Welcome to this week's review of the latest TNA Impact Wrestling.
Quick Results are located at the bottom of this page!
TNA kicked things off from showing a video footage from week one of The Bound For Glory Series and briefly wrapping what happened up. For those of you who didn't know, the footage shows all 12 competitors brawling in the ring at the start of the show. It show's Anderson, Austin Aries, Christopher Daniels, Magnus and Jeff Hardy all picking up points with AJ Styles and Samoa Joe ending in a stalemate.
It then goes on to showing Sting kick starting the rebirth of Main Event Mafia along with the Bully and Hogan's storyline. It shows Sting discreetly meeting with an unknown figure in the shadows regarding the Mafia, only for that person to be revealed as none other than Kurt Angle.
In this episode of Impact Wrestling we see X-Division Champion, Chris Sabin put his championship on the line in a 3 way match up. It is also the return of TNA Gut Check, who will triumph in a fight to gain a TNA contract. There will also be the TNA Knockouts Championship as Velvet Sky finally gets her rematch against current reigning champion Mickie James.
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| Main Event Mafia, Sting TNA Impact Wrestling |
Kurt Angle then makes his way to the ring and starts off by telling the fans what they're looking at are two of the originals of the Main Event Mafia from nearly four years ago. He then goes on to explain the concept of what Main Event Mafia was about. This being that each member had to be a former World Heavyweight Champion and that they fought for power and that they fought for the World Heavyweight Title and that they did what they wanted when they and where they wanted and nobody could stop them.
Angle then went on to stating that unfortunately now that seems to be The Aces & Eights, except they stepped it up a whole other level and been more violent and vicious than anyone in this business has ever been. He then reminded because of them Sting can't wrestler for the World Heavyweight Title for the rest of his career and because of The Aces & Eights, Angle was screwed from The Bound For Glory Series amongst other things they've done to him. He mentions real family stick together and that this is the new and improved Main Event Mafia. Angle states that he and Sting are both Hall of Famers but that doesn't count for anything until they've done two things. Firstly destroy The Aces & Eights and secondly make sure Bully Ray loses to the World Heavyweight Title. Angle wraps things up by saying tonight they'll fight fire with fire and tonight they'll see the newest addition to the family.
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| Bully Ray, D.O.C & Anderson grabbing Chris Sabin TNA Impact Wrestling |
It then shows footage from the Ultimate X match at Slammiversary between Kenny King, Suicide and Chris Sabin which saw Chris Sabin become the new X-Division Champion.
It then goes backstage to Chris Sabin who is soon grabbed by D.O.C from The Aces & Eights and dragged into van and put against the wall by D.O.C and Anderson. Bully tells Sabin to relax and wants to wish him well in his match and for him to do the right thing and not cash in his shot at his title.
Kurt's Notes:
Personally I enjoyed the Main Event Mafia promo, some people may think Sting and Angle have had their time, but I still find it enjoyable watching them. I thought it was a good introduction of Angle and how he reiterated what Main Event Mafia is about, World Champions. I find it key that these two are in the Main Event Mafia, as they're main eventers and the only two TNA Hall of Famers. Good to know that there's going to be another addition which is going to keep fans intrigued and wondering who it is going to be.
An ok piece from Bully and co grabbing Chris Sabin, think it's a good thing that he is acknowledging that there's an opportunity of a title shot because of the X-Division Championship and I'm hoping it is Chris Sabin's turn. Unfortunately with the Bound For Glory Series and Main Event Mafia vs The Aces & Eights I can't see Chris Sabin staying in the title picture for long which is a shame.
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| Adam Ohriner TNA Gut Check Challenger |
Here we have it the first match of the night for the X-Division Championship. Out first are the challengers, both being former TNA X-Division Champions; Suicide and Kenny King. Then met by the champion Chris Sabin. To remind you all the winner of this match will be the one with the opportunity to cash the championship in at Destination X for a shot at Bully Ray's World Heavyweight Championship. It doesn't take long before these three competitors start flying about with drop kicks and fast paced manoeuvres. Early in the match we see Kenny King mocking Suicide doing his Spiderman like dive and hanging on the ropes. King is met by a suicide drop kick out to floor and followed up with a rolling flip from suicide.
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| New X-Division Champion, Suicide TNA Impact Wrestling |
Winner: Suicide, the new X-Division Champion
Kurt's Notes:
So the VT on Gut Check challenger Adam Ohriner was what it was. However to talk about the guy, he's a beast, hopefully he'll actually be able to wrestling and not just do the same powerhouse moves. Only time will tell on whether he gets a contract and if he has more than that. The fact he's only been wrestling for 2 years and has this opportunity is very impressive. The X-Division match didn't disappoint, I'm a huge fan of the X-Division. Although this wasn't the best X-Division match in history I still enjoyed watching with a slight twist. Due to the fact of 3 competitors in every match, you never know who is going to win but because of all the hype and tonight's promo with Chris Sabin, I was expecting him to defend. However Suicide got the win and became new X-Division Champion and now it looks like its going to be Suicide vs Bully Ray for the World Heavyweight Championship at Destination X.
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| TJ Perkins and Hulk Hogan TNA Impact Wrestling |
become X-Division Champion. It quickly goes backstage to Hogan who says he's giving the imposter till the end of the night to come and take off the mask and show everyone who he really is.
It then goes to footage for the second TNA Gut Check Challenger, 25 year old Ryan Howe. Howe is also a musician which is explained in his video footage. Howe is best known for his Tough Enough participation and wrestling for OVW. After winning his bracket he now only has one thing left to do impress against his Gut Check opponent and find out next week whether he will be getting a contract with TNA Impact Wrestling.
Now we have it, the Gut Check challenge and introduced first is Ryan Howe, who comes down to the ring playing his electric guitar, which seemed to interest the crowd. Outcomes the second challenger Adam Ohriner who is all business and just walks straight down to the ring with an intense feel to him. Ohriner understandably starts things with his size proving to be a factor throwing Howe about. For a big guy Ohriner is moving fast with his grapples as he rolls out of a roll up.
Ohriner in complete control of this match using a couple of his powerful moves; a vicious Irish Whip into the turnbuckle, Body Slam and a brutal Clothesline. Howe showing some heart as he manages to get the big guy down and get a 2 count after a combo of fast paced moves. Howe then went for what seemed to be his finished due to his reaction, which is reversed by Ohriner who follows up with a Power Slam and gained the victory.
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| Adam Ohriner and Ryan Howe in action TNA Impact Wrestling |
Winner: Adam Ohriner
Kurt's Notes:
Big twist at the end of the X-Division Championship match. I enjoyed this for a numerous of reasons, I've been wanting TJ Perkins in the X-Division for quite some while after seeing his appearance as Puma at TNA One Night Only Xtravaganza. Now that he is Suicide I'm happy with, now TNA will have a Suicide character nailed down. I also like the fact of who is the imposter? Who is the guy that will have the chance to cash in the championship and face Bully Ray for the World Title at Destination X. Ryan Howe, is the typical musician wrestler with the rock and roll gimmick however I like the fact he used this and played an electric guitar on the way to the ring. The guy certainly has a lot of charisma. The match wasn't too bad, but due to size and surprisingly speed, it was Ohriner that impressed me. This guy could be put to some good use in TNA. I'm hoping Ohriner gets given his TNA contract and comes up from OVW sooner rather than later depending on whether he can cut promos and has more moves in his locker.
It goes over to the backstage area where Sting is talking to Kurt Angle telling him it will be better this time round. It then goes to TJ Perkins in the locker rooms where he is joined by Bully Ray who tells him he is a hell of a wrestler and that he has a bright future and tells him that he's his friend. Bully then asks TJ whether Angle & Sting put him up to this tonight, that being someone else dressing up as Suicide. He then rephrased the question and asks if he positive that it wasn't them. TJ replies saying he was working towards a huge opportunity which got taken away from being jumped. TJ then tells Bully he doesn't know who did it before walking away.
A video package is aired which is showing the struggle that Velvet Sky has one through regarding her knee and build up to the feud with Mickie James regarding the TNA Knockout Championship.
Now for the third match of the night, it is for the TNA Knockouts Championship. It is Velvet Sky getting her rematch against champion Mickie James.
Things start off by Mickie talking on the mic to Velvet, being sarcastic and having sly digs at Velvet. This leads to Velvet snapping and spears Mickie with repeatedly slamming her head into the canvas and then the turnbuckles. Mickie soon tried getting back in control of things but soon shut down by Velvet with a Side Leg Sweep, which only got a 2 count. Mickie seems to have the front foot in this match after targeting the weak knee of Velvet. Mickie carries on targeting the knee of Velvet which is proving to weaken her and give Mickie the advantage. Velvet then somehow manages to get back in control and come close with a 2 count following a Bulldog. Mickie tries to get a breather from going out ringside, however she is soon met by Velvet who performs a hurricarana and follows with a spear. After brawling out on the floor, referee ODB breaks them up. The match is then going back and forth between Mickie & Velvet with both coming close to winning with 2 counts. Again Mickie targets the knee of Velvet with her Cross-Legged STF finisher and forces Velvet to tap out to get the win.
Winner: Mickie James, still TNA Knockout Champion
Back to the ring where ODB having to help Velvet get to her feet due to the injured knee, as Velvet is leaving the ring Christie Hemme asks Velvet what's going through her mind right now. Velvet receiving a (You Tapped Out) from the crowd says she thought her knee was ok and that she is heartbroken right now as she limps off crying.
Backstage once again to the Main Event Mafia, Sting & Angle. Sting patting Angle on the shoulder and soon after Bobby Roode walks between them both with a grin on his face stops then walks off with both Angle and Sting grinning to themselves. Is Bobby Roode going to be the next member of Main Event Mafia?
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| 'The IT Factor' Bobby Roode TNA Impact Wrestling |
Kurt's Notes:
It looks like Main Event Mafia are getting Bully Ray paranoid, With Bully going backstage and confronting TJ Perkins if he'd been approached by Angle or Sting shows there is worry on the mind of the champion. I like this is it will now rub off with the fans watching, did Main Event Mafia have anything to do with the Suicide imposter to take the title off Bully sooner rather than later?
A good match with Velvet and Mickie James, I don't know if it is a legitimate injury or if its just to get Velvet off TV for a while. I have been impressed with the Knockouts of late; Terrell, Kim, Velvet and Mickie James have all been stepping up their game and making it enjoyable to watch the Knockouts in action.
With everyone still wondering about who Main Event Mafia are going to recruit tonight, there's more speculation mounting, whether its the Suicide imposter, but now because of the backstage footage of Angle and Sting grinning as Bobby Roode walks between them grinning will get the fans wondering. Is 'The IT Factor' the longest reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion joining up with the Main Event Mafia?
Now for the forth match of the night and the first Bound For Glory Series match of the night. It is former World Heavyweight Champion 'The IT Factor' Bobby Roode facing Magnus. Magnus currently top of the leader board with 10 points after making Frankie Kazarian tap out last week with the Texas Cloverleaf. Bobby Roode is currently on 0 points after losing last week to fellow former Bound For Glory Series winner, Jeff Hardy.
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| Magnus TNA Impact Wrestling |
The match starts off with both competitors doing various grapple hold with neither getting the better of the other. Magnus went for the early win with the Texas Cloverleaf but Roode scarpers and wriggles out the ring. He soon pulls Magnus ringside with him Magnus however getting the better of Roode until they get back into the ring with Roode overtaking control of the match. Magnus finally gets to separation from Roode with a Back Drop Superplex and then follows up with a couple of Clotheslines. Magnus then catches Roode who attempted a Cross Body off the top rope and his a Sideward Superplex on Roode. Magnus goes up on the top rope which allowed Roode to try regain control of the match.
However Magnus counters and knocks Roode onto the mat and follows up with an impressive Diving Elbow Drop which could only get a 2 count. Roode manages to get the front foot once more after delivering a Spine Buster to Magnus, he then shouts "What have I got to do huh?" which the commentators say is aimed to Sting & Angle. Roode then went to hit his finisher Pay Off on Magnus, however Magnus counters and hits his own finisher MDD on Roode and manages to get the 3 count and the 7 BFG Series points.
Winner: Magnus, 7 points for The Bound For Glory Series
It goes to the locker room where Bully Ray, D.O.C & Anderson are questioning the guys in the back to which one of them was Suicide, those guys being; Jesse Godderz, Chavo Guerrero and Robbie E. He then asks if any of them have been talking to Sting or Angle. Then walk away.
Over to the ring, the TNA Tag Team Champions, 'The Cowboy' James Storm & Gunner are in their with a mic. Storm doing his usual getting the crowd fired up talking about beer and women and his idea of a good time. He then states one thing he has learned from being a 12 Time Tag Team Champion is that you don't have to like your partner or get along, just as long as the partner turns up to work and has your back then your good to go. He then states that's why he chose Gunner to be his tag team partner and that's the reason your looking at the World Tag Team Champions. Storm then tells the everyone he knows there is a lot of tough guys in the back and then is interrupted by; Jesse Godderz, Robbie E & Tara.
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| TNA Tag Team Champions Gunner & 'The Cowboy' James Storm |
Again it goes back to Main Event Mafia backstage, they mention everyone is wondering about the third member of the mafia and who he is and wondering who is the guy under the Suicide mask. Angle then I presume plays games with Bully's paranoia and says they might go see the mystery man themselves and walk away. Could the man under the Suicide mask be the third member of The Main Event Mafia, this meaning they get their title shot at Destination X?
Kurt's Notes:
I enjoyed the BFG Series match between Magnus and Bobby Roode, with both men coming close to wins and taking into account Magnus already has 10 points and Roode with 0 I wasn't sure which way this match would go. The outcome with Magnus winning I was pleased with not only got 7 more points in the BFG Series but got a very impressive win against one of the best talents in pro wrestling to day. Wasn't really pleased with the so called tag team that interrupted the champs, I mean we've gone from Gunner & Storm, Chavo & Hernandez, Bad Influence and Aries & Roode to 'Bro-Mans'; Jesse Godderz & Robbie E. Unfortunately because of the BFG Series this is what TNA has to offer, but now I think its time to tap into the OVW pool or do a tag team tournament with four teams allowed to enter first come first served. This could lead to old tags reforming, current tags re-entering the picture or new tags coming about. They could also look at OVW with Sam Shaw & Alex Silva give these two young guys a chance or call up the likes of Crimson and find him a pairing that would work. I'm disappointed with 'Bro-Mans' and I hope this ends sooner rather than later. Would you agree?
I also enjoyed seeing the Mafia playing mind games again saying they might go talk to the imposter Suicide.
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| Former X-Division Champion, Samoa Joe TNA Impact Wrestling |
Winner: Samoa Joe, 10 points for The Bound For Glory Series
After the match Angle & Sting get in the ring and surround Joe, then before you know it they're shaking hands and showing their respect in the ring. The we see it Samoa Joe doing the 'M' with his hands as the Main Event Mafia music hits. Samoa Joe has join Angle & Sting. Samoa Joe has joined the family. Samoa Joe is the third member of the Main Event Mafia!
It follows the Mafia backstage with Joe walking up to Sting & Angle where they welcome him to the mafia giving him a suit in the process.
Back to the ring and outcomes TNA General Manager, Hulk Hogan. Hogan tells the Suicide imposter that he needs to get on out here otherwise he'll be taking the X-Division Championship away from him. This leads to Suicide coming out to the ring and joining Hogan. Hogan tells Suicide that he's been round the block a few times and "pressed giants over his head and chopped mountains with the corner of his hand". He then tells Suicide to pull off the mask in the ring because he wants to see who it is. Suicide just starts shaking his head and nodding his head when asked if it is his final answer.
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| TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Bully Ray TNA Impact Wrestling |
Then hits The Aces & Eights music as TNA World Heavyweight Champion and their president, Bully Ray. Bully starts off by referring Hogan as Dad and tells him for the first time in a long time they're on the same page and that he wants to know who Suicide is. He then tells Suicide to take off his mask and again Suicide shakes his head. Bully tells Suicide the only reason he won the belt is because he put the fear of God in Chris Sabin about cashing in the X-Division Championship early on in the show. He then takes it back and tells Suicide he put the fear of him into Chris Sabin, this referring to himself being greater than God. He tells Suicide to walk away because he is a bad person who does bad things.
Hogan then tells Suicide to take the mask off right now, now Suicide starts talking with a deep put on voice with a cryptic speech. He finishes by telling Bully that he comes out asking the fans if they know who he is, then states that the question to be asked is "do you know who I am". Suicide then goes I am the man who beat you before, then pulls off the mask and it turns out the person who attacked the real Suicide, TJ Perkins is 'A Double' Austin Aries. As he pulled off his mask he tells Bully he was the guy he invented option C, he is the guy that cashed in the X-Division title and won the World Heavyweight Championship last year, and he's the man who's going to do it again.
TNA Impact Wrestling then goes off the wait with both guys looking shocked at the reveal of Aries.
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| New X-Division Champion and the Suicide Imposter. 'A Double' Austin Aries TNA Impact Wrestling |
A good match between Samoa Joe and Mr Anderson, with a good finish for Joe getting the submission win with 10 points gained. I liked the fact he is going to be in the Main Event Mafia, I'm now hoping with this role and after the Mafia, Samoa Joe will be used to full potential. This guy should be one of the faces of Impact Wrestling and be used as the dominant force that he is. He and Magnus where a good tag team and had a good feud with Magnus being heel. This could be so much better if it was for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship with roles reversed, Samoa Joe being the best he is with Magnus being the babyface this time round. Main Event Mafia now looking strong with Kurt Angle, Sting and Samoa Joe, but who will be their next addition? Will it be Austin Aries and was they behind him winning the X-Division Championship, will 'The IT Factor' Bobby Roode join up with the family? Only time will tell. On that note it was a good reveal which was unexpected that the man who invented option C to cash in the championship and have that a yearly thing be the man to steal the title away from Sabin weeks before Destination X to get the title shot against Bully Ray. Overall a decent show.
Quick Results:
- Main Event Mafia, Kurt Angle & Sting cutting a promo, 3rd member will be revealed tonight
- A look at first Gut Check challenger Adam Ohriner
- Suicide becomes X-Division Champion after beating Chris Sabin and Kenny King
- Hogan reveals Suicide is an imposter, TJ Perkins is the real Suicide and was attacked backstage
- A look at the second Gut Check challenger Ryan Howe
- Adam Ohriner beats Ryan Howe in the Gut Check challenge
- Mickie James defends Knockout Championship against Velvet Sky
- Sting and Kurt Angle backstage grinning as Roode walks past grinning, could he be joining Main Event Mafia
- Magnus gains 7 more points in the Bound For Glory Series by beating Bobby Roode
- Storm & Gunner interrupted by Godderz & Robbie E, possibly starting the next feud
- Samoa Joe beats Mr Anderson via submission and gains 10 BFG Series points
- Samoa Joe is revealed to be the 3rd member of Main Event Mafia
- The Suicide imposter is revealed to be former World Heavyweight Champion, Austin Aries
Hope you've enjoyed reading this article, come back next week for the next review of TNA Impact.
Leave your comments below.
Kurt Johansson
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