TNA Impact Review – May 21, 2026

Greetings one and all and welcome to another round of TNA Impact still in Sacramento. Tonight’s lead in on AMC is Men in Black II, so hopefully, this will be a night we won’t forget without a neuralizer. Speaking of unforgettable, Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are on the mic. Gia Miller is not here for this episode but McKenzie Mitchell makes sure we don’t forget who is in the ring. No matter what galaxy you call home, there’s always time for wrestling action and some Impactful discourse. Shall we? We shall.

(Editors Note: As always, take some time and appreciate the fine folks who provide the reviews and content. Also, special shout out to our fearless leader, Scott Keith. One year ago on May 22, we discussed doing the Impact reviews for this site. Thank you for this opportunity. Hoepfully, you have seen me evolve – not that Evolve, that’s Phrederic’s thing – as I cringe when I read my initial stuff. I appreciate the opportunity to do this. You all mean a bunch to me and make it worth the long nights and super early mornings to do this review..Godspeed. And now, on to our feature presentation.)

Hit the music and opening sequence because they are ready for you. After that, we get shots of the fans and go right to ringside.

Speaking of men (actually people) in black, here are the System adorned in black. Hannifan and Rehwoldt go over last week’s match between Cedric Alexander and Leon Slater. They reiterate the point that Alexander stopped Slater’s chase to make history of being the longest reigning X Division Champion.

To make sure we don’t forget things, Alsiha Edwards asks us if we want to know something twice. Eddie Edwards get the mic and called the System the most dominant force in the history of TNA Wrestling. He shouts out Alexander’s win saying it wasn’t a victory, but a statement. Between Alexander’s win and the tag titles belonging to Bear Bronson and Brian Myers. So, if Mike Santana was smart he would watch his back because he has his eye on the world title.

A large “you suck” chant emerged as Myers took the mic and asked if the crowd thought the tag champs sucked (well, yeah.) He asked if they thought Alexander sucks (again, yeah.) Myers said Eddie was the uncrowned heavyweight champion and future hall-of-famer. He has carried the brand on his back for the past decade.

Bronson got the mic and said anyone who comes across the System are taken out. It doesn’t matter who believes in them, but the System doesn’t care because if you step up to the System, the System will eat you alive.

Alexander got the mic and taunted Slater for being one day away (repeatedly) from accomplishing his dream. Last week, Alexander became the “record taker.” Boo or not, he is the fact of the life that he is the standard of the X Division. Instead of being able to celebrate, someone had to ruin the party – Fabian Aichner. If he has something to say, say it to his face.

Sure enough, “Vini, Vidi, Vici” is heard and here is Aichner. He wishes the System Buenos Sera. Last week, he didn’t come out there for no reason; nope, he came out to make a name for himself. He talked about getting respect, recognition and redemption is why he is here. The bigger the obstacle, the better he comes. He is a future TNA champion. At the ring, the System taunted that. Aichner said the X Division title looks really nice. He hopes Alexander enjoys his time as champion because he is not here to stand in line- but to take my spot.

At that point the System hit the floor but Aichner thwarted Bronson and Myers and dropped Edwards on the apron. Alexander attacked but a Lumbar Check was reversed to a suplex and a choke until the System dragged Alexander from the ring to the floor. Aichner looked victorious as the System sat on the floor and regrouped.

We instantly go backstage to Daria Rae who asked if the person (off screen) remembered when he was fired. Of course, they do (and ruining the surprise, too.) It is, in fact, Steve Maclin. She said everyone brags about loyalty in this company until it becomes inconvenient. Maclin put his hands on Hannifan and everyone turned on him. She said they want to erase Maclin from TNA history but not her.

She saw it differently; they saw a liability when she saw the value. She saw someone who is feared because they know what he is capable. She also knows what he is built for and why men like him our built. Tonight, he has the opportunity to take the title from Santana and rip the heart from the company; ergo the title would be on someone deserved.

Meanwhile, Elayna Black is walking around backstage toward the ring, so is the newly reinstated Indi Hartwell (albeit in another backstage area.) Their match is next…after the break.

We come back and sure enough, it’s our next match:

Elayna Black vs. Indi Hartwell

Black is out first and indicated that she is the future of the division. Hannifan also announced we have guests at the announce table, former Knockouts champion Arianna Grace and “Stacks” Lorenzo (no need for a fourth chair, Grace is sitting on Lorenzo’s lap.) Grace admonished Hannifin’s rudeness by calling her a former champion. Rehwoldt defended the couple by saying this is what love looks like. Hannifan wanted to move further away. Hartwell was next with a decent pop (Grace called Hannifan rude again when he brought up Hartwell’s suspension.)

Black backed Hartwell into the corner and taunted her. Hartwell shoved her down and dropped her again with a running clothesline. She started to point and jaw at Grace. Black avoided another Hartwell charge into the corner but Hartwell blocked the running knee and yanked her to the mat. She followed it with a big boot off the ropes. Grace tried to escape but was met with a forearm and another running boot on the apron for a two count.

Hartwell grabbed Black in the corner and attempted the 10-punch spot but Black escaped and pushed Hartwell off the turnbuckles and to the floor. Grace hit the floor and slammed Hartwell on the apron. She hit a sliding back elbow off the ropes for a two count. Black taunted Hartwell and the crowd and a rope assisted double stomp got a two count.

Hartwell tried to rally but Black reversed a whip to the corner and NOW she hits the running knee. After a pin attempt, Black grabbed a chinlock and cinched it as Hannifan continue to jaw with Grace with Rehwoldt taking her defense.

Hartwell finally broke the hold and dropped Black with a series of punches and an odd spinebuster got a two count. Hartwell climbed to the top rope but Lorenzo distracted Hartwell and the referee as Grace got in the ring and threw her to the ring, instantly drawing a disqualification. She pummeled Hartwell and taunted her on the mic.

After discarding Hartwell to the floor, she said she had more important matter to discuss – the reason why she is no longer Knockouts Women’s world champion. The fault lies with her father, Santino Marella. The crowd booed loudly as she said Marella gave Lei Ying Lee a title shot she didn’t deserve because he was mad at her.

Naturally, that brought out Marella and called what Grace just did to Hartwell classless. He said Lee deserved that title shot. Why? Because Lee beat Grace. Grace should be grounded (a little late for that.) He also called her a “little brat.” He turned his ire to Lorenzo (calling him “stupid face Stacks.) Marella said Lorenzo makes him sick and filled Grace’s head with all the garbage she said.

Lorenzo stepped to Marella but Marella grabbed his “cobra” and was hyping himself to attack until Rae made her way ringside. She asked Marella what he is doing. He is supposed to be Director of Authority but once again, he is picking a fight with talent. She said it was embarrassing. Marella asked if we know what is embarrassing. Rae responded with the “shut up, I’m talking” phrase (which made sense this time.)

Rae said she had enough of his theatrics and his stupid sock puppet that no one is afraid. He is supposed to be a “judo master” but judo is the weakest of all the martial arts and she knows that because she is a real fighter. If he wants to fight Lorenzo, go to board and make it official. Now, hit her music and she left up the rampway.

Marella headed up the rampway and shook hands with the fans. After Marella left (and some PDA) Lorenzo and Grace headed up the rampway. We get the rest of the card and a continuation of a hot feud with partners handcuffed to opposite corners…after the break.

We come back from break and go backstage and see the By Elegance Brand getting ready in front of a mirror as the Personal Concierge and Mr. Elegance are with them. PC hyped the girls and their outfits, accented by the Knockouts Tag Team Championship belts. M asked how Ash is doing and about her implants (get it? Because, last week…) PC said he talked to Dr. Finkelstein earlier and she is going to look amazing. The lights instantly go out and they asked what happened and who didn’t pay the electric bill (reinstatement of rolling blackouts in CA confirmed?) But, in a couple of instants, they come back on and scribbled in red on the mirror is the message “See you soon” signed by Allie, Rosemary and Mara Sade. We see the lights go out again but we go back to ringside.

Vincent (with Dutch in tow but handcuffed to the corner) vs. Matt Hardy (with Jeff Hardy in tow and handcuffed to the corner)

We get the video announcement that “The Righteous are coming” and the slide guitar and snapping confirmed it. The crowd is sporadic boos. The Hardys music hits and the crowd went wild for it. BUT WAIT, Vincent said for us to hold on and bring it down for a bit (the crowd was not happy, suffice to say.) Vincent said he wants the “broken” Matt Hardy and that was not he music he wanted to hear. He got it before and he can go back and get it again – if you dig what he is saying?
The lights go out and we hear the piano music and the “yeeeesssss” over the PA and yes, “Broken” Matt Hardy emerged. The crowd chanted “delete” along with Matt. The referee sent Dutch and Jeff to their respective corners and handcuffed them.

Vincent and Matt measured each other before locking up. Matt backed Vincent into the corner and then pummeled him out of it, including biting him. Vincent went to the apron but Matt knocked hi to the floor. Vincent tried to escape but Jeff caught him. Back in the ring, Matt hit a back elbow in the corner of a charging Vincent. However, Matt stood in the wrong corner and Dutch tripped him from his position. This gave Vincent a chance to pummel Matt in the corner. Matt tried to rally as we went to break.

When we return, Matt did rally and the two stated to trade shots until simultaneous clotheslined dropped them to the mat. The two sat up simultaneously but Hardy continued to beat on Vincent with the 10-count descending turnbuckle slam in two corners. He also yanked Vincent out of the corner with a powerbomb for a two count. Hardy charged Vincent in the corner.
However, Vincent was thrown to the corner and leapt, thinking Matt was charging. Vincent landed hard and started to hobble and fell to the mat.

One could guess what was coming next. The referee and staff started to check on Vincent as he undid his boot. Matt was not buying it and attempted to grab Vincent. The referee restrained him. He got the boot off and the ringside medical folks check on Vincent. Sure enough, it’s a ruse and Vincent attempted to attack Matt with his boot. Matt thwarted him and got him into the corner, eventually biting his foot (ewww…..)

Vincent tried to rally but a Side Effect got a two count. Matt kicked Vincent and attempted a Twist of Fate but Vincent evaded it and backed Matt into the corner. He beat on Matt and tried for a roll up (with Vincent assisting him) but only got a two count. Vincent thought of climbing to the top turnbuckle but instead got a running forearm smash for a two count. NOW, Vincent climbed to the top but Matt met him there. He simultaneously bit Vincent’s hand and threw him from the top turnbuckle.

Matt tried for the Twist of Fate but Vincent pushed Matt into the referee for a ref bump. Vincent hit a side suplex slam on Matt. Dutch motioned to the referee and Vincent went to him to grab the key for the handcuffs. He grabbed the key and held it aloft until the lights went out..again. When they returned, Willow (Jeff’s masked persona) stood behind Vincent. Vincent turned around and Willow walloped him. He headed to the floor and escaped as the lights went out again. When they illuminated, Matt stood on the ring, hit the Twist of Fate, and got the victory.

Post-Match: The crowd chanted “delete” as Matt shook hands with the crowd and headed up the rampway.

We get a quick rundown of the rest of the card and go backstage to Elijah playing a tune as A J Francis sneaks up behind him. He complimented Elijah’s guitar playing and talked briefly about the main event (Maclin vs. Santana) and hoped the two of them kill each other. But, he said he heard him play and think they could be right for a collaboration. Elijah agreed but he is not much of a tag team wrestler.

Francis wasn’t offering about a tag in the ring because he has done that and his partners always held him back, but rather musically collaborate. IT would mean money, money, money – especially with the country music and rap collabs that are so popular nowadays. Elijah heard that and agreed but it is just him and his guitar – always have been, always will be. He is a drifter and this drifter walks alone and walked off screen. Francis took off his glasses and said Elijah would regret that and walked off screen.

Speaking of regret, here is the BioFlex Injury Report – presented by Over Your Dead Body able to rent or buy. After their street fight last week, Francis and K C Navarro are out (aside from backstage segments, apparently.) Moose also remains out from his attack from the System a couple of weeks ago resulting in neck and hip injuries. Indi Hartwell is in evaluation after the attack by Grace earlier. Santana and Maclin are cleared for action, which is good because they are the main event tonight.

After some ads, we head backstage to Marella, who said he has a big announcement. Next week, they are bringing back the Champion’s Challenge and it will be bigger and better than ever. It will be a team of all the TNA champions vs. a TNA all-stars lineup. They will find out who will be the team captain during the main event in the match between Santana and “that sunamahgun” Maclin.

This brought Rae into the shot who sarcastically clapped and complimented him on how he talks about the talent. She said while he makes matches so everyone would like him, she made a match of her own that the board approved – a one-on-one match between Marella and Lorenzo.

Marella excitedly walked off screen but was replaced on screen with the System. Eddie Edwards asked for a match between him and Aichner. Rae said it sounded like a great idea and made. The System excitedly walked off screen as Rae looked pleased with herself.

TNA International Championship Open Challenge: Mustafa Ali (with Order Four in tow) vs. Chazz “Starboy” Hall

I guess this qualifies as part of the partnership with WWE, eh? Hall comes out first in his air guitar strut and we get an inset promo from “the Denim Dragon.” We might have seen him on Evolve or NXT, but tonight he is going to leave Ali starstruck as he leaves with the International Championship. Ali is out with the full regimen of extra servicemen in town. Ali walked around the ring with the championship held aloft and Agent Zero holding the ropes for him. The group STRUCK THEIR POSE.

Ali smugly walked around the ring and grabbed a side headlock. The two hit a quick criss cross and traded quick pin attempts and matrix escapes. At one point, Hall did his and then sat on Ali’s back, drawing the champion’s ire and Hall hit his strut. Ali attacked Hall mid pose and mocked his strut. Hall got another bit of offense after attempting a handspring backflip which Ali ducked but hit a spinning kick to drop Ali.

Ali blocked a monkey flip attempt out of the corner, but Hall chopped Ali and then leapt on the ropes to hit an armdrag that sent Ali to the floor. Hall followed it with a Flying Space Tiger Drop. The dalmatian offense soon halted as they got in the ring. Hall stopped an Ali charge with a kick and got on the turnbuckles. John Skyler got on the apron to distract him which gave Ali time to grab Ali and hit an armdrag Cutter for a two count.

A “Let’s Go, Starboy” chant emerged as Ali sat Hall on the turnbuckles and climbed the turnbuckles himself to set up for a Razor’s Edge off the turnbuckles. However, Hall flipped out of it and hit a hurincanrana to the mat. Ali missed a charge into the corner and Hall made him pay with a springboard tilt-a-whirl headscissors from the second rope. Ali shoved Hall into the turnbuckles but Hall bucked Ali and hit a twisting DDT and then hit the Cosmic Swirl (standing Phoenix Splash) for two-and-a-fraction.

Hall go the crowd riled but Ali blocked a Sliced Bread attempt was blocked. Hall responded with a superkick. However, Hall hit the ropes with another handspring leap but Ali managed to get him on his shoulders. He got Hall in a cradle attempt and then flipped over for the bridge to get the three count.

Post-Match: Ali celebrated in the ring as he and the rest of Order Four accepted the title from TNA President Carlos Silva as we accept an ad for Over Your Dead Body featuring Keith Jardine.

And, we quickly returned to Jardine getting a photo with a fan. Marella walked into the frame and greeted Jardine from one fighter to another. He quickly walked off screen and Sade walked into frame. The fellow Albuquerque natives bonded and Jade said he saw the confrontation last week between him and Mr. Elegance (the “dancing guy” according to Jardine.) Sade said she just found out she will be in the Champs vs. All-Stars match. She has a match against the Elegance Brand. She hypothesizes that Mr. Elegance will be there and not minding his business. Ergo, would Jardine do the honors of being in her corner? Jardine agreed and they shake hands and walk off screen.

We get the rest of the card including Knockouts single action..after the break.

We come back to Maclin sitting backstage focused as Eric Young walked into frame Here we are again as their paths cross. Isn’t it ironic how the universe keeps doing this to him. He offered a chance, but instead, he went his own way and got fired. He then became everything Young wanted him to be and found his way back. The good guy – Santana – sent him to the hospital. Now, he gets another title shot and the winner of that faces Young at his most machoistic. This is Maclin’s chance to prove Young because so far Young has been right about everything. He told him the truth – Young is his only friend. Win or lose, he gets to choose, his fate is in his hands. Maybe Maclin wins and faces Young or maybe Santana wins and Maclin disappears again – or Young makes him disappear. Choices have consequences – this is the biggest choice of Maclin’s life (well….)

Jada Stone vs. Xia Brookside

Stone is out first with her usual flair and athleticism. Brookside is next and taunts the fans and closed her ears as she walked to ringside. She posed for the fans and looked derisively at Stone. Brookside pointed at Stone and started to taunt her as Stone returned the favor. Brookside backed her into the corner and taunted the fans if that is what they are cheering.

Stone, got a headlock takeover and a flipping cradle attempt for two as Brookside hit the floor. She stared at Stone from the floor and continued to taunt the fans. Brookside got a single leg takedown as Stone scrambled to the ropes. Brookside grabbed a headlock but stone reversed it into an armlock. Brookside tried to reverse it but Stone flipped out of it to the disdain of Brookside. Brookside charged but Stone matrix dodged it and hit a headscissors from it. She hit two running elbows into the corner and a seated single leg dropkick.

Stone climbed to the top for a moonsault but Brookside grabbed her leg and yanked her to the mat. Brookside worked the leg on the mat and around the ropes. Brookside hit a running dropkick to the leg draped on the ropes for a two count. Brookside continued to work the leg and got a two count. Brookside started to pound away on Stone on the mat. Brookside used the ropes again in the corner to damage the leg as a “let’s go, Jada” chant emerged.

Stone started to rally by landing a punch to a charging Brookside in the corner. Stone sold the leg and tried to rally with a series of punches and running clothesline. Stone kicked a charging Brookside in the corner and hit the split-legged moonsault for a two count. Stone grabbed Brookside and tried to get her on her shoulders but her leg gave out on her. Stone tried to rally with a Codebreaker but the Spark Stunner was blocked with a kick to the knee. Stone crumbled to the mat and broke immediately took advantage of it by hitting the Dark Side (a DDT) for the win.

Post-Match: Brookside posed in the ring and walked up the rampway still looking derisively at the fans.

We see Santana getting ready backstage until Maclin charged him. Security quickly kept the two separated as Maclin yelled at Santana as we go to break.

We come back to Grace and Lorenzo and said she is happy that next week her dad will be exposed by a real man (ewwww….) Lorenzo ran down the history of the two and how many times Marella called him a bad influence. Lorenzo isn’t the bad influence, Marella is. Grace said her dad isn’t a fighter – he is a comedy act. Lorenzo said he won’t be cracking jokes when Lorenzo cracks him into the mouth. Lorenzo said Grace doesn’t need Marella in her life any more, she has him as they both walk off screen.

Hannifin and Rehwoldt hype the main event which is happening…now.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Mike Santana vs. Steve Maclin

Maclin is out first as Hannifan talked about how Rae and Young have spun up Maclin throughout the night and now he is a chained, rabid dog. Maclin also is wearing long tights and is a marked improvement. Santana walks up a staircase and though a concourse through a throng of fans and made his way through the crowd to a loud ovation. The two went eye-to-eye as the Mitchell introduced the two. A loud “Santana” chant emerged as we go to break.

Right from the onset we get to the fighting. The two traded punches and Maclin narrowly avoided a superkick off the ropes and countered it with a back elbow as Santana came off the ropes. The two traded shots again in the corner and along the ropes. After another criss cross Maclin avoided a dropkick but fell prey to a second one as he charged the champion.

Santana attacked Maclin in the corner and sent him to the mat with a face first slam and a senton as Maclin scurried away to the floor. Maclin luckily saw Santana set up for a dive over the ropes and walked away. However, Santana climbed to the top and hit a Thesz Press on Maclin to the floor. Santana acknowledged the fans but Maclin recovered and ran Santana into the ring post twice. He then went under the ring and set up (sigh) a table. This gave Santana time to recover and slam Maclin’s head into the table.

Santana attempted to leap on Maclin using the steps for a boost but Maclin evaded it and as Santana landed, he favored his left leg. This gave Maclin the advantage and chop blocked Santana on that leg. Santana tried to rally and slammed Maclin into the apron but Santana sold his leg. Santana threw Maclin into the ring but Maclin snapped Santana’s neck on the ropes when the champ tried to enter the ring. Maclin also hit a dropkick off the ropes to the leg that was draped on the ropes. Santana fell to the floor as we fell into our last commercial break.

We comeback with Santana..reversing a figure-four leglock as Maclin crawled to the ropes to break the hold. Maclin got to the ropes but was met with a back elbow when he charged Santana in the corner. Santana continued the offense with the “Three Amigos” suplex spot. However, Maclin evaded the third one. Undaunted, Santana ducked a clothesline and hit a Death Valley Driver off the ropes.

The two sold the effects of the match as they both got to their feet at the same time. The two traded shots again and Maclin fell prey once more to a back elbow as he charged Santana in the corner. Santana blocked a Maclin kick and hit an enziguri. Santana signaled for the Spin the Block but Maclin reversed it and ran Santana into the ropes. Naturally, Santana bucked him off but the Rolling Block 50 was stopped with a forearm to the back of the head. Maclin set Santana into the Tree of Woe and attempted the Crosshairs charge. However, Santana elevated himself evaded it. NOW, Santana hit the Rolling Block 50 for a two count.

Santana, still favoring the leg attempted a Powerbomb but could not lift Maclin. Instead, he clubbed Maclin in the back. Maclin ducked another enziguri but a charge off the ropes was NOW met with a pop-up Powerbomb and a Blue Thunder Bomb for another two count. Santana once again signaled for the Spin the Block but Maclin reversed it into another back elbow and then an Angle Slam and then hit a running Tombstone Piledriver (!!!) for two-and-a-fraction.

The crowd changed “This is Awesome” as Maclin clubbed Santana in the corner. NOW, Maclin got Santana in the Tree of Woe and we get The Crosshairs for another two-and-a-fraction. Maclin looked frustrated but got to his feet and pointed at the table. Maclin climbed to the top turnbuckle and attempted to superplex Santana onto the table. Santana blocked it and got on the apron. With Maclin still on the ring post, Santana hit a running knee and Maclin crashed into the table.

Santana threw Maclin into the ring and hit the Frog Splash for two-and-a-fraction. Santana looked shocked and exasperated but got to his feet and signaled for the Spin the Block one more time. Maclin saw it and collapsed to the mat. Santana pointed at Maclin and started to help him to his feet. Hannifan and Rehwoldt feared another repeat of Sacrifice. YOU FOOL; it was a ruse and Maclin superkicked Santana for a two count. Maclin got riled and attempted the KIA but Santana evaded it. After a crisscross on the ropes, Santana hit a flying clothesline. NOW, Santana signaled for Spin the Block and it connected for the victory.

Post-Match: Silva quickly got in the ring and gave Santana the belt. Maclin rolled out of the ring but Santana victoriously stood in the ring. Santana acknowledged the fans and held the title aloft as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: Once again, this episode felt like a one-match show and, once again, that match delivered. Santana and Maclin did an excellent job in the match (per usual) but we need more up and down the card so that we don’t tune out and wait for the last 20-30 minutes to see the good stuff. There was nothing bad with the rest of the show, but nothing really good. It was there just to keep our attention as a placeholder whilst the good stuff came to the end.

Two: Again, Santana and Maclin were great in this match. The only thing I would offer is this. It’s nothing on the combatants but on the pacing and who set up the matches. We had two consecutive matches where a factor was a wrestler favoring the leg. Both Santana and Stone (kudos for Stone) sold the leg well but with the same point being hammered in the main event, it took a bit of the focus away on both matches and a feeling of “didn’t we just see this?”

Three: I was wondering if/when we would get another cameo from NXT/WWE. As I thought about it, it makes sense it was on the backburner as the wrestlers who came to TNA (and with it, their biggest crowds) are now on the main roster (most notably Trick Wiliams and Jacey Jane.) Those two had huge personalities and could carry both shows on their charisma and workrate. Kelani Jordan? Not so much. So, while we wait for the next big stars to crossover, we get “Starboy.”

Four: Speaking of which, whilst I am not a super fan of the Dalmatian offense (all spots,) TNA could be a good landing spot for Hall as Trey Miguel deals with injury after injury and tries to regain traction. Hall could be a good stand-in for Miguel. I wish he would sell more than he does.

Five: Aichner’s debut face promo was…not bad. It was paint-by-numbers but the right colors were chosen. I do like Edwards kept himself in the World Title hunt as he is the only System component without a title. Aichner and Alexander would be an intriguing matchup.

Six: You can use more indoor voice in your promos, Cedric.

Seven: I am not really looking forward to the Lorenzo vs. Marella match and shenanigans are ahoy.

Eight: I still am a fan of the Righteous but they are coming super cold into this feud. Another match, another loss. I am rapidly losing interest in this angle, only for the lopsided nature of it. I know the denouement will be the cinematic match; but at least, give us something to think the Righteous might have a chance.

Nine: I guess I should have seen the By Elegance Brand vs. Rosemary’s babies feud coming but was surprised by the message. It makes sense and it does give Sade some semblance of a title opportunity. It gives the team a reason to worry and Rosemary as a foil for the Personal Concierge could add some humor and mitigation to the situation.

10: On the other hand, The Jardine vs. Mr. Elegance does not intrigue or interest me as much.

11: We have to protect Black, so the match result seemed natural. Black is getting better and better in the ring but needs something more to keep us riveted. Hartwell is the usual cromulent goodness.

12: I did like Young and Rae getting into Maclin’s head and feeding him all the negative thought processes. Also, this was a decent showing by Rae and, as talked about last week, her catchphrase delivery this week made sense because it was a specific target that got an effect out of that person.

13: Brookside quickly read the heel nonverbals book and hit every note in her match. The DDT seems like a generic finisher but the match overall was good as Brookside (and Stone) told a good story. Brookside does need slightly more ominous music – or even no music to take a page from Tomasso Ciampa’s original heel run in NXT.

13: Back to Maclin for a moment, whilst it was good to see him in the ring and making a good accounting of himself, one wonders where this angle goes? Does he get a face turn redemption after letting down Rae? Does he join Young? There are good opportunities for story telling and hopefully TNA does a good job executing one of them.

14: Maybe, I am an old man yelling at clouds, but here is the main thing I hate about wrestling sending stuff to social media. Conspicuous by his absence was Slater. However, if one gets a shot, watch Slater’s promos post match against Alexander. They are fantastic and would have been perfect for this episode. It really shows how far he has come on the mic. Give a listen to them and really feel the pathos of Slater. It ropes you into the character if one has not already.

Lastly: Don’t bite people’s feet, Matt. You don’t know where they’ve been.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight