TNA Impact Review – May 14, 2026

Unlike the famous Dwayne Johnson promo, we’re not leaving Sacramento but arriving in Sacramento for another taping cycle of TNA Impact Wrestling at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Much like James Marshall’s discovery that put the city on the map, we are going to rush into the action with the golden pipes of Jim Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt (with a very special guest during a match,) we have Gia Miller mining for some great backstage segments and McKenzie Mitchell will give us valuable nuggets of information about who is in the ring. Let’s see who hits the motherlode and who doesn’t pan out as we engage in solid 24-carat Impactful discourse. Shall we? We shall.

(Side note: Make sure to support the other great folks who contribute to this blog, too. They do great work providing not just content, btu ernest reviews and opinions on pro wrestling. We all appreciate it. And now….)

Previously on Impact: We get a retrospective on Leon Slater, including the A J Styles cameo at Slammiversary as we are on the precipice of history of being the longest reigning X-Division titlist. We also get segments of Cedric Alexander who is looking to curtail the course of history.

Are you ready for this opening montage during the opening credits? Because, it’s ready for you…

We get the intro to Sacramento and shots of the crowd as we go right to the opening match,

TNA Impact Heavyweight title shot battle royale

We see some people already in the ring as we do get the full entrance of the System components (minus Alexander, naturally,) we get Elijah’s music and his elongated intro. That is followed by Natural Born Killaz? Huh??? and that means……Mustafa Saed? He’s from Sacramento, apparently, so, sure? Saed brought a trashcan of plunder and instantly took the lid and waffled Bear Bronson. Saed and Agent Zero instantly start to trade shots. Agent Zero gets the better of it and….dumps Saed over the top rope. Okay, thanks for being here.

Zero than focuses on Dutch from the Righteous and falls victory to Death Walks (Bossman slam.) They start to battle on the ropes and the rest of the combatants dump the two over the top rope. Meanwhile, BDE and Mr. Elegance start to brawl and BDE hits the top turnbuckle only for Mr. Elegance to knock him to the floor. Mr. Elegance starts to show off but Hometown Man (adorned in a Chris Webber jersey) threw Mr. Elegance over the top rope.

The System components start to beat on HTM and attempted to throw HTM over the top rope. However, HTM held onto the rope. When Brian Myers attacked him, Myers was promptly thrown over the top rope. Meanwhile, Vincent and John Skyler were eliminated off camera. Elijah attempted to throw Jason Hotch over the top rope but managed to land on the ring steps (moved by ??) Hotch stood on the steps and got some waterrrr..I mean A-Game Hydration as Hannifan evoked the spirit of Kofi Kingston. However, when Hotch got back on the apron, Elijah hit a leaping knee strike and that eliminated Hotch.

That left, HTM, Elijah, Eddie Edwards, Frankie Kazarian, Bear Bronson and Eric Young. But not for long, Kazarian eliminated HTM. Just as quickly, Elijah whipped Kazarian over the top turnbuckle and to the floor. Edwards and Bronson decided to rush Bronson but he backdropped both of them over the top rope leaving the final two as Elijah and (sigh……) Young. Young attempted to throw Elijah over the top rope but Elijah held onto to the rope. Elijah grabbed Young with his legs and tried to eliminate him but Young staved off elimination. The two fought on the apron and traded shots. Young turned his back on Elijah and Elijah attempted to grab Young. Young, however, hit his reverse kick below the belt and Elijah crumpled to the floor and (sigh….) Eric Young secured the title shot at a later date.

Post-Match: We see a brief celebration of Young in the ring but instantly cut away to backstage and…

Miller and her guest, Slater. Miller ran town the timeline of his title reign and asked if he is prepared for his match tonight against Alexander. Slater said he has never been more ready. Tonight he gets another chance at history. At Slammiversary, he became the youngest X-Division champion; tonight, isn’t just another defense it’s a chance to draw the line from who I was to who he is now and who will become. He understands it is two-out-of-three falls match, but tonight he gets to from the youngest…to the greatest. Ya get him?

HOLD EVERYTHING..here is Matt and Jeff Hardy to talk to him. At TLC, they didn’t know how legendary they would become but they did on that night. Tonight, Slater gets to do something legendary and cement his status. Jeff dropped his own “we get you” in support as we fade out and we get some ads.

When we come back, Miller is joined by Order Four and International Champion Mustafa Ali. Ali requested this time. He admonished Order Four that they failed him but don’t worry, he’ll fix it. Today he found a magic lamp and rubbed it. A genie appeared and granted him three wishes. The first was wants to face the best TNA has to offer. The genie said he still has three wishes and next week the International Championship open challenge and continues and Ali – ALI – will bring them back to their winning ways. Everyone walked off dejectedly behind Ali but Miller pulled Hotch aside and said he did well during the royale. Hotch said thanks and then walked out…hmmmm…..

But wait, the door slams and we pan left to a charging Young. He called those he ran out of TNA wresting, mentioning Joe Hendry, Ricky Sosa (hey..what happened???) and Ethan Carter III. And how, Mike Santana got the short straw. He’s gone next and we are looking at the next World Champion.

We go back ringside to Lei Ying Lee with the Knockouts World Title she is in a polka dot dress and soaked in the cheers (she had one of her fans in tow.) She climbed on the top turnbuckle and posed before grabbing a mic and addressing the crowd. Naturally, a “you deserve chant” emerged. Last Thursday was the best night of her life. She fought her whole life for this moment. She beat Arianna Grace and is a two-time Knockouts World Champion. The crowd popped for it.

She is so proud that she can bring the title back to TNA (and a “TNA” chant merged.) She apologized for being ESL. She wants to speak from the bottom of her heart but the words are hard to translate from Chinese. She thanked the fans and said it could not have been done without her.

Naturally, this brought out her new nemesis, Xia Brookside. Brookside sarcastically lauded her for this beautiful moment. She can celebrate all she wants but Brookside has her eye on the title and it will be hers. Lee said she is sick of her and started to cut the promo in Chinese.

Brookside cut her off and said she is not going to translate for her anymore. If she wants to stand in the ring as Knockouts champion, she better learn how to talk to her “dumba— fans.” That got a decent boo. Lee said she will beat her right here and right now in Sacramento (cheap pop secured.) Brookside ran to ringside but stopped short and walked back. She laughed at Lee and said she is dumber than she looks. She would never face her in a cesspool like Sacramento.

Brookside said she has already destroyed her mentally and emotionally; and soon, she will destroy her physically and the title will be her. But not today, and said something insulting in Mandarin. She translated it for the idiots in the crowd as a ummm..female dog. Lee stood in the ring and yelled at Brookside as she headed backstage. Lee grabbed her title and posed again.

We see the combatants of the next match walking through the catacombs of the Arena as we get ready for a “Sac-town Street Fight” ….after the break.

We come back from break to ever triggering sound of Alisha Edwards asking us if we want to know something. Eddie Edwards started by saying that he was robbed during the battle royale but fret not, he will get another title shot soon. He talked about getting Moose out of the way last week and no one knows when and where he will be back. That is what happens when you stand in the way of the System.

Myers said he never wants to hear “Moose’s” name again because he is weak and they broke him – and you can’t break the System. Bronson chimed in with the same line (Alisha had to calm him.) That left Alexander to talk/yell about his match tonight with Slater. Slater talks about being the longest reigning X-Division champion. Spoiler alert – it’s not going to happen.

We get a quick break and go to ringside with Miller who is with MMA legend and actor Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine, who has a role in “Over Your Dead Body.” Hey, we just saw that trailer right before this. Miller asks about the movie and Jardine said the movie is rowdy, fast, fun and super unpredictable and super violent which is something TNA fans would enjoy.

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, here is the Personal Concierge who interrupted Jardine (although Jardine tried to continue hyping the movie.) Personal Concierge kept interrupting as he made his way ringside with Mr. Elegance and the By Elegance Brand. PC knows that Jardine was a cage fighter but he wants to understand masculinity, look no further than a real man – Mr. Elegance. He asked Jardine to take it in and understands why he is – because he is jealous. He asked the Brand and they agree in synchronicity that he is jealous.

Jardine said he doesn’t know what all that is (motioning to Mr. Elegance) but it makes him want to vomit. So, why doesn’t he take his group “of hos” (drawing disgust from the PC and the Brand) and get out of here. Mr. Elegance stepped up to the Jardine and stated to jaw with each other. The PC started to insult Jardine but security rushed in and escorted the Brand backstage. The Brand insulted Jardine up the rampway as Hannifan and Rehwoldt took turns who was being saved by security’s intervention.

We go to a hype piece for TNA Lockdown on August 23 from Chicago and go back to ringside for the next match.

Sac-Town Street Fight: A J Francis vs. K C Navarro

Francis is out first. As Francis makes his way to the ring, Hannifan said we are joined by fourth generation baseball announcer (and current PBP voice of the Sacramento Athletics) Chris Carey. He said he is very lucky to be here and part of TNA (he brought a batting helmet and bat with him.hmmm….that seems ominous.) He called both combatants monsters (well, one of them at least) and said he brought it for protection. Rehwoldt said his mom always told him that no matter where he goes, always bring protection (oh, Rehwoldt, you scamp, you…)

Navarro is out next. Navarro paused but ducked under a charging Francis and tripped him face-first into the apron. Navarro hit a modified 619 on the apron and then went under the ring for plunder (I guess Saed already left the arena and took the plunder with him.) No matter, there’s enough under the ring, including a table which Navarro attempted to set up. However, Francis recovered and attacked him from behind. He threw Navarro into the ring as Hannifan tried to engage Carey about a “Sac Town Street Fight.” Carey said nothing of consequence except noting the sizes and style difference in the two and we should expect a lot of bloodshed. Hannifin compared the size difference to Jose Altuve vs. Aaron Judge.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Francis attempted the Down Payment (chokeslam) but Navarro tried to reverse it. However, a hurincanrana attempt was blocked and Francis positioned Navarro into a Styles Clash. Navarro escaped, went under Francis’ legs and dropkicked his rump. Francis ended on the ropes and Navarro hit the 305 (a 619 but going over the ropes, not between them.)

Francis went to the floor and Navarro got the crowd riled. Navarro dove between the ropes but Francis caught him. Francis got Navarro into position to run him into the ringpost but Navarro reversed it into a DDT on the floor as Carey went over the history of Navarro. NOW, Navarro grabbed the table under the ring and set it up as the crowd chanted that they want tables (plenty of stores in Sacramento to buy them.)

However, Francis got Navarro on his shoulders. Navarro escaped and tried to run Francis into the ring steps. Francis stopped himself and threw a charging Navarro into the ropes. Francis grabbed Navarro on the ring steps but another Down Payment attempt was thwarted by Navarro. Navarro gabbed a chair and attacked Francis. NOW, Navarro was able to run Francis into the ring steps as we run into some commercials.

We come back and NOW we get Francis grabbing Navarro and running him into the ringpost shoulder-first. Hey turns around and started to head toward the announce table and Carey (after stepping on Navarro.) He threatened Carey and grabbed the bat from him. He dug in deep in the batter’s box errrr… floor and got ready to swing at Navarro. However, Navarro ducked the first swing and leapt over the second one. NOW, he ran Francis into the ring post.

Navarro grabbed the bat looked at Carey and asked for the helmet. Carey gave it to him. And, Navarro hit Carey twice with the bat. They both got into the ring and Navarro got on the turnbuckles and leapt on Francis with the bat. Francis slumped to the floor and Navarro grabbed the trash can and ran it into the groin of Francis. Navarro grabbed the bat and looked away at Francis. Navarro swung the bat, hit all the bases (errr… Turnbuckles) and slid into the home plate – the trash can Francis straddled.

Navarro measured Francis and hit the Fame-asser for a two count. Navarro put the trashcan over Francis and now Navarro hit the trash can with the bat. Navarro went back to the floor and grabbed a bevy of chairs from under the ring. He set the chairs in the ring and super kicked Francis onto them. Navarro climbed the turnbuckles but Francis recovered, grabbed the bat and hit Navarro. Navarro slumped on the turnbuckles. This gave Francis time to climb the turnbuckles and attempt the Down Payment onto the chairs. However, in mid-flight, Navarro reversed it into a cutter for two-and-a-fraction as a “This is awesome” chant emerged.

Navarro attacked Francis with the chairs and placed them haphazardly on Francis. Francis climbed to the top once again but Francis quickly recovered and caught Navarro. Navarro escaped and hit the ropes but ran into a big boot off the ropes. Francis picked up Navarro and NOW we get the Down Payment to the floor onto the tables. Francis threw Navarro into the ring and got the anti-climatic pin.

Post-Match: Hannifin asked Carey what he thought and Carey hyped TNA as one of the – if not the – best wrestling promotion going today. He was appreciative of the opportunity. In the ring, the referee checked on Navarro as Francis walked backstage.

We got back to highlights of Slater’s victory over Moose for the X-Division title. We come back to Santana’s music and chryon as he made his way through the Auditorium and through the crowd and his interview is next as we make our way through more commercials.

When we come back, here is Santana in the ring with a mic. A loud “Santana” chant emerged. We could do this all night, he said. He asked Sacramento what’s good (certainly not the Kings.) He talked to his Latin audience and said they are the first to the party and last to leave. Where he comes, he was told to let his actions do his talking and that is what he has done. That mindset has landed him the world title and carrying TNA with the same heart and fight. Speaking of fight, it appeared we have a new challenger for the title.

He pivoted to Young. He considers Young as a pillar of TNA and someone – like him – that is a two-time Heavyweight Champion. And, despite his insane nature, he is someone who got a lot of respect from his peers. However, he has beaten a lot of his peers. While Young might be someone who built this place but now, Santana holds down the fort as the champion.

This brought out Daria Rae to a round of boos. She congratulated Santana on his recent success. The feigned sincerity but the crowd wasn’t buying it. Rae continued that Young actually isn’t the next contender he is going to face. No, if you remember the bout at Sacrifice, he never officially beat Steve Maclin. Santana said she’s right, he didn’t beat Maclin but he dropped his glutes.

The crowd erupted and Rae told the crowd to shut up because she is talking. She got off the phones with the doctors and Maclin is cleared for action. So, next week, it is Santana vs. Maclin. Santino Marella is still not here so he can’t make judgement, but the board of directors loved the idea.

BUT WAIT, Santino Marella’s music started and Marella came out to a big pop. He asked what was happening in Sacramento. He went over the mysterious “travel issues” and that someone cancelled his ticket and by the time he was able to get one, the show was done. Now, though, he does like the Santana vs. Maclin match next week but has more announcements. The person who helped him, Indi Hartwell, has just re-signed with TNA Wrestling. There are some big things happening in the Knockouts Division. He also went over Lee’s title win and glad those two standing tall.

Rae said it is really inspiring to see him applaud the down fall of his daughter (and sarcastically called him “father of the year.”) Marella said he loves his daughter but it is “Stacks” Lorenzo that is pushing her toward all the evil stuff. He started to go on about Stacks but Rae cut him off, saying Lorenzo would beat him in a match.

Santana became the voice of reason and said he thought he heard bad arguments in his house and that all this is enough. This is terrible, he said (shoot comments that weren’t meant to be???). Santana said it doesn’t matter who it is, Maclin or the guy selling popcorn; his foot is going up their backside and his arm will be spinning the block and it will be a three count and Santana retains. Santana threw down the mic and shook hands with the fans around the ring.

Speaking of body parts, here is the Bioflex Injury report. The injury to Trey Miguel is worse than expected and he has a broken kneecap (owww!!!) Moose is dealing with hip and head injuries stemming from the attack last week and he is out of action. Ethan Carter III is also injured after the last week’s piledriver from Young and is out. And, Navarro and Francis are under observation after the Street Fight earlier.

We get hype for the remainder of the show including a Knockouts tag match feud that started in the “undead realm” after the break.

When we return from break, we see Alexander and Slater stretching for the main event match. When go ringside we get Knockouts tag action.

Diamond Collective (Victoria Crawford and Mila Moore with Tessa Blanchard in tow) vs. Rosemary and Allie (with Mara Sade in tow)

The Collective is out first to a muted response. The crowd is much more alive (no pun intended) for Allie and Rosemary. Moore and Rosemary start the match. Moore put the badmouth on Rosemary, who got choked and bit in the corner for her efforts. Moore stumbled into the wrong corner and Allie took a bite of her forehead for her efforts. Hannifan and Rewholdt did have a moment where they deliberated the actual life status of Allie and the nature of zombies. In the ring, Rosemary grabbed Moore in a side suplex and Allie hit a neckbreaker.

Rosemary tagged and hit a running knee off the ropes and a sliding clothesline in the corner. Allie climbed the ropes with Moore but Blanchard grabbed the leg for an interruption. That gave Moore time to put the boots to Allie and choke her on the ropes. Crawford tagged and threw Allie around the ring by her hair, ending in a two count. Crawford thwarted Allie’s rally with a clothesline and a tag to Moore. Moore beat Allie in the corner as the heels hit a double running knee.

After a quick double tag, Moore was back in the ring but Allie managed to rally ducking a clothesline and hitting another neckbreaker. Both combatants were on the floor and Allie managed to get the hope crawl and hot tag to Rosemary. Rosemary as a mausoleum on fire as she dropped Crawford with a series of clotheslines and a Sling Blade. She hit an exploder suplex out of the corner. Crawford tried to rally but Rosemary hit a reverse DDT until Moore interrupted the pin.

The Collective tried to double team Rosemary in the corner but Rosemary evaded corner charges from both. Rosemary grabbed Crawford (and Allie grabbed Moore) and the twosome hit stereo Upside Downs in opposite corners. Blanchard tried to interfere but Sade intercepted her and dropped her with a superkick. Allie threw Moore into the ring steps and hit a Death Valley Driver on the floor.

In the ring, Rosemary grabbed Crawford but Crawford evaded it by snapping her neck on the ropes. Crawford grabbed her arm but Rosemary reversed the arm bar into As Above, So Below (Wing Clipper) for the victory.

Post Match: The faces celebrated in the ring as we get more hype for the main event which Is next. Are we on the doorstep of history, Hannifan asks, we’ll find out….after the break.

Actually, after the break, we get a segment with Matt Hardy (in “Broken” mode) talking about a steel cage match. The monsters of the Broken-verse have been released from the cage. What the Righteous have done is unlock (grabbing a lock, get it?) something inside Matt and Jeff (referring to him as Brother Nero.) Next week, they will face off in a cage match and render them obsolete. Matt snapped his fingers and we end the segment and head back to ringside.

NOW, we get the main event:
Two out of Three Falls for the X-Division Title: Leon Slater vs. Cedric Alexander

The warning buzzer, chryon and Alisha telling us that you can’t beat the System indicates that Alexander is out first. Alexander jawed with the fans in the corner. Slater is out next as the crowd chants with his theme. Hannifan pointed out that Slater is tied for the longest reign but mentioned something Slater said that no one remembers those who equal history but surpass it.

(side note: funny moment as Mitchell smiled when she announced that the bout was two-out-of-three falls, thus disabling the crowd from yelling “one fall.” It really isn’t conducive to a simple chant.)

The action, unsurprisingly started at the onset as the two traded shots in the corner. Slater hit a flip over cradle attempt that Alexander reversed. Alexander also reversed a Styles Clash; however, Slater reversed a Lumbar Check into a cradle for the early shock first fall.

At the start of the second fall, Alexander bailed to the floor to regroup and jaw with the fans. Back in the ring, Slater kept up the offense with a spinning reverse kick and a handspring back elbow off the ropes. Alexander bailed to the floor and Slater leapt over the top rope and dove on Alexander as a “TNA” chant emerged. Slater threw Alexander into the ring and fist bumped some fans. Slater attempted the 10-punch corner spot but Alexander escaped the 10^th punch.

Slater charged Alexander but was backdropped onto the apron. Alexander hit Slater when Slater charged him on the apron. Alexnader got on the apron and the two brawled. Slater hit a penalty kick on Alexander when Alexander was on the floor. Back in the ring, Slater got the crowd riled and attempted a leap over the ropes to Alexander. Alexander moved but Slater landed on his feet. But, Alexander managed to hit a German Suplex on the floor and stopped Slater’s momentum.

Alexander hit a slam from a suplex position on the apron and jawed with the fans some more – even taking a fan’s sign and throwing it to the floor (hey, that kid worked on that for about 15 minutes or so..) We throw to some commercials, too.

When we return, Alexander continued to beat on Slater and whipped him hard into the turnbuckles as Slater ended in the Tree of Woe. Alexander laid Slater on the top turnbuckle and continued to maul him. Alexander hit the one arm backbreaker for a two count. Alexander focused his attack on the back by kicking Slater. Slater tried to rally as the two traded chops but Alexander dropped Slater for a two count. Alexander also grabbed the chinlock.

Slater rallied by hitting a jaw breaker and a standing dropkick. Slater hit a series of running clotheslines and a running boot in the corner. Alexander dropped to the canvas as Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle. Slater leapt but Alexander evaded it, Slater landed on his feet, evaded another Lumbar Check and hit a spinning leg kick off the ropes. Slater, again, climbed to the top rope and hit a crossbody check from the top for a two count. We also get an announcement that Ultimate X will return at Slammiversary.

In the ring, Slater and Alexander traded quick rollups until Alexander hit a Michinoku Driver for two-and-a-fraction. Alexander tried to pick up Slater but Slater sandbagged him only for Alexander to wallop the back of Slater. Slater recovered and hit a running boot off the ropes. Slater attempted another running boot and a spinning kick but Alexander reversed it and NOW we get the Lumbar Check for the pin and the bout is even at one fall apiece.

We come back from commercials and Alexander put the boots to the fallen Slater. Alexander taunted the fans as Slater tried to rally with a running chop. Slater tried to revive himself but Alexander chopped away at the champion. Alexander continued to beat on the back of Slater until Slater hit a reverse kick off the ropes for a two count.

Slater again climbed to the top rope and attempted the Swanton 450 but Alexander evaded it. Slater rolled through it and the two traded go behinds until Slater hit another crescent kick and a twisting neckbreaker. Slater charged Alexander in the corner but Alexander evaded it and kicked the champion in the back and got him in position for a running powerbomb out of the corner for a two count which got another loud “TNA” chant. It was followed by a “This is awesome” chant. Well, it’s really good, at least.

In the ring, the two traded punches on the mat in the “boo/yeah” spot but Slater got the better of it. The two traded some more shots and then hit dual running boots off the ropes. They both fell to the canvas as we get our final commercial break.

Back in action, both combatants struggled to get to their feet in the corner. Alexander charged Slater but was backdropped onto the apron. Slater hit another boot that dropped Alexander to the floor. Slater charged and leapt over the turnbuckles and landed on Alexander. Slater threw Alexander into the ring as a “holy (excrement)” chant emerged. Slater sat on the turnbuckles and beat on Alexander. Hannifin went over some of the luminaries to the hold the title as Alexander recovered and beat Slater in the corner.

Alexander attempted a hurincanrana off the top turnbuckle but Slater blocked it. Instead, Slater got Alexander into position and NOW he hit an Avalanche Styles Clash for two-and-a-fraction. Slater climbed to the top once again and but Alexander dropkicked the knees during the climb and Slater crumbled to the floor. Alexander went to the floor and lawn darted Slater into the ring steps.

Alexander taunted the fans and then grabbed the X-Division title and then taunted TNA President Carlos Silva. He also grabbed the third headset from the announce table and announced that would be become the next X-Division champion. Slater was bleeding s Alexander threw him into the ring. Slater, though, had enough to get a quick roll up but only for a two count. Alexander slugged Slater and hit a Brainbuster for a two count (more of suplex but the effect was there.)

Alexander chopped away on Slater. Slater tried to rally but Alexander hit another Lumbar Check but Alexander kicked out at the two count. Alexander charged but Slater hit a Blue Thunder Bomb. Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle, favoring his back. Slater attempted the Swanton 450 but hit nothing but mat. Alexander hit a Lumbar Check, said that’s not enough and hit another Lumbar Check; this time, it was for the victory.

Post-Match: “The Youngest in Charge has been relieved of duty,” Rehwoldt said. We get the last moments of the match. Hannifan and Rehwoldt extolled the virtues of Slater but Alexander stood in the ring victoriously as Silva presented him with the title as we go off the air….

OR DO WE? After a pause, the lights darken and we hear “Vini, Vidi, Vici” as…Fabian Aichner emerged from backstage? Okay. He started gesturing at Alexander as Alexander and Aichner traded words from the position as we go off the air.

OR DO WE? No, we do.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: Much like the last two weeks, this really became a one-bout episode but what a bout it was. It was slow to start but as the action was able to breathe it became a better and better match. I still put their first match as better but this bout had something for all. Alexander working the back as ring psychology. Slater selling the back enough even with the high spots. People biting on the near falls. This was a very good match.

Two: It also gives Slater another story to tell as he was the youngest in charge and is now, to quote Rehwoldt, relieved of duty. How does he come back from this? I am not as down on the result as some people might.

Three: The Aichner itnro/reveal was interesting. I would have let the action breathe until say, next week. However, I never had any qualms with his ringwork (perhaps his booking and character development but…) I don’t know how he will do as a face if that is what his character is now. It’s an interesting component and curious how he fits into this

Four: Alexander is still solid as ever in the ring. He was up for the challenge and have never been disappointed in any match he had. I am glad he bet on himself and took this chance and ran with it.

Five: I am glad to see Maclin is back to full speed and await next week’s match. Rae’s announcement was a pleasant surprise and, even though the promo was a bit uneven (the “shut up, I’m talking” just isn’t clicking as it should) but the end result was satisfactory. That flies in the face of…..

Six: The battle royale was a scramble and the result was a let down. With the advent of the Royal Rumble, conventional battle royales seemed passe and outdated, so maybe the breakneck pace should be lauded more than I feel. It did feel too rushed. And, to have the winner be Young was a off note. Young is cromulent and fine but when you are trying to hype new people, this just reeks of being a retread.

Seven: Speaking of new talent (and alluded to in the review) Ricky Sosa is??? An update would be nice.

Eight: Really bad news for Miguel. Given what happened prior to him arriving, this is a real let down. Miguel has a litany of injuries in his past (the hernia from last year being the one that kept him on the shelf for a bit.) In a division starving for new folks, Miguel would have been a great addition – all the best to him in his recovery.

Nine: I do fear we might get a rehash of last year’s angle with Order Four dissention. Ali berating his subordinates and Miller congratulating Hotch on his performance in the opening bout seems like seeds to sow dissention. A regrouping is nice once; let’s see if this leads to a possible pemenenant dissention to the faction. The Great Hands would be a great addition to the tag team division since it is lacking faces (because Saint and Sinner are ????)

10: I was really expecting Ryan Nemeth and not the Personal Concierge to interefere with Miller’s interview with Jardine. Jardine seemed okay on the mic but nothing of note. The PC had to do the heavy lifting again. Mr. Elegance is taking some of Ryan’s comedy goof role and let’s see if the world is ready for that.

11: Brookside did a credible job on the mic as a heel. The yelling was much but the cheap heat at the crowd’s expense was really good. Lee is what she is on the mic and is more action oriented in the ring. Now, let’s see if Brookside can match her there.

12: I guess Francis needed the win to get his heat back and re-establish himself. Navarro gave a great representation of himself and should be nestled in for an X-Division run now that Alexander has the title and I could see a series of good matches between the two. Francis, how that he has conquered his rival, would be well suited for another run.

13: It was a bit choppy at the onset but Carey did a credible job righting the ship and getting into the action at the end of the street fight match.

14: Allie looked good in her match and Rosemary still can get into a decent to good match. I was impressed with that team. The Collective is rapidly becoming a one-person faction and wouldn’t mind seeing Blanchard break away from the group to do…something. Anything, at this point, is better than being saddled with Moore and Crawford.

Lastly: We have a new clubhouse leader for most random entry in a battle royale as Mustafa Saed made his return for about 45 seconds as a New Jack tribute act. To paraphrase the Brain from Pinky and the Brain, TNA does excel at randomness.

Keep fighting the good fight.