TNA Impact Review – October 22, 2026

Okay, we are set and ready to go with another episode of Total Nonstop Action on AMC, once again in Dothan, Alabama. Our lead in movie was Lake Placid, but there is nothing calming about this action. Here to describe it is Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt. McKenzie Miller has the dulcet, mellifluous tones to let us know who is who in the ring. Sadly, still no Gia Miller.  We made it past the Hardy’s party of self-congratulations and ready to get back to things. The stars didn’t fall on Alabama, but they are here and so are you. So, sit back, relax, don’t agitate giant alligators and get ready for some Total Nonstop Analysis. Shall we? We shall.

(Side note: A shout out to those my fellow peers who provide content on this site. We all really do appreciate the reads and comments. Keep providing them – and  me – the love and respect they richly deserve. Thank you. AND NOW….our feature presentation.)

There’s no previous highlights, just our singer of the show’s theme who is still just ready for you (and me, presumably.)

We get the intro and go right to the reappearance of Daria Rae who is back from (makes gesture) ACTING suspension. She reintroduces herself and we go 1.2 seconds before we get the catchphrase. Do you know what’s worse than standing here with all these disgusting humans? Sitting at home and watching Indi Hartwell and Santino Marella ruin her show. The elephant in the room is Hartwell concocted an evil, calculated jealous plan with Marella to ruin her. She doesn’t blame them – look at them and then look at her. She is the best authority figure in wrestling. She is taking TNA to heights never before seen. And she will continue to do  that, so get used to her. She wants to be transparent and said Hartwell would never have the title if Rae was there.

That brought out Hartwell to a good pop. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talked about the match and Mickie James as the special referee. Hartwell made it into the ring with a loud “Indi” chant. She welcomed Rae back and no one missed her. Hartwell thought the time away would humble Rae but she is still the jaded, miserable bitter person she always was. She can blame her or Marella or anyone in the building. While she was sitting at home, Hartwell became Knockouts champion.

Rae said to enjoy it while she can because it won’t last long. Hartwell asked why and if she was going to slap Hartwell again. Rae that is not the case because Xia Brookside has a rematch clause and will enact it right now and here. Hartwell does not have time to change because here is the Sith-inspired new introduction for Brookside heralding the former champion. She headed straight to ringside saying the title will be hers. That match will be next…after the break.

TNA Knockouts World Title Match: Indi Hartwell vs. Xia Brookside

We come back to the bell ring and Brookside immediately attacked Hartwell. Hartwell got her bearings and the two went after each other in the corner and on the mat after a Thesz Press by Brookside. Hartwell missed a charge into the corner. Brookside beat on Hartwell in the corner but Hartwell reversed a whip to the turnbuckles and came back with a shoulder block off the ropes. On the apron, Hartwell hit a forearm uppercut and two running boots that sent Brokside to the floor.

Brookside took her time on the floor and grabbed the belt. Hartwell got on the floor and hit another running n big boot to rescue the belt. However, Brookside grabbed Hartwell’s arm and threw her into he apron. Brookside continued to run Hartwell into the apron.  And then grabbed an arm lock and ran Brookside into the ring steps. She set het Hartwell’s hand on the ring steps and stomped it.

Back int the ring, Brookside worked the hand on the corner with her boot. She whipped Hartwell to the floor by her arm. Brookside continued to work the hand and the arm, stretching it on the mat with her legs. Brookside continued to work on the arm as Hartwell go to her feet; Brookside grabbed the arm and dropped it on her knees on the mat. Brookside continued to work the arm and the hand.

Hartwell tried to rally but Brookside still attacked the arm and ran Hartwell into the turnbuckle. However, Hartwell avoided a Brookside charge and rallied with a back elbow and a big boot on a charging Brookside. A series of clotheslines dropped Brookside and a spinebuster off the ropes got a two count. Hartwell tried for the Hurts Donut (full nelson facebuster) but her arm could not hold it and Brookside again countered with an armbar, pulling back for extra leverage.

A Codebreaker got another two count for Brookside. She kept screaming that it was her title. Brookside tried to hit the Darkside (DDT) but Hartwell escaped and rallied again with a big boot off the ropes. AND NOW, we get the Hurts Donut for the win.

Post-Match: We get the final moments replayed as Hartwell held the title high in the ring, acknowledging the fans. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, Rae reappeared on the rampway with her arms crossed. Hartwell jawed at Rae but Rae remained silent. If you bet The Apex (Shayna Baszler and Zoey Serrano) were sneaking behind Hartwell to attack – enjoy your winnings. The two mauled Hartwell on the mat. Serrano picked up Hartwell and hit the Z360 into the Kirifuda Clutch that sent Hartwell to unconciousville. Rae smiled on the rampway as Serrano and Baszler stood over her and held the Knockouts title over her and promptly dropped it on her.

We go to a slightly happier backstage segment as TNA World Champion Leon Slater said he is feeling good. He is beginning to feel like a broken record because he keeps saying he is the youngest TNA World Champion of all time. He is heading to his first defense of the title at Destination X against Trey Miguel, a man he respects. They are both very similar. If he knows Miguel, he is ready to risk it all at Destination X and put it all on the line. If Miguel is not walking with that fire and energy, then he could not be……

But, here is Miguel who walked into the shot. Miguel asked him to finish his thought. Slater finished it and said he couldn’t be more wrong. The two laughed and hugged. Miguel propped up Slater and talked about how Amazing the match will be. They were going to get ready to watch the main event –  Jason Hotch vs. Mustafa Ali (two out of three falls.) Before they left, Miguel asked one question, do you know how many one-on-one chances he had at the title? One, and it was a long time ago. He is not sure when or if he will get another one. Just know, Miguel will do what ever it takes to win the TNA World Title. Slater said he is counting on it. They shook hands and headed off frame together.

We get the rundown of the card and we get an X-Division four-way number one contenders’ match…after the break.

We come back to Destination X hype (live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on November 15.) We also get another ad for IAMALS.ORG/Rebel to help in the fight against ALS. We also go backstage to a crying Brookside. She said she had everything she ever wanted and now, doesn’t know who she is anymore or she is supposed to be. She put her hands down and grabbed…a flower. She had a blank look on her face and then headed off frame, leaving her robe on the floor by the garage door..oooohhh, boy.

Four Way Match for X-Division Number one Contender Match: Fabian Aichner vs. Cedric Alexander vs. K C Navarro vs. Rich Swann

Aichner is out first with “Vini, Vidi, Vici” trumpeting his entrance. Hannifan and Rehwoldt talked about the X-Division Scramble match at Bound For Glory that lead to Amazing Red’s title. The warning buzzer and Alisha Edwards telling us “you can’t beat the System” precede Alexander’s appearance and walk to the ring as Hannifan explained that the “contractual rematch” during the scramble match at BFG didn’t count for Alexander. Navarro is next and Hannifan talked about his performance during the BFG match. Swann is last and gets the crowd riled with his dancing and his introduction.

All four great right to work as Navarro hit a hurincanrana off the ropes and over Aichner. Aichner hit a springboard reversed bodypress off the ropes on Swann and Navarro. Alexander dropped Aichner with a German Suplex and followed it with a seated dropkick. Swann and Navarro went after Alexander and sent him to the apron with a double big boot. However, Aichner snuck from behind and attempted to lift both. However, they escaped and double superkicked Aichner to the mat.

Navarro hit Swann with his one superkick. Alexander threw Aichner into the ring steps and then got back into the ring. He threw Navarro into the ropes but was hit with a  Tornado DDT for his efforts. Whilst on the mat, Navarro fell prey to a backflip moonsault by Swann for a two count. Swann got the crowd riled and threw Navarro into the ropes. However, Navarro caught himself and tripped Swann. Swann was draped on the ropes and gave Navarro a chance to attempt the 305 (a 619 but over the ropes.) However, Swann moved but Navarro landed on his feet. He sent Swann reeling with a shoulderblock and then hit a sunset flip over the ropes for a two count.

Navarro continued his offense with a two count form a slingblade off the ropes. Alexander tried o interfere but got rolled up for a two count. Alexander and Navarro traded go behinds but Alexander got Navarro on is shoulders and hit a Death CALLEY Driver for a two count until Aichner interrupted the pin. Aichner hit a series of chops and kicks. He also blocked a big boot off the ropes with a clothesline. Aichner and Alexander brawled on the floor as Aichner threw Alexander into the ringsteps.
By this point, Navarro recovered and dropkicked Aichner back to the floor when he tried to enter the ring. Swann waited for Navarro and hit a reverse kick and then attempted a powerbomb. Navarro reversed that into a hurincanrana for a two count. Navarro hit a kick in the corner and got Swann on the turnbuckles. Navarro climbed to the top to sueprlex him but Aichner interrupted and climbed the turnbuckles. However, Navarro escaped and he and Swann kicked Aichner. Aichner tried to hold on but Swann and Navarro hit a double Powerbomb.

As Swann and Navarro celebrated, Alexander got back into the ring and threw Swann to the floor. “Prime” beat on Navarro in the corner and put the boots to him. Alexander continued to maul Navarro on the corner, screaming that Navarro wanted more (the crowd started to chant “one more time.”) Alexander thumbed Navarro in the eye. Alexander sent Navarro to the ropes (after a nice feint from a chop into a shot to the ribs.) Navarro booted Alexander and attempted a springboard leap but Alexander got him on his shoulders.

As Alexander tried to send Navarro to the mat, Swann climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a top rope bulldog on Navarro. Aichner got back in the ring and tried to throw Swann out of the ring. However, Swann blocked it with hit his head and came back with a rope-assisted back roll to avoid “Il Gladiatore” and nailed a roundhouse kick that folded Aichner. However, Aichner responded with a tile-a-whirl backbreaker off the ropes.

Navarro hit the ropes and sent Aichner to the ropes with a hurincanrana and NOW we get the 305. Navarro avoided an Alexander charge into the corner but the former X-Division champion caught Navarro on his shoulders after a springboard leap attempt. Navarro escaped and hit the ropes and attempted another tilt-a-whirl DDT but Alexander blocked it, lifted Navarro and sent him crashing to the mat.

It was Swann’s turn at bat and he hit a backfist and a series of chops to send Alexander reeling. Swann hit a kick  and hit the ropes but Alexander caught him with a Michinoku Driver. Alexander went for the pin but Aichner hit a double leap moonsault (cue the “got most of it” music drop via Maffew) for a two count until Navarro interrupted the pin.

Navarro attacked Aichner and hit the ropes. However, Aichner caught him and launched him forward and Navarro crashed into Alexnader in a fairly scary bump. Swann attempted to attack but Aichner lifted him into the Hasta La Vista (elevated Powerbomb.) Navarro dropkicked Aichner but Swann crashed on top of Navarro for a two count. Swann kicked Alexander on the apron. Swann leapt on the apron and attempted a Canadian Destroyer on the Apron but Alexnader blocked it and hit an STO on the apron.

Not to be outdone, Navarro climbed the turnbuckles and hit a twisting senton on the floor, dropping Swann and Alexander. And why not one more? Aichner leapt to the top turnbuckle and hit a cross  bodyblock on all three. Aichner threw Alexander into the ring and attempted another springboard move. However, Brian Myers and Bear Bronson  hit the ring. Alexander moved and Aichner was met with a Roster Cut (lariat) from Myers. Bronson got a Black Hole Slam off the ropes. Alexander climbed to the top (apparently botching the first attempt – not shown) but the second attempt hit perfectly and Alexander got the title and the number one contender position.

Post-Match: the final moments were replayed as Hannifan noted that Eddie Edwards was nowhere to be seen. Alexander continued to celebrate in the ring. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, Amazing Red’s music played and the X-Division champ made his way to the ringside. He and Alexander went eye-to-eye and started to jaw at each other.

We go backstage and see Tasha Steelz talking whilst a reflection of Agent Zero is seen in the background. She said Order Four is finished and everything that Ali built and controlled are gone. All his people are gone. Now, there’s only one more thing left. She extended her hand and Zero shook her hand. Steelz said mission accomplished and good luck in the future. She wanted Zero to kill him and she left the room. Zero glowered and then smiled as he headed out of the room.

We head out of the room but into the Ricky Sosa is out with a back injury from the ladder match against Moose. Miguel got the night off due to his efforts in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound for Glory and his match last week. Hotch received multiple bruises and cuts but is cleared for action (which is good because he is in the main event.)4

We go outside to see a crying Expressions being consoled by A J Francis. Francis knew he is still hurting. It was technically his fault they lost but how many people can say their first match was against The Hardys and Expressions isn’t’ event a wrestler. Who do they think they are? They should let it be “TNA J Francis” and let Francis run the show – he could do a far better job.

However, a laughing Mila Moore entered the shot. Francis asked why is she laughing? The fact that Francis thinks he could do a good job running the show. Francis said given the men she has been jumping around, she does not appreciate tall, dark and handsome. That brought John Skyler into the frame. For someone who brags about how much money he has, Francis is a dumb glutes. Next week, Moore will be laughing a lot when Skyler challenges Francis to a match.

Expressions spoke up and said after the best big man in the business beats Skyler, why doesn’t Moore get with a man that won’t hurt her neck when she looks down on him. Skyler grabbed Expressions’ arm and said it doesn’t matter if he is 5’6 or 6’5, after he beats Francis he might break Expressions in half and called him a pencil neck geek. Expressions and Francis headed off frame as Moore thanked him.

We see Frankie Kazarian and Avery Styles headed down a walkway (presumably en route to the next match.) they come across Matt and Jeff Hardy and Moose The Hardys congratulated Styles but Kazarian tried to shoo them away and said they got this. The Hardys and Moose warned Styles about Kazarian but the two headed away and to the next match….after the break.

We come back to more hype for Destination X in Edmonton and the main event of Slater vs. Miguel. We then go backstage to see the System hyping Alexander after his win. Eddie and Alisha Edwards  enter the shot as Bronson is encouraging Alexander and said the System look out for each other and glanced at the Edwards.

Eddie said if they have something to say – say it. Myers said it is all good but they were out there and he wasn’t. Edwards said Alexander won and it’s no big deal. Bronson and Edwards started to yell at each other. Myers said first it was Edwards shaking Sosa’s hand at BFG and now the no-show tonight. Edwards reiterated his points last week that Sosa deserved the win and that Alexander is one of the best in the world and he handled it. Eddie said everything is cool and the Edwards headed out of the shot. Alexander followed him and said Edwards wasn’t lying that Alexander is one of the best in the world. Myers and Bronson stood there fuming.

Joe Alonzo vs. Avery Styles (with Frankie Kazarian in tow)

Alonzo is out first and has mic in tow and welcomed us to Total Nonstop Alonzo. He can tell by the looks of people here in Alabama (exaggerated comedic accent present) that they don’t clean up after themselves. But fret not, they don’t have to. He is going to make sure that the “nepo baby” Styles pays his dues. Not only is Alonzo going to make him clean up after the “inbreds,” he is going to make sure he takes down the rings, barricades and finally take down the chairs.  They hate Joe Alonzo because they ain’t Joe Alonzo and that’s okay; because if he wasn’t Joe Alonzo, he’d hate Joe Alonzo, too.

Styles is next with Kazarian hyping him. Styles shook hands with the fans around ringside. Styles posed on the turnbuckles. Alonzo got the first offense with an armlock and then Styles got a headlock takeover broken by Alonzo with a headscissors. A loud “Let’s go Avery” chant emerged. Styles sent Alonzo to the ropes and then hit a nice dropkick off a series of crisscrosses. Styles dropped Alonzo with a kick and a leapfrog kick off the ropes. Alonzo sent Styles into the apron but Styles fended him Styles tempted the Phenomenal Forearm but Alonzo headed out of the ring to the floor,

Alonzo jawed with the fans and Kazarian but Styles headed to the floor and hit a flying forearm off the ringsteps. Styles threw Alonzo back into the ring and then climbed to the top rope. However, Alonzo knocked Styles to the mat. Alonzo put the boots to Styles in the corner and choked him on the ropes. Alonzo continued to beat on Styles as another “Lets go Avery” chant emerged. Alonzo kept on Styles with the “Most Dope” (springboard double axe handle) for a two count.

Alonzo grabbed a sleeperhold as Styles tried to get to his feet. Styles broke free and Alonzo hit the ropes only to be met with a Pele Kick from Styles. Styles rallied with a series of forearms and then a roaring forearm off the ropes. Styles hit another leaping forearm in the corner and followed it with a Fame-Asser. Styles hit a diving forearm for another two count. Styles look a little frustrated but got Alonzo on his shoulders. Alonzo escaped and Styles went to the apron for a phenomenal forearm. However, Alonzo met him with a Superkick for two-and-a-fraction.

Alonzo argued with the referee but continued to beat on Styles. A Styles Clash by Alonzo was blocked but Alonzo sent Styles to the mat. Alonzo got Styles on his shoulders but Styles escaped and went to the apron. Styles feinted the Phenomenal Forearm, which Alonzo bit, leapt and crashed to the mat. NOW, we get the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles climbed to the top and hit the Spiral Tap (a nice looking one, at that) for the win.

Post-Match: We get the highlights of the close as Styles celebrated on the turnbuckles.

We go backstage to see the By Elegance Brand (sans the Personal Concierge) talking. Heather looked a bit upset but M said the Brand is entering a new era; and, since Ash is still out. M is taking it upon herself to anoint herself leader of the Brand. And, she just got of the phone with a world-famous publicist (no name given) to be on the cover of a magazine (also unknown.) How great is that, asked M?
Before anyone could respond, Elayna Black entered the shot and sarcastically complimented the Brand. M asked her to leave and Black was but first, just one thing. It is odd that M has all this time to do magazines but not five more minutes in a match with Black. M said her time is money and she doesn’t have five minutes or five seconds to waste on her. She asked Heather if she is just going to stand there or is she going to say something to defend M.

Black tried to goad Heather into saying something but before she could, Jada Stone entered the shot. She said she had something to say; she was not 100 percent for the finals of the Knockouts TV tournament. So, it doesn’t matter if it is Black, Heather or anyone, she will get a match for the title.

That gave M an idea. She is going to challenge Stone next. Black was indignant but M said she was going to talk to Rae about the match. She asked Heather to follow her and she reluctantly did. Mr. Elegance tailed behind them. Stone told Black not to worry because she will get the first title shot after Stone wins it. Black said whatever since M is too scared to face her. The two stood there frustrated as we go to more hype for the rest of the card including an interview with Allie and Kiera Hogan….after the break.

We come back to some hype for the next taping cycle after Destination X in (say it with me) Calgary…Alberta..Canada. We also get the Rock Solid Moment of the Week brought to you by BlewChew. It’s Styles hitting the Spiral Tap on Alonzo.

We go back to Marella who has some announcements about Destination X. He only has a few moments since Rae is back and will soon try to wield her power here. We go over the Slater vs. Miguel match. There will also be not one, but two Destination X matches – one for the men and one for the Knockouts. Winner of the woman’s match will get a future world title match, same as the men. They are also bringing back the World Cup Matches with the 2026 World X-Cup. He excitedly hyped the card until Rae walked into the shot. She looked at him, shook her head and walked off the shot. Marella smiled sheepishly and then head back to the ring.

Allie is out first and shakes hands with the fan after striking her pose. Hogan is next wearing a tennis skirt and denim top. She seemed far demurer as Allie ebulliently hit the ring. Allie got the mic and started. She said Bound For Glory didn’t go the way they hoped it would go. They lost the titles. Hogan gave a brief side eye but Allie said no one is more disappointed they lost than her.

But if there is anyone who knows her should know she is not going to sit there feeling sorry for herself – and neither is Hogan. She called out the Apex for a rematch. And, she and Hogan are coming back for their titles stronger and better than ever.

Hogan got the mic and said “you finished?” The crowd knew where this was going to go. She reiterated if Allie was finished. Hogan is tired of her talking. She mimicked Allie’s last comments. That is Allie’s problem – she walks around like everything is sweet and okay. It’s not. They lost the titles due to Allie. Allie tried to rebut but Hogan silenced her. She was so happy to come back to TNA but was so tired of someone always smiling in her face whilst she carried the weight. Now, she sees why Rosemary was sent to the sanitarium. Allie is soft, weak and always the weak link on the team. Hogan didn’t come back to babysit her but to be a champ.

Honestly, she and Allie are done. Allie looked sad but Hogan continued. As matter of fact, Hogan said if you want it you can get it, though. Allie acted incredulous until Steelz hit the ring and she and Hogan put the boots to Allie. Rehwoldt talked about the reunion of Fire N’ Flava (former Knockouts Tag Champions.) Hogan hit the step up legdrop and Steelz climbed to the top and hit a Frog Splash. The two started to taunt the fans when the lights went out and suddenly Shotzi Blackheart bolted to the ring to even the odds. She took out  Hogan and Steelz as Steelz and Hogan retreated to the floor. Blackheart tended to Allie and the two teams jawed to each other.

We go backstage and see Harley Hudson walk into a room and wanted to talk to The Righteous. She asked if they had a minute. Vincent  said they gave her time and tried to help and rescue her. At this point, it feels like the wheels are just spinning in a circle. He is sick of it, her supporters are sick of it and it’s time she made up her mind. Hudson thanked them both for helping her and grateful. Vincent said appreciation isn’t what they are looking for but an answer- either she is Righteous or she isn’t. Next week, Dutch said that Vincent and Uncle Dutch need an answer. They walked off shot and Hudson stood there in distress.

We get a contractual rematch for the International Title and our main event…after the break.

We go back to hype for the upcoming events for the rest of the year, including stops in Edmonton, Calgary and El Paso to close the year. We go to a highlight from last week of the ladder match for the World Title shot at Destination X. Elijah was set to climb the ladder but Nic Nemeth hit the ring (non-entry in the match) and upended the ladder, sending Elijah crashing to the mat. We get a digital exclusive as Elijah attacked Nic backstage after the match. The usual gang of security fecklessly tried to separate the two as Elijah threw Nemeth out of the arena.

We go backstage to an interview with Elijah who is still angry about the events. Nemeth cost him a world title and for what? So, Nemeth could play God and walk in and walk out without consequence? That’s not how that works. Nemeth will reap what he sows and planted a serious problem. If he wants to stick his nose in Elijah’s business – congratulations, Elijah is Nemeth’s. He will find out that in TNA, they walk this Way.

With that, Ryan Nemeth entered the shot and asked if he played guitar. Ryan said he should see his new movie “Stranglehold.” In it, Nemeth plays guitar and shreds it. He started to play air guitar with his title. He also had a message from Nic. Ryan said his big baaarattthaaa was going to kick his glutes. Elijah shoved him aside and said he is going to have to kick both their glutes.

We get the tale of the tape for the main event:

International Title (two-out-of-three falls) match: Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch

Ali came first and looked derisively at the crowd. He then taunted the fans and headed to the ring and posed on the turnbuckles. Hotch is next with the camera effects. He made a beeline to the ring and started to jaw with Ali as we go to another commercial break.

We come back to the formal introductions and the bell ring. The two went eye-to-eye and jawed at each other. The two tried to gain an advantage in the corner but it was a stalemate. Ali grabbed a headlock and dropped Hotch with a shoulderblock off the ropes. Ali taunted the fans and the two went back to work with Hotch dropping Ali with a shoulderblock off the ropes. The two hit a series of crisscrosses on the ropes with Ali attempting to throw Hotch over the ropes to the floor. However, Hotch landed on his feet on the apron and shoulderblocked Ali. He flipped over Ali into the ring but Ali chopped Hotch. Hotch responded with a dropkick off the ropes that sent Ali to the floor. Hotch followed with a missile dropkick off the turnbuckles to send Ali from the apron back to the floor.

Hotch continued the attack on the floor. Hotch slammed Ali into the ringsteps. He picked Ali on the apron and attempted a piledriver on the apron but Ali blocked it and hit a karate thrust to the throat. Hotch fended Ali but Hotch tried for a moonsault and Ali caught him. Ali hit a German Suplex on the apron and Hotch crumpled to the floor. Ali posed on the floor and started to jaw to Hannifan and Rehwoldt within earshot of the mic. Ali said Hotch and his family brought this on themselves. He booted Hotch on the floor and threw Hotch to the ring.  Ali stalked Hotch and hit the rolling neckbreaker through the ropes for a two count.

Ali badmouthed Hotch in the corner and chopped Ali in the corner. Hotch finally started to rally when an Ali charge was met with a boot in the corner. He followed it with a back elbow but Ali yanked Hotch to the floor when “Top Notch” climbed the turnbuckles. Ali got an armlock but Hotch fought out of it but a back elbow ended the momentary rally. Ali got  a second rolling neckbreaker through the ropes for another two count.

Ali eye raked Hotch and taunted the fans again. Hotch tried to get a quick small package pin for a two count until Ali regained the advantage. Ali jawed with the fans on the apron. Ali tried for another rolling neckbreaker but this time Hotch reversed it with a DDT. Hotch started to rally and beat on Ali. The two traded backslides and rollups for two counts. Ali countered another backslide for a rollup victory for the first fall.

Hotch tried to attack to start the second fall but Ali fended him. A bellcalp landed for Ali but an Ali clothesline off the ropes was reversed into an enziguri. Ali went to the floor but Hotch hit the ropes and leapt between the ropes and dove on Ali. Hotch threw Ali into the ring and climbed to the top rope but Ali rolled out of the ring. Hotch ran the ring and leapt over the ropes and (barely) hit a moonsault off the turnbuckles to the floor.

Hotch continued to beat on Ali and repeatedly slammed him into the apron. Ali tried to recover by the table with the title. Hotch went after him but Ali walloped him with the belt. That earned the ire of the referee who disqualified Ali evening the match.

Ali continued to attack  Hotch on the floor and choked him. Ali threw Hotch into the ring and got a series of two counts. Ali started to verbally accost the referee. Hotch and Ali reversed each other’s suplex attempts but Ali pushed Hotch into the referee on his reversal. The ref dropped to the mat and Hotch tended to her. Ali took the time to hit a low blow. Hotch crumpled to the mat and Ali – as he did previously in matches – grabbed Hotch’s belt and whipped Hotch with it.

Hotch rallied again and blocked a belt shot. He slugged Ali and then grabbed the belt. He repeatedly whipped Ali in the ring and on the floor. Ali regained the advantage when he lifted Hotch and then sent him backwards into the ring post. Ali threw Hotch onto the apron. Ali climbed the turnbuckles and attempted the suplex spot from a previous match to the table on the floor. Hotch fended him but Ali landed on his feet. Hotch leapt but was met with a superkick.

Ali threw Hotch into the ring and climbed to the top for a 450 Splash. Hotch escaped but Ali rolled through it. Ali charged Hotch and Hotch hit a Spanish Fly. Both men writhed on the mat as Hotch crawled on top Ali for a two-and-a-fraction. A “This is awesome” chant emerged as both combatants got on their kènes and feet and traded shots. Hotch hit a flying forearm shot off the ropes. The two started to trade turnbuckle shots as Ali hit a dropkick and Hotch hit a running big boot. Ali tried a sliding charge but Hotch leapt over him. However, Ali grabbed Hotch and hit an overhead suplex into the turnbuckles.

Ali climbed to the top and attempted the 450 splash again but Hotch evaded it. Ali rolled through and charged Hotch but Hotch moved and Ali did the face first sliding turnbuckle spot. Hotch riled the crowd and got Ali on his shoulders and hit the Go to Sleep for the win.

Post-Match: Rae headed into the ring and presented Hotch the belt. Hotch was set to celebrate until Slater’s music played. He headed to the ring and got on the apron. He wanted to congratulate Hotch and remembered the control Ali had on him. He told Hotch that he doesn’t need him. That chapter is closed. He said look around the crowd and look at the champions. He said people would tell Slater and Hotch that they would have to wait their turn and get their turn sometime. That sometime is now and the world is ours. With that, the two posed on the turnbuckles as we go off the air…..

OR DO WE?  We get a jump cut promo from SyX. Sam Shaw reiterated the points that they won’t be satisfied until the Hardys die. Joseph Sawyer  said next week the Hardys step into their world. They’ll be waiting..

NOW, we go off the air.

Impactful Discourse:

One: I want to actually focus on the women first since a lot of moving parts started going in the Knockouts Division. There were some curious choices that moved the needle but not sure in which direction.

Two: As much as I thoroughly dislike the undead/spooky vignettes, I will say they did something right and work as a nice portent for the Hogan heel turn. That was a smart way to do it. The Hogan turn might feel like a bit of  a whiplash pivot (that comes in a bit,) but Hogan did a good job framing her argument and why it worked even without any breadcrumbs to lead us to this point. That was excellently done by Hogan.

Three: We also started to breathe some life into the Knockouts tag division with the return of Fire N’ Flava. I loved Steelz’s promo earlier with her amicable split with Zero. And now, we have another heel team. With them and Apex, that gives some depth. Throw in Allie and her partner and we have some life (more depth on the face side would be welcomed. ) But, this is a step in the right direction.

Four: The only downside was the re-intro of Blackheart. I am not a fan of hers and she strikes me as someone who takes unnecessary dives and spots that look dangerous and at times, really sloppy. She might be for some – and that’s fine. I just don’t see the upside as others do.

Five: Wither Rosemary?

Six: The slow burn of the By Elegance Brand continued at a nice pace with M being the Starscream of the Decepticons and Ash being Megatron/Galvatron. The bullying of Heather adds the touch needed. M has all the tools, as we mentioned repeatedly here. I am curious if we get some appearance by Ash in the process. The key is if Heather can be play the David to M’s (almost literal) Goliath?

Seven: I read the spoilers so I won’t ruin it but I do enjoy the games the Righteous are playing on Hudson. This has been the best embodiment of her underdog persona. They are breaking her mentally and gaslighting her into a decision. The little girl lost is a great role for her but now a new person has entered the chat…

Eight: The Brookside match seemed abrupt as was her meltdown backstage. If this goes as I think the spoilers (and hint at the end of her post match tantrum) indicate, this seemed a little too swerve-laden and a whiplash to feel where this is going, I think.. I am curious how they would write this into play and how it co-insides with Hudson’s pathos.

Nine: Black as a tweener seems like an interesting fit but she really has to change the cadence of her mic segments. It actively draws away from what could be an intriguing character. For Stone, I hope the reps will be there for her and she can continue some improvements.

10:  Back to the Brand for a moment. I did forget to mention something last week and glad they brought it this week. I don’t know what happened with the Personal Concierge but they might have found a decent replacement with Expressions. He knows the business and how to convey the humorous manager/hype guy really well for Francis.

11. Styles had some crisp moves with some hesitation in the ring, which is to be expected. You can definitely some moments where you know he will be far more than just a “Nepo baby.” His spiral tap is just incredibly crisp.

12: Slater coming out to congratulate everyone seems consistent but keep thinking there is some hidden heel stuff to come out in the next year of his character.

13: I was disappointed Alexander went over in the X-Division match. I am a big fan of his but think there are some more intriguing storylines with Navarro or Aichner.

14: I wonder if we will get to the point where it becomes “this town isn’t big enough for two obnoxious jobbers” with Nemeth and Alonzo. It seems like a duplication of service but both are good at what they do.

15: I never realized how small Skyler is. Moore did tower over him. He vs. Francis is another “David vs. Goliath” matches which we have seen hundreds of times with Francis. This seems like wasting his talents.

16: So, what becomes of Ali? One would hope they keep him and he goes after Slater for the World Title. He is someone with all the boxes checked except world title holder. And, I think he would be a great one.

17: What also becomes of the System?  This almost has to be its final angle. They teased breakups and pared members but it just seems like filler unless something exciting happens.

Lastly: I can’t wait to see M on the cover of (insert name) magazine.

Fight the Good Fight