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TNA Turning Point 2009 Recap 11/15

excellence — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:33:01 +0000

The PPV opens with a video with the theme of “change is inevitable,” showing scenes from the announcement that Hulk Hogan has joined TNA, cut in with scenes from the action leading up to the PPV.

Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the PPV and go straight to the first match.

X Division Championship
Amazing Red (C) with Don West
vs.
Homicide

Mike Tenay mentions that Homicide claims he trained Red, but Red says he was trained by Mikey Whipwreck. Taz says he will have to “reach out to Mikey and find out the truth.”

Red, the clear fan favorite here, gets an early advantage with a high energy offense that sends Homicide to the floor to regroup. This is a fast, hard hitting match that gets the fans on their feet and vocal. It’s Red’s speed and high flying agility against Homicide’s dirty tricks and submission holds. In the end, Red retains with a Code Red for the pin.

Tenay and Taz run down the card.

TNA Knockouts Tag Team Match – All Titles on the Line
ODB (C), Taylor Wilde & Sarita (C)
vs.
The Beautiful People, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, & Lacey Von Erich

The Knockouts deserve so much better than this. Why are we constantly subjected to the 3 worst women wrestlers in TNA? The Beautiful People should only be on PPVs as filler, for eye candy. These three should never, ever, be wrestling when you are asking fans to pay for the show, and especially not when you are raising the prices.

Tenay explains that if any of the current champions get pinned, the person who pins her wins that title.

The champs work hard to keep the match moving, despite all the posing, nonsense, and cheating from the Beautiful People. ODB finally gets the pin with a TKO on Madison, and all the champions retain their titles.

Please, can we now see some worthy title contenders for a change?

Jeremy Borash interviews Desmond Wolfe, who says that he knows everything about Kurt Angle, but Angle knows nothing about him, and the Wolfe will devour “every scrap that remains” of Kurt Angle.

TNA World Tag Team Championship
Motor City Machine Guns, Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley
vs.
British Invasion, Doug Williams & Brutus Magnus (C)
vs.
Beer Money, James Storm & Robert Roode

What happened to the TNA rule that if the Champion gets disqualified in a title match, he loses the title?

The match starts out with Beer Money against the Brits, but the Brits soon tag in the Guns. The Guns and Beer Money keep tagging their partners in, until Doug Williams tags himself in. Three great tag teams keep this match running like a well oiled machine, with plenty of fast action and quick tags.

Sabin goes high risk over the top rope, but crashes and burns, then Shelley is the victim of a double team into a suplex by the Brits and rolls out to the floor. The Guns don’t return. Beer Money has the advantage until Eric Young runs out to interfere. He grabs Storm by the ankles, causing him to slam his head on the ring apron. Kevin Nash comes out as if to take out Young, but instead he slams James Storm in the back of the head with Eric Young’s belt, allowing the Brits to double team Robert Roode to get the pin and retain.

Tenay and Taz say that Mick Foley will be at iMPACT! and speculate about how seriously he was burned by Raven’s fireball, and what he looks like. Could this be a clue that we will see Foley in a mask like Abyss?

Borash asks Kevin Nash why he hit James Storm. Nash says he does everything for a reason, but he won’t tell that reason unless “Hulk” tells him he can reveal it. He never says Hogan, only “Hulk.”

Six Sides of Steel Match
Awesome Kong
vs.
Tara

Tenay mentions that Tara was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in her home town of Rialto, CA yesterday. Tara uses her speed to get an early advantage, and then uses the cage as a weapon to hurt Kong’s hand and arm. Kong unleashes a missile drop kick off the top rope, but only gets two. Later, Kong swings Tara around like a rag doll, slamming her head and shoulders into the cage. This is a violent and brutal contest that gets dueling chants from the crowd, who seem evenly split between the two women.

Tara makes a comeback and gets a near fall with a moonsault. Both women stand on the top rope and slug it out. Later, Kong climbs to the top turnbuckle, and Tara boosts Kong onto her shoulders and power bombs her. Tara then climbs to the top and launches herself off with a Thesz press onto Kong, getting the pin and the win.

Lauren interviews a jubilant Tara on the ramp. Tara says she did what she said she was going to do: she beat the best female wrestler ever, Kong, and now she’s going after ODB.

Mike and Taz introduce a video package about Hulk Hogan joining TNA. Time for a snack or bathroom break. Oh well, at least we didn’t have to see Hogan on the PPV, and best of all, we didn’t have to watch him try to wrestle.

Six Man Tag Team Match
Team 3D & Rhino
vs.
Matt Morgan, Hernandez, & D’Angelo Dinero

When Dinero enters, it rains “money” out of the ceiling of the arena. This is one of the few times in TNA when Team 3D don’t have a size advantage. Hernandez starts off with Devon. Dinero soon tags himself in and starts off on the wrong foot with some showboating, but he eventually gets a huge pop from the crowd with a quick double leg takedown followed by a hail of fists on Ray. Rhino tags in, and Dinero tags Matt Morgan, who out powers Rhino easily.

Eventually 3D and Rhino isolate Dinero on their side of the ring and beat him down, while they tag in and out. Finally he tags in Morgan, who cleans house. Then Morgan tags in Hernandez, who cleans house again, including one of his patented leaps over the top rope, taking out all three heels on the floor. Morgan hurts his knee, and 3D crotch Dinero on a ring post. While Ray distracts the ref, Devon takes out Hernandez with a steel chair, setting him up for a Gore by Rhino, who gets the pin.

Lauren interviews a psychotic Scott Steiner, who claims he’s doing Bobby Lashley a favor by telling him his wife is really in love with Steiner, and after he wins, he’s going to take Crystal Lashley.

Revenge Match
Bobby Lashley
vs.
Scott Steiner

This is now a no DQ, falls count anywhere match. Steiner runs up the ramp toward Lashley, who gets the early advantage, slugging Steiner and smashing him into the ring rails. They go to the ring where Lashley keeps the clear advantage until Steiner hits him with three low blows in succession. Scott gets a two count with a belly to belly suplex. Steiner starts going through his arsenal of suplexes, but none of them get him a three count, not even the Frankensteiner off the top turnbuckle. Steiner goes to the top, but Lashley catches him and press slams him on the top rope.

They go back to the floor, where Bobby smashes Steiner’s head repeatedly into the announce desk. They brawl to the backstage area, where they are out of sight for while, but finally the camera catches up with them outside the arena, where there are some tables and other things set up. Lashley suplexes a bloody Steiner through a table, then finds a two by four, which he uses on Scott as Taz and the crowd yell, “Ho-ooo!”

Steiner makes a comeback but then decides to return to the building. Lashley follows him. Once inside, Steiner rips apart the steel scaffolding behind the Spanish announce table and uses one of the steel bars to bash Lashley in the head. With Lashley knocked out, Steiner gets the pin.

After the match, Lashley finally gets up and walks to the back on his own, looking very concerned and angry.

They cut to JB, who starts to ask Kurt Angle a question, but Angle interrupts and tells him to just listen for once. Kurt says that Wolfe is acting under prison yard rules, but Angle is the biggest, baddest dog in the yard, and he doesn’t need to know Wolfe to beat him.

Challenge Match
Kurt Angle
vs.
Desmond Wolfe

The fans are solidly behind Angle in this mostly scientific, mat based match. Taz points out that Wolfe uses the European wrestling style. Wolfe works Angle’s neck and left arm and stretches him brutally, but he gets cocky, and Angle capitalizes in his mistakes. Despite this being a slower paced match, they skillfully keep the crowd’s interest and get chants of, “This is awesome!”

Even after all the injury to his arm, Angle hits Wolfe with 6 German suplexes in a row, but Wolfe dodges the Angle slam. Wolfe goes back to working Angle’s arm, but Angle reverses into the ankle lock. Wolfe reverses that into a submission hold on Angle, but Angle again counters into the ankle lock. Wolfe finally makes it to the ropes for a break. Wolfe goes for his lariat, but Angle lands his own clothesline instead. The fans chant, “This is wrestling!”

Wolfe gets Angle in another submission hold, but Kurt scoots backwards to the ropes for the break. Kurt hits the frog splash, but only gets two. They follow with a series of reversals until Kurt locks in an arm bar variation and Wolfe finally submits. This is a definite MotY contender and shows what TNA can do, at its best – you’d never see a match like this in WWE, because they would never book Wolfe (Nigel McGuiness) to his strengths.

Jeremy Borash interviews Samoa Joe, who says he’s going to win tonight.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
AJ Styles (C)
vs.
Christopher Daniels
vs.
Samoa Joe

This match starts off fast, with all three men making it clear there are no friends in this ring tonight. Joe gets knocked out to the floor early on, leaving AJ and Daniels to battle each other. When Joe finally returns, he goes mostly for kicks and punches, then rolls out to the floor again. After Joe returns, Daniels locks in a dual submission – a camel clutch on Joe and a Boston crab on AJ. Joe breaks it by biting Daniels’ fingers.

This match also gets fan chants of “This is wrestling!” Chris gets a lot of “Fallen Angel!” chants. Daniels follows Joe to the floor, and Joe gets him in a choke hold, but AJ hits both with a Fosbury Flop. They all return to the ring for more fast and furious action, and now AJ gets some fan chants. While Daniels is briefly knocked out, Joe goes for a Boston Crab on AJ, then switches to the STF, but AJ makes it to the ropes.

Daniels returns to action, and Joe goes out again, leaving AJ and Daniels to battle it out. Pelé on Daniels leaves Styles too tired to try for a pin. Springboard flying forearm by AJ gets a two count on Joe. Last Rites on AJ gets only a two count for Daniels because Joe breaks it up. A series of near falls raises the tension and crowd excitement as all three show signs of exhaustion.

Joe tries for a muscle buster, but Daniels reverses with a STO judo takedown, then hits Joe with the BME. He goes for the pin, but AJ hits the springboard 450 on Daniels’ back, pulls him off, and gets the pin on Joe to retain his title. As Daniels leaves, he shouts that AJ didn’t pin him, signaling that the feud between friends is clearly not over.

This was an excellent PPV with no bad matches, and two great ones. It’s well worth buying the replay.

TNA’s next PPV is Final Resolution on December 20 at Orlando, FL.

– Karen Belcher

Courtesy of ProWrestlingDigest.com

This Week’s episode of NECW.TV

Brad Dykens — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:11:11 +0000

As we begin the march toward a huge November featuring THE TOXIC WALTZ, we have a new edition of NECW TV now online.

This week, we catch up with D.C. Dillinger, as the former NECW Triple Crown Champion sees action for the first time following the vicious attack perpetrated on him by “The Golden Greek” Alex Arion, seen four weeks ago on NECW TV. Dillinger sees action against Handsome Johnny’s protege, “Sensational” Scott Levesque in this week’s feature match.

We have big news concerning ‘The Golden Greek” Alex Arion and another major announcement from NECW General Manager, Paul Richard regarding Thanksgiving weekend.

We also hear from the NECW Tag Team Champions, The Crown Jewels and “Mr. Fabulous” Tony Ulysses, NECW Television Champion, “The Heat” Kris Pyro, manager Sean Gorman and the team of Real Natural with “The Rock God” Brett Adams.

This episode is now available for viewing or download. Visit NECW.TV to watch the original weekly wrestling TV program produced especially for the Internet – always available free, on demand and worldwide!

Also, NECW TV is now available on iTunes, Podcast Alley and other podcast sites! Subscribe to NECW TV and get each week’s show automatically downloaded to your computer for free! Put the shows on your video iPod or video MP3 player!

Direct link to the episode: http://www.necw.tv/episodes/NECW_TV_EPISODE_188.wmv

Report from the Ring Roast of Terry Funk

Brad Dykens — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:45:17 +0000

Ring Roast 2 happened this past Friday night, the day before Legends of the Ring at Monroe NJ’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. The room was packed with fans, both casual and workers in the wresting business who came to salute the one and only Terry Funk.

The wrestlers on the dais included Kevin Sullivan, Kevin Von Erich, King Kong Bundy, Dennis Stamp, Superstar Billy Graham, New Jack, Missy Hyatt, Mike Graham, JJ Dillon, Mick Foley and the event was hosted by Bill Apter. Other TV wrestling personalities in attendance were Al Snow, Ken Anderson, Luna Vachon, Mark Lewin, Sir Oliver Humperdink, Terry Runnells, LaceY Von Erich and many other people who packed the room to give tribute to this legendary superstar.

The event opened with Bill Apter disguised as a grandma who escorted Terry into the room and told stories about when they first met, Japan and how by dressing as a “grandma”, he had finally gotten even with Terry for things that happened years ago while Apter was singing Karioke (sp?).

Next up was comedian Ryan Mahar who opened the show and started what seemed to be an overload of jokes about Missy Hyatt’s sexual prowess, Terry Funk’s many retirements and how Terry had also done movies and started with such luminaries as Sylverster Stallone, Patrick Swaize (sp?) and more. Then he went around the room throwing “shots” against almost every wrestler in attendance.

Next up was New Jack, who delivered story after story about his relationship with Terry Funk including the fact that Paul Heyman kept him off the first PPV and yet delivered a 28 minute tribute to him before the PPV. He then went on to talk about certain incidents that happened over the years including Mass Transit and through it all thanked Terry Funk for helping him when he was with Smokey Mountain and other territories.

Next was King Kong Bundy who started off with comedy before talking about he and Funk being in Texas and delivered some funny stories about getting started with the Funk Family.

Next up was Kevin Von Erich who told people he was not funny but delivered some great stories about the Funk and Von Erich family and telling people that as a kid, he used to hang with Terry and one day, while gigging for frogs, Terry steered him toward a 10 foot hold in the pond where Terry laughed while Kevin tried to tred water.

Next up was another comedian Sean Morton (who tried but rather than give a tribute to Terry, wound up almost getting attacked for shoots on New Jack). Security as well as Mick Foley handled the matter and it was quicky resolved without an issue.

After that was Florida Championship Wrestling’s Mike Graham, who like Kevin Von Erich, had some great stories about growing up with the Funk Family. Mike told the crowd right up front he was not very funny, but was indeed very entertaining to the crowd.

The leader of the 4 Horsemen, JJ Dillon went to the podium and told people that while everyone remembers him as a manager, he was indeed a wrestler who had been taught a lot by Terry Funk and brought up stories about Florida, Georgia and other territories.

Next up was Kevin Sullivan who told stories about ECW, WCW, Florida Championship Wrestling, Japan and more. Kevin Sullivan is a master story-teller and had the full attendion of everyone in the room.

After that, we had Dennis Stamp head to the podium who proceeded to tell what a great humanitarian Terry was, giving his time to children and those who were sick and showed the selflessness side of Terry Funk, that had tears in many eyes in the room.

Not to be outdone was Superstar Billy Graham who told stories about the different territories and how proud he was to call the Funks, not just Terry but Dorry Jr. & Sr. as well as friends and family. Graham mentioned how much time Micealangelo put into working on the Sisteen Chappen, dedicating 7 years of his life to the project and told Funk that he had his own dedication and presented a drawing of Terry (among his many retirements…that joke never got old).

After another comedian, Matt Bridgestone (with a so-so imitation of Randy Savage including presenting a Slim Jim to Terry Funk), it was time to let Missy Hyatt get her revenge on everyone and told stories about each and everyone who had attacked her during the night. Then she went and told a nice story about Terry and that he was one of the true gentlemen of wrestling.

Finally we had Mick Foley who told everyone about stories in Japan, WWE, ECW (November to Remember), and how he wanted to know how Terry could punch and make it look so good (the truth be told, according to Mick Foley is that the punches were real, which is why they looked so good).

After everyone had thier say, Terry Funk took the microphone and thanked everyone for coming to see him and showed an award presented to him earlier in the day. He also showed off the painting by Superstar Graham and went and told some remarkable stories about working with each and every wrestler in the room). He then talked about what the business has become today and not keeping it old school and keeping the business safe.

This is just a short synopsis of the Ring Roast 2 and the tape is available for ordering by contacting info@kayfabecommentaries.com

TNA Bound for Glory 2009 Recap (10/18)

excellence — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:12:42 +0000

All the TNA Bound for Glory results and action from the University of California Irvine’s Bren Events Center.

PreShow

The preshow is opened by Jeremy Borash and Joey Fatone (yes, the guy from ‘N Sync), who run down tonight’s card and introduce video promos for the matches. Then they send us to the ring for the preshow match. Fatone and many of the wrestlers are wearing pink armbands for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin
vs.
Lethal Consequences, Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed

Mike Tenay and Taz announce that D’Angelo Dinero was called away for a family emergency, so the winners of this match will win Dinero’s spot in the Ultimate X Match tonight, and a shot at the X Division title. Tenay mentions Taz’ reaction to the Ultimate X structure, and Taz affirms that when he saw it, he said, “Holy shit!”

This is a high action, high risk match, with both teams pulling out all the stops for a huge payoff in TNA’s biggest PPV of the year. The finish comes when Sabin takes out Lethal with a springboard tornado DDT, and the Guns hit Creed with dual kicks. Shelley follows up with a cross body on Consequences to get the pin. The Motor City Machine Guns advance to the Ultimate X Match. I would have preferred a longer match, but since the Guns have to wrestle again immediately in Ultimate X, I can see why they kept this short.

After more video, Borash and Fatone introduce TNA President Dixie Carter, who talks about the Fan Interaction and the PPV.

After more videos, Lauren interviews Team 3D, who say they are very excited about a shot at the TNA Tag Team titles and the IWGP Tag Team Titles, and then put over the rest of the card. They close saying, “Tables and ladders and chairs, oh my!” and Devon adds, “Oh my brother, testify!”

Jeremy and Joey are at ringside, where Joey has climbed part way up one of the Ultimate X towers, and they hype tonight’s matches.

The PPV opens with a video with the theme of sacrifice, determination, discipline and focus, showing clips of the events leading up to the PPV. It includes photos of Sting early in his career, echoing the theme that tonight may be Sting’s last match.

Guitarist Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society plays the National Anthem in hard rock style, against a backdrop of patriotic images.

After a pyro display, Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the PPV.

Ultimate X Match for the X Division Championship
Amazing Red (C)
vs.
Suicide
vs.
Chris Sabin
vs.
Alex Shelley
vs.
Christopher Daniels
vs.
Homicide

Taz says Homicide is his pick to win tonight, and Tenay says that TNA management hasn’t been able to control him since he joined the World Elite. The match starts off with everyone heading for the towers to try to climb and stop others from climbing. High risk action is everywhere in this match, and there are a series of spectacular dives over and through the ropes early on.

Homicide nearly gets to the belt, but Suicide springs off the ropes and across the ring to take him down. The Guns team up against the others very effectively. Homicide tries again, but Daniels pulls him off into a Death Valley Driver. Red makes a try, but Suicide comes off the ropes to drop kick Red to the mat. Daniels and Sabin reach the belt at the same time and exchange kicks until both fall.

Suicide, Daniels, and Red all go to the top of the scaffolding, and the crowd chants, “Please don’t die!” Daniels and Suicide slug it out at the center as Red hangs back. Finally Daniels works his way to the wires, but Suicide follows and takes him down to the mat. Sabin and Shelley climb up to try to stop Red, who has the support of the crowd. Sabin makes it to the center and kicks at Red, but he’s too late, as Red unhooks the belt and retains his title. Taz sounds truly amazed at the action throughout the match.

Lauren tries to interview The Beautiful People, but they just make fun of her. Finally they claim that the Tag Team belts were created to reward them for the “de-skankification” of TNA, and Sarita and Taylor don’t deserve them. Lacey says, “Even though we lost our Love, I’m going to show TNA that a little bit of Lace can be beautiful.”

Jeremy Borash interviews Sarita and Taylor Wilde, Taylor says they are ready for any team, any time. Sarita says they are much prettier, much better, and more beautiful than the Beautiful People.

TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship
Taylor Wilde & Sarita (C)
vs.
The Beautiful People, Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne with Lacey Von Erich

I have no idea why Lacey isn’t wrestling in this match, but it can’t possibly be because Velvet Sky is a better wrestler – the only Knockout who was a worse wrestler than Velvet was Rhaka Khan. And no, I’m not saying this because I think Lacey’s that good; it’s because I know Velvet isn’t that good. Velvet’s best move is when she waggles her rear end as she enters the ring.

Referee Jamie Tucker tries to send Lacey to the back, but she kisses him, so instead he gets her a chair and tells her to sit at ringside. Senior Official Earl Hebner comes out and Lacey kisses him too, but he sends her to the back anyway.

This is another short match. Rayne and Sarita start out with the advantage, but then the Beautiful People isolate Sarita and double team her for a while. The finish comes when Sarita drop kicks Madison, and Taylor Wilde takes her over into a bridging pin to score the win for her team. Taylor and Sarita retain the titles. It looks like Taylor’s nose may have been injured, as we see her holding it, and the ref and Sarita come over to check on her before they leave.

Lauren interviews Eric Young and Kevin Nash. Eric Young says that he negotiated with Kevin Nash to band together and beat Hernandez. Lauren mentions that Eric is paying Nash $60,000. Nash says it’s a win-win for him, since he gets the money and he keeps his belt, while Eric gets to walk out unscathed.

TNA Legends Championship
Kevin Nash (C)
vs.
Hernandez
vs.
Eric Young

Mike Tenay mentions that Kevin Nash turned down Kurt Angle’s offer of $30,000 to take out Eric Young, since Young offered him $60,000. There has been no explanation of how Eric Young has $60,000. Hernandez opens the match by going after Eric Young, then knocking out Nash, and going back after Young. Hernandez beats up Eric until Nash recovers, and then it becomes two on one. Nash and Young take turns working over Hernandez in what is basically a handicap match.

Hernandez makes a comeback, but they double team him again, until Eric goes for a pin on Hernandez, in spite of promising Nash he would keep his belt. Young claims it was instinctive, but Nash doesn’t quite trust him. Hernandez livens up this power match with an impressive flying dive over the ropes onto Eric on the floor. Hernandez makes a strong showing, but two on one is just too much.

In the end, Nash is setting up Hernandez for a jack knife power bomb, but Eric Young double crosses Nash and low blows him by shoving Hernandez and ramming his head into Nash. Young then pins Nash to steal the Legends title.

They cut to Beer Money, Steiner and Booker, and British Invasion brawling as Atlas Security tries to keep them separated. Lauren is trying to interview them, but Doug Williams steals the mic and says that they should all team up against Team 3D, since 3D has the advantage in any match with tables, ladders, and chairs. The heels leave, while Beer Money stand there and say nothing.

Full Metal Mayhem for The TNA Tag Team Championship
Scott Steiner & Booker T (C)
vs.
Beer Money, Robert Roode & James Storm
vs.
Team 3D, Brother Ray & Devon
vs.
British Invasion, Brutus Magnus & Doug Williams

The IWGP Tag Team Titles are also at stake in this match. As Team 3D enter, Zakk Wylde, who is at ringside, gives Ray a hug. The match immediately starts off with a brawl as they all gang up on Devon and Ray. That only lasts until everyone goes to the floor except for Magnus and Williams, who go straight for the ladders and the belts. Beer Money spot them, return to the ring, and attack.

Finally Booker and Steiner return to the ring, leaving 3D temporarily knocked out on the floor. The brawl continues, and Booker T claims to be injured on the floor. Sharmell comes out and screams for help, so they bring out a stretcher and a gurney for him and take him to the back. My guess is this has more to do with Booker’s reported recent decision to leave TNA and his refusal to lose matches than it does with any actual injury. No one mentions Booker’s “injury” or asks about him after he is taken away.

Finally Team 3D reenter the match, bringing chairs with them, and clean house. As Ray and Doug Williams battle around ringside, Zakk Wilde throws his beer into Doug’s face and slams him with a chair. Devon puts Doug through a table, and the fans call for more tables. Ray and Devon set up three tables in the ring, then slam Beer Money through the tables. Scott Steiner comes up from behind and slams Ray and Devon with a chair.

Steiner sets up a ladder and climbs it, but Ray and Devon pull him down and through a table. They set up a ladder and Devon gets down the IWGP belt, but Rhino runs in and slams them both repeatedly with a chair. Williams and Magnus come back and set up ladders and climb, but Beer Money pull down Williams and then suplex Magnus off the ladders. Beer Money and the Brits battle on until Rob Terry runs in, slams Robert Roode through a table, and helps Doug Williams take down the TNA belt. Team 3D are the new IWGP Tag Champions, and British Invasion are the TNA Tag Champs.

TNA Knockouts Championship Match
ODB (C)
vs.
Tara
vs.
Awesome Kong

Tara and ODB start off teaming up against the powerful Kong, but Kong soon gets the advantage on both of them. Tara and ODB take back control, but the partnership breaks down briefly when they go to try to pin Kong. This match combines fast action with power moves to great effect. Tara and ODB fight each other whenever Kong is down, but they team up again when she returns.

Suddenly, for some reason that is never explained, a blonde woman in the crowd (who looks like MMA fighter Kim Couture) attacks Tara, and Atlas Security breaks it up and takes Tara to the back. Kong and ODB watch briefly, then continue the match. Eventually, Tara comes back, only to be punched and kicked to the floor by Kong. Kong and ODB battle on, as ODB is on the receiving end of a vicious implant buster.

Raisha Saeed comes down to ringside and slides in a chair, but Kong kicks it away. Saeed slides it back, but Kong rejects it again. Saeed slides it back again. ODB takes advantage of the distraction and reverses a power bomb attempt into a face buster, slamming Kong’s head into the chair to get the pin and retain. Saeed is shaking and horrified at the result, as Kong glares at her. This looks like a way to end the Raisha Saeed character and let Melissa be Alissa Flash full time.

Lauren interviews Matt Morgan, who says Kurt Angle is smart, but he is smart too, and he will beat Angle tonight.

MMA vs. TNA
“The Boss” Bobby Lashley
vs.
Samoa Joe

Bobby Lashley comes out with his ribs taped, selling the sneak attack on him by Rhino on iMPACT! Lashley very impressively leap frogs over Joe to avoid his charge. Bobby Lashley’s wife Crystal is shown in the crowd. This is a submission match, so they stay mainly on the mat and go for submission holds, and add some power moves. Joe has one small but vocal segment of the crowd cheering for him, and some others cheer for Lashley, but most of the crowd can be seen sitting silent and unmoving throughout the match. For the finish, Lashley blocks a uranage from Joe with an outer leg sweep, slamming Joe backward to the mat, and locks on an arm hold. Referee Earl Hebner declares Lashley the winner when he finds Joe to be unconscious.

Borash interviews Mick Foley, who says if Abyss manages to win tonight, he’s going to have to earn it.

Monster’s Ball: Hardcore Extreme
“The Monster” Abyss
vs.
Mick Foley

Dr. Stevie is the special referee. Abyss is not allowed to use thumbtacks in the match.

As Abyss enters, Foley runs up behind him and slams him in the back of the head with a barbed wire bat. Still on the ramp, Foley climbs up a lighting truss, and Abyss follows. They fight, and Foley finally knocks Abyss off and through a section of the entrance ramp. Then he gets the barbed wire bat and dives off onto Abyss with it. Stevie helps Foley climb back up, and they walk down the ramp to the ring together.

Abyss climbs out on his own and heads down the ramp. Foley charges him, but Abyss slams him down. Abyss then props up a barbed wire board between the ring edge and the rail. He and Mick start brawling in the ring, using the trash can and the weapons in it. Stevie acts as Foley’s partner in the ring, helping him beat up Abyss.

Abyss slams Foley into a barbed wire board, but Stevie helps Foley sandwich Abyss between two barbed wire boards and pound on him. Even after all that, and a quick count, Mick can only get two. Mick brings in a bag of thumb tacks, but Stevie tells Abyss he can’t slam Foley into them or he loses. Abyss takes out Stevie with the shock treatment back breaker. Daffney runs out and gives Mick a taser which he uses on Abyss, but when a second ref comes out, he only gets a two count.

Foley pulls out Mr. Socko and some barbed wire, but Abyss uses a drop toe hold to slam Foley into the barbed wire board. Daffney sneaks into the ring, so Abyss choke slams her through the barbed wire boards propped on the ring edge and she ends up stuck between them. Stevie comes back in, rips off his referee shirt, and starts beating on Abyss. Abyss Black Hole Slams Stevie into the thumb tacks. Foley gets up, Abyss choke slams Foley onto the barbed wire board, and uses Stevie’s hand to count three and get the win.

Jeremy Borash asks Kurt Angle if he’s underestimating Matt Morgan tonight. Angle claims he had AJ Styles beat except the time limit expired, and he will win the TNA Championship after he beats Matt Morgan tonight.

Wrestling’s Best vs. Wrestling’s Future
Kurt Angle
vs.
Matt Morgan

Morgan overpowers Kurt, so Angle goes to the outside to slow things down. Angle keeps using the strategy of going to the outside whenever Morgan gets an advantage, but Matt doesn’t follow him and fall into his trap. Morgan had mentioned on his Twitter account that he had been in a lot of pain due to a staph infection in his back, but that he felt much better after icing it. He looks fine in this intense match, which is an excellent mix of psychology, power, and science.

Angle works Morgan’s legs, setting him up for the ankle lock. Angle hits the three Germans, but Morgan escapes the Angle slam. Carbon Footprint gets two. Morgan escapes the ankle lock, and escapes it again. Hellavator gets two and a half. Matt goes for a tombstone, but Angle reverses into an ankle lock. Morgan manages to escape again. Morgan goes up top, but Angle reverses into the Angle slam and follows with the frog splash for two. Angle goes up and Morgan hoists Kurt onto his shoulders, but Angle reverses it and wins with a victory roll. After the match, Kurt Angle shakes Matt Morgan’s hand in respect.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting
vs.
AJ Styles (C)

TNA has been heavily promoting this as possibly Sting’s last match. Sting gets a huge pop from his hometown crowd as he walks to the ring. AJ Styles also gets a huge chant of “AJ! AJ!” as he makes his entrance. AJ’s tights are a tribute to Breast Cancer awareness month; remember, men can get breast cancer too.

Both men give it their all in this precisely executed and well planned face vs. face match. It’s a finely tuned combination of power, mat wrestling, psychology, and high flying moves. My favorite part of this PPV is when Sting looks appreciatively as AJ executes a flawless series of moves and says, “Wow!” You don’t often get to see a moment that pure and convincing in a wrestling match, and it’s a great testament to both men that they pulled it off so well.

A series of near falls builds the tension, and gets a chant of “This is wrestling!” from the fans. Sting gets AJ in the Scorpion Death Lock, but AJ escapes. Sting sets AJ on the top turnbuckle, but AJ head butts him off. AJ hits the Pelé from the ring apron and takes down Sting with a springboard off the ropes. AJ Styles pins Sting to retain the TNA Heavyweight Championship.

Sting and AJ shake hands and hug. Sting leaves, but AJ calls him back, saying “You’ve entertained these fans for 23 years. This is your home state of California, and this ring is your spotlight!” Sting returns as the fans chant, “Please don’t go!” He tries to get AJ to stay, but AJ insists, “This is your time now!” and leaves. Sting says he didn’t expect to be back in the ring now, but if he’s going to lose, he’s glad it’s to someone like AJ Styles. The fans chant, “You’ve still got it!” and “One more year!” Sounding close to tears, Sting says he was not prepared to give an answer tonight, but the way the fans are acting makes him want to stay forever.

This was an excellent PPV with a genuinely emotional finish and not one bad match. It’s well worth buying the replay.

TNA’s next PPV is Turning Point on November 15 at Orlando, FL.

– Karen Belcher

Courtesy of ProWrestlingDigest.com

Wrestling Globe Newsletter for 10/6

Brad Dykens — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:56:52 +0000

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WRESTLING GLOBE NEWSLETTER
Tuesday October 6, 2009

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Wrestling Globe Newsletter by Mike Aldren – All the latest professional wrestling news, gossip and occasional opinion direct to your mailbox.
WGN is read by industry power players, many top wrestlers and thousands of fans from all around the world.

To subscribe email to: wrestlingglobe-subscribe@topica.com

You can send news tips 24 hours a day to: you2us@wrestlingglobe.com

Twitter with us: www.twitter.com/wrestlingglobe

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

10/5 Raw TV results from Wilkes-Barre, PA: Jack Swagger over Primo Colon; MVP & Mark Henry over Chris Masters & Chavo Guerrero; The Miz over Kofi Kingston to capture the U.S. title, and DX over Jeri-Show.
Dark match was Jamie Noble over Heath Slater from developmental.

The Smackdown/ECW tapings are today in Trenton, NJ.

***

Randy Orton vs. John Cena in a 60-minute Iron Man match for the WWE title was announced for the October 25 Bragging Rights PPV in Pittsburgh. The stipulation is no disqualification, no count out and if Orton retains Cena must leave Raw and go to either ECW or Smackdown. I don’t know for sure, but there is a valid reason why he would disappear as he is shooting a new movie in December for WWE Studios. He still made TV tapings when he did The Marine and 12 Rounds.

Legacy didn’t appear on Raw last night but Ted DiBiase Jr. taped a match for Superstars.

WWE got their SportsCenter moment last night when ESPN aired Ben Roethlisberger and his team mates doing the crotch chop with DX.

Nancy O’Dell and Maria Menounos of Access Hollywood will guest host Raw next week in Indianapolis.

The latest WWE KPI’s showed live attendance during July and August in North America averaged 5,500 an increase from 5,300 in 2008, and overseas average attendance was 10,000 an increase from 6,600 although it should be noted they ran less events this year than in 08. SummerSlam did an estimated 375,000 buys which may not yet have included data from International markets. SummerSlam in 08 did approximately 500,00 buys.
Total number of DVD units sold in July and August was 561,000 with Wrestlemania 25 the biggest seller with 203,000 units sold. Internet traffic on WWE.com showed declines compared with 08 as did online merchandise sales.

The WWE Shop website has a 15 percent sale on replica title belts right now. I assume the purpose is to clear stock before they introduce new belts.

An update on Gail Kim is that she may have ruptured an implant, which would explain her absence for the last couple of weeks. One source confirmed the story while others when asked didn’t know for sure. Gail returned last night as the referee in the Diva Bowl.

Ricky Steamboat did an interview with Bill Apter and said he would love to work a program with Ric Flair. “I think it would perk up a lot of people,” he said. “I would certainly love to do it, I know [Ric] would too.” He added that he thought his best matches with Flair took place at Crockett spot shows in Greenville during the late 80s that were never taped or televised. He actually said they blew away some of the more famous matches, which is saying something.

Matt Hardy appears on Scare Tactics on October 13 on SyFy. Hardy will play “a violent criminal who breaks out of his physical and mental restraints to go after an innocent doctor’s assistant,” according to TV listings.

Jim Ross on www.jrsbarbq.com noted that the Dinner Impossible episode he shot at SummerSlam will air on The Food Network on November 11: “I want to make it clear that I did NOT burn the chicken! That was a joke.
Working on this show was a blast and I hope that you will check it out.
Chef Robert Irvine and his crew are cool dudes and know their stuff. I did make some mean BBQ sauce if I do say so myself. No, I wasn’t allowed to use JR’s Original BBQ Sauce due to legal mumbo jumbo.”

Ross also noted on his Q&A that he asked to be excused from the Smackdown tour next week in Kentucky due to a family function. He said it was the first time he has requested a day off in 16 years. Should that be the case he would likely do voice over work before the show airs next Friday night.

The final Smackdown/ECW taping of 2009 is advertised in the New York city area for December 29 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ.

This is the early promotional poster for Wrestlemania 26 in Glendale, AZ pushing tickets going on sale November 7: http://tinyurl.com/ycznfbx

Another great article on the Slam Wrestling website at http://tinyurl.com/y96ufkv looking at gimmicks in wrestling with quotes from Lanny Poffo.

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION WRESTLING NEWS

Superstar Billy Graham is about to relocate from Phoenix, where he lived most of his life, to West Palm Beach, FL to be near his daughter. He said he plans to take her to the TNA Turning Point PPV on November 15 in Orlando.

Matt Morgan confirmed a new five-year deal on his Twitter. He said he signed the contract last week and was surprised anyone would know about it. AJ Styles is currently in the second year of a contract so he didn’t sign a new deal just yet.

Former WWE valet Tammy “Sunny” Sytch launched a childish attack on Lacey Von Erich via her Facebook page. She talked about Lacey’s TNA debut saying “she sucked” and described Lacey as a “disrespectful ignorant b**ch” who “walks around shows and conventions like she’s the second coming of Christ.” She also threatened to “knock the b**ch out” if their paths ever cross, and posted a distasteful statement which we won’t post here joking about the deaths of Lacey’s father and family members. I am not sure what prompted this outburst, other than the weird wrestling mentality of being mad at someone for having a job, but even some of Tammy’s friends said they were shocked by what she wrote.

At the TV tapings today in Orlando they are filming new episodes of the Spin Cycle. One already in the can has Kevin Nash, Traci Brooks, Mick Foley and Matt Morgan on the panel.

Impact on October 15 will include an extra hour, which will probably be the Countdown to Bound for Glory special.

Dixie Carter celebrates a birthday today.

OTHER WRESTLING NEWS

The sale of Ric Flair’s NWA title belt is on hold. Highspots were contacted around 3pm yesterday by one of Flair’s attorneys who asked for
48 hours to resolve the situation. The attorney said that they had just learned about the situation and needed a full day to work on it.
Hightspots said they were happy to oblige but noted if they can’t resolve the situation they have several offers on the table that would satisfy the debt.

AAA in Mexico signed a toy deal with Playmates Toys with a product line debuting in the fall of 2010.

EMLL is sending talent to Monaco next week for their version of the NATPE convention to try and recruit overseas TV stations to carry their programming.

ISPW runs Saturday October 24 at the ISPW Arena, located at 323A Fairfield Road in Freehold, NJ. Line-up has Judas Young vs. Rick Fuller; Crowbar vs. Ace Darling; Danny Inferno vs. Manu; Nunzio & The Logan Brothers vs. Nicholas Nice, Baby Hughie & Nicky Benz; Danny Doring vs.
Chase Del Monte vs. Rob Eckos vs. Erik Andretti; Danny Maff vs. Bobby Fish; Julio Dinero vs. Flash; and Mercedes Martinez vs. TBA. Tickets are available now at www.ISPWLive.com or by calling (732) 409-1132.

Candice Michelle is a guest tonight at www.carnagecrew.net at 8pm ET.

Steve Corino was announced as retuning to Ring of Honor on November 5 and 6 at the TV tapings in Philadelphia. More info at www.rohwrestling.com.

The legendary Bruno Sammartino turns 74 today… Barry Darsow aka Smash/Repo Man turns 50.

Today is also the tenth anniversary of the passing of Gorilla Monsoon.

WRESTLING GLOBE MAILBAG

Lacey [Von Erich] was really small when she and [her sister] Hollie would be brought to the Sportatorium on occasion to watch their father.
Hollie, the older sister was old enough to relate to and she would kid around with us. I used to sit with them when I had a chance and she was always on me about taking care of her daddy and not letting anyone hurt him. Hollie sort of understood what was going on. Hollie was old enough to buddy up with you, but, Lacey was much too young to really have much of an idea what was going on, much less have any clue about the business.

What I’m saying is, regardless of who her father was and except for the family tie, Lacey really has no more direct connection to the business than any regular kid from off the street. She certainly was not brought up with it as she simply was too young to have had wrestling have much of an influence on her. Plus, once Kerry and her mother split, she hardly was around. Whatever Lacey has inside her regarding wrestling has mostly come from a secondary relationship with it or whatever curiousity she developed about her father and his way of making a living.

I watched the portion of the TNA show the other night where Lacey made her debut, mostly out of curiousity, myself.

I haven’t seen Lacey since she was a very small child. I had heard the stories about her training (or lack of) and wondered exactly what kind of impression she would make. What I saw was basically a promotion taking advantage of whatever name recognition there might be with current fans and a very pretty young lady way over her head as far as skills go.

Being the child of someone who was very famous and was in the upper echelon of their respective sport does not automatically transfer the emotional connection with fans. You might get your foot in the door from name recognition and you might even inherit a bit of the charisma, but once you step through those ropes or on the playing field, you have to have something that makes you worthy of staying there.

In this case, either Lacey was thrown into the spotlight way too early or she has (as reported) not taken her training seriously, or it’s simply a case that she does not have that natural athletic ability and charisma her father had. Regardless, she was not at all impressive in her debut on TNA. She looked amateurish and clumsy.

Of course, she has some value as eye candy as she has become a beautiful young woman, but without some skills and athletic ability, she’s not going to go very far as a wrestler. Her father, regardless what some think these days or his legacy being scarred by his personal problems, was a skilled performer and an incredible athlete who had been blessed with unbelievable natural charisma. Kerry grew up in the business. He loved it and learned it from his childhood up. I doubt Lacey had a thought about it until the idea or situation came up that she could take advantage of the Von Erich name and possibly make a living with it. A love for wrestling was most likely not the motivation as it was with her father.

I’m not trying to belittle Lacey and I do not begrudge her the opportunity to use the name that her family made famous. I would just like to see it used in a way that could be taken seriously and after doing the necessary training it takes to represent that name honorably.
Goodness knows, the Von Erich name has been dragged through the mud enough without any other reason to do so.

James Beard

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Wrestling Globe Newsletter for 10/6

Brad Dykens — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:12:21 +0000

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WRESTLING GLOBE NEWSLETTER
Tuesday October 6, 2009

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To subscribe email to: wrestlingglobe-subscribe@topica.com

You can send news tips 24 hours a day to: you2us@wrestlingglobe.com

Twitter with us: www.twitter.com/wrestlingglobe

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The Smackdown/ECW tapings are today in Trenton, NJ.

***

Legacy didn’t appear on Raw last night but Ted DiBiase Jr. taped a match for Superstars.

WWE got their SportsCenter moment last night when ESPN aired Ben Roethlisberger and his team mates doing the crotch chop with DX.

Nancy O’Dell and Maria Menounos of Access Hollywood will guest host Raw next week in Indianapolis.

The WWE Shop website has a 15 percent sale on replica title belts right now. I assume the purpose is to clear stock before they introduce new belts.

The final Smackdown/ECW taping of 2009 is advertised in the New York city area for December 29 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ.

This is the early promotional poster for Wrestlemania 26 in Glendale, AZ pushing tickets going on sale November 7: http://tinyurl.com/ycznfbx

Another great article on the Slam Wrestling website at http://tinyurl.com/y96ufkv looking at gimmicks in wrestling with quotes from Lanny Poffo.

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION WRESTLING NEWS

At the TV tapings today in Orlando they are filming new episodes of the Spin Cycle. One already in the can has Kevin Nash, Traci Brooks, Mick Foley and Matt Morgan on the panel.

Impact on October 15 will include an extra hour, which will probably be the Countdown to Bound for Glory special.

Dixie Carter celebrates a birthday today.

OTHER WRESTLING NEWS

AAA in Mexico signed a toy deal with Playmates Toys with a product line debuting in the fall of 2010.

EMLL is sending talent to Monaco next week for their version of the NATPE convention to try and recruit overseas TV stations to carry their programming.

Candice Michelle is a guest tonight at www.carnagecrew.net at 8pm ET.

Steve Corino was announced as retuning to Ring of Honor on November 5 and 6 at the TV tapings in Philadelphia. More info at www.rohwrestling.com.

The legendary Bruno Sammartino turns 74 today… Barry Darsow aka Smash/Repo Man turns 50.

Today is also the tenth anniversary of the passing of Gorilla Monsoon.

WRESTLING GLOBE MAILBAG

I watched the portion of the TNA show the other night where Lacey made her debut, mostly out of curiousity, myself.

James Beard

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TNA No Surrender 2009 Recap (9/20)

excellence — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:31:55 +0000

The PPV opens with a video with the theme of “No surrender” showing clips of the events leading up to the PPV.

Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the PPV. Mike Tenay announces that Angelina Love and TNA “have parted ways due to business issues.” Canadian Angelina Love can’t work in the US until some work visa problems are resolved.

Finals of the Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament
The Beautiful People, Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne
vs.
Taylor Wilde & Sarita

Senior Referee Earl Hebner comes out and ejects Referee Slick Johnson, making himself the referee in this match; Tenay and Taz remind us that it’s because Slick has been less than impartial in his rulings for the Beautiful People.

Sarita, Taylor, and Madison do a fine job of carrying this match, even though it’s too short to do them justice. Sarita comes off the ropes to drop kick Madison and Taylor flips her into a bridging suplex to become the first TNA Women’s Tag Team Champions in an entertaining fast-paced match. It’s a shame they couldn’t have replaced Velvet Sky so that they could have given the women a longer match and a more of chance to shine, especially since the Women’s Championship match later on is such a joke.

Tenay announces that a match has been added, Suicide vs, The Pope D’Angelo Dinero. Tenay and Taz run down the rest of the card.

Lauren congratulates Sarita and Taylor Wilde on their big win. The ladies say they plan on holding the belts for a long time.

Jeremy Borash interviews Eric Young, who asks Eric Young why he thinks Hernandez might still join them. Young has Kiyoshi step in and say something in Japanese, then he answers JB by saying he’s not going to touch Hernandez, he’s not even dressed to wrestle.

Grudge Match
Hernandez
vs.
Eric Young

Like everything else associated with the World Elite angle, the story behind this match makes no sense. Eric Young’s poor speaking skills haven’t improved one iota, either, though you’d think with all the time he’s been given on tv, that we should have seen a major improvement by now. Instead, he’s taken to making google eyes at the camera, apparently in an effort to look scary. Every time he does it, I want to laugh, but I can’t, because the whole thing is just so sad. No wonder Homicide asked for his release from TNA; too bad for him they wouldn’t grant it.

Eric Young comes out in his business suit, but Hernandez doesn’t let that stop him from attacking the heel. Hernandez carries on as though Young were fighting, and finishes with a big border toss to get the win in a match that runs less than 5 minutes.

Jeremy Borash talks to Matt Morgan, who says the match tonight is only about him and Angle, not AJ or Sting, and he is going to rip the torch from Kurt tonight.

TNA X Division Championship Match
Christopher Daniels
vs.
Samoa Joe (C)

Daniels uses his quickness high flying and works on Joe’s neck, while Joe stays on the mat and concentrates on submission holds. The crowd is solidly behind Daniels from the start, chanting “Fallen Angel.” Joe works on Daniels’ left knee, which is bandaged under the knee pad.

Joe retains with the rear naked choke, which he still can’t apply properly. Note to Tenay and Taz: when a wrestler is only so-so, and you try too hard to convince us that he is great, you only hurt your own credibility.

Jeremy Borash tries to ask Mick Foley about announcing during the Abyss vs. Kevin Nash match, but Foley is upset because someone destroyed a framed cartoon he had on his wall.

Lauren asks Dinero about his match with Suicide, but “The Pope” launches into a Stacker 2 commercial. Really! Suicide jumps him from behind, sparing us from the rest of his diatribe. Taz says he was getting a headache from it too.

Falls Count Anywhere Match
Suicide
vs.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero

They go right from the attack into a brawl backstage, since this is falls count anywhere. They bash each other into walls, trunks, columns, dumpsters, poles, golf carts, and anything else they can find. Dinero tries to climb over a fence, but Suicide pulls him back, pulling down Dinero’s trunks and exposing his rear end in the process. Taz quips that he feels like he’s watching a Ric Flair match – I was thinking the same thing, Taz.

Finally they brawl to ringside, where Dinero uses the ring bell as a weapon by bashing Suicide’s head into it and then ringing it. Suicide starts to pull a table out from under the ring, but he’s interrupted by the Pope. DInero sets up the table near the ramp, but Suicide comes back and the brawl continues. Dinero tries to suplex Suicide into the table, but Suicide fights out, and they fight up to the entrance. Suicide goes to the back and brings out another table.

The struggle continues, and eventually Suicide puts Pope on the table. Suicide climbs up into a space over the entry door and leaps off, but DInero gets out of the way, and Suicide goes through the table alone. The Pope rolls over onto Suicide and gets the pin.

TNA Knockouts Championship Match
ODB
vs.
Cody Deaner

Taz opens with a string of redneck jokes and says, “it’s Sunday night in the double wide.” ODB finally won with a TKO to become the Knockout Champion.

The less said about this debacle, the better. I realize the intention is to have a comedy match, but no world title should ever be at stake in a comedy match, unless it’s the World Comedy Wrestling Championship. To add insult to injury, this mess isn’t even funny. This is the kind of booking that makes it painfully embarrassing to admit to people that you’re a wrestling fan. I can’t imagine how embarrassing it must be to take part in it. This is what happens when someone doesn’t keep a tight rein on Vince Russo, and now that TNA reportedly has been foolish enough to hire back Ed Ferrara, I fear that we’re only going to see more of this idiotic booking in the future. At least Deaner didn’t win – now we just have to hope they don’t decide to have a rematch. ODB deserves better.

Lauren interviews ODB on the ramp. ODB says that she’s happy to have beaten “that mullet.”

Borash interview Kurt Angle, who says that Matt Morgan is big, bad, and brainless, and Kurt will win because he has brains.

$50,000 Bounty vs. The Legends Championship Match
“The Monster” Abyss
vs.
Kevin Nash

Mick Foley is at ringside with Tenay and Taz. He says that he’s not upset that Abyss interfered and cost him his shot at the Legends Title on iMPACT! Then he says again that he’s upset about his picture being destroyed. As Nash and Abyss brawl out of the ring and around ringside, Mick and Taz crack jokes about no longer having to announce while someone yells in their headsets.

Nash and Abyss battle back into the ring, Dr. Stevie brings out a chair and sits on the entrance ramp. So far they haven’t used all the weapons common to Abyss’ matches; it’s a typical big men’s power match. Stevie distracts the ref while Daffney sneaks in with a taser, but Abyss catches her and delivers a Black Hole Slam. Abyss grabs the taser, but Stevie snatches it away before he can use it on Daffney.

Nash slams Abyss with a chair, but can’t get the pin. Finally, Abyss asks Foley for his barbed wire bat. Foley hands it to him barbed wire first, so Abyss drops it; meanwhile, Nash sneaks up behind Abyss and tasers him in the crotch, then rolls him up for the pin.

Stevie tries to renege on paying Nash, since he didn’t end Abyss’ career, but Nash power bombs Stevie and walks away with the cash.

Jeremy Borash talks to Steiner and Booker. Steiner says he doesn’t like anyone else in the match with them, and Booker says that they are sure to win tonight.

TNA Lethal Lockdown
Beer Money Inc.
vs.
Team 3D
vs.
Scott Steiner & Booker T
vs.
British Invasion

Doug Williams enters first, followed by James Storm. Williams interrupts Storm’s entrance, and gets beer spit in his face in reply. This was a good choice to start off, as Storm and Williams give us the most impressive wrestling of the night so far. Magnus enters next, and Storm baseball slides into the door, smashing it into Brutus’ face. The Brits double team Roode until the buzzer signals the next entrance. Robert Roode runs to the rescue and cleans house impressively. I’d like to see a program between these two teams.

Scott Steiner is the next man in. One of the first things he does is hit Roode with a Frankensteiner. Brother Devon enters next and evens up the sides once again. Taz cracks a joke about “summer teeth – some er green, some er black…” and asks Mike if he feels like he’s working with Heenan again.

It’s Booker’s turn to enter next, but he walks down very slowly, carrying the tag team belts and posing. Taz says it’s “a T.O. moment.” Brother Ray is the last to enter, but Rob Terry blind sides Ray and bashes him several times with a chair, knocking him out. Then Terry threatens the man who has the controls for the cage cover, and forces him to lower the roof even though Ray isn’t inside yet.

The weapons come into play with the roof down, and the heels have a 4 to 3 advantage. Ray crawls up to the ring, and Rob Terry goes after him again, but Ray jumps up and takes out Rob with a chair. Ray gets into the cage at last and goes to town with his chair. Ray helps him out with a trash can lid, and Storm chips in with a trash can. Roode, Magnus, and Storm go up to the top of the cage. Roode and Storm give Magnus a double team suplex on the roof as the fans cheer.

Beer Money return to the cage as the fans chant, “This is awesome!” A DWI on Williams gets the win for Beer Money and 3D.

Lauren interviews Rhino, who says that Lashley may be good at MMA, but real men wrestle. This isn’t an octagon, it’s a six-sided ring, and Rhino will “rip him in half with a Gore! Gore! Gore!”

“The Boss” Bobby Lashley’s TNA PPV Debut
“The Boss” Bobby Lashley
vs.
“The War Machine” Rhino

Lashley gets the advantage early on, so Rhino goes to the floor to regroup. Lashley follows, and Rhino gets the advantage when Lashley is distracted by some fans on the guard rail. This is a super hard-hitting match with convincing MMA overtones. It’s the kind of thing wrestling should do more of. Bobby Lashley gets the win by punching Rhino in the head as Rhino charges him for a Gore.

Jeremy Borash talks to Sting and AJ, who say they are focused and ready, and one of them is headed out to the first day of the rest of his life.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting
vs.
Kurt Angle (C)
vs.
Matt Morgan
vs.
AJ Styles

As Jeremy Borash is finishing the ring introductions, Hernandez comes out and cashes in his Feast or Fired case to get a shot at the title too. Angle flips out and punches Hernandez in the face, but Hernandez barely flinches, and hits Angle right back. The others stand back as Hernandez lifts Angle into an overhead suplex and holds him there for what must be close to a full minute. Hernandez and Angle go to the floor and brawl there as Sting, Morgan, and AJ fight in the ring.

Hernandez starts to border toss Angle on the ramp, but Eric Young runs out and hits Hernandez behind the knee with a club, then Pile drives Hernandez on the ramp. A trainer comes out for Hernandez, and Angle returns to the ring.

As the match goes on, Morgan decides to join with Angle against Sting and Styles, so it becomes something like a tag team match. All four men put their best into this match, and it’s a fine mix of scientific, high flying, and power wrestling.

Sting goes for the Scorpion Death Lock, but Angle counters it into the ankle lock. Morgan looks at AJ, who is out on the mat, sees his chance, and hits Angle with the Carbon Footprint. Morgan charges Sting, who dodges, pulls down the top, and causes Matt to go over to the floor. Sting looks at AJ, steps aside, and goes to the floor to keep Morgan busy as Styles hits Angle with a springboard 450 off the ropes to get the pin and become the TNA Heavyweight Champion.

Christopher Daniels runs out to congratulate AJ, and is soon followed by other wrestlers and fans filling up the ring. Okay, Russo books some things right.

Despite one truly awful match, this was a marked improvement over the last two PPVs from TNA. It’s well worth buying the replay for the last three matches alone.

TNA’s next PPV is Bound for Glory on October 18 at the University of California Irvine’s Bren Events Center.

– Karen Belcher

Courtesy of ProWrestlingDigest.com

TNA DVD Review: Slammiversary 2009

excellence — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:24:16 +0000

TNA DVD Review: Slammiversary 2009

Slammiversary 2009, TNA’s latest DVD offering, is currently on sale at Walmart, Best Buy, FYE, Amazon.com and TNAWrestling.com. It’s a one disc set featuring all of the matches from TNA’s big 7th anniversary PPV, plus extras like backstage interviews, a music video by Grits dedicated to AJ Styles, and a photo gallery.

The matches from the June 21, 2009, PPV filmed live from Detroit, MI, include two King of the Mountain matches.

Rhino & Eric Young
vs.
The British Invasion

TNA X Division Championship Match
King of the Mountain Match
Suicide (C)
vs.
Jay Lethal
vs.
Consequences Creed
vs.
Alex Shelley
vs.
Chris Sabin

Second Chance Match
Christopher Daniels
vs.
Shane Douglas

Knockout Women’s Championship Match
Angelina Love (C) with Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne
vs.
Tara

Mixed Tag Team Monster’s Ball Match
Abyss & Taylor Wilde
vs.
Daffney & Raven with Dr. Stevie

Matt Morgan’s Chance to Join the Main Event Mafia
Sting
vs.
Matt Morgan

TNA World Tag Team Championship Match
Team 3D (C)
vs.
Beer Money Inc.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
King of the Mountain Match
Mick Foley (C)
vs.
AJ Styles
vs.
Jeff Jarrett
vs.
Kurt Angle
vs.
Samoa Joe

You can find my full review of the PPV here.

For collectors of PPV DVD’s, this one is important, since it records TNA’s 7th Anniversary. With two King of the Mountain bouts, it’s also a good way to get acquainted with one of TNA’ s signature matches. For the average fan looking to find out more about TNA, or get a sampling of TNA’s best matches, however, I’d recommend that you buy a compilation dvd like Jeff Jarrett: King of the Mountain, or Second 2 None: World’s Toughest Tag Teams instead.

– Karen Belcher
kabelchr@verizon.net

Open Letter to TNA – by Brad Dykens

Brad Dykens — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:42:34 +0000

This is in reference to and support of Karen Belcher’s letter to TNA.

My name is Brad Dykens, and while you may or may not have heard my name before, I am the founder / Editor-In-Chief of the popular website known as Online World of Wrestling. I have been a fan of professional wrestling since 1984 when Vince McMahon took over the wrestling world. Since then I found great pleasure in discovering other “types” of wrestling around the world like Japanese Puroresu, Mexican Lucha Libre, tapes of kayfabe era wrestling, various independents such as Ring of Honor, and of course the little engine that could – Total Nonstop Action. I consider myself a student and historian, taking many steps towards preserving the history of all professional wrestling through my website, while helping to promote the numerous products that I enjoy.

I first jumped on the TNA bandwagon from day one, checking out the initial 2-hour weekly PPV’s from Nashville. I considered it an alternative to the crap WWE was producing at the time. TNA was clearly small time, but fans got behind it hoping it could some day compete with WWE. Now 7 years later, TNA is closer to doing just that than ever before. There are several road blocks standing in the way of jumping to the next level. Let’s look at the facts. How much have ratings changed since the signings of Kurt Angle, Sting, Booker T, Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Bobby Lashley, and Taz? Maybe a couple points on the scale over three years, but is that really reason to celebrate? What about PPV buys? I don’t even pay attention to those so I wouldn’t know the numbers, but I’m guessing it’s not substantial, otherwise the company would shout it from the mountains. All of those guys I mentioned are big name stars and should be pulling super ratings. So why aren’t they? Something has to be wrong with the product, right?

Over the past year, it has become increasingly frustrating for me to write my recaps for TNA iMPACT on SpikeTV due to the constant ignorance towards all that is obviously wrong with the production of the show. Even the biggest jabroni mark on the planet can see what is wrong with TNA right now. It’s the 5000 pound pink elephant with diamond ear-rings in the room. Does anybody in TNA read what people write about iMPACT? Do they realize that when somebody like myself, Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alverez, Karen Belcher, Bob Magee, or various other journalists write something negative about the product, we are influencing the opinions of thousands of fans around the world? I would obviously rather be positively influencing their opinions, and that is why I have decided to write this letter. TNA’s stubborn refusal to change with the times has resulted in some widespread displeasure amongst the TNA fan base.

TNA has all the right ingredients for a great product. The stars I named above are amazing in name value and in some cases, skill and ability. Plus there is a crew of TNA originals who can spice up the show and be groomed as the next generation. Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels, Eric Young, Robert Roode, James Storm, and even the British Invasion guys have tremendous potential if they can stay out of the bigger star’s shadows. That is something that is hindering Samoa Joe and something that, I predict, will some day drive him to the WWE.

I’ll come right out and say it; there’s something wrong with creative. In TNA’s defense, as bad as iMPACT has gotten over the years, they almost always delivered the goods when it came to PPVs. That is, until recently, when the quality of the PPV product took a severe plunge and began to feel like an extended version of iMPACT. Now it is time to complain, when the overall product is a disappointment. I care about TNA enough to take this step, despite the risk that it might distort your opinion of me, my work, or my website. Enough is enough.

For a while, TNA had the unique opportunity to capitalize on the WWE’s bonehead booking, by pushing the things that WWE was doing a poor job at promoting. I’m talking about the Cruiserweight (X-Division) and Women’s divisions. Since then, the WWE has elevated their Women’s division, but there is virtually no Cruiserweight division left in the company. So there is only one place you can see that style of wrestling on TV these days and that is on Thursday night. Your X-Division single-handedly kept the promotion afloat during the early days. Without guys like A.J. Styles, Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Low-Ki, Chris Sabin, Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian, and others – TNA could possibly have sunk into the ground by now. So if it was good enough back then, why is it being buried now. Sure, TNA still presents a lot of X-Division matches, but do they really PUSH X-Division matches. Currently, the title is a prop to get Samoa Joe over. It should be a separate division, with a separate style, and separate priorities.

Okay next the Knockout division – because this is a no-brainer. The WWE is taking models and turning them into wrestlers. That’s their thing. TNA has Knockouts – real wrestlers – and as an added bonus, many of them look really good at the end of Lee South’s camera lens. It was going so well for a while there, but it all came to a crashing halt last month when the Sharmell vs. Jenna match was given priority over the real Knockout’s on a PPV. Everyone knew it was going to be terrible, yet they went ahead with it anyway – forcing the paying audience to sit and develop buyers remorse (was that the desired intent?). I think 99% of the viewers would have rather seen Sarita vs. Alissa Flash again. Then the company followed up by giving a male wrestler, who is cool but not yet over with the fans, the Knockout’s title at Hard Justice. It’s embarrassing and certainly NOT entertaining. Ladies and gentleman, I present the evidence to support Gail Kim’s decision to leave TNA.

People got on TNA’s bandwagon because a long time ago they started doing things the right way. TNA used to honor legends, so what happened to that? They gave us a REAL women’s division, something women fans can be proud of. Where did that go? They gave us a thrilling X-Division, based on NO LIMITS. What happened there? A tag team division with real tag teams not just two wrestlers thrown together. Hello? What was wrong with being different?

Okay so next on my agenda is the horrendous state of TNA iMPACT. A lot of people criticize TNA for booking things that make no sense, and I have to admit that if an individual steps back and takes a look at the whole picture, a lot of this crazy stuff tends to make a little sense in the long run. The only problem is that wrestling fans don’t have that kind of attention span so it’s pointless and anti-productive to book a storyline like that. If I’m watching something on TNA today, I’m not going to remember how it relates to a seemingly insignificant comment one wrestler made in one of the many interviews conducted three months earlier.

The biggest problem about TNA iMPACT is the one thing that causes me to pull my hair out week after week, and that is the ridiculous ratio between wrestling and non-wrestling. You do realize there are people out there who time the amount of in-ring action during a 2- hour broadcast? The number usually falls between 15 and 25 minutes, which means there is over one hour’s worth of filler (assuming commercials take up 30 minutes). TNA needs to go back to the way it used to be and learn how to tell a story in the ring during a match as opposed to pushing 10 interviews or backstage segments in a row. If you start your show with an in-ring talk segment, then for the love of God go to commercial, and when you come back go straight to the ring for a match – preferably something fast like the X-Division. Every week TNA presents talk segments to open the show, and then immediately cuts to five or more pointless backstage segments. Why do Mick Foley or Kurt Angle get to do three or four talking segments during the span of one show? Oh, and if you open the show with a talk segment, please DO NOT end the show with a talk segment. These are simple rules and are not difficult to comprehend. The question everybody is asking themselves, “is TNA truly worthy of the name “Total Nonstop Action?” I’m truly sick and tired of it, and if someone like me, who has professed publicly to be “obsessed” with professional wrestling for the last eight years, is getting fed up then there is no way that I am alone.

Kurt Angle on deck. You are promoting him as the “greatest professional wrestler of all time,” and I honestly cannot disagree with you there. However, everybody has heard about his recently problems with the law. He screwed up. I realize you just put all your eggs in Kurt’s basket when you sent Jeff Jarrett home last month, but don’t you think it would be a good idea to discipline Angle in some way. What’s going to happen if Angle ever does what 2/3 of the wrestling community thinks he’s gonna do some day? People are going to look back at this moment in time and say “Wow, his employer knew about this behavior and did nothing about it.” You’re taking a pretty huge business risk there, folks.

There’s a reason your ratings don’t move, and it’s NOT because of the wrestlers. You have a roster full of talented people. With the exception of maybe Jesse Neal and Kip James, every one of your on-air talent has the potential to help the promotion grow. Your video packages are world class and well produced, it’s just the production of the television show that stinks. I write this in the hopes that I can make a difference. I want to be a fan of TNA again. I want to support TNA and feel good about pushing a product that I sincerely hope kicks Vince McMahon’s ass some day. TNA’s persistent refusal to take constructive criticism from the few unconditional fans you have left is making it hard to stick with it.

TIME TO CHANGE.

If you would like to write your own letter to TNA, you can do so by sending an email to info@tnawrestling.com

DISCUSS THIS LETTER ON OUR GENESIS FORUM.

TNA Hard Justice PPV Recap (8/16)

excellence — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:16:33 +0000

The PPV opens with a video about Matt Morgan, “The DNA of TNA,” which includes audio of the voice of Stephen Hawking talking about DNA.

Mike Tenay opens by talking about tonight’s card.

Steel Asylum Match
Suicide
vs.
Chris Sabin
vs.
Amazing Red
vs.
Alex Shelley
vs.
Jay Lethal
vs.
Christopher Daniels
vs.
Consequences Creed
vs.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero (aka Elijah Burke)

The winner of this match is the first one to escape through the opening in the top of the cage. Previous winners were Jay Lethal and Frankie Kazarian (Suicide).

This is a wild, action packed spot fest, so it’s impossible to call all the action. Daniels and Suicide start off teaming up against the Guns. The tag teams in the match team up against the others, too, but on the whole there isn’t much of a story here. It is a fast, fun way to get the crowd warmed up for the rest of the show, though, and on that level it’s a rousing success, getting “this is awesome!” chants from the fans.

Chris Daniels knocks Red off the ceiling of the cage, but ends up hanging by one leg, apparently unconscious. Suicide and The Pope make a climb, but Dinero, who puts in a credible performance and looks at home in the X Division, knocks Suicide off and then has to climb down himself due to a leg injury.

As the others battle in the ring, Christopher Daniels wakes up and climbs out the opening in the top of the cage to win the match and become the Number 1 contender for the X Division Championship. He gets a shot at the belt on the next PPV.

Jeremy Borash talks to Daniels after the match, and he says either Homicide or Samoa Joe will have to face him next month. Then he gives a shout out to AJ Styles, who is at home after losing his chance to be in the main event tonight to Matt Morgan.

Lauren asks Matt Morgan about his match tonight, and his decision to go for the belt himself, and not to help Kurt Angle win. Morgan says even Kurt Angle can’t stand in the way of greatness.

Bounty Match
“The Monster” Abyss
vs.
Jethro Holliday with Dr. Stevie

Dr. Stevie put up a $50,000 bounty to anyone who injures Abyss, and Holliday is trying to claim it. This match is a brawl from the beginning, and they soon go out to the floor and use weapons including a steel police baton, brass knuckles, and chairs. It’s very much like all the other brawls in this feud. Abyss wins with the Black Hole Slam.

After the match, Stevie comes in and berates Holliday, who decides he’s had enough and decks Stevie. In response, Holliday gets a round of applause from the fans and Abyss.

I was hoping that this annoying Dr. Stevie angle had ended with the PPV before last, and then that it ended last time, when Abyss used the taser on Stevie, but they have refused to let it go. Please let this be the end!

Jeremy Borash talks to Kurt Angle, but doesn’t mention Kurt’s arrest yesterday. Instead, he asks about Matt Morgan’s refusing to help Kurt. Kurt says he’s going to have a talk with Matt and change his mind.

Match for the World Title Shot Briefcase
Hernandez
vs.
Rob Terry with The British Invasion

Mike Tenay mentions that the British Invasion stole the briefcase from Hernandez, but he doesn’t address why TNA allowed them to keep it. Hernandez gives a promo before the match, giving them a chance to return his briefcase and walk away, or they can get beat up by him.

All three attack Hernandez, but he quickly gets the advantage and tosses Williams and Magnus from the ring. He nails Terry with a huge shoulder block and pins him immediately. I think the whole thing took less than two minutes. Hernandez leaves with his briefcase as Tenay wonders when he will cash it in.

Lauren talks to Beer Money, who say they are going to beat the British Invasion and get the IWGP belts.

New Japan IWGP Tag Team Championship Match
Beer Money, Inc.
vs.
The British Invasion (C)

After New Japan protested that TNA had no right to put the IWGP titles on the line at the last PPV, there were some discussions, and New Japan now recognizes the title change. Eric Young joins Tenay and West at the announce table, as the guest commentator. Who made that decision? Young’s been horribly bland and dull in his heel promos, so what makes anyone think he’s good enough to be at the announce desk on a PPV? His voice tonight is so flat, he sounds like one of those computerized voices. Is this a plot to make Don West sound better?

The four men go all out to put on a fast paced, entertaining match, but West and Young spend most of the time droning on and on about other things instead of calling the action. The Brits get Storm isolated on their side to work him over, but finally he makes the hot tag to Roode, who cleans house. Beer Money is set to win, but then Eric Young interferes and allows Doug Williams to pin Roode.

Lauren talks to ODB and Cody Deaner. Deaner says sexual harassment is a problem he faces daily, but he only has eyes for ODB. ODB says she’s going to shine up the Knockout belt after she wins it, and then party with Deaner.

TNA Knockout Women’s Championship Match
Angelina Love (C) & Velvet Sky with Madison Rayne
vs.
ODB & Cody Deaner

As you’d expect, this was another brawl. When Deaner was in the ring, about all he did was kiss the Beautiful People, until Velvet Sky mule kicked him below the belt. Then Madison tried to use the hairspray on him but hit Velvet in the eyes instead, allowing Deaner to pin Velvet. Deaner then ran off with the belt, claiming he’s the new Knockout Champion.

I thought that the women would be okay this PPV, with no matches involving Sharmell or Jenna, but TNA managed to insult the women and the fans even more. This is disgusting! As if the kissing weren’t bad enough, they give the title to a man! No real wrestling fans think things like this are appropriate, and it’s very hard to believe that a woman owner would allow this kind of misogyny in the scripting. Does TNA want to lose all the fans of women’s Wrestling’s? They would do well to remember that the women’s matches get the best ratings on iMPACT!

Jeremy Borash talks to Taz, who says that Joe is going to follow his plan and win tonight.

TNA X Division Championship Match
Homicide (C)
vs.
Samoa Joe with Taz

This is a slow, methodical brawl, with Joe taking breaks to go out and consult with Taz. At one point, Joe was supposed to be putting Homicide in an STF, and Homicide had to reach back and offer his arm to Joe so he could complete the move. Homicide’s offense is impressive, and he keeps the match moving well, but he ends up submitting to the Kokina Clutch.

The last place Sloppy Joe should be is in an X Division match, but since he’s just not believable beating the wrestlers in the heavyweight class, I guess TNA has decided to sacrifice the X Division to him again. It’s a shame, because the X Division was just starting to come back from the damage done from the last time they were used to try to put Joe over. The guy can‘t even perform his finishing move correctly. I wish TNA would just accept already that Joe will never have what it takes to be a successful main eventer (personality, mic ability, talent, wrestling ability), and they should just give up and let him settle in the mid card, where he belongs.

Jeremy Borash follows Kurt Angle into the locker room. where he talks to Matt Morgan. Angle asks him if he wants to be in the Main Event Mafia. Morgan says of course, but Kurt kept playing games, and now Kurt will get what he’s asking for tonight. Then Kurt tells him he can still be in the Mafia, as long as one of them wins tonight and Sting doesn’t. Morgan agrees.

TNA World Tag Team Championship Match
Team 3D, Brother Ray & Devon
vs.
Scott Steiner & Booker T (C)

Falls count anywhere in this match. It is yet another wild brawl, and the action quickly leaves the ring and goes all through the crowd. They split up and go in different directions, and there are two referees to follow both pairs. Ray and Steiner go one way, and Devon and Booker go the other. To my amazement, Scott Steiner actually jumps off one of the walls in the bleachers onto Brother Ray!

Finally, they return to the ring area, with Ray and Steiner getting into the ring. They put Scott on a table, but Booker takes him off. Scott goes up to try to suplex Ray. Devon takes Booker out, and gets under Scott, but Booker comes back and removes the table, so it ends up just a regular suplex, and Scott doesn’t go through the table. The battle continues with two referees and lots of near falls.

In the end, Steiner pins Ray while Devon pins Booker, and each referee counts a different pin. The announcer says that they will review the video footage. Slick Johnson and Earl Hebner review the video and decide that Booker and Steiner are the winners. The fans loudly chant, “Bullshit! Bullshit!”

Jeremy Borash asks Mick Foley if he’s ready to step into the ring with a guy the size of Kevin Nash. Foley says that what’s important to him is that there are two very different people fighting for the title. He’s in it for the fans, while Nash is only in it for the money.

TNA Legends Championship Match
Mick Foley (C)
vs.
Kevin Nash

Foley and Nash give us yet another slow paced brawl, going to the outside early on, and using the guard rail and chairs as weapons. Foley hits an elbow on a chair and it snaps back cutting Foley’s forehead open. Blood is gushing, but Nash keeps punching Foley in the eye, trying to blind him and take him out of wrestling forever. Foley refuses to give up, and tells Nash to come on. The crowd is solidly behind Mick, chanting his name. Now Nash’s forehead is busted open from having his head bashed on the ring steps by Foley.

Both men are wearing the crimson mask when Foley goes under the ring and finds his barbed wire baseball bat. Traci Brooks comes out and gets up on the ring apron to distract Foley. Traci is knocked to the floor as Nash comes from behind to get the pin and the win. Then he grabs the barbed wire bat and hits Foley in the face with it. Abyss comes out at that, with his own barbed wire bat, to stop Nash from hitting Foley more. Foley gives Abyss a big thumbs up, much to the delight of Abyss.

Lauren asks Sting what he’s going to do with Angle and Morgan teaming against him. Sting says that he has learned you can only count on one person, and that is yourself. Angle will do and say anything he has to, to get what he wants. He finishes by saying TNA is going to come back in style, “and I do mean Styles.”

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Sting
vs.
Kurt Angle (C)
vs.
Matt Morgan

A little boy was in the front row with a sign saying, “It’s my 8th birthday, and I’m here to see Sting.” When Sting made his entrance, he walked over and shook hands with the boy and said something to him.

As they planned, Morgan and Angle take turns beating on Sting. Angle charges Sting and misses, going through the ropes to the floor, and Sting takes full advantage of the mistake, but when Angle recovers, it’s back to two on one.

Mike Tenay mentions that this is the first time in 5 years that AJ Styles has missed a PPV, and that Styles is going to make a major announcement on Thursday’s iMPACT! They keep on in this pattern, with Angle letting Morgan do most of the work, until Angle pulls Morgan out of the ring. Then Morgan goes after Angle, who lays on the floor outside the ring and pretends to be hurt. When Morgan hits the Carbon Footprint and is about to pin Sting, Angle jumps up and breaks it up. Angle grabs a chair and hits Morgan with it, pinning him for the win.

TNA’s next PPV is No Surrender on September 20 at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL.

This PPV continues the self destructive booking pattern that TNA has been on lately, and I can’t recommend it. I hope fans will e-mail TNA about the huge insult of the Knockouts title going to Cody Deaner: info@tnawrestling.com Be polite!

– Karen Belcher

Courtesy of ProWrestlingDigest.com