TNA Impact Review – July 16, 2026

Greetings all, and welcome to another review of TNA Impact. I am getting ready to head upstate from Houston but still within earshot of “the Space City.” Meanwhile, we are still upstate in Albany at the Broadview Center, still within earshot of New York City. While some wisenheimers call it “Smallbany,” we have big action ahead with Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt telling us about it and McKenzie Miller is telling us who is who in action at “The Cradle of the Union.” So, let’s lift with our legs and not with our back, secure everything tightly, load up the U-Haul and get ready for some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

(As always, a shout out to you the reader and the good folks who contribute to this fine establishment. It’s their dedication that helps me and makes this place special. Take some time and see their fruits of labor. We all appreciate what they do. And we appreciate the feedback and comments; and now, our feature presentation.)

Previously on Impact: We get highlights of Brookside’s successful defense of her Knockouts World Title in a No-Disqualification match against former champ (and former best friend) Lei Ying Lee. We also get highlights of the six-way scramble match won by Fabian Aichner for a shot at the X-Division Title…tonight.

Hey, the opening theme’s singer is still ready for us.

We get another reference to the winds of change blowing in TNA by Hannifan and get an arial shot of Albany and some fans – on the ground. We go straight to action and another match in the Knockouts TV Title Tournament

M…by Elegance (with Heather by Elegance and the Personal Concierge in tow) vs. Rosemary (with Allie in tow)

M is out first and heather is walking the Personal Concierge to ringside as his eyes are heavily taped (and has sunglasses on to boot) as M

We get the insert promo from M who said she has style and elegance and has a track record of success as a two-time Knockouts tag champ (including the longest reign of a titlist in TNA history. She is also a two-time all-conference collegiate Volleyball player. Everyone in the locker room should take a look at a generational talent and watch her become the first Knockouts TV title holder.

Rosemary is out next with standard ghastly aplomb. Allie skipped to the ring as Rosemary has her insert promo who said “father” had her compete in many tournaments and her opponents were all left bloody. The more things change, the more they stay same, she said.

M cautiously circled the ring but charged Rosemary who evaded the charge and threatened the green mist, which sent M scurrying an asking for time. Rosemary took the time and beat M along the ropes and hit a flying splash in the corner. Rosemary hit the 10=punch turnbuckle spot (with an extra bite between nine and 10.) Rosemary also hit a Muta lock and cinched it until M hair pulled to break the hold.

Rosemary continued her assault with a head butt and a running forearm out of the turnbuckles. Rosmary got the crowd riled and hit the ropes until Heather tripped her. Rosemary attempted to get Heather but was on the mat. M hit the ropes and hit a seated dropkick. M choked Rosemary on the apron and hit the drive by boot, taking time to pose. M continued to choke Rosemary on the ropes.

M threw Rosemary into the corner and put the boots to her. She stood on Rosemary in the corner as Rosemary slumped on the turnbuckles. M hit a series of shoulder blocks in the corner and then hit a vertical suplex for a two count.

Rosemary tried to rally with series of forearms and quick rollup for two until M hit a standing dropkick to end the rally. However, Rosemary got the upper hand as back elbowed a charging M and then hit the Upside Down on the ropes. Rosemary climbed to the top turnbuckle but was met with a running big boot by M and Rosemary crumpled to the floor.

After a two count, M stomped away on Rosemary and threatened Allie. M got a sleeper hold on Rosemary on the mat after a snap mare. Rosemary attempted another rally but was met with a back kick off the ropes by M and a running knee lift off the ropes. M derisively kicked Rosemary in the head. However, her offense was cut short as she hit the ropes and Allie returned Heather’s favor and tripped M.

Rosemary hit a sliding clothesline and ducked a superkick which she countered into a series of clotheslines. Rosmary hit a running elbow in the corner and an Exploder Suplex. M tried to escape but Rosemary caught her on the apron and clotheslined her to the floor. M hid behind the PC, who was begging for a timeout. Rosemary crept to him and taunted him (hey, that’s abusing the visually impaired; be a star, not a bully, Rosemary.) Rosemary stalked the PC who tried to back away until he fell.

Rosemary threw M back into the ring. However, Heather climbed on the apron to distract the referee. Allie pulled her to the floor. However, as the referee was distracted, M spit a large amount of champagne into the face of Rosemary. M grabbed a small package and got the win.

Psot Match: Rosemary sold the effects of champagne as the By Elegance Brand celebrated on the floor and then headed up the rampway fast as Rosemary regained her senses. Updated bracket: M now faces the winner of Elayna Black and Wendy Choo in the second round.

We get hype for the rest of tonight’s card, including the match with Alexander and Aichner but we have a, what would be considered a good ole-fashioned “hoss” match between two former (American) Football players – after the break.

We come back to the System who want us to know something, our teacher is Alisha Edwards. She said people are getting a little too comfortable saying the System is falling apart just because they had one bad night. Eddie Edwards said the System falling apart is wishful thinking, despite the bad night last week. No one is going to tear down what they built.

Brian Myers addressed Ricky Sosa and said he gets the fact Sosa is the new, shiny toy on the shelf (if anyone would know about wrestling toys, it would be him.) While everyone wants to play, the System doesn’t play. Sosa and Leon Slater were lucky. Bear Bronson reiterated how lucky they were that they got his shoulders on the mat for three seconds. But now, they just made on of the most violent wrestlers on earth very angry. When he gets his hands on them, he will find that out when he breaks his glutes in two. If Bronson’s lucky, Christmas will be six months early and might kill him (WHOA!!!! EASY, BRONSON!!!!)

Cedric Alexander said whilst Bronson takes care of their Sosa problem, he will take care of their Aichner problem. He needs to understand that the X-Division title is the best it’s ever been thanks to “Prime” Cedric Alexander and they will understand why he rules the X-Division. Eddie capped it by saying by the end of the night that they will learn you can’t beat The System.

A J Francis (with Expressions in tow) vs. Moose

We go back to ringside to the shout of “Albany” and Expressions has the mic (with a neck brace courtesy of Elijah.) He needs people here to get off their glutes and show some respect for the best big man in the business – A J Francis. Hannifan also noticed that the sling on Expressions’ arm was on the other arm last week. Rehwoldt said it was a miracle he was here backing up Francis.

We go to Hannifan and Rehwoldt who have a guest joining them – Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian asked how it felt to have the last TNA OG with them and then stole a ringside’s fan popcorn. Kazarian started to talk with his mouth full of popcorn and it shot all over Hannifan. Hannifan asked how it felt that all this was started thanks to Kazarian.

Moose entered next and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed chanting to his theme. Hannifan talked about the No Surrender match with Edwards at Slammiversary. As Moose got in the ring, Francis attacked him and mauled him on the ropes. The bell rang and Francis charged Moose in the corner, except Moose moved and Francis hit the turnbuckles. Moose followed it with a series of running back elbows and a series of shoulder blocks. Moose dropped Francis with the last one and then hit a senton as Moose rolled to the floor.

Moose gave chase and Francis tried to stem the tide with a knee to the abdomen but Moose countered by Irish Whipping Francis into the ring steps. Moose attempted a powerbomb until he was distracted by Expressions who he chased up the rampway. However, the distraction worked as Moose went back to Francis, who elevated Moose and hit a powerbomb on the apron.

Francis threw Moose back in the ring for a two-count. Francis choked Moose on the ropes with his knee. Expressions attempted to do the same but Moose grabbed him. Francis tried to hit a running kick but Moose evaded it and hit a shoulder block. Francis countered with a big boot as Moose hit the ropes. Francis gradually recovered and then hit the Tennessee Whiskey running knee in the corner and then taunted the Albany crowd with Expressions help.

Francis signaled for the Down Payment (chokeslam) but Moose blocked it and fought out of position. Moose hit a huge headbutt and another running back elbow but Francis regained control with a running forearm shiver as Moose hit the ropes. Moose hit his own big boot and ran up the turnbuckles and attempted a flying reverse body press but Francis hit him with a TFL (spear) in mid-air for two-and-a-fraction.

Moose climbed the turnbuckles to gloat and possibly hit a moonsault but Moose recovered and beat Francis on the turnbuckles. Moose climbed the turnbuckles and attempted a superplex. Francis knocked him down but Moose recovered to hit a dropkick and NOW we get the superplex for two-and-a-fraction. Moose kipped up and clotheslined Francis over the top rope. Moose leapt over the ropes and landed on Francis. And, he accosted Kazarian which “The King” took umbrage since he spilled his popcorn. Moose got in the ring and got ready to Hit the Stick (Spear) but Kazarian grabbed his leg and pulled him to the floor. Kazarian ran Moose into the ringpost and the referee called for the disqualification.

Post-Match: Francis stood on Moose on the ropes and choked him. Expressions got a choke of his own but Francis called him aside and NOW Francis hit the Down Payment. He and Expressions hit their tagline and then left the ring.

We go instantly to a backstage segment with Black, who talked about her match next week with Wendy Choo. She called her “Choo-choo” and said they have quite the history together. Believe it or not, she respects Choo but Choo is standing her way of where she is going – to the finals of the Knockouts TV title tournament. Her goal has been the same since day one – to win gold by any means possible.

At the end of the day, they are going to say Black is the best, no, greatest TNA knockout of all time. This brings out Xia Brookside to derisively mock that comment. She said her world title means she is the best TNA Knockout (she has a point.) She has beat every opponent they put in front of her and that is not about to change. She derisively called her “honey,” and said Black should mind her own business and have her bout with Wendy Choo and stay in her lane -and watch her mouth.

Black said she saw what is happening here – Brookside is scared of Black (ummm..)That is why she is trying to intimidate her before her match with Choo. That’s okay because Brookside knows that Black is literally everything she will never be (cue Sheldon Cooper’s “literally..?? literally..??) She headed out of shot as Brookside looked scornfully at her.

We get the “State of the Order” – after the break.

We cut instantly to Mustafa Ali getting in the ring (with Agent Zero behind him. Tasha Steelz, Jason Hotch and John Skyler are already in the ring.) They STRUCK THE POSE and we get ready for the “State of the Order” address. Rehwoldt hammered home the point Ali made that the faction had gotten too comfortable with losing in recent week. The International Champ looks quite good in a brown suit as the rest are adorned in black. He addressed the citizens of TNA and said standing behind him should be the most dominant faction in TNA history and should be adorned in TNA gold. Apparently, only one of them got the message.

Ali addressed each member and said for the past year-and-a-half, Ali has given them everything, whilst they have given him problems. Steelz acted frustrated and angry by that comment. Ali said he is not mad but disappointed; disappointed in their failures and their comfort level in said failures. Ali said he is a humble man and admits there are times he needs assistance. Order Four needs that assistance and someone to get their heads out of their collective glutes. They need someone to hold them accountable (Steelz was also angered by that comment.)

Ali said he is proud to announce the newest member of Order Four – the Secretary of Strategic Affairs….Mila Moore. Moore heads to ringside (to Order Four’s old music.) Moore is in all black and might have borrowed the look from Kiana James’ late night Cinemax business executive line. As she made her way into the ring, the rest of Order Four looked and gestured incredulously (don’t blame them.) She shook hands with the Great Hands and Steelz (Steelz was not having it. Also, no handshake with Agent Zero.)

Moore grabbed the mic and thanked Mr. Ali for believing in her and for this opportunity of a lifetime. It’s an honor to work for a man as honored as him. When Ali first called her about their “problems,” she knew she was their solution. And, they have a lot of work to do. In front of the whole world, she is proud to declare “in Ali, I trust.” Steelz really started to verbalize her discontent as The Great Hands very reluctantly clapped. Ali said he really likes her. He asked Steelz to hold his title for him but then pulled it away and instead asked Moore to hold his title.

She got him thinking about the future and who is the next Number one contender for the International Title. They should do the International Vote and leave the choice to the people; well not the idiots in the stands but the people backstage. He will give the TNA roster the power to vote for anyone who they think is the number one contender. Finally, he said may the best man. The last thing he has to say is “In Ali, we trust.” He and Moore ebulliently struck the pose whilst the Great Hands reluctantly did it and Steelz did nothing. Zero just stood there.

Ali and Moore were animated in their post talk as he held the ropes for her and Zero held it for Ali and Skyler, who slowly got to the floor. Hotch and Steelz took their sweet time as they left the ring.

Speaking of time, it’s time for the AMC TNA Injury Report. Due to the match and attack earlier, Moose is under observation but avoided serious injuries. Lee has been diagnosed with a head injury and is out with no time table for return (hmmmm..) Our main evert is safe as Aichner and Alexander are clear. And, Rehwoldt brings us breaking news that Nic Nemeth just set a record for chin-ups whilst texting as has been diagnosed as “pristine shape.”

We get the rest of the card including a grudge match – after the break.

We come back from break into a room full of mirrors as the Righteous make their way through it. They get to a closed folder in the middle. When they open it (surprise,) it’s the Hardys inviting them to the compound for a Righteous Deletion. Dutch and Vincent smile and nod and head back to ringside.

Bear Bronson (with Brian Myers in tow) vs. Ricky Sosa

The warning buzzer and Alisha telling us that we can’t beat the System herald the arrival of the Bear. As he and Myers head to the ring, Bronson taunted the fans to and invited them physically accost him. Bronson got himself psyched on the apron and on the turnbuckles. “Ooohh, ooohh” and the gun cock heralds Sosa’s entrance as the crowd chants along with the chorus of the song. The crowd really loves that chorus. Sosa showed his appreciation by slapping hands with the ringside crowd. Myers found his way to the announce table and joined Hannifin and Rehwoldt. Hannifan talked about Myers’ training Bronson when Bear first started. Myers said it has been a while since he was at the announce table and asked where is D’Lo Brown and Matt Striker?

In the ring, Bronson and Sosa traded shots with Sosa getting the upper hand. Bronson responded with a back elbow and started to aul Sosa on the corner. The two traded offense on the corners. Bronson eventually got the upper hand. Hannifan asked Myers if he put any stock into Sosa defeating Eric Young. Myers responded that a broken clock is right twice a day and that Sosa is brand new and has a catchy theme song.

Sosa evaded a throw into the turnbuckles and backflipped over a charging Bronson. Sosa hit the ropes and hit a pop-up dropkick. Sosa measured Bronson and charged but Bronson bailed to the floor. Sosa thought of leaping on Bronson but instead leapt to the apron and avoided a Bronson charge. However, Bronson caught Sosa with a Black Hole slam on the floor. Sosa sold the back injury as Bronson ran Sosa into the apron and mocked Sosa’s chant and dance (Myers joined him.)

The crowd tried to rally Sosa as they both got in the ring and Sosa responded by slugging away on Bronson. However, a sunset flip attempt was blocked and turned into a sit down splash by Bronson for a two count. Bronson hit a vertical suplex and then climbed to the second turnbuckle. He mocked the chant again and hit a flying elbow drop for another two count. Bronson grabbed a reverse bear hug (seemed appropriate) on the floor. Bronson stopped a brief Sosa rally with a clothesline off the ropes and a senton for a two count.

Bronson continued to maul Sosa on the mat with a n eye rake. However, Sosa blocked another suplex attempt and managed to his own twisting vertical suplex. Both grapplers writhed on the mat and struggled to get to their feet as we went to break.

We come back to Sosa’s continued rally as the Belgian superstar got the upper hand trading punches and hit two big boots and a German Suplex. Sosa hit a series of running back elbows to Bronson in the corner. Bronson and Sosa hit the ropes and Sosa hit a Spanish Fly (!!!!) for a two count (technically, Sosa calls it a Sosa Fly. Wouldn’t Belgian Fly work just as well?) The crowd rallied Sosa as Sosa climbed to the top rope but Bronson recovered and met him with a huge forearm shiver. Bronson beat on Sosa on the turnbuckle but Sosa recovered, landed on the apron and hit an elevated kick. He then leapt over the ropes, back on the ropes and threw Bronson to the mat. Sosa hit a single-legged dropkick for a two count.

Bronson hit the floor as Myers tried to motivate Bronson. Sosa leapt over the ropes and dove on Bronson and verbally accosted Myers. Myers left the announce table and took umbrage with Sosa. The distraction worked as Sosa attempted a top rope leap but Bronson caught him with a Chokebomb for a two count. Bronson gave us shocked face but continued to attack Bronson with a series of elbows and another sit down splash on the back of Sosa.

THE STRAPS ARE DOWN as Bronson looked to finish Sosa for the Bear Down (Rikishi Driver.) Sosa, though, fought out of it and ran Bronson to the ropes for a reverse roll up. However, Myers got on the apron and Sosa released the pin to hit Myers with a flying back elbow. Bronson recovered but Sosa met him with a forearm shiver. However, a Blue Thunder Bang (Blue Thunder Bomb variation) was unsuccessful as Sosa’s back could not stand the weight. Bronson got Sosa on his shoulders and hit the Shock Treatment (an Argentine Backbreaker but with Bronson dropping to his knees.) Bronson picked up Sosa and NOW we get the Bear Down for the win.

Post-Match: Rehwoldt was ecstatic with the result, as was Myers who got in the ring to congratulate Bronson and taunt Sosa.

We go backstage to see Aichner and Alexander warming up backstage as Alexander looked as his title. Those two are in the main event and we still have the Nic Nemeth World Title Celebration but after the break we get the next match in the Knockouts TV title tournament – this one with some crossover appeal.

We come back to Elijah who is fidgeting with his guitar case until Moose (who is no longer under observation??) runs into the shot and said he knows Elijah had his problems with Francis and proposed a tag match for next week between the two of them vs. Francis and Kazarian. Elijah did not need much convincing and will team. Moose said next week this ends.

Now, we go to the ring for our next match:

Knockouts TV Title Tournament: Harley Hudson vs. Thea Hail

Hudson is first. She looked at the title, made the title gesture and headed to ringside. In her insert promo who said she was excited that she was in the tournament and that her opponent would be Hail. Word is that the TNA locker room knows that Hudson is hot enough for TV. They said the TNA audience calls Hail “DaD” (they do?) but, they will her call Hudson champ – there, she said it. Hail is next with all her NXT ebullience. She did her dance and we go to her insert promo.

Apparently, Hail goes by “DaD” Thea Hail (Dedicated and Determined.) She introduced herself to the crowd and went over her resume as the youngest signee of TNA and the youngest women’s North American title holder (about that….) And after this tournament, the first Knockouts TV Title holder. Hail, yeah.

Sportsmanship is observed. The two trade takedown whilst still holding onto her collar and elbow hook up. Hudson got a quick rollup for a two count. The two stared at each other as the crowd is solidly behind…Hail? (oh, boy…) Hudson grabbed an armbar, did the dance and hit an arm drag takedown. She followed it with another arm drag and armlock out of the wheelbarrow position.

Hudson broke the hold with a head scissors and rallied with a series of arm drag take downs as Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about Hail teaming with Joe Hendry. Hudson hit a legdrop on the arm for a two count. Hail rallied by avoiding a corner charge on the apron and landed a kick on the apron. Hudson responded by blocking another wheelbarrow arm drag for a prolonged time and dropped Hail on her face for a two count. Hudson put the boots to Hail’s back but Hail rallied by rolling up Hudson for a two count and then hit a series of shots to Hudson’s midsection.

Hudson again rallied with an arm wring take down and a running hip attack in the corner. Hudson followed it with a fallaway slam for a two count. Hudson grabbed another arm lock but Hail escaped and hit a big boot to a charging Hudson. The two struggled for a good position but eventually Hudson turned it into a clothesline. Hudson punched Hail on the mat. Hail reversed a clothesline into a backslide for a two count.

Hudson booted down Hail but missed another leg drop. Hail responded with a knee lift in the corner. The two traded shots as Hudson hit a knee to the midsection. Hail rallied with a double axe handle off the ropes. Hudson missed a clothesline and Hail made her pay with another headbutt and a running back elbow. Hail hit an Exploder Suplex for a two count. Hail tried for a double underhook suplex but Hudson blocked it. Hudson tried to elevate Hail but Hail attempted the Fujiwara armbar. Hudson, undaunted, tried again, but Hail flipped to the mat. Hudson tried for the sit-down pin but Hail got her legs up and cradled her.

Hudson escaped and walloped hail with a forearm. Hudson elevated Hail and dropped Hail on Hudson’s knee for a two count. Hudson lifted Hail but Hail reversed it with a DDT for a two count. Hail slammed Hudson but a flip legdrop got nothing but canvas as Hudson whipped Hail to the apron. Hudson hit a knee lift in the ropes. Hudson scaled the turnbuckles but a leg drop got nothing but canvas. Hail got in the ring, did the Warrior rope shake and hit her springboard back senton for the victory and advancement.

Post-Match: Hannifan noted that’s how Hail won the NXT Women’s North American title (well…) we get a replay of the finish. Hudson looked disappointed as Hannifin reiterated an early point for Hudson had another disappointment in the ring. Updated Bracket: Hail is scheduled to face Indi Hartwell in the second round.

We see Nic Nemeth walking backstage and getting ready for his celebration – after the break.

Well, we returned from break and here is the zipper sound indicating Nemeth is on his way to the ring. Nemeth did his gyrations to the audience (including a young lady recording on her phone..Hey!!!) Nemeth got in the ring and grabbed the mic. He asked how good that look and knows the Albany crowd can’t be that jealous. They are looking at the best pro wrestler walking the Earth today and he is the best thing TNA has going today.
It’s not all bad news; all the world is chasing him. Every night he is doing what he does best and the world wants a piece of him and the TNA World Championship. He said they are looking at greatness and they should acknowledge it (paging Mr. Reigns, paging a Mr. Roman Reigns.) He is letting us know that everything he does in the ring and when he defends the title, it’s big box office business (well….) The world Is talking about the TNA World Title and if anyone wants a shot….

Naturally, that brought out K C Navarro who walked to the ring glaring at Nemeth. Nemeth tried to play him off by saying serious inquiries only and he should go to the back. Navarro has a mic. Navarro understands the celebrations but Nemeth cut him off by saying he doesn’t care what he understands. He said this is grown-up time and big business in his game.

Navarro tried to speak and Nemeth asked if he stuttered and demanded Navarro to leave. Navarro tried to interrupt but Nemeth said he had his chance to ride his coattails but he couldn’t do that and demanded once more Navarro leave his ring. Navarro got out of ring and started to walk to the back (the camera was focused on him as he walked.) Meanwhile, Nemeth continued to pontificate that this is for adults who think they have a shot. He doesn’t care anyone around the world.

Navarro, still holding the mic, turned around and said Nic was right. But he should know, that the things they love don’t always love him back (harkening to Nemeth’s great promo versus the Miz on Raw for a title vs. career match.) Navarro hit every note of that promo. He wondered why he does this every night and all the things he lost via Nemeth. Navarro said he thought that he could inspire some kids and do better. But Navarro has the one thing that would prove all the doubters and haters wrong, including Nemeth.

He has carried a lot of things that have brought him down but what would make him better is Nemeth putting the TNA World Title on the line next week against him. He can show the world that he can be TNA World Champion. Nemeth said that was a real inspirational speech (calling him kid.) He could put the title on the line but if Navarro loses, Navarro must take his sorry glutes away from him for good – stop calling him, stop texting him and stop interrupting him. If he agrees, Nemeth will talk to Daria Rae and make the match. Nemeth’s music played as the two glared at each other.

We go backstage to Aichner and Alexander walking backstage and (presumably) heading to the ring for our main event…next.

TNA X-Division Title Match: Cedric Alexander vs. Fabian Aichner

“Vini, Vidi, VOochi” (again, I kid Scott Steiner) I mean “Vini, Vidi, Vici” precedes Aichner’s walk to the ring. “Il Gladiatore” is focused in his walk to the ring but did get the crowd riled once he got in the ring. We get the warning buzzer and Alisha (once again) tells us that we can’t beat the System as Alexander made his way to the ring. Alexander taunted the crowd with his title and posed on the turnbuckles. This is the first time in six years the two have faced each other.

Aichner backed Alexander into the corner off the collar-and-elbow. Aichner released the hold but Aichner got a two count on a quick roll up. Alexnader backed Aichner into the ropes but Alexander avoided an Aichner boot but fell prey to an armdrag. Alexander attempted a dragon screw leg whip but Aichner booted Alexnder to rebuke that.

Alexande challenged Aichner to a test of strength but grabbed a side headlock. However, Aichner escaped and hit a shoulderblock off the ropes. The two traded suplex attempts but Aichner hit the ropes and got Alexander on his shoulders. Aichner did a forward roll and then hit a moonsault off the turnbuckles for a two count. Aichner followed it with a clothesline that sent Alexander over the ropes and to the floor. Aichner followed him and slammed Alexnader to the apron.

Aichner chopped away on Alexander on the floor and slammed him into the apron. Aichner took time to have an A-Game Hydration break (great now hydration breaks in wrestling.) However, Aichner went to Alexander and poured the rest on him (thus, cooling him down and hydrating him. Not a smart move.) Aichner continued to slam Alexnader into the apron around the ring. Once Aichner threw Alexander into the ring, Aichner attempted a springboard move but Alexander hit Aichner (and Aichner didn’t have strong footing on the ropes, either) and Aichner crashed to the mat.

Alexander got on the apron and hit a spear that drove Aichner to the apron. Alexander also hit a release vertical suplex on the apron. Aichner struggled on the floor but made it into the ring. Alexnader assaulted Aichner on the mat and got a two count. Alexander chopped Aichner along the ropes and hit Alexander hit a knee on Aichner’s abdomen. Alexander attacked Aichner with an abdominal stretch.

We get a brief commercial break but when we continue Aichner escaped Alexander’s abdominal stretch with a hip toss. Aichner assaulted Alexnader but a springboard reverse bodypress hit nothing but mat. Alexander followed it with a German Suplex. Alexander hit a forearm shiver in the corner and then a seated dropkick got a two count.

Alexnader chopped Aichner in the corner but Aichner non venduto and started to rally. Alexander continued to chop Alexander but Aichner ummm…Gladiatore’d up and started to beat on Alexander, cumulating with an off-the-ropes kick. Aichner charged Alexander but Alexander backdropped Aichner. Aichner landed on the apron and hit a springboard Tornado DDT. Alexander went to the floor as Aichner shrugged, ran up the turnbuckles and hit a flying bodypress to the floor.

Aichner threw Alexander back in the ring. Aichner hit a spring board double jump moonsault for a two count. A “This is awesome” chant emerged as Aichner grabbed Alexander and set him up for a powerbomb. Alexander crawled between the legs but Aichner blocked a Lumbar Check attempt. Aichner also backflipped out of a German Suplex attempt. However, Aichner hit the ropes and fell prey to a Michinoku Driver for two-and-a-fraction.

Alexander broke out a brainbuster for another two-and-a-fraction. Both grapplers writhed on the mat as another “this is awesome” chant emerged. Alexander arose, took his shirt and threw it at Aichner. He kicked and chopped Aichner. Alexnader talked trash as Aichner beckoned Alexander to move forward. Alexnader continued to boot Aichner until Aichner blocked a kick and dropped Alexander with a clothesline.

Aichner grabbed Alexande rand put him on the top turnbuckles. Aichner climbed to the top with him but Alexander shoved Aichner to the mat. Aichner landed on his feet and met a diving Alexander with a dropkick for two-and-a-fraction. Aichner grabbed Alexander but Alexander flipped Aichner over and attempted a cradle pin. Aichner bridged upward and hit the powerbomb for another two count.

Alexander tried to capitalize on the momentum but Alexander eyeraked Aichner and Aichner fell to the mat. Suddenly, Eddie Edwards sprinted to ringside and hit the Boston Knee Party (Shining Wizard.) Edwards hid under the ring as the ref turned around and saw Aichner on the ground. Alexander threw Aichner to the ring and hit the Lumbar Check for the win.

Post-Match: Edwards emerged from under the ring and celebrated with Alexander. The two weren’t done as they attacked the fallen Aichner. However, Ricky Sosa ran to ringside to even the odds. Sosa attacked both Edwards and Alexander but the numbers game was too much for “the Young Savage.” Edwards and Alexander beat on Sosa until Leon Slater sprinted to ringside and attacked the System. Sosa recovered he and Slater attacked the System components. Aichner recovered and Aichner dropped Alexander and Sosa cleared Edwards to the floor. Slater got ready and leapt over the turnbuckles and dropped the System components as the credits roll and we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: This was a good quality show wrestling wise. Everything was crisp and made sense (except for one, well, curious choice, more later.)

Two: Having Aichner lose this early could have been bad but the way it was done with System interference made sense to keep a champ strong but to build Aichner as someone who could beat Alexander was the best remaining option (aside from Aichner winning.) It also sets up a fresh batch of young faces for the fans to rally and cheer (and, if Slater does sign elsewhere, we have a dugout full of faces to take his spot.) The match was really good as Aichner showed the full spectrum of power and athletic moves in a signature event. I know I am a bigger fan of Alexander than most but he did a great job playing the heel champion and working the match in similar styles.

Three: Hannifan and Rehwoldt did a great job setting the table for possible storylines in the future. Let’s look at the two Knockout TV tournament matches. The first one was the acknowledgement that M…by Elegance is really talented and could make a run at the Knockouts World Title if she doesn’t win the TV title. She has the Bobby Eaton quality that one has a feeling that if she were to be on her own, her talent would find a way to a title (and she has better mic skills than Eaton) although thriving as a tag wrestler. The second point was….

Four: Harley Hudson. I have been a doubter of her but saw some really good things from her in a good match (not great, but good) with Hail. She is starting to make her way into singles action but still has some trouble making it all come together. As Hannifan talks about the disappointment she had in the ring, a heel turn would not be the worst thing as she struggles to get the elusive win. She might be one for a heel turn down the road if the faces stay the course (and stay with TNA.)

Five: Now for the curious choice. I also was not sold on Mila Moore as an in-ring competitor. She didn’t wow me (admittedly, she is practically brand new to wrestling.) Her mic skills were a bit better but were inconsistent. I don’t know if she is ready for this level of role in the company. That being said, working with Ali can only help. Ali delivered his usual great mic work tonight. At this point, the Order Four split has passed the Rubicon. And, if Moore and Steelz (what feels like inevitably) feud, Moore has a good dance partner. Admittedly, she had to do something after the big intro last year and Blanchard’s departure (and Crawford, too?? Anyone seen her?) I am curious how soon (if at all) she can grow into the roll.

Six: If you’re going to crib from a promo, Cornette said give it seven years. So, Navarro using Nemeth’s fantastic promo vs. the Miz works. It also takes from the angle of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon with Brian Danielson (and then Danielson doing the same to Kofi Kingston.) Navarro hit the notes perfectly and Nemeth even put his spin on his version of the response. A nice way to play the hits. I know what happens next week and wonder how they can work their way out of it.

Seven: If you didn’t see the Hardys and Righteous having the Compound match, the Personal Concierge has better eyesight than you. I am surprised this will happen at the back end of a taping schedule and not at a big event.

Eight: Expressions and Francis are gelling together and like this partnership. Hopefully, this turns to a good run for Francis and a title shot (Tin foil hat adorned – and a subtle dig for Francis to let others talk so he doesn’t say regretful things out of the ring? Tin foil hat removed)

Nine: Brookside reminds me a lot of Alexa Bliss when she first turned heel. She really excelled at the nonverbals of heeldom and the ring work was solid enough not to be a liability. They both have the frame of a face but really know the unspoken parts. That was a great promo by her and helped Black, who routinely struggles on the mic.

10: The Sosa and Bronson match was really good and showed me new elements of both wrestlers. Sosa has a lot of strength for his wiry frame and was really impressed with the agility of Bronson. Bronson really has come a long way from being a flunky in AEW to being a solid worker. Another case of a wrestler betting on himself (with the aid of his former trainer) and making a solid run for himself.

11: I am glad to see the Personal Concierge add non-verbal humor to his skillset. He started to get a big stale but watching him as (and it will prove to be a ruse, no doubt) he hobbled around bereft of sight was a, well, sight to behold. That was well done.

Lastly: I do like the announcers calling it as it is and starting to add some humor to the injury report.

Fight the Good Fight..