Dixie Carter laid down the law to the troops, this week. Daniels and A.J. Styles squared off, with Samoa Joe as the special guest ref. The stars of TNA started giving their opinions on Hulk Hogan (and his entourage) joining the company.

The show, of course, opened with the press conference from last week. Eric Bischoff introduced The Hulkster. Hogan has started making the press rounds to push his alliance with the organization. It still hasn’t been revealed what Hogan’s role will be.

This Week’s Episode: A New Beginning

Dixie did her best Dolly Parton Chicken Ranch speech (From Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). She said that people could have different opinions but if they questioned her, they could leave. Harsh. There was still no sign of Jeff Jarrett. Dixie said it was time to swing for the fences. Dixie said that the roster would be tested but if they pulled together, TNA could be the best. I will not be shocked if people start leaving the organization after hearing that hard-nosed speech.

On to the Impact Zone where A.J. Styles made his way from the back. Styles addressed the changes in TNA. He started by saying that he hasn’t changed. They crowd gave a mixed reaction when Styles mentioned Hogan’s name. Styles grinned as he said TNA was at a whole new level. Styles then looked at the negatives. Styles said he was a fighting champion but he has been jumped, several times. Styles said the mystery person should “Man Up”, whether Foe or Friend, and face him.

Daniels stormed from the back. Mike Tenay and Taz suggested that Daniels was the attacker. Daniels questioned Styles about the Foe or Friend comment. Styles said he didn’t have to explain his comment. Daniels disagreed. Daniels wondered if Styles was so gullible, or stupid, to buy Joe’s comments. Daniels accused Styles of being arrogant. Daniels talked about all the opportunities that Styles has been given. Daniels accused Styles of being pampered and spoiled. He suggested that Styles gets special treatment. Daniels said he is every bit the wrestler that Styles is. Daniels said the company has kept him down, while helping Styles up. Daniels hoped that things would change, in a positive way, for him. He expected that he would face another seven years of Hell. Styles got upset at his long-time friend. Styles wanted to know if there was anything that Daniels couldn’t say to him…

Enter Samoa Joe. Joe said Daniels was working Styles. He called Daniels “a bald-face liar”. Joe said the friendship was a lie, as well. Joe accused Daniels of being jealous of Styles. Joe said he wanted what Styles had, the World title. Joe said he was honest enough to say it face to face. Joe suggested Daniels attacked Styles like a cowardly punk. Daniels snapped and said he could beat Styles, anytime he wanted to. Styles called him on his remark. Styles challenged him to prove up…tonight. Styles said they should put their friendship aside and get this settled. Daniels and Styles shook on it to agree. Joe had a wicked smile as he watched the scene.

Eric Young and Big Rob (Terry) came out to face Beer Money, Inc. Last week, Eric renamed the Legends title, last week. It is now the Global Championship. Eric said he would not defend the title against US wrestlers or in the US. James Storm rode out on the Boozer Cruizer. Taz wanted a beer.

Beer Money d Eric Young and Big Rob

The Finish:

Eric ran in but took an Enziguri, in the corner, from Storm. Eric fell out of the ring. Storm was elevated over the ropes and onto Rob. Rob struck his head on the concrete floor. Storm rolled Rob back in and Beer Money tried for the DWI. Rob fought back and lifted Roode with a drop. Eric brought in the Global belt and accidentally clocked Rob with it. Rob was easy prey for the pin.

Grade: B+

Eric rushed in and tried to smash his title into the heads of Beer Money. They both dodged him and set for the DWI. Brutus Magnus and Doug Williams in their Good Humor outfits hit the ring to stop the assault on their so-called leader. The ref called for security to break things up. The World Elite started up the ramp. Brutus and Doug read the riot act to Rob. At he top of the ramp, The Motor City Machine Guns jumped the British Invasion.

Jay’s Thoughts: Do I hear the opening strains of a face turn for Big Rob? I’d love to see him and Hernandez form a team. They’d be a real threat to either tag belt.

In the back, the Beautiful People talked about filming their second video “Meanest Girls, Part II”. The trio took the camera crew to the video shoot. TNA took a break before visiting the set.

The Beautiful People were looking for Taylor Wilde and Sarita<\. They found ODB. They got into some great verbal shots at each other. The Beautiful People jumped on ODB and sprayed her in the face. They shoved ODB into a laundry bag.

Lauren then talked with Jay Lethal. Lethal went into full Savage mode. he threw out a little history lesson. Lethal then welcomed Hogan to TNA. Lethal created the Black Machismo Invitational. he said he would fight any given Legends. He called for Bundy, Flair, Koloff, etc… I heard that he gets his first challenge, next week, which will hit him like an Anvil.

JB talked with Mick Foley. JB tried to ask about the issue with Abyss. Mick diverted the conversation to Hogan. He then went to talk about the video footage of the office and wanted to know what JB was trying to hide. JB then switched it back to Abyss. Foley said he had a surprise for Abyss. TNA went to break.

Desmond Wolfe then came out in an Undertaker-like blue fog. I guess that was supposed to represent the London fog. TNA then showed Wolfe's Lariat of Angle, last week. Wolfe had the former Knockout Champion, Cody "Cooter" Deaner, in the ring.

Desmond Wolfe d Cody Deaner

Ok, this took mere seconds. Deaner charged at Wolfe. Wolfe hit the Lariat. Deaner was gone. Yep, that quick.

Grade: C

Jay’s Thoughts: I couldn’t help but hearing the obnoxious bragging voice of an old ex-friend in my head. He used to run his mouth at the bar saying “There ain’t gonna be but two hits…I hit you and you hit the floor”. TNA is just determined to keep using the same old boring Goldberg Pushh with every new kid that comes along. Yawn.

Taz and Tenay were trying to talk to Kurt Angle. Angle said his larynx and neck were injured. Angle said Wolfe caught him off-guard. The medics were in the ring to check on Deaner. Wolfe wanted to talk. Wolfe said Deaner was just another victim of the Wolfe. Wolfe said it was easy for people to get in the ring with him but not so easy to leave. Wolfe called Kurt “Mr. Mangled”. Wolfe said he would face Kurt at Turning Point. Wolfe said he could smell the blood, already. He said he was “Hungry Like a Wolf(e)”.

Lauren talked with Suicide. Lauren said Homicide now knew his identity. Suicide said he would not reveal himself to the audience. Suicide said the “Dark Savior” would strike down on Homicide, soon.

Lauren chatted with Brother Ray and Brother Devon of Team 3D. She asked if Team 3D believed Rhino’s conspiracy theory. Ray wanted to talk about Hulk Hogan. He said Dixie Carter had the biggest set of grapefruits in the business. Rhino came in and threw out that The Guns won, last week, because of the conspiracy. He started ranting about all the coincidences in TNA around him and Team 3D. Devon threw respect to Matt Morgan and Hernandez. Ray said “To Be the Team, you have to Beat the Team”. Ray threw respect to Ric Flair, although he didn’t call him by name.

Samoa Joe came out for the Hour Turner match. Joe was wearing Undertaker purple gloves. Daniels then came out, stone faced. Daniels stared daggers at Joe. In the back, JB talked with Styles. Styles was jumped by a masked man and threw him into a wall. Daniels tried to rush back to him but Joe stopped him. Joe nailed a Muscle Buster on Daniels. Joe left the ring. TNA went to break.

Tara came out for the next match. She had Poison, the tarantula, with her. TNA showed Awesome Kong’s attack on Tara, last week. Tara’s opponent was Hamada.

Tara d Hamada

The two locked up and then broke when neither could gain an advantage. Hip Toss by Tara. Standing Switch by Tara and Hamada. Hamada took Tara down but couldn’t get the pin. Hamada with Knife Edge Chops. Tara Clotheslined Hamada, twice, and then hit the Scoop Slam. Tara with a Standing Moonsault. Tara Shouldered Hamada in the corner. Hamada reversed an Irish Whip but got hoisted over the ropes by Tara. Hamada Headbutted Tara and then went Old School (Undertaker-style) on Tara. Taker should get royalties from this week’s show. Hamada with a brutal Enziguri into a La Magistral Roll-up. Hamada with a Side Suplex. She then went for the Moonsault but Tara got the knees up. Tara used her Widow’s Peak finisher to take the win.

Grade: B+

Kong then stomped down the ramp. Security tried to hold her back. Tara with a Crossbody off the top rope onto Kong! The two fought around ringside. Security tried to keep the two apart. Tenay announced that Tara and Kong would face off in the Six Sides of Steel at the next PPV.

Jay’s Thoughts: Hamada deserves better than this. She should be a top contender for the Knockouts title. Instead, she’s just floundering in mid-card Hell. Tara v Kong does look to be a decent fight.

Lauren spoke with Tara. Tara warned Kong that she would be locked up with Tara in the cage.

Mick Foley then came from the back. TNA showed Mick Foley save Abyss from an attack by Dr. Stevie. Foley had had a gift for Abyss. Foley called out The Monster. Foley told Abyss that he understood why Abyss didn’t trust him. Foley set the gift in the corner. Foley talked about the brutal battle that they had at Bound For Glory. Foley said he felt bad about his negative comments about Abyss. Foley said he needed to see if Abyss was as good as everyone said he was. Foley said Abyss was as tough as he thought but he wasn’t as good as he thought…he was better. Foley threw out respect to both Bruiser Brody and the Dynamite Kid, as well as Terry Funk and Harley Race. Foley said he felt it was an honor that Abyss was compared to him. Foley got the gift from the corner. He handed the picture to Abyss. It was another caricature, this time Foley and Abyss. Abyss was almost in tears. Foley stopped his exit to say that Abyss had one more thing to prove. He made the match of Abyss v Dr. Stevie. If Abyss pins Dr. Stevie, Stevie must leave TNA.

JB interviewed Scott Steiner. JB wanted to know what Steiner thought of Hogan’s arrival. Steiner talked about his history in the nWo. He said he might have Hogan join him in the Main Event Mafia. Steiner then suggested that Crystal Lashley was lusting after him. Steiner said you can’t stop the lust of a woman. TNA went to break.

Matt Morgan talked about Hogan’s arrival. he felt it was a big thing. He talked about being a Hulkamaniac. He said that he got a lot of insight from Hogan during their time together at American Gladiators.

Homicide then got in the ring. TNA showed the non-title win over Amazing Red, last week. Homicide got Bobby Lashley. Lashley had Crystal at his side.

Bobby Lashley d Homicide

Earl Hebner forced Crystal to go to the back. Bobby was ticked. Homicide jumped Bobby and punched away. Lashley shoved him away. Lashley whipped Homicide into the corner but missed a Splash. Homicide hit a Missile Dropkick to drop “The Boss”. Lashley kicked out with authority.Lashley with a Leapfrog and a monster Chokeslam to take the easy win.

Grade: B-

Homicide jumped Lashley after the bell. Homicide took off his boot and started to hit him. Bobby went for a Press Slam but Steiner and Crystal showed up on the ‘Tron. Steiner kidnapped Crystal but Lashley caught them. Bobby destroyed Steiner in the back, throwing him into the wall. Various wrestlers tried to pull Lashley off. Lashley kicked at Steiner as TNA went to break.

Jay’s Thoughts: Lashley comes in as the greatest thing since sliced bread and he’s stuck in a silly feud with Steiner? You know, if Dixie is going to make some major changes, maybe she should start with the lousy writing staff.

Homicide attacked Earl Hebner, after the break. Red rushed to the ring and took the fight to Homicide with a Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors and a Jumping Spin Kick. Red went to the top rope and hit the Crimson Clothesline. Homicide bailed out of the ring and hightailed it. Tenay and Taz ran down the updated Turning Point card. This one is shaping up to be awesome.

Madison Rayne dressed in Angelina Love-like fishnets and leopard print outfit. Her opponent was one half of the Knockout Champions,Taylor Wilde.

Taylor Wilde d Madison Rayne

Wilde with a headlock. Rayne sent Wilde to the ropes but took a boot to the ribs. Wilde with a dive over Rayne and an Arm Drag into a Arm Bar. Wilde went for the Flying Headscissors but Rayne pulled back and Wilde hit the mat with a splat. Rayne mounted Wilde and punched away. Rayne showed off and Wilde tripped her. Wilde hit a Rolling Back Bridge to take the quick win.

Grade: C

The Beautiful People attacked Wilde en masse. Sarita rushed down to aid her partner. It was still a 3-on-2 beat down until ODB came down to help. The Beautiful People scooted out of the ring to avoid the Trailer Park Princess.

Jay’s Thoughts: The Double Championship battle at the next PPV intrigues me. It has the potential to really be a fun match. I’d like to see Lacey Von Erich take the Knockout title. Unfortunately, if the Beautiful People take the title, they will probably share both of them. That would stink like week-old fish.

Don West ran down some upcoming shows, including a special Nashville show. Lauren then interviewed Matt Morgan and Hernandez. Hernandez and Morgan blew off the conspiracy theory. Morgan had respect for Team 3D but he and Hernandez were going to knock them off their perch. Hernandez echoed the comment with “Like it or not” (in Spanish).

A.J. Styles then made his way through the shower of sparks to make a second attempt to battle Daniels. TNA showed the attack, early, in the back. Daniels was already waiting for him, as was Joe.

A.J. Styles d Daniels
Non-Title Match, Special Guest Ref — Samoa Joe

The Finish:

Daniels clamped on a Seated Abdominal Stretch. Styles got to his feet and punched free. Daniels with a kick to the ribs. Daniels with a Scoop Slam and a Split-Legged Moonsault. Daniels drove the knee into Styles’ ribs. Joe threaten to DQ Daniels. Styles began to fight back. A knee from Daniels slowed him down. Styles with a Suplex into a Neckbreaker. Joe began to count them down. Daniels really took a wicked bump to the neck at Bound For Glory. My grandsons were in my office to watch the replay with me and Tim, who is 14, yelled out to his mom “This dude is so dead!”. Styles with a pair of Clotheslines. Daniels reversed an Irish Whip but Styles hopped over the ropes and onto the apron. He popped Daniels in the face on the rush-in. Styles went for the Springboard Crossbody but they cracked heads. Both men were down and stunned. Daniels rushed Styles to the corner. Styles with the Springboard to try and hit the Inverted DDT. Daniels actually countered it into a Snap Mare. Styles with a Crucifix into the Styles Clash!

Grade: A

Joe handed Styles the title and left the ring. When Styles went to check on Daniels, Joe rushed back into the ring and slapped the Kokina Clutch on Styles! Joe choked out of Styles. Daniels was in no shape to help the TNA champ. Joe picked up the TNA title and held it aloft. TNA went to break.

Jay’s Thoughts: This three way battle just seems rather weak to me. I realize that all three men are extremely talented but this just doesn’t have the excitement factor that a Triple Threat World title match should have.

Hernandez felt Hogan’s arrival to TNA would bring great exposure to the company. From there, Lauren talked with Dr. Stevie and Daffney. Lauren told Stevie that Foley played them both. Stevie said he wasn’t about to leave TNA. Stevie said he planned to take out Abyss, once and for all. Stevie looked forward to sharing his brutality with Abyss.

Team 3D arrived for a non-title match against Morgan and Hernandez. Devon’s knee was heavily braced. It was injured at Bound For Glory. Matt Morgan and Hernandez came out together to face the IWGP Champs.

Matt Morgan and Hernandez d Team 3D (by DQ)
Non-Title Match

The Finish:

Devon took the tagged and hit an Elbow Drop off the ropes. Devon jammed his knee on the landing. Hernandez pulled Devon into the middle of the ring and twisted the knee. Rhino came to the ringside area and told Ray to pay attention to what was going on. Ray told Rhino to go away. Morgan tagged in and went back to work on the knee. Rhino said Morgan was trying to take out Devon’s knee. Ray lost it and shoved Rhino away and told him to get the freak out of here (Ray’s actual words). Morgan with a Single Leg Crab> Hernandez took the tag and went back to the knee. Morgan came back in and hit the Knee Breaker and called for the Chokeslam. ray came in with the chair and took out both Morgan and Hernandez.

Grade: B

Ray was confused after the match. Rhino came in and hugged Ray, who shoved him away. Rhino hit Gores! on both Morgan and Hernandez. Ray was totally confused by all the chaos. TNA faded to black.

Jay’s Thoughts: Make up your darn minds, writers! Will Team 3D be faces or heels? This is just darn annoying. The whold conspiracy angle is lame. It just muddies the waters of the tag team scene.

Final Grade: B

Final Thoughts: If this was the new beginning, I’m thinking beginning of the end. Jeff Jarrett has disappeared to play house with Karen Angle. Dixie’s now trying to be all high and mighty, doing the “the door is thata way” speech. Hogan’s arrival is just not going to be a good thing. TNA is sliding into a major boring rut. Expect all of Hogan’s buddies to show up in the company. Lethal’s challenge is likely going to be the door that they walk through. I already know the first challenger, which I hinted at above. I’m expecting Brutus Beefcake (probably called something silly like Brother Bruti) to be next. The Nasty Boys are on the way, as well as Greg Valentine, Bundy and probably a slew of former WCW guys. The clock just rolled back 10 years and moved from Orlando to Atlanta.

Peace

- -Jay Shannon
TheHeadLocker@SBCGlobal.net
(11/7/09)

Dixie Carter Speaks to the Troops
Talk about the steel fist in the velvet glove! Dixie Carters speech to the roster on the11/5 iMPACT was a little shocking.

TNA’s President surprised me on two counts:

1. She essentially backed up Hulk Hogan’s numerous comments about his role without ever adding any information about what that role will be, exactly.

2. She threatened the workers –and put it on TV! That’ll do wonders for backstage morale.

No one can argue the necessity of pushing Hogan even when he isn’t there, at least at this point, but this just doesn’t seem like the best way to do it. It must have embarrassed the locker room and it certainly didn’t fill viewers with much confidence about the fate of their favorites.

Turns in the Wind?
The Daniels-Samoa Joe-AJ Style storyline continues to be interesting, though running Styles-Daniels on the 11/5 episode seemed like it was too close to the Turning Point three-way for the TNA World Championship. It’s not a grievous error, just a bit unusual.

The booking does suggest that two of the three combatants may be changing their perspective. Samoa Joe has edged into a tweener spot and may go all the way back to face, while Daniels could well revert to his heel ways.

Both would be positive steps. The fans have always liked Joe and there is always a place for a rough hero in modern pro wrestling. On he other hand, Daniels did well as a heel in previous TNA stints. He’s one of those guys who can play either role well.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Sunday with a fresh installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising pro wrestling column. I hope you’ll join me then and, please, bring your friends.

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(11/7/09)

Embattled AJ
I have complained about TNA’s booking and writing so often that regular readers like Nic Farey and Shelby Vick could probably write a fair imitation if I gave them the first line.

That’s why I’m making a special point of praising the way they’ve set up the three-way title match for Turning Point.with AJ Styles, Daniels and Samoa Joe. The series of interviews that ran on the 10/30 iMPACT established an every-man-for-himself situation, because no one now trusts either of the other two.

That’s a lot better than the usual insta-feud. You know, where two guys who seemingly have never talked suddenly develop a lifelong hatred of each other. (This is the opposite of the insta-buddy angle in which two wrestlers who have no apparent connection suddenly become childhood friends, college roommates and best man at each other’s weddings.).

Going Global
In pro wrestling, things generally happen for a reason. That’s even true for TNA, so the renaming of the Legends Championship deserves close scrutiny.

It looks like TNA is creating a structure similar to what WWE has done with the World Heavyweight and WWE Championship. As in WWE, NA now has two ambiguously named belts, both of which sound like they are the top title.

Two potential uses for the Global and TNA Heavyweight belts:

1. Hulk Hogan could take one of the titles and defend it, mostly on the pay per views. The grandiose name would satisfy his ego, but it would also leave TNA to continue to book meaningful, exciting matches for the otherstrap.

2. Adding it to some other evidence, it could well be the first step in setting up a second TNA show. Each program would have its own “top champion,” like RAW and Smackdown.

If TNA actually maintains a division between the two shows, unlike what WWE has done, iMPACT could continue pretty much as before and the new show would be centered on Hogan. They could even move him back and forth between the shows, as WWE has done with guys like Batista.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back Sunday with a fresh installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising pro wrestling column. I hope you’ll join me then and, please, bring your friends.

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(11/3/09)

The landscape of TNA changed forever on Thursday. Hulk Hogan made his first appearance, along with Dixie Carter, since the news that rocked the wrestling world was announced (Hogan is now in TNA). Also, one of the key players in the X-Division and tag team division was badly injured during the show. In addition, Eric Young had a major announcement about his newly-won Legends title that would forever change the status of the title

TNA opened with a promo for Hogan and then went into the attack on Kurt Angle by Desmond Wolfe. Wolfe, who sounds like Baldrick (Tony Robinson) from Black Adder, attacked Angle, twice, last week.

Desmond came out to a wolf howl into a screaming guitar. Wolfe took the stick and introduced himself to the crowd. He said that he was just Wolfe to his friends, but the fans could call him Mr. Wolfe. He considered himself the “Only Thing”. He said he was raised to be the world’s greatest fighter. Wolfe felt that he was destined to be a champion, which is why he came to TNA. Wolfe said that Kurt Angle didn’t win his gold medal, it was given to him. Wolfe said Angle’s tough guy image is just a facade. Wolfe reminded Angle that he took the fight to him, twice, last week. Wolfe claimed that he became the greatest wrestler in TNA, last week.

Kurt Angle then came out to a great ovation. Angle said that he didn’t know Wolfe before, but he knows who he is now. Angle said he would eliminate Wolfe, tonight. Angle threw respect to A.J. Styles, Hernandez, Matt Morgan and Eric Young. He then told Wolfe that he made a mistake by challenging him. He said “no one comes in my backyard and p*sses in it”. Kurt challenged Wolfe to a Street Fight, later in the night. Angle swore he would beat Wolfe’s *ss like it had never been beaten before.

Lauren talked with Styles about being jumped, last week. Styles didn’t know who attacked him. Samoa Joe. walked in and accused Daniels of being the attacker. Joe stirred the pot by saying that Daniels has resentment and jealousy towards Styles. Styles wouldn’t buy it. Joe set Styles off by suggesting that Daniels was stabbing him in the back.

Awesome Kong was shown destroying Raisha Saeed’s locker room. This went down, last week. This week, Kong was unleashed, solo, for the first time. Mike Tenay and Taz started to run down the show but sent it to a video package of Dixie Carter and Hulk Hogan arriving for a historic press conference.

Alissa Flash was waiting in the ring. Tara, along with her pet spider, Poison, made their way down to face her. Tenay pushed the Knockouts in Muscle and Fitness. I’ve seen the issue out at the Pilot Truckstop in Fernley, NV and the women are beautiful.

Tara d Alissa Flash

The Finish:

Flash got caught on the top rope. The two women fought on the ropes and Tara nailed the Superplex. Tara hit a weak Spicoli Driver on Flash. Flash kicked out at two. Tara sent Flash to the ropes and hit a pair of Clotheslines. She followed up with a Snap Suplex. Flash hit a Pump Handle Suplex for a two. Flash cinched in modified Surfboard into a Curb Stomp. Tara lost some of her hair. Tara lifted Flash into a Fireman’s Carry into a spinning Side Slam. Call that…the Web Spinner!

Grade: B+

Jay’s Thoughts: I wish TNA would figure out what the heck they are going to do with Tara. She’s just spinning her wheels (or would that be her webs) so far.

Suddenly, Kong’s music sounded. Kong stormed the ring at a full run. Kong caught Tara in the face with a Full Boot. Kong used the Implant Buster and dropped Tara onto Flash. Kong mouthed “I’m Back”! Kong is out-of-control.

In the back, Team 3D talked about facing The Motor City Machine Guns. Rhino came in and talked about what Hernandez tried to do to him, last week. Rhino whined that TNA wanted to take him out. Rhino mentioned that he had to face Matt Morgan. It was all part of a conspiracy. Brother Ray said they were saving Hernandez from himself. Ray said Rhino was paranoid. Rhino said Team 3D stopped Hernandez because they believed him. Brother Devon said that he didn’t sweat The Guns. Rhino said for them to watch their backs because they are all out to get them.

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley came out for the next match. I will have special notes about this match, after it’s over. TNA showed highlights of last week’s match between The Guns and Lethal Consequences. Team 3D then came out with their IWGP Tag titles.

The Motor City Machine Guns d Team 3D
Non-Title Match

The Finish:

Sabin went to the ropes and Ray caught him for a Uranage Sabin took one Hell of a bump as he landed directly on his neck from the move. Sabin spun a little too far in the move. Devon took the tag and lifted Sabin for a Press Slam. Shelley rushed in and clipped the knee of Devon. Devon gently dropped Sabin as he went down. Shelley took the tag and kicked at Devon’s bad leg. Sabin was down in the corner. The trainer was out checking on Sabin. Shelley with the Step-Over Toe Hold. Devon kicked free and tagged to Ray. Ray hit several hard fists and a Side Slam. Shelley with a Kneelift. Shelley flipped out of a Belly to Back Suplex and nailed a SuoerKick to Ray’s face. Ray kicked out at two. Devon took the tag and limped back into the ring. Devon went for his Amazing Grace Slam but Shelley flipped over. Shelley clipped Devon’s knee and took him down. Shelley went for the Single Leg Boston Crab. Devon slapped the mat in frustration, which the ref mistook for a tap out!

Grade: B+

Jay’s Thoughts: I hated to see Sabin take that nasty bump. Fortunately, he was only stunned (according to TNA) TNA cut Kevin Nash’s nasty rant about the injury. They had to cut something to make room the Hogan thing.

Ray was hot about the decision. The ref refused to reverse or cancel the decision.

In the back, Lauren chatted with Scott Steiner about his issue with Bobby Lashley. Lashley is demanding that Steiner apologize to Lashley’s wife, Crystal. Steiner said he was sorry…that Crystal didn’t know what a real man was. He said he was going to make Crystal his Number One Freak. Steiner said he would be watching Lashley’s match and he had a big surprise for Crystal.

Desmond Wolfe was lacing up his boots in the locker room. He was ready to fight Kurt, later in the night.

Tenay pushed the unique shows on TNA.com. Hermie Sadler interviewed Amazing Red and Don West. Red said he wanted West as his mouthpiece. West said that Red was a good model and he was all that was right about wrestling. I completely and totally agree!

Eric Young came out to defend his Legends title. Taz pushed Eric’s “Big Announcement”. TNA showed how Eric Young did over Kevin Nash to take the title. Nash’s opponent was Bobby Lashley! TNA showcased the situation between Scott Steiner and Bobby Lashley. Crystal Lashley was in the front row for this match.

Eric Young v Bobby Lashley (No Contest)
Legends Title Match

The Finish:

Eric rolled Lashley back into the ring. Eric Shouldered Lashley and slid between Lashley’s legs. Lashley caught Eric and powered him up into a Sideways Torture Rack Gutbuster. Lashley slapped on the Dragon Sleeper but Steiner slid in the ring with a chair. Steiner bashed Lashley with the chair and locked Lashley in the Steiner Recliner.

Grade: C

Jay’s Thoughts: So Steiner is now doing the old Rick Rude courts Cheryl Roberts angle, where the angered hubby, Jake Roberts, comes to battle the rude dude thing. Yawn. Steiner simply is no match for Lashley, period.

The rest of the World Elite joined Eric in the ring. They were all dressed in white, Elvis-like Jumpsuits. It was announced that the British Invasion have been suspended until Turning Point for striking the ref, last week. The Brits were also fined. Eric then took the stick and insulted the US fans. Eric reminded the fans that he just handed Bobby Lashley his first defeat. Huh? Eric was there to make a major announcement. Eric said that the Legends title was no more. It was now the TNA Global Championship. Eric said he would never defend the belt on American soil or against an American wrestler because the fans didn’t deserve him.

Kevin Nash then made his way from the back. Nah was carrying a steel chair. Nash wanted to know about the 60 Grand that Eric promised him. Eric smirked as Nash mentioned that he would not take Bashir’s offer of $50,000 Iranian Dollars (which Nash said was worth about $13.25). Nash wanted to know if this was how Eric did business. Eric said he learned from Nash, who had been doing the same thing for years. Eric said he was just making sure that he didn’t get screwed. Eric told Nash to join him in the ring. Beer Money slid in the ring and attacked the World Elite with chairs. Nash told Eric that he could run but couldn’t hide. The World Elite in their Good Humor uniforms were laid out around ringside.

In the locker room, Daniels walked up to Styles. styles dismissed Joe’s claims but Daniels took the wrong attitude. Daniels felt that Styles was doubting him. Daniels left to settle things with Joe.

The Beautiful People slinked from the back for a six-Knockout battle. This was Lacey Von Erich’s first official match. Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Lacey did their sexy ring entrance. The faces to face the Beautiful People were ODB, Christy Hemme and Hamada. TNA went to break before the match got rolling.

Lacey Von Erich, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne d ODB, Hamada and Christy Hemme
Six Knockout Tag Team Match

The Finish:

Lacey tagged in and Hamada was powered to the corner. She instantly tagged back out to Rayne. Rayne tried to get pins. Sky tagged in and they missed the Double Clothesline. Hamada Dropkicked both Sky and Rayne. Hamada kicked free from the Beautiful People and tagged out to ODB. The Trailer Park Princess Steam Rolled Sky and Rayne and even got a shot in on Lacey. Sky was launched with the Fallaway Slam. ODB with the Kip Up and then checked on her “girls” before hitting a huge Splash in the corner. ODB hit a Bronco Buster and Tenay threw out some interesting new names for the move (Bronco Muncher and Carpet Buster). ODB with a Scoop Slam on Sky and tagged out to Hemme. Rayne took out ODB and Hemme missed the FFG. Sky made the tag to Lacey. Lacey hit one of the weakest Chokeslams in recent history, but it was still enough to get the win.

Grade: C

Jay’s Thoughts: Lacey finally works a match and doesn’t finish it with the Iron Claw? What the heck is up with that? She wins with a pathetic Chokeslam. Lacey lost major points with me on that match.

Kong’s music rang out, again. Kong stormed the ring. The Beautiful People took off. Tara jumped Kong and the two started fighting at ringside. The Security forces ran in and basically got their butts handed to them. Five men couldn’t keep the two women apart. TNA went to break.

The two women were still fighting in the back as TNA returned. TNA then looked at the issues with Abyss/Mick Foley/Dr. Stevie. The Monster’s Ball at Bound For Glory was one seriously brutal battle.

Dr. Stevie then came out for a no-DQ match. Stevie had a microphone. Stevie talked directly to Chris. Stevie said Chris created a monster in him when he hurt Daffney. Abyss didn’t have to be asked twice. Abyss stomped down the ramp and took the battle to Stevie.

Abyss d Dr. Stevie
No Disqualification, Weapons Match

Abyss threw Stevie in the ring. Stevie punched Abyss, who shook it off. Stevie ducked a Clothesline and kicked the shin of Abyss. Stevie went to the ropes and got Clotheslined. Abyss tossed Stevie over the top rope and into the ring barricade. Abyss went to the outside and slammed Stevie’s face into the steel steps. Abyss punched Stevie in the face and Knife Edge Chopped him. Abyss threw Stevie into the ring and told the cameraman to move. Abyss tossed trash cans into the ring. Both cans struck Stevie. Stevie got a chair and threw it into Abyss’ face. Stevie bashed Abyss with a hockey stick. Stevie worked over Abyss’s leg. Stevie tried for a Figure Four but Abyss kicked free. Stevie went for a Tornado DDT but Abyss shoved out. Stevie went for his Stevie Kick (Superkick) but Abyss caught the foot and turned it into the Shock Treatment for the win.

Grade: B-

Jay’s Thoughts: Boring. How can an Extreme Rules be boring? This one was.

Stevie attacked Abyss with a kendo stick, after the match. Mick Foley’s music then played. Foley stomped down to the ring. Foley called for the kendo stick. Instead of nailing Abyss, Foley struck Dr. Stevie! Foley then slid out of the ring. Everyone was confused, none more than Dr. Stevie. Tenay called for JB to talk with Foley as TNA took a break.

JB tried to ask Foley what was going on. Foley would not comment. Foley just laughed and said the situation was just between him and Abyss and that was all the people needed to know. Foley did a Baron Von Raschke imitation, according to Tenay.

Rhino came to the ring for his match. TNA looked at the situation with Hernandez, from last week. Matt Morgan then came out to fight.

Matt Morgan d Rhino

Rhino kicked and punched Morgan. Rhino went to the ropes and ended up running into the brick wall that was Morgan. Morgan popped Rhino and the War Machine fell into the ropes. Morgan hit the Leg Lariat and slid over the ropes. Rhino knocked Morgan off the apron and the two stated fighting on the floor. Rhino and Morgan got in the ring and Rhino went to town on Morgan with kicks and fists. Rhino pounded on Morgan’s back. Tenay brought up the connection between Morgan and Hogan through American Gladiators. Rhino pounded on Morgan in the corner. Morgan with a Back Elbow and a pair of Clotheslines. Morgan with the Side Drop. Morgan Goozled Rhino but Rhino fought free. Rhino hit a Belly to Belly Suplex. Rhino set for The Gore! but ran into the Carbon Footprint! Morgan took the easy pin.

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: And again Rhino jobs to someone. Sad, isn’t it?

Rhino jumped Morgan, after the bell. He hit another Belly to Belly and hit The Gore! Rhino celebrated his attack on Morgan. Morgan clutched his ribs as Hernandez’s music rang out. Rhino took off when SuperMex entered the ring. Rhino grabbed a stick and said only the strong survive. Rhino said no one would take him out. Hernandez lifted Morgan’s hand in victory.

Daniels confronted Samoa Joe. Daniels said he didn’t attack Styles and Joe should know that. Joe stirred the pot by saying that Styles rolled his eyes when Joe suggested that Daniels could hurt him. Joe said that Styles felt that Daniels wasn’t even in his (Styles’) league.

Don West ran down some upcoming cards. He was interrupted by Homicide. Homicide demanded a shot at Amazing Red at Turning Point. Homicide took West’s wallet, stealing a picture of his wife and his money.

JB then talked with Kurt Angle. JB noticed that Kurt was ticked off. Angle said that Wolfe would reach a dead end, tonight. JB suggested that someone brought in Wolfe to take out Kurt. Kurt said JB was just being paranoid.

Lauren ran up and found A.J. Styles, who had been jumped. Styles was out cold. After the break, Lauren said that Styles was being taken to a local hospital to evaluation.

Kurt Angle then rose from the depths of the Impact Zone. Kurt stomped to the ring with a look of determination on his face. The wolf howl went off against to herald the arrival of Desmond Wolfe.

Kurt Angle v Desmond Wolfe (No Contest)

The Finish:

Kurt ran Wolfe into the steel steps. Kurt punched away and chased Wolfe around the ring. Kurt slammed Wolfe into the barrier and tried to throw him into the ring. Wolfe came out with a Back Elbow. Wolfe threw Kurt into the ring. Wolfe threw a brutal Fore-arm Shot and another European Uppercut. Wolfe slapped Kurt in the face. Kurt started punching the Londoner. Wolfe grabbed Kurt’s arm and Power Snapped him down to the mat. Wolfe went for his Clothesline finisher but Kurt ducked an hit the Hat Trick German Suplex. Wolfe came out of nowhere with hit Lariat. Kurt was out. Wolfe screamed at Kurt. Wolfe grabbed the ref and moved him out of the way. Wolfe rolled over Kurt and screamed at him. Wolfe swore he would end Kurt’s career.

Grade: B-

Jay’s Thoughts: So wolfe is a cross between William Regal and JBL? He’s already annoying as all get out to me. Is he going to replace Eric Young as the leader of the World Elite? Is there some dark force working behind the scenes to lead him? This and more on future episodes of “As the Stomach Turns”. Nigel should have taken the WWE offer.

Mike Tenay stated that Chris Sabin was not hurt as bad as originally thought. The commentary was recorded on Thursday morning, while doing the updated commentary for the show. The original show was taped a week back. Sabin did not have a severe neck injury, which is what it originally looked like. TNA went to break before the Hogan press conference.

Eric Bischoff introduced Hulk Hogan. Bischoff is also coming to TNA. Hogan came out and worked the crowd, big time. Hogan introduced his business partner, Dixie Carter. Dixie pushed Hogan’s legacy. Hogan said he felt reborn by his partnership with TNA> They then brought out the head guy from SpikeTV. He was thrilled that Hogan was in the company. Hogan said that he wanted to make TNA bigger than any other wrestling organization (jab at WWE?). Hogan compared TNA to WCW. Hogan avoided saying what his role would be in TNA, wrestler or other position.

Jay’s Thoughts: Bischoff, Hogan, Nash and Russo all working together, again? That sends shivers down my spine and not in a positive way. Somebody call Vinny Mac, there may be a new acquisition in the near future. There is an old saying about learning from our mistakes or we will repeat them. When will they remane the show TNA Thunder?

Final Grade: B-

Final Thoughts: It’s pretty pathetic when they push a major announcement for the whole show and the silly segment gets less than 5 minutes of air time. I think Carter and the Jarretts just signed the death certificate for TNA by bringing in Bischoff and Hogan. They just lost that something special that made them stand out from WWE. Heck, why not get Dusty Rhodes on the phone and bring him in as a booker and totally kill TNA? Ok, now I’m officially cranky.

– Jay Shannon
TheHeadLocker@SBCGlobal.net
(10/30/09)

Pro Wrestling is built on hype. Big announcements are more common than silicone at a Las Vegas nude pool. Every story is the biggest” and every card is “the greatest of the year.”

Sometimes, though, the news is big. More than big; monumental. TNA’s signing of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff certainly falls into that category.

This could, in fact, Change Everything.

Let’s plunge into some of the questions that swirl around this headline0grabbing story. And let’s all understand that there are no definitive answers. I claim no “inside knowledge,” and am deeply suspicious toward anyone who does, especially on this topic. Frankly, I’m not sire even TNA management could say for sure.

Question #1: Why did TNA sign Hulk Hogan?
TNA is stick in its niche. It has not increased its TV ratings and the pay per views are losing subscribers. The company obviously hopes that Hulk Hogan can create break-through excitement.

Question #2: Why did Hulk Hogan sign with TNA
Did you see The Wrestler? If so, you already know the answer. I’ll spell it out for those who have not: Hulk Hogan is addicted to the spotlight and the roar of the crowd. He is neither the first nor the last athlete to make a comeback after a few years away from the noise and celebrity.

My best guess is that Hulk signed with TNA, because WWE would not offer him anything close to what he wants. TNA has a weekly TV show and monthly pay per views. And the promotion was troubled enough that he could get a very favorable deal.

Is this a good idea
This is one of the best ideas in wrestling – for 1985. Hulk Hogan is 53 years old, his knees are shot and he wasn’t a very good wrestler when he was young.

How good an idea it is will depend on what Hogan’s role will be. If they let him book himself into the TNA world heavyweight championship, it will be an unmitigated disaster, because Hulk can’t wrestle up to TNA standards for main event matches.

Even if he doesn’t become the champ, letting him book his friends into prominent positions in the TNA show won’t solve the company’s problems, either.

Is Hulk still a marquee attraction?
Hulks recent forays into pro wrestling have all followed a pattern. The initial reaction is tremendously favorable – and then rapidly declines week by week until no one seems to care by the time he has been around for a month or two.

Hulk is sure of his worth and is a hard bargainer. This often results in him getting overbooked into positions in the show that he can’t carry anymore.

Hulk Hogan can help TNA immensely if he knows his role; he can dominate it into oblivion if he doesn’t.

What should be Hulk Hogan’s Role?
There are certainly a variety of viable possibilities. The one that I think has the best potential would be to make Hogan Legends Champion.

He is certainly qualified for that slot. He is the ultimate pro wrestling icon to many, many people.

As Legends Champion, Hogan could fight other superannuated wrestlers such as Kevin Nash and Ric Flair. These would be “featured attractions” or something like that on the pay per views. Hulk could make his presence felt on iMPACT through interviews and out-of-the-ring scenes.

This would keep Hulk’s wrestling to a minimum while getting the most out of his fame. The light schedule will help preserve him physically and annoy fans who like good ring action a lot less.

What is the worst-case scenario for Hulk in TNA?
The greatest danger to TNA would be to give Hulk Hogan too much behind-the-scenes power and let him feed all the young stars to the oldsters including himself. TNA might not recover from that approach.

That’s it for today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising daily wrestling column. I hope you’ll join me then – and, please, bring your friends.

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(10/30/09)

 (Lake Grove, NY) – A local mall became an impromptu meeting place of wrestling icons when female superstar Awesome Kong joined Hulk Hogan during a book signing.

Awesome Kong, multiple-time Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Women’s Knockout Champion and former National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Women’s Champion, appeared with former WWE and WCW World Champion Hogan at a book signing in Lake Grove on Tuesday, adding her larger-than-life, big time support to the publicity of Hogan’s “My Life Outside the Ring,” recently published.

When Hogan saw the world champion wrestler arrive at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in the Smith Haven Mall, he pointed to her and proclaimed, “I’m a BIG fan of yours!”

The two megastars then posed together, spoke, and then it was Awesome Kong’s turn to talk—specifically about Hogan signing with TNA, announced Tuesday in New York City.

“I’m very excited to have Hulk join me at TNA,” she said about the wrestling and entertainment empire that airs its shows on Spike TV.

Awesome Kong is widely recognized within the industry as a wrestler with huge star power and overwhelming tenacity and ferocity.

“This is a great day for me, and a great day for TNA,” Awesome Kong said about both appearing at the book signing and Hogan being brought into the fold.

The crowd at the book signing was awestruck and riveted as they watched the two high octane stars talk and share some private moments while photographers snapped pictures frantically.

Awesome Kong, a world champion wrestler and superstar in TNA, NWA, and American Wrestling Association (AWA) wrestling, is one of the most dynamic personalities in the sport today.

Pro wrestling and entertainment observers believe that not only is Awesome Kong among the most scintillating figures in the sport today, but that she is likely to maintain that status well into the future.

###

ABOUT AWESOME KONG

Awesome Kong is a professional wrestler who is currently working for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, SHIMMER, National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and various independent promotions in the United States and Japan. She is a multiple-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion and former NWA World Women’s Champion. She has also been a World Champion in AWA Superstars of Wrestling and All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling.

ABOUT ECLECTIC MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Eclectic Media Productions was formed in 2007 by Shannon Rose. Our mission is to provide our clients with the best in Public Relations.

Our clients have appeared in Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Daily Variety, Howard Stern Show, CNN, FOX NEWS, TMZ, The Insider, and others.

Our motto is “Your One Stop to Take You to the Top!”

http://mediaproductions.tv

Purchase Hulk Hogan’s book here.

“Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family,” said Dixie Carter, President of TNA Wrestling. “Our goal is to become the world’s biggest professional wrestling company. Hulk defines professional wrestling and we look forward to partnering with him in a variety of ways as we continue to grow TNA globally.”

“I’m thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling,” said Hogan. “My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now. TNA Wrestling is a great company with an already excellent fan base, business and broadcast partner. I firmly believe now is the time for some change at TNA as they are positioned to jump to the next level in their development and I’m here to work with Dixie to help make that a reality.”

Through Hogan’s partnership with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television, the deal with TNA was negotiated by longtime Hogan colleague Eric Bischoff. Additionally, BHE TV has inked a first-look deal with TNA and will be working with the organization to develop new programming extensions of the TNA brand.

“Hulk Hogan adds yet another level of star power that positions TNA iMPACT as Spike TV’s version of ‘Must-See TV’ on Thursday nights,” said Kevin Kay, president of Spike.

Hogan most recently penned an autobiography with Mark Dagostino, “My Life Outside The Ring” with St. Martin’s Press.

After an amazing Bound For Glory Pay-Per-View, TNA picked up the pieces.and moved forward. One of the biggest independent stars made his TNA debut, under a new identity.

This Week’s Episode: Black Thursday?

The show kicked off with a highlight package for Bound For Glory. As I told my daughter, Jess, and a couple of friends, every match had it’s own “Are you Kidding Me?” moment.

Kurt Angle came out to the ring, alone. He talked about not having “family” with him, this week. This was the one year anniversary of the Main Event Mafia. By all reports, Booker T is gone from TNA. The rest of the Mafia is falling apart around Kurt. Kurt mentioned that the Mafia was misunderstood from day one. Kurt talked about how the Mafia was supposed to stand for respect. He mentioned that some members of the Mafia were in it for recognition and “a place”. Kurt said that he was in it for love of the sport, not ego. Kurt said the Mafia was supposed to be about being the best. Kurt then admitted that he made a mistake about the TNA’s younger guys. He thought that they were just a bunch of punks looking for a hand-out.

He said he now realized that they were young boys that have grown into men. Kurt threw respect to A.J. Styles, saying that Styles has tremendous talent. Angle also talked about the fire and passion that Matt Morgan shows. Kurt said that Matt almost had him at Bound For Glory. Kurt said that the TNA no longer have to prove themselves to him. He said that he wanted to join them in their battles.

Rhino then came down to the ring. Rhino gave Kurt grief about his new attitude. Rhino said the Main Event Mafia is no more. Rhino talked about Booker being out. Rhino said that TNA management wanted the old guys gone. Rhino whined about the young guys taking their spots. Kurt said the TNA guys earned respect. Rhino said that they haven’t earned anything. Rhino grumbled about being replaced by Bobby Lashley.

Team 3D stormed to the ringside area. Brother Ray wanted to rip Rhino apart. Rhino said he did what he did to get Team 3D’s attention. Ray told Rhino that he was paranoid. The crowd gave Rhino Hell for his nasty attitude. Ray grabbed a chair and was ready to bash Rhino. The crowd called for a fight but Rhino said that there wouldn’t be one. Rhino told Team 3D to check the card and find that they aren’t on it. Rhino invited Team 3D to come out and watch Rhino fight Hernandez. Security had to restrain Team 3D. Kurt Angle asked Brother Ray to stop. Rhino said that TNA wanted him gone, but they would have to drag his lifeless body out of the Impact Zone. Rhino then stormed off.

Jay’s Thoughts My daughter has the perfect name for Rhino…Whine-O. His “Poor Lil’ Ol’ Me” rants are annoying. He has lost just about every high profile match in the last couple years. As for Kurt, I guess he’s going for a face turn. It’s not a good move for him. He’s always been better as a nasty heel.

Lauren talked with A.J. Styles and Daniels. She wondered what the two thought of Kurt’s comments. Styles said that if Kurt was sincere, it was a major step forward for the company. Lauren talked about the upcoming three way TNA World title match at Turning Point, which would Daniels, Styles and Samoa Joe. Daniels talked about how great the first Triple Threat between the three of them was incredible. He said the next one would top the first one. Daniels mentioned about almost dying in the ring at Bound For Glory. (He did take one Hell of a bump, landing on his neck after falling from the Ultimate X ropes). Daniels said that he and Styles were ready to face Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash, later in the show.

Mike Tenay talked about the Knockouts being in Muscle and Fitness. I saw the issue at the local superstore , the other day, and the girls are seriously hot in the magazine. Lauren talked with Raisha Saeed about having to fight Awesome Kong. Saeed was offended that Kong wanted to get rid of her and run solo. Saeed told Kong that she (Kong) was the puppet and Saeed would destroy Kong, later in the night. Tenay and Taz ran down the night’s card.

In the entrance tunnel, Homicide attacked Amazing Red. Homicide ran Red into the ring post after a brutal Clothesline. Red caught Homicide with a Superkick. Homicide tried for a Back Body Drop, on the concrete, but Red ended up on the apron, where he Back Kicked Homicide. Homicide brought Red down onto the apron.

Homicide d Amazing Red
Non-Title Match

Taz and Tenay talked about how Homicide trained Red. Homicide with the Scoop Slam but missed a trio of Elbow Drops. homicide launched Red with a Pump Handle Suplex. Homicide threw Red into the corner. Don West rallied the crowd for Red.Homicide Irish Whipped to the corner but missed the Splash. Homicide hit a Snake Eyes on Red and tried for a dirty pin. When the ref saw it, Homicide argued with him. That gave Red the opportunity for a School Boy, which garnered him a two.Red clocked Homicide with a Seated Enziguri. Red Dropkicked Homicide, in the corner, and then took Homicide down with a Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors. Red ducked a Clothesline and hit a variation of the Superkick. Red then surprised everyone with a modified Canadian Destroyer! Homicide barely kicked out of the pin. Red Irish Whipped Homicide to the corner and went for a Splash. Homicide turned it into an Alabama Slam. Homicide then finished off Red with the Gringo Killa!

Grade: A-

Jay’s Thoughts I’m not thrilled with Homicide’s new heel turn. He’s just becoming a foul-tempered thug that disgraces his massive talent with a stereotype character that annoys everyone. I’m still waiting for Don West to turn on Red and do him dirty. It’s really nice to see Red get his chance to shine.

Lauren chatted with Scott Steiner. She asked Scott is the Main Event Mafia was over. Scott said that the mafia would exist as long as Steiner was in TNA. Steiner wouldn’t give credit to the young kids. Steiner called Matt Morgan “Mike”. Steiner said he was ready to beat Morgan until he didn’t know his own name.

To the ringside area where Matt Morgan was making his entrance. Morgan really impressed me at Bound For Glory. He actually held his own against Kurt Angle. The siren wailed to herald the arrival of Steiner.

Matt Morgan d Scott Steiner

The Finish:

Morgan caught Steiner with a Short-arm Clothesline. Morgan Clotheslined Steiner and hit a Splash in the corner. Morgan nailed the Discus Clothesline. Morgan placed Steiner on the ropes and hit the Leg Lariat. The two went to the floor and fought next to Crystal. Steiner stopped and went back to Mrs. Lashley. He grabbed her and forced her to touch his chest. Bobby Lashley rushed down and went to town on Steiner. Steiner went to the eyes and tried for an Irish Whip. Lashley reversed it and Steiner struck the steel. Lashley threw Steiner into the ring and jumped on the apron. Morgan took advantage and took out Steiner with the Carbon Footprint!

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: So, Steiner gets to be the next stepping stone on Lashley’s “Goldberg Push”? Steiner deserves much better than that.

Lauren interviewed Awesome Kong. Kong took the stick. Kong said “No More Orders! Tonight, Finish!” TNA went to break.

Lauren tried to apologize to the Lashleys. Bobby said that TNA didn’t need to apologize, Scott Steiner needed to. Lashley told Scott that this was a game that he (Scott) didn’t want to play.

Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash came out for the tag team war. TNA looked back to Bound For Glory for for the screw-job by Eric Young Young double-crossed Nash to take the Legends title. A.J. Styles then arrived through the shower of sparks. He was joined by his long-time friend and partner, Daniels.

Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash d A.J. Styles and Daniels

The Finish

Tenay mentioned that Eric Young did not pay off the $60,000 that he promised Kevin Nash. Joe punched at Styles, who answered with punches of his own. Joe hit a Fore-arm Smash and tagged out. Nash hit a hard Fore-arm. Nash had a broken hand. Nash threw repeated Kneelifts in the corner. Nash then hit multiple Back Elbows to stun Styles. Styles kicked Nash and started punching. Nash cut him off with another Kneelift. Styles hit the Springboard Flying Fore-arm. Daniels called for the tag, which he got. Daniels took down both Joe and Nash with Leg Lariats and Fore-arm Shots. Nash reversed an Irish Whip but Daniels ended up Corner Clotheslining Joe. Daniels then shoved Joe into Nash and took them both down with a Flying Clothesline. Nash accidentally DDT’d his partner in the move. Daniels only got a two count. Daniels went to the ropes, only to get Clotheslined by Nash. Styles took out Joe, on the floor, with a Springboard Moonsault off the ropes. Daniels Enziguri’d Nash and went for the tag. Styles wasn’t there and Daniels ended up on the wrong end of a Chokeslam. Nash took the pin.

Grade: A-

Jay’s Thoughts: I smell a Daniels heel turn coming. TNA needs to quit throwing out so many gray hats. Make them either black hats (heels) or white hats (faces).

Lauren talked with Nash, after the match. Nash said Eric stole his belt and his 60 Grand. Nash warned Eric that he was looking for him.

JB pushed the TNA text service. Eric rushed in and told Nash that he wasn’t hard to find. Eric said that he was the leader of the most dominant force in TNA. Eric said he had a major announcement for next week that would rock TNA to its core. He finished with “Vini, Vidi, Vici”…”We Came, We Saw, We Conquered! (I didn’t sleep through every second of High School Latin, just most of them).

Lauren interviewed Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley about their Tag Team Ultimate X match against Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed. It was a first for TNA. Chris talked about the Machine Gun Movement. Sabin said that they did double duty at Bound For Glory. Shelley, with an injured throat, croaked out that they out to make a name for themselves.

TNA went to a video package for The Beautiful People’s new film project, The Meanest Girls. It was a fluff piece about harassing the catering crew and Taylor Wilde and Sarita. The girls went all over the catering area. It turned into a serious food fight. Taz was doing his best Jerry Lawler imitation as the girls poured food all over the Knockout Tag Champs.

Raisha Saeed was already in the ring. Kong waited in the backstage area. She stormed towards the ring as TNA went back to break.

Awesome Kong d Raisha Saeed

Kong stormed to the ring as the crowd cheered her. Saeed was nervous as Kong stomped towards the ring. TNA showed how Saeed cost her the Knockouts title on Sunday. Kong blasted Saeed, who tried to crawl away. Kong sent Saeed around with the Giant Swing. Kong missed a Big Boot and a Splash. Saeed kept rolling to stay away from Kong. Saeed hit several Fore-arm Shots and a Dropkick to the knee. Kong then caught Saeed’s foot. Both went for Spinning Back Fists but missed. Kong Brick Walled Saeed and went to the corner. Saeed popped Kong in the race and kicked her, repeatedly. Saeed hit a Legdrop from the corner and drove Kong to the mat. Wow! Saeed kicked at Kong and climbed the turnbuckles. Saeed flew off the ropes…right into Kong’s knees. Kong went for the Double Underhook but Saeed spun free. Saeed went to the ropes and almost found herself in an Awesome Bomb. Saeed tried to Sunset Flip Kong but couldn’t get the 275 pounder over. Kong squashed Saeed with the Sit Down Splash. Kong finished off her now-former manager with the Implant Buster.

Grade: B

After the match, Kong dragged Saeed up the ramp. Kong kicked away at Saeed as they went to the top of the ramp. Kong Powerbombed Saeed through the pyro area of the entrance ramp. Saeed was down and seriously out. The ref called for help for Saeed. The trainer asked her if she was ok. She slipped and said “It’s not broken” She was saying something else, out of character, but TNA went to break.

Jay’s Thoughts: It looks like TNA is getting ready to eliminate the Raisha Saeed character and have the Alissa Flash become the dominant character in the Saeed/Flash/Cheerleader Melissa group.

Raisha Saeed was taken out on a stretcher. Rhino was then introduced for the next match.He was set to battle “SuperMex”, Hernandez. Team 3D were at the announce table to watch the match. Ray said that Rhino gave him a concussion on Sunday. Hernandez came out in his old outfit. No more red, white and green. He was back to the tank top and khaki shorts.

Hernandez d Rhino

The Finish:

Hernandez rolled rhino back in the ring and started to climb back into the ring. Rhino kicked the middle rope up into Hernandez’s nether regions and the big man fell to the mat. Rhino stomped away at Hernandez and choked him with the boot. Rhino rammed Hernandez’s face into the turnbuckle and then Snap Mared him to the middle of the ring. Rhino Scoop Slammed Hernandez and went to the ropes. Rhino missed the Benoit Flying Headbutt. Hernandez hit a pair of Clotheslines and sent Rhino to the corner. Hernandez hit a Big Splash and a Spinebuster. Rhino managed to kick out at two. Rhino sent Hernandez to the corner and Speared him. Hernandez rolled up the turnbuckles and sat on the top one. Rhino jumped Hernandez and tried for the Superplex. Hernandez shoved Rhino off and hit the Top Rope Splash to take the win.

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: First, Hernandez loses his push, now he’s lost his tri-colored ring gear. I guess he hopes of a title run are all but gone, now. He needs a partner and a chance to go after one of the two tag belts.

Rhino jumped Hernandez, after the match. Rhino planted Hernandez with the Belly to Belly and set for the Gore!. Hernandez side stepped it and tore off his shirt. Hernandez went for the Border Toss. Devon and Ray rushed in to prevent the move. The fans weren’t happy. Ray told Hernandez that he had a bright future ahead of him. Team 3D raised Hernandez’s hands in victory.

JB talked with Kurt Angle. Kurt admitted he was wrong. JB talked about Rhino’s issue that TNA wanted to replace the veterans. Kurt said he thought Rhino was just under confident. Desmond Wolf (Nigel McGuiness) walked in and introduced himself. Wolf said he got into wrestling because of Kurt. Kurt welcomed Wolf to TNA. Wold then attacked Kurt with European Uppercuts and Fore-arm Shots. JB asked Wolf if he was out of his mind. Wold walked off without comment.

TNA looked at the attack on Kurt from the last segment. Then it moved forward to Lethal Consequences v The Motor City Machine Guns in the first Tag Team Ultimate X Match.

Sabin and Shelley d Lethal and Creed
Tag Team Ultimate X Challenge Match

The Finish:

Lethal fought out of the Double Team but Shelley got a Knife Edge Chop in to stagger Lethal. Lethal was Double Whipped to the corner but he was able to get the boots up for both members of the Motor City Machine Guns. Creed hit a Springboard Missile Dropkick to Sabin but Shelley caught Creed with a vicious Back Heel Kick to the face. Lethal kept Shelley from going up the turnbuckles. Lethal launched Shelley with a Release Dragon Suplex. Sabin drilled Lethal with an Enziguri. Sabin followed that with a Springboard Tornado DDT! Lethal rolled to the apron. Creed hit a Clothesline on Sabin. Creed hit a Thrust Kick and Lethal joined him for a Cradle Powerbomb. Sabin fought off both opponents, kicking Creed in the face. Lethal tripped Sabin and locked in a Boston Crab. Creed started up the truss but Shelley stopped him. The Guns worked together to hit a Springboard variation of the Doomsday Device. Sabin started to climb to the Ultimate X ropes. Lethal caught him, brought him down and applied the Lethal Combination. Shelley, meanwhile, was starting up the other side. Lethal rushed over and started pounding on Shelley. Shelley hit Sliced Bread off the truss on Lethal, while Sabin also Powerbomb Lethal! Shelley grabbed his knee in pain as Sabin started up the truss. Sabin seemed dizzy just before he jumped for the Ultimate X ropes. He started to scoot across the ropes but Creed went to stop him. It was too late as Sabin grabbed the “X” and dropped down to the canvas to take the future title shot for his team.

Grade: A+

Jay’s Thoughts These two teams deserve to be in the tag title hunt. They are great in the X-Division but the tag scene is getting rather stale. The Guns now get a shot at the tag belts at the next PPV. Well, maybe they will. I don’t want to totally spoil things but one of the Guns got hurt pretty bad at a TV taping, after this show.

Don West ran down some upcoming events. Lauren then congratulated the British Invasion about winning the TNA World Tag Titles. Doug talked about being able to eliminate the Main Event Mafia. Brutus said that they would make Beer Money both sober and poor. Brutus Magnus mocked Beer Money by saying “Sorry ’bout your Bloody Lock”. JB then talked with Roode and Storm, Beer Money. Roode said that they weren’t worried about facing the Brits inside the steel cage. Storm asked the Brits “Who’s Yer Daddy?” Storm told the Brits to “Take out the tampon and grow a set”. “Sorry about your Damn Luck”.

Both teams arrived for the steel cage title match. The match would get going, after a set of commercials.

Beer Money, Inc. d The British Invasion (by DQ)
Six Sides of Steel for the TNA World Tag Titles

The Finish:

Doug went to the top of the cage and Storm rocked Brutus with a Jumping Enziguri. Storm rushed up to get Doug. Brutus slid underneath Storm for an Electric Chair from the ropes. Roode went for a Powerbomb on Brutus. Storm, meanwhile, hit a UltraPlex off the top of the cage. All four men crashed to the canvas. It was a monster Tower Of Doom! The crowd exploded at the huge move. Beer Money nailed their DWI finisher but Brutus stopped the ref from counting. Brutus slugged the ref, Slick Johnson. Earl Hebner, along with other refs, came out to check on Johnson. Hebner, as senior ref, disqualified the British Invasion. Beer Money won the match, but the Brits kept the gold.

Grade: A-

Jay’s Thoughts: That match would have had a much higher rating but that lousy finish really ruined it. I’m curious to see what the future holds for Roode and Storm. Chris Harris has been making backstage appearances, of late. I wonder if America’s Most Wanted will face the British Invasion in the near future. As for Roode, I expect him to feud with Eric Young, eventually.

The Brits mocked Beer Money. In the back, Kurt Angle walked towards the entrance area…in full ring gear!

Lauren caught up to A.J. Styles. She tried to push an issue between Styles and Daniels. Styles blew it off. Styles was jumped as he put his gear in his car. It was impossible to see who jumped him.

Jay’s THoughts: Nothing like a over-cliched “Who Done It” storyline.

Tenay and Taz ran down next week’s card. Kurt came out yelling that no one was going to make a name off him. Kurt called out Wolf as the cage was being taken apart. Kurt took off his medals and waited for Desmond Wolf. Kurt went out to find Wolf. Wolf Blind Sided Angle and then went to the ring. Angle jumped Wold and ran him into the announce table. Angle threw Wolf into the ring. Wolf hit a nasty Low Blow on Angle. Wolf put Angle on the top rope and hit a Rope-Assisted Diamond Cutter on Angle. Wolf grabbed a steel chair and got back in the ring. Rolf put the chair into Angle’s throat and threatened to slam it into the throat. Wolf told Angle to think about him…Wolf, Desmond Wolf!

Jay’s Thoughts: Desmond/Nigel gets the gold star for best debut in a major federation in many years. Why not go after one of the top guys in the business, right off the bat.

Final Grade: A-

Final Thoughts: TNA followed up a fantastic PPV with an above average Impact. I think Wolf is going to make things really interesting in TNA. Angle really needed a good feud to get back on top. This one’s going to push both men. TNA’s title pictures are a bit hazy, right now, but they should smooth out in the next few months. TNA is gettting even closer to being on par with WWE. It may never happen, but they are putting on shows that are much better than WWE, these days.

Peace

– Jay Shannon
TheHeadLocker@SBCGlobal.net
(10/26/09)

The other night I was watching TNA Impact and something occurred to me, almost out of the clear blue. All the complaints I have about today’s pro wrestling, TNA seems to be avoiding. I’m Jim Boy Star, host and producer of the Sunset Flip Wrestling Show, and I am in my mid 20’s. 

Before I continue my column, I do not want anyone to mistake me as a blind TNA fan. Meaning, I do realize the company makes mistakes as every promotion does. I do question some of TNA’s booking, such as last week’s Impact. Why have an Ultimate X match on free TV, if you just had one at last week’s PPV? Even better, why have Amazing Red win the title only to lose it a few weeks later? Are they trying to beat WWE’s record for making titles worthless?

TNA is often criticized for not being a true alternative to WWE. While I do think some of those arguments are of value, there are plenty of things that TNA does different than WWE but rarely gets recognition.

First off, the TNA Knockouts are much better than the WWE Divas in mostly every shape and form. The Knockouts have characters, are good in ring workers, and in some cases good looking. When I think of Mickie James and Gail Kim in regards to character, they don’t have one and nothing makes them different from each other. However, I can think of plenty of reasons ODB is different from Velvet Sky. Most Knockouts are good wrestlers, but you may have one of two of them that are not so great but that can be found in everything. The important thing is the majority can put on a good match. The opposite applies to the Divas where a majority of them are awful in the ring.

Secondly, TNA has a great tag team division. This may not apply to everyone because everyone has a different opinion on what makes a good tag team (which was a topic for my very first column here on OWW). I like teams that look like a team, have team moves, and are NOT two mid to main eventers thrown together because WWE creative probably has nothing better for them to do. Between Beer Money, Motor City Machine Guns, Team 3D, and the British Invasion, to me that’s a solid division. Better yet no one is being HANDED a title. I’m talking to you Big Show!

Thirdly, no authority figure. This is a personal favorite of mine. I am, and have been, sick to death with the authority figure concept. The storylines, for both faces and heels, has been played out. Everything they do (any promotion) we have seen. I am grateful that TNA seems to be straying away from this. TNA has been announcing their matches ahead of time so you know what to expect and I like it. In some cases we still have an authority figure come out and make matches but definitely not as much as we used to. I always wanted an authority figure like Jack Tunney in today’s wrestling, where he only comes out when there is a MAJOR controversy and at the rate things go, TNA will probably give me that kind of authority figure rather than the weekly played out authority.

Fourth, variety of contenders for their World title. I always miss the days when Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels would fight someone at one PPV and then at the next PPV they fight someone different. What a concept! In WWE, it seems there has to be three PPV matches between two people before the feud ends. The feud continues with nothing added and in some cases its just a way to play catch with their World titles. At Bound For Glory AJ Styles fought Sting, at the next TNA PPV AJ Styles will fight Daniels and Samoa Joe. Variety is a great thing to have and I commend TNA for variety even if Joe and Daniels probably don’t stand a chance. I also predict the next PPV match will be AJ Styles vs Kurt Angle.

There are probably some other aspects to TNA wrestling that I feel is better than WWE, but those were the main ones. Everything I complain about in pro wrestling, TNA seems to avoiding. So the next time you go to bad mouth TNA, perhaps you should think of this column because there are many things that make TNA an alternative to WWE. Unfortunately, its only in a couple of doses, but hopefully for wrestling fans the trend continues to go in the right direction. The company has already done more with new stars in 3 months than WWE has done in 3 years so perhaps now is the time for the true rise of TNA Wrestling.

Sunset Flip Wrestling Show returned this past week and now will feature mashups and remixes every week as we continue to reinvent pro wrestling radio. This also includes mixes feat. Randy Orton, Tazz and John Cena, more specifically a rock remix of John Cena’s theme song. You can check out the latest show at sunsetflipwrestling.podomatic.com or for my info www.myspace.com/sunsetflipshow

Have a safe week

Jim Boy Star

Sunset Flip Wrestling Show
Sunday 6pm EST
Myspace: www.myspace.com/sunsetflipshow
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sunsetflipshow
Download episodes: sunsetflipwrestling.podomatic.com

We don’t yet know whether the Wrestle Nation agrees that Bound for Glory was TNA’s biggest event of the year . The show, live from Irvine, CA, Sunday, October 18, made strong statement in favor of that distinction. It was an exciting three hours of entertainment – plus a very good half-hour pre-show — after a run of uninspiring pay per views from both of the major promotions.

Bound for Glory is sure to have some detractors, because it was far from perfect. The most obvious flaw was that they messed up the timing and had to bring home the main event very abruptly. Sting-Styles still gets a high grade, but it had to disappoint those who expected a “match of the year” candidate.

Let’s look at Bound for Glory, match by match, to see what happened and why.

Jeremy Borash, seconded by Joey Petone, hosted a live pre-show that included an interesting tag team match.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. Lethal Consequences
Pre=Show Match
The Story: TNA wants fans to log onto its website to see the pre-show, so it has booked the two best tag teams not in the four-way on the actual PPV.

My Prediction: The Machine Guns are likely to win, but the real interest may be on a split between the members of Lethal Consequences. Jay Lethal appears to be headed back into singles competition in the X Division – and he may turn heel in the process.
Predicted Grade: B+

Actual Match: JB announced that Thee Pope had gone home due to a family emergency. The winning team in this match would earn spots in the Ultimate X match on the pay per view.

Lethal Consequences isolated Shelley and took turn working on him. They tried several covers, but none led to a pin.

Chris Sabin got a hot tag and laid waste to Lethal Consequences. As a result of some miscommunication between the members of Lethal Consequences, Creed took a Sabin Elbow Drop and would’ve been pinned if Lethal hadn’t made the save.

Sabin rocked Consequences Creed with a Springboard Tornado DDT. A double-team move and a cover by Shelley completed the Guns’ triumph.

Actual Grade: A-

The Kingfish comments: The added stipulation made the match more compelling, but it’s a pity that TNA wimped out on splitting Lethal Consequences. They could’ve shown part of the match on iMPACT, which might’ve built fan interest in the next pre-show.

Brother Ray, flaked by Devon, gave Lauren a high-voltage rundown of the four-way tag team match for the IWGP and TNA tag team titles.

The Kingfish comments: Ray really had it turned up all the way. Is he trying to get Don West’s old job as head cheerleader?

Bound for Glory began with a montage of clips of the participants. Zack Wild, of Black Label Society, performed an instrumental version of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

After that, BfG moved quickly to the opening match, Ultimate X.

Amazing Red d. Suicide & Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley & Daniels & Homicide
X-Division Champion
Ultimate X
The Story: This was originally to pick a number-one contender, but Don West added Amazing Red to turn it into a championship contest.

My Prediction:There’s a lot of heat among the competitors in this match. Suicide figures to be out for revenge against Homicide, but he is also embroiled in a feud against Dinero. Daniels wants the title, but he now has a grudge against Homicide after the sneak attack on the 10/15 iMPACT. Since there’s no particular reason for Amazing Red to lose, my crystal ball says he’s going to win it. Expect to see Homicide square off with Daniels and Suicide take the battle to The Pope.
Predicted Grade: B+

Actual Match: High spots abounded in this faced-paced, chaotic scramble for the belt. In the most eye-catching sequences, The Amazing Red threw Daniels out of the ring with a Springboards Tilt-a-Whirl DDT!

Homicide tried to sneak a win, but Suicide jumped up tote cable and brought him back to the canvas When Homicide tried again, Daniels yanked him down by his legs and stunned him with a Death Valley Driver. Ted took out Daniels before the Fallen Angel could capitalize on the move. Just when it looked like the champ had it won, though, Suicide kicked him off the cable!

After a combination of moves temporarily disabled Sabin, Daniels and Suicide fund themselves battling on the wobbly superstructure above the cable. Daniels dropped down onto the cable, but Suicide engaged him and both men tumbled to the mat. That left Amazing Red alone on the cable and he made the most of it. The man who certainly lived up to his name in this one grabbed the belt to retain his title.

Actual Grade: A

The Kingfish comments: Rey Mysterio could do worse than watch Amazing Red for some ideas about freshening his act.

The Beautiful People got some fun out of pretending that Lauren was actually Jeremy Borash. Madison Rayne recapped the group’s recent, spotty history.

Taylor Wilde and Sarita spoke to Jeremy Borash about the match. Sarita said that nothing is more beautiful than gold, the gold of their championship belts.

Taylor Wilde & Sarita d. The Beautiful People
Knockout Tag Team Championship
The Story: The Beautiful People were odds-on to win the tag tournament. They didn’t and now, despite the absence of Angelina Love, hope to take the title.

My Prediction: The Beautiful People will capture the title, undoubtedly with some extra-legal activity. Hat may not be the right decision, but I believe it’s what TNA will do to try to insure that fans still accord status to The Beautiful People.
Predicted Grade: B

Actual Match: The Beautiful People turned on the charm so that referee Jaime Tucker gave Lacy Von Erich a chair in the ringside area instead of making her return to the back. Lacy tried the same tactics on Earle Hebner, but the senior official still made her leave.

Sarita Dropkicked Madison Rayne into a Taylor Wilde Suplex and bridging cover.

Actual Grade: B

The Kingfish comments: This match didn’t do much for either team, unless it is the excuse for replacing Rayne with Von Erich or something like that.

Kevin Nash and Eric Young made it clear, in their interview with Lauren, that they had a deal to unite against Hernandez and allow Nash to leave with the title and the $60,000 fee from Eric Young,

Kevin Mash vs. Hernandez vs. Eric Young
TNA Legends Championship Match
The Story: This is an offshoot of the mounting hostilities between the Main Event Mafia and the World Elite. Young has soured on Hernandez due to his refusal to join the faction, but he is also antagonistic toward Nash. This is one of those matches where it really is every man for himself.

My Prediction: Eric Young and Hernandez will tear into each other, but Kevin Nash will pounce on whomever gets the worst of that exchange for the win. Look for Young and Hernandez to work at least a short feud program coming out of this one.
Predicted Grade: B-

Actual Match: While Nash didn’t actually do much to protect Eric Young, the pair did work very consistently and effectively against Hernandez.

After surviving extensive double teaming, Hernandez leveled both foes with a Wingspread Clothesline. It gave him a breather, but it couldn’t stop the two-on-one onslaught.

Young nailed Hernandez with a Cross-Body Press and then pulled down Nash’s straps. As Big Sexxy prepared to unleash his Jackknife Powerbomb, Young dealt him a low blow and covered Hernandez to steal the Legends Championship.

Actual Grade: B

The Kingfish comments: YNA couldn’t have done anything much less surprising and interesting with this match. Young’s betrayal of Nash was a given after the interview earlier in the show. The easiest way to devalue a belt is to put it on inappropriate people; Eric Young is not a legend. For that matter, neither is Hernandez.

Brutus Magnus of the British Invasion told Beer Money and the champions that all three teams should combine against Team 3D. He pointed out that Ray and Devon have by far the most experience in Full Metal Mayhem and are, therefore, the most dangerous.

Steiner and Booker T seemed interested, but Beer Money didn’t commit to the idea.

The Kingfish comments: This segment gained little for the show and, in view of later events, cold well have been skipped.

Team 3D vs. Beer Money vs. British Invasion vs. Scott Steiner & Booker T
TNA and IWGP Tag Championships
Full Metal Mayhem
The Story: Four teams have battled for tag team supremacy for months. Both titles are up for grabs, quite literally, in a four-way cage match that will let the duos go to the limit to capture championships and do bodily harm to hated foes.

My Prediction: The only teams that are on cordial terms are Team 3D and Beer Money, so this match will put them on a collision course. It will also take the title off Booker T and Scott Steiner while intensifying the feud between the Main Event Mafia and the World Elite. Just as one of the MEM boys is about to grab the title, Doug Williams will knock him down. Brother Ray will be the only one in position to stop Williams, but in doing so, he will end up taking the TNA belt.
Then Team 3D will help Beer Money capture the IWGP strap. The two victorious teams could meet in a unification match at the following PPV. The British Invasion would go into a program against the former champs, perhaps with a necessary substitution if Booker departs the promotion.
Predicted Grade: A

Actual Match: Sharmell didn’t accompany her husband to the ring. She came out during the match when Booker crashed into the guard rail and had to be stretchered to the back for treatment.

The other three teams did target Ray and Devon at the opening bell, but their separate interests soon asserted themselves. Beer Money had to move quickly to prevent the British Invasion from grabbing both belts in a daring bid to end the match quickly.

Scott Steiner really took it to the representatives of the World Elite. He uncorked a FrankenSteiner on Doug Williams and then a Suplex from the middle rope on Brutus Magnus.

Team 3D charged back into the match, swinging chairs at the heels. They then subjected first Williams and then Magnus to the Dudley Death Drop! When the fight spilled into the ringside area, Zach Wilde helped Brother Ray by giving Brutus a chairshot.

Steiner came up behind Team 3D and smashed them with a chair. He went up the ladder, but Ray and Devon toppled it so that Big Poppa Pump went through a ringside table.

Devon got the IWGP belt just before Rhino invaded the match and attacked Brother Ray and the Brother Devon. Team 3D had one belt, but Rhino stopped them from getting both straps.

Just when it seemed as though the members of Beer Money would both get to the top of a ladder to claim the TNA title, Brutus Magnus caught Robert Roode from behind. James Storm’s Sunset Flip from the top took Magnus back down to earth with extreme prejudice. Williams took out Storm with a chairshot.

Robert Roode followed Magnus up a ladder only to have Rob Terry barge into the fight and hurl him through a ringside table! That left the way clear for Doug Williams to climb the ladder and pull down the TNA World Tag Team Championship belt.

Actual Grade: A

The Kingfish comments: And so the IWGP belts return to their rightful owners. The future looks like British Invasion versus Beer Money, though they might first face Steiner and another MEM member.

ODB d. Awesome Kong & Tara
TNA Knockout Championship
The Story: Holding onto the belt may prove a lot harder for ODB than winning it from her former boyfriend. Here she’ll face two former champions, each of whom is fully capable of snatching the coveted Knockout World Championship.

My Prediction: In predicting this match, the key factor is what TNA wants going forward. Two of these three women are likely to continue as a program with the title at stake. The best match-up might be Tara-Kong, so I’m looking for Tara to regain the title.
Predicted Grade: B

Actual Match: The announcers pointed out that ODB had defeated each of the challengers in singles competition.

When Tara and ODB combined forces against Kong, she took them out with a Wingspread Clothesline. They worked together until ODB broke up Tara’s attempted pin on Awesome Kong.

Tara tried to tangle ODB in the ropes with the Tarantula, but she took too much time. Both women suffered at Kong’s hands. Tara escaped Kong’s clutches only to become embroiled in a fight with ODB. ODB got Tara out of the way, but she then had to face the wrath of Kong ODB somehow lifted Kong on her shoulders and executed a Fallaway Slam, but it didn’t lead to a pin.

After a brush with security, Tara returned to the match only to be kicked out of the ring by Kong! Kong scored with a Splash from the top, but Tara broke up the attempted pin.

Kong finally hit the Implant Buster on ODB, but the champion raised her shoulder in time.

Raisha Saeed came down the ramp and slid a chair into the ring. Awesome Kong kicked it back to her. They repeated it a second time. This gave ODB time to recover. She planted Awesome Kong right on the chair and pinned her to retain the Knockout Championship.

Actual Grade: B+

The Kingfish comments: It could be that this is the beginning of a feud between Raisha Saeed and Awesome Kong. Both women seemed to be playing it that way.

Matt Morgan told Lauren that what was at first business had become personal.
Bobby Lashley vs. Samoa Joe
Submission Match
The Story: Two of TNA’s strongest fighters have been heading for this confrontation from the moment Lashley first appeared in TNA. The Boss wants to make a major statement, while Samoa Joe plans to put the newcomer in his place.

My Prediction: TNA has great hopes for Bobby Ashley, which is why they will have Samoa Joe put him over in this match. Lashley will finish Joe with something like a Full Nelson. Samoa Joe will take a post-match tongue-lashing from Angle, which will start Samoa Joe’s babyface turn.
Predicted Grade: A-

Actual Match: Lashley did a Leapfrog to a Spinebuster to set up an Armbar submission. Joe had the defense for it and escaped with minimal damage. Samoa Joe tried much the same thing with a Leg Bar, but Ashley was far from ready to tap.

Samoa Joe launched a barrage of kicks, one of which caught referee Earl Hebner. Joe used the distraction as an opening to attack Lashley and eventually hit him with a Suicide Dive into the ringside area. He smashed Ashley’s bandaged ribs against the side of the ring, twice.

After his Abdominal Stretch had little effect on Lashley, Joe applied an Arm Breaker, but this, too, fell short of a submission.

Lashley scored with a T-Bone Suplex, but Samoa Joe came back with two Urinagi Suplexes. Lashley brought him tot he mat and clamped on a Side Choke. The ref ruled a submission and awarded the match to The Boss.

Actual Grade: B

The Kingfish comments: “MMA vs. TNA” shows the pitfall of picking a tagline without considering its meaning. It portrays Lashley as an outside when he is the one who the fans need to support.

That’s two big losses (and a revised facial tattoo) for Samoa Joe. Guys on his level rarely take two defeats like this, so it’s likely that TNA has some radically different idea for him in the near future. Either that or he isn’t considered at the main event level any more.

Abyss vs. Mick Foley
Monster’s Ball Match
The Story: They were friends until a series of mishaps enraged Foley and caused him to turn on his protégé and accuse him of gimmick infringement. Abyss admits to some emulation of Foley, but insists that he, too, has bled for the business. Now they will collide in the ring in what could be the bloodiest match of the year!

My Prediction: I planned to order a pizza during this match, but second thought counsels a different choice. This match should probably carry a special warning for the faint of heart. To me, this looks like one of those torch-passing matches. That translates into a hard-fought match that Abyss wins. They might even pour it on and have Foley say that he concocted the whole thing just to help Abyss overcome his inferiority complex.
Predicted Grade:
Actual Match: B+

Actual Match: Foley attacked Abyss on the ramp as the Masked Monsters walked to the ring. Mick ht hid former friend with his barb wire bat . He then climbed the scaffold near the upper stage and dropped onto Abyss so hard that the victim went right through the ramp! Dr. Stevie, the special guest referee, patted Foley on the back approvingly as they sauntered back to the ring.

Abyss came back strong. He threw a garage can full of weapons into the ring and then heaved Foley back inside, too. When Foley tried to hit Abyss with the trashcan, Abyss took it away from him and used it a couple of times.

Abyss set up a barbed wire board between the guardrail and the ring apron and positioned a second one in the center of the ring. He tried to send Foley into the latter, but Mick hit a DDT that slammed abyss into it! Foley hit Abyss with the barb wire bat a coupe of times, causing red to flow from under the mask.

Abyss threw Foley into a barb wire board leaning against a turnbuckle. He charged right in after him – and hit noting but barb wire board. Dr Stevie helped sandwich Abyss between both boards. Foley dropped an elbow, but couldn’t get the pin.

Dr. Stevie handed Mick Foley a black bag that contained tacks. It turned out that, tough Abyss was not allowed to use the tacks against Foley, nothing prevented Mick from making use of them.

Nothing, however, kept Abyss from dropping Stevie onto the tacks, which he proceeded to do Daffney handed Foley a taser. It sparked up nicely when he used it on Abyss. By the time a replacement referee appeared, Abyss had recovered enough to foil the cover.

Mick put on the sock and Clotheslined Abyss. Dr. Stevie pulled Jaime Tucker from the ring.

When Daffney tried to directly interfere, Abyss threw her into the barb wire board! Dr. Stevie removed his striped shirt and attacked. Abyss executed a Black Hole Slam into the tacks. Then Abyss slammed Foley into the barbed wire board.

Abyss covered Foley and used Dr. Stevie’s limp hand to count the fall!

Actual Grade: A

The Kingfish comments: It was sick, but it was great. If there’s such a thing as passing the torch, this was probably it. Maybe this will finish this storyline and let Abyss goon to fight a more meaningful feud.

Jeremy Borash asked Kurt Angle why he seemed so confident. The Olympic gold medal winner felt that only the time limit kept him from defeating Styles on the previous Thursday.

Kurt Angle d. Matt Morgan
The Story: Matt Morgan spent months jumping through hoops in an attempt to gain a place with the Main Event Mafia. Somewhere along the way, he smartened up and figured out how Kurt Angle manipulated him for Kurt’s own benefit. Now they meet in the ring with an enormous score to settle. Can power eat ring savvy? This match will tell that story.

My Prediction: Kurt Angle is very likely to meet AJ Styles for the TNA World Championship at the November pay per view, so this match could well end the Morgan-Angle feud, at least for now. It makes me think that Matt Morgan could shock the fans by beating Angle, perhaps with some help from AJ Styles. That would sharpen Angle-Styles, while paving the way for Angle-Morgan down the road. Failing that, it will end inconclusively, perhaps a “No Contest” or Double DQ.
Predicted Grade: B

Actual Match: Matt organ used raw power to negate Kurt Angle’s wrestling maneuvers. This allowed The Blueprint to dominate the early part of the match.

Kurt threw away the wrestling textbook when he jumped off the ring apron at Matt Morgan. The seven-footer caught him and ran him into the ring post. Back inside the ring, Morgan went to the top turnbuckle and connected with a Lariat. Angle beat the ref’s final count.

Morgan reversed the Figure-Four Leglock and the official broke it.

Morgan hit a Fallaway Slam, but Angle reversed his Chokeslam and almost pinned Matt. Morgan signaled for the Hellevator, but Kurt beat him to the punch with three German Suplexes.
Morgan stopped Angle in mi-charge with the Carbon Footprint, but he again averted a pin. Angle anticipated what might’ve been another Carbon Footprint and instead gave Morgan an Olympic Slam! He couldn’t turn it into a pin, though. Angle tried an Anklelock, but Morgan rolled out of it. Morgan hit the Hellevator, but Angle raised a shoulder just as the referees hand was about to slap canvas for the third time.

Angle suckered Morgan into approaching him carelessly. Still, a second Olympic Slam couldn’t keep the big man down,

Kurt Angle went to the top for a Moonsault. Matt Morgan rushed up behind the MEM leader and took him onto his shoulders. Before Morgan could start his move, Angle went into a Victory Roll that pinned the stunned Morgan.

After the match, Angle helped Morgan to his feet and raised his hand along with his own.

Actual Grade: A-

The Kingfish comments: The post match seemed really out of place after the way they promoted the feud. We won’t know until iMPACT whether this is the start of an Angle-Morgan alliance or just a shoot moment in the show.

AJ Styles d. Sting
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
The Story: Sting could have won the title at No Surrender, but chose to let Styles make the pin and claim the win. The Phenomenal One subsequently offered Sting the chance to fight for the title. Sting declared that he still has the passion, which is what brings these two topflight professional wrestlers to the championship ring.

My Prediction: TNA had Sting vow to quit, but I thought there might be a little wiggle room; a noble defeat might justify continuing since he was competitive. I‘m especially suspicious about the rumors of Sting’s retirement that surfaced just before TNA announced this match. Kurt Angle will end the match by attacking Styles and then, after the champs wins by DQ, assault Sting, too.
Predicted Grade: A

Actual Match: Friendship didn’t prevent these two proud warriors from going at each other with everything they could muster. AJ scored with a Bodyslam to a Kneedrop, but Sting rolled free. Styles hit an Enziguri and then a Suplex, but the fancy moves brought him no closer to victory.

AJ’s our-of-ring fly misfired, bur so did Sting’s charge across the ringside area, which Styles moved out of the way. The Phenomenal One lined up the challenger for a Piledriver or possibly a Styles Clash, but Sting reversed and spiked the champion into the canvas with a Piledriver of his own!

Sting went for the Scorpion Death Drop, but Styles Snap Mared out of it. The Icon tried again and this time pulled off the Death Drop! Styles broke the count in time.

Sting applied the Scorpion Deathlock. The referee asked if Styles wanted to quit, but the champion screamed, “No!” Then he kicked Sting off him.

Sting put AJ on the top turnbuckle, bur AJ’s Headbutt ended that plan. And when Sting approached him along the ropes, Styles blasted him with a Pele!

AJ Styles hit a Springboard Cross-Body Press from the apron and covered for the pin.

Actual Grade: A-

The Kingfish comments: The match ended rather abruptly, most likely due to acute time pressure. It wasn’t the Match of the Year, but both men turned in fine performances.

After the match, Styles called Sting back and turned over the ring to him. The crowd chanted for him and begged him not to retire. He claimed he had not made up his mind.

Predicted Grade for Bound for Glory: A-

Actual Grade for Bound for Glory: A-

That’s all for today! I’ll be back on Monday with my recap and analysis of Bound for Glory on Monday. Hope you’ll join me then – and, please, bring your friends.

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(10/19/09)