TNA Bound For Glory Review – October 11, 2026

Hopefully, all are okay/will be okay during Hurricane Isaias. Thinking of all and here if you all need anything I can deliver. We have been Bound for Glory for three-and-a-half months but we have arrived at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. Much like the Salvador Dali Museum there, there have been some surreal moments there but we arrived. Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are handling the broadcast duties (for the most part) and McKenzie Mitchell lets us know who is who. The Rays are bound to the ALCS but are they Bound for Glory? We may not be sure but I am sure that some people on this card are. I am also sure that you are here, so let’s join them with some Total Nonstop Analysis. Shall we? We shall.

(Note: As always, show some love to the wonderful folks who provide reviews. They work diligently to provide the news and reviews you all enjoy. Give them some feedback; we all appreciate it. Thanks. And now…wait, one more thing. I did not cover the Hall of Fame ceremonies. If you would like review of it, please let know. Thanks. AND NOW…..our feature presentation.)

Aimee Magee delivered the National Anthem. We get the hype package with a Keith David soundalike – and it’s a pretty good one focusing on the youth of Leon Slater versus the “man with the crown” Nic Nemeth. Sometimes, crowns aren’t passed down; sometimes they are taken.

We get the brief introduction from Hannifan and go right to the first match:

Ricky Sosa vs. Eddie Edwards (with Alisha Edwards in tow)

Sosa is first to the ring and the announcers emphasize this is the most important match of Sosa’s career. The crowd chants along with the “bang/bang, Sosa/Sosa” chorus of his entrance music. By way of comparison, we get the warning buzzer and Alisha telling us you can’t beat the system to herald the Edwards’ to the ring. Edwards is out in a golden devil’s mask. Edwards posed in the corner as we found out LaFrance is now the official apparel partner.

We start right at the bell with Sosa dropping Edwards with a boot in the corner and a standing dropkick to a charging Edwards. Edwards tried to slow down Sosa with a knee off the ropes. Edwards tried gain but Sosa reversed it into a two count. Sosa hit another dropkick from a reverse of a back suplex.

A moonsault dropped Edwards and Edwards headed to the floor. Sosa followed him with a leaping knee and threw Edwards into the ring steps. Sosa threw Eddie into the ring and Sosa got o the apron but Alisha jumped on the apron and distracted him. Eddie knocked Sosa to the floor and Alisha hit a tornado DDT from the apron to the floor. Eddie went back to the floor and mauled Sosa on the floor and then threw Sosa back into the ring as an “Eddie sucks” chant emerged.

Eddie continued to maul Sosa in the corner and choked him with a boot. Edwards hit a series of running clotheslines into the corner for a two count and hit the chinlock. Sosa made it to his feet but Edwards evaded an enziguri and hit a twisting neckbreaker for a two count. A “let’s go, Ricky” chant emerged as Edwards mauled Sosa again on the mat.

Edwards badmouthed Sosa but Sosa had enough, reversing a punch into a forearm shiver of his own. Sosa followed it by no-selling a clothesline and rallied with a series of punches and a big boot Sosa was backdropped to the floor but landed on his feet. He booted Edwards leg on the apron and then hit a hurincanrana to the floor on Edwards. He also leapt over the ropes and dove on Edwards.

Back in the ring, Sosa hit a springboard cutter for two-and-a-fraction. Sosa beat on Edwards in the corner and placed him on the top turnbuckle. He climbed to the top but Edwards escaped and yanked Sosa by the legs. Sosa’s head hit the top turnbuckle but Sosa no sold it with a punch. Edwards remained on the offense with a Tiger Bomb, clothesline and another Tiger Bomb for a two count.

Edwards pulled the knee brace down and attempted the Boston Knee Party (Shining Wizard.) However, Sosa caught him and slammed him to the mat with a Michinoku Driver variation. Sosa measured Edwards into the corner for the Head Shot (running leaping uppercut.) However, Alisha climbed to the second rope and leapt on Sosa. Sosa caught her and hit the Blue Thunder Bang (Blue Thunder Bomb variation) but Edwards recovered enough and hit the Boston Knee Party.

However, Edwards checked on Alisha and attempted the Package Piledriver but Sosa reversed it to an enziguri. Sosa tried the Head Shot but Edwards ducked and Sosa crashed to the turnbuckles. Edwards climbed to the top for a Moonsault but it met nothing but mat. Sosa arose and NOW we get the Headshot. Sosa awaited Edwards to arise and we get ANOTHER Head Shot; this time for the victory.

Post-Match: Sosa sold the match injuries but celebrated in the corner as we get a replay of the finish. Edwards grabbed Sosa and would not let him leave. He hobbled to his feet and extended his hand in sportsmanship. Eddie carried Alisha to the back as Edwards continued to celebrate in the corner.

We get the full intro from Hannifan and Rehwoldt (Hannifan in a tux.) They reiterated some news from the Hall of Fame Ceremony that the Six-Way scramble for the X-Division title now becomes a Seven-way scramble with Amazing Red included for good measure. We also get a rundown of the full card.

We go backstage to Slater talking about the TNA Heavyweight title match. Slater said he was able to brush off some of the things he said but some of it does stick. Nemeth said Slater is too young and too inexperienced and has not been where Nemeth has been. Slater said Nemeth is a multiple time world champ and successful wherever he goes. He is not walking into BFG to show he belongs in Nemeth’s world but that Nemeth is now in Slater’s world. Nemeth has never been 22-years-old and walked into the main event of Bound For Glory. Slater is one step away from something he has been training since he was nine-years-old. He is going to show that he will be the youngest TNA Heavyweight champion – ya get him?

Rehwoldt said in order for him to get this title shot he had to vacate the X-Division title and the title scramble match is next.

X-Division Title Match: BDE, Cedric Alexander, K C Navarro, Fabian Aichner, Ryan Nemeth, Rich Swann and Amazing Red

Aichner is first in an all-white Gladiatorial outfit, Nemeth is next and started to jaw with Aichner. BDE is next as Hannifan gives the career of BDE in focus. Alexander is next in a wolfman’s mask. Navarro is next with new chryon as Hannifan said Navarro has been on the cusp of gold his entire career here, will this be the night where he gets it. Swann is next and gives a shoutout to Ben Slattery (he is adorned with a “Pac” armband.) Red is next and we get a review of Red’s announcement during the Hall of Fame Ceremony that he will be in the title scramble.

The bell rang and Ryan asked for a handshake from the other competitors. He took a superkick from Navarro for good measure. Alexander and Red paired off as did Swann and Aichner. Swann flipped over a backdrop attempt and sent Aichner to the floor with a hurincanrana. Alexande r grabbed Swan but Swann hit a hurincanrana on him which Alexnader landed on his feet. Alexander did the same and Swann landed on his feet.

Alexander slowed the action with a back suplex and a flying forward in the corner He also hit a seated dropkick on Swann. Aicher got in the ring and flattened Alexande with a fluing bodypress. He grabbed Swann and BDE on his shoulders and hit a moonsault on BDE. Nemeth interrupted the pin but Aichner chased him to the floor. Red tried to attack off the ropes but Alexander grabbed his leg and tripped him. Red tried to kick Alexander who was being held by Aichner but Red booted Aichner instead. Red did drop Alexander with an enziguri.

BDE dropped Red and hit a rolling Code Breaker. He held Red in place as Swann leapt on his back. BDE and Swann dropped Red with a series of kicks. Nemeth dropped BDE abut Swann booted him to the mat and the floor. Swann hit a running cannonball on Nemeth to the floor. Swann did the same for Alexander. He threw Alexander into the ring and climbed to the second turnbuckle. He rolled through a 450 attempt but Nemeth joined Alexander in the attack but Swann reversed a whip to the ropes into an eventual handspring cutter to drop both heels.

Swann climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit a 450 double foot stomp on Alexander and then a 450 splash to Nemeth for a pin until Navarro interrupted. Navarro hit a Poisonrana and then set his eyes on Red. The two hit simultaneous moves as the crowd broke into a dueling
“let’s go, K C/let’s go, Red” chant. The two stared in respect until Nemeth and Alexander dropped the two and sent them both to the floor.

BDE tried to get some offense but the numbers game was too much as the two sent the other to drop BDE in the corner. Alexander quickly dropped Nemeth with a punch and then hit a brainbuster on BDE. Alexander climbed to the top but Aichner met him there and started to fight, Swann and BDE joined them in the corner and eventually we got the Tower of Doom spot. Red and Navarro attacked each other but the two hit simultaneous clothesline and dropped each other.

Nemeth took advantage and tried to pin anybody but only got two counts. Aichner got to his feet and Nemeth hit a leaping DDT but Aichner bailed to the floor to sell the move. BDE hit the Clip Cutter (Springboard cutter) for a two count until Alexander interrupted the pin. Alexander hit the Lumbar Check on BDE but he went to the floor. Swann arose and attacked Alexander but Alexander dropped him with a Michinoku Driver off the ropes for a two count.

Aichner got back to the mat and attacked Alexander and tried to attacked Red. Red dropped Aichner to the ropes but Aichner recovered and caught a diving Red and held him for a delayed brainbuster. Alexander attacked but was met with another brainbuster. BDE attacked and sent Aichner to the floor. BDE dove between the ropes but Aichner caught him and slammed him to the floor Aichner climbed to the top and hit a leaping DDT on Alexander. Aichner was ready to hit the Hasta La Vista (elevated powerbomb) but Navarro reversed it and sent Aichner to the ropes for a 305 (619 but over the ropes.) Navarro measured him for the Blessing in Disguise (—-_) but Nemeth [pulled the referee to the floor.

Navarro leapt between the ropes and dove on Nemeth. Navarro got back in the ring and focused his attack on Red. He put Red on the top rope abut Red fought him there and attempted an avalanche Code Red. However, Navarro evaded it but Red landed on his feet. Navarro tried to capitalize but Navarro and Red fought on the top rope again but Red grabbed Navarro and hit the Spanish Fly from the top rope. Red measured Navarro and NOW we get the Code Red for the victory.

Post-Match: Rehwoldt and Hannifan were ecstatic and beyond belief as TNA President Carlos Silva awarded Red the belt. Belt held the title high as we get a replay of the highlights. Rd acknowledged the fans. However, as he walked backwards up the rampway Frankie Kazarian emerged and shook hands with Red before walking backstage.

We get a backstage segment with Nic Nemeth who said tonight Slater is in the biggest match of his career. He said that he has had the biggest match of his career every night. For 23 years, he has stolen the show wherever he goes. He will not be bested at Bound For Glory. Nemeth said he knows how great Slater is but he knows who Nemeth is – the best in pro wrestling. No one will knock him from his perch. All Slater has to do is beat the best wrestler on this planet. When Nemeth takes everything Slater has and walk out with the title, Slater can sit at the back of the line and watch Nemeth cement his legacy.

Knockouts Tag Team Title Match: AlliexHogan vs. Zoey Serrano and Shayna Baszler

The head of security heads out first as Serrano emerges first. Serrano stood on the rampway as her partner Baszler joined her. Hannifin ran down the legacy of both wrestlers. Serrano went after a fan but security and Baszler got her back to the ring There was a huge pop for Baszler and Serrano, by the way. Allie and Hogan were next. Allie shook hands with the crowd and headed to the ring as Hogan was next without the southern belle gear (her new gear is a marked improvement.) Allie also had a tribute to Andy Williams on her gear.

Baszler and Allie were first. Baszler backed Allie into the corner and worked the arm and tripped her, taunting Allie. Baszler worker the arm and took her down with an amateur takedown. She dropped Allie and attempted a stomp Allie but Allie moved. Baszler kicked her instead. Hogan tagged, as did Serrano.

Hogan dropped Serrano with a kick and dropkick off the ropes. Baszler got the blind tag as Hogan got a headscissors takedown but Baszler dropped Hogan with a clothesline to the back of the head. Baszler worked the leg of Hogan and hit a modified ankle lock and stomped the leg of Hogan. Hogan writhed on the mat and Serrano tagged. Serrano attacked the leg which left Hogan writing some more on the mat. She taunted Hogan and grabbed a single leg Boston Crab. Hogan tried a quick pin but was met with a clothesline that dropped her again to the mat. Serrano mauled Hogan on the mat and tagged Baszler who wet back to attacking the leg.

Baszler grabbed a leg lock as Hogan desperately tried to escape. Basler tagged Serrano again. She taunted Hogan and ran her into the corner. Baszler tagged but Hogan tried to fight out of the corner. Serrano missed a charge and went to the floor. Baszler tried to stop Hogan but a simultaneous clothesline dropped both. Serrano recovered and sent Allie from the apron to the floor on the outside. She also threw Allie into the ring steps.

Hogan tried to rally but Serrano dropped her with a superkick. Baszler grabbed her and hit a backbreaker. She maintained it as Serrano hit a clothesline (Baszler held the head) for a two count. Serrano tagged back into the match and ran Hogan into the corner again. Serrano tried for a superplex abut Hogan fended her and climbed to the top. She hit a Sunset Flip Bomb from the top. Allie finally recovered and got the hot tag. She was a mausoleum on fire as she dropped both members of (what was the ) PFC. She hit a series of clothesline and drooped Serrano with a knee lift off the ropes. She grabbed Serrano into the Upside Down (Hanging figure four necklock) and superkicked Baszler on the floor.

Allie measured and screamed “for Andy” and hit a backbreaker from a full nelson position for a two count. Baszler interrupted the pin but Hogan tried to save her partner. Serano hit a knee strike on Hogan. Serrano went after Allie and blind tagged Baszler. Allie hit the code breaker off the ropes but Baszler laid in wait with a knee strike Serrano picked Allie into a powerbomb position but flung her into a Baszler leaping knee strike. Baszler applied the
Kirifuda Clutch (Rear Naked Choke) and Allie submitted.

Post-March: Silva presented the belts to the former PFC. The two celebrated as we got highlights of the win. Serrano taunted the fans as security made sure as all went okay as they went backstage.

We get an ad for “30 second takedown” before we get the rules of the “Call Your Shot Gauntlet” match. Think Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank had a kid (but the kid allows for pin falls for the final two competitiors)– but for any title since women participate.

Call Your Shot Gauntlet Match:

Given the results on Thursday’s Impact, Trey Miguel is first in “Spider-Trey” mode. Avery Styles is number two. We get the whole hype package for Styles as he shakes hands with the crowd. This is his first TNA match. Sportsmanship is wort of observed as the two started to trad armlocks and acrobatic reversals. The two traded moves including dropkicks the dual kip up spot. The two continued to trade takedowns until Styles got the upper hand with a dropkick and a phenomenal forearm in the corner.

Bear Bronson was next and stated to maul both with a clothesline to both. He hit a chokeslam and avalanche splash on Styles. Miguel met him with a superkick but Bronson no sold it and hit a Black Hole Slam on Miguel. He mauled Styles and continued to beat on Styles with a series of forearms to the chest. Frankie Kazarian was next. He hit the rope assisted legdrop on Bronson on the apron. Kazarian went after Bronson and met him with a series of punches and kicks. He reversed a Black Hole Slam as he and Styles went with a “high/low” variation as Kazarian tripped the legs and Styles hit the sling blade.

The two stared at each other and came close to brawling until the countdown signaled Dutch to the ring. He dropped Kazarian off the ropes and dropped Styles with the Death Walks (Bossman Slam.) Dutch and Bronson met in the middle of the ring and started to trade chops and punches. They hit a series of body blocks without any advantage until the countdown started and L J Cleary emerged. He hit a top rope dropkick and a springboard dropkick on Dutch. He did his signature taunt on Bronson but Bronson was not having it. Cleary did hit a Poison rana on Bronson.

Another countdown emerged and Gabby Forza emerged from the back with a gnome on the camera stand. She picked up and slammed Styles into Dutch and hit the Gnom-lahoma Slam on him. She then squared off with Bronson. They traded shots and Forza got the better of them. Bronson was on the ropes and Cleary sent Forza into him. Bronson dropped Forza with a shoulderblock and sent Cleary over the top. Dutch and Bronson renewed hostilities until the countdown and Rehwoldt emerged from the announce table. He started to cut a promo on the announce mic. Meanwhile, Forza attacked Dutch and Miguel teed off on Bronson. Kazarian an Styles beath on Dutch as Rehwoldt finally got ready to the enter. Meanwhile, Heather by Elegance emerged and Hannifan talked about the strained relationship in the Brand stemming from this past Tuesday on NXT (see @niz for details.) Rehwoldt met Heather and taunted her on her size. Heather grabbed Rehwoldt by the belt and flung him over the top rope and to the floor. He promptly put on his jacket and right back to announcing – true professional, right there.

In the ring, Forza started to brawl with Heather who went under the bottom rope and hid under the ring. Vincent emerged from the back and hit the sliding DDT on Miguel. He also hit a tilt-a-whirl Russian Legsweep on Bronson. Kazarian got Vincent on the apron but Vincent fought his way back into he ring and his partner and him attacked Miguel. Kazarian and Styles tried to eliminate Forza but Forza fended them. Harley Hudson was next and grabbed Heather under the ring, She threw her back into the ring and dropped her with a big boot and an Olympic Slam.

We get the ECW-esque spot where Hudson dropped Bronson on the turnbuckles and then tripped a charging Forza into him and simulating oral sex. (sigh..) great…..nice..Hudson continued to attack Forza and Bronson. Meanwhile the Righteous attacked Kazarian and Styles as Miguel attacked Bronson. A J Francis was next (and rocking the old Buccaneers’ “creamsicle” colors.) He promptly started dropping everyone with punches. Francis started to choke Styles but suddenly everyone tried to eliminate Francis but Francis fended them.

Naturally, Elijah was next. And Francis tried to attack Elijah on the apron but Elijah grabbed Francis and did the “walk with Elijah” top rope walk (careful, now..) He tried the Drifter Destroyer (slingshot Canadian Destroyer) but Elijah caught him. He attempted the Down Payment (chokeslam) but Elijah hit a leaping knee to avert it. Elijah hit a DDT and choked him on the ropes. M by Elegance was next (by the way, both members were dressed as Buccaneers. Nice..) She hit a moonsault on Elijah. M attacked Francis and Forza. Eijah grabbed Heather and hit the Highwayman’s Farewell (tombstone piledriver.) The ring was mighty full and adding to the populace was Hometown Man (adorned in a Derrick Brooks jersey.) he and Francis argued. But, HTM, dropped Francis and bodyslammed him.

Meanwhile, Bronson grabbed Dutch and eliminated him. Hudson went after Bronson but Bronson put her on the apron and slugged her. Hudson fell but Dutch caught her and put her back on the apron. She went back after Bronson. Brian Myers was next and promptly hit a spear to drop Elijah and a second turnbuckle spear to drop Forza. A Myers’ Roster Cut (lariat) dropped Styles. Bronson choked Kazarian on the ropes. Mr. Elegance was next. He promptly hit a over the top rope leaping code breaker on HTM. Rehwoldt and Hannifan mused if the Personal Concierge would be in the match. One could dream, couldn’t they?

Myers hit a clothesline on Vincent and dropped him to the floor for the elimination. Heather and Hudson started to brawl on the ropes until M eliminated both of them (DUM DUM DUHHHHHHH.) Heather started to yell at M but M was busy being eliminated by Forza. M and Heather started to shove each other until Elayna Black entered the match and immediately hit a top rope hurincanrana on Francis to the corner. Bronson dropped Black with a clothesline off the ropes. Forza and Bronson started to brawl and Forza put Bronson on her shoulders (!!!) and eliminated him (!!!!!) (yeah, okay, crowd; Now a “Holy excrement” chant would be appropriate.)

Forza went after Francis as we get Jada Stoooo…wait a minute, a new guy, dropped her on the rampway. He has a mic and announced himself as “Big Trouble” Ben Bishop (the old Lightning goalie????) He sounds like Enzo and looks like Big Cass. He said hit his music and introduced us to “T BeN A.” Music is hit and here he comes. He dropped Myers and Miguel. Stone made her way to the ring and tried to leap on Bishop. Stone tried to hit the hurincanrana but Bishop caught her. Persistency paid off because Stone sent Bishop to the floor. However, Myers promptly sent Stone to the floor. HTM promptly did the same with Myers. Francis did the same to HTM and then to Forza.

With the chain of eliminations completed. We have one person left – Joe Alonzo. Yeah, he has a mic. It’s time for Total Nonstop Alonzo (I guess T Ben A is done, so okay.) Alonzo cut a promo on the floor. The crowd greeted him with a “shut the (for unlawful carnal knowledge) up” chant. He attacked Francis and hit a springboard double axe handle on Elijah. He and Black started to verbally accost each other until Black shoved her. Alonzo responded with a superkick. Styles accosted him and hit a series of kicks and Alonzo had the upper hand until Styles grabbed Alonzo and eliminated him.

Styles also tussled with Mr. Elegance before putting him on the apron and eliminating him (on top of Alonzo.) He also most eliminated Francis after reversing another Down Payment attempt. Luckily, Expressions emerged from under the ring and Francis landed on him – staving off elimination. Francis dropped Styles with a big boot and then hit the Down Payment on Black on top of Mr. E and Alonzo for the elimination. Elijah tried to eliminate Francis but Expressions got on the apron to prevent that. Elijah and Expressions started to fight and Francis tried to hit a big boot on Elijah but dropped Expressions instead.

Elijah started to brawl with Kazarian and tried the “Walk with Elijah” but instead leapt to clothesline Francis on the apron. Francis teetered but didn’t fall. However, Kazarian did eliminate Elijah. Now, Kazarian, Styles and Miguel attempted to beat on Francis but Francis fended them all. Styles charged Francis but Francis backdropped him to the apron. Styles tried a springboard forearm but Francis grabbed him and shoved him (a great distance) to the floor.

(By the way, did we lose commentary? It’s been awfully silent.)

In the ring, Francis beat down Kazarian and dropped him with a Down Payment. Miguel leapt from the top and Francis caught him for a Down Payment attempt but Miguel reversed it into a Canadian Destroyer (Spidey-Destroyer?) Miguel managed to push Francis over the top onto Expressions and eliminated him.

Final Two: Kazarian vs. Miguel

The two started to brawl and trade shots and reversals. The two traded forearms shivers off the ropes. Miguel did hit a series of kicks and a double foot stomp off the ropes. Miguel slipped on a springboard move (paging Mr. Maffew, paging a Mr. Maffew) but recovered in time to attempt a moonsault. However, it met nothing but mat. Kazarian hit the springboard legdrop for a two count.

“A let’s go, Trey” chant emerged as the two battled in the corner. Karian managed to catch Miguel on the turnbuckles and the two trade shots once again. Miguel escaped and positioned Kazarian for a superkick and a 619 in the corner. Miguel climbed to the top but Kazarian managed to move and kick Miguel to the apron. Kazarian hit the slingshot cutter for two and a fraction (and still no announce team.) The two traded rollups for two counts until Miguel tried for a La Magistral which Kazarian reversed into another roll up ..and the victory…

Post-Match: We see Kazarian celebrate with the trophy. We get highlights of the final eliminations. Kazarian signaled this was his third win in a row. He taunted the fans and we still have no audio from the announcers.

Well, silently we go to the hype package for the TNA-International Four way match and see the final meeting of Order Four and its disintegrating final months – it’s a great package.

TNA International title Four Way Match: Agent Zero (with Tasha Steelz in tow) vs. Jason Hotch vs. John Skyler (with Mila Moore in tow) vs. Mustafa Ali

Somebody went to Tandy Leather because Steelz, Zero, Skyler, Moore and Hotch all have leather gear. They all have now separate themes. We get a pregnant pause and get an Egyptian theme feel to Ali’s introduce with various shots of Order Four’s history as the whispery announcer talked about Pharaohs with a burning symbol of Anubis. Oh, and Ali’s “attendants” also went shopping at Tandy. Ali heads out finally in a Pharoah-inspired gear. Each member is in a separate corner (still no commentary.)

Hotch, Xero and Skyler took turns beating on Ali until Zero Beel tossed Hotch to the corner. Skyler sent Zero reeling with a hurincanrana and a knee strike when Zero charged. Ali charged and did his face-first sliding turnbuckle sell. The Great Hands started to trade hands and Skyler threw Hotch into the corner. Skyler tried to catapult Hotch over the top rope but Hotch landed on the apron. He leapt over Skyler and hit a moonsault for two. Ali returned and leapt over Hotch after a springboard attempt. Hotch hit an enziguri on the apron after Ali backdropped him there. Hotch tried a springboard leap but Ali waffled him back to the apron. Ali slid to the floor and Hotch hit a moonsault from the ringpost to the floor.

Hotch also enziguried Zero when he charged. Zero attempted to block a moonsault but Hotch turned it to a DDT and a pin until Ali interrupted. Ali tried a cloverleaf but Hotch escaped. A bell capped slowed Hotch and a dropkick in the corner dropped Skyler. Hotch charged but Ali tagged him the two fought on the apron until Zero arrived, They tried a springboard move but Zero caught them. Skyler tried to help but Zero booted him in the abdomen. He then chokeslammed both Ali and Hotch on top of Skyler – convoluted but ended nicely.

Zero continued to dominate and beat on all three. Ali stared to rally and chopped Zero but a cutter from the top rope was met with a headbutt and a two count until Hotch and Skyler interrupted the pin. (still no commentary, by the way.) The Great Hands tried to whip Zero to the ropes but he blocked it and ran the Hands together (clapped?) He hit the East River Crossing into the End of Days on Hotch (managing to swing Hotch into Skyler in the process.

The crowd started to calp for Zero and he leapt over the ropes and dropped all three ex-Order Fourmates. He threw Ali into the ring and signaled for a chokebomb Steelz ordered Zero to get a table. Zero obliged. He got one under the table but was had to stop as Skyler leapt on him from the apron and Hotch leapt between the ropes. He caught both of them but Ali dove between the ropes and that released the hold and Zero went to the barricade.

Ali started to argue with the Great Hands but they…did his bidding? They did the table and put Zero on it. Steelz tried to stop them but Moore got in the melee by taking her show and whacking Steelz with it. They put her and Zero on the table and Ali hit the 450 splash on the table.

All three acknowledged each other but the Great Hands attacked Ali and threw him into the ring, They hit their old finisher, the Favor (a Fireman’s carry into a Second rope flipping neckbreaker)for a two count until the two started to fight on who was going to get the pin. Sportsmanship was observed until the two stated to trade shots. Hotch hit a running bit boot in the corner. Hotch climbed to the top but Ali grabbed Hotch and threw him into a Skyler cutter for a two count. Skyler and Ali started to brawl and Hotch interfered. However, Skyler thwarted it and hit a double Canadian Destroyer on both for a two count.

Zero, meanwhile, recovered and grabbed Moore. He hoisted her into a gorilla press and Skyler begged him to put her down. He dropped her on the apron.

(and hey, we got the audio back from Hannifin and Rehwoldt.) Skyler instantly went after Zero on the floor, Zero threw him into the ring steps. Zero picked up the steps and put them into the ring. Zero put Ali on the turnbuckles and started to beat on him.. Zero lifted the stairs and caried them to the turnbuckles Zero threw Skyler into the steps. Zero grabbed Ali but Ali thwarted him. However, Zero leapt over the steps to the top turnbuckle and hit the superplex. All four men were writhing on the mat. All four got to their knees, removed the tape and started to beat on each other on the mat.

Hotch dropped Ali but was meet with a clothesline from Zero. Skyler hit a Tornado DDT off the ropes on Zero. Skyler hit the ropes but Zero grabbed him and hit the chokebomb. Zoer tried the same on Hotch but Hotch escaped and hit a superkick. Hotch put Zero on his shoulders and hit an airplane spin Blue Thunder Bomb. Hotch climbed to the top as did Ali. Hotch hit a double stomp on Zero but Ali hit the 450 on Hotch; however, Hotch managed to cradle Ali after the impact and got the pin and the victory.

Post-Match: Silva celebrated the victory and we get highlights of the final moments of the match. Hotch made it to the floor and celebrated with his wife and daughter.

We go immediately to the next match and a hype package (most of it from last Thursday’s Impact) for the TNA Knockouts World Title:

TNA Knockouts World Title: Xia Brookside vs. Indi Hartwell (with special referee Mickie James)

James is actually out first as the crowd showed its appreciation. Hartwell is next and is focused. We get a Sith-Lord (sorry, @night) chryon as Brookside made her way to ringside, forgoing her blue-themed gear with red and black (alliance with NOW Wolfpac?) Hannifin made reference to the battle the two had on NXT this past Tuesday during the number one contender battle royale.

An “Indi wrestling” chant emerged as Brookside tried to silence the crowd. James called for the bell. Brookside continued to taunt Hartwell. Hartwell was the aggressor and Brookside found solace in the ropes repeatedly. Hartwell took down Brookside and landed a big boot on her. Hartwell mauled Brookside in the corner and bulldogged her out of the corner for a two count.

Hartwell threw Brookside out of the ring. Hartwell tried to bring her back but Brookside grabbed the challenger and draped her over the ropes. She pulled Hartwell over the top rope but Hartwell rammed Brookside into the apron and hit an uppercut and other big boot on the apron.

Brookside did eventually get the upper hand when she ran Hartwell into the ringpost. She followed it with a vertical suplex on the floor. Brookside continued to attack Hartwell on the floor and on the mat. She mauled her on the mat and started to jaw with James. Brookside removed a turnbuckle pad but James stopped her. Brookside continued to attack Harwell in the corner. She hit the Fallen Angel (Meteora) and then a Russian Legsweep for a two count, Brookside continued to work the arm. Brookside put the boots to Hartwell as a loud “let’s go, Indi” chant emerged (which turned into a dueling chant with “let’s go, Xia.”)

However, a second Meteora attempt missed and Indi went back on the offense. He avoided a Brookside charge and hit a series of standing clotheslines in the corner and a running one out of the corner. A spinebuster got a two-and-a-fraction. Brookside tried a hurincanrana out of the corner but Hartwell blocked it and turned it into a powerbomb for a two count. Hartwell got Brookside into position but Brookside escaped before Hartwell could connect with a flying elbow smash.

Brookside grabbed her title and made it up the rampway. Hartwell stopped her with a running boot and threw her into the ring. NOW, Hartwell climbed to the top but Brookside moved and Hartwell hit nothing but the title belt (dragged into the ring.) Brookside hit the Code Breaker on the belt for a two count. Brookside started to taunt and paintbrush Hartwell. She started to jaw with James but James responded with a punch. Hartwell covered her for two-and-a-fraction. Hartwell tried for the Hurts Donut (full nelson facebuster) but Brookside pushed her into the exposed turnbuckle. Brookside hit the Darkside (DDT) for a two count

Brookside was apoplectic and tried another one. However, Hartwell pushed her into the exposed turnbuckle. NOW, Hartwell climbed to the top and connected with the elbow smash. AND NOW, we get the Hurts Donut for the win and title change.

Post-Match: Hartwell was genuinely moved as James and Silva presented her the belt and Rewholdt reiterated the childhood dream storyline for Hartwell. Hartwell celebrated on the turnbuckles as the crowd cheered for her.

We go back to the announce table and get some hype for the Moose open challenge. Rehwoldt said one of the hottest free-agents in wrestling answered the challenge.

Moose Open Challenge: Moose vs…………………………Max Caster

Moose is first (with Lightning themed color scheme) to a loud pop and chant to the chorus of his theme. Caster is next and we get the rap intro. He referenced glory holes, Moose’s lisp and his bald spot.

Moose tried for sportsmanship but Caster wasn’t having it. Moose backed Caster into the corner but Caster reversed it and started to beat on Moose. He did some hip thrusts in Moose’s face and Moose took umbrage with it. He shoved Caster to the mat and then dropped him with a shoulderblock off the ropes. Caster responded with a pop-up inverted atomic drop and a seated dropkick. Caster got the crowd clapping but Mosoe threw him to the floor. Moose leapt but Caster evaded it. He shoved Moose into the ring steps.

Caster grabbed a chair under the ring. He used it to launch himself into a dropkick on Moose whilst on the ring steps. Back in the ring, Caster hit a cross bodyblock from the top rope for a two count Moose, though, blocked two vertical suplex attempts and launched Caster into the turnbuckles. Moose did the same thing on the other side of the ring.

Caster climbed to the top rope but Moose grabbed him and hit the Go to Hell (chokebomb) for a two count. Moose chopped away on Caster and slugged him to the mat. Moose grabbed a chinlock and cinched it. Caster got to his feet but Moose continued his onslaught. The two traded shots and superkicks but Moose backdropped Caster onto the apron. Caster landed on his feet and hit a springboard kick for a two count after snapping Moose on the ropes.

Caster climbed to the top again but Moose rolled to the floor and flipped off Caster. However, Caster went to the apron and hit the Mic Drop (flying elbowsmash) from the apron to the floor. In the ring, Moose was thrown into the corner but Moose moved and a flying splash hit nothing but turnbuckle and Caster crashed to the floor. Moose charged Caster but Caster backdropped Moose into the ring steps.

Caster went to the floor and threw Moose into the ring. Caster tried another suplex but Moose blocked it and threw Caster into the ring post. Moose put Caster on the top rope and chopped Caster and hit the superplex (bit of a struggle but he got it.) However, Caster quickly hit a vertical suplex and tried for a pin but Moose quickly escaped and started to..Moose up. He hit a headbutt and then the urinagi/senton spot. Moose measured Caster but Caster clotheslined Moose to block the Spear. A backslide was reversed and Caster reversed a powerbomb with hurincanrana for a two count.

Caster dropped Mosoe with a clothesline (with the Shawn Michaels sell) for a two count. He slammed Caster and went to the top for a Mic Drop but Moose got his knees up. Moose got to his feet and now we Hit the Stick (Spear) for the win.

Post-Match: We get the final moments replayed as Rehwoldt extolled Caster’s efforts. However, Moose acknowledged Caster, got him to his feet and NOW sportsmanship was observed.

We go backstage to Kazarian and Styles. Kazarian talked about winning the Gauntlet match three years in a row. He talked about cashing it in last year and beating Mike Santana for the TNA World Title. But now, it’s about the future of TNA and when he calls his shot, it will be for the TAG TEAM titles with Styles.

We see the footage of Syx’s (or SyX’s) attacks and the rampant accusations of who did it. We the reveal of Sam Shaw and Joseph Sawyer as the culprits and the match being made….next.

SyX vs. The Hardys

SyX is first wit the strobe lights and the American Psycho rain jackets. They immediately see a table and dismantle it with an axe that Shaw brandished. We get the Hardys next (Matter of Fact – Matt has broken 2134 tables in his career. You can stop any time, now.) Jeff and Matt enter with their own themes before cutting to the Hardys team theme. They don’t wait for Mitchell to finish as the teams immediately start to brawl in the rampway. Matt threw Sawyer into the apron and Jeff threw Shaw into the ringpost and hit a sliding dropkick.

Matt slugged both as Jeff got the stairs into the position. Jeff ran and leapt (sort of) to hit a flying clothesline on Shaw and Sawyer. A huge “hardy” chant emerged as they hit the Poetry in Motion and the Side Effect on Shaw for a two count. They hit the double back elbow off the ropes on Swyer and followed it with the fist drop/ body splash combination. They grabbed chairs under the ring and slugged both members. SyX rallied and grabbed the chairs . They attempted to suplex the Hardys but the Hardys reversed (Sawyer had his chair upside and went into the spokes of it.) The Hardys hit a double hiptoss on Shaw into another chair (right side up.)

The teams fought on the floor as Shaw ran Matt into the ringpost and Sawyer and Matt brawled. It being Falls Count Anywhere, they immediately went to the upper mezzanine and into the concourse. Security rapidly tried to keep pace as they brawled near the merchandise table. Matt slugged SyX down as Jeff grabbed a chair. Jeff climbed a flight of stairs and hit a bannister slide to drop Sawyer.

Shaw and Matt brawled in the arena and Matt ran Shaw into the barricade. Fortuitously, there was table nearby ad Jeff grabbed it. Matt DDT’s Shaw into the concrete floor. The Hardys set up a table and one next to it (what are the odds?) Jeff climbed the stairs as Matt put Shaw on the tables. Eff climbed to the next section (with foam Hardy fingers on his hands) and hit the Swanton Bomb on Shaw. Jeff went for the pin but Sawyer interrupted the pin.

The Hardys made it back to ringside and grabbed Sawyer. They hit the Plot Twist for a two count, Jeff waffled Sawyer with a chair. The two beat on Sawyer up the rampway as Jeff went backstage and grabbed a ladder – as did Matt. Jeff grabbed another table but Shaw managed to catch up to the teams and the four started to brawl on the rampway again. The Hardys hit Twists of Fate on SyX on the rampway. They set the tables accordingly next to the ladders and placed SyX on the tables. However, Eric Rowan (!! Actually, Eric Redbeard again…) emerged from backstage and clotheslined the Hardys. He chokeslammed Matt onto a table and powerbombed Jeff into a table. Sawyer and Shaw dragged Matt to ringside as Redbeard carried Jeff to the apron. Shaw and Sawyer hit a suplex/powerbomb combination on Jeff. Redbeard threw Matt into the ring. SyX hit their finisher from the WWE onto Jeff to get the pin and the win.

Post-Match: “Hell has opened up,” Hannifan said. Sawyer glowered at the camera. We get highlights of the conclusion as SyX stood triumphant in the ring.

We get another ad for “30 second takedown” and then go to Santino Marella. He said he is concerned about the “Hard Boys” (hey, now..) because Thursday, they are celebrating the 35^th anniversary of the Hardys in wrestling and will be in charge of Impact. They will do everything as Marella is going to put his feet up and relax. He talked about Rae being suspended and hope it’s forever, We got one match left – and here we go.

We get the tale of the tape and go to the main event (after a highlight package that replayed last week but it is really good:))

TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth vs. Leon Slater

We get a special intro for Slater (previously known as Leon Blade in the UK.) We see footage of him as a kid as he wraps up his wrists and arms and put on his gear. Tonight, he takes everything: NOW, we get the music and the crowd chants with his theme. Hannifan talked about Slater’s promise five years ago that he would be a world champ in a decade.

We see Nemeth in the backstage area walking confidently through gorilla and to the rampway. Hannifin went over the platitudes of Nemeth. Rehwoldt said he is the definition of “professional wrestler” across the board.

The two paused and then locked. They traded arm locks. Nemeth wrapped Slater and took him down for an amateur takedown and a two count. Slater tried for the 10-punch turnbuckle spot but Nemeth eye raked him before he could complete it. Nemeth raked Slater’s forehead across the ring rope. Slater turned the tide with a rebound spin kick and then a handspring leaping back elbow. He clotheslined Nemeth over the ropes and tempted the “Big Play Slater” leap over the turnbuckles. Nemeth moved but Slater caught himself and perched himself on the top turnbuckle. He dropped Nemeth with a flying bodypress to the floor.

Nemeth tried to stem the tide and threw Slater into the ring steps. However, Slater leapt over them. He ran back and leapt off the steps and hit a flying forearm to Nemeth. Slater threw Nemeth into the ring. Slater paused for a moment and ran back into the ring. Nemeth recovered and hit the Fame-asser for a two count. He followed it with the Rude Awakening standing neckbreaker for another two count,

Slate tried to rally but Nemeth attacked the knee of Slater. He grabbed a chinlock and cinched it as the crowd tried to rally for Slater. Slater got to his feet but Nemeth continued to beat on the challenger. Nemeth posed for the crowd and taunted him, giving Slater time to recover and hit a standing dropkick. Slater hit a series of punches and a flying kick off the ropes and hit a running big boot in the corner. Slater climbed to the top and leapt. However, Nemeth moved but Slater landed on his feet. Nemeth struck and kicked Slater. However, Slater stopped a whip to the ropes and came back with a spinning kick and a flying bodypress off the top rope for another two count.

Slater tried to go to the turnbuckles but Nemeth grabbed his leg. Slater tried to hit a back suplex but Nemeth blocked that and started to slug Slater. Slater threw Nemeth into the ropes and lifted him but Nemeth reversed what Slater attempted into a sleeperhold. Slater collapsed in the middle of the ring. Nemeth wrapped the legs but Slater fought through it and got to his feet. He dropped Nemeth on his back and slowly climbed to the top rope. However, Nemeth recovered and hit the ropes, sitting Slater on the top turnbuckle. Nemeth climbed the top rope and taunted the fans. He tried a superplex but Slater escaped and yanked Nemeth’s leg, straddling the champion on the top rope.

Slater picked up Slater and hit the Utopia (airplane spin slam) for a two count. Slater measured Nemeth and tried a leg lariat. Nemeth evaded it and attempted a superkick which Slater evaded. Slater yanked Nemeth to the mat and grabbed him. Nemeth reversed it and tried for a powerbomb. Slater went over Nemeth for a sunset flip but Nemeth sat on Slater for a two count. The two took turns on near falls but Nemeth escaped and hit a leaping DDT for two-and-a-fraction.

Nemeth and Slater took turns blocking the other’s suplex attempts. Nemeth tried a rollup but Slater reversed it. The two went back to suplex attempts and eventually Slater and Nemeth spilled over the top rope to the floor. Nemeth made it to his feet and into the ring first. Slater got a hand from someone in a Vincent cosplay and his friend. Slater just beat the count and made it to the ring.

The two went nose for nose and traded punches in the “yeah/boo” spot. However, Nemeth landed a superkick for two-and-a-fraction. A “This is awesome” chant emerged as Nemeth posed in the ring. Nemeth hit a series of elbowdrops and then climbed to the top rope and hit a flying elbowdrop. However, Slater rolled up Nemeth for two-and-a-fraction. On his feet, Slater attempted another handspring flying elbow but Nemeth caught him and hit the Skull Crushing Finale (calling it by Miz’ name and not TNA founder Jeff Jarrett’s “The Stroke” was a choice by Hannifan.) Nemeth got to his feet and tried another Fame-Asser for a two count,

Nemeth got to his feet and cued up for a superkick. Slater blocked it but Nemeth landed another one. Slater no sold it and landed two superkicks of his own. Nemeth crumpled in the corner and Slater made his way to the top rope. Slater hit the Swanton 450 for two-and-a-fraction. Slater tried another one but Nemeth got his knees up and Slater crashed into them. Nemeth rolled up Slater but Slater escaped after two-and-a-fraction.

Nemeth got himself riled and went nose-to-nose again with Slater. Nemeth headbutted Slater and hit the Danger Zone for another two-and-a-fraction. Nemeth tried to get himself riled again. He charged Slater but Slater caught him for the Blue Thunder Bomb. Nemeth rolled to the floor and Slater hit the Big Play Slater leap over the corner and dropped Nemeth. Slater rolled Nemeth into the ring but Nemeth kept rolling to escape Slater as he climbed the top rope. Slater leapt and went three-quarters across the ring to hit a flying splash. Slater climbed to the top rope and we get another Swanton 450 and the Youngest in Charge is now just that.

Post Match: Silva awarded the belt to Slater. We get highlights of the closing moments and then see Slater celebrating in the corner. Hannifin said a star has been born before our very eyes. Slater howled in the corner one more time as we go off the air

Impactful Discourse:

One: This was a mixed bag of results. I found most of them sensible. The most important one is that Slater is now the World Champion. In a industry that features a lot of veterans and retreads as champions, I do give TNA credit for giving it to someone as young as Slater. That being said, TNA was in the same position last year. Admittedly, Santana was much older than Slater but it was something new. Santana was someone novel and had a tremendous backstory -as does Slater. They rope you in with their interviews and talk you into the arena (as much as that happens in TNA.) I know we talk about contracts and what not but they had something with Santana and Joe Hendry and let them go. Back up the truck for this guy and stay with something fresh. It is truly amazing to see someone check all the boxes this quickly.

Two: I found myself enjoying the main event and the Knockouts Tag Match the best of the matches. Baszler and Serrano have such an old-school feel to them that I started to really enjoy what they were doing in the ring. I am a bigger fan of both of them than most but I really enjoy the PFC (or whatever they dub themselves.)

Three: The shame of it is there are very few women’s tag teams and fewer face teams. They could be the types to go to other areas and challenge their champs. They were that fluid in the ring. They have the whole package and if Rae serves as manager, that makes it even better. Find some talent and some teams to challenge because they really have something here (so did the WWE but, well, you know….)

Four: Having the faces win all but the tag titles (we’ll get to men’s titles in a moment) was an interesting choice. The crowd went home happy but we paint ourselves into corners. Did Amazing Red have to win the X-Division Title? You have now have four solid competitors that run the risk of treading water. It was a face heavy match; so, unless someone is turning heel, this strikes me as the worst choice. TNA can’t help themselves and fall in love with nostalgia but this might not have been the optimal choice. I still think Navarro could be a solid X-Division prospect. Don’t waste these talents. It also clogs the lane for…..

Five: Sosa. Sosa looked great in the match tonight (shout out to Edwards for working with him. Hopefully, Alisha being carried by Eddie was just storyline purposes.) Sosa checked all the boxes and we have another Slater waiting in the wings. But what does he do now? He won his point tonight and “belongs in TNA.” The bookers and writers better have something good on the horizon as we head to the end of the year.

Six: It seemed only fitting that Redbeard/Rowan would show up with Sawyer and Shaw. He does add a dimension to the company – it has been a minute since we had a legit monster heel – a scary one at least. Rowan/Redbeard gives the company something and if it gets to the point, he challenges Slater or even Hotch, you have a David vs. Goliath scenario ready made for booking.

Seven: The team is okay. The over the top matches don’t impress me and the Hardys seem way past expiration date; yet fans still love them. I feel for the Righteous because this could have easily been them. However, it’s a new, shiny toy that people know far more than the Righteous. New teams could help replenish this so that we don’t have Hardys vs SyX with the regularity of drawing vowels in Scrabble. When one team is “okay,” and the other is running on fumes, it makes for a tough sell.

Eight: Hartwell still has that weird chemistry that helps her bond with fans in the arena and in TNA. I don’t get it but if that what the people want, so be it. At least you have a split with a face champ (Hartwell) and a heel champ (M by Elegance) holding the two main singles Knockout titles. Brookside did a competent job carrying the division but started to run out of gas toward the end. I think. Give her some more seasoning and a new feud and see if she can add more layers and dimensions to her character. She made good leaps and bounds during the heel turn.

Nine: I am not enamored with the thought of the By Elegance Brand feuding with the other. It seems like such a disparity. However, I have been wrong before and maybe Heather could hold her own. M has some new challengers that might lead to quality matches such as…

10: Gabby Forza. You could do the bullying angle that is tried and true but needed a newer touch to it. I am still wowed by the power of Forza. That was incredible to watch her. She also connects with the audience in her feats of strength. Hold on to her and let’s see where this goes.

11: I got really nervous about Kazarian winning until he talked about the tag titles with Styles. This adds a new level one of two ways. One, Kazarian could string him along and fill his head with ideas and then cut the legs under him (we could feasibly get a match between him and A J Styles which would be something for the nostolgia fans and be the “final match” for Styles.) The second thing is see Kazarian become a face, which I cannot remember off the top of my head he has ever done.

12: The Caster appearance was interesting. The rap was awful and retread of his old hits but he didn’t do terribly bad in the ring (although most of that was possibly Moose.) The sportsmanship being observed might be Caster returning to a face role or having more of a future with Moose.

13: I think I could get on board with Hudson joining the Righteous. It gives her something and she needs something to distinguish her – at least something consistent and gives her depth to her character work.

14: Francis looked great and showed that he could be serious and funny. I was hoping to see him in the title hunt with Expressions as the hype guy but it might too late (or he is just comfortable where he is.)

15: The Order Four match was what one would expect. The gratuitous intergender violence notwithstanding, I was hoping to see more of Zero do his thing in the match. Ali is now free to pursue the X-Division or the World Title, even. Slater and Ali would be extraordinary and something that should happen sooner vs. later. Skyler made a decent accounting of himself as a solo act, unless he finds someone to team.

16: Ultimately, we have a bunch of new stars that could fill a roster. As we head to the end of the year and to next year. The question becomes one that seems to haunt TNA time after time: Do they have the writing and booking talent to keep the youngsters vested or do they stay as the Montreal Expos and let the young talent move to bigger teams and hold on to the stale acts that seem to haunt the company. With the new TV deal, it seems like it’s a slam dunk but yet the TV ratings stay the course and the tickets to events have declined from last year’s record hauls.

Lastly: Even with the weird audio cutout of the announcers (c’mon, TNA; you’re better than this – I think,) Rehwoldt and Hannifan are stars. Rehwoldt had his moment tonight and the before promo and Jedi hand wave (sorry again, Night) of his elimination was just comedy gold.

Keep Fighting the Good Fight.