. Brookside threw her back into the ring and Grace hit the Concrete Shoes (which is Lorenzo’s finisher) and grabbed the victory.

Post-Match: Lee was obviously distraught as Lorenzo emerged from the backstage and hugged Grace and made their way up the ramp.

Note: The feed ended during the match, so I must continue with various video feeds, ergo the delay in this.

After an ad for the Thursday TNA Impact show, we get the reaction from Rehwoldt and Hannifan and then the lights darken. We hear the music and Young makes his way to ringside. He immediately called out Ethan Carter III and asked him to ringside to ask why he deserves to be here. The lights darken again and we hear “ladies and gentlemen, EC3.” With that, Ethan Carter III makes his return to a decent pop. Carter still had the physique and the bronzer as he was just a couple of shades beyond racially insensitive.

Young tried to attack him but Carter ducked a charge and clotheslined Young over the top rope to the floor. Carter grabbed the mic and gave his wrestling vitae on Impact. He is back, apparently. EC3 also looked up the word “pursuant” and used it multiple times in his promo. As wrestling logic goes, EC3 said he challenged Young to a match on Impact this Thursday. He ran off some of his objectives and finished by saying he is from Cleveland. He threw down the mic and STRUCK HIS POSE.

We get a recap of the feud between Mustafa Ali and Trey Miguel. We see Tasha Steelz on a laptop when the Great Hands ask her if this is the way it should go. She said yes because it is by any means necessary. which can only mean one thing:

TNA International Heavyweight Title Match: Mustafa Ali (with Order Four in tow) vs. Trey Miguel

We hear an air raid siren and then Order Four’s new music hits (so much better than the original) The Hands are adorned in helmets and Ali is going into his sci-fi era with his look and is taking over the mantle of Locutus. Rewholdt said this is the evolution of Order Four. Miguel is out next to a good pop (as a relative hometown product, or rather home state product.)

(and the feed disappeared…)

Impactful Ruminations:

One: All the apologies to you all for not being able to finish this at this time.

Two: This was as up and down a show as one could have up to the EC3 segment. It would be hard pressed to top the opening match as best match of the night as Slater and Alexander had another multi-star match. Slater is phenomenal and Alexander is so fluid in the ring. I really loved the psychology by the wrestlers, even for “high-flyers” and spot wrestlers as most in that moveset would be.

Three: On the other hand, there was the Ryan Nemeth/BDE match. It was a solid match but the match would have been custom built for BDE to get his first win (ergo, giving Hannifan’s iterations of BDE looking for his first win some gravitas.) I know we all goof on social media stars trying new things out of their realm – I get that – but would it have killed you to have him win this time? It was on a silver platter against someone who knows how to do comedy spots and is selfless in doing a job.

Three: That was a great hoss fight between Moose and Agent Zero. I really like how Moose moves and can bump. Additionally, they are really pacing Zero’s ring action brilliantly. They really are taking from the Big Bubba Rogers book and applying it greatly here.

Four: Now for the dearth – and I mean dearth of the show. I know everyone shouted about how awful the Hardcore Country Match was. And, they were absolutely right. That was not needed – none of it. That was horrible -the whole thing was abysmal. It was a waste of the Brand who could have had something far better to do. I know James can wrestle but ODB was awful and Terrell was not that far behind her. There was nothing redeeming about that win (well, maybe the Brand winning.) The Brand are in an odd spot, with the break up of the Angel Warriors (more in a minute,) who is there to challenge them. I would have Ash – or even M – go for a world title run. Eliminate that and we have room for better matches or even show Gia Miller crocheting, anything would have been better.

Five: Hey, ODB, you just took the pin in the Hardcore Country Match, where are you going to do next? You’re getting inducted to the TNA Hall of Fame??? That was ridiculous – utterly ridciuous. Admittedly, I was never a fan of hers but there’s an audience for her. I know Dreamer said he likes to do things unexpectedly but after jobbing in a horrible match?

Six: The Kazarian vs Elijah match was not great either – and not for the two in the ring. Kazarian and Elijah had a very solid match and I grow to like Elijah more and more as I watch him wrestle. Kazarian is always very good and has been since day one. It was the third person in the ring that took me out of the match. The refereeing was noticeably egregious and nonsensical. I get the narrative that they wanted them to wrestle – which, fine. But, allowing a guitar to be casually put in the ring and used was bizarre (especially when a match or two later, the referee made the stance of removing the Knockouts belt from Grace.)

Seven: Kosar got a good pop and looked a lot better than the last few times I saw him at events. The bigger news was the return of KC Navarro. Francis must continue on the treadmill of “David vs. Goliath” matches (maybe show some of interest if the WWE ever comes calling? Maybe??) Navarro looked great and can now, once the Francis issue is resolved, get into some title mixes. Much like Kazarian and Elijah, both Nemeth and Francis were solid in the ring with Francis knowing all the right heel moves

Eight: Elayna Black is still improving in the ring but still is a bad, bad promo. Her comments made no sense.

Nine: I had a feeling something was up with Brookside turning heel with her contstant usage of “birthright” in a promo with her dad a couple of weeks ago. This might be the replacement and audible of replacing Dani Luna. She really has to work on the nonverbals as “screaming” doth not a heel make. I actually wouldn’t mind her taking the place of Grace. Somewhere along the line, Lee needs to win the title to set up a natural feud.

10: Regarding that, we now have a dearth of faces on the women’s side. It is Lee, Hartwell, Threat and Stone. That is a precipitous drop (admittedly, Stone is getting reps to get better.) The heels greatly outnumber the faces in depth and quality.

11. I really don’t like EC3 or Young but fine; let’s hope it is a one off. It was almost like Pee-Wee’s Playhouse where the secret word was “Pursuant.” I had a hard time trying to define Carter’s bronzer color but it got close to Al Jolson territory.

12: I read the results some of the results of the matches I need to catch so here are some short ruminations before I catch them. Huzzah to Ali for winning the title. If ever there is proof that betting on yourself can pay off dividends, look for the guy wearing the International Title. But, is he now Mustafus of Borg? Resistance is futile. Those kids at the beginning are in for some sadness (more so than what the Browns provide.) I think the Hardys might be on the final descent to retirement and boldly predicting the Righteous cinematic match will be the final hurrah. Now, who are we getting for challengers for the System? And did we just burn the Righteous. I also saw that I missed the Undead Realm segment. I guess I have something of a silver lining. Lastly, Women be conniving, amirite? Looking at you, Alicia.