TNA Impact Review – August 27, 2026

Welcome everyone to another edition of TNA Impact. We start with another fresh taping, this time from the CAA Center in Brampton, Ontario, Canada (or as it was referred by Tom Hannifan, the metropolitan Toronto area.) Brampton is the home of the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (and it is the home of the first pay-per-view I did as the reviewer for this organization – last year’s Under Siege to be exact.) Whilst a lot has changed in the last year, some things have not. To Trick Williams’ dismay, there are still no five-star hotels in Brampton (a couple of four-and-a-half ones, though.) More importantly, Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are still doing great commentary. Gia Miller is handling backstage interviews and McKenzie Mitchell tells us who is who with her ring announcing. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy some Impactful DisourseTotal Non-Stop Analysis. Shall we? We shall.

(Note: As always, please frequent the amazing folks who contribute to this wonderful site. They all greatly appreciate and do masterful work. Also, the feed ended before the end of the last match; ergo, an early morning submittal. Lastly, shout out to Phrederic for the new title. And now…our feature presentation.)

Previously on Impact: Well, nothing, actually but we get highlights galore of Lockdown, with shots of the A J Francis vs. Elijah “Final Encore” match, we get the return of Keira Hogan as she helped Allie defeat the By Elegance Brand. We get Frankie Kazarian getting the win over Moose, Mustafa Ali getting the victory over Jason Hotch to regain the International Title, Avery Styles’ introduction, Leon Slater regaining the X-Division Title from Cedric Alexander, we get highlights of Lethal Lockdown and the Nemeths defeating the Hardys for the Tag Titles. We also see Slater invoking “Option C” and challenged Nic to the TNA World Heavyweight title at Bound For Glory.

The lead singer of the theme is ready for you..in case anyone asks.

We start with Nic and Ryan Nemeth headed to ringside. Rehwoldt and Hannifan talked about the Nic being the second person to hold the World Title and Tag Team Title simultaneously (the first being Kurt Angle.) Ryan gets the mic and said it is a great day to be a Nemeth brother. They beat the Hardys…again. They are the tag champs…again. And, Nic is the World Heavyweight Title holder..again. They are the best brother tag team in history.

Nic grabbed the mic and said this must make him the most valuable man in TNA wrestling. He is above the law and buy his way out of anything. Ryan reiterated the feat his brother did and the people in the back make a comprehensive list of those who did it and yes, it’s just nic and Kurt. They run down Angle and Ryan said it is disrespectful to show Angle’s name when Nic is there.

They quickly pivoted to Slater. Nic ran down what Slater did in invoking option C. Even though he is a one-trick pony, kids should do what Slater did and follow their dreams and reach for stars. They should always bet on themselves unless they face Nemeth

That brought out Slater’s music, He questioned if Nic truly believes that he did what he did at Lockdown to steal his spotlight (doing an okay Nic Nemeth impression.) Nic has it all twisted, what Slater did was so Nic could look him in the eye about what is about to go down. He has a habit of saying things and then doing them. He is going to become the youngest world champion. At Bound For Glory, he is getting it done.

Slater said he noticed that Nemeth also has the tag titles and it was nice of him to give his “bug-eyed” brother a title of his own. He said the tag titles look nice now. In the past couple of months, he got partner and they have never lost a match as a team. That cued up Ricky Sosa’s music and Nic instantly protested. Slater poked fun at Nic.

Santino Marella’s music started and said Rae would not sign the match, but he will. Tonight, in the main event, the Nemeths face Sosa and Slater. The crowd roared and Marella headed backstage.

We cut to backstage and see Order Four standing whilst Mila Moore was on the phone with Ali. Skyler and Steelz looked bored whilst Agent Zero stood menacingly. Ali is in the hospital from his match with Hotch in Lockdown. Tonight, it was going to be Ali and Agent Zero vs. Trey Miguel and Jason Hotch. Now, Skyler will take Ali’s place. And, with Ali gone, Skyler is in charge of Order Four.

The Personal Concierge, minus jacket joins us with Mr. Elegance. According to the PC, something huge and massive is going to happen tonight. It is the finals of the Knockouts TV Title Tournament featuring M by Elegance and Jada Stone. The PC hypes both competitors as two grand two amazing athletes. He said Stone is young, vibrant and the ultimate Cinderella but everyone’s story has an end tonight will be hers thanks to M by Elegance, right now, rise and sing national anthem of Canada and sings a pro-American Canadian National Anthem as the Mr. Elegance strikes the pose. This is what all guys wish they could be and what every woman wishes they could be with…Mr. elegance goes through a full gamut of posing as the PC continues to hype Mr. Elegance as “the nectar of the gods.”

Bear Bronson (with Brian Myers in tow) vs. Elijah

We get the warning buzzer and Alisha Edwards reminds that we can’t beat the System. As Bronson headed to the ring, Myers got the mic and said they may have some new scars but when the lights were brightest at the biggest of the show of the year. When the matches were ultra, they proved, once again, you can’t beat the System.

We get a guitar strum and the lit guitar to start Elijah’s theme. We get the full PA announcement of Elijah’s sobriquets as Elijah emerged from the smoke. According to Hannifan, the System might be responsible to his attack shown during Lockdown because they are trying to keep the new talent down.

The two locked up and stated brawling with Bronson getting the better of it until Elijah hit a flying clothesline off the ropes. Elijah went to the arm and headed to the turnbuckles to do the top rope walk and the flying forearm from the top rope. Elijah went to he floor and slammed Bronson on the apron around the ring. Elijah signaled and stated his sprint around the floor until Myers stood in his way. The two started to jaw, which gave Bronson time to leap between the ropes and drop Elijah. Back in the ring, Bronson climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit a flying elbowdrop.

Bronson choked Elijah on the ropes with his foot. Elijah rallied when Bronson threw Elijah into the turnbuckles. Elijah caught himself and turned it into a mule kick. Bronson recovered and hit the Bossman Slam to a charging Elijah for a two count. Bronson dropped the straps and started to maul Elijah. Elijah rallied once again as the two traded punches and chops and Elijah hit a superkick as Bronson tried a discus lariat.

Elijah got Bronson on his shoulders but Bronson escaped and avoided a leaping knee strike off the ropes. To counter, Bronson grabbed Elijah and hit a chokebomb for a two count. Bronson tried to powerbomb Elijah but favored his left arm as he sold the beating from Lethal Lockdown on Sunday. Elijah countered it into a delayed Alabama Slam. Myers got on the apron to rally Bronson but Elijah sent him to the floor. Elijah hit a leaping kick as Bronson sat on the turnbuckles. Elijah grabbed Bronson and hit the Highwayman’s Farewell (Tombstone Piledriver) for the victory.

Post-Match: Myers entered the ring but was promptly thrown out by Elijah. Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards and Cedric Alexander joined the fracas and Elijah was victim of the numbers game. All four beat on Elijah and gloated in the ring.

Elijah looked hurt; speaking of hurt, here is the TNA Injury Report (this early??) brought to you by Sandman Hotel Group, who are a new sponsor of TNA (note, hotel group not run by the actual Sandman.) Hey, the TNA medical staff had a rough night during Lockdown and numerous competitors had injuries of some sort. All participants in the Lethal Lockdown had some injuries including K C Navarro, who is out of action, but everyone else is cleared for action. Hotch suffered bruised ribs but has been cleared (which is good, since he is wrestling tonight.) Alexander suffered multiple injuries and he is not medically cleared for action. Ali suffered a punctured lung and is out of action.

After break, we see the chryon for DemonxBunny and Allie (the bunny of the group) appears on the rampway. She introduces herself. At Lockdown, she didn’t know what was going to happen. Rosemary is away and if she was going to walk in along and was going to lose the title. She had a friend and she called her friend and asked if she wanted to be her partner. Said friend said yes and then Allie said yes. Her friend is Keira Hogan and now they are tag team champions. She asked Keira to come out and tell everyone

Hogan appeared and greeted Brampton. She said it felt good to be in TNA. When Allie called her there was no doubt in her mind. TNA means something to her and to come back after all this time and win a championship, it felt great. She knows the title belongs to Rosemary and Hogan was there for her and Allie; but coming back to TNA felt like home. A “welcome back” chant emerged. Hogan is back in TNA and she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. However, we are going somewhere – to commercials.

When we come back, we get some hype for Bound for Glory and Slater announcing he is utilizing Option C to challenge for the TNA World Title. We then go to a backstage interview with Elayna Black. She had a lot of time to think and what it meant to her. She got to wrestle in front of her family, friends and trainer. She looked back at Lockdown and be proud that she got to put on a performance for them.

However, she felt disappointed that she didn’t win the title. Life doesn’t go the way we want and maybe this is karma because there were times she wasn’t a good person (face turn completed.) She disrespected people and thought the world owed her something. Lockdown taught her humility. She is doing it for her but more so her for her friends and for all the little girls who look at her for inspiration to be a pro wrestler. She is here to show that she came here on a mission. She didn’t win but this is just a beginning of a long era of Elayna.

Order Four (John Skyler and Agent Zero with Mila Moore and Tasha Steelz in tow) vs. Trey Miguel and Jason Hotch

Order Four is out first with Skyler leading the way. The hit the ring and STRUCK THE POSE (Steelz did it with the minimalist of enthusiasm.) Miguel is next and is still going through a Spider-Man phase (the camera is upside down in a neat touch.) He paused on the rampway and awaited Hotch, who came out to a good pop with camera effects. The two shook hands with the ringside fans and posed on the turnbuckles. Hannifan and Rehwoldt praised Hotch’s efforts and his family stance during the match with Ali.

Skyler and Miguel started the match. Skyler grabbed a headlock band dropped Migel with a shoulderblock. However, Miguel got behind Skyler, grabbed his arm and headed to the ropes. He leapt on the top rope and hit a back flip arm drag to send Skyler to the mat. He followed it with a handstand flying headscissors and a dropkick. Hotch tagged into the match and the two reluctantly looked at each other. Zero tagged himself into the match and Zero took control with a knee to the abdomen.

Zero beat on Hotch until Hotch hit a flying headscissors off the ropes and sent Zero to the floor. Hotch leapt over the ropes and dove on Zero. Favoring his ribs, he signaled toward Miguel and the two threw Zero into he match. As Hotch tried to climb into the ring, Moore grabbed his leg. The distraction work as Zero recovered and threw Hotch into the ringpost. Miguel and Skyler checked on Hotch but Zero shooed both of them away and threw Hotch into the ring.

Zero beat on Hotch some more and hit a series of shoulder blocks to the torso in the corner. He threw Hotch chest first into the turnbuckles and lifted Hotch to an overhead suplex. The crowd tried to rally Hotch but Zero continued to maul Hotch with a series of knees and high impact maneuvers, including huge backdrop for a two count. Hotch continued to beat on the ribs and tagged Skyler. Skyler hit a Russian Legsweep for a two count. He started to work the back, grabbing the arms for extra leverage.

Hotch briefly rallied but Skyler responded with a huge bodyslam and tagged Zero. Zero Gorilla Pressed Hotch and dropped him chest first to the mat. Zero continued to aul Hotch and choked him on the ropes. When the referee tried to stop Zero, Moore choked Hotch form the floor. Zero grabbed a reverse bearhug and Hotch again tried to rally but Zero stopped it with his East River Crossing into the End of Days move for a two count. Zero was frustrated and accosted the referee – to the point the referee bailed to the floor.

During the events, Hotch recovered and rallied once more with a series of chops and an enziguri. He tried for a leaping tag but Zero caught him and applied a bearhug. Miguel implored his partner to rally and Hotch got to this feet and bit Zero’s forehead. He followed that with a jawbreaker as Zero staggered to his corner and tagged Skyler. Hotch booted Skyler to the mat and Miguel got the hot tag.

Miguel was a spiderweb of fire he dropped Skyler with a series of forearms and then a moonsault off the ropes. He no sold a chop and hit another enziguri for a two count. Skyler dodged a corner charge by Miguel but Miguel recovered before hitting the turnbuckle. He leapt on the top turnbuckle and signaled for the Meteora but Zero grabbed Skyler. Miguel rolled through it but Zero met him a punch that dropped him. Zero tried to charge Hotch, who was standing in the corner but Hotch avoided him and attempted the rolling neckbreaker through the ropes. However, Zero avoided it and sent Hotch into the direction of Skyler. Hotch stopped himself. The two had a moment but Zero attempted a big boot that connected on Skyler. Hotch and Miguel superkicked Zero over the ropes. Hotch leapt between the ropes but Zero caught him. Hotch escaped Zero’s grasp and sent Zero into the ringpost. Meanwhile, Miguel climbed to the top and NOW we get the Meteora for the win.

Post-Match: Hannifin noted that Miguel now has three victories over members of Order Four (Ali, Zero and Skyler.) We get a recap of the final moments of the match as Miguel and Hotch posed in the ring.

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, we go live (shown on the videos at ringside) of Ali in a hospital bed and called for Mr. Hotch. Ali applauded Hotch and said of he came really close to his wish of putting Ali into the dirt. However, he sent him to the hospital. He jumped off the steel cage onto him and stomped his heart. But, what he did was fracture his ribs and punctured his lung. It’s painful – very painful – but the only thing that is more painful than this is someone disrespecting his wife and daughter and living to talk about it.

He knows Hotch is injured, too. He saw him coughing up blood. He has a proposal for Hotch. Ali said maybe they have taken this too far. Everyone around them is hurt. Steelz had the door slammed in her face and the emotional trauma of Hotch’s wife and daughter. The two of them are in the condition they are. Ali proposed a truce and stop all this. Hotch joins Order Four and all is forgiven. It’s open arms or a call to arms – the choice is Hotch. The video ended and Hotch looked frustrated as he contemplated the offer.

We cut from that and go to BDE and Rich Swann who are watching a match on BDE’s phone until the Righteous walk from opposite sides into the shot. Vincent said relax; they are not here to fight them. Rather, has he thought about what they said. BDE asked what they wanted. Dutch said what they didn’t want is what happened at Lockdown but he made them do it. Vincent said Brandon (BDE’s first name) wants his first victory. But, Swann forgot…but before he could finish Swann said he hasn’t forgotten anything. What BDE and Swann want is for the Righteous to get out of here (mimicking Vincent’s snapping and walking.)

Dutch said he is going give Brandon what he wants. He is going to talk to Rae about a match between BDE and “Uncle” Dutch. Maybe BDE wins or not. When it doesn’t go his way again, maybe Brandon thinks about what Vincent said. Dig what he is saying? They leave off camera and BDE and Swann look at each other.

We get the rest of the card and the finals of the Knockouts TV Title Tournament are next….after the break.

During the break, we get the System’s music (sans warning buzzer..) The System come to the rampway. Alisha asked if we want to know something; in fact, she asked twice. They are looking at history makers. Alisha is the first and only Knockout to participate in Ultimate X, Monster’s Ball and Lethal Lockdown. The System walked away victorious so we can all cry about it. Bronson said as the gatekeepers of TNA and Lethal Lockdown winners. After what happened tonight, the System is going to obliterate Elijah like the Royals obliterated the Blue Jays.

Alexander grabbed the mic and yelled that he has it on good authority that Elijah was the one who attacked him days before Lockdown. As far as he’s concerned, Elijah’s existence is a personal insult to him. Soon, Elijah will learn a cold fact of life – you can’t beat the System.

We come back from break to Miller and Avery Styles. She asked how the last few days have been since his viral announcement at Lockdown that he joined TNA at age 19. It’s a dream come true, he said. His dad made his name here and he grew up watching this. He can’t wait to start his own story here.

Before they could continue, Moose entered the shot and congratulated him. He said he knows Styles will do as phenomenal as his dad. He did want to impart some advice – as one who made the same mistake: be careful who he associates. The discussion at Lockdown between Styles and Frankie Kazarian was worrisome because Kazarian doesn’t help other people, he just helps himself.

This brought Kazarian into the shot and verbally accosted Moose. Styles said he needs someone who will help him survive and thrive in this company. He needs a winner, not a loser like Moose, who named himself after a big, dumb animal. Kazarian said he is looking out for Styles and that his career starts on the right path, so Moose better stay out of his ear.

We go to a vignette from M by Elegance. She said she had been wrestling for four years and it only took two to get to TNA. Once she got here, she joined the By Elegance Brand because they saw all the potential she had. Jada Stone said she and M go back a long ways. They used to be friends until she joined the By Elegance Brand. M said she has never felt more confident as she does going into the finals of the tournament. Stone said the fact that she made it to the finals is crazy to her and didn’t expect it. M said that is the difference between the two, Stone didn’t expect it and M always knew she was going to make the finals. The two traded comments. M said that the plan was always her vs. Heather by Elegance in the finals to ensure gold in the Brand but she knows the title is coming to the Brand. Stone wants to humble M by Elegance. M said she sparkles like a diamond and shine like the star she is.

Knockouts TV Title Tournament Final: M by Elegance vs. Jada Stone

M is out first and is joined by the Brand at ringside. Stone is next, Hannifan said Stone defeated three former Knockouts Champions to get here. Stone posed in the turnbuckles. Mitchell gives the full introduction.

The two squared up as the bell rang. M bullied Stone in the corner but Stone dodged a corner charge for a series of rollups for two counts. She followed it with a matrix dodge of a running boot and hit a dropkick. M staggered into the corner and Stone it a running back elbow. M tried to evade another corner charge and backdropped Stone to the apron. But, Stone landed on her feet and hit a forearm that staggered M. Stone climbed to the top rope and hit a missile dropkick and a standing moonsault for a two count.

M bailed to the floor and Stone tried to capitalize on her offense. However, M grabbed Stone’s leg after “The Spark” leapt onto the apron and yanked her to the floor. M hit a wheelbarrow back suplex into the apron corner. M put the boots to Stone in the ring and choked Stone in the corner with her boot. Stone tried to rally but M reversed it and hit a Cradle Shock for a two count.

M continued to maul Stone on the ropes and thwart multiple Stone rally attempts. One rally ended with a huge big boot by M off the ropes for a two count. M hit a chin lock (using her knee as extra leverage on her back.) Stone caught Stone off the ropes and hit a fallway slam. M wrapped Stone around the ropes and put the boot to Stone’s arm, injured during the Lethal Lockdown on Sunday.

M posed on the ropes; that gave Stone time to rally one more time and hit a rollup. M escaped and hit a standing dropkick. M kept the onslaught and choked Stone on the corner with her boot. A “Jada” chant emerged but M snapmared Stone out of the corner and hit a seated dropkick to the back of Stone for a two count. M lifted Stone onto the turnbuckles and M scaled the turnbuckles. Stone tried to fight her but M hit a big boot to quell that rally. She also hit a Tower of London (Tower of Elegance, according to Hannifan) for a two count.

M got Stone into position and climbed to the top for a moonsault. Stone moved but M rolled through it. M tried for a corner charge but Stone evaded it. She also evaded a running boot that got M caught on the ropes in the corner. Stone tried to beat on M in the corner and the ropes. The two struggled for position but Stone hit a rope-assisted hurincanrana that sent M across the ring. Stone hit a seated dropkick and draped M on the ropes. Stone hit the 619 and tried to rally the crowd. M caught Stone in a wheelbarrow position but Stone rolled up M and hit a double stomp to the abdomen for a two count.

Stone attempted the Spark Stunner (a handspring stunner with a back flip off the ropes) but M caught her for a two-count. Stone dropped M with a kick in the corner. She attempted the split-legged moonsault but M got to her feet and caught her. M hit a standing Blue Thunder Bomb and followed it with a superkick. She caught Stone with a rebound kick off the ropes. M hit the ropes again but Stone legtripped her and hit a running uppercut to the back.

Stone attempted an Asai Moonsault off the ropes but it hit nothing but knees. M hit a knee strike and a powerbomb from a rolling position. M slowly climbed to the top rope, which gave Stone time to recover and hit a superkick. Stone grabbed M on the top turnbuckle and hit the Spanish Fly. A “TNA” chant emerged as Stone climbed and hit a Skytwister Press from the top rope for two-and-a-fraction until M just got her foot on the rope.

M struggled around the ropes but tried to fend off Stone. Persistent, Stone hit the ropes and attempted another Spark Stunner but M caught her once again. This time, Stone reversed it to a roll up for a two count. M reversed it, picked up Stone and hit a piledriver variation for the win and the title.

Post-Match: The By Elegance Brand was ecstatic as TNA President Carlos Sivla awarded M the title. The Brand got in the ring and celebrated with M and celebrated up the rampway.

Speaking of Knockouts, Indi Hartwell is in action…after the break.

During the break, Kazarian’s music hit and he appeared on the rampway with Styles. He wanted the crowd to show some respect. He asked Styles to take it in. The ring right now is Kazarian’s but sometime in the future, it will be Styles. He talked about the relationship with A J Styles, a good friend and one of the best wrestlers in the world, like him. Don’t be like A J Styles, because you will fail – there’s only one Styles He should carve his own path and do his own thing. Kazarian believes in him. Go out there and stand on his own. Kazarian has his back and always will. He asked the crew to hit his music but changed his mind – hit Avery’s music. The crew do just that and the two head backstage and we head to break.

When we come back we go to an ambulance and see Jeff being stretchered into it. Matt said he doesn’t know what happened and asked to go with him to the hospital. We cut immediately to Hartwell headed to ringside. Usually, she is an easy going and positive person, but she is angry right now. Daria Rae said she is not worthy of a title shot. A fan yelled Rae is a female dog and Hartwell sort of agreed, saying she is a lot of things. She said she had been watching and obsessing with wrestling since she was eight-years-old. This is her life, there’s no plan B and she can’t go back to University (ummm…why not?) She moved across the world for this. She has not been more physically and emotionally strong as she is right now. No one is going to stand in her way anymore.

That brought out Rae. Rae said that was so touching and almost got to her until she remembered how mediocre Hartwell is (ohhh..burn…..) Rae can’t stand one thing and that is people who grew up idolizing and obsessing over wrestling and feel that is cause for an opportunity over everyone else. This is how the real world is – money equals opportunity. IF she brings in money to the company, that brings opportunity. That is something Hartwell has not done.

She gave Hartwell advice – take her underperforming mediocre glutes back to catering. Rae would urge her to stop disrespecting her name. Hartwell said is it when she called Rae Dariarhee….she was immediately cut off by Rae’s catchphrase was a too late a “Diarrhea” chant emerged.

Rae said actions have consequences. Hartwell asked about what consequences. Is Rae going to fight Hartwell? Is she going to hair up and square up (harkening to Rae’s catchphrase in NXT) Hartwell said has a hair tie for her. Rae responded that Hartwell wished she would rub one ounce of Rae’s star power and aura on her dying career. If Rae ever did step back into the ring, she would kick Hartwell’s glutes all the way back to kangaroo land.

Hartwell said what is wrong with the world is someone who projects their misery onto other people. Just because her career was a failure doesn’t mean she has to ruin it for everyone else. Hartwell said she won’t Rae ruin her career; with or without her in the way, she will get the Knockouts world title. Rae said good luck with that and Hartwell watched Rae leave. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, Zoey Star…err…Serrano hit the ring and started to maul Hartwell on the mat. She hit the Z360 and Hartwell crumpled to the mat – a “holy (excrement)” chant emerged. Rae formerly introduced Serrano to the crowd. Rae and Serrano posed in the ring as we go to break and prep for the main event…after the break.

During the break, we get the Hometown Man greeting the crowd in a Toronto Blue Jays jersey and hat (noticeably, no Maple Leafs’ or Brampton Battalion gear.) he get the cheap pop and a “TNA” chant emerged. HE said not only are the best wrestlers in the world in TNA but the best wrestlers in the world are from right here in Canada. Not only that, the best pro wrestling fans are from right here from Canada (I bet you say that to all the cities.) A “hometown man” chant emerged and HTM continued. We have a lot to be excited about including the main event. He asked the camera man to follow him. He got the crowd riled with the main event talk and the Astros going to the World Series (well, he said the Blue Jays but let’s be honest.) He also has free merch to throw to the crowd, and he did just that. Afterwards, he thanked the crowd and headed backstage.

We go backstage to see a recuperating Hartwell. Harley Hudson walked into the shot and wanted to check on Hartwell. Hudson said she can’t stand what Rae is doing; first, she threatened to send Hudson back to England. Hartwell said Rae wanted to send her back to “kangaroo land.” She can bring in Serrano or anyone she wants, Hartwell isn’t going anywhere. Hudson said she wants people to be frustrated but that’s not going to happen. If she needs someone, Hudson is there for her.

However, Xia Brookside walked into the shot and commented on the “Daria Rae Hate Club” being adorable. Hartwell got into Brookside’s face but Brookside said she heard what Hartwell said at Lockdown about getting a shot at her World Title. Brookside said Rae said she is not getting a title shot. Hartwell asked if she is happy about that. Brookside asked why wouldn’t she? She has the world title and Hartwell has, what, exactly? A bad neck and new enemy.

Santino Marella came into the shot and said he could make the match. However, Rae entered the shot (holy NXT interview parade, Batman) and said she is amazed how stupid Marella is. She went to the board and told them about the verbal and physical assault months ago. Her permanent record is not great. It’s above their head and safe to say – no title shot. Hartwell asked if this is high school? Marella said he would look into that but in the meantime, he made a tag match. It will be Hudson and Hartwell vs. Brookside and Serrano next week. Rae agreed it was a good match and sarcastically wished Hartwell and Hudson good luck.

We get an ad for “30 Second Takedown” on TNA Plus, debuting after Bound For Glory. Along with the tag match just announced we get the X-Division Qualifying Match between Navarro and Joe Alonzo (who won a TNA Contract during a dark match not shown prior to Lockdown.)

We get the tale of the tape for the main event and here we go:

TNA Tag World Title Match: The Nemeths (Ryan and Nic) vs. Ricky Sosa and Leon Slater

The crowd starts the “Bang,bang/Sosa, Sosa” chant to his theme. Slater quickly joins him and the crowd chants to his theme. We get some hype for Bound For Glory in Tampa. The Nemeths head out next with gyrations aplenty. We go to break during that. We come back to the Nemeths taunting the crowd (Ryan did the Jeff Hardy dance mimic and followed it with the Ricky Sosa dance.)

Nic grabbed the mic and wanted the crowd to shut up. He knows the crowd came to see the Nemeths do what they do best, but some wanted to see Sosa and Slater and everyone came to see them win the titles. Nic knows he came to see himself and that the Nemeths are the most successful brother team in history and that Nic is the most valuable man in TNA history. Nic knows after they beat Sosa and Slater and retain the titles,, they are going to leave and put this country in the rear view. He started a “USA” chant that got booed. The crowd got a “Lake Ontario” chant going (I laughed at that – nice touch.)

The chant kept going when we got back to the action. Slater and Nic started. Slater chased Nic to the corner and Nic tagged Ryan. Slater it an enziguri and then a handspring back elbow off the ropes. Slater beat on Ryan in the corner, including the 10-punch corner spot. Sosa tagged and the two hit a double hiptoss. Sosa followed it with a senton for a two count.

Sosa attempted a bodyslam but Ryan escaped and tagged Nic. Nic immediately went to work on the arm and hit multiple arm twists. Sosa and Nic traded reversals but Sosa dropped the World Champion with a shoulder block off the ropes and followed it with a body slam and dropkick. Nic weathered the storm and managed to hit a back elbow in the ropes. Nic started to maul Sosa and tagged Ryan. Ryan slugged away on Sosa in the corner and on the mat. Sosa rallied with a series of back elbows and a huge dropkick off the ropes.

Sosa managed to get the tag to Slater and Slater was a flat on fire with a series of forearms and two running boots off the ropes and in the corner. Slater climbed to the top and hit a cross bodyblock for a two count until Nic interrupted the pin. Nic was rewarded with a rebound spin kick off the ropes and a superkick. Back to Ryan, Slater lifted Ryan on his shoulders and hit the Utopia (Spinning Rack Bomb) for a two count. Ryan bailed to the floor and Nic consoled him and asked for a time out.

Back in the ring, Slater chopped away on Ryan. Slater tagged Sosa and Sosa continued to literally chop away at Ryan. Slater tagged back and hit a chop on the arm from the top rope. Ryan finally got a break with an eye rake and tagged Nic. Nic choked Slater on the ropes. Ryan tagged and hit a shoulder block to the abdomen in the corner. Ryan beat on Slater with a clothesline off the ropes but Slater quickly rallied with a big boot..

Sosa tagged back in the match and hit a seated dropkick after a snap mare of a two count. Sosa tagged Slater and slammed Ryan. Slater climbed to the rope but Nic tried to interfere. Slater thwarted him but the distraction gave time to recover and evaded the leap,. Slater landed on his feet but sold a leg injury upon landing. Ryan threw Slater shoulder first into the ringpost. Nic tagged and threw Slater into the turnbuckles. Nic choked Slater on the ropes. As the referee tried to restrain Nic Ryan slugged him on the floor.

Slater tried to tag but Nic grabbed his leg and tagged Ryan. (note: at this point the feed ended.) Nemeth cut off the ring and attempted multiple pins, including a neckbreacker but only got two counts. Nic tagged into the match and continued to maul Slater in the corner.

Ryan tagged again and continued the beatdown until Slater rallied with a Superkick. Both made writhed on the canvas but eventually started the hope craw. Sosa immediately went to work and dropped both Nemeths with clotheslines. He countered a Ryan clothesline with a spin kick that sent Ryan staggering. Sosa clotheslined Ryan out of the ring and then focused on Nic. Sosa hit a powerslam off the ropes and followed it with a moonsault off the ropes for a two count.

Sosa kept the offense going with a twisting neckbreaker for another two count. After knocking Ryan back to the floor from the apron, Sosa went back to Nic. However, Nic dropped Sosa and cued up the superkick. However, Sosa blocked it and hit the Blue Thunder Bang (his Blue Thunder Bomb variation.) Slater tagged back to the match, ascended to the top and hit the Swanton 450 for a two count until Ryan recovered and interrupted the pin and pulled him out the ring and sent Slater into the ring steps.

Sosa tagged back into the match and hit a spingboard cutter on Nic for another two count. Sosa measured him for the Head Shot (running uppercut.) However, Ryan recovered the just enough to grab Sosa’s leg to interfere. Sosa kicked him and Slater leapt over the ringpost and dove on Ryan. However, Nic recuperated and managed to drop Sosa with another superkick for a two count. Nic attempted another superkick but Sosa caught him and hoisted him into another powerbomb. Sosa got ready for another attempt at the Head Shot but Nic blocked it, hit the Danger Zone, and got the win and the title retention as the show ended.

Impactful Discourse:

One: The curse of the first live taping strikes as the feed cut out before the final match. There was also a hiccup transitioning between the Hardys segment and going to Hartwell’s interview. There has to be a better way to do this. Though it has gotten better, this still happens with way too much frequency.

Two: The main event was to be expected as Slater is set to compete for the World Title so this was just a match. Given the stakes at Bound For Glory, they wanted to keep Slater strong; ergo, Sosa ate the pin. Nemeth getting clean pins is unusual given he’s a heel but I guess if Slater does win – as he should – this gives him a stronger champion to conquer. Sosa should be fine as he still has a huge rub and the crowd loves him.

Three: Speaking of fait accompli, it felt like M’s win over Stone was just that. And, it was the right call. M is ready for the big time and to carry that title. Stone still has work to do. They built a good “David vs. Goliath” match but M just looked so much more fluid in there and watching her pick up Stone effortlessly for the pin was a telling sign. Now that it is done, where do we go from here? We have two heel champions (for now) and a just a few face challengers.

Four: That being said, I don’t think M is long for the heel side. However, I don’t know where this leaves the By Elegance Brand and don’t know if this leads to dissention amongst the ranks. I don’t buy Heather as a credible threat to M – so that would be a one-sided affair. The deck is stacked heavily for the heels vs. faces quantity (and quality, for that matter.) Having M become face would not be the worst idea as she can do all the lifting on her own in ring and on mic.

Five: That ratio is compounded by the fact that Zoey Serrano is now in the organization. I am a bigger fan of hers than most people here but I was glad to see her after the horrible injury she suffered. She was introduced the proper way and can see her quickly assume the role as a top heel. Also, this was a far better introduction to a Rae signing than, let’s say…..

Six: Elayna Black. Her segment cemented her face turn. It was a paint-by-numbers segment and a pretty good one but the delivery still seemed off. Also, it was shot like a hostage video. I guess underdog redemption/ashamed of how she was is a good enough impetus for a turn, but can Black finally handle the role and seem natural in there.

Seven: The last temptation of BDE continues. It’s a feud and keeps everyone present and accounted, I guess. It does seem like a waste for three of the four people involved (Swann could be penciled into the X-Division scene again now that is vacated and we have a six-way match for the title at Bound For Glory.) BDE needs something so him somehow being swayed by the Righteous would be something more than “social media star who wrestles but falls just short time after time.”

Eight: Great interview by Ali after the Miguel and Hotch victory. That was well crafted and keeps people aware that he still lurks. If Slater wins the title, I would love to see a world title feud between them.

Nine: Great work by Steelz, by the way, in her “quiet quitting/exasperated” mannerisms. She is just over this and wonder when her face turn takes place (having her in the mix isn’t the worst idea, either.)

10: Hartwell did a nice job with her segment but one has to wonder if they don’t pull the trigger on this, how much longer does she stay in TNA? She has been at the forefront and just missed time after time. Her skillset is limited but the fans still react to her in a natural way. Her style is weirdly natural.

11: I forgot to mention this on the Lockdown review but luckily it manifested itself tonight. I don’t know what is the denouement of the “mystery attacker” is but I am curious. TNA doesn’t really hit home runs with their big reveals but this would be a good time for one. I would settle for a solid double. I do like Hannifan’s speculation and the paranoid accusations of wrestlers on who it is to sell the drama unfolding.

12: The Kazarian/Moose/Styles troika is interesting as it has two proverbial good hands leading a newcomer through his first big angle. Styles as a “padawan” is a great way to get him into heavy rotation as good vs. evil fight for him. And, could lead to the proverbial “one more match” for a certain phenomenal wrestler.

Lastly: We have two pieces set with Serrano and DeVille. All we need is Shayna Bazsler and you know what that means? Yup, Pure Fusion Collective is back.

Fight the Good Fight.