Saherrin Reviews

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.

Welcome, all, to another TNA Impact. We’re still in Albany, New York and halfway through our latest taping cycle. Fun factoid about Albany, it was the birthplace of the Schuyler sisters, one of them, Elizabeth, married Alexander Hamilton. The sisters were also widely praised in the iconic musical “Hamilton.” The Broadview Center is the room where it happens. Tom Hannifan and his right hand man Matt Rehwoldt give us the story of tonight and ensure we won’t ask “what’d I miss?” When we take a break in the action, Gia Miller gives us backstage happenings and McKenzie Miller lets us know what comes next with ring announcing. It is Non-stop action, after all; so, Meet me inside as this show tries to blow us all away and engage me, your obedient servant, in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

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.

Hey, greetings everyone and welcome to the TNA’s 24^th Anniversary, or should I say, Slammiversary. We are live at the Agganis Center on the campus of the University of Boston (which is in Boston. That seems like a no-brainer but Boston College is in Chestnut Hill. Why isn’t it Chestnut Hill College, huh?) Geography aside, we are in for a wicked good time (so we think.) Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are calling the action (with a neat special guest during the pre-game show.) Gia Miller is a hub of activity working the crowd on the concourse and backstage  and McKenzie Miller spills the beans on who is in the ring. Let’s not wait another moment and let’s see what is Bruin in TNA, loyal patriots. So, let’s get comfy, put on our comfy red sox and engage in some Impactful Discourse? Shall We? We shall.

Greetings, all, and welcome to the final chapter of the Tommy Dreamer “era” on TNA Impact. Despite all the goings-on and shenanigans behind the scenes, we still have the premier pay-for-view for the company on Saturday, so let’s do the run up without getting too gassed in the altitude of Denver, Colorado. Despite the upheaval, we still have some breaths of fresh air with Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt at the announce table, Gia Miller continues to keep the airflow moving with backstage interviews and McKenzie Mitchell clears the air of who is in the ring. Now, sit back and relax; inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth and tune in to AMC (not the Oxygen channel) and engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Well, we might have had a mass exodus from TNA but I am still here to give you another review of TNA Impact. We’re still in Denver at the Livestock Center CoBank Arena at the National Western Center. Fun factoid, Denver produces more beer than any city in the United States. Hopefully, we won’t need that much to enjoy this episode as Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt will let us know what is brewing, and when we hop to back stage segments we have Gia Miller handle those duties. McKenzie Mitchell will give us grains of knowledge of who is in the ring. Feeling down? I know what can cure whatever ales you. So grab a cold one because the action is red hot and get ready for some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Greetings, all, and welcome to another TNA Impact review. It’s a new taping cycle and the company’s debut in Denver, CO  at the Livestock Center CoBank Arena at the National Western Center. In case you haven’t herd the news, we’re starting to reach ram-ming speed toward Slammiversary, so ewe don’t want to miss any of the action, and  that’s no bull. Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt won’t steer us the wrong way with their announcing duties. Gia Miller will keep us moo-ving with backstage segments and McKenzie Mitchell isn’t kidding with her ringside announcing. Unfortunately, Steve Maclin was put out to pasture (as was Myla Grace.) Nonetheless, we won’t be sheepish in delivering the action.  So, saddle up, get ready to go hog wild and egg-gage in  some Impactful discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Greetings all, and welcome to another episode of TNA Wrestling. We wrap up this taping cycle in Sacramento, California. Sacramento considers itself the “Farm-to-Fork” Capital of America given its agriculture resources and 40 Farmers Markets here. So, let’s see if we can “produce” some excitement as we have a pear of aces on the mic with Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt. Gia Miller is not here but McKenzie Mitchell is a peach of a ringside announcer. So, lettuce sit back and relax, and enjoy these salad days of wrestling and engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Greetings, everyone, and welcome to another episode of TNA Impact, once again emanating from Sacramento, CA, which sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. And, speaking of confluence,  we have a confluence of talent tonight as Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt announce the action, Gia Miller keeps things rolling with backstage interviews and McKenzie Mitchell helps us navigate the rough waters of figuring who is who in the ring.  Unlike our AMC lead-in, let’s not be a bane. Although it is the last taping in “the City of Trees,” let’s not leave but stick around and engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

(side note: as always, take some time and read/appreciate/comment on our fellow writers who contribute to this site. They deserve the recognition and love for doing this…and now, our feature presentation.)

We get the cold opening and see Frankie Kazarian introduced and headed to the ring before we hit the theme, which is ready for you.

We get the official introduction from Hannifan and leads to our first match. And what do you know, it features Kazarian – amongst others:

Men’s Champions Challenge Match: Frankie Kazarian, Leon Slater, Eric Young, KC Navarro and Elijah vs. Mike Santana, Mustafa Ali, Cedric Alexander, Brian Myers and Bear Bronson

Kazarian, Elijah, Young and Navarro are in the ring as we hear Slater’s music. As Slater made his way to the ringside, Hannifan recapped the promos (still worth watching) after his loss to Alexander, comparing it to the time when his father abandoned him. Hannifin asked if Slater would find himself down the road.

The rhythmic wailing and drums bring Ali (with Tasha Steelz in tow) to the ring. We get also get our official greeting from Hannifan and Rehwoldt talking about the card tonight, including the men’s and women’s championship challenge match. Myers, Alexander and Bronson are next (with the System in tow) preceded by the warning buzzer and Alisha Edwards telling us “you can’t beat The System.” Lastly, we get Santana, who gets a huge pop as he made his way through the crowd to ringside. In the midst of Santana’s entrance, Hannifan said if a champion his pinned, the person who pinned him gets a title shot at that belt (in case one of the tag champions gets pinned, the person who got the pin can choose a partner and they challenge the tag champs.)

Myers and Elijah start. He immediately grabbed an armlock and did the old school rope walk (with Elijah) and hit a flying forearm smash for a two count. Myers and Elijah traded shots as we get our first commercial break.

During the break, we get another Classic Slammiversary ad for TNAPlus with another look at Kenny Omega vs. Sami Callihan. Plunder ahoy as Omega set up the table on the floor and attempted a German Suplex but Callihan blocked it by hitting the Greco-Roman hand bite. Omega tried to hit a piledriver but Callihan reversed it into a piledriver of his own.

When we return, we have Santana and Elijah in the middle of the ring exchanging go behinds. They traded arm locks and reverses. They also took turns evading each other’s offenses off the ropes, including a Santana dropkick, Elijah elbow drop and rolling leg drop by Santana.

The two traded glances as the crowd chanted for Santana. In the process, Young hit the ring and attacked Santana from behind. Elijah tried to restrain him but Kazarian tagged himself into the match and attacked Santana. Kazarian beat on Santana in the corner until Santana rallied and hit a dropkick off the ropes. Santana chopped away at Kazarian before Kazarian tagged Elijah.

Santana hit a back elbow on Elijah and tagged Ali. Ali beat on Elijah and hit a seated dropkick off the ropes. Ali continued to beat on Elijah. Ali avoided an Elijah charge into the corner but after a series of crisscrosses off the ropes, Elijah got a two-count from a pop-up powerbomb before Alexander interrupted the pin. Elijah slugged Alexander and then we got the schmozapalooza as the All-Stars and Champions square doff with each other. Elijah caught a diving Ali through the ropes and hit a chokeslam on the apron. Nine combatants conveniently fought on the floor by the ringpost, which gave Slater a chance to leap over the ringpost and hit the senton.

Slater and Navarro put the boots to Alexnader in the corner; meanwhile, Ali and Elijah fought in the ring. Ali choked Elijah on the corner as the rest of Order Four made their way to the ring. Elijah hit a huge backdrop on the X-Division champion for a two count. Navarro finally tagged into the match. Navarro hit an elbow drop off the ropes and worked the arm before re-tagging Slater. ;

Slater leapt off the top turnbuckle with a stomp to the arm of Ali. Slater worked the arm and tagged Elijah. Elijah attempted another old school rope walk but Ali yanked him from the corner into a cutter. Ali tagged Bronson and Bronson mauled Elijah in the corner before tagging Myers. The System components hit a double elbow for a two count. Myers grabbed a chinlock as the All-Stars tried to encourage Elijah. Elijah got to his feet but Myers hit a flying knee off the ropes and tagged Bronson.  Bronson mocked Elijah’s guitar playing and hit a corner splash for a two count as we hit another commercial break.

We come back from break with Elijah tried to fecklessly rally. He was more successful when the rest of the System tried for a triple team off the ropes but Elijah held on and held the top rope down as Bronson charged, sending him to the floor. Alesander and Myers tried for a double suplex but Elijah reversed it into a suplex of his own. Myers tried to crawl to a tag but was indecisive in tagging Ali or Santana. Santana made the decision for him by slugging Ali to the floor and tagging himself into the match (and showing he is not a great partner by booting Myes when he entered.)

Elijah, for his efforts, grabbed Kazarian and threw him into the ring. Santana clotheslined Kazarian and threw Young into the ring and beat on him. However, the numbers game was too much and the All-Stars grabbed a momentary advantage until Santana reversed a whip into the ropes into an enziguri on Kazarian. Young grabbed Santana and threw him into the turnbuckles but Santana blocked it and turned it into a Rolling Block 50 cutter.

Santana also hit a leap over the ropes onto Young on the floor. The crowd chanted for Satnana as he climbed to the top rope. Kazarian avoided but Santana rolled through it. However, a Spin the Block was avoided and Kazarian ran Santana into the corner. Santana bucked Kazarian off an hit another Rolling Block 50 as Ali entered the ring and hit his rolling neckbreaker through the ropes for two-and-a-fraction.

Ali and Santana started to jaw with each other as Navarro climbed to the top and hit a dropkick on both. Ali attempted to throw Navarro into the ropes but Navarro stopped himself. Ali charged but Navarro evaded it and Ali was caught in the ropes, in position for Navarro’s 305 (a 619 but over the top rope.) Navarro hit a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a two count. Navarro tried for a tag but Ali whipped him into a drop toe hold and held the knee. Ali promptly tagged Bronson who hit a seated splash and then mauled Navarro on the mat. Bronson hit a gorilla slam for a two count,

Bronson signaled for a tag and Ali cut in front for the tag. Ali attempted to slug Navarro but Navarro evaded it, crawled under the legs and tagged Slater. Slater cleared the corner of the champs (sans Santana.) He stopped an Irish whip to the ropes and hit a leg lariat for a two count until Alexander interrupted the pin. Alexander tried to attack the champs but Kazarian ducked it and hit the leg drop on the apron and then hit a leaping DDT over the ropes on Myers.

However, Bronson stopped Kazarian’s momentum with a Black Hole Slam. Elijah got back into the match and hit a leaping knee on Bronson (after no selling a big boot in the corner.) Santana threw Elijah over the top rope but Young clothesline Santana and himself over the ropes. That left Ali and Slater. Slater avoided an Ali charge and Ali did his sliding face-first bump into the turnbuckles. Slater climbed to the top rope and hit the Swanton 450 and got a two count until Alisha Edwards put Ali’s foot on the rope. Slater yelled at Alisha Edwards.

Meanwhile, Steelz slid the International Title to Ali. Ali attempted to hit Slater with a running shot but Slater avoided it. The referee grabbed the title from Ali and when Ali turned, Slater landed a superkick and tagged Navarro. Navarro hit the Blessing in Disguise (Half nelson somersault reverse DDT)  for the pin and a future International Championship title shot.

Post Match: Navarro celebrated on the turnbuckles as we get a replay of the finish.

We go back to Miller and her guests, former Knockouts world champion Arianna Grace (with “Stacks” Lorenzo in tow.) Grace looked indignant when Miller said “former” Knockouts champion. Tonight, we get Lorenzo vs. Santino Marella.  Grace said let’s focus on the real issue, if Marella had not thrown a Knockouts title match in less than a week, Grace would be in the Woman’s Championship Challenge match and not “Lei Ying Lee” (said sarcastically and derisively. ) Grace said she was an amazing champion and carried herself like a star and represented this company with class. Here we know after an emotional decision (mirroring the Daria Rae mindset.)

Lorenzo said not to worry. He said Marella has made bad decision after bad decision. Tonight, he has to own up to those bad decisions. Marella tried to disrespect him and embarrass them, but tonight, Lorenzo will send him and his “stinky” sock puppet to the retirement home. Grace capped it by saying when he is the retirement home all alone, don’t expect a visit. The two walked off screen as Miller looked disgusted.

We get a preview of the rest of the card including Knockouts challenge from a feud stemming on social media..after the break. During the break, we get another Classic Slammiversary.  With a rehash of the highlights previously shown of  Ortiz and Santana vs. Hernandez and Homicide.

We get some hype for the Lethal Lockdown event on August 23 in Chicago (CM Punk chants sold separately.)

We come back to hype for the Hardys vs. Righteous feud. We hear Matt Hardy said the Righteous wanted the “Broken Hardys” and now they have them. We cut to the Righteous in a garden park as Dutch said “broken.” Vincent said that’s a fitting name as for months now we saw the Hardys come undone. The “wicked garden” isn’t just a match, but it’s a place where beautiful things rot. Pain is something peaceful. Vincent said he saw the flower die so they watered it into something greater. If the Hardys make it to the Wicked Garden, they won’t come out the same. In the Wicked Garden the vines won’t let go, Dutch said. For he is righteous and Vincent said they are many. Dig what they are saying? We see a silhouette of the Hardys with the garden in their shadows.

Meanwhile, as Hannifan and Rehwoldt figure out what the Wicked Garden was, we get the next match:

Tessa Blanchard vs. Harley Hudson

Blanchard is out first without the Diamond Collective in tow, something Hannifan noted. Blanchard strutted to the ring and STRUCK HER POSE. Hudson was out next and STRUCK HER POSE on the rampway. She got a decent pop. Oh, and now Hudson is the “British Babe.” Hannifan went over Hudson’s history to get to TNA wrestling,

Hudson got a quick two count form a roll up and worked the arm. She hit a shoulderblock off the ropes and hit a big boot off the ropes for another two count. Blanchard stemmed the momentum by hitting a back elbow after Hudson charged her out of the corner. However, Hudson went to her floor and grabbed Blanchard pulling her to the apron. Hudson slugged away on Blanchard and hit a leg drop on the apron.

Blanchard regained the momentum by dropkicking Hudson as she tried to enter the ring. Blanchard immediately went to the floor and worked the leg of Hudson. She slammed Hudson’s knee to the floor in a Fisherman’s Suplex position. Back in the ring, Blanchard beat on Hudson in the cornered raping her leg around the ropes.

Blanchard continued to work the leg and grabbed a modified figure-four leglock. Blanchard kept the leg lock and grabbed Hudson in a guillotine hold position. Blanchard slugged away on the leg. Blanchard hit a modified leg and knee lock until Hudson slugged away to break the hold. Blanchard stopped Hudson’s offense by hitting a running knee on the ropes.

Blanchard continued to maul Hudson on the ropes until Hduson rallied with a series of strikes on Blanchard. Hudson hit a series of running forearms and then grabbed Blanchard to hit a fall away slam (still selling the leg in the process.) Hudson tired to cover and hit a running hip attack on the corner for a two count. Hudson grabbed Blanchard and put her on the rope for a superplex but Blanchard fought out of it and tried for a powerbomb. Hudson blocked it but Blanchard kicked the knee and Hudson dropped on the turnbuckles.

Blanchard grabbed Hudson in the turnbuckles but Hudson had the wherewithal to grab Blanchard’s head and slam it into the turnbuckles. Hudson climbed the turnbuckles but Blanchard, again, kicked the leg and Hudson slumped on the turnbuckles. Blanchard hit a Codebreaker on the turnbuckles for a two count. Blanchard beat on Hudson in the corner. However, Hudson reversed a powerbomb attempt into a backdrop slam on Hudson’s knee for a two count.

Hudson charged Blanchard in the corner and mauled her in the corner. Blanchard tried to escape and hit the Buzzsaw DDT but Hudson reversed it into a rollup for a two count. Blanchard escaped and Hudson tried to hit a running clothesline. However, Blanchard avoided it and chop blocked Hudson’s leg. Blanchard grabbed Hudson and NOW we get the Buzzsaw DDT for the win.

Post Match: Blanchard mouthed “best in the world” as she sat on the mat and glared at the champion. We also get a replay of the finish. Blanchard celebrated up the rampway.

However, there’s nothing to celebrate with the BioFlex Injury report. Steve Maclin status is unknown after his match last week with Santana. Jada Stone is out with an injury after Brookside’s “Dark Side” DDT last week. Moose is still out with injuries suffered from an attack by the System a few weeks ago. Marella and Lorenzo are both cleared for action, which is great because their match is…..after the break.

More classic Slammivesary classic match ads for the TNAPlus collection and another replay of the match between Callihan and Blanchard (hey, she was just in the previous match.) Remember when fans cheered for Blanchard; Pepperidge Farms remembers and now, you can too in this collection.

We come back to Lee warming up in the backstage as the Personal Concierge walks into frame. He goes over the match and said that this match is very important so don’t screw it up. Lee faked attacking the PC and he cowered. He said to focus and then walked off screen as Lee continued to shadowbox.

Santino Marella vs. “Stacks” Lorenzo (with Arianna Grace in tow)

Lorenzo is first as the two engaged in PDA. Lorenzo mocked the “cobra” on the turnbuckles. Marella is next and we get the focused walk not the humorous race walk. Marella blew kisses to the crowd and then focused on Lorenzo.

Marella tried to get the upper hand but Lorenzo avoided him as a “Santino” chant emerged. Marella took Lorenzo down with a leg lock before Lorenzo bailed to the floor. Back in the ring, Marella blocked a kick and got a roll up for two. He followed that with vertical suplex for a two count. Marella tried for an armbreaker submission until Lorenzo made it to the ropes.

Lorenzo got back into the ring  and got some offense with a back elbow. However, Marella avoided corner charge and hit a series of arm drags and tried to crab walk to Lorenzo to take him down before Lorenzo grabbed the ropes. Marella slugged Lorenzo and Lorenzo bailed to the apron. Grace tried to nurse him and give a kiss but Marella grabbed the ropes and flipped Lorenzo back into the ring.

Marella attacked Lorenzo with a series of punches and a hiptoss off the ropes. However, a diving splash was met with Lorenzo’s knees. Lorenzo put the botos to Marella on the ropes. Lorenzo whipped Marella chest first into the turnbuckles. Lorenzo continued to work the torso of Marella with a series of body shots and a series of running knees off the ropes. However, a running splash was met with knees by Marella and Marella started to attack the torso of Lorenzo with a series of punches and knees.

Marella hit a running shoulder block and now Marella grabbed the Cobra but Grace grabbed his arm on the apron to prevent it. Grace grabbed the “cobra” off the arm and Lorenzo recovered to roll up Marella for the three count and the win.

Post-Match: Grace verbally berated her dad in the corner and tried to slap Marella. Marella blocked it but Lorenzo attacked him and boot the boots to him. However, Indi Hartwell ran into the ring to chase off the duo. Hartwell grabbed the mic and said nothing has changed – title or no title, she is coming for her. She tried to make the match between her and Marella vs. Lorenzo and Grace.

This brought out Daria Rae who put the kibosh on the situation. She said Hartwell doesn’t make the matches. So, there will be no match. Until, she thought about it and said she would love it if Lorenzo beat Santano again. Sooo, next week is the match. Rae walked back as the four (future) combatants jawed at each other.

We get a much hyped TNA debut…after the break and another ad for the Classic Slammiversary collection on TNAPlus with the  Knockouts World title match with Tasha Steelz, Jordynne Grace, Chelsea Green, Michin and Deonna Purrazzo. Steelz leapt from the top rope and hit the OKurr Cutter from the top turnbuckle on Minchin who was on a ladder. Purrazzo grabbed the Fujiwara Armbar on Grace and then switched to Steelz. We also get hype for TNA Impact’s first ever appearance in Sacramento.

Hey, do you hear a Dropkick Murphys knockoff riff playing? I do. That must mean that it’s an ad for Slammiversary on June 28 in Boston at the Agganis Arena. We come backstage to A J Francis admonishing a backstage hand and asking why the paperwork is not in his hands right now. Said hand apologized and said he would have the paperwork tomorrow and extended his hand. Francis shook the hand but would not let go. He said he doesn’t say things for his health and does not say things twice. He needs the paperwork in his mailbox tomorrow. He threatened him but said the hand should lighten up and relax. He is in business with the best big man in the business and that business is “money, money, money.”

Eddie Edwards (with Alisha Edwards in tow) vs. Fabian Aichner.

We hear the System’s music as the Edwards make their way to ringside. The two jaw with the fans on the way. Aichner is next (from the Italian Alps.) Aichner is also known as “Il Gladiatore” (trademarked it and everything.) He gets a decent pop as he makes his way to the ring. Hannifan said this match starts Aichner’s redemption and went over Aichner’s accomplishments in NXT.

Aichner backed Edwards to the ring but Edwards reversed it and shoved Aichner. Aichner responded with a headlock takeover and cinched in the headlock as Edwards fecklessly attempted to escape.  Aichner hit a reverse crossbody off the ropes. Edwards was clotheslined over the ropes. Edwards avoided the Aichner baseball slide but ran into a huge chop and a big boot on the floor.

Edwards got back into the ring and Aichner tried a springboard leap off the top rope but Edwards shoved the former NXT star and Aichner’s next snapped on the ropes. Edwards hit a gourdbuster and a running knee. Edwards posed in the ring and administered his own hard chop in the corner. He also whipped Aichner hard into the other corner and Aichner crashed to the mat.

Aichner rallied and the two trade punches in the ring before Aichner hit a big boot off the ropes. He also hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker off the ropes. Aichner hit a brainbuster for a two count. Edwards, though, blocked a powerbomb attempt and rammed Aichner into the turnbuckle. Aichner tried to rally but Edwards landed a kick and the backpack stunner out of the corner for a two count.

The Edwards choked Aichner on the ropes and Eddie whipped Aichner through the ropes to the floor. Alisha grabbed the kendo stick but the referee saw it and ejected Alisha from ringside. Meanwhile, Eddie whipped Aichner into the ring. Edwards climbed to the top but Aichner recovered and met him there and hit a butterfly suplex from the top turnbuckle for two-and-a-fraction.

Now, the rest of the System made their way ringside. Aichner charged Edwards in the corner but Edwards evaded it. However, Aichner scaled the turnbuckles and leapt onto the rest of the System components on the floor. NOW, Aichner got on the apron and hit a springboard DDT from the top rope. Aichner got behind Edwards and hit La Fina (a face first suplex into a crossface.) He was on the cusp of getting the submission until the System hit the ring and it was an immediate disqualification.

Post-Match: The System continued their beat down and held Aichner as Edwards hit a superkick. The four continued to jaw  at Eichner and Alexander picked Aichner for the Lumbar Check. Alisha joined the rest of the System posed in the ring over Aichner.

We get hype for the main event – the Women’s Champions Challenge and that match is…after the break. We get another Best of Slammiversary ad with A J Styles, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle, Chistian Cage and Chris Harris We get Joe trying to get the Kokina Clutch, Christian falling into a ladder stomach first, Styles hitting his backflip DDT, Pele Kick but a Styles Clash was reversed to an ankle lock attempt. Angle hit an Angle slam on Harris from the ladder as we go back to action.

We come back to an ad for “Over Your Dead Body” (hey, they sponsor the BioFlex Injury Report and Keith Jardine is involved in one of our angles.) After that, our main event:

Knockouts Champion Challenge: Lei Ying Lee and the By Elegance Brand (with Mr. Elegance in tow) vs. Elayna Black, Xia Brookside and Mara Sade (with Keith Jardine in tow..hey, he was in the ad we just saw.)

Black is out first to an…okay pop. Brookside also got the same pop also, though she did more to taunt the crowd as the boos got a little louder (some kid flipped her off, so that’s something.) Sade is got a decent pop as did Jardine. Sade did the dance on the apron as STRUCK HER POSE.

But wait, hold everything, here is the Personal Concierge. He noticed on the way here a number of homeless drunks vomiting on themselves. It’s quite sad but then he realized when he got to the arena they let them all inside (that was original.) He said he is going to bring some class to this “dump Syracuse” (paging Mr. Maffew, paging a Mr. Maffew. You’re needed in the Botchamania section.) Hannifan corrected him and called him a turtle. Nevertheless, here is the Brand. The collective taunted the fans and then taunted Jardine (and got a Rand McNally Atlas possibly.) Lee is out last to her poses and a good pop. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talked about Lee’s potential struggle as she faces her former partner (Brookside) and having the By Elegance Brand as her partners.

We have to struggle with another commercial break with the same Classic Slammiversary match segment with Monty Brown, A J Styles, Sean Waltman, Raven and Abyss.

We come back to hype for next week’s tapings in Denver, CO at the National Western Center. It features BDE vs. Eddie Edwards, the aforementioned Marella and Hartwell vs. Grace and Lorenzo  and the “Wicked Garden” match between the Hardys vs. the Righteous.

Lee and Brookside start but Brookside immediately tagged Black. Black and Brookside jawed with each other. Black started to jaw with Lee and then quickly tagged Sade. Sportsmanship is observed and the two locked.  The two traded go behinds and quick rollups for two counts.  Sade avoided the sweeping kick of Lee and the two started at each other. M tagged herself into the match but Sade subdued her with a Slingblade off the ropes.

Sade sent M to the ropes but M stopped herself and hit a back kick that dropped Sade. M quickly tagged Heather but Sade held the ropes when the two whipped Sade to the ropes. Sade tagged Black (slapped the chest but still…) Black got in the ring and  hit a snap mare and a seated dropkick on Heather. She also hit the rope assisted leaping stomp for a two count.

Heather tried to rally but Black tripped her into the ropes and hit a sliding elbow. Brookside tagged and hit the Meteora on Heather for a two count. Heather fell victim to another snapmare and sliding dropkick by Brookside. Brookside also stomped away on Brookside in the corner. However, Heather reversed it and she stomped away on Brookside in the corner. She tagged M. Heather hit a running knee in the corner as M climbed to the top rope and hit a Coast to Coast (!!!) dropkick for two until Sade and Black interrupted the pin. We get the female schmozapalooza as Lee and Sade stood in the ring. Sade leapt over the top rope and hit a tope on the Brand. Lee dove between the ropes and took out Brookside and Black.

Lee dragged M to the corner and tagged herself into the match. NOW, Lee hit the sliding kick on Black and then hit a knee strike and a series of kicks for a two count. Black got the momentum with a knee strike of her own off the ropes. A gutwrench suplex also got a two count. Black slammed Lee into the turnbuckle and taunted her. Black put the boots to Lee and choked her with her boot in the corner.

Black whipped Lee hard into the turnbuckles and Lee crumpled to the mat. Black got a two count on a pin attempt as Brookside tagged back into the match. However, Lee reversed a vertical suplex into one of her own. Brookside recovered  and continued to attack Lee, grabbing an arm submission, suing her knee on Lee’s neck as leverage. Brookside yanked Lee to the canvas. She taunted Lee  btu Lee recovered with a series of strikes.

We get a quick break but when we return Sade and Heather tagged and Sade dropped Heather with a series of clothesline and a Rear View in the corner. Sade hit a series of knee drops for a two count. Sade got a full bodyslam an went to the top. However, M distracted her by grabbing her leg. That gave Heather time to grab the other leg and yank Sade down. Heather hit the Code Breaker and tagged M. M draped Sade’s arm over the ropes and used her boot to further cause damage.

Heather tagged again and choked Sade on the ropes with her boot. Heather thwarted a Sade rally and tagged M. The two hit the rolling trip and senton off the opponent’s back for a two count. Sade tried to rally with a series of punches but M yanked Sade to the mat. M tagged Heather and hit a wheelbarrow tilt-a-whirl body splash for a two count. M tagged and applied an armlock with her knee to Sade’s back for leverage. Hannifan pointed out that M was staring at Lee as she came into the ring.

Sade tried to rally and got to her feet but M subdued her. Heather tagged but Sade held onto the ropes again and kicked a charging Heather and then a charging Lee. Sade hit a springboard reversed bodypress off the ropes. Sade tagged Brookside. Heather hope crawled and, after thwarting Brookside attempted prevention, tagged Lee. Lee dropped Brookside with a series of kicks. She did the same to Black when she tried to interfere. Lee got Brookside in the corner and got the 10-punch turnbuckle spot. An exploder suplex got a two count.

Lee got Brookside in position and hit the Warrior’s Way but Black interrupted the pin attempt. Black hit an enziguri but the By Elegance Brand stopped Black with a combination Code Breaker and German Suplex. Sade grabbed the By Elegance Brand and slammed them together. Sade hit a Tornado DDT on M using Heather as a running board. Sade charged Lee but the two hit simultaneous clotheslines and they dropped to the mat.

At this point, Mr. Elegance attempted to climb into the ring but Jardine made his presence felt by stopping Mr. Elegance and grabbed an ankle lock as Mr. Elegance screamed in pain. The Personal Concierge attacked Jardine but Jardine stalked and chased PC around the ring and up the rampway. Meanwhile, in the ring, Lee attempted the Warrior’s Way once again but Brookside escaped and sent Lee into the ropes. Mr. Elegance tripped Lee and Brookside hit the Dark Side (DDT) for the victory and the future title shot.

Post-Match: Brookside glared at the camera and took a bow. We get the replay of the finish. Brookside posed on the turnbuckle and glared at Lee as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: So, this was an inverse of the last two weeks as the first match got the lion’s share of the allotted time. It was a great match by the best workers the company has at best and at least solid (if not dated) hand at worst. The most interesting thing that came out of the match was the dénouement. Navarro winning was maybe a way of making up for the jobs since his return. I really do think the match with Ali will be a really good one, as Ali is one the best going right now. Good on Navarro for going over and getting a shot at the title. Now, if he wins the belt, I am not sure and surprised if they pull that trigger. I think Navarro still fits the vibe of X-Division but it gives his comeback story some sustained momentum.

Two: One nice subtle touch by Hannifan on commentary and something I have been saying for a bit now. M by Elegance should make a run at the Knockouts World Title. That coast to coast drop kick was incredible (having long legs help, admittedly, but still) and she is someone to look to the future as a contender.

Three: Aichner did a good job in his match and showed all styles of offense and can show he can work any style you want. He kept up a great pace with Edwards and is accounting for his “redemption” quite nicely.

Four: Hudson made a good attempt but the Blanchard match was fait accompli. Blanchard’s comment post-match that she is “best in the world” showed she is ready for a title run if they/she decides to pull the trigger. She is just too good to keep her treading as they are doing with her.

Five:  If you are going to give the feud any sense of credibility and equality, the Righteous should win next week. The “wicked garden” seems like they reached for a name but given the flower motifs in their video stuff, I’ll allow it. I do wish we would get more of a description to what it is. That would help further in having vested interest and feeling a sense of peril. I have a feeling that it is analogous to a “Hardy Compound” cinematic match, but I would actually like to know than have a feeling

Six: That being said, it was a good promo even with the nebulous nature of it.

Seven: Brookside getting the win seemed like a natural progression in the feud. Now, the two have to face each other, if there was any doubt (which I don’t think really existed. Brookside continues to show improvements and flourishing in her new role. Sade is ready for some big events whilst Black is still kind of there.

Eight: I am kind of over the whole Marella vs. Grace feud. Hopefully, we the get the blowoff soon (next week?) and we can move to better things for all parties involved. Grace is fantastic in interviews but eh in the ring. Lorenzo actually is improving and emerging as more than a “henchman” for Tony D’Angelo. Hartwell still is cromulent but still gets huge pops – it is still a bit baffling, but to those who like her, enjoy.

Nine:  I am curious about these “papers” and where this takes A J Francis. The character needs a fresh breath and Francis is too good a talent to squander.

10: For the second week in a row, a nice, short, effective promo by Daria Rae. She did not force her catch phrase and let the action shape what she was going to say.

Lastly: Geography aside, that was a good heat comment from The Personal Concierge.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight

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

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

Greetings, all, and welcome to another TNA Impact review. We finish up this taping cycle in Syracuse, NY at the Upstate Medical Arena. Fun factoid about Syracuse, it is the birthplace of such luminaries as Rod Serling, Post Malone, Richard Gere, Tom Kenney and Tom Cruise.  Michael Cole is from Syracuse, but he isn’t doing play by play, it’s Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt. We’re Sky High with Excitement as Gia Miller -more than just a Pretty Woman – handles the backstage interviews. McKenzie Miller won’t have us running around in Circles figuring who is the ring as she is ring announcing. Where is Everybody? They’re right here. So, pour yourself a Cocktail and see who makes All the Right Moves as there is Time Enough at last to engage in some Impactful Discourse? Shall we? We shall.

Greetings, all, and welcome to another episode of TNA Impact Wrestling. We are still in Syracuse at the Upstate Medical University Arena. Fun factoid, Syracuse is home to the world’s largest snow plow. Helping us plow through this episode are Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt, along with Gia Miller and McKenzie Mitchell who are going to tell us who’s who, what’s what and why’s why. Like the Syracuse mascot, you “Otto” what is next. So, let’s get ready for some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

We get highlights of the “Elijah” concert (Frankie Kazarian in disguise) with the real Elijah sneaking from behind and wanting a “Walk with Elijah” guitar strap match. We get highlights of Dutch’s victory over Matt Hardy last week.

Hey, are you ready for Impact, because, according to the opening theme, they are ready for you. We go right to the first match which is….

Vincent vs. Jeff Hardy

Hey, according to the young lady on the video screen, “The Righteous are coming.” And here comes Vincent (without Dutch in tow, thanks to match stips.)  Mitchell does her weird inflection on “Righteous.” Hannifan and Rehwoldt make their formal introductions right before Hardy makes his entrance (without Matt, due to stips.) Jeff got a huge pop as he shook hands with everyone around ringside.

Hardy got in the ring and got right to business beating on Vincent in the corner. Hardy ran Vincent around the ring before hitting the seated dropkick. Jeff climbed to the top rope but Vincent escaped to the floor. Hardy ran the apron and leapt on Vincent with a flying clothesline.

When they got back in the ring, Vincent tried to rally but Hardy dropped him with a inverted spinning kick. Vincent finally got momentum as Hardy went to the top rope but Vincent grabbed his arm and yanked him to the canvas, straddling the ropes in the process. On the floor, Vincent ran Jeff into the apron before throwing him back into the ring.

Vincent continued to beat on Hardy in the ring and worked the arm as a huge “Let’s go Hardy” chant emerged. Jeff finally rallied by hitting a jawbreaker on Vincent and then the two traded shots in the “yeah/boo” spot. However, both men hit the ropes and hit simultaneous bodypresses and both crashed to the mat.

Both slowly got to their feet and Hardy dropped Vincent with a series of clotheslines and then the inverted atomic drop/wishbone legdrop/seated dropkick chain and a flying elbow drop got a two count. Hardy attempted the Twist of Fate but his back would not allow it. Vincent tried to hit the running bulldog (similar to the Righteous’ finish of Orange Sunshine but off the turnbuckles and not Dutch) and Jeff blocked it. Hardy’s back miraculously healed because NOW he hit the Twist of Fate for a two count.

Hardy got a Russian Legsweep  and then a reverse wishbone legdrop for a two count. Hardy started to beat on Vincent in the corner. However, Vincent managed to get a quick rollup for a two count. Hardy recovered and hit a gourdbuster but Hardy couldn’t take advantage of it as Vincent recovered and mauled Hardy in the corner before hitting his own Side Effect for a two count.

Vincent climbed to the top turnbuckle before the lights went out and we get “Broken” Matt Hardy as the lights emerged. He stood in front of his brother and made the “delete” sign before the lights went out again. We come back and the roles were reversed as Vincent was on the mat and Jeff was on the top turnbuckle. The Swanton Bomb made it official as Hardy got the win.

Post Match: Dutch emerged from the backstage and grabbed Vincent and carried him to the back. Dutch did his weird tongue flick he does as Vincent seemed pleased at the whole events. Jeff celebrated in the ring.

We go backstage to Miller with Kazarian. She asked went over the rules of the “Walk With Elijah” match, which will start in the back and make their way ringside. She asked Kazarian how is he preparing for the match. He responded his preparation will be the same as it has been for the last two decades. When it comes to match innovation, no one tops him. He was in the first Ultimate X Match, the First Steel Asylum Match and the First “King of the Hill” X-Division Match (noted that he won the latter two.) Tonight, will be no different, you will be walking with the King. He shoved the mic into Miller and walked off screen. Miller looked disgusted.

We get a rundown of the card and the first International Title Open Challenge. After the break.

When we come back from break, we get an ad for Mitchell’s new book, Threads of Triumph (a look at wrestling fashion over the years.)  And hey, do you want to wear your passion? If so, shop at TNAmerch.com.

International Title Championship Open Challenge: Mustafa Ali (with Order Four in tow) vs. Adam Brooks

Brooks is out first in fallen shirt and tattered jeans (about a .5 on the Buddy Murphy scale.) We get the wailing and the drums as Ali makes his appearance with Extra Servicemen in tow. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk about Ali’s tour of the independents. We also get a history of the International Title former title holders.

Ali started with a headlock which Brooks escaped. The two hit a series of crisscrosses in the ring as Rehwoldt talked about Ali’s title reign – his first in two years. After the ring ropes run, Ali hit a hurincanrana. Brooks recovered and threw the champion into the corner. Ali evaded a corner charge and reversed a kick to a rolling kick. Brooks finally got some offense as he hit a running big boot to drop Ali.

Brooks slid under a leaping Ali and met Ali with a kick to the head as Ali charged. Brooks capitalized on it with a backdrop. Ali went to the floor and initially ducked a sliding Brooks on the floor. However, Brooks answered with a series of punches on the floor. Brooks attempted to throw Ali into the ring but slid through it and landed on his feet on the other side of a corner. Brooks attempted the same but Ali caught him and hit the draping DDT on the floor.

Ali threw Brooks back into the ring and hit the rolling neckbreaker through the ropes for a two count. Brooks tried to rally but Ali stopped it with a quick DDT on a reversal. Ali taunted Brooks but Brooks revered to reverse a  Powe bomb into an enziguri.  Brooks regained the momentum as he punched Ali as Ali attempted a reverse bodypress from the second turnbuckle. Ali went to the floor but Brooks leapt between the ropes to drop Ali with a forearm.

Brooks threw Ali back into the ring but Ali met a charging Brooks with a superkick. Brooks still had enough in him to tie Ali in the turnbuckles and a land a kick and then hit a powerbomb. Brooks grabbed Ali in a Fisherman’s position and then dropped the back of Ali’s head on his knee for a two count. Brooks measured Ali in the corner but badly missed a dropkick in the corner as Ali went to the floor. Ali menacingly looked at TNA President Carlos Silva and the title before climbing on the apron and then the top turnbuckle. He hit the 450 splash for the victory.

Post Match: Order Four gathered in the ring as Silva put the title on Ali. Ali went on the floor and gloated in front of the fans.

We go to earlier outside the arena and Eric Young, who had some threats for Ethan Carter III. Young said Carter hasn’t change whilst Young has changed, adapted and evolved. Young has become more real, pure and violent. Young thinks Carter has not had enough so next week we get an “Anything Goes” match between the two.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt and get another rundown the card and a Knockouts six-men tag team match between the “undead realm” and “the real world” after the break.

Hey, is that a Dropkicks Murphy knockoff riff I hear? It must mean hype for Slammiversary on June 28 from the Agganis Arena in Boston. When we come back we got to our next match:

Six-Woman Tag Match: The Diamond Collective (Tessa Blanchard, Victoria Crawford and Mila Moore) vs. Mara Sade, Rosemary and Allie

The Collective are first as we get (by and large) matching gear and poses a plenty on their way ringside. Sade is out next to a decent pop. Allie and Rosemary are next to a loud pop (yeah, a loud one.) Allie skips to the ringside and screams at the camera. Rosemary slowly, creepily came down to ringside. Hannifan went over the last time Allie was in TNA seven years ago and “died” in Rosemary’s arms. Rehwoldt said necromancy is not something to be played. All three posed in the ring and the heels scurried into the floor.

Rosemary and Crawford started. Rosemary screamed and Crawford freaked, which got a chuckle out of “the Demon Assassin.” Crawford cheap shotted Allie and Sade to the floor and then locked up with Rosemary. Rosemary mauled Crawford in the corner and then hit an Exploder suplex on Crawford. As Crawford staggered around the ring, Allie bit her. Crawford wen to the floor and Moore joined her. Blanchard tried to cheap shot Rosemary but Rosemary ducked and clotheslined Blanchard over the ropes and to the floor into the arms of her partners. Sade climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a body press to the floor on the Collective. The farces celebrated in the ring as the Collective struggled to get to their feet. Rosemary grabbed Blanchard as we grab a few commercials.

When we comeback, Blanchard assumed control and choked Rosemary in their corner. She taunted the faces. Blanchard hit a Meteora in the corner as her partners also hit knees to Rosemary’s head from the apron. Moore tagged but Rosemary quickly subdued her with series of reversals and kicked her to the mat. Moore did block Rosemary’s finisher (As Above, So Below) but Rosemary resumed control by kicking Moore to the mat.

Rosemary got the hot tag on Allie (despite Moore trying to hold on to her leg.) Allie was a mausoleum on fire as she dropped Blanchard with a series of clothesline and a knee lift of f the ropes. Allie got a two count from a running Death Valley Driver. Allie grabbed Blanchard and got on the second turnbuckle. Rosemary grabbed Crawford and the two hit stereo Upside Downs on the ropes. Moore tried to interfere but Crawford got in the ring and hit a spring board reverse Bodypress. That set Moore up for Rosemary’s spear. Allie got in the ring and hit the ropes and nailed Moore with a Codebreaker for the win.

Post-Match: Allie seemed generally elated to be there as she hugged Sade and Rosemary as all three had their hands raised in victory. The heels headed quickly backstage as the faces soaked up the cheers.

Let’s soak in the information of the BioFlex Injury Report. Mike Santana and Rich Swann are dealing with the injuries from their match last week and although cleared, were not going to be in this taping cycle…errr…held out for precautionary reasons. Trey Miguel is still out from his knee laceration during his title match loss to Ali at Rebellion. And Kazarian and Elijah are cleared for action..which is good because that’s the main event.

We get more hype for tonight’s card and a series of ads for AMC shows. We go to a remote shot in Mississauga, Ontario as we see Santino Marella, who tells us he is not there (the graphic would confirm that) but is at home. He has some good news; he is no longer suspended. When he was suspended, there was a very serious investigation that happened and a star witness that he owed a lot. He said all charges have been dropped, including assaulting talent and entering the women’s locker room. When he comes back, he is back to business. He talked the match two weeks ago when Slater and Santana versus all four System members. Next week it is a two-on-two match versus Eddie Edwards and Cedric Alexander. We also get a Tag Team title shot as Nic Nemeth and K C Navarro face the tag team champs (Brian Myers and Bear Bronson of the System.) We also get a match for the Knockouts World Title as Lei Ying Lee gets her rematch vs. Arianna Grace (with Xia Brookside banned from ringside.)

He talked about his star witness and it was….Indi Hartwell.

We cut back to ringside and sure enough, we get Hartwell’s chryon and music. Hartwell also got a huge pop. Hartwell announced she is back. She asked the crowd if they can believe she was suspended. She was glad the board listened and made a fair decision despite what Daria Rae wanted (a loud “Daria sucks” came from the audience and Hartwell acknowledged it.)

Hartwell still has some unfinished business with Grace. She will watch the match next week and her goal is still the Knockouts world title (another person yelled “I love you” which Hartwell reciprocated. N’awwww.) Title or no title, Hartwell is coming for Grace next. She shook hands and hugged some of the crowd.

We head backstage t the loading area and we see a seated Santana. Last week, he and Swann showed what it means to represent TNA. We get an instant interruption as Santana looked to the side and saw Nic Nemeth enter the shot. Nemeth said to relax but he knows he has a tag title match next week. However, the “Call Your Shot” trophy is still there (he carried it with him) and he will be one-half of the tag titles and then he’ll get the world title. That would leave Santana with nothing. Nemeth walked off screen as Santana glared at him and then slowly made his way off screen.

But next, we get Syracuse’s own vs. a man of elegance after the break.

When we come back, we get hype for the return of the TNA Lockdown PPV event, coming from Chicago. After that, we get Rae in her office on her laptop giving exposition to what Marella just said. She is interrupted by Hartwell, who made her way from the rampway to her office. She went to shake Rae’s hand but Rae was not having it. Rae said she knew she was the “star witness” but she wanted to remind Hartwell that her contract is nearing its end – so tread lightly. Rae headed off screen as Hartwell looked flustered and started texting someone on her phone.

We come back to the Personal Concierge and he wants to introduce us to a real-life Greek god and a human Adonis. While the rest of world is sleeping, he is working; when they are eating, he is fasting and when they are crying, he is smiling because he is better than all of us. He is a future champion and he is…Mr. Elegance.

Mr. Elegance (with the By Elegance Brand in tow) vs. The Hometown Man

Elegance headed down to ringside with Heather and Ash on his arm. Ash almost slipped on the ramp down but caught herself with M by Elegance (paging Mr. Maffew, paging a Mr. Maffew.) Hannifan chuckled at that and said that is what happened when you use too much baby oil. Disaster averted, Mr. Elegance got on the apron and posed while the rest of the By Elegance squealed in delight (at him and probably avoiding slipping.) HTM is next in a Home Town Man in a Syracuse Orange basketball jersey. Hannifan said HTM fondly talks of watching Dwight Freeney in the Carrier Dome and listening to Mike Tirico of NBC Sports.

Mr. Elegance stalled as he posed in the ring. HTM was not having it and grabbed the arm mid pose. He hit a series of arm drags and continued to work the arm. Mr. Elegance avoided a charging HTM but was caught posing by an HTM dropkick. HTM put the boots to the Mr. Elegance in the corner  before Mr. Elegance went to the floor.

Whilst Hannifan and Rehwoldt liberally called him Cody Deaner (cough kayfabe cough.) HTM threw Mr. Elegance into the ring. HTM hit a prolonged Airplane Spin into a TKO cutter. He caught Mr. Elegance in the ropes and started to do the 10 punch spot in front of the By Elegance Brand who was shrieking for him to stop.

A loud “hometown man” chant emerged as HTM climbed to the top rope. Mr. Elegance avoided the leap and HTM rolled through it. However, Mr. Elegance caught him with a spinebuster to finally gain some momentum. He continued to keep it by hitting a running shoulderblock and a series of running knee strikes. Mr. Elegance rubbed HTM’s face into the mat. He choked Hometown Man on the ropes. The Brand continued to taunt him and M grabbed his Orange jersey, blew her nose into it and rubbed it in his face.

HTM grabbed the jersey and started to Hometown up to rally the crowd. Rehwoldt ran down Syracuse basketball and Hannifan hoped Syracuse Hall of Fame Basketball coach Jim Boeheim would come to ringside and kick Rehwodlt’s butt. Meanwhile, HTM rallied and stated to beat on Mr. Elegance with a series of punches (wrapping his fist in the jersey.) He hit the Hometown Elbow drop and then climbed to the top rope, jersey in hand, and hit a diving crossbody block for a two count.

HTM rallied the crowd again but Ash climbed on the apron and started to gyrate to grab HTM’s attention. She put on some lipstick and wanted HTM to kiss her. He grabbed his fake mask and Ash started to kiss it. Ash realized what happened and shrieked, giving HTM an opportunity to put the mask on her face.

Ash fell to the floor in horror as the rest of the Brand went to her rescue. However, this gave Mr. Elegance time to recover and hit the Excusez-moi! (his version of the Shell Shock/Sister Abigail) for the victory (and the odd pin position.)

Post-Match:  The Brand ran into the ring and celebrated and put the bad mouth to Hometown Man.

We head backstage and see Sade, Allie and Rosemary walk into frame, still celebrating their victory. Sade was happy that they won whilst Allie was appreciative of Sade being there. Sade said she was happy Allie was out of  the undead realm. Rosemary was happy but said there’s still a lot of work to do. Allie understood but was it was hard since she loved biting people’s faces off of them (it’s the little things.)

Rosemary started to warm to Sade when Sade asked how did it taste. Rosemary asked Sade what did she think of the dead? Sade said she couldn’t lie and she dug it. That brought more glee from Allie and Rosemary. Sade started to do her dance and Allie started to copy it as they headed off camera. Rosemary declined but then started to the dance. The other two ran quickly back on screen and hugged Rosemary. Rosemary seemed uncomfortable but started to slowly warm to the affection.

We get to hear from Slater next as we warm to some commercials. When we return, we get more  hype for the Lockdown PPV in Chicago. We then go to Lee who is sitting at a table (it kind of looked like a restaurant.) Miller walked up to her with a mic. Miller said she requested an interview with her.

Lee, still crestfallen from Brookside’s betrayal, said she didn’t want the title shot anymore. It’s too much and now it is worse. She is going to talk to Marella – she also said she wants to head back to China. That brought out Tommy Dreamer, who I guess will play the dad in this sit-com. Santino and Silva are not here. Dreamer said Marella felt bad for putting Lee into this position. Dreamer said he understands her mental state and said he had a friend turn on him in summer camp (huh????) Dreamer continued saying Lee doesn’t just represent people from China but people who would not give up. She is a warrior; if it is too  much for her mental health, he gets it. But she is going to go out there and win because everyone believes in her. The only person who is left is Lee. Lee thanked Dreamer and Miller and said she is going to win (the only thing missing is the applause.)

We go back to ringside action and see Slater make his way to the ringside to a large pop. Slater greeted the fans and asked if they are feeling good. Slater is feeling good, too. Slater he is getting closer and closer to May 15. The date is significant because then he becomes the youngest and longest reigning X-Division Champion of all time.

The crowd popped for it and he continued that there is some bad news – Cedric Alexander. Slater said he calls himself “Prime” but hasn’t been prime since Slater was in elementary school 10 years ago. Cedric talks about Rebellion and how he felt he was cheated at Rebellion but if it is a title match he wants, Slater will grant him his want. He trained since nine-years-old to get to this moment not to let a rat like Alexander take it away from him. He said he beat him twice already and has no problem beating him a third time, you get him?
Naturally, Alexander emerged from backstage with mic in hand. He called Slater a child and fake champion. He doesn’t want a title opportunity, he deserves it. Slater said he won’t make it May 15. Marella has been making matches but Rae wants to outdo him. In two weeks, in Sacramento, CA (just in time for the new taping cycle and one day before the record is set) it will be the two of them for the title and there will be no excuses. He brought up the tag match next week but said bad things can happen at any time.

On cue, the rest of the System hit the ring behind Slater and maul him. However, this brought out Moose. He dispatched Alexander on the floor and then beat on Myers and Edwards on the apron. When he got in the ring, he hit an urinagi on Edwards and then he and Bronson traded punches until Moose sent him to the floor with a big boot. Myers attacked again but was Slater recovered enough to thwart him and Moose powerbombed from the ring to the floor onto his fellow System components.

That left he and Alisha Edwards. The crowd started a loud “Moose” chant as he backed into the corner and was going to hit the spear on her until Eddie Edwards grabbed her and dragged her to the floor and safety. Moose and Slater celebrated in the ring as the System recovered on the floor

We cut to Kazarian and Elijah walking through different parts of the backstage as we get ready for our main event – after the break.

We come back to more hype for Slammiversary on June 28 in Boston (without the faux Dropkick Murphys music) and then we get Ryan Nemeth backstage sitting on a couch talking about Rebellion and how Navarro had his big return during his brother’s match and Ryan feels left out. How come Ryan didn’t have the big return match (well…) Now, Navarro and Nemeth have a tag title match. Why can’t it be he and his brother? He feels like he is left out, like when he when won the city spelling bee in eighth grade and his folks weren’t there because they were with Nic

We pan out and see the person to whom he is speaking – A J Francis. Nemeth put his hand on his leg and Francis said don’t touch him – ever. Second, how did Nemeth get in here (here as in backstage but…) Nemeth said he was lost and saw the door open so he wandered here. Most importantly, Francis said that all the things Nemeth complained are the same things the Nemeth’s did to Francis last year.

Ryan said he felt bad about it. When he did it last year, it was awesome but now the tables are turned – it sucks. Francis said he does not care about the Nemeth family drama and to save that for family therapy. Francis did say to make sure to leave Navarro for him. He slammed his hand on Nemeth’s leg and left. Nemeth said he didn’t have to hit his leg that hard.

Walk with Elijah strap match: Elijah vs. Frankie Kazarian

NOW, we cut to the main event as Hannifan went over the rules of the “Walk with Elijah” match. They are tethered to each other via strap and start backstage and make their way to ringside. The winner must touch all four turnbuckles in succession.

We see Kazarian head to the start of the match with a referee present and asked where the “mark” is (sigh..) He asked where is Elijah but we see Elijah (with another referee) head that way from another hallway. The referees strap them in accordingly and we are underway. The two start to brawl and Elijah threw Kazarian into a barricade. He sits Kazarian in  a chair and promptly hits a big boot and then threw him into a series of boxes and cases.

Kazarian got the advantage by grabbing some hand sanitizer and rubbing it into Elijah’s eye. During the match, we get some guitar music accompanying them (?) as Kazarian threw him into the medical room (appropriately marked with a sign saying “doctor.”) Kazarian slammed the door repeatedly into Elijah’s injured arm. Elijah regained momentum by lifting Kazarian and straddling him on another piece of barricade. He re-threw Kazarian into the boxes from previously and dropped a ladder on him. In a silly spot, he put Kazarian on a hand cart and wheeled him into the boxes again.

Elijah continued the onslaught by slamming Kazarian into a garage door repeatedly and taunted Kazarian. Elijah picked up Kazarian and headed off screen to live action……errrr headed to ringside as we head to our last set of commercials.

We return (surprise, surprise) and we made it to ringside and see Kazarian with the upper hand on the floor. However, Elijah regained the momentum by a game of tug-of-war over a barricade and Kazarian was slammed into said barricade. Elijah continued to beat on Kazarian and finally got in the ring. Elijah hit a flying clothesline off the ropes and then grabbed the arm and did the old school rope walk into sunset flip bomb. Elijah touched three of the turnbuckles but Kazarian used a strap shot to the ribs to prevent Elijah from hitting the fourth.

Kazarian continued to whip Elijah with the belt and threw Elijah over the top rope and to the floor. However, Elijah’s momentum carried Kazarian over the top rope, too, and both crashed on the floor. Elijah recovered and threw the strap over the ringpost, suspending Kazarian and making him vulnerable for some Elijah strap shots. Kazarian did recover and hit a charging Elijah with his knee. Kazarian threw Elijah on the apron and whipped Elijah’s back and chest with the strap and hit a legdrop from the apron.

Kazarian threw Elijah around the ring post and then used the strap to pull Elijah into the ringpost. Yet again, the force of Elijah’s reaction dragged Kazarian into the ringpost, too. The two repeated the spot as Elijah recovered an both got back inside the ring. The crowd wanted tables (why?) but Kazarian hit the chicken wing. However, Elijah powered through it and touched three of the turnbuckles again but the chicken wing was too  much and Elijah slumped to the floor prior to hitting the fourth turnbuckle.

Kazarian beat on Elijah and climbed to the second turnbuckle. He taunted Elijah and leapt on Elijah. However, Elijah hit a jumping knee strike on Kazarian. Elijah hit Kazarian with a series of strap shots but Kazarian managed to hit a backstabber. Kazarian now touched three turnbuckles but Elijah grabbed the strap (which was between Kazarian’s legs and yanked it. Kazarian flipped over and the strap broke.

Elijah continued to beat on Kazarian with the broken strap and strangled him with it. He threw Kazarian into the turnbuckles and hit the Highwayman’s Farewell (tombstone piledriver.) Elijah hit three turnbuckles and attempted the fourth until Kazarian grabbed the strap to prevent Elijah from touching the fourth. However, Elijah was close enough to grab a guitar. After the “El kabong” shot, Elijah touched the fourth turnbuckle and was declared the winner.

Post Match: Elijah celebrated in the ring with the strap and the guitar neck as we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: The first hour-and-a-third of this episode was fluid and cromulent, Starting with the Lee interview and to the finish, the show became very up and down. The main event was okay, at best. The editing needed work as one could tell what was pre-recorded and what was live. I don’t know where this leaves either combatant but it just seemed like it was there. Both played the roles fine but I am not a fan of plunder matches and this didn’t help my opinion.

Two: The Lee interview almost felt like the “very special episode” trope. I did not have Dreamer as loving and concerned father on my bingo card but there he was. It might be a smart move to get the belt on Lee and then have the Brookside feud carry us during the summer as Grace really has done nothing of consequence and seems to have more of an impact (no pun intended) on NXT.

Three: The Slater interview was a high spot of the last part of the show and seemed comfortable in his role. The crowd loves him which helps. Alexander coming across as the somewhat bitter and arrogant heel works well and Alexander showed that he can carry his own on the mic.

Four: I do like the pacing of the interviews as we now have a vested interest in next week’s card and the week after in Sacramento with the aforementioned Slater vs. Alexander match.

Five: Her offense is somewhat basic but there was a genuine joy around Allie and her return to in-ring action. That was refreshing and nice to see. I also like Rosemary transitioning into an advisor/mentor role as a way to keep her going in TNA – it might be the one bright spot from the horrid (for me) “undead realm” vignettes.

Six: If Allie and Sade do team, the one down side is that it does take away from Sade chasing the Knockouts World Title and the scene could definitely use some new faces. But, they are trying to do something with her.

Seven: I did like the Nic Nemeth segment with Santana as a reminder that after the whole tag chase is done with Navarro (win or lose,) he still has the trophy and gives some explanation to what his intentions are versus a whiplash face move.

Eight: Back to the last part of the show, I have been a fan of Ryan Nemeth’s act but this was..eh. Having Francis as the unwitting and unwilling therapist was a nice touch but I just think they are treadmilling Francis and he should be in something more than just comedy-adjacent matches.

Nine: Let’s look at new talent, for a moment. I made a comment a while back about a person they brought in named AJZ and said TNA might want to keep a hold of him. And now, he is starting to churn the water as Mr. Elegance. They held on to Adam Brooks after his match and said he might be something down the road; he had a decent match with Ali. Compare that to Mila Moore, who just seemed to be struggling. There is no real presence there and needs a lot more seasoning.

10: Well, if there was any doubt about the cinematic “Hardy compound” match, the opening match was your sledgehammer device in action.

11: I am not sure what to expect next week between Young vs. Carter. As long as it is bottled, it should -should – be innocuous enough.

12: The crowd really loved Jeff Hardy and Indi Hartwell. Hartwell does have a natural rapport with audiences even with an..okay mic presence. Hardy is just loved and it is both good and bad. The crowd remains vested in him but one can clearly see the end is near (if not, a few exits past.) The match with the Righteous might be the start of the final descent on the plane ride of the Hardys’ career.

Lastly: Necromancy is not something to be played, according to Rehwoldt. Thanks for the advice.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight

Greetings, everyone. It’s another edition of the TNA Impact Review. I know the first round of the National Football League Draft just occurred but let’s put aside our burying or lauding the (insert your worst or favorite American football team here,) but let’s take a moment and appreciate our fine writers who toil over nouns and verbs for your enjoyment. We are at another taping in Syracuse, New York. Speaking of Syracuse and the NFL Draft, 23 first rounders have been picked from the school, starting with the immortal Jim Brown and most recently Justin Pugh by the New York Giants. However, there are no busts here . The only giant is the amount of talent provided from announcers Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt, Gia Miller and McKenzie Mitchell. Besides engaging in draft talk, let’s engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Earlier on Impact, Rich Swann and Mike Santana made their way through the backstage area with suitcases in tow in preparation of the main event – tonight.

The singer said he is ready for us as the opening highlights and candid shots roll for the credits.

Bear Bronson (with the System in tow) vs. Nic Nemeth

The warning buzzer (and Alisha Edwards) are harbingers for the System’s arrival. Ryan Nemeth joined Hannifan and Rehwoldt on commentary as Nic headed to the ring. Nemeth did a combo strut/hopscotch to the ring with his “Call Your Shot” Trophy. Ryan continued to rail against the sudden friendship with K C Navarro. Meanwhile, Bronson mauled and beat on Nemeth in the corner.

Nemeth rallied until Bronson caught Nemeth off the ropes an slammed him to the mat. Meanwhile, Ryan continued to lay into Navarro, he briefly switched to talking about the history between the Nemeth’s and the System. In the ring, Bronson regained the momentum and hit a spinebuster and a sitting splash for a two count. Bronson choked Nemeth on the ropes and Alisha Edwards choked him on the floor when Bronson distracted the referee.

A side slam got a two count for Bronson. Hannifan had to convince Ryan that Navarro was trying to take his spot. Nemeth rallied  when he hit a charging Bronson with a back elbow in the corner and then hit a series of shots. Nemeth continued to keep the momentum with a superkick and a series of punches and a Fame-asser got a two count.

Nemeth started the Shawn Michaels inspired superkick until Bronson caught the kick and hit a chokebomb for a two count. Bronson grabbed Nemeth and attempted his Rikishi Driver finisher but Nemeth escaped and pushed Bronson shoulder first into the ringpost. Nemeth hit his leaping DDT which Bronson no-sold. He did sell Nemeth’s superkick for a two count. Nemeth got the crowd riled but Bronson blocked a Danger Zone Attempt and clobbered Nemeth with a clothesline and a Falcon’s Arrow got a two count.

Bronson continued to beat on Nemeth until Nemeth rolled to the floor and the System started to surround him. This brought out Navarro to distract the System. Ryan left the announce table to help his brother get back into the ring. Once there, Nemeth recovered to hit a distracted Bronson with another superkick and NOW Nemeth got the Danger Zone for the victory.

Post Match: The Nemeths celebrated in the ring and Navarro celebrated on the rampway.

We go backstage to Miller with Rich Swann (with BDE hyping him). Swann  said he got the goosebumps though his body and the fire in his belly This is what he has been busting his glutes and working so hard that he has the charisma, athleticism and raw talent to be the new TNA Heavyweight champion. He turned to BDE and asked him to stay backstage and take notes so there would be no excuses or distractions when Swann pins Santana. When that happens, people will be partying all…night…long. He leaves off screen and BDE yells at him to “go get ‘em, Unc,” That brought back Swann who said, “Don’t call me Unc” and left again.

We get the rundown of the rest of the card and we get the concert from Elijah – and it’s next after commercials.

We get an ad for the Best of TNA Lockdown with another look at the match between Sting and Mick Foley with the barbed wire bat shots by Foley. Sting got possession of the bat and went to work on Foley.

We get hype for Threads of Triumph, a look at fashion in wrestling written by Mithcell. And hey, speaking of fashion, get some stylish gear from TNAMerch.com

We come back to action and hear the guitar strum and we get the announcement of..Elijah? Hannifan questioned the appearance. Rehwoldt got in on it and said the entrance has a very royal appearance. Hannifan and Rehwoldt deduced that it was, in fact, Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian/Elijah (Eliarian?) did the Elijah intro and started to mock Elijah and the “frozen dump” that is Syracuse. He wasn’t sure if he was walking or drifting because that is all he knows how to do.

He started to talk about how he/Kazarian beat Elijah all over the country and that caused him to have a case of the blues. He then started to sing a blues ballad “Kaz is my Daddy” until the lights go out AGAIN and Elijah appeared in the ring and strangled Kazarian with a guitar strap. The crowd popped loudly for Elijah. Kazarian writhed on the floor and now Elijah has the guitar and said God will forgive him but he won’t.

He then said they are going to have a “Walk with Elijah” guitar strap match. He started to sing and wanted the crowd to help him. When he sang “Syracuse knows” the crowd responds with “Frankie Blows.” He also invited crowd to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue restaurant

BUT we cut away from the concert (?) to go backstage with Ethan Carter III. He has the chair still wrapped around his neck. If Eric Young thinks this is how his mythology ends – good. He’s been here before because he doesn’t break. That is why he came back; not for titles but trial by combat. It is a crusade to finish what he started. He is coming for Young, though him he will accomplish where he going the finale of his story and act three of his story.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt and we get a singles match two rival teams after the commercials.

It’s another ad for TNA Lockdown series on TNAPlus.com and a rerun of the highlights of the Dudleys vs. Beer Money match. It comes complete with a Bubba Bomb from the tope rope on Bobby Roode. James Storm tried to interfere but D-Von Dudley knocked him into the cage. Additionally, we  get hype for the TNA Lockdown special on August 23 in Chicago.

We go backstage to the Diamond Collective and Tessa Blanchard’s attempt to rally the troops. They were taken – taken – to a place they didn’t think existed. Mila Moore said she doesn’t do scary things and her face breaks out when she is distressed. Victoria Crawford, on the other hand, thought the accommodations were great and the neighbors were flirting with her. Blanchard snapped them back to reality that this isn’t a joke and going somewhere like that changes them and no one came back the same.

Here is what they are going to do, next week, there is no games. There is no more hiding in a fantasy world. They took the Collective into their world; now, they are going face the Collective in their world in the ring.

We go back to ringside and hey, “The Righteous are coming.”

Dutch vs. Matt Hardy

The snapping and slide guitar indicate Dutch is coming and Mitchell does the weird inflection on the Righteous’ name. Hannifan said Jeff Hardy and Vincent are banned from ringside. Hardy got a huge pop as he slowly walked down the ramp in a hoodie. Hardy reached under the ring and pulled out a table. He set it up, despite Hannifan and Rehwoldt indicating this is not a tables match.

He set up the table and got a spray paint can. He wrote “NWO…” I kid, he wrote “Sacrifice” on it. He faced the camera and said he came here for a sacrifice. However, when he got in the ring, Dutch immediately started to beat Matt. The two trades shots but Hardy eventually got the best of it. However, Dutch blocked a Twist of Fate and threw Matt to the ropes. However, Matt reversed Death Walks (Bossman Slam.) Dutch managed to walk to the ropes and grabbed the ropes with his teeth. However, he charged Matt and was met with a Side Effect slam for a two count.

The two started to brawl on the floor and Matt launched Dutch into the ring steps. Matt grabbed Dutch and started to ram the back of Dutch’s head into the rings steps and reiterated that he is here for a sacrifice. Matt threw Dutch back into the ring. Hardy hit a series of shoulder blocks into the corner and hit the 10-punch corner spot. After hyping the crowd, Matt hit the descending turnbuckle ram with Dutch’s head.

Dutch regained the momentum when he hit a flying body block off the ropes and choked Matt on the second rope with his leg. Dutch now started to beat on Matt with a series of uppercuts in the corner. Dutch threw Hardy into the corner and hit a flying splash to drop Hardy and an elbow drop got a two count.

Dutch stalked Hardy as Matt struggled to regain his bearings. Eventually, Hardy did and the two traded punches in the corner but Dutch continued to beat on Matt around the ring. Dutch hit the chinlock and held it for a while. He switched to a facelock and cinched that hold. Hardy struggled to get to his feet as we go to commercials.

When we return, Dutch ran Matt into the corner and hit a big side slam for a two count. Dutch went back to the chinlock as we get a look at the spraypainted “sacrifice” table. Matt regained the momentum as he evaded a leaping body splash. Matt followed it with a DDT and NOW we get the Twist of Fate. Dutch immediately went to the floor but Matt mat him there and continued to beat on Dutch and got him into position on the table. Hardy climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit a flying elbow (cue Botchamania’s “Good Enough” and “I am the Table.”) The crowd chanted “one more time” and Matt obliged. They did break the legs of the table (so only mostly “I am the table.”) But, Matt positioned it on the apron. Matt hit a suplex through the table.

The crowd started a loud “TNA” chant as Matt rolled Dutch back into the ring and the crowd broke into a “This is awesome” chant (it wasn’t but I am not going to stop it.) However, as the referee went to check on Dutch, Vincent emerged from under the ring and slid a chair into the ring. As the referee went to put it away, Matt climbed to the second turnbuckle. Vincent reemerged and grabbed Matt from the turnbuckles. Matt landed neck  first on the ropes. NOW, Dutch hit the Death Walks and the referee counted the pin.

Post-Match: Dutch beat on Matt as Vincent sat on the chair and watched. BUT NOW, Jeff emerged from the back and fought both members of the Righteous. He hit the Twist of Fate on Dutch and hit the Swanton Bomb on him. Meanwhile, Vincent was on the rampway laughing. Another loud “Hardy” chant emerged as we get highlights of the match and The Hardys threatening Vincent in the ring.

We go backstage to Daria Rae’s office and we get a knock on the door. It is the By Elegance Brand en masse’ and the Personal Concierge compliments how great Rae looks. Since Santino Marella is gone, the show has been running great. Rae reiterated that Marella is suspended indefinitely and under investigation. Rae said she created the paradise.

PC said he has a vision and it is Mr. Elegance who does his usual gyrations in front of Rae (ummm..it’s not going to work because, well, you know…) Rae wanted him to get to the point and Ash said they want Mr. Elegance to have a one-on-one match. Rae asked incredulously if all they wanted was a match and the ensemble said “yes” together. Rae exasperatedly agreed and the By Elegance Brand celebrated as they went off screen. Rae said the whole scene “weird” and checked her phone.

Speaking of checking things, let’s check the Bioflex Injury Report. Kazarian was rendered unconscious after his attack from Elijah earlier. Trey Miguel is still out after a severe laceration on his knee during his International Title loss to the Mustafa Ali. Leon Slater is being held out of action due to the two vs. four handicap match against the System. Good news, Santana and Swann are cleared for action – which is good because they are main evening tonight. But next, we hope to get some reasoning by someone who nefariously turned her back on her friend and tag team partner..after commercials.

We get another TNAPlus Best of TNA Lockdown series ad with more from the match between the Dudleys and Beer Money. The two brawled throughout the fans and then made their way back to the ring as Beer Money gained the advantage and Roode threw D-Von into the ring steps. The duo stood on the ring steps and suplexed D-Von through a table.

We see Swann warming up backstage with some plyometric pushups and then grabbed his shades and jacket. Santana paced in the locker room and did some stretches of his own.

We go back and see Lei Ying Lee’s chryon? Lee walked out instead of Xia Brookside. We get a video recap of Brookside’s turn against her friend. Lee grabbed the mic. Lee wanted to apologize for her English. She wanted to say something – that night was really bad for her. She loved wrestling as she started to cry. She loves TNA (the crowd popped) and she loved her friend. She said Brookside is her best friend. She asked why did she do that to her? She called Brookside out to explain what she did.

Now, we get Brookside’s music and chryon and we see Brookside slowly walking to ringside to a chorus of boos. Brookside derisively looked around at the crowd and made her way into the ring. Both Hannifin and Rehwoldt wondered where this originated. Brookside grabbed the mic and asked how dare Lee call her out here when Lee was in the wrong. If they were best friends, they would be settling this – not in the ring. It was supposed to be her at Rebellion but Lee got in her way.

Lee cost Brookside the title the moment she showed Brookside the video of her father (British wrestling legend and NXT trainer Robbie Brookside.) Lee wanted to get in Brookside’s head. Lee started to speak in Chinese and Brookside was ready to translate but then said she was done translating for her. Lee had no idea the pressure of being a second-generation star. She did this all by herself – she didn’t have her father supporting her – she did it alone.

Lee took umbrage with it the word “alone.” Lee knows what it is like to be alone. She showed the video because she wanted to help and not hurt her feelings. Lee apologized and wanted to know Lee will always be by her side. Brookside started to feel bad and said she was right (cue cheap shot in 3…2…1) Brookside asked the crowd to give her a moment. Brookside thought she was going to win the title but showed her the video of her dad who never supported her (hmmm…this sounds familiar…) She didn’t see it from Lee’s perspective that she had support.

Brookside said she heard “Stacks” Lorenzo talking about “birthright” (uh-oh) and made a mistake. She didn’t know what she was thinking because the title meant so much to her because after all these years, it was her time.

However, she will never let that come between her. Lee is her best friend and wanted to see Lee become champion again. Lee deserved it. They exchanged apologies and Lee said she will give her the title opportunity. The two tearfully hugged.  Brookside got the heel look during the hug and yup..here is your beatdown. She pounded away on Lee on he mat and said they are done. She hit an elevated DDT and then posed over Lee and continued to taunt her as the referee gang tried to regain order and send Brookside to the back. Brookside took umbrage with the fans and then stood over Lee one more time before sneering at the camera and we go to commercials (the crowd started to chant “one more time.”)

When we come back from break, we get more heel Knockouts action and we get another ad for TNAPlus.com’s Best of Lockdown series with Madison Rayne in her “royal” era as she faced Mickie James. James immediately beat on Rayne and ran her repeatedly into the cage and a MickDDT later, James wins the Knockouts title.

We get the “moments ago” recap of Brookside’s mauling of Lee. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talked about what happened and will keep an eye on this situation. But we go back to the action with…

Elayna Black vs. Katie Arquette

Hannifan said Black refers to herself as “the Only One.” He also said she is not big on earning things; Rehwoldt rebutted by saying she is interested in earning money. Arquette got the already in the ring entrance and yes, is cousin of David Arquette (of WCW fame, Hannifan said.)

Black jawed with Arquette and the two treed go behind takedowns. Arquette hit an overhead suplex off the ropes and an arm drag but Black hit a clothesline off the ropes. She hit the floor and said that this is too easy for her and jawed with the crowd. Arquette got on the apron and attempted to kick her but Black evaded it and tripped Arquette on the apron.

Black taunted Arquette and hit a rope assisted leaping double stomp for a two count. Arquette powered out of the hold and dropped Black with a series of shoudlerblocks. Black evaded a corner charge and hit a leaping knee on the turnbuckles. She grabbed Arquette and hit the Blackout (a neckbreaker from the double underhook DDT position) for the victory.

Post-Match: we get more taunting from Black and jawing with the fans.

We cut backstage to a flock of wrestlers as Ali (flanked by Order Four) welcomed all the International Independent wrestlers to the “Mustafa Ali International Summit.” Tonight, one of them will be the first to be in the International Title Open Challenge. To determine the first challenger, he has a monitor that flashes random flags and lands on Australia (or New Zealand, according to John Skyler, which is promptly corrected by Ali.)

He asked for the representative and it is Adam Brooks, who we saw previously. Next week, the two will face each other. Brooks thanked him for the opportunity and then called him a “flog” as he walked away. Order Four wondered what that meant.

We cut backstage as Swann and Santana make their final preparations as they fight for the TNA World Title..after commercials. And, yeah, another TNA Lockdown collection ad on TNAPlus.com. Like last week, it is the match between the DUdleys vs. Sting. Styles got a kendo stick and started to beat people. Styles climbed to the top of the cage and set Sting on a table on top of the cage. Styles set up a cage on tope of the cage but Chistian Cage intercepted him and the two started to fight and crashed through the table.

We come back to Alisha Edwards asking us if we want to know something. Before she could continue, we hear Bronson slamming [pipes and things in the background. Myers tried to calm him. He said it was a bad night for the System but in the System, bad nights don’t last long. Bronson said it was a mistake that will be corrected, he swears by it.

 Cedric Alexander said he wanted to talk about his favorite subject – Leon Slater. Last week, he pinned Slater and at Rebellion he won by DQ since Slater used the belt. Alexander said it is only fair that he gets another title shot. Eddie Edwards said this is what the System does, they make mistakes but they own it and soon everyone will find out you can’t beat the System.

We get a knockoff Dropkick Murphys riff for an ad for Slammiversary on Juen 28 in Boston (naturally) at the Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University. We go to the announce table and Rehwoldt said they can’t wait to get to Slammiversary. Hannifan pivots to the main event and go over the strengths of Swann and Santana.

TNA World Title: Mike Santana vs. Rich Swann

Swann is in a good mood and dances and struts to ringside and in the ring. Santana is next and we see Santana walk through the concourse to a huge pop and through the stands Hannifan talked about Swann representing TNA during dire times. He also talked about Santana vanquishing Kazarian, Maclin and Eddie Edwards. A huge “Santana” chant emerged as we go to commercial break.

It’s another Lockdown collection ad for TNAPLus.com with another showing of Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy. It was during the Hulk Hogan as GM era for the record as Angle beat on Hardy on the mat and ran Hardy into the ring, causing Hardy to bleed.

We go back to ringside as Swann and Santana demonstrate sportsmanship. Santana backed Swann into the corner but let him go as sportsmanship is observed again. Swann worked the leg but Santana reversed it and hit an armlock. Swann reversed it but Santana got a go behind takedown before an armdrag by Swann stopped the momentum.

Swann got a two count from a monkey flip . the two traded bridge takedown and a series of reversals of hurincanranas and dropkicks. Another loud “TNA” chant emerged as both grapplers approached the other cautiously. Santana got the momentum with a headlock but Swann escaped and hit a hurincanrana and a dropkick after a series of crisscrosses.

The two continued to reverse each other’s offense as Santana chopped  Swann and hit a dropkick off the ropes. Santana dropped Swann with an Alabama Slam and reverse face down slam and a senton for a two count. Swann dropped to the floor and Santana followed him. He chopped away on Swann on the barricade as Swann tried to rally but Santana slammed him face first into floor.

Santana threw Swann into the ring. Santana hit a seated abdominal stretch (tying up the leg) and then hit the side headlock. Swann tried to rally but Santana continued to apply pressure with a chinlock (using his knee as extra leverage.) Swann escaped with a jawbreaker, superkick and an axe kick for a two count. Swann kept the momentum with a series of chops and kicks and a chinlock of his own.

Swann now started to thwart Santana’s rally attempts. Santana attempted to fight out of it with a chop but Swann hit three back kicks to the abdomen and a kick to the jaw. Santana went to the floor and Swann ran on the apron to punt Santana. Swann attempted to get hype and grabbed a chair. He sat Santana on it and continued to kick the champion. He got back in the ring only to go back to the floor and hit two long running kicks around and in the ring.

However, on his third attempt, Santana was ready and hit a superkick to drop Swann. Santana threw Swann into the ring and climbed to the top turnbuckle. But on the leap down, Swann hit a superkick and both competitors writhed on the mat. Swann got to his first and climbed to the top but Santana met him there and hit a superplex/body slam from the top turnbuckle.

The two struggled again to get to their feet but Santana got the upper hand when they did with a series of punches and a flying clothesline. Santana blocked a Swann kick and hit an enziguri. Swann attempted to backflip over a corner charge by Santana but that lead to Santana hitting the Rolling Block 50 for a two count.
However, Swann had one more surprise left and got a quick roll up for a two count. However, Santana caught Swann off the ropes into the Outline In Chalk for a two count. A corner cannonball and a running powerbomb out of the corner got another two count. Another “TNA” chant emerged followed by a “fight forever” chant.

Swan caught Santana charging in the corner with a big boot. Swan followed it with another big boot as the champ charged Swann in the ropes. Swann also hit a rolling clothesline off the ropes for another two count. Swann followed it with a series of punches and a neckbreaker. Swann climbed to the second turnbuckle but Santana moved to evade the 450 splash. Swann rolled through it and ran Santana into the ropes. Santana bucked Swann but the challenger reversed the Rolling Block 50 into a handspring cutter off the ropes for two-and-a-fraction. Swann looked frustrated but both men to their feet. Swann caught Santana on the turnbuckles with an enziguri and then a hurincanrana to send Santana to the mat. Swann climbed to the top again and Swann hit a flying bodysplash (twisting in the air) for another two-and-a-fraction. Another loud “TNA” chant emerged.

Swann got to his feet but Santana evaded a powerbomb attempt and dropped Swann with a powerbomb into an overhead slam. Santana attempted a powerbomb but Swann reversed it into a Canadian Destroyer for two-and-a-fraction. Swann got to his feet and hit two superkicks. Swann hit the ropes but Santana popped to his feet and hit the Spin the Block for the victory.

Post-Match: Rehwoldt said if we are sitting in our living rooms, get off our glutes and appreciate what we just saw and the two men who did what they just did. Santana stood by Swann as Rae made her way to the ring (TNA President Carlos Silva could not make it for this set of taping.) Santana got the crowd riled and then offered his hand to Swann and lifted him from the mat and hugged. The two raised hands and Rae gave Santana the title. Santana celebrated on the turnbuckles and we go off the air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: This was, in essence, a one match episode but what a match it was. Swann and Santana delivered a quality main event. It was paced correctly, starting slowly and finishing with a crescendo. Santana is the face of the company, no doubt. I have given accolade after accolade to the champ and never fails to deliver. That is the sign of a great wrestler.

Two: The more I watch and watch, I grow more and more fond of Swann. He delivered a great match and kept the crowd thinking he had a shot when on the surface, it seemed fait accompli who was going to win. If you can muddle that, as the chant goes, you deserve it. It being the in the upper echelon of the TNA and hope he finds a sustainable program.

Three: Also, kudos who laid out the match as I got to thinking about ¾ of the way through that BDE would come to ringside and do something to ruin Swann’s chances. No dice. That was a great subtle notion and showed tremendous restraint.

Four: Okay, now for the down side. Brookside and Lee tried -they truly did. However, the segment seemed like a patchwork of ideas we have seen far too recently (the Zaria-Ruca breakup and even a call back to Arianna Grace’s turn.) Part of me wishes they would swap out Grace and Brookside but it makes me wonder how much longer Grace has as champion. The emoting was soap operaesque but you could squint and see the real authenticity of the moment but it was soon covered by the same plot points and markers. Brookside does have okay nonverbals but needs more fleshing – and more novel ideas aside from what we saw.

Five: the Nemeths explode is still on  a steady climb. I don’t know if Ryan can carry the serious chops to handle that angle as he has been used as comic heel relief to this point – because he is good at it. Unless, they are planning a swerve on Navarro since Nemeth continues to tote the “Call Your Shot” Trophy. Neither outcome is one I want but would far rather see the former versus the latter.

Six: I don’t really need to see a strap match between Elijah and Kazarian. Elijah has hit a treadmill of guitar related gimmick matches and hope we don’t go full old school and get a guitar on a pole match. You know it is never a good sign when they cut away from your concert to a generic Ethan Carter III interview segment.

Seven: Hey, the Righteous (or at least, one half of the Righteous) won a match. Since we get Jeff and Vincent next week; I wonder if this is their way of causing doubt on the outcome of who is winning this feud. It feels like they have tilted it too much toward the Hardys but at least Dutch won, so I will take it.

Eight: Elayna Black is slowly – slowly – starting to build something together in he ring. Let her keep building on the mid-card and work some squash matches where she can get comfortable. However, whilst her ring work was not all-timer, it was serviceable. It was the nonverbals and mic work that needed the most help. Let’s see if she improve there and then we can start to mention upper card pushes and title shots.

Nine: Rae worked very well today, especially in her discussion with the By Elegance Brand. I found her to be entertaining during this episode.

10: Blanchard might have to channel her dad’s good friend and carry the six-woman tag match next week. Crawford is still funny, though, in her oblivious role (almost a Knockouts answer to Ryan Nemeth.) Moore still seems uncomfortable and needs a lot of work.

11: Someone get Skyler a sporcle.com subscription and have him bone up on his geography. Although, to be fair, New Zealand does have constant debate to change their flag so let’s not judge him too harshly on his lack of knowledge (maybe just slightly harshly.)

12: My coach at my boxing gym swears by the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. If you eat meat and are in the area, give it a shot.

Lastly: Speaking of the Ali segment, according to the Urban Dictionary, a “flog” is someone who is disliked by a person of the public because they lack any credibility or/and tries to be emain relevant within certain circles but comes across as a moron. If you see him, let him know that.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight

Well, we’ve gotten past our Rebellion phase and deal with the aftermath of it in Syracuse, NY at the Upstate Medical University Arena on the campus of State University of New York, Syracuse (SUNYS, if you will.) Syracuse is known as “Salt City” for their history of salt production. While the action might get salty, we get other seasoning from Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt on the mic, Gia Miller handling the backstage sort of interviewing (more later.) McKenzie Mitchell tells us who is who in the ring. Like the American Hockey Team in Syracuse, let’s get ready for all the Crunching action and some Impactful discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Previously on TNA Impact we get a litany of highlights from Rebellion including Leon Slater beating Cedric Alexander, the Hardcore Country Brawl and the announcement of ODB going to the Hall of Fame, Xia Brookside turn on her friend Lei Ying Lee, Mustafa Ali claiming International Title glory over Trey Miguel, the System (well, Bear Bronson and Brian Myers) winning the tag titles and the main event of Mike Santana defeating Eddie Edwards and the turn of Alisha Edwards.

TNA is ready for us, as the opening goes so here we go. We get the introduction from Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt. BUT WAIT, we get the introduction of Nick Nemeth who will join our intrepid announcers. Nemeth brought his “Call Your Shot” trophy with him. We get some mutual admiration and go right to the opening match

AJ Francis vs. KC Navarro

We get some highlights of Navarro’s return and Bernie Kosar’s chair shot which led to the demise of Francis at Rebellion. Francis is out first to boos. Navarro is next with a decent pop. Hannifan chronicled the history of Navarro and Francis and Navarro’s rehab through his ACL injury.

The two have a stare down in the middle of the ring. Francis bullied Navarro to the mat. Navarro had to quickly  evade to set up the speed vs. power match. Navarro reversed a Down Payment (chokeslam) attempt into a Hurincanrana. Navarro continued to evade Francis until he tried to pick up Francis. Navarro quickly recovered by stopping himself on a whip to the ropes and held the ropes as a charging Francis missed and hit the floor.

However, Francis caught Navarro as he dove through the ropes and threw him head first into the apron. He followed that by lawn darting Navarro into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Francis continued to maul in the corner and taunted him. Navarro tried to rally but another attempted slam ended in futility. Francis continued the onslaught by throwing Navarro from his shoulders to the corner. That put “The Blessing” in prime position for Francis’ Tennessee Whiskey running knee.

Navarro did successfully rally with a jawbreaker and a dropkick. Navarro hit a Tornado DDT when Francis caught a leaping Navarro in the corner. Navarro continued the sped vs. power match by hitting three dropkicks on Francis in the corner. Navarro put Francis on the second turnbuckle and NOW Navarro got the Avalanche Olympic Slam for two-and-a-fraction.

Navarro made his way to the apron as Francis writhed on the floor. Navarro climbed to the top turnbuckle. However, his leap from the top rope was met with the TFL (spear) and Navarro crumpled to the campus. Francis started to look and gesture toward Nemeth. Nemeth took umbrage with hit and started to jaw with Francis. Francis signaled and attempted the Down Payment (powerbomb) but Navarro reversed it into a rollup and got the victory.

Post-Match: Nemeth ran over to congratulate Navarro whilst Francis protested in the ring. Nemeth helped Navarro get to his feet and celebrated on the rampway.

Meanwhile, The System is walking and we walk to a commercial break.

And, it’s an add for TNAPlus’ Best of TNA Lockdown as we see Sting and Mick Foley in a cage match.  Foley wielded his barbed wire bat and hit Sting as he tried to escape the cage.

We head to a remote location and see Ethan Carter III. Carter talked about his story in three acts. Act I he carries his name and becomes champion. Act II, he has successes and failures and creates the standard (and get asked about his ancestry.) Act III, the comeback, but it’s more o a crusade. It starts with Eric Young tonight.

We go back to live action and we hear the warning buzzer and Alisha Edwards telling us that you can’t be the System. They head to ringside as Rehwoldt talked about the System’s night at Rebellion. Hannifan went into detail about the damage the faction did – in victory and defeat – during the event.

Brian Myers grabbed the mic first and asked if the crowd if they’re upset he and Bronson ended the reign of the Hardys. In case people are living under a rock, Bronson and Myes are tag team champs. However, they have to be honest and not everything went their way. That lead to Eddie Edwards saying he should be standing here with the TNA World Championship. He didn’t lose the match because of him but he blamed Moose for the loss. He said Moose couldn’t stand the thought of Edwards becoming a three-time World Champion. He couldn’t stand the System holding all the belts and that Alisha is his true ride-or-die.

Alisha gives us peak south Boston “Do you wanna know something?” twice. She was glad for Moose got a little smarter by hanging out with her. She complimented Moose on getting the footage to blow the System’s plan out of the water. Edwards said Moose likes stooges. That doesn’t change the fact that the System – and Alisha – played him like a fool, because he is.

Cedric Alexander grabbed the mic and angrily said we should be celebrating but we are still dealing with the Moose problem and then turned to Slater cheating his way to victory. Alexander should have won by DQ and owed a title shot.

This brought out Slater He said Alexander always talk and when does he shut up. He should take his name out of Alexander’s mouth or he will walk down to the ring and slap it out of him like he did at Rebellion. He said Alexander lost and that was what the record book indicates. Slater said he now understands why Alexander walks around hurt (a “boo-boo face” chant emerged.) The reason being because Slater is about to become the longest reigning X-Division champion in company history. Ya get him?

Eddie Edwards grabbed the mic and said he had a good run but there is no chance he is going to be the longest title holder. He and Moose are the same, two guys who get lucky time and time again but do whatever it takes to get the job done.

This brought out Moose to a large chant. Hannifan noted that Moose played college football at Syracuse. Moose said this is just like him to make excuses. The reason why he lost at Rebellion was because he is a little female dog. In fact, all of the System are female dogs. Moose beat all of them so they are his female dog. Alisha has the testicles in the marriage so Eddie is her female dog. Moose called back Hendry by saying Myers is Edge’s female dog (that line got a good pop (and a “Edge’s b—” chant.)  He also said 30 TNA Knockouts can attest that Alisha is the biggest female dog that stepped through the door in TNA

Alisha rebutted by saying that he is nothing like her husband. Nothing. Slater got the mic and asked if Alisha wanted to know something. All four of the System components are in their regular clothes whilst he and Moose are in their wrestling gear. He called for a match between Slater and Moose vs. Eddie Edwards and Cedric Alexander.

The rush of power drew the ire of Daria Rae who emerged and said the match is not happening. Slater tried to protests and Rae dropped her “shut up, I’m talking” catchphrase. This might have happened with Santino Marella but he is suspended indefinitely. Since she is in charge, there is no match. Slater protested and said Marella is the superior general manager – Moose agreed.

Rae told them to shut up but thought for a second. She agreed with that there should be a match tonight so it will be Slater and Moose versus the entire System faction. She wished them good luck. Rehwoldt celebrated the celebration whilst Hannifan was flabbergasted with the decision. Moose and Slater looked incredulous.

Meanwhile, backstage we see Jada Stone warming up and then we see Tasha Steelz walking with Order Four (with extra Servicemen) flanking her; and, that match is next. Well, it’s next after commercials.

We go to another TNA Lockdown anthology ad as we see The Dudleys vs. Beer Money. Bubba Ray thwarted the tandem but when he attempted to climb the cage, Roode stopped him. Bothe of them were on the cage and Bubba Ray hit a top rope Bubba Bomb.

We actually get highlights of the Elijah vs. Frankie Kazarian match at Rebellion. We see the guitar get used (without DQ) and get the win via low blow. We cut back to live action and see Rae sitting her “office” until we hear the guitar strum and see Elijah walk into frame and ask for Marella. Rae reminded him that Marella is suspended but what did Elijah want. Naturally, Elijah wanted a rematch. Rae reminded him that she makes the matches, not him. However, she does call Kazarian on speaker phone and said Elijah wanted a rematch. Kazarian said “no” and Rae hung up. She said there’s no rematch and for Elijah to take care. Elijah asked if that this how it’s going to be and walked off screen.

Jada Stone vs. Tasha Steelz (with Order Four in tow)

Steelz and Order Four headed to the ring with the faction’s old music. Ali grabbed the mic and said tonight he is happy. And, why not? He has a weapon of Mass Destruction behind him (Agent Zero) to the sides of him are his attack dogs (John Skyler and Jason Hotch.)  He has Steelz on one shoulder and on the other shoulder is the International Championship.

The fans should be happy because they have a champion that doesn’t need a second chance (well….) He referenced Santana, Miguel and the Hardys having second chances (in the Hardys’ case – six, seven or eight chances.) Ali didn’t need that. He does gives chances and announced the “TNA International Championship Open Challenge.” Anyone from the TNA roster or any independent wrestler across the world; if they want it, come and get it.

He turned his attention Stone, saying she has been a thorn in the side of Order Four. So, Ali wanted her to walk down to the ring and Steelz will kick her butt and she will say “in Ali, we trust.”

That brought out Stone who charged the ring and the two started to brawl before Mithcell could finish the announcement . The two kept brawling trading punches but Stone got a tilt-a-whirl arm drag that sent Steelz to the corner. Steelz halted a bulldog attempt and wen to the floor but Stone hit a sliding dropkick under the ropes.

Steelz tried to attack Stone on the apron but Stone evaded it. Stone also thwarted Skyler’s interference. Stone attempted a hurincanrana bust Steelz countered it and ran Stone into the ring steps. Steelz stalked Stone on the floor and mauled her along the ringside area and dropped her with a clothesline as we get some commercials dropped on us.

We get another Lockdown anthology highlight as Micke James fought Madison Rayne for the TNA Knockouts title (with Rayne in her regal era.) After delayed stalling by Rayne, James immediately went on the attack. James ran her into the ring  ad then hit the Mick DDT for the victory and the title.)

We come back to action with Steelz hitting a suplex/slam for  a two count. Steelz continued the mauling of Stone along the ropes and the corner. Steelz whipped Stone into the ropes and then choked her with her boot with Stone’s throat on the ropes. Order Four put the bad mouth on her despite the referee’s warning.

Stone tried to rally with a quick roll up but Steelz ended the rally and taunted the fans. She grabbed a modified Camel Clutch. Meanwhile, Hannifan said they are reprising the “TNA Lockdown” special (ergo the ads) and it will be held in Chicago. Meanwhile, Steelz continued to thwart every Stone rally. Steelz continued the corner maulings by putting the boots to Stone.

Stone finally started to get a rally going and traded shots with Steelz and then dropped the former Knockouts campion with a series of clotheslines and a Sling Blade.  Stone kicked Steelz in the corner and then came back with a Meteora. Stone saw her chance, climbed to the top and hit the Split-Legged Moonsault (cue Botchamania’s “Good enough” in 3…2..1) Steelz regained some momentum with a jawbreaker followed by a neckbreaker for a two count.

Stone tried to rally in the corner but Steelz reversed it into a kick and then flipped over Stone (looked like botch from someone but Steelz rolled through it to keep up appearances.) Stone countered with a superkick. Stone tried to hit a handstand springboard move off the ropes but Steelz was ready (another possible botch) and hit a German Suplex. Steelz got Stone on her shoulders but Stone evaded it and hit a Tornado DDT off the ropes.

Stone hit a Northern Lights Suplex and then hit a modified Wing Clipper ( double underhook sit out facebuster) Stone climbed to the top again but Order Four distracted her. That was enough for Steelz to recover and hit Stone. Steelz grabbed Stone and hit the Hail Mary (formerly the Okurr Cutter) for two-and-a-fraction. A frustrated Steelz threw Stone to the floor where the Great Hands headed their way and Ali joined him. The referee read the writing on the walls and expelled Order Four. Steelz protested but Stone got a roll up and hit the Spark Stunner (a handstand springboard off the ropes into a stunner with splits) for the victory.

Post-Match: Stone celebrated in the ring.

(sigh….) We see a red rabbit which means it’s time for Hijinx in the Undead Realm. We see Crawford running through a hall screaming (similar to the shot at Rebellion) until a creature screamed and Crawford passed out. Meanwhile, we see Rosemary meandering through the halls until she comes into a room with Joseph Park, who said he went to sleep last night and woke up here. He asked if she saw his brother, Abyss (or Chris.) He realized it was Rosemary and said to slap his face and call him George Hackenchmidt. He hugged Rosemary but she was having none of it.

She said it’s fine and asked about the divorce and Park said it went great; thanks to the law office of Park, Park and Park. He did warn her of that man of hers is egregious, felonious and self-defecating. However, he had to go now and said goodbye to Rosemary and said he had to go up north.

We see another woman adorned in a veil walking through a hall as we cut to Tessa Blanchard wondering where she is (James Mitchell told you two weeks ago..) She sees the glitching bunny sitting in a church pew and then two ladies adorned in make up who attempted to attack Blanchard. Blanchard managed to fend off both wrestlers before she staggered out of the room and (exasperated sigh) it’s to be continued…

We get ads and another ad for the TNAPlus “Best of TNA Lockdown” series and another look at the Dudleys vs. Beer Money as all four battle throughout the crowd before heading back to ringside.

We go backstage to Navarro and Nick Nemeth with Nemeth continuing to hype Navarro until Ryan Nemeth runs into the shot and is giving jealous vibes. He said he is Nick’s little brother and that we are all clear on it. Navarro called Nick his brother but not in a familial way which riled Ryan before Nick clamed him again. Now, the System head into the shot to cause unrest. Myers started to taunt the threesome and called Navarro a “charity case,” This caused Navarro to hit his “Pardon Me” catchphrase.

Nemeth tried to calm things but did indicate Navarro came back from an injury and how would the System do with that? Bronson took umbrage with Nemeth’s tone and got in Nick’s face. Nemeth said if he doesn’t like his tone, he is not a hard guy to find. The System headed off shot. Ryan still didn’t like what was happening and went to call their mom. Navarro asked what his problem is and Nick said the whole place is crazy.

We comeback and we get Santana’s chryon and music as Santana – adorned in a Yankees jersey and not the leather jacket –  makes his way through the crowd and to the ring with mic. He asked what’s good in Syracuse and wants to keep it a buck with us. Thanks. At Rebellion, everything went exactly as he thought. Eddie threw everything he could at him as part of the foundation of TNA. Santana cracked that foundation in half is standing here still as TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

He is still holding down the fort and beating every former World Champion here. Since he is holding the belt, he decided to hand out some opportunities of his own. That includes someone who, like him, took his life into his own hands and changed for the better. That person is Rich Swann (hey, there he is..) Swann comes out and with a mic of own.

Swann said it’s not often that an opportunity falls from he sky like this. He said the respect Santana has for him is reciprocated. Swann watched him battle his demons and climb to the top of this industry. He asked Santana if he really wants to do this. Swann is agility, ability and aggressiveness (his words.) He continues with the predicate adjectives and said he is in the best shape of his life (his pirouette and splits as he said that got a good pop.)

He knows if they fought, people will talk about that match for days, weeks, months and maybe years. When they get in the ring, he is going to bring every ounce of fire, desire and heart he has – just like Santana – and they will fight all…night…long (which got a good pop.) Santana asked what did Syracuse think and it was academic. He can’t believe he is going to do this but he is going to summon that “God awful evil woman” Rae to make it official next week. If she makes happen, it’s on next week. The two posed as Hannifan and Rehwoldt start the hype train for the match.

We don’t hype injuries but we do hype the BioFlex Injury Report. Miguel suffered a severe laceration on his right knee during his match with Ali that required stitches and his being held out of action. The Hardys are being held out due to the tables match after their match with the System at Rebellion. Some good news, Indi Hartwell is cleared for action but due to her suspension, she is ineligible to action. And, Ethan Carter III is cleared for action later tonight against Eric Young.

We cut away and see, appropriately Young walking through the hallways and see EC3 vibing and getting ready for their match…after the break. Speaking of breaks it’s a free-for-all as A J Sytles, Christian, Kevin Nash, Sting and others engage Iina brawl. Styles got on top of a cage with a ladder. He set up the ladder and climbed it but Christian met him there (as did James Storm) and Storm knocked the ladder down and the two crashed into the cage.

We come back to Lee who talked about your journey to wrestling and barely spoke English or pro wrestling but along the way she fell in love with wrestling. Since she joined TNA, Brookside became friends and partners. They were inseparable; when she lost the title, Brookside encouraged her to regain the title. The tears started to well up as she talked about Brookside’s betrayal at Rebellion. She didn’t just lose the title but lost her best friend.

We cut back to backstage where we see Brookside, almost like a mannequin, standing as Miller approached her. Miller asked why she did it; Brookside rotated, gave the same blank look to her and left. Miller look befuddled but we go back to ringside action and the matched promised prior to the break.

Ethan Carter III vs. Eric Young

Carter posed on the rampway…wait, Young jumped him from the back and mauled him down the rampway and into the ring. Young put the boots to him and threw him back to the floor. Young continued the beating.  EC3 rallied but Young continued to beat him when EC3 got back in the ring. Young got two neck snaps and then hit the chinlock. EC3 escaped with a  series of elbows.

Young got back on offense with a prolonged eye rake. EC3 struggled around the ring as the referee accosted Young. EC3, who couldn’t see clearly, charged and knocked both Young and the referee over the ropes and to the floor. EC3 got his vision and continued to attack Young on the floor. Meanwhile, a second referee appeared and declared the match a no contest. It was immaterial as EC3 grabbed a chair and just missed an evading Young and clobbered the ringpost.

Young grabbed the chair and wrapped it around Cater’s head. A litany of security and referees tried to regain order but Carter kept the attack. However, E3 still had the chair wrapped around his neck. Young grabbed EC3 and threw him into the ringpost. Carter writhed on the floor and Young accosted the security and referees before heading back on the apron (the crowd kept chanting “one more time.”) Young threatened the security staff but eventually made his way up the rampway and we head to commercials.

We get another Lockdown series ad with a match between Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy. Angle threw Hardy around the ring and into the cage, taking time to pose in the ring.

We came back to (oh, boy) more Undead Realm goings on as Rosemary walked down a hallway and saw a hooded figure walking her way. as Rosemary addressed him as Frank. They exchanged pleasantries and Frank asked if she got his resume. Rosemary said probably asked how his mother is doing. He said she is well and making her favorite meat loaf.

Meanwhile, Allie and Mara Sade are chit-chatting about Allie getting back to the living realm. Sade asked what is the first thing she is going to do. Allie said eat because there are not a lot of vegan options in the undead realm (good point.) An ad for Shudder (an AMC channel) was displayed on a screen in the back. Sade did helpfully offer a lollipop, which was nice of her. They waw the female from before who teleported through them and kept walking.

They turned around and saw Crawford standing there. Allie introduced herself but Crawford fearfully backed away. Crawford backed into the same woman, screamed and ran away. Allie said “meh” and walked to another part of the realm.

Blanchard meanwhile was in yet ANOTHER part of the realm before she encountered Rosemary. Blanchard demanded that Rosemary tell her how to get out of here right now. Rosemary said no. The two immediately started brawling. Blanchard started to strangle with Rosemary with a chain. Meanwhile, the hooded woman was still walking down the aisle.

We cut to ANOTHER hallway and the Diamond Collective finally meet get together in a Scooby-Doo like occurrence. They all had been looking for each other. We cut to Sade and Allie seeing the choked Rosemary and helped her escape. Rosemary said she had a little run I with Blanchard. Allie said she hurt her friend and went after her. Sade stayed back to make sure Rosemary was okay and Rosemary showed Sade some hair follicles she took from Blanchard (souvenirs, as he called them.)

The Diamond Collective come across to Mitchell and Blanchard demanded, once more, how to get out of here. Mithcell said use the door. The door opened to a red light and they left after one last glimpse of the mysterious woman wandering the aisles. Mitchell introduced himself to the mysterious woman and they walked hand-in-hand into another room.

We cut back to ringside with Hannifan asking “what the hell is going on” (Once again, shoot comments that aren’t supposed….) We cut to a blackened out arena but noises play in the background and a creepy graphics display shows and we see the Diamond Collective head from under the ring. The lights go out again, creepy graphics replay, Mitchell’s evil laugh and voila after a litany of smoke Rosemary and Sade attack Crawford and Mila Moore. They dispatch Sade and the Collective surround Rosemary. They get into the ring.

But, we get more lights and graphics shenanigans and yeah, we get the return of Allie from the realm and down the rampway she goes to even the odds. Superkicks abound and she sent Blanchard to the floor with a codebreaker. The three faces stand tall in the ring and the heels collective themselves on the floor as we get ready for the main event after the usual break and ads.

This ad for the TNA Lockdown series is “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal entering the cage to face Shark Boy, Curry Man, Consequences Creed, Johnny Devine and Sonjay Dutt. Dutt and Lethal work together on Devine until we get the pyramid spot and that’s that for now,

We cut to a backstage promo with The Hardys who asked if The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) are happy and if they are smiling. They broke them down and they lost the titles. He thanked Dutch for the near death experience at Sacrifice but it a near-death experience to show you’re alive. He challenged Dutch and that it is almost “Broken season.” The crowd popped for that. The lights go out but we hear the sinister laugh.

But now, the main event

The System (with Alicia Edwards in tow) vs. Leon Slater and Moose

The warning buzzer signals that The System are on their way to the ring and Hannifan went over the events that lead to this match. Slater came out next to a fairly loud pop. Moose got a huge pop and Hannifan reiterated Moose’s history with Syracuse University (even referencing him by his real name Quinn Ojinnaka as we go to break.

We get another Lockdown best matches ad with Angle and Samoa Joe in the cage as Angle pounds away on Joe on the mat.

We go back to Syracuse and Slater and Alexander start the match. Alexander trapped  Slater in the System’s corner and started a series of takedowns  until  Slater rallied with a rebound spinning kick and tagged Moose. Moose cleaned house and hit the urinagi/senton spot on Alexander. Hannifan continued to talk about Moose and Syracuse Univ as Moose did the Ultimate Warrior rope shake. This gave Bronson time to attack, which Moose countered by throwing Bronson to the floor.

Moose continued to battle Bronson, taking time to side step a Myers spear, who speared his partner. Alexander tried to dive between the ropes but Moose caught him threw him into the tag champs. Myers came from behind and attacked Moose. However, Slater recuperated in the ring and leapt over the turnbuckles and leapt on all four System components. In the ring, Moose Hit the Stick (speared) Alexander for a two count until Myers interrupted the pin.

While the referee admonished Myers, Edwards hit the Boston Knee Party (shining wizard) on Moose. Bronson immediately mauled Moose (zoologically logical) on the mat. Moose tried to rally but Bronson regained momentum by sitting down on a sunset flip attempt. Edwards legally entered the battle and attacked Moose. The battle went back and forth until Moose missed a spear and crashed into the turnbuckles.

Myers tagged and taunted Moose. Alexander tagged and the two (along with Bronson) assaulted Mosoe. However, Moose clotheslined Alexander and Myers and then did the same to Bronson. Moose got the hope crawl and hot tag on Slater, who was a flat on fire. He attacked the System and hit a spinning kick on Edwards to drop him. Slater hit running boots on Myers and Edwards in the corner.

Slater climbed to the top but Bronson moved Edwards and Myers out of the way. Slater rolled through it and hit a handspring flying back elbow off the ropes on Bronson and Myers. A superkick dropped Edwards and a flying bodypress off the top rope for a two count Edwards got the momentum back with a thumb to the eye.

Edwards and Bronson hit corner splashes on Slater; Bronson also threw Slater into an Edwards Blue Thunder Bomb. Myers climbed to the top for his flying elbowsmash and Alexander hit a frog splash for a two count until Moose interrupted the pin. Moose dispatched Edwards to the floor but Edwards evaded a running pump kick and Moose took out a security person (also taking out a security person. Haven’t they suffered enough?) Edwards dropped Moose on the floor.

During the match, we got a preview of next week as Matt Hardy faces Dutch, Mike Santana and Rich Swann square off in a world title match, Nick Nemeth fights Bear Bronson and we will finally hear from Xia Brookside.

Meanwhile, Alexander attempted the Lumbar Check but Slater escaped. He also escaped a Bronson charge and hit a Salida Del Sol on him. He also avoided a Myers charge and Slater hit the Utopia (rotating Blue Thumber Bomb.) Alexander tried for a German Suplex but Slater reversed that into a rollup for a two count. But, Alexander countered that into a wheelbarrow Lumbar Check for the victory.  

Post-Match: The System celebrated on the rampway as Moose tended to his partner. The System continued to taunt their opponents as we went to Hannifan and Rehwoldt who recapped the events of Rebellion and tonight. After that, we get their gratitude and show goes off the air.

Impactful Ruminations

One: The production was solid and topped most – if not all – of the first episodes of a new taping cycle. The action still was all over the map but the in-ring stuff was by and large solid.

Two: So, the denoument of the the “Undead Realm” was to bring back Allie (and advertise Shutter?) For a convoluted angle, that seemed like a anti-climatic finish. Were we clammoring for Allie’s return? This gives Sade something to do but I think this is a needless anchoring for top talents that should be getting on the fast track for bigger opportunities (most notably Sade and Balnchard.) To be fair, I did chuckle when Joseph Park said he was heading north (wink, wink.)

Three: It was great to see Navarro’s return match and seemed genuinely moved as he got in the ring. It was the typical big vs. little man formula (something Francis knows all to well.) I guess we get a prolonged Nick Nemeth face side quest before he gets back to facing Santana and using his trophy clause. Navarro vs. Ali would be an intriguing match

Four: I don’t know what we are doing with Ryan but seeing him vs his brother is not something that appeals to me given the chasm of talent disparity between the two,

Five: The Stone vs. Steelz match seemed sloppy and Stone still needs more seasoning but they recognize they have something with her which is why they got her in this feud whilst the other young Knockouts are relegated to tag matches with experienced wrestlers and staying on the sidelines as an interference magnet (see: Moore, Mila.)

Six: One wonders what happened behind the scenes as Swann went from Francis feud (natural,) to being BDE’s Mentor (smart angle) to now challenging Santana. It will be a good match, no doubt; but did we just put BDE into a holding pattern and twisting in the wind? I think something is brewing and need some deft storytelling not to replicate the Zaria vs. Sol Ruca feud.

Seven: The Young vs. EC3 bout was it should be. Keep the two together in their own little bottle universe and keep it short whilst EC3 gets the feel of action. It’s their for nostalgia and that is that.

Eight: The main event was fine and perfectly acceptable. The System got some of their heat back and Slater and Moose did their part. The System work exponentially better as heels.

Nine: My biggest fear with Daria Rae is that she is the embodiment of Tommy Dreamer recreating the “Network” angle with Rae as Don Callis. She is getting comfortable in the role and realized that in short, controlled bursts she is far better.  I still think the overall angle suffers from a lack of originality.

Ten: Hannifan started to lean into Jim Ross territory as he talked up Moose’s history with the Orangemen.

11: I am curious about the Brookside interview next week. The blank look she gave during Miller’s attempt to talk to her was good. It was completely expressionless and did look a lot like a mannequin.

Lastly:  “what the hell is going on?” Great question, Hannifan; once again, Tom Hannfian – the voice of reason.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight.

Important Note: Greetings. The feed magically reappeared and was able to get through the rest of the event. So, a gracious thank you to everyone involved here in the Blog of Doom. And thank you for your grace as I get through this. Keep reading the columnists, they do amazing work. And now, make with the Rebellion.

Hello, Cleveland…or, more appropriately, hello from Cleveland and welcome to TNA’s second big Pay-Per View Event, Roger Dorn Night!! I’m kidding, it’s TNA’s Rebellion. We are at the Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University.  The action is going to be hotter than the Cuyahoga River when it caught on fire in 1969 with all titles up for grabs. Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are our announcers, Gia Miller gives us the happenings backstage and McKenzie Mitchell tell us who is who in the ring. As the song goes “Cleveland Rocks;” do you know what else rocks? Some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

There was some pregame action discussion prior to the festivities with Hannifan, Rehwoldt and Daria Rae (adorned in the finest business-class spiked leather jacket.) Miller rebels against Krusty the Klown’s opinion on live work and does some crowd work with two young people who said they are most excited to see the Hardy Boys? Sure…

After that, we go to some pre-game wrestling action with

Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE

Nemeth is out first and grabbed the mic. He talks up Cleveland and gives a shout-out to the Nemeth parents who are in the front row. He said Nick was dad’s favorite but his mom loved him more and she went to all of Ryan’s events. They raised him to be a Cleveland Browns fan (cheat heat cleared for landing) but the moment he became a star, he took advice from his hero, Art Modell (cheap heat has landed) and he left this horrible city. He took off his warm up pants and had Pittsburgh Steelers’ theme trunks. He also admonished Mitchell and asked what she is still doing here and that she is as dumb as the people here. She also married someone from Cleveland. He finished doing the announcing and announced BDE.

BDE came to the ring in his usual aplomb. Ryan, though, wasn’t finished; however, BDE finished it by hitting a dropkick and a dive over the ropes to drop Nemeth on the floor. BDE kept the offense going as Hannifan noted BDE is looking for his first win. BDE hit a bodyslam that sent Nemeth back to the floor and BDE hit another dive between the ropes to drop him on the floor. A springboard bodypress (cue Botchamania’s “Good Enough” drop) got a two count.

Nemeth stopped the rally by hitting the ropes when BDE ascended the turnbuckles and then a dropkick to send BDE to the floor. He hit a back suplex on the apron and then a running forearm smash on the apron for a two count. Ryan mauled BDE on the mat and hit the Rude Awakening neckbreaker for another two count.

Nemeth stymied BDE’s repeated rally attempts  until BDE hit a series of flying forearms off the ropes. He avoided a running clothesline and hit the Clip Cutter (springboard Cutter) for two-and-a-fraction. Nemeth stopped the rally with a leaping DDT for a two count. BDE rallied again by reversing a back suplex into an enziguri. BDE seemed unsure but dragged Nemeth into position and hit a frog splash for a two count until Ryan moved to the apron. BDE grabbed Ryan on the apron but Nemeth hit a stunner on the ropes and BDE went flying. Nemeth got back into the ring and hit the Big Hollywood Ending (a leaping reverse STO) for the victory.

Post-Match: Nemeth played to the camera and posed in front of his family before heading up the rampway.

We get some ads and then the announce team focused on the angle on Thursday between Elijah and Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian paid a kid to lure Elijah to a sneak attack by Kazarian, Rehwoldt said children are the future, as does Kazarian. Rae said victory should be by any means necessary. That is what TNA is about and that is what Kazarian did. Hannifan asked for some help. Sure enough, The Home Town Man’s music started as he made his way to the announce studio adorned with a Cleveland Rick Vaughn jersey and a Rick Vaughn inspired glasses. Rae said her ears were bleeding (a Rachel Phelps reset would have been perfect) and Hannifan wished Bob Eucker was here instead of Rehwoldt. HTM hyped Cleveland and then handed out free merchandise to the fans, including an Elijah shirt.

We also get an appearance from TNA President Carlos Silva, talking how he prevented  Nick Nemeth from wrestling MJ..I mean, here to talk about the rest of the schedule of 2026. Rehwoldt brought up Ethan Carter III being here (which got a small pop? Sure…) Rae said  how much she appreciates what Silva is doing. They talk about the rest of the card and talked about Nemeth and Bernie Kosar.

They turn their attention to Ricky Sosa and his signing BUT HOLD EVERYTING, the lights dim and Eric Young headed to ringside and threatened to piledrive Sosa if he returns and then focused on ECIII and his tenure in TNA. He threatened fans and reiterated that everything with TNA flows through him as we cut to a TNA hype piece.

We also get highlight packages of the Santana vs. Edwards feud. We also get an interview with TNA trainer Ace Steel about the World Title bout. They bring up Edwards’ point about Santana being an emotional champion. We also get more crowd work with Miller and gets some predictions about the match, well prediction, and the fan goes with Santana. More importantly, the pre-game festivities end and we get the main show (after Charity Evonna sings the National Anthem.)

We get musical highlights montage of the combatants involved in the card.

We get the officials intros and Hannifan will this be “The Night of The System” (it would be better than the Night of the Lepus.)

We go to our first title match:

X-Division Title Match: Leon Slater vs. Cedric Alexander

The warning buzzer means only thing – Alexander (without the System) heads to ringside. Slater is next and the crowd chants along with his theme to a huge pop. Hannifan extols the virtue of Slater and said Slater has one month left to become the longest X-Division title holder. He also said the last man to pin Slater was Alexander in August of last year. We also get a huge “TNA” chant before the match started.

When it did, Alexander took immediate control with mat wresting action. The theme of the match was evident form the onset as Slater  got his offense with a series of high spots including a rebound spinning kick and a handspring leaping back elbow off the ropes. He also hit a big running boot to drop Alexander to the floor.

Alexander tried to throw Slater into the ringsteps but Slater leapt over them. He came back with a hurincanrana on the floor and then a leaping bodypress of the top turnbuckle for a two count in the ring. Slater chopped away on Alexander in the corner and then attempted the 10-punch turnbuckle spot but with Alexander dropping Slater on the 10^th one. Undaunted, Slater came back with a twisting legdrop on the apron.

Alexander finally got some prolonged offense when he snapped Slater’s neck on the ropes and then hit an urinagi on the apron. On the floor, Alexander hit a suplex slam on the apron. Alexander hit his signature snap German suplex. Hannifan brought up Slater’s neck injury at the hands of Young.  Alexander snapmared Slater out of the corner and hit a seated dropkick for a two count.

Slater temporarily regained the momentum when he hit a sliding dropkick through the ropes on Alexander. However, another German Suplex stemmed the tide. He hit the chinlock and cinched in the pressure. Another rally was stopped by Alexander with a double eye rake and an eye poke. Alexnader taunted Slater. However, Slater rebounded with a quick superkick and bother combatants were on the floor.

Slater got the rally he needed by beating Alexander with a series of chops and punches. Alexander blocked Utopia (spinning Blue Thunder Bomb) but a whip into the ropes gave Slater a chance to hit a spinning kick. A huge running boot landed for the champ in the corner. Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle. Alexander evaded the leap and headed to the floor. However, Slater rolled through the jump, got into position and leapt over the ringpost to drop Slater with a dive. A huge “Holy excrement” chant emerged.

Slater continued the offense with a Salida Del Sol for a two count. Both combatants were on the mat but Slater eventually headed back to the top turnbuckle. Alexander avoided the Swanton 450 (Slater rolled through that, too) and hit a reverse kick to stop Slater. Slater hit a running big boot but Alexander recovered and (after being denied the first time) hit a Michinoku Diver for  a two count.

A huge “Let’s Go, Leon” chant emerged as Alexander tried for a Lumbar Check. Slater rolled out of that but an attempted Styles Clash was evaded by the challenger. Alexander and Slater traded charges until Alexander crotched Slater on the ropes after a corner charge. Alexander promptly hit a diving clothesline from the top to drop Slater. Alexander got a brainbuster for two-and-a-fraction. Alexander was frustrated but got Slater on the top turnbuckle and hit a top turnbuckle brainbuster and Slater crumpled to the floor.

Slater hit the Lumbar Check but Slater managed to get his foot on the ropes. Alexander put the boots to Slater as a “this is awesome” chant emerged. Alexander seemed distracted and headed to the floor and grabbed the X-Division title. He brought it into the ring but this gave Slater time to recover and NOW we get the Styles Clash on the belt. Slater climbed to the top and NOW we get the Swanton 450 and Slater retained the title.

Post-Match: Silva presented the belt to Slater as the Cleveland fans showed their appreciation. Slater posed on the turnbuckles as we go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt and go through the rest of tonight’s card.

We go to Miller who is with Santana backstage. She asked how is Santana approaching this after losing two straight to Edwards. Santana started by asking Cleveland what’s good (well, the Cavaliers are, the Guardians are solid and  the Browns are…hey look, the Cavs.) He has been title holders for 86 days since the debut on AMC against another pillar for TNA Impact. The challenges don’t stop because he has done this dance before with Eddie Edwards but now he is stronger, wiser and ready to go…BUT WAIT, Alisha Edwards walked into the shot and asked (quietly) if we want to something. She knows Eddie better than anyone and there are some things he might want to know. She walked off screen as Miller and Santana looked perplexed.

Before we know what was discussed, we get the next match:

Frankie Kazarian vs. Elijah

Hannifin wanted to play a game with Rehwoldt – how big a scumbag is Kazarian. He reiterated the angle from Thursday with the kid and Rehwoldt reminded him that they talked about that on the pre-game. We hear the guitar strum and Elijah comes to ringside as his personal hype guy gives his usual spiel.

Elijah immediately charged Kazarian but Kazarian evaded. Elijah no sold most of Kazarian’s punches and Kazarian went to the floor to avoid a charging Elijah. Elijah finally caught him and hit a huge boot off the ropes. He beat on Kazarian in the corners  with a series of chops and then a flying clothesline off the ropes. Elijah slammed Kazarian’s head into the apron twice. Kazarian tried to escape to the other side but Elijah ran around the ring on the floor and hit a running knee strike.

Elijah capitalized on that with an old-school rope walk into a forearm smash. Kazarian finally got some sustained offense when he avoided a charging Kazarian in the corner and hit a German Suplex into the turnbuckles.  Kazarian mauled Elijah in the corner locked a cravat along the apron. With Elijah on the floor, Kazarian capitalized with a leaping hurincanrana over the topes to the floor.

Kazarian gestured to the crowd and then hit the springboard legdrop over the ropes for a two count. Kazarian threw Elijah into the corner and hit a Russian legsweep for a two count. Desperate for a rally, Elijah and Kazarian traded punches on the apron but Kazarian missed a legdrop. Elijah recovered and tried to hit a springboard move but Kazarian grabbed Elijah’s guitar strap and hit him in the ribs. Kazarian continued to whip Elijah with the strap (not earning a DQ. Hannifin made up for the scene by saying Elijah said “no.”)

Kazarian continued the offense – without the strap – with a series of strikes. Kazarian got on the turnbuckles and how Kazarian attempted the old-school ropewalk. Elijah, though, recovered and flung Kazarian to the mat. With the crowd beckoning him Stipe Miocic went back on attack with a series of clotheslines until Kazarian hit a backstabber and a sliding clothesline.

Kazarian attempted another springboard legdrop but Elijah recovered again; he caught Kazarian on his shoulders and hit a powerbomb for a two count.  Elijah beat on Kazarian in the corner. A Kazarian back elbow momentarily slowed Elijah but Elijah got back up to speed with a leaping knee strike as Kazarian leapt from the top.

Elijah grabbed his guitar strap on the floor and now he whipped Kazarian with it repeatedly. Elijah hit a side Chokeslam (almost a sit out chokeslam) for a two count. Kazarian went to the floor and grabbed Elijah’s guitar and they  both headed to the mat. Elijah got on the apron and Kazarian hit a slingshot stunner onto the guitar for two-and—a-fraction.

Elijah blocked a Fade to Black attempt and then stepped on his guitar. Elijah grabbed the neck of the guitar and threatened to hit Kazarian with it. The referee, inexplicably, now cared about the rules and grabbed the guitar from Elijah. When Elijah turned to protest, Kazarian kicked Elijah below the belt and got the win.

Speaking of painful things, we go to a BioFlex Injury Report. The Hardys are cleared despite the injuries they received during the match on Thursday against the Righteous. ODB and Mickie James are cleared despite the beatdown on Thursday at the hands of the By Elegance Brand. “Stacks” Lorenzo has a black eye but he is cleared. And, Santana and Edwards are cleared for action.

Speaking of Lorenzo, here he is with TNA Knockouts World Champ, Arianna Grace. It’s a big night for her and her title shot. Grace is nervous since Lee is an accomplished striker and in a different mindset than previously. She also doesn’t have the “cobra” (thanks to Santino Marella and Indi Hartwell.) Lorenzo said she doesn’t need it or some old sock. Lorenzo has a plan and whispered it to her. Grace loved it and her mood improved as they walk off scene.

We get a recap of the feud between Moose and Agent Zero (including Zero’s beatdown of Moose at Sacrifice.) This is Zero’s first TNA singles match.

Agent Zero vs. Moose (with Alisha Edwards in tow)

For some reason, they switched to Order Four’s first theme as Zero (bereft of Order Four) made his way to the ring. Moose is next and the crowd canted along with his theme. However, Zero didn’t want to wait for the bell and leapt over the ropes and dove on Moose. Zero threw Moose into the ringsteps. Moose pushed Edwards out of the way but she fell to the floor and came up with a limp.

When the bell rang, Moose spring into action and beat on Zero in the corner. He also backdropped Zero over the ropes and to the floor. Moose reciprocated by leaping over the ropes and dove on Zero. Moose grabbed a table (sigh) under the ring. While Moose set the table, Zero attacked and ran him into the apron. Zero got Moose into position and attempted a powerbomb onto the table but Moose reversed it into a backdrop on the apron.

Moose threw Zero into the ring. After trading shots, Moose regained the advantage with a dropkick that sent Zero back over the ropes and to the floor. Moose charged Zero but Zero caught him, hoisted him up and threw him into the ringpost. Zero soaked in the ire of the crowd and threw him back into the ring. A loud “Moose” chant emerged. Zero stalked Moose and attempted his Chokebomb. Moose evaded it and the two traded clubbing shots and clotheslines.

Moose hit a pumpkick and a spear into the corner. Moose put Zero on the turnbuckles, climbed to the top and hit a superplex (we got a Big E Langston shoutout by Rehwoldt.) In the ring, both recovered but Moose hit a shoulderblock to send Zero to the apron and then speared Zero through the ropes and both crashed into the table. Once again, both combatants were on the floor and struggled to get to their feet. They both beat the count and got in the ring. The two traded shots once more until Moose hit a running pump kick. However, Zero hit a clothesline on a charging Moose to drop him (with Shawn Michaels sell.) Zero hit his variation of the End of Days slam for two-and-a-fraction.

The crowd, again, tried to rally Moose; and it worked, as Moose..um…Moosed up and hit a headbutt and then hit the urinagi/senton combination. Moose did the Ultimate Warrior rope shake but Zero sent a charging Moose to the floor. Zero tried to leap over the ropes onto Moose again; but this time Moose caught him and hit a powerbomb onto the ringsteps.

The crowd continued to cheer Moose and he threw Zero into the ring and set up to Hit the Stick (Spear) but now the Great Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) hit the ring. Hotch distracted the referee whilst Skyle grabbed Edwards. Edwards slapped Skyler and Moose hit the running boot on Skyler but Edwards crashed to the floor with Skyler, grabbing her left leg. Moose carried Edwards to the back but Zero ran around the floor and hit a flying boot to Moose as the faces crumpled to the floor.

Back into the ring, Zero measured Moose and hit a Chokebomb onto the apron. Zero measured Moose again and hit another Chokebomb for the victory.

Post-match: Zero calmly stood in the ring and made his way to the back.

We go right to hype for the next match and a highlights recap of the By Elegance Brand versus Mickie James feud (and subsequently Taryn Terrell  and ODB.) The Personal Concierge is in the ring and is holding a sign saying he is not a pickle ummm..male phallus (although it looks like Pickle Rick from Rick and Morty, but I digress.) He emphasizes he is not that but he is the PC. If we’ve been hiding under a rock, the news broke that TNA is traveling all over North America.  He heard about Cleveland, OH and begged management to never go back to that dump again and Cleveland sucks. The only good thing to come from Cleveland is Ash by Elegance (cheap heat cleared for landing) but when she realized Cleveland sucked, she did what LeBron James did and moved to South Beach (cheap heat has landed.)

They are about to compete in a Hardcore Country match with a bunch of filthy farm animals and like the fans, they smell like pigs. He is going to introduce some people who smell like roses from the Garden of Eden – the By Elegance Brand.

Hardcore Country Match: The By Elegance Brand (Ash, Heather and M with Mr. Elegance in tow) vs. ODB, Teryn Terrell and Mickie James

Ash came to ring with a sign that said “I am not a mark.” (sigh) In fact, all three of the Brand are wearing t-shirts with the same statement. Heather is also carrying a sign (I can’t make out what it says (she is carrying a stick horse with her though.) ODB is out for the faces with flask in hand. Rehwoldt said ODB is already tipsy. Terrell is out next with a lollipop and a Barbie Doll to a muted pop. James is out last and got the loudest ovation. James went backstage and grabbed a bucket of plunder (with the words “mark bucket” spraypainted on it.) The faces STRUCK THEIR POSE as the Brand went to the floor.

Ash screamed (and I mean – screamed) into the mic to stop the music. She has something to say – she is to mark. She screamed it into the mic and PC is not a pickle…..before she could finish, the faces jumped the heels and tore up the signs.  The Brand started launching weapons – including a barbed wire bat (c’mon, really) and Hannifan called PC a pickle phallus (Rehwoldt took serious umbrage with that.) M grabbed something and said “this is stupid” (shoot comments that were not – etc.)

The Brand started mauling the faces but a whip into the ropes ended with the faces hitting Thesz Presses on the Brand. James pounded away o M with the garbage can and Terrell attacked Heather with a Barbie Doll. The Brand regrouped on the floor and took umbrage with some fans in the front row and threw food and accosted them. Hannifin said they are people who are on “Love is Blind: Ohio” (oh, fer….)

The faces caught up to the heels and put buckets on Ah and M and ran them together. Mr. Elegance had a bucket thrown at him by James. Terrell grabbed a bucket full of…lollipops (sigh…) and suplexed Heather onto them for a two count. The Brand regrouped – again – on the floor as the faces threw the lollipops to the crowd. James and Terrell hit dropkicks through the ropes onto the Brand.

The Brand finally got some momentum as Ash ran Terrell into the ringsteps and M ran James into a wheelbarrow and the barricade. The Brand realized ODB was alone. ODB tried to fend off the heels but the number game was too much and Ash pounded away on ODB with a kendo stick. They tied ODB to the bottom rope. M ran James into the ringsteps. M put the wheelbarrow into position but James hit a Mick Kick and M went sprawling into the wheelbarrow. Meanwhile, Terrell ran Heather into a bale of hay.

Ash tried to curtail the tide by grabbing a stop and leaping off the ring steps onto Terrell. However, Terell saw it and hit Ash’s midsection with a giant lollipop. Meanwhile, ODB grabbed a cooler and wheeled it into the floor. She opened it up and poured a giant container of pickles into it. The crowd broke into a “pickle phallus” chant and the faces grabbed the PC. However, Mr. Elegance grabbed Terrell and James. The two lowblowed Mr. Elegance and ran him into the cooler of pickles. They started to pelt Mr. Elegance with the pickles.

The faces cornered the Personal Concierge in the ring. ODB knocked PC to the floor and the faces put a pickle costume on The Concierge and threw him into the Brand. Terrell climbed to the top and leapt on the Brand, dropping them to the floor. Terrell threw Ash into the ring.  ODB hit a bodyslam (with Ash’s ankle banging into a trashcan.) James climbed to the top and teased the “Wazzzzup Drop” until Mr. Elegance threw James from the top turnbuckle. He entered the ring and clotheslined ODB. HE STRUCK THE POSE and danced but ODB grabbed a prong and grabbed Elegance’s genitalia. She cinched in the grab but Ash ran to his defense with a hairspray can. She sprayed ODB in the eyes and hit the DDT for the victory.

Post-Match: The Brand celebrated on the ring and taunted the fans, further telling us they are not marks  BUT WAIT, Silva and Tommy Dreamer made their way to ringside. Dreamer wanted the music to stop (and an “ECW” change emerged.) He asked “Weird Flexy Guy,” “Marky Mark and the Flunky Bunch” and “Mr. Pickle Phallus” to clear the ring. He also asked James to relax. He asked Cleveland what’s up. He said life is hard but if one understands the business, one understands the connection through actions and moves to connect wrestlers and fans. He likes to do things spontaneous. He knew ODB since Day One. He would like to see her again but dressed up (we know what is coming.) Silva said for all she has done for TNA, ODB will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in October.

He gave the mic to ODB and a “you deserve it” chant emerged (well…) She brought her partner into the ring and hugged him. She loved the fans and appreciates all the Knockouts. Meanwhile, the referees cleared the ring of debris.

We go backstage to Elyana Black, who is looking at her phone and throwing out random numbers. That is how much money she has made but since we are here interrupting her and she is sick to her stomach. She was sick because she had to get up early and meet the fans in Cleveland, OH (mimicking a bit of nausea.) She said that’s fine, she appreciates the free plane ride and hotel. She’ll watch the Knockouts Title but wanted us to know that she is coming for the title and we will all be living in the Era of Elayna.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt who recap the ODB HOF announcement. They hype a partnership with IHeart Radio and NOW we officially get the announcement to the people in Love is Blind: Ohio. From there, we go right to the next match.

A J Francis vs. Nick Nemeth (with Bernie Kosar in tow)

Francis comes to the ring first. Hannifan and Rehwoldt go over the history and the rationale of Francis attacking Nemeth. Francis grabbed the mic and asked to cut the music. He re-introduced himself and said he came out with some new clothes – and LeBron’s new sneakers. He goes over what the two of them have in common and called himself the LeBron James of Pro Wrestling. It’s true. The fans wouldn’t understand because they’re losers. Speaking of losers, the Cleveland Browns and Bernie Kosar. He doesn’t care because Francis is Shaddeur Sanders because he knows his life will get exponentially better when he leaves Cleveland.

Nemeth – and Kosar are next. For those who not acclimated with Bernie Kosar. Kosar was QB of the Browns in the mid-1980’s to early 1990’s and once made the Pro Bowl. He had an odd throwing motion but won the hearts of fans – just not the AFC Championship as he was stymied twice by the Denver Broncos in heartbreaking fashion. He is still in the top five of pretty much all of the Browns’ passing record book. Hannifan said Kosar was the best quarterback in Browns history (Otto Graham and Brian Sipe on line one and two.) Kosar’s pop was the biggest of the night by far (so far.)

Francis started the offense with a superkick for a two count. He did the Shawn Michaels stomp and threatened another superkick but Nemeth avoided it. However, Francis continued to throw Nemeth around and into the corner. The two traded corner splashes. Nemeth  tried to beat on Francis but Francis caught Nemeth off the ropes and flung Nemeth over the ropes and to the floor. Francis attempted to throw Nemeth to the ringsteps but Nemeth avoided it.

The two struggled on the floor but Nemeth blocked a Down Payment (chokeslam) on the apron. However, when he leapt to Francis, Francis slugged him to the floor. Francis sat on the turnbuckles as Nemeth just made the count. Francis mauled Nemeth on the ropes, including choking him with his leg and foot.

The mauling continued in the corner as Nemeth desperately tried to rally. Francis flung Nemeth into the corner and hit the Tennessee Whiskey running elbow. He went to the floor and chastised Kosar. Francis continued to maul Nemeth, despite the crowd chanting for Nick. Nemeth did block another Down Payment attempt but was dropped by  big boot off the ropes. Nemeth tried to rally again by putting Francis on his shoulders but could not sustain the lift and crashed to the mat.

Nemeth tried another rally with a series of strikes and finally made some headway with a leaping DDT and a 10-count running elbow drops. NOW, Nemeth got Francis on his shoulders and hit the Attitude Adjustment for a two count. Meanwhile, Kosar was enjoying the whole experience. Nemeth signaled for his own superkick with the Shawn Michaels stomp but Francis caught him midway with a TFL (Spear.)

Francis signaled for the Down Payment and picked up Nemeth but “The Wanted Man” reversed it into a Fame-asser for a two count and a “let’s go, Nick” chant from the crowd. Nemeth climbed to the top rope but Francis hit the ropes and Nemeth crotched on the ropes. Francis climbed the turnbuckles and tried a superplex abut Nemeth fought  off Francis. With both on the turnbuckles, Nemeth got into a position and hit the Danger Zone from the top turnbuckle for two-and-a-fraction.

Francis was on the floor so Nemeth hit the ropes and attempted to dive onto Francis. Francis caught him as he leapt and NOW we get a Down Payment from the ring to the floor. Francis rested on the ring steps and taunted Kosar. He threw Nemeth into the ring and taunted Kosar and Nemeth’s family. Francis grabbed a chair from under the ring and headed into the ring. The referee grabbed the chair from him. Francis slugged the referee and crashed to the floor. Francis grabbed the chair.

But now, Kosar climbed into the ring and accosted Francis. Francis threw the chair down and the two got ready for an Oklahoma Drill (a one-on-one drill for toughness and leverage.) The two charged but Kosar stopped and put his hands up. He pointed to the rampway and K C Navarro emerged. Navarro made a straight line toward Francis. Meanwhile, Kosar grabbed the chair and hit Francis. As Francis sold it, Nemeth recovered and hit the superkick. We get another Danger Zone. Navarro grabbed the ref and threw him into the ring. Nemeth covered Francis and got the win.

Post-Match: Navarro stared a hole into Francis who looked dejected. Meanwhile, Nemeth and Kosar celebrated with the fans and made their way up the rampway.

Hey, wear your passion and show your style, shop at TNAMerch.com.

We see Francis and Edwards getting ready backstage but next we have another World Title Match to decide.

TNA Knockouts World Title: Arianna Grace (with “Stacks” Lorenzo in tow) vs. Lei Ying Lee (with Xia Brookside in tow)

We see highlights of the Lee vs. Grace rivalry (with some footage from Dani Luna.) Lee is out first and we get the usual fire and flair from the former champ. Grace and Lorenzo are next. They head right to the ring and I like the black and red outfit of Grace, almost a playing card motif.

Grace verbally accosted Lee but Lee was unfazed and hit a series of strikes (even avoiding interference from Lorenzo.) Lee leapt over Grace and hit a rolling trip and a series of kicks and a flying clothesline. Lee fended off Lorenzo again and hit a missile dropkick that sent Grace to the floor. Lee continued to attack Grace, even when Grace attempted to crawl under the ring. Finally, Lorenzo’s cheating paid off dividends as he distracted Lee and Grace sent the challenger into the ringpost.

Back in the ring, Grace hit a pumpkick and  neckbreaker for a two count. Grace slugged away on Lee in the corner. We also got a PiP of Grace watching TV in the dark (that’s not good for the eyes my mom always told me.) Lorenzo made his presence known again as Lee attempted a sunset flip off the ropes and Lorenzo grabbed Grace’s arms. That brought out Brookside who accosted Lorenzo and asked for his expulsion. The referee agreed and Lorenzo was gone. Lee continued to land her strikes to and a pump kick to drop Grace. Lee hit the 10-punch spot in the corner. Lee hit an exploder suplex for a two count.

Grace rallied in the corner with a back elbow and then hit a flying forearm off the second rope for a two count. Grace beat on Lee in the corner and attempted a superplex. Grace got to the turnbuckles but Lee threw her to the mat and a Blockbuster got two-and-a-fraction. Lee attempted the Warriors Way (airplane spin facebuster) but an eye rake stopped her. Grace hit her over the shoulder face buster for a two count

Sensing desperation, Grace was trying to find some means to get out of the match, including vainly attempting to pull the turnbuckle pad from the corner. She eventually grabbed the TNA Knockouts Championship and brought it into the ring but the referee grabbed it from her.

From there, Lee recovered and hit the Warriors Way. Lee went for the pin… when Brookside put Grace’s leg on the ropes. Lee looked incredulous and asked what Brookside did. Brookside pulled her to the floor and pummeled her with much screaming. Brookside threw her back into the ring and Grace hit the Concrete Shoes (which is Lorenzo’s finisher) and grabbed the victory.

Post-Match: Lee was obviously distraught as Lorenzo emerged from the backstage and hugged Grace and made their way up the ramp.

Note: The feed ended during the match, so I must continue with various video feeds, ergo the delay in this.

After an ad for the Thursday TNA Impact show, we get the reaction from Rehwoldt and Hannifan and then the lights darken. We hear the music and Young makes his way to ringside. He immediately called out Ethan Carter III and asked him to ringside to ask why he deserves to be here. The lights darken again and we hear “ladies and gentlemen, EC3.” With that, Ethan Carter III makes his return to a decent pop. Carter still had the physique and the bronzer as he was just a  couple of shades beyond racially insensitive.

Young tried to attack him but Carter ducked a charge and clotheslined Young over the top rope to the floor. Carter grabbed the mic and gave his wrestling vitae on Impact. He is back, apparently. EC3 also looked up the word “pursuant” and used it multiple times in his promo. As wrestling logic goes, EC3 said he challenged Young to a match on Impact this Thursday. He ran off some of his objectives and finished by saying he is from Cleveland. He threw down the mic and STRUCK HIS POSE.

We get a recap of the feud between Mustafa Ali and Trey Miguel. We see Tasha Steelz on a laptop when the Great Hands ask her if this is the way it should go. She said yes because it is by any means necessary.  which can only mean one thing:

TNA International Heavyweight Title Match: Mustafa Ali (with Order Four in tow) vs. Trey Miguel

We hear an air raid siren and then Order Four’s new music hits (so much better than the original) The Hands are adorned in helmets and Ali is going into his sci-fi era with his look and is now Mustafus of Borg. Rewholdt said this is the evolution of Order Four. Miguel is out next to a good pop (as a relative hometown product, or rather home state product.) Rehwoldt said this is the best version of Miguel he has ever seen; unfortunately, it is against the best version of Ali he has  ever seen.

Ali traded moves at their usual fast place including punches, headlocks and hurincanranas. Miguel’s hurincanrana sent Ali to the floor where he regrouped with Order Four. Miguel taunted Ali and no-sold a series of chops in the corner. Miguel caught a charging Ali with a back elbow in the corner and then evaded another charge and Ali hit his sliding face-first turnbuckle sell.

Miguel continued to evade Ali’s charges and capitalized with a series of moves, including a twisting Canadian Destroyer for a two count. It didn’t take long for the Hands to get involved by distracting the referee and Miguel; this gave Ali a chance to launch Miguel from the top turnbuckle into the Okurrr Cutter from Steelz.

Miguel continued to rally and hit a clothesline on a charging Ali for a two count. Ali demonstrated innovative offense after a snapmare and a roll-through cutter got a two count. Ali tried to slow the action  and got a two from a nice delayed Fisherman’s Suplex (PerfectPlex.)

Ali threw Miguel to the floor and followed. The Great Hands moved the ringsteps whilst Ali jawed with Silva. Ali attempted a powerbomb but Miguel escaped to the apron which gave Miguel to hit a running Meteora on Ali on the ring steps. Both wrestlers writhed in pain on the floor. Miguel favored his knee (he banged it on the steps on the Meteora) but got in the ring by the nine count.

Miguel continued to rally again with another hurincanrana and a rebound off the ropes into a German Suplex.  The two traded go behinds until Ali hit a DDT. However, Miguel answered with a Tornado DDT of his own off the ropes. The two continued to trade moves as they hit seated dropkicks. Miguel also reversed a Rolling Neckbreaker through the ropes into a Curb Stomp for a two count.

Miguel limping again, headed to the top rope but Ali met him there. The two traded punches on the turnbuckles until Ali got in position and hit a Spanish Fly from the top turnbuckle for a two count. Ali derisively looked at Miguel and attempted the 450 Splash but Miguel recovered and reversed it into a Cutter. Ali went to the floor and Miguel met him there with a sliding DDT through the ropes and to the floor.

Back in the ring, Miguel went to the top and hit his Meteora for two-and-a-fraction. A “holy excrement” chant emerged as Miguel limped around the ring. Suddenly, Steelz leapt on the apron to distract the referee as Ali sent Miguel into the ropes. The Great Hands were there and walloped Miguel with the helmets they wore into the ring. Miguel laid prone on the mat and was easy prey as Ali NOW hit the 450 Splash for the victory and the International Title.

Post-Match: Ali got to his feet and Order Four posed in the ring and on the turnbuckles. Steelz mocked Miguel’s hand wave (from the Rascalz days.) Silva attempted to put the tile on Ali but Steelz intercepted it and put it on him as he celebrated around the ring.

We then go backstage to a distraught Lee as Miller entered the shot. Miller apologized for this but did ask Lee how she is feeling. Lee looked sniffled and cried and asked “why?” Lee promptly walked off screen.

We cut to (seriously, why? Just, why?) to the Undead Realm and a continuation of Thursday’s vignette as we see Rosemary, James Mitchell and Joseph Parrrrr.sorry, Abyss. We have a genuinely touching (?) moment as Rosemary touched Abyss and called him a beautiful monster and all they ever wanted was for him to be happy. She then told Abyss to not let Mitchell manipulate him and started to leave. Abyss stopped her and said thanks. The two hugged and now Rosemary left off screen. Mitchell started to cry until we hear a scream.

The scream was Victoria Crawford running through a hallway as if she was being chased. We cut to another scene where Tessa Blanchard was meandering through the halls (and meandering is the perfect verb gerund to describe this whole angle.) Blanchard started to emote…..uneasiness? disgust? We never know because we go back to Mitchell and Abyss.

Mitchell said he owed Abyss an apology and there was so much he wanted to say to him. It’s been 20 years and Mitchell doesn’t know anything about quantum mechanics or the Mandela Effect. He just knows one day he went to work and everything was the same but all different where he was a father at eight-years old in some parallel world and everything went off the tracks. He said and did things he wasn’t proud. Abyss said he doesn’t owe him an apology; without him, there’d be no Abyss. Mitchell provided him a family and a home when he needed it. They were dominant.

Abyss harkened back to when he won his first world title and was in a tub of barbed wire and Mitchell laid the belt on him. He remembered the battles with Sting, Chistian Cage, A J Styles and the “barbed wire massacre” matches with….and he pointed to the sky, signaling Sabu (Mitchell also pointed.)

Mitchell said he couldn’t stay much longer but did tell Abyss when he was a kid, the teacher would ask the other kids what they wanted to be. The girls would say ballerinas and the boys would say astronauts or something like that. When they asked Mitchell, he said he wanted to be a mad scientist. The teachers asked him why and he said he wanted to make monsters.

They told his parents and said he was crazy but Abyss helped prove them wrong. Abyss made his dreams come true and thanked him from the bottom of his heart. Abyss said Mithcell was his manager, guide and father. They dominated TNA wrestling. The one thing the history books won’t show is how much they loved him. Abyss had to go but did the “click, doomsday” one more time and Abyss disappeared. We see a smiling Rosemary and then “To be continued” (great, more. Wheee…)

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt and Tag Team Title action

The Hardys vs. The System (Bear Bronson and Brian Myers)

Once again, the warning buzzer indicated the System was first. We go over Bronson’s addition to the System. The duo get a decent amount of boos for a relatively new team. Even louder, though, is the pop for the Hardys. The Hardys were not their usual ebullient selves after the beating on Thursday from the Righteous. Hannifan and Rehwoldt also hype Mitchell’s book “Threads of Triumph,” a book that was on the best-sellers list that takes a look at the gear worn over the history of wrestling. Get it now on Amazon!

In the ring, Jeff and Myers start with a loud “Hardy” chant emerged. Myers tried to work the arm but Jeff attacked Myers in the corner and tagged Matt. The brothers  hit the double back elbow and the first drop/bodysplash spot. Bronson got in the ring and the Hardys hit a double suplex. Matt hit the descending turnbuckle slam spot and then hit the rare ascending turnbuckle slam.

Matt continued to work the arm and then hit a Side Effect for a two count.  Myers tried to escape on the floor but Matt caught him. However, Bronson managed to hit his running body block on Matt. Myers worked Matt on the apron and then in the ring. Bronson tagged and  mauled Matt in the corner. Jeff tried to interfere but Bonson continued his assault in the corner.

Matt tried to show bravado and took off his shirt and showed all he athletic tape around his body. Bronson was not impressed and hit a seated splash when Hardy tried a sunset flip for a two count. Bronson mocked Jeff’s dance and tagged Myers.

Myers decided to work the torso with a bear hug from a snapmare out of the corner. Myers hit a belly-to-back suplex. However, a Myers’ spear attempt was reversed into a Twist of Fate for a two count until Bronson interrupted the pin. This brought Jeff into the fracas and attacked Bronson.

Both legal competitors managed to get the tag and Jeff was a compound on fire as he dropped Bronson with a sliding dropkick and the inverted atomic drop, wishbone  leg drop and elbow smash combination for a two count. Hardy got the crowed riled as he stalked Bronson. However, the Twist of Fate attempt was reversed into a Bossman Slam by Bronson and Myers came off the top rope for an elbowsmash for another two count until Matt interrupted the pin. Matt and Brian brawled on the floor but they hit simultaneous clothesline and both fell to the mat.

In the ring, Bronson taunted Jeff but Hardy tried to rally. We got the “boo/yeah” chant on  a series of punches, as Jeff got the best of it. Jeff followed it with a jawbreaker and then the Spinal Destination (a chinlock/backbreaker hybrid) until Myers interrupted the pin. Myers, though, was caught with the Plot Twist (Twist of Fate into a neckbreaker.) The Hardys hit the Poetry in Motion.

Matt wanted Jeff to get to the top turnbuckle. Matt hit Bronson with the Twist of Fate and Jeff prepared to hit the Swanton Bomb; but Myers climbed on the apron and yanked Jeff arm first into the ropes. Myers backdropped Matt out of the ring. Bronson grabbed Jeff and got him in position for the Rikishi Driver. Myers super kicked Jeff for good measure and Bronson hit the Driver and Hardys tag team title reign ended.

Post-Match: Myers and Bronson celebrated in the ring and taunted Jeff. Silva came into the ring and presented the belts to the System components and the two embraced in the ring.

We go backstage to Moose and Alisha Edwards. Edwards said this is not how it was supposed to go as she iced her ankle. Moose said he was going to change clothes and take Edwards to a hospital (not a medical center? GAASSSSSPPP.) Edwards said she had to be there for the main event. Moose questioned why she didn’t want to go but Alisha said it all ends tonight. She has to be there, that’s it. She said she needed some more ice and a moment and Moose left the dressing room to get some ice (hmmmmm….)

We get a preview of this Thursday’s Impact with the match between EC3 vs. Eric Young and A J Francis vs. K C Navarro. We get some hype for the main event which is..next.

TNA World Heavyweight title Mike Santana vs. Eddie Edwards (with the System in tow)

We get the warning buzzer as the System make their way to the entrance ramp. Zack Call and Sean Arata, the  who sing the new System theme are there and screaming the theme inaudibly. Edwards got in the ring and STRUCK THE POSE on the turnbuckles. Santana is next and made his way down a stairway and through the crowd in his Boricua war paint. The crowd, suffice to say, loves Santana. Before heading over the barricade to the ring, he kissed his daughter. N’awwww.

The two stared at each other as the bell rang. The two had stalemates on tests of strength. Santana and Edwards  reversed a series of armlocks and takeovers. The two traded takedowns but Edwards dodged a Spin the Block and blocked the Rolling Block 50. Santana reciprocated by evading the Boston Knee Party (Shining Wizard.) Frustrated, Edwards hit the floor and regrouped.

The two no-sold shoulderblock attempts until Santana finally got a shoulderblock after running the ropes for a while.  Edwards bailed to the floor again and Santana pursued him. When Santana got back in the ring, he managed to avoid another Boston Knee Party. The two traded chops again but Santana went back on offense with an Asai Moonsault off the ropes and a dive between the ropes to drop Edwards.

Edwards regained the advantage after Santana missed a frog splash and Edwards hit a gourdbuster. A Tiger Bomb got a two count for the challenger. Edwards through Santana for the floor but Santana regained the advantage with a knee strike and a slam on the apron. Santana continued to beat on Edwards on the floor. However, another Santana Spin the Block attempt hit nothing but ringpost and Edwards ran Santana into the ringsteps. Edwards scowled at Santana’s daughter and continued to beat on the champion.

Edwards continued to work the arm by slamming it into the ring step. Back in the ring, Edwards worked the arm in the corner. Santana tried to rally but Edwards avoided a charge and Santana went shoulder first into the ringpost. Edwards ran Santana into another corner ringpost.

Back in the ring, Edwards worked the arm. Santana got to his feet and avoided a clothesline off the ropes and hit a flying clothesline of his own. However, the arm was still injured so Santana could not immediately capitalize on it. Both combatants got to their feet and Edwards charged Santana. The champion avoided it, blocked an Edwards’ kick and landed an enziguri of his own.

Edwards tried to rally but Santana got Edwards on his shoulders and hit the Outline In Chalk and then a Cannonball in the corner. A sit-out powerbomb got a two count. Santana climbed to the top and hit a body splash for a two count. The crowd urged Santana  and he got to the apron and got Edwards on his shoulders for another Outline In Chalk. However, an eye rake broke the attempt and Edwards pushed Santana shoulder-first into the turnbuckle and followed it with an enziguri.

Edwards capitalized on the momentum by hitting a Fisherman’s Buster on the apron. The crowd rallied behind Santana and then started a “TNA” chant. Edwards went to the floor and removed the padding from the floor. He got Santana into position and attempted another Tiger Bomb but Santana blocked it. The two traded reverses but Santana managed to get Edwards on his shoulders and hit a Death Valley Driver.  Edwards favored his leg as the referee started her count. Both wrestlers just made the count in dramatic fashion.

Edwards and Santana met face to face in the ring. They traded kicks and then clotheslines and they both dropped to the mat. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, Alisha Edwards hobbled to ringside on crutches. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING (AGAIN,) Moose’s theme started to pay and Moose slowly emerged. Moose pointed up to the chryon and go back to the earlier backstage moment when Alisha said she needed some more ice and needed a moment. Moose left BUT WAIT, Alisha threw her bag of ice to the ground and said “yeah, right.” She grabbed her phone and called….Eddie. She gave a synopsis on how the System did and she said she would be there for him because she loved him. Moose, obviously was displeased as a “you (for unlawful carnal knowledge)d up” chant emerged. Alisha tried to plead her case. As she did, Myers and Bronson attacked Moose from behind.

Santana, though, leapt over the ropes onto the new tag champs. However, when he got back in the ring, Edwards hit the Boston Knee Party for two-and-a-fraction. Alisha slid her crutch under the ring to Eddie and distracted the referee. The referee saw what happened and grabbed the crutch. As Alisha protested, Moose climbed into the ring and Hit the Stick (Spear) and folded Edwards. Santana got the pin but there might have been miscommunication (or someone forgot to kick out,) the referee stopped at two.

Santana protested but kept battling Edwards (the referee earned the “you for unlawful carnal knowledge up” chant.) Alisha got on the apron but the referee ejected her from ringside. Alexander tried to interfere  but was met with a Rolling Block 50. But, Edwards recovered and hit the Boston Knee Party again but only got the two count (the referee had her hands full with Alisha and missed part of the count.)

Santana blocked a kick and hit the Spin the Block with the injured arm. Edwards no sold it and hit another Boston Knee Party. However, Santana recovered quickly, hit a clothesline that sent Edwards to the ropes and NOW the Spin the Block does the job and Santana retains the belt.

Post-Match: Santana got the belt from Silva and celebrated, still selling the arm injury. He looked up the rampway at Moose. The two locked gazes, nodded and Moose went backstage.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: All the apologies to you all for not being able to finish this at this time.

Two: This was as up and down a show as one could have up to the EC3 segment. It would be hard pressed to top the opening match as best match of the night as Slater and Alexander had another multi-star match. Slater is phenomenal and Alexander is so fluid in the ring. I really loved the psychology by the wrestlers, even for “high-flyers” and spot wrestlers as most in that moveset would be.

Three: On the other hand, there was the Ryan Nemeth/BDE match. It was a solid match but the match would have been custom built for BDE to get his first win (ergo, giving Hannifan’s iterations of BDE looking for his first win some gravitas.) I know we all goof on social media stars trying new things out of their realm – I get that – but would it have killed you to have him win this time? It was on a silver platter against someone who knows how to do comedy spots and is selfless in doing a job.

Three: That was a great hoss fight between Moose and Agent Zero. I really like how Moose moves and can bump. Additionally, they are really pacing Zero’s ring action brilliantly. They really are taking from the Big Bubba Rogers book and applying it greatly here.

Four: Now for the dearth – and I mean dearth of the show. I know everyone shouted about how awful the Hardcore Country Match was. And, they were absolutely right. That was not needed – none of it. That was horrible -the whole thing was abysmal. It was a waste of the Brand who could have had something far better to do. I know James can wrestle but ODB was awful and Terrell was not that far behind her. There was nothing redeeming about that win (well, maybe the Brand winning.) The Brand are in an odd spot, with the break up of the Angel Warriors (more in a minute,) who is there to challenge them. I would have Ash – or even M – go for a world title run. Eliminate that and we have room for better matches or even show Gia Miller crocheting, anything would have been better.

Five: Hey, ODB, you just took the pin in the Hardcore Country Match, where are you going to do next? You’re getting inducted to the TNA Hall of Fame??? That was ridiculous – utterly ridciuous. Admittedly, I was never a fan of hers but there’s an audience for her. I know Dreamer said he likes to do things unexpectedly but after jobbing in a horrible match?

Six: The Kazarian vs Elijah match was not great either – and not for the two in the ring. Kazarian and Elijah had a very solid match and I grow to like Elijah more and more as I watch him wrestle. Kazarian is always very good and has been since day one. It was the third person in the ring that took me out of the match. The refereeing was noticeably egregious and nonsensical. I get the narrative that they wanted them to wrestle – which, fine. But, allowing a guitar to be casually put in the ring  and used was bizarre (especially when a match or two later, the referee made the stance of removing the Knockouts belt from Grace.)

Seven: Kosar got a good pop and looked a lot better than the last few times I saw him at events. The bigger news was the return of KC Navarro. Francis must continue on the treadmill of “David vs. Goliath” matches (maybe show some of interest if the WWE ever comes calling? Maybe??) Navarro looked great and can now, once the Francis issue is resolved, get into some title mixes. Much like Kazarian and Elijah, both Nemeth and Francis were solid in the ring with Francis knowing all the right heel moves

Eight: Elayna Black is still improving in the ring but still is a bad, bad promo. Her comments made no sense.

Nine: I had a feeling something was up with Brookside turning heel with her contstant usage of “birthright” in a promo with her dad a couple of weeks ago. This might be the replacement and audible of replacing Dani Luna. She really has to work on the nonverbals as “screaming” doth not a heel make. I actually wouldn’t mind her taking the place of Grace. Somewhere along the line, Lee needs to win the title to set up a natural feud.

10: Regarding that, we now have a dearth of faces on the women’s side. It is Lee, Hartwell, Threat and Stone. That is a precipitous drop (admittedly, Stone is getting reps to get better.) The heels greatly outnumber the faces in depth and quality.

11. I really don’t like EC3 or Young but fine; let’s hope it is a one off. It was almost like Pee-Wee’s Playhouse where the secret word was “Pursuant.” I had a hard time trying to define Carter’s bronzer color but it got close to Al Jolson territory.

12: Huzzah to Ali for winning the title. If ever there is proof that betting on yourself can pay off dividends, look for the guy wearing the International Title. But, is he now Mustafus of Borg? Resistance is futile. It was a spot-for-spot match which I am not a super fan but they kept things tight and crisp. Kudos to Miguel for being able to go with a proven talent like Ali. Also, credit to Order Four for being able to master the nuances of cheating and positioning to cheat.

13: It is well documented that I am not a fan of the Undead Realm stuff. This episode went from horror to a Hallmark Movie as we saw the touching moment of Mitchell and Abyss. I do stand by my point that meandering is the perfect verb gerund to use. Where is this going? Why are we using the Diamond Collective and Sade in this? This makes no sense but not in the way it was intended.

14: Those kids at the beginning are in for some sadness (more so than what the Browns provide.) I think the Hardys might be on the final descent to retirement and boldly predicting the Righteous cinematic match will be the final hurrah. Now, who are we getting for challengers for the System? And did we just burn the Righteous. I don’t know what is left for the Hardys and what they have in the tank (someone, WON maybe, called their move the Poetry (barely) in Motion. And speaking of wagering on one’s self – shout out to Bronson who I have turned the corner and now appreciate for his role.

15: Santana had a great match with Edwards but the overproduction brought it slightly downward. Santana is far and away the biggest commodity the company has. Suddenly, the rogues gallery got thin; although I have a sneaky suspicion where this might go. I do fear that they will do the same thing they did last year and use the injured arm as a means to take the title from Santana. We haven’t seen much of Nick Nemeth and he still has the Call Your Shot Trophy. Also, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to see Agent Zero make his way into the title picture; although, in character, Ali would never stand for that.

Lastly,  Women be conniving, amirite?

Thank you everyone for your patience. Keep Fighting the Good Fight.

Important Note: Greetings. As you know the feed would not let me replay it to finish the review. I missed the final three matches. Rather than leave with nothing, I will turn this in as almost a part one and resubmit when I have access to the last hour. I had to increase the membership to watch it and made me reassess a lot of things. I have until Wednesday to think about it (when the new membership takes hold.) Meanwhile, here is the first ¾ of the show and I did the Ruminations for the full show since I read the results. Thank you for understanding. Whilst I sequester myself again, here is what we have.

Hello, Cleveland…or, more appropriately, hello from Cleveland and welcome to TNA’s second big Pay-Per View Event, Roger Dorn Night!! I’m kidding, it’s TNA’s Rebellion. We are at the Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University.  The action is going to be hotter than the Cuyahoga River when it caught on fire in 1969 with all titles up for grabs. Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are our announcers, Gia Miller gives us the happenings backstage and McKenzie Mitchell tell us who is who in the ring. As the song goes “Cleveland Rocks;” do you know what else rocks? Some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

There was some pregame action discussion prior to the festivities with Hannifan, Rehwoldt and Daria Rae (adorned in the finest business-class spiked leather jacket.) Miller rebels against Krusty the Klown’s opinion on live work and does some crowd work with two young people who said they are most excited to see the Hardy Boys? Sure…

After that, we go to some pre-game wrestling action with

Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE

Nemeth is out first and grabbed the mic. He talks up Cleveland and gives a shout-out to the Nemeth parents who are in the front row. He said Nick was dad’s favorite but his mom loved him more and she went to all of Ryan’s events. They raised him to be a Cleveland Browns fan cheat heat coming in for a landing) but the moment he became a star, he took advice from his hero, Art Modell (cheap heat landed) and he left this horrible city. He took off his warm up pants and had Pittsburgh Steelers’ theme trunks. He also admonished Mitchell and asked what she is still doing here and that she is as dumb as the people here. She also married someone from Cleveland. He finished doing the announcing and announced BDE.

BDE came to the ring in his usual aplomb. Ryan, though, wasn’t finished; however, BDE finished it by hitting a dropkick and a dive over the ropes to drop Nemeth on the floor. BDE kept the offense going as Hannifan noted BDE is looking for his first win. BDE hit a bodyslam that sent Nemeth back to the floor and BDE hit another dive between the ropes to drop him on the floor. A springboard bodypress (cue Botchamania’s “Good Enough” drop) got a two count.

Nemeth stopped the rally by hitting the ropes when BDE ascended the turnbuckles and then a dropkick to send BDE to the floor. He hit a back suplex on the apron and then a running forearm smash on the apron for a two count. Ryan mauled BDE on the mat and hit the Rude Awakening neckbreaker for another two count.

Nemeth stymied BDE’s repeated rally attempts  until BDE hit a series of flying forearms off the ropes. He avoided a running clothesline and hit the Clip Cutter (springboard Cutter) for two-and-a-fraction. Nemeth stopped the rally with a leaping DDT for a two count. BDE rallied again by reversing a back suplex into an enziguri. BDE seemed unsure but dragged Nemeth into position and hit a frog splash for a two count until Ryan moved to the apron. BDE grabbed Ryan on the apron but Nemeth hit a stunner on the ropes and BDE went flying. Nemeth got back into the ring and hit the Big Hollywood Ending (a leaping reverse STO) for the victory.

Post-Match: Nemeth played to the camera and posed in front of his family before heading up the rampway.

We get some ads and then the announce team focused on the angle on Thursday between Elijah and Frankie Kazarian. Kazarian paid a kid to lure Elijah to a sneak attack by Kazarian, Rehwoldt said children are the future, as does Kazarian. Rae said victory should be by any means necessary. That is what TNA is about and that is what Kazarian did. Hannifan asked for some help. Sure enough, The Home Town Man’s music started as he made his way to the announce studio adorned with a Cleveland Rick Vaughn jersey and a Rick Vaughn inspired glasses. Rae said her ears were bleeding (a Rachel Phelps reset would have been perfect) and Hannifan wished Bob Eucker was here instead of Rehwoldt. HTM hyped Cleveland and then handed out free merchandise to the fans, including an Elijah shirt.

We also get an appearance from TNA President Carlos Silva, talking how he prevented  Nick Nemeth from wrestling MJ..I mean, here to talk about the rest of the schedule of 2026. Rehwoldt brought up Ethan Carter III being here (which got a small pop? Sure…) Rae said  how much she appreciates what Silva is doing. They talk about the rest of the card and talked about Nemeth and Bernie Kosar.

They turn their attention to Ricky Sosa and his signing BUT HOLD EVERYTING, the lights dim and Eric Young headed to ringside and threatened to piledrive Sosa if he returns and then focused on ECIII and his tenure in TNA. He threatened fans and reiterated that everything with TNA flows through him as we cut to a TNA hype piece.

We also get highlight packages of the Santana vs. Edwards feud. We also get an interview with TNA trainer Ace Steel about the World Title bout. They bring up Edwards’ point about Santana being an emotional champion. We also get more crowd work with Miller and gets some predictions about the match, well prediction, and the fan goes with Santana. More importantly, the pre-game festivities end and we get the main show (after Charity Evonna sings the National Anthem.)

We get musical highlights montage of the combatants involved in the card.

We get the officials intros and Hannifan will this be “The Night of The System” (it would be better than the Night of the Lepus.)

We go to our first title match:

X-Division Title Match: Leon Slater vs. Cedric Alexander

The warning buzzer means only thing – Alexander (without the System) heads to ringside. Slater is next and the crowd chants along with his theme to a huge pop. Hannifan extols the virtue of Slater and said Slater has one month left to become the longest X-Division title holder. He also said the last man to pin Slater was Alexander in August of last year. We also get a huge “TNA” chant before the match started.

When it did, Alexander took immediate control with mat wresting action. The theme of the match was evident form the onset as Slater  got his offense with a series of high spots including a rebound spinning kick and a handspring leaping back elbow off the ropes. He also hit a big running boot to drop Alexander to the floor.

Alexander tried to throw Slater into the ringsteps but Slater leapt over them. He came back with a hurincanrana on the floor and then a leaping bodypress of the top turnbuckle for a two count in the ring. Slater chopped away on Alexander in the corner and then attempted the 10-punch turnbuckle spot but with Alexander dropping Slater on the 10^th one. Undaunted, Slater came back with a twisting legdrop on the apron.

Alexander finally got some prolonged offense when he snapped Slater’s neck on the ropes and then hit an urinagi on the apron. On the floor, Alexander hit a suplex slam on the apron. Alexander hit his signature snap German suplex. Hannifan brought up Slater’s neck injury at the hands of Young.  Alexander snapmared Slater out of the corner and hit a seated dropkick for a two count.

Slater temporarily regained the momentum when he hit a sliding dropkick through the ropes on Alexander. However, another German Suplex stemmed the tide. He hit the chinlock and cinched in the pressure. Another rally was stopped by Alexander with a double eye rake and an eye poke. Alexnader taunted Slater. However, Slater rebounded with a quick superkick and bother combatants were on the floor.

Slater got the rally he needed by beating Alexander with a series of chops and punches. Alexander blocked Utopia (spinning Blue Thunder Bomb) but a whip into the ropes gave Slater a chance to hit a spinning kick. A huge running boot landed for the champ in the corner. Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle. Alexander evaded the leap and headed to the floor. However, Slater rolled through the jump, got into position and leapt over the ringpost to drop Slater with a dive. A huge “Holy excrement” chant emerged.

Slater continued the offense with a Salida Del Sol for a two count. Both combatants were on the mat but Slater eventually headed back to the top turnbuckle. Alexander avoided the Swanton 450 (Slater rolled through that, too) and hit a reverse kick to stop Slater. Slater hit a running big boot but Alexander recovered and (after being denied the first time) hit a Michinoku Diver for  a two count.

A huge “Let’s Go, Leon” chant emerged as Alexander tried for a Lumbar Check. Slater rolled out of that but an attempted Styles Clash was evaded by the challenger. Alexander and Slater traded charges until Alexander crotched Slater on the ropes after a corner charge. Alexander promptly hit a diving clothesline from the top to drop Slater. Alexander got a brainbuster for two-and-a-fraction. Alexander was frustrated but got Slater on the top turnbuckle and hit a top turnbuckle brainbuster and Slater crumpled to the floor.

Slater hit the Lumbar Check but Slater managed to get his foot on the ropes. Alexander put the boots to Slater as a “this is awesome” chant emerged. Alexander seemed distracted and headed to the floor and grabbed the X-Division title. He brought it into the ring but this gave Slater time to recover and NOW we get the Styles Clash on the belt. Slater climbed to the top and NOW we get the Swanton 450 and Slater retained the title.

Post-Match: Silva presented the belt to Slater as the Cleveland fans showed their appreciation. Slater posed on the turnbuckles as we go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt and go through the rest of tonight’s card.

We go to Miller who is with Santana backstage. She asked how is Santana approaching this after losing two straight to Edwards. Santana started by asking Cleveland what’s good (well, the Cavaliers are, the Guardians are solid and  the Browns are…hey look, the Cavs.) He has been title holders for 86 days since the debut on AMC against another pillar for TNA Impact. The challenges don’t stop because he has done this dance before with Eddie Edwards but now he is stronger, wiser and ready to go…BUT WAIT, Alisha Edwards walked into the shot and asked (quietly) if we want to something. She knows Eddie better than anyone and there are some things he might want to know. She walked off screen as Miller and Santana looked perplexed.

Before we know what was discussed, we get the next match:

Frankie Kazarian vs. Elijah

Hannifin wanted to play a game with Rehwoldt – how big a scumbag is Kazarian. He reiterated the angle from Thursday with the kid and Rehwoldt reminded him that they talked about that on the pre-game. We hear the guitar strum and Elijah comes to ringside as his personal hype guy gives his usual spiel.

Elijah immediately charged Kazarian but Kazarian evaded. Elijah no sold most of Kazarian’s punches and Kazarian went to the floor to avoid a charging Elijah. Elijah finally caught him and hit a huge boot off the ropes. He beat on Kazarian in the corners  with a series of chops and then a flying clothesline off the ropes. Elijah slammed Kazarian’s head into the apron twice. Kazarian tried to escape to the other side but Elijah ran around the ring on the floor and hit a running knee strike.

Elijah capitalized on that with an old-school rope walk into a forearm smash. Kazarian finally got some sustained offense when he avoided a charging Kazarian in the corner and hit a German Suplex into the turnbuckles.  Kazarian mauled Elijah in the corner locked a cravat along the apron. With Elijah on the floor, Kazarian capitalized with a leaping hurincanrana over the topes to the floor.

Kazarian gestured to the crowd and then hit the springboard legdrop over the ropes for a two count. Kazarian threw Elijah into the corner and hit a Russian legsweep for a two count. Desperate for a rally, Elijah and Kazarian traded punches on the apron but Kazarian missed a legdrop. Elijah recovered and tried to hit a springboard move but Kazarian grabbed Elijah’s guitar strap and hit him in the ribs. Kazarian continued to whip Elijah with the strap (not earning a DQ. Hannifin made up for the scene by saying Elijah said “no.”)

Kazarian continued the offense – without the strap – with a series of strikes. Kazarian got on the turnbuckles and how Kazarian attempted the old-school ropewalk. Elijah, though, recovered and flung Kazarian to the mat. With the crowd beckoning him Stipe Miocic went back on attack with a series of clotheslines until Kazarian hit a backstabber and a sliding clothesline.

Kazarian attempted another springboard legdrop but Elijah recovered again; he caught Kazarian on his shoulders and hit a powerbomb for a two count.  Elijah beat on Kazarian in the corner. A Kazarian back elbow momentarily slowed Elijah but Elijah got back up to speed with a leaping knee strike as Kazarian leapt from the top.

Elijah grabbed his guitar strap on the floor and now he whipped Kazarian with it repeatedly. Elijah hit a side Chokeslam (almost a sit out chokeslam) for a two count. Kazarian went to the floor and grabbed Elijah’s guitar and they  both headed to the mat. Elijah got on the apron and Kazarian hit a slingshot stunner onto the guitar for two-and—a-fraction.

Elijah blocked a Fade to Black attempt and then stepped on his guitar. Elijah grabbed the neck of the guitar and threatened to hit Kazarian with it. The referee, inexplicably, now cared about the rules and grabbed the guitar from Elijah. When Elijah turned to protest, Kazarian kicked Elijah below the belt and got the win.

Speaking of painful things, we go to a BioFlex Injury Report. The Hardys are cleared despite the injuries they received during the match on Thursday against the Righteous. ODB and Mickie James are cleared despite the beatdown on Thursday at the hands of the By Elegance Brand. “Stacks” Lorenzo has a black eye but he is cleared. And, Santana and Edwards are cleared for action.

Speaking of Lorenzo, here he is with TNA Knockouts World Champ, Arianna Grace. It’s a big night for her and her title shot. Grace is nervous since Lee is an accomplished striker and in a different mindset than previously. She also doesn’t have the “cobra” (thanks to Santino Marella and Indi Hartwell.) Lorenzo said she doesn’t need it or some old sock. Lorenzo has a plan and whispered it to her. Grace loved it and her mood improved as they walk off scene.

We get a recap of the feud between Moose and Agent Zero (including Zero’s beatdown of Moose at Sacrifice.) This is Zero’s first TNA singles match.

Agent Zero vs. Moose (with Alisha Edwards in tow)

For some reason, they switched to Order Four’s first theme as Zero (bereft of Order Four) made his way to the ring. Moose is next and the crowd canted along with his theme. However, Zero didn’t want to wait for the bell and leapt over the ropes and dove on Moose. Zero threw Moose into the ringsteps. Moose pushed Edwards out of the way but she fell to the floor and came up with a limp.

When the bell rang, Moose spring into action and beat on Zero in the corner. He also backdropped Zero over the ropes and to the floor. Moose reciprocated by leaping over the ropes and dove on Zero. Moose grabbed a table (sigh) under the ring. While Moose set the table, Zero attacked and ran him into the apron. Zero got Moose into position and attempted a powerbomb onto the table but Moose reversed it into a backdrop on the apron.

Moose threw Zero into the ring. After trading shots, Moose regained the advantage with a dropkick that sent Zero back over the ropes and to the floor. Moose charged Zero but Zero caught him, hoisted him up and threw him into the ringpost. Zero soaked in the ire of the crowd and threw him back into the ring. A loud “Moose” chant emerged. Zero stalked Moose and attempted his Chokebomb. Moose evaded it and the two traded clubbing shots and clotheslines.

Moose hit a pumpkick and a spear into the corner. Moose put Zero on the turnbuckles, climbed to the top and hit a superplex (we got a Big E Langston shoutout by Rehwoldt.) In the ring, both recovered but Moose hit a shoulderblock to send Zero to the apron and then speared Zero through the ropes and both crashed into the table. Once again, both combatants were on the floor and struggled to get to their feet. They both beat the count and got in the ring. The two traded shots once more until Moose hit a running pump kick. However, Zero hit a clothesline on a charging Moose to drop him (with Shawn Michaels sell.) Zero hit his variation of the End of Days slam for two-and-a-fraction.

The crowd, again, tried to rally Moose; and it worked, as Moose..um…Moosed up and hit a headbutt and then hit the urinagi/senton combination. Moose did the Ultimate Warrior rope shake but Zero sent a charging Moose to the floor. Zero tried to leap over the ropes onto Moose again; but this time Moose caught him and hit a powerbomb onto the ringsteps.

The crowd continued to cheer Moose and he threw Zero into the ring and set up to Hit the Stick (Spear) but now the Great Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) hit the ring. Hotch distracted the referee whilst Skyle grabbed Edwards. Edwards slapped Skyler and Moose hit the running boot on Skyler but Edwards crashed to the floor with Skyler, grabbing her left leg. Moose carried Edwards to the back but Zero ran around the floor and hit a flying boot to Moose as the faces crumpled to the floor.

Back into the ring, Zero measured Moose and hit a Chokebomb onto the apron. Zero measured Moose again and hit another Chokebomb for the victory.

Post-match: Zero calmly stood in the ring and made his way to the back.

We go right to hype for the next match and a highlights recap of the By Elegance Brand versus Mickie James feud (and subsequently Taryn Terrell  and ODB.) The Personal Concierge is in the ring and is holding a sign saying he is not a pickle ummm..male phallus (although it looks like Pickle Rick from Rick and Morty, but I digress.) He emphasizes he is not that but he is the PC. If we’ve been hiding under a rock, the news broke that TNA is traveling all over North America.  He heard about Cleveland, OH and begged management to never go back to that dump again and Cleveland sucks. The only good thing to come from Cleveland is Ash by Elegance (cheap heat cleared for landing) but when she realized Cleveland sucked, she did what LeBron James did and moved to South Beach (cheap heat has landed.)

They are about to compete in a Hardcore Country match with a bunch of filthy farm animals and like the fans, they smell like pigs. He is going to introduce some people who smell like roses from the Garden of Eden – the By Elegance Brand.

Hardcore Country Match: The By Elegance Brand (Ash, Heather and M with Mr. Elegance in tow) vs. ODB, Teryn Terrell and Mickie James

Ash came to ring with a sign that said “I am not a mark.” (sigh) In fact, all three of the Brand are wearing t-shirts with the same statement. Heather is also carrying a sign (I can’t make out what it says (she is carrying a stick horse with her though.) ODB is out for the faces with flask in hand. Rehwoldt said ODB is already tipsy. Terrell is out next with a lollipop and a Barbie Doll to a muted pop. James is out last and got the loudest ovation. James went backstage and grabbed a bucket of plunder (with the words “mark bucket” spraypainted on it.) The faces STRUCK THEIR POSE as the Brand went to the floor.

Ash screamed (and I mean – screamed) into the mic to stop the music. She has something to say – she is to mark. She screamed it into the mic and PC is not a pickle…..before she could finish, the faces jumped the heels and tore up the signs.  The Brand started launching weapons – including a barbed wire bat (c’mon, really) and Hannifan called PC a pickle phallus (Rehwoldt took serious umbrage with that.) M grabbed something and said “this is stupid” (shoot comments that were not – etc.)

The Brand started mauling the faces but a whip into the ropes ended with the faces hitting Thesz Presses on the Brand. James pounded away o M with the garbage can and Terrell attacked Heather with a Barbie Doll. The Brand regrouped on the floor and took umbrage with some fans in the front row and threw food and accosted them. Hannifin said they are people who are on “Love is Blind: Ohio” (oh, fer….)

The faces caught up to the heels and put buckets on Ah and M and ran them together. Mr. Elegance had a bucket thrown at him by James. Terrell grabbed a bucket full of…lollipops (sigh…) and suplexed Heather onto them for a two count. The Brand regrouped – again – on the floor as the faces threw the lollipops to the crowd. James and Terrell hit dropkicks through the ropes onto the Brand.

The Brand finally got some momentum as Ash ran Terrell into the ringsteps and M ran James into a wheelbarrow and the barricade. The Brand realized ODB was alone. ODB tried to fend off the heels but the number game was too much and Ash pounded away on ODB with a kendo stick. They tied ODB to the bottom rope. M ran James into the ringsteps. M put the wheelbarrow into position but James hit a Mick Kick and M went sprawling into the wheelbarrow. Meanwhile, Terrell ran Heather into a bale of hay.

Ash tried to curtail the tide by grabbing a stop and leaping off the ring steps onto Terrell. However, Terell saw it and hit Ash’s midsection with a giant lollipop. Meanwhile, ODB grabbed a cooler and wheeled it into the floor. She opened it up and poured a giant container of pickles into it. The crowd broke into a “pickle phallus” chant and the faces grabbed the PC. However, Mr. Elegance grabbed Terrell and James. The two lowblowed Mr. Elegance and ran him into the cooler of pickles. They started to pelt Mr. Elegance with the pickles.

The faces cornered the Personal Concierge in the ring. ODB knocked PC to the floor and the faces put a pickle costume on The Concierge and threw him into the Brand. Terrell climbed to the top and leapt on the Brand, dropping them to the floor. Terrell threw Ash into the ring.  ODB hit a bodyslam (with Ash’s ankle banging into a trashcan.) James climbed to the top and teased the “Wazzzzup Drop” until Mr. Elegance threw James from the top turnbuckle. He entered the ring and clotheslined ODB. HE STRUCK THE POSE and danced but ODB grabbed a prong and grabbed Elegance’s genitalia. She cinched in the grab but Ash ran to his defense with a hairspray can. She sprayed ODB in the eyes and hit the DDT for the victory.

Post-Match: The Brand celebrated on the ring and taunted the fans, further telling us they are not marks  BUT WAIT, Silva and Tommy Dreamer made their way to ringside. Dreamer wanted the music to stop (and an “ECW” change emerged.) He asked “Weird Flexy Guy,” “Marky Mark and the Flunky Bunch” and “Mr. Pickle Phallus” to clear the ring. He also asked James to relax. He asked Cleveland what’s up. He said life is hard but if one understands the business, one understands the connection through actions and moves to connect wrestlers and fans. He likes to do things spontaneous. He knew ODB since Day One. He would like to see her again but dressed up (we know what is coming.) Silva said for all she has done for TNA, ODB will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in October.

He gave the mic to ODB and a “you deserve it” chant emerged (well…) She brought her partner into the ring and hugged him. She loved the fans and appreciates all the Knockouts. Meanwhile, the referees cleared the ring of debris.

We go backstage to Elyana Black, who is looking at her phone and throwing out random numbers. That is how much money she has made but since we are here interrupting her and she is sick to her stomach. She was sick because she had to get up early and meet the fans in Cleveland, OH (mimicking a bit of nausea.) She said that’s fine, she appreciates the free plane ride and hotel. She’ll watch the Knockouts Title but wanted us to know that she is coming for the title and we will all be living in the Era of Elayna.

We go back to Hannifan and Rehwoldt who recap the ODB HOF announcement. They hype a partnership with IHeart Radio and NOW we officially get the announcement to the people in Love is Blind: Ohio. From there, we go right to the next match.

A J Francis vs. Nick Nemeth (with Bernie Kosar in tow)

Francis comes to the ring first. Hannifan and Rehwoldt go over the history and the rationale of Francis attacking Nemeth. Francis grabbed the mic and asked to cut the music. He re-introduced himself and said he came out with some new clothes – and LeBron’s new sneakers. He goes over what the two of them have in common and called himself the LeBron James of Pro Wrestling. It’s true. The fans wouldn’t understand because they’re losers. Speaking of losers, the Cleveland Browns and Bernie Kosar. He doesn’t care because Francis is Shaddeur Sanders because he knows his life will get exponentially better when he leaves Cleveland.

Nemeth – and Kosar are next. For those who not acclimated with Bernie Kosar. Kosar was QB of the Browns in the mid-1980’s to early 1990’s and once made the Pro Bowl. He had an odd throwing motion but won the hearts of fans – just not the AFC Championship as he was stymied twice by the Denver Broncos in heartbreaking fashion. He is still in the top five of pretty much all of the Browns’ passing record book. Hannifan said Kosar was the best quarterback in Browns history (Otto Graham and Brian Sipe on line one and two.) Kosar’s pop was the biggest of the night by far (so far.)

Francis started the offense with a superkick for a two count. He did the Shawn Michaels stomp and threatened another superkick but Nemeth avoided it. However, Francis continued to throw Nemeth around and into the corner. The two traded corner splashes. Nemeth  tried to beat on Francis but Francis caught Nemeth off the ropes and flung Nemeth over the ropes and to the floor. Francis attempted to throw Nemeth to the ringsteps but Nemeth avoided it.

The two struggled on the floor but Nemeth blocked a Down Payment (chokeslam) on the apron. However, when he leapt to Francis, Francis slugged him to the floor. Francis sat on the turnbuckles as Nemeth just made the count. Francis mauled Nemeth on the ropes, including choking him with his leg and foot.

The mauling continued in the corner as Nemeth desperately tried to rally. Francis flung Nemeth into the corner and hit the Tennessee Whiskey running elbow. He went to the floor and chastised Kosar. Francis continued to maul Nemeth, despite the crowd chanting for Nick. Nemeth did block another Down Payment attempt but was dropped by  big boot off the ropes. Nemeth tried to rally again by putting Francis on his shoulders but could not sustain the lift and crashed to the mat.

Nemeth tried another rally with a series of strikes and finally made some headway with a leaping DDT and a 10-count running elbow drops. NOW, Nemeth got Francis on his shoulders and hit the Attitude Adjustment for a two count. Meanwhile, Kosar was enjoying the whole experience. Nemeth signaled for his own superkick with the Shawn Michaels stomp but Francis caught him midway with a TFL (Spear.)

Francis signaled for the Down Payment and picked up Nemeth but “The Wanted Man” reversed it into a Fame-asser for a two count and a “let’s go, Nick” chant from the crowd. Nemeth climbed to the top rope but Francis hit the ropes and Nemeth crotched on the ropes. Francis climbed the turnbuckles and tried a superplex abut Nemeth fought  off Francis. With both on the turnbuckles, Nemeth got into a position and hit the Danger Zone from the top turnbuckle for two-and-a-fraction.

Francis was on the floor so Nemeth hit the ropes and attempted to dive onto Francis. Francis caught him as he leapt and NOW we get a Down Payment from the ring to the floor. Francis rested on the ring steps and taunted Kosar. He threw Nemeth into the ring and taunted Kosar and Nemeth’s family. Francis grabbed a chair from under the ring and headed into the ring. The referee grabbed the chair from him. Francis slugged the referee and crashed to the floor. Francis grabbed the chair.

But now, Kosar climbed into the ring and accosted Francis. Francis threw the chair down and the two got ready for an Oklahoma Drill (a one-on-one drill for toughness and leverage.) The two charged but Kosar stopped and put his hands up. He pointed to the rampway and K C Navarro emerged. Navarro made a straight line toward Francis. Meanwhile, Kosar grabbed the chair and hit Francis. As Francis sold it, Nemeth recovered and hit the superkick. We get another Danger Zone. Navarro grabbed the ref and threw him into the ring. Nemeth covered Francis and got the win.

Post-Match: Navarro stared a hole into Francis who looked dejected. Meanwhile, Nemeth and Kosar celebrated with the fans and made their way up the rampway.

Hey, wear your passion and show your style, shop at TNAMerch.com.

We see Francis and Edwards getting ready backstage but next we have another World Title Match to decide.

TNA Knockouts World Title: Arianna Grace (with “Stacks” Lorenzo in tow) vs. Lei Ying Lee (with Xia Brookside in tow)

We see highlights of the Lee vs. Grace rivalry (with some footage from Dani Luna.) Lee is out first and we get the usual fire and flair from the former champ. Grace and Lorenzo are next. They head right to the ring and I like the black and red outfit of Grace, almost a playing card motif.

Grace verbally accosted Lee but Lee was unfazed and hit a series of strikes (even avoiding interference from Lorenzo.) Lee leapt over Grace and hit a rolling trip and a series of kicks and a flying clothesline. Lee fended off Lorenzo again and hit a missile dropkick that sent Grace to the floor. Lee continued to attack Grace, even when Grace attempted to crawl under the ring. Finally, Lorenzo’s cheating paid off dividends as he distracted Lee and Grace sent the challenger into the ringpost.

Back in the ring, Grace hit a pumpkick and  neckbreaker for a two count. Grace slugged away on Lee in the corner. We also got a PiP of Grace watching TV in the dark (that’s not good for the eyes my mom always told me.) Lorenzo made his presence known again as Lee attempted a sunset flip off the ropes and Lorenzo grabbed Grace’s arms. That brought out Brookside who accosted Lorenzo and asked for his expulsion. The referee agreed and Lorenzo was gone. Lee continued to land her strikes to and a pump kick to drop Grace. Lee hit the 10-punch spot in the corner. Lee hit an exploder suplex for a two count.

Grace rallied in the corner with a back elbow and then hit a flying forearm off the second rope for a two count. Grace beat on Lee in the corner and attempted a superplex. Grace got to the turnbuckles but Lee threw her to the mat and a Blockbuster got two-and-a-fraction. Lee attempted the Warriors Way (airplane spin facebuster) but an eye rake stopped her. Grace hit her over the shoulder face buster for a two count

Sensing desperation, Grace was trying to find some means to get out of the match, including vainly attempting to pull the turnbuckle pad from the corner. She eventually grabbed the TNA Knockouts Championship and brought it into the ring but the referee grabbed it from her.

From there, Lee recovered and hit the Warriors Way. Lee went for the pin… when Brookside put Grace’s leg on the ropes. Lee looked incredulous and asked what Brookside did. Brookside pulled her to the floor and pummeled her with much screaming. Brookside threw her back into the ring and Grace hit the Concrete Shoes (which is Lorenzo’s finisher) and grabbed the victory.

Post-Match: Lee was obviously distraught as Lorenzo emerged from the backstage and hugged Grace and made their way up the ramp.

Note: The feed ended during the match, so I must continue with various video feeds, ergo the delay in this.

After an ad for the Thursday TNA Impact show, we get the reaction from Rehwoldt and Hannifan and then the lights darken. We hear the music and Young makes his way to ringside. He immediately called out Ethan Carter III and asked him to ringside to ask why he deserves to be here. The lights darken again and we hear “ladies and gentlemen, EC3.” With that, Ethan Carter III makes his return to a decent pop. Carter still had the physique and the bronzer as he was just a  couple of shades beyond racially insensitive.

Young tried to attack him but Carter ducked a charge and clotheslined Young over the top rope to the floor. Carter grabbed the mic and gave his wrestling vitae on Impact. He is back, apparently. EC3 also looked up the word “pursuant” and used it multiple times in his promo. As wrestling logic goes, EC3 said he challenged Young to a match on Impact this Thursday. He ran off some of his objectives and finished by saying he is from Cleveland. He threw down the mic and STRUCK HIS POSE.

We get a recap of the feud between Mustafa Ali and Trey Miguel. We see Tasha Steelz on a laptop when the Great Hands ask her if this is the way it should go. She said yes because it is by any means necessary.  which can only mean one thing:

TNA International Heavyweight Title Match: Mustafa Ali (with Order Four in tow) vs. Trey Miguel

We hear an air raid siren and then Order Four’s new music hits (so much better than the original) The Hands are adorned in helmets and Ali is going into his sci-fi era with his look and is taking over the mantle of Locutus. Rewholdt said this is the evolution of Order Four. Miguel is out next to a good pop (as a relative hometown product, or rather home state product.)

 (and the feed disappeared…) 

Impactful Ruminations:

One: All the apologies to you all for not being able to finish this at this time.

Two: This was as up and down a show as one could have up to the EC3 segment. It would be hard pressed to top the opening match as best match of the night as Slater and Alexander had another multi-star match. Slater is phenomenal and Alexander is so fluid in the ring. I really loved the psychology by the wrestlers, even for “high-flyers” and spot wrestlers as most in that moveset would be.

Three: On the other hand, there was the Ryan Nemeth/BDE match. It was a solid match but the match would have been custom built for BDE to get his first win (ergo, giving Hannifan’s iterations of BDE looking for his first win some gravitas.) I know we all goof on social media stars trying new things out of their realm – I get that – but would it have killed you to have him win this time? It was on a silver platter against someone who knows how to do comedy spots and is selfless in doing a job.

Three: That was a great hoss fight between Moose and Agent Zero. I really like how Moose moves and can bump. Additionally, they are really pacing Zero’s ring action brilliantly. They really are taking from the Big Bubba Rogers book and applying it greatly here.

Four: Now for the dearth – and I mean dearth of the show. I know everyone shouted about how awful the Hardcore Country Match was. And, they were absolutely right. That was not needed – none of it. That was horrible -the whole thing was abysmal. It was a waste of the Brand who could have had something far better to do. I know James can wrestle but ODB was awful and Terrell was not that far behind her. There was nothing redeeming about that win (well, maybe the Brand winning.) The Brand are in an odd spot, with the break up of the Angel Warriors (more in a minute,) who is there to challenge them. I would have Ash – or even M – go for a world title run. Eliminate that and we have room for better matches or even show Gia Miller crocheting, anything would have been better.

Five: Hey, ODB, you just took the pin in the Hardcore Country Match, where are you going to do next? You’re getting inducted to the TNA Hall of Fame??? That was ridiculous – utterly ridciuous. Admittedly, I was never a fan of hers but there’s an audience for her. I know Dreamer said he likes to do things unexpectedly but after jobbing in a horrible match?

Six: The Kazarian vs Elijah match was not great either – and not for the two in the ring. Kazarian and Elijah had a very solid match and I grow to like Elijah more and more as I watch him wrestle. Kazarian is always very good and has been since day one. It was the third person in the ring that took me out of the match. The refereeing was noticeably egregious and nonsensical. I get the narrative that they wanted them to wrestle – which, fine. But, allowing a guitar to be casually put in the ring  and used was bizarre (especially when a match or two later, the referee made the stance of removing the Knockouts belt from Grace.)

Seven: Kosar got a good pop and looked a lot better than the last few times I saw him at events. The bigger news was the return of KC Navarro. Francis must continue on the treadmill of “David vs. Goliath” matches (maybe show some of interest if the WWE ever comes calling? Maybe??) Navarro looked great and can now, once the Francis issue is resolved, get into some title mixes. Much like Kazarian and Elijah, both Nemeth and Francis were solid in the ring with Francis knowing all the right heel moves

Eight: Elayna Black is still improving in the ring but still is a bad, bad promo. Her comments made no sense.

Nine: I had a feeling something was up with Brookside turning heel with her contstant usage of “birthright” in a promo with her dad a couple of weeks ago. This might be the replacement and audible of replacing Dani Luna. She really has to work on the nonverbals as “screaming” doth not a heel make. I actually wouldn’t mind her taking the place of Grace. Somewhere along the line, Lee needs to win the title to set up a natural feud.

10: Regarding that, we now have a dearth of faces on the women’s side. It is Lee, Hartwell, Threat and Stone. That is a precipitous drop (admittedly, Stone is getting reps to get better.) The heels greatly outnumber the faces in depth and quality.

11. I really don’t like EC3 or Young but fine; let’s hope it is a one off. It was almost like Pee-Wee’s Playhouse where the secret word was “Pursuant.” I had a hard time trying to define Carter’s bronzer color but it got close to Al Jolson territory.

12: I read the results some of the results of the matches I need to catch so here are some short ruminations before I catch them. Huzzah to Ali for winning the title. If ever there is proof that betting on yourself can pay off dividends, look for the guy wearing the International Title. But, is he now Mustafus of Borg? Resistance is futile. Those kids at the beginning are in for some sadness (more so than what the Browns provide.) I think the Hardys might be on the final descent to retirement and boldly predicting the Righteous cinematic match will be the final hurrah. Now, who are we getting for challengers for the System? And did we just burn the Righteous. I also saw that I missed the Undead Realm segment. I guess I have something of  a silver lining. Lastly,  Women be conniving, amirite? Looking at you, Alicia.

Hang on, everybody, we’re going home to Rebellion but have one last chance to get some fresh beignets and to glimpse one more episode in New Orleans at the Alario Center. As always, Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt describe the action, Gia Miller handles the shenanigans backstage and McKenzie Mitchell let’s us know who is who.  New Orleans is the birthplace of poker, so ante up because we’re going all in with some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

Okay, since there was clamoring for some old-school Memphis wrestling tag action in wake of Dennis Condrey’s passing, I decided to dig deep into the archives and find some totally Tubi-lar Wrestling Action. In this case, it is a feature on Memphis tag teams from 1979-1980 (more or less.) Be prepared to see the Honky Tonk Man (pre-Honky Tonk,) Eddie Gilbert (pre-Hot Stuff,) Koko Ware (pre-Birdman,) and the chaotic litany of schmozapaloozas that could be found here. So, get ready for some action from the territory that made tag team wrestling an art form and it comes (like the song goes) All the Way from Memphis.

As always, the venerable and iconic Lance Russell and Dave Brown are at the announce studio. The exact dates are hard to find but triangulated to its show date.

We start at the WMC studio on March 15, 1980 with Russell interviewing the Assassins – at least, the Memphis version. Whilst most of the wrestling world (most notably Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas) were used to seeing Jody Hamilton and Tom Renesto Sr under the masks, this was Roger Smith and Randy Colley. Colley would gain notoriety later in the 1980’s as Moondog Rex. The other Assassin was Roger Smith, who had a litany of gimmicks in Memphis and in the Southern Territories, most notably as Dusty Rhodes knockoff, Dirty Rhodes (for the record, he did look the part.)

Much like the other Assassins, there were accusations of using International Objects in the mask to defeat their opponents. Assassin One (Colley) said this is a collection of falsehoods and that his partner just happens to have one of the hardest heads in wrestling. In fact, a demonstration is in order. To the side of the table are a couple of boards laid across two concrete blocks. Assassin Two is going to break them.

Before he does, Assassin Two said they have an upcoming match on TV. They are outclassed and it is their duty to put them where they belong. Rest assured, after the match, the board demonstration will occur – they need the blood and adrenaline flowing to perform it. We then go to said match

The Assassins vs. Steve Regal and Rick Morton

Steve Regal is not THAT Steve Regal but the one who won the AWA Tag title with Jim Garvin over the Road Warriors. Rick Morton is THAT Rick(y) Morton, though, just not in the Rock and Roll Express gear. Assassin One and Regal start the match with Regal but Regal thwarts Assassin One’s offense. Two is tagged and does not fare much better. Russell dipped into Jim Ross’ territory by extoling the accolades Regal had at Indiana State University (the conversation turns quickly to Larry Bird.) Regal got an arm bar but Assassin One tagged.

Regal continued to stymie any attempts of the Assassins to go on the attack and focused on the arm. Morton tagged and continued to work the arm. Morton slid under Assassin Two twice to deliver a dropkick (not quite as lethal without Gibson but still landed clean.) It’s more of the same as Assassin One tagged and attempted to rush Morton in the corner after lifting him and throwing him there but Morton moved.

Eventually, the Assassins got things together and started to maul Morton, hitting a boot to the torso off the ropes. Assassin One gorilla pressed Morton into a backbreaker but Morton got his foot on the ropes. Morton tried to fight his way to a tag but Assassin Two tagged and dropped Morton with a shoulder block off the ropes.

Morton, always good for a hope crawl and tag, did just that as hit Assassin Two with a back elbow and then leapt to tag Regal. Regal hit a great dropkick off the ropes. However, the rally was short lived after Regal collided with Assassin Two and both fell to the mat.

While the referee checked on Regal, the Assassins switched on the floor and Assassin One loaded the mask. However, Ken Lucas (long time staple in the southern territories) and Billy Robinson (a great, underrated British wrestler) stormed the mat to prevent further malice. Also, it just so happened that the two teams were embroiled in a hot feud during the mid-to-late winter of 1980.  The match was ended in a double disqualification.

Post-Match: It’s Memphis, so it’s a schmozapalooza. Lucas, Robinson and the Assassins brawled on the studio floor. Robinson and Assassin One fought by the announce desk. Robinson grabbed the boards and smashed them over the Assassin’s head. Despite Russell’s plea (and Brown’s constant ringing of the bell) the brawl continued. Assassin Two grabbed a piece of the board and went after Lucas, who was in he ring. Lucas wrested the board from the Assassin and attacked him; splintering the board even more as he hit him in the abdomen and the head.

Assassin Two bailed to the floor and now Lucas and Robinson teamed on Assassin One. Lucas continued to wallop the Assassin with the board and Robinson reached under the mask for the object. Morton and Regal were cheering on the faces to the point they collided heads. Assassin One got out of there early holding on to the mask. We did not get the Assassin demonstration, sadly.

It’s more future stars as we get our next tag match:

Dutch Mantel and Wayne Farris (with Jimmy Hart in tow) vs. Eddie Gilbert and Koko Ware

This is another studio match from March 7, 1981. It was a television time limit match, regardless of the amount falls in the match.  Gilbert is still early in his career before he goes to World Wrestling Federation a year later.  Wayne Farris is better known as The Honky Tonk Man (and part of the Blonde Bombers with Larry Latham AKA Moondog Spot.) Koko Ware is, well “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware and Dutch Mantel is as well known in Memphis as Jerry Lawler (more on him later) and Bill Dundee (for newer fans, he was Uncle Zebekiah and Zeb Colter in the WWE.)

Mantell and Gilbert start the match but Farris is quickly tagged. Neither of the heels had much luck against Gilbert as the two frequently tagged only to fall prey to Gilbert’s armlocks. Gilbert finally tagged Ware who continued the attack and sent Farris to the at with a headlock takedown. Mantell tagged but didn’t have much luck, either as Ware hip tossed Mantell off the ropes and applied a headlock takeover.

Farris tagged again but Ware hit a beautiful dropkick off the ropes. Farris scurried to other ropes for a timeout. Gilbert tagged back into the match but the First Family members finally got some sustained offense with some skullduggery (hair pulls by Farris) and a backbreaker by Mantell. Mantell and Farris beat on Gilbert and Farris got the big boot off the ropes. The heels continued to make quick tags and kept Gilbert in peril. Mantell grabbed an abdominal stretch (with Farris providing leverage by pulling on Mantell’s arm.)

Gilbert finally got a hope spot as he kicked Farris who was attempting a backdrop. Ware tagged and was a birdcage of fire. He beat on Farris on Farris in the corner. However, it was short lived as Farris held on to the ropes and Ware missed a dropkick. It was a two elbows that sealed the deal for the heels. A back elbow off the ropes for Farris and a flying elbowdrop off the ropes by Mantell got the fall.

Ware recovered and started the second fall with Mantell. The heels kept Ware in their corner and took turns mauling Ware in their corner. Mantell got another backbreaker, body slam and running knee drop on Ware. Farris entered the match and continued the beating until Ware crawled under his legs and around the ring to tag Gilbert (Mantell also tagged into the match.) Gilbert was a house on fire and beat on Mantell  around the ring and hit a flying knee in the corner.  A second running knee proved fatal as Mantell moved out of the way. Farris tagged into the match, climbed to the second rope and hit a (sort of) flying elbow drop for the pin (Ware arrived just a nanosecond too late.)

Between the second and third fall, Hart and the family took umbrage with referee Jerry Calhoun and continued to argue with Calhoun as we cut to Russell and Brown talking about the action and we fade to black.

We go one week later to the WMC studios for our next match:

Wayne Farris and Dutch Mantell (with Jimmy Hart in tow) vs. “Superstar” Bill Dundee and “Dream Machine” Troy Graham

We intro to the match with Hart mentioning Farris will take the place of “The Angel” (long time Memphis staple Frank Morrell under a mask.) Graham was another attempt of recreating Dusty Rhodes (albeit more svelte.) He most known for an on-air assault angle on Russell in later in the year. This is another television time limit match.

Despite Russell and Brown extoling the virtues of Mantell, it is Dundee who gets the upper hand with a headlock takeover. He also slugged Farris as Dundee came off the ropes. Dundee controlled the early action, despite Mantell’s hair pulling. The Dream Machine tagged and continued the ode de headlocks, followed by stomping on Mantell’s back off the ropes.

Dundee tagged back into the match and hit Mantell with a running kick to the stomach. Mantell finally got the advantage with an eye rake and then beat Dundee along the ropes. Farris tagged but Dundee quickly regained the advantage with a series of (we’ll call them) punches. Farris tried to regain the advantage in the corner but Dundee regained it with a boot in the corner. Dundee also got a two count from a flying reverse bodypress off the turnbuckles until Mantell interrupted the pin.

Both partners tagged but Graham regained the upper hand with a series of punches and some shimmying. Mantell tried to regain the advantage but missed a running knee into the corner. Farris tagged and Graham taunted him with some more shimmying and some weird tongue action (even weirder than Dutch from the Righteous.)

Farris and Graham brawled in the corner but Graham, again, got the upper hand and scampered Farris out of the corner. Dundee tagged and both he and Graham double backdropped Farris off the ropes. Mantell got into the fracas as did Graham. Farris and Dundee brawled on the mat. Farris snapped Dundee’s neck on the ropes with an elevated catapult, but Graham interrupted the pin.

Farris beta tested the “Shake, Rattle and Roll” for a two count on Dundee. Dundee tried to rally but Mantell tagged and hit a backbreaker for a two count. A loud “Go, Bill, Go” chant emerged as Dundee and Mantell collided in the ring. Graham tried to help but Mantell was too close to the ropes. Graham tagged and pummeled Mantell off the ropes.

Graham bodyslammed Mantell and tagged Dundee. Dundee beat on Mantell until Mantell had enough. Mantell slugged Calhoun in the corner and that drew a disqualification. Dundee and Graham won the first fall and shimmying abounded.

We come back from a break for the second fall. Mantell and Farris took their time getting back into the ring but Mantell and Dundee started the second fall. Whilst Mantell and Farris mauled Dundee in the corner, we get a “get well soon” from Russell for David Ferguson, a famous referee in the area from soon.

Meanwhile, Dundee managed to grab a side headlock from Farris. Farris managed to work his way back into the corner but Dundee continued to fend off both Farris and Mantell. Farris hit the Greco-Roman stomp on the hand and tagged Farris. Graham tagged and Farris gain control by kicking Dundee when the “Superstar” attempted a backdrop. Mantell tagged and continued the offense with a body slam and a elbow drop off the ropes.

Farris tagged after Mantell missed a knee drop and Graham regained the momentum when he blocked a backdrop with his boot and hit a flying elbow smash off the ropes and a legdrop for two. Dundee tagged and attacked both Farris and Mantell, who tagged. We reached the point where we get to the schmozapalooza and Dundee and Mantell oblige as they fight on the apron and around the floor by the announce table. Graham choked Farris on the apron. Calhoun saw enough and called for the double count out, which didn’t faze the combatants as they continue to brawl as we hit the commercial bumper music.

Jimmy Valiant and Bill Dundee vs. “Mr. C” Dennis Condrey and “Dr. D” David Schultz (with Jimmy Hart in tow)

This match aired on March 1, 1980 in the WMC-TV studios. Valiant was wearing the crown as Russell and Brown called him the “King.” So, some quick backstory is due, methinks. Valiant and Lawler were top heels in the Memphis in late 1979 and early 1980. On February 3, 1980, Lawler broke his leg in a touch football game. Hart, manager of the duo, promptly turned on Lawler and buried him on TV – causing to Valiant to turn face (note Lawler was out for just about all of 1980.) This is why Valiant is now the “king.” .

Valiant, is his cogent, logical manner, said he was King of the United States and called himself “Star Wars.” He continued by saying he is the only man to reunite the Beatles (ummm..about that.) and the only person to reunite Bill Dundee and “Star Wars” Jimmy Valiant (insert “Forget it, he’s rolling” GIF here.)

Condrey and Schultz are already in the ring and Schultz’ perm is incredible – it’s about a 1.0 on the Bob Ross scale. Condrey was a multiple tag champ in the 1970’s – most notably with Phil Hickerson as the Bicentennial Kings. He is also a sight to behold with hair that made him look like a Molly Hatchet roadie and the words “First Class” on the back of his trunks with three dollar signs.  The match almost started but Valiant called a quick time out as he put his crown and necklace on Russell and Brown’s announce table.

Dundee and Schultz started the match. Dundee took quick advantage of Schultz and controlled Schultz with an armlock. Valiant tagged and managed to strut and threaten Schultz in the heels’ corner. Condrey tagged and started to brawl with Valiant. We hear the crowd stir and see Jimmy Hart scurry to the announce desk, steal the crown and necklace and scurry out of the studio. Valiant continued to beat on Condrey but Dundee and the crowd alerted him to what happened.

Valiant seemed nonplussed and backdropped Condrey. He backed Dundee into the faces’ corner and into a shot by Dundee. Dundee dropped Condrey with a series of (again, we will call them) punches. Shcultz interrupted a pin. Schultz and Condrey gained the advantage and Condrey hit a big backdrop of his own until Valiant interrupted the pin.

Condrey mauled Dundee in the corner and hit a gutwrench suplex. Condrey went for the pin but the referee was still trying to restrain Valiant, who was accosting Schultz out of his corner. Schultz tagged into the match and locked a chinlock as a loud “Go, Bill, Go” chant emerged. And go he went; he broke the hold and dropped Shcultz with a series of punches and a bodyslam. Valiant tagged and hit the Greco-Roman eye poke in the corner. Valiant continued to aul Schultz in the corner. Valiant tagged Dundee and – after distracting the referee – slugged Schultz from the top rope (your faces, ladies and gentlemen.)

Condrey tagged and immediately begged for mercy and for a display of good sportsmanship. Dundee shook his hand and promptly kicked Schultz in the gut (your faces, ladies and gentlemen.) Dundee got a two count from a knee drop, but Condrey finally got to rally by hitting a back suplex. Both combatants collided in the ring but Condrey managed to tag Schultz.

Schultz grabbed Dundee and waited for Condrey to hit him in the far corner. However, the referee was caught up trying to control “Mr. C” and Valiant. When the referee focused on Valiant, Condrey tried to hit Dundee but Dundee moved and Condrey slugged “Dr. D.” Dundee and Valiant grabbed the heels and ran them into each other in the middle of the ring. Valiant mauled Condrey but referee Jerry Calhoun had to restrain him, which gave Condrey and opportunity to knee Dundee in the back. W

Shcultz regained the momentum after the move and hit a running kick off the ropes. Valiant and had enough and started to attack Schultz, which gave Condrey time to beat on Dundee. Condrey was going to leap on Dundee but the referee luckily caught it. Schultz put the boots to Dundee in the corner and when Schultz and Valiant started to attack each other, Condrey choked Dundee in the corner.

Condrey legally tagged and dropped Dundee with a clothesline off the ropes (a nice one, at that) for two-and-a-fraction. Condrey continued to choke Dundee on the ropes. Schultz tagged and hit an elbow smash from the second rope and a leg drop got another two count. Dundee tried to rally and managed to make Schultz miss a forearm drop but Schultz tagged Condrey.

Condrey grabbed an abdominal stretch and Valiant did not help his team’s cause by running into the ring and interfering with Condrey. As the referee restrained Valiant yet again, Schultz came off the second rope and nailed Dundee with a forearm smash. Dundee tried to rally once more, reversing a Condrey piledriver attempt into a backdrop and a running bodysplash got two.

Valiant tagged and the crowd erupted. He ran Condrey into the turnbuckles and into Schultz. Valiant continued to beat on Condrey and Dundee came into the ring and we get another schmozapalooza. This time, Valiant and Dundee got the heels in a bulldog position but ran their heads into each other. Valiant got a two count on Schultz and another pin attempt was missed as Calhoun had to restrain Dundee. With 15 seconds left, Valiant applied..a nerve hold? The bell rang indicating a draw but that was not enough for Dundee, who applied a sleeperhold on Schultz. Calhoun managed to get Dundee off Schultz as we go to break.

Long Distance Information:

One: Here is what I love about Memphis wrestling and it is why I love wrestling in the smaller venues and even the TV studios. Russell and Brown narrated the events wonderfully but didn’t come up with flashy names for most moves or some elongated backstory. However, the fans were rabidly into it. The wrestlers played to the crowd and made everyone feel like they had a vested interest in the happenings.

Two: The cool thing about this is seeing how everything intertwined in a short period of time. Eventually, Lucas and Robinson won the feud and the Assassins disappeared. They held the tag titles until defeated by Paul Ellering and Sheik Ali Hassan. When those titles were vacated (Ellering won the Southern Heavyweight Title – Memphis version.) So, a tourney was held in April of 1980, where Lucas and Robinson made it to the finals only to lose to Schultz and Condrey.

Three: Mantell was the proverbial good hand and was just great in the ring. Everything came fluid and was just crisp and clean in the ring. One could see how he was trusted wherever he went and whatever role he had – be it face or heel.

Four: The only thing that Memphis could be blamed was cribbing from other wrestlers. It was easier to do since cable TV was, by and large, in its infancy at the time (and the Apter magazines were just starting to roll off the presses.) However, Memphis cribbed the Assassins (even to style of mask) and Dusty Rhodes. As the 1980’s progressed, Memphis would still suffer from that with various wrestling tropes (and horror movie tropes.) The strange part was their original ideas were spectacular and would give the wrestling gimmicks a shelf life that would last for years and years.

Five: I went back and forth on Valiant but still find him weirdly entertaining – not great in the ring, but entertaining. Wrestling had myriad faces and heels at the time, each one was unique. A lot of fans argue about the cookie cutter wrestlers now but that was not the case then. To use a modern example, I find Shiloh Hill entertaining (and good in the ring.) He has a unique character for a face. Valiant was that during the time frame (although his natural charisma would be usurped in the mid-1980’s and he was running on the hits versus new, creative things.)

Six: You could see Morton already expertly crafting ring psychology. Memphis at this time was just an incredible haven for young talent with Morton, Ware and Gilbert getting work into the ring.

Tune in next time for Jerry Lalwer as a face and a heel. We get the Blonde Bombers; Mr. Fuji gets a run in Memphis and an iconic brawl whose impact is still being felt to this day. Until next time – Keep fighting the good fight.

Welcome, all, we are fresh from Sacrifice but staying in the New Orleans as we set forth on a new set of tapings. Fun fact, Louisiana is one of two states in the US that do not have counties (Alaska being the other) – so Parish the thought. HA! I kill me. Anyway, Les Bon Temp Rouler with Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt on announce duty and McKenzie Mitchell doing the ring introductions (Gia Miller is not here, actually.) But, despite that, you are here, so let’s get comfy in our (Big) Easy Chair and engage in some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.