TNA Impact Review – July 2, 2026

Greetings, all, and welcome to another version of TNA Impact on AMC. We lost some pretty big names and people who helped TNA achieve great success in the last couple of years. We need to take a broad view at what is left and how we can salvage the mass departures. And what better way to do that than at the Broadview Center in Albany, New York. Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are at the announce table. Gia Miller is moving us along with backstage segments and McKenzie Mitchell tells us who is who in the ring. Let’s see if we can get the fireworks started a few days earlier. We have an unknown future ahead, so let’s sit down and navigate it together with some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

(Side Note: We have excellent writers who do amazing work and put in long hours for people’s reading pleasure. They deserve a read and reaction. They are knowledgeable and fun to read. Give them the recognition they reserve. Thank you. And now, our feature presentation.)

Previously on Impact, it is a gala of shots from TNA Slammiversary. We get Cedric Alexander using chicanery to retain the X-Division title. DemonxBunny winning the Knockouts Tag Title, the intro of Uhaa Nation during the International Title three-way won by Mustafa Ali. Moose conquering Eddie Edwards, Xia Brookside winning the Knockouts World Title, The Hardys regaining the Tag Team titles and (sigh…) Nic Nemeth winning the TNA World Title.

One person who has stayed is the and he’s ready for you, or me or us…one gets the gist.

Change is in the air, Hannifan tells us and we are set to start heading to Bound For Glory. We start with Ryan Nemeth who is beaming as he headed to ringside. He wanted everyone to stand u[ and show respect to the greatest wrestler of the last 35 thou…no, 65,000 years, the new TNA World Heavyweight title holder and his Big Barrrotahhhh, Nic Nemeth.

Hannifan went over the denouement of the title match, which featured interference from Ryan. Nic said he feels as good as he looks (also, for the record, it’s quite silent in the arena.) Everyone is talking about Slammiversary (well…..) They are talking how the roster knocked it out of the park (well….) and in the main event, the greatest pro wrestler of all time did it better than anyone else.

People like to spill gossip about him and talk about things in secluded corners but he was wondering if he could talk about his body count. He asked Ryan to unfurl a scroll (from days of yore) with a list of said names. It’s a list of wrestlers he put down permanently – Randy Orton, Ultimo Dragon, Kane, Cody Rhodes, Jeff Hardy (also pointing out that Ryan also beat Jeff,) Samoa Joe, The Miz, Matt Cardona, John Morrison (and all his iterations) and John Cena, amongst others. He also talked about people he beat in his college wrestling days.

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, here is K C Navarro to have his say. He said it is a blessing to be in Albany. He has to be honest; he is a little upset. Nemeth is someone he respects and looks up to but not how he is doing his thing. Ryan took umbrage to this interruption and called him a pink-haired goofball. Navarro said he is talking to Nic, so Ryan should shut up as the big brothers are talking. Naturally, Ryan doesn’t take to this too kindly and reiterated he and Nic are brothers about nine times.

No one was trying to be his brother, so why doesn’t Ryan take a seat as he talks to Nic, Navarro said. Ryan continued his outrage and said Navarro is jealous because he wants what Ryan has. Navarro countered with the only thing Ryan needs is a glutes whipping and shut up. The two continued to argue until Nic – showing frustration and exasperation non verbally during this moment – verbalized it and said they should shut up. He called them stooges looking like idiots when they should be on the same page. Nic has an idea; he talked about the two of them and how they act. They should put it behind them once and for all and to do that, they should fight tonight and after that, they can move on and be champions. He will consult with Rae about this; meanwhile, let’s talk about the most important thing in the world right now, him.

He said is still the best pro wrestler walking the Earth today. Everyone knows this and dares anyone to challenge him and they will end up on that scroll. He is the greatest and everyone will bow down to the Wanted man, your TNA World Champion. Now, let’s get out of here.

Hannifan talked about what just happened but then thew it to Miller with her guest – and someone with a match tonight – Leon Slater. Slater seemed disappointed but put on a good face. Miller asked her usual question – what is going through his mind right now? Slater said he would be lying if he said he wasn’t devastated about what happened at Slammiversary. He was this close to getting his X-Division title at Ultimate X but Alexander stole it from him.

People ask him if he is done with Alexander and the answer is absolutely not – not even close. As long as he carries that title, Slater will be coming after it. Tonight, though, he needs to get back on the track and beat the people who have been where he needs to go – people like Eddie Edwards. He saw what the Edwards’ tried to do to Moose’s family at Slammiversary and for that, he is a disgusting pig of a person and deserves the beating he will give him. Slater said he is the best of the X-Division, title or not, he feels is the face of TNA Wrestling (well, yeah….) but he has to beat people like Eddie Edwards right here in Albany, New York. Ya get him?

We get the run down of the rest of the card, including the just mentioned match, we will here from Xia Brookside we get the match between Allie and Heather..by Elegance. But next, we get the other first round match for the Knockouts TV title…after the break.

We also get a rehash of the TNAPlus ad for Ultimate X collection with the same highlights from matches previously advertised in the last month. We come back to another highlight from Slammiversary where Traci Brooks announced the tournament to crown the inaugural Knockouts TV title champion. We get the brackets (first announced on X/Twitter) and head to the ring for the first match.

Tasha Steelz vs. Mara Sade

Steelz headed to the ring first with Order Four’s old music (still puzzled why) but not with out Order Four. We get an insert promo from Steelz that soon history will be made. TNA will crown the first TV title. Steelz is no stranger to history and has been that way since day one. She is the best at being the best and in this tournament, Sade will be the first of many opponents that would have to answer to “Muva” (slang for “mother” and Steelz repeatedly wears that on her gear.)

Sade is next as Hannifan talked about her performance during Slammiversary pre-game. He said she has been on the cusp of breaking through. She understands the gravity of the situation as we get an insert promo from her. IT’s been a while since she faced her but she has learned a few tricks. She isn’t going to lie; Steelz brings out another side of her and Sade said she needs that. It doesn’t matter what obstacles are in the way, she won’t quit because she can’t quit. In this tournament, it’s another chance to check her goals. She sees the vision and the fans see the vision.

Sade started with a backslide for two from a blocked punch. The two traded quick rollups for two counts as Steelz headed to the floor to regroup. Sade slid under the ring to hit a baseball slide and repeatedly slammed Steelz’ head into the apron. Sade tried to throw Steelz into the ring steps but Steelz leapt and avoided the steps. Whilst she was gloating, Sade ran to the steps, leapt on them and hit a dropkick.

Sade threw Steelz into the ring buy Steelz headed to the opposite side of the ring. Sade got on the apron but Steelz blocked a kick and slammed Sade into the apron. Back in the ring, Steelz threw Sade into the corner and hit a running back elbow, she hit a rolling snapmare and hit a running penalty kick for a two count. Steelz locked a chinlock but Sade got to her feet but Steelz eyeraked Sade to regain the advantage.

Steelz hit a series of clotheslines and followed it with a Falcon’s Arrow for a two count. Steelz gloated and then headed to the top turnbuckle. She took her time so you know what that meant. Sade had to recover and the flying bodysplash hit nothing but mat. Sade lifted herself on the turnbuckles and avoided a charging Steelz, who went shoulder first into the ring post. Sade leapt over the top rope to land on Steelz to the delight of the fans.

Sade once again threw Steelz into the ring and the two traded shots. Sade got the better of it and beat Sade to the mat. Sade hit the sling blade and got ready for the hip attack and a flying forearm in the corner. He put the boots to Steelz in the corner and tried for a powerbomb. Steelz reversed it but an assisted enziguri missed. Sade grabbed Steelz and NOW we get the sit-out powerbomb for two-and-a-fraction.

The two writhed on the mat but Steelz hit a jawbreaker and then a neckbreaker for two-and-a-fraction. Steelz tried for an armlock submission on the mat but Sade rolled into it and got a quick two count. Steelz hit a pump kick for two. Steelz tried for her Okurr Cutter (springboard cutter) but Sade met her with a superkick. Sade climbed to the top to hit a moonsault. However, Steelz recovered and knocked Sade into the Tree of Woe. Steelz tried to charge Sade but Sade elevated herself and Steelz did the Ali face first slide into the turnbuckle sell. Sade got into position and NOW we get the Moonsault for the win.

Post-Match: Sade sold the effects of the match as we get a replay of the Moonsault. However, as Sade walked backwards up the rampway. She ran into Ali and Agent Zero who appeared from back. Ali grabbed his phone and made a call as Sade gave them a wide berth.

We go backstage to see Rich Swann and BDE talking. Swann said they might be friends but there is an opportunity for a X-Division title shot down the road so if they end up in the ring, don’t take it easy. BDE agreed saying he is still trying to get his first win in TNA and prove he belongs here. The two shake hands as BDE called Swann coach, which Swann playfully chided him. What does this mean? Well, we have a six-man number one contenders scramble match…..next.

Six-man number one contenders scramble match: Mr. Elegance vs. BDE vs. Hometown Man vs. Jason Hotch (also without Order Four in tow) vs. Rich Swann vs. Fabian Aichner

Mr. Elegance is out first as Hannifan said we hope to get a medical update on the Personal Concierge. Hannifan talked about Mr. E’s use of baby oil but put over his performance in the Ultimate X match at Slammiversary. Hannifan mentioned that the glasses BDE wore to the ring looked like Frozone from the Incredibles. The Hometown Man is next, adorned in New York Knicks gear. He handed a mask to a young fan. Hotch is next and Hannifan put over he and his partner – John Skyler – and their performance in the four team ladder match for the TNA tag titles. Swann is next and Rehwoldt put over Swann’s performance in the triple threat match for the International Title. Fabian Aichner is out last as we go to break…

And we get more hype for TNA Lockdown on August 23 from Chicago (CM Punk chants sold separately.)

We come back to the bell ring and see all combatants square off with each other aside from BDE and Swann, who measure each other. It helps when they are the only two in the ring as everyone started to brawl on the floor. The two locked up and traded reverse rollups off the ropes. The two traded criss-crosses off the ropes with Swann leapfrogging over Swann and BDE dropping with a leg takedown before simultaneously kipping to their feet and sportsmanship is observed.

Mr. Elegance climbed into the ring and fell to a series of kicks from the two but as Swann hit the ropes, Mr. E elevated him and Swann bodypressed BDE. MR. E posed in the ring as Aichner entered the fracas and chopped away on MR. E and hit a clothesline from a blocked kick. HTM tried to get the better of Aichner but “Il Gladiatore” hit a springboard reverse body press. He then climbed the turnbuckles and grabbed Swann to hit a butterfly suplex from the top rope.

BDE entered the ring and tried for his springboard reverse bodypress but Aichner caught him. That gave time for Hotch to climb to the top and hit a bodypress of his own to drop both men. Hotch hit a back elbow off a charge and then hit an enziguri from the apron after avoiding an Aichner charge.

Now it was HTM’s turn to hit his spots as he caught Hotch when Hotch tried the rolling neckbreaker through the ropes. HTM hit an Airplane Spin (knocking down Aichner, Mr. E and Swann in the revolutions.) HTM turned it into a TKO cutter. HTM got the fans riled and the crowd responded. HTM leapt over the ropes and dove on Aichner and Hotch. Mr. E recovered grabbed HTM and slammed him into the apron. Mr. E posed on the apron but BDE got back into the ring and hit a springboard dropkick off the turnbuckles. Mr. E dropped to the mat and BDE hit the ropes for a dive between the ropes that dropped Aichner but Mr. E caught him and flung him into the ringpost.

Swann recovered and attacked Mr. E. Swann climbed to the turnbuckles and hit a hit a Phoenix Splash onto the competitors on the floor. Swann climbed to the turnbuckles again but Mr. Elegance got in the ring and eyeraked Swann. Swann would not let go and the two battled. This gave Hotch a chance to get in the ring and try to slam the two. Hotch succeeded but Swann ended up hitting a Moonsault on Aichner on the way to the mat.

Hotch tried to take advantage and got a two count on Swann and Mr. Elegance. However, HTM snuck behind Hotch and got a two count on a roll up. HTM got Hotch into position and tried for the Hometown Slice but Hotch evaded it and turned it into a twisting enziguri on a blocked clothesline. Swann recovered and tried for a handspring cutter for a two count until Mr. E interrupted the pin.

Swann hit a superkick and the two fought for position. Mr. E got the upper hand and hit the Excusez-Moi but BDE hit a frog splash onto Mr. E. However, Aichner grabbed BDE and hit an elevated powerbomb for the win and the number-one contender’s shot.

Post Match: Aichner posed in the ring, made the title gesture and pointed at the camera.

Speaking of points, the Zone.Ify TNA Injury Report has some to make regarding injuries. All eight men in the ladder match at Slammiversary have been given a mandatory week recovery period (except Hotch? That’s hardly fair.) Send your thoughts and get well cards to the Personal Concierge who is suffering from Ocular Chemical Exposure after being misted by Rosemary at Slammiversary (Hannifan could barely contain his laugh.) And, Trey Miguel is still on schedule during his recovery from an knee injury and should be ready in a few weeks. Also, Eddie Edwards is cleared for action (which is good because he is in the main event.) We get a little bit of Rehwoldt who said after his match against Santana on Sunday, Nic Nemeth is still in peak physical condition. Good.

We head backstage and see Ricky Sosa headed through the area and comes across Expressions and A J Francis. Expressions tried to do the “Bang, Bang/Sosa, Sosa” chant but was too injured to do it effectively. Francis said they are big fans of Sosa and wondered if Sosa ever considered flying – First Class. Sosa started to say something but Expressions cut him off by saying he could from Ricky Sosa “bang, bang” to Ricky from Boyz N the Hood (and Francis administered a more ominous “bang, bang.”) Sosa looked at them and said “bang” to Expressions and “bang” to Francis as he headed off shot and we head to commercials.

Among the commercials is another ad for TNAPlus’ “Ultimate X” collection, this time featuring the knockouts (it’s the same they have shown for the last month.)

We come back to Ali who is still on the phone with Zero behind him. Skyler enters the shot from one side whilst Hotch and Steelz enter from the other. Skyler attempted to say something but Ali said he didn’t want to hear it. He isn’t mad they lost but he is mad they are getting comfortable with losing. Skyler said he’s right and he and Hotch will head to Daria Rae’s office to get a title shot. Ali said “no,” he will go to her office and he will get the tag team title shot. He needs them to do just one thing – win. He and Zero head out of the shot whilst The Great Hands and Steelz looked around dejectedly and frustrated.

We head back to ringside and yup, “Ooooooh Oooooh” can mean that Sosa is headed to the ring. The crowd really responded to him and did the chant. We get highlights from the Slammiversary pre-game show as he beat Eric Young (pour one.) He said that got the attention of Francis (I think we got us a new feud.) Hannifan and Rehwoldt went over the match and Hannifan once again mentioned change is in the air.

Sosa greets the fans of Albany. He said it feels great to stand here. At Slammiversary, he went through a rough match but in the end he stood victorious and beat Eric Young. IT was his first TNA Pay Per View, but he stood tall. He proved that he belongs here in TNA and this is just the beginning. He heard people talk and felt the pressure but the only thing that remained was “Bang, bang, Sosa, Sosa.”
BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, we hear….the slide guitar and snapping? Indeed, the Righteous head to the ring and Dutch asked if Sosa heard the chatter because they hear it, too; that Sosa is a once in a lifetime signing and the future lies in his hands. But, potential is lonely – it whispers and waits. Most people don’t know what they were meant to become. That’s where Vincent Dutch enter. They reveal greatness.

Vincent grabbed the mic and said to take a look at the Hardys. They were already legends and the world the story had been written. And then, The Righteous found them. They were there not to destroy them but to show them a new chapter had been open to them. On his own, there are limits; with the Righteous, there are none. Dig what he is saying? (a “bang, bang/Sosa, Sosa” chant emerged.

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, we hear the System’s music and they emerge as Alisha Edwards asked he wanted to know something? If Sosa thinks drinking the Kool Aid and listening to the Righteous will get him anywhere, Alisha wanted to break it to him. The only way you will make a name for yourself in this business is if you ride with the System. The System got in the ring and Eddie said that Alisha is right. The proof is right here – Bear Bronson joined the System and immediately became tag champ. Alexander joined the System and he is X-Division champion. He has to ask himself what does want for the future – to become world champion one day or join a cult.

Vinent said all he hears from the System is empty promises. The System views him as a threat, he said. The System is weak even though they say ride or die but it’s meaningless, especially when their action is just throwing in the towel. That got the System riled. The two groups started to jaw at each other but Sosa got the mic. He wanted everyone to calm down. He said the answer to the Righteous was no (that brought laughs from the System – one should figure what is next.) Sosa didn’t know why they were laughing because his answer to them was
“hell no.” The System started to yell at him. The only people he wants to align is the TNA fans.

Bronson heard enough and slugged Sosa. Dutch accosted him and the two went nose-to-nose. Sosa landed a big boot on Bronson and dropped him. The rest of the System attacked him. The Righteous headed out of the ring as the System continued their beatdown until…..

Slater’s music played and Slater emerged from the back. He hit a running boot on Myers and avoided an Eddie Edwards charge. He leapt into the ring and stated to attack Alexander until Bronson dropped him with a clothesline. The System then took turns beating on Slater and Sosa. The faction stood victorious as we go to the rest of the card. That includes the next match in the TNA Knockouts TV Title Tournament – after the break.

We get another ad for the Ultimate X collection on TNAPlus and it’s another rehash from the past month.

We come back to Elijah strumming his guitar with lights and smoke emanating from it. He is singing that everything dies but it comes back. He talked about the match with Francis and he got his NIL, music, story catalog and win back. The legend of Elijah still rings true. In TNA, we walk this way.

Heather by Elegance (with M by Elegance in tow vs. Allie (with Rosemary in tow)

Heather is first and we get the insert promo from her and the By Elegance Brand heads to the ring. Heather is a two-time Knockouts tag team titlist and TNA All-Star. She continues to run down her accolades and she will be the first ever Knockouts TV title. We get the creepy crhyon and ominous music and here comes Allie. The tag champs head to the ring and we get the insert promo from Allie. Allie said the By Elegance Brand reminded her of someone from her past – Sienna, Laura Van Ness and Maria Kanellis. They were mean girls and bullies. She doesn’t like bullies; in fact, they should have their faces ripped off. Tonight, she wants to prove she is Allie and she is a fighting champion.

Well, the fight started before thee bell as Heather attached Allie before she could get her jacket off. Heather continued to beat on Allie in the corner. However, Allie evaded a charge by Heather in the corner and hit a running clothesline and a sliding clothesline. Heather went to the floor and tried to escape but Allie followed her and hit a running dropkick. Allie got some advice from Rosemary and then threw Heather back in the ring. However, Heather managed a neck snap on the ropes and Allie collapsed to the floor. Rosemary tried to rally her partner as Allie just beat the count to the ring.

Allie tried to rally but Heather mauled Allie on the mat and choked Allie on the ropes. She also hit a dropkick whilst Allie was prone on the ropes for a two count. Heather protested but continued her onslaught on Allie. She hit a forearm into the corner and then turned a snapmare into a chinlock. Allie tried to rally again but Heather yanked Allie back to the mat.

Allie regained the momentum as Heather set Allie in the corner but missed a moonsault from the second turnbuckle. Allie started to slug Heather and traded shots with Allie getting the best of it. Allie dropped Heather with a series of clothesline, a big boot and a knee lift off the ropes. Allie also grabbed Heather and hit the “Upside Down” hold on the ropes. She also found it important to yell the name of the team twice at the top of the lungs.

Allie climbed the turnbuckles and grabbed Heather from the apron. However, M by Elegance got on the apron on the opposite side. Rosemary went over to thwart any interference but that distracted the referee. Heather took the time to drop Allie to the mat and then nailed the double stomp for the three count and Heather advanced in the tournament.

Post-Match: She and M posed and taunted DemonxBunny and the fans in the ring. Speaking of Knockouts, our new Knockouts World Champion is next…after the break.

We also get another “Ultimate X” ad for the TNAPlus collection. This is the same highlight package between the Motor City Machine Guns and Bullet Club ABC (Ace Austin And Chris Bey.)

As advertised, when we go back to ringside, Brookside heads to the ring with the TNA Knockouts World title (we get an insert highlight package of the match from Slammiversary. She said she hated to say it, thought about it for a moment and changed her mind. She wanted to tell everyone she told them so. She said Lei Ying Lee was selfish and held her back. As long as she stood in her shoulders, there was no way to see how good Brookside was.

Well, look at her now. She was right about anything and now the new TNA Knockouts World Champion. She told the fans to shut up and continued on Lee. She hoped Slammiversary taught Lee a lesson. She hoped it taught her that this division doesn’t belong to her; the title belongs to her. And, let that be a warning for everyone. If anyone comes at it, she will do whatever it takes to keep it. Now, as the world champion….

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, here is Lee for a rebuttal. There was a day where she would have been happy for her and they would wrestle for the title. But now, after all what Brookside did to her and cheated to win the title. She looks at Brookside and doesn’t see a champ – she sees a fake female dog. The crowd started a “fake female dog” chant. Nice. Now, Brookside has everything to lose. She has a rematch clause and it will happen next week. Brookside tried to attack her but Lee evaded it and got Brookside into position for Warrior’s Way but Brookside escaped and headed out of the ring and up the rampway. Lee grabbed the mic and said if they want to fight, let’s make the match no disqualification. Lee and Brookside glared at each other and taunted the other.

Meanwhile, backstage, Rae is reading and Ali runs into the shot. He wanted to talk to her eventually about the match at Slammiversary and that some people think she owes Ali an apology. He doesn’t but does think Rae owes him a favor (I see what he did there.) Rae wanted to him to get to the chase and Ali did. He said The Great Hands were in the match but Ali really does believe in him so he is asking for them to have one more shot at the Tag Titles against the Hardys.

Rae said what she says goes and it doesn’t matter how many teams were involved, it’s what she said. However, she does agree that a tag title match would be great for Impact so it’s set for next week. Ali shook her hands and said “best boss ever” and headed out of shot. We head back to ringside and go to the next match.

K C Navarro vs. Ryan Nemeth (with Nic Nemeth in tow)

We get Navarro’s entrance and get a quick synopsis of how we got here before we go to another break and another Ultimate X match package from TNAPlus. When we return, we get the Nemeths heading to the ring. We get Nic as guest commentator. Ryan taunted Navarro and shoved him. However, Navarro hit the ropes and after a series of criss-crosses, Navarro hit the ropes and got a two count from a sling blade.

At the announce table, Hannifin tried to get Nemeth to talk about the interference that led to his winning the world title but Nic deflected it, saying he wanted to focus on this match so they can put this behind them. IN the ring, Navarro hit a running back elbow, and a forearm in the corner. He snapmared Ryan out of it and hit the Natural Selection cutter. Ryan avoided a leap and Navarro went to the corner. Ryan tried to capitalize and did so by yanking Navarro as he climbed the turnbuckles and Navarro slammed his head on the way down to the mat.

Ryan hit the floor and draped Navarro on the apron and hit a running forearm shiver. Ryan also gestured at his brother and hit the Rude Awakening standing neckbreaker. Ryan threw Navarro back into the ring and got a two count. Ryan hit the chinlock. Hannifan brought up Santana and Nemeth’s promise to shake the hand of Santana at the end of the match regardless of outcome. Nemeth made a Hooter’s joke. In the ring, Navarro broke the hold with a jawbreaker and hit the ropes. Navarro hit a running clothesline, followed by a dropkick.

Navarro got riled and hit a corner splash. Ryan tried to recover and threw Navarro into another corner. Navarro leapt over a charging Nemeth and hit a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a two count. Navarro measured Ryan in the corner but Ryan avoided an attempted Blessing in Disguise. Navarro slid to the corner, recovered and charged Nemeth. However, Ryan moved and Navarro went shoulder first into the ringpost. Ryan got another two count.

Feeling as though the match was won, Ryan pointed at his brother and grabbed Navarro. Ryan attempted another Rude Awakening standing neckbreaker (complete with gyrations.) Navarro escaped and dropkicked Ryan into the ropes. That put Ryan in prime position for the 305 (a 619 but over the ropes.) Navarro got Ryan in position and NOW we get the Blessing in Disguise (Half nelson somersault reverse DDT)for the victory.

Post-Match: Navarro celebrated in the ring as Nic climbed into the ring and tried to make peace, once and for all, between the two. He insisted that Navarro and Ryan shake hands, which they did. Nic hugged both but after hugging K C, he hit the Danger Zone on Navarro laid prone on the mat. The two stood over Navarro and left the ring and headed up the rampway.

We get hype for the main event and it’s after the break.

After a quick break, we get the Hardys as they talk about the title match next week against the Great Hands. Matt called Ali a snake but it is true, the Great Hands will face The Hardys. He looked at Jeff and said that facing them isn’t really a Favor; Jeff said it is a sacrifice. Matt said it isn’t just facing them but all the “Die Hardys” in the stands. Jeff said the fans know they were beat up like they were at Slammiversary but the “Die Hardys” provide them the fuel and energy than be more than pro wrestlers. Together, they are super human. They have the guts and the nuts to accomplish anything in TNA. They will see why they are the best team in TNA and it is wonderful (They said the last word together.)

Eddie Edwards (with Alisha Edwards in tow) vs. Leon Slater

It’s time for the warning buzzer and Alisha telling us that we can’t beat the System. The Edwards headed to the ring as Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about what transpired with the System and Sosa. Slater is next and the fans still are enamored with him. He danced his way and shook hands with the fans. The fans responded incredibly well as Slater went around the ring a couple of times to shake hands. Slater got ready but The Edwards headed to the floor and (oh, joy) Alisha has the mic.

“Do you want to know something?” She yelled in a tone that would make any New Englander’s knee buckle with her accent. Alisha stated to taunt the fans and said each and everyone of the fans are losers. We should be chanting and cheering for her husband. She wanted everyone to shut up and start to chant for her husband. No one did but Slater posed on the turnbuckles and the crowd erupted. She insisted that we chant for her husband. They did the same pose off and Slater once again dominated. Realizing it was a feckless opportunity, Edwards got in the ring and the match started.
Edwards charged and Slater immediately connected with a running boot. Slater hit the 10-punch turnbuckle spot with the crowd counting in sync. Slater hit another clothesline but another corner charge was met with a back elbow.

Edwards slowed the pace an stated to brawl with Slater. The advantage was only momentary as Slater slid under an Edwards clothesline attempt and hit Edwards with a rebound spin kick. Slater also hit a handspring flying back elbow off the ropes that sent Edwards to the floor. Slater got ready and leapt over the ropes and hit a plancha on Edwards. Slater threw Edwards back into the ring. Edwards moved to avoid a crossbody block off the top rope but Slater responded with another big boot.

Edwards regained the momentum as he threw Slater into the ropes. Slater stopped the momentum and wanted to come back with another spinning kick, but Edwards caught him and hit a backbreaker. Edwards beat on Slater in the corner with a series of chops. He threw Slater into the turnbuckles and Slater crumpled to the mat. Slater tried to rally but Edwards continued to maul Slater in the corner and on the ropes.

Edwards got a two count with a back bodydrop off the ropes. He choked Slater on the ropes and when the referee tried to restrain Eddie, Alisha took time to choked Slater from the floor on the ropes. Edwards slammed Slater and climbed to the top rope. However, a Moonsault attempt met nothing but canvas as Slater tried to rally. And, rally he did. Slater hit a series of clotheslines to drop Edwards. Edwards tried to curtail it by blocking another handspring back elbow but Slater back flipped out of another backbreaker attempt.

Slater hit the ropes and landed another spinning kick. NOW, Slater hit the flying bodypress. We also get a rundown of what is coming next week, including the Hardys vs. Great Hands Tag Team Title bout, The continuation of the Knockouts TV title with Jada Stone vs. Alisha Edwards and Jody Threat vs. Gaby Forza and a TNA Knockouts World Title Match between Brookside and Lee.

In the ring, Edwards blocked a back breaker attempt. Edwards chopped away at Slater and then hit an enziguri as Slater attempted to climb the ropes. Edwards grabbed Slater and hit a twisting backpack stunner for two-and-a-fraction. A loud “Leon Slater” chant emerged as Slater tried to rally with a big boot off the ropes but Edwards dropped him again with a clothesline. A powerbomb got a two count. Another powerbomb got the same result.

Edwards measured Slater and waited for him to rise. However, the Boston Knee Party was reversed into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Slater instantly climbed to the top turnbuckle. Alsiha got on the apron to distract the referee. When she did, Alexander climbed into the ring. Slater leapt but hit Alexander with a crossbody block and a superkick. Alexander went to the floor. Slater grabbed Slater but Edwards managed to get a small package and steal the victory.

Post-Match: Edwards and Alexander beat on Slater. However, Sosa hit the ring and evened the odds. Slater clotheslined Alexander over the top rope and to the floor. Sosa did the same to Edwards. Sosa and Slater acknowledged the other and shook hands. The two climbed the turnbuckles and did the “bang, bang/Sosa, Sosa” chant with the crowd as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: The crowd started dead but got into it at the end. That’s a hint on who is the number one face – Slater. It should rightfully be so as he connects with fans so naturally. He runs the full gamut of emotions in interviews and is totally believable. The promo at the beginning of the show was fantastic. Slater is going to have the organization on his back, much like Hendry and Santana before, well you know….Slater deserved the recognition, he definitely proves that at every taping.

Two: That being said, the jobbing at the hands of the System seems like an odd choice to build your number one babyface. I know it is by chicanery but having lose time after just seems like the weirdest way to show that you have faith in Slater. First, it was Alexander and now the cheating by Edwards? Eventually, he has to get the upper hand in the feud, right?

Three: And, I guess who they want to rocket push as number two babyface. I really was impressed with Sosa and his mic work. He carried himself and didn’t stumble facing two great talkers (well, a really good one in Vincent and a solid promo in Edwards.) They may be carbon copies of the same and it is duplication of efforts but at this point, they need anyone that fans gravitate toward and Slater and Sosa seem like the best fits for it.

Four: Aichner getting the number one contender shot seemed like a foregone conclusion. He has been solid in the ring and people are slowly coming around to getting behind him. I don’t know if he has that level of charisma as Slater and Sosa but they made him an important get and he is checking the boxes gradually. His moves are crisp and clean and has a nice mix of power and agility.

Five: Nic Nemeth is trying to build his own cadre of faces who want to face him but the fans seemed quiet when he was talking. He does a great job setting up his heel moves with his mic work and is serviceable in the ring. He’s actually pretty good. The Navarro turn, though, mirrored way too much of the Santana angle. That fast tracking a good face challenger/champion has to happen soon.

Six: We get one of three outcomes, I think, with Ali and the Great Hands. The Hands lose; Ali has had enough but the Hands are sick of him so we have what should have been the dissipation last year without the Tasha Steelz “I am the invisible hand” subtext. The Hands win and the team puts all their worries behind them. Three, the Hands win and realized they surpassed the leader and the team dissolves. One wonders who was the other line with Ali. It might be the foreshadowing of a big “get” to help Order Four. If Slater or Sosa win the World Title (and assuming Ali sticks around for a bit) Ali vs. one of those two would be a fantastic match.

Seven: That was a great moonsault by Sade. I still think the wrong person won the match at Slammiversary as Hartwell and Sade would have been great contenders vs. Brookside.

Eight: I have some intrigue if the writing staff can pull a heel vs. heel tag match between the System and the Righteous. The two crossed paths again and not on pleasant terms. Dutch vs. Bronson would be a good hoss fight. Vincent did a great job pivoting from the Hardys and said that they still won even though the Hardys won the match. That was really good work.

Nine: Brookside did a great job on the mic and Lee acquitted herself well in the build up to next week. It would seem too early for a switch and wonder what the future holds for Lee going forward. If Lee does win, the Brookside win seems like odd timing. One of the two would be tempting targets outside of TNA.

10: I thought they were going to set up Sosa vs. Francis. It would be another David vs. Goliath match but they pivoted away from that. The Francis pairing with Expressions is interesting as it gives someone Francis to play off from another voice and will Francis be more serious. The Boyz N The Hood line was delivered well and you could hear the seriousness in Francis’ voice. He can be the serious heel, if needed. Expressions may bring more of that from him.

11. Hannifan faux corpsing during the Personal Concierge’s medical update was great. Rehwoldt did a good job by giving his own medical opinion on Nemeth. Those two work so well together.
    Lastly: Whilst looking at the TNAmerch.com site, I noticed a T-Shirt for Daria Rae. Her nickname is “The Suit.” I thought it meant as a corporate big wig of some sort. No, it is the acronym of her catchphrase “Shut Up, I’m talking.” That sure is..something.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight