Sting: Bait and Switch
There is simply no excuse, on a pre-recorded show like this, for the

Even though they obviously knew that Sting wasn’t there and wasn’t going to show his face on iMPACT, Mike Tenay and Taz talked it up throughout the show. Tenay even made an extended reference to an interview conducted earlier in the day that had surprising and exciting developments!

This could have been fixed in post-production, but it wasn’t. Is this the new deal that Dixie Carter keeps promising?

Foley Goes Face, But…
.Mick Foley has turned babyface with as little rhyme or reason as when he went heel to fight Abyss.

Yet a further turn, perhaps back to heel or to tweener, already seemed underway on the 11/19 iMPACT. Even as Foley teamed with Abyss to combat Stevie Richards and Raven, Mick griped constantly about being abused y TNA management. His big complaint is that Dixie Carter didn’t tell him about the Hogan deal.

This certainly makes it look like Foley and Hogan will have, at the least, a war of words when the Hulkster actually comes to TNA. Mick can work very well as a tweener, subtly shifting his approach to reflect his adversary at the time, but the turns aren’t being handled very well.

Mick’s recent turns have been too extreme and too unmotivated. If TNA wants him in the tweener role, then his basic personality should remain constant and whether he’s heel or face should depend on the personal issues developed in the storyline.

TNA has taken the easier, but less pleasing, approach of having Mick Foley do an about-face every three weeks or so. What kind of credibility can Foley possibly have with fans when he says something one week and then the exact opposite the next?

Steiner vs. Amazing Red
This is the kind of match that helped dig TNA’s present hole. Why would anyone think it was a good idea to put the X Division champion in there with Big Poppa Pump?

The match turned out to be an excuse for a save by Bobby Lashley that added nothing to the Steiner-Lashley feud, yet managed to make Amazing Red seem puny and insignificant.

When TNA wants to schedule this kind of match, it would make a lot more sense to use someone like Shark Boy as the foil instead of cheapening a valuable property like Red. It’s bad enough that they have saddled the Pride of Brooklyn with the Don West gimmick.

We’ve got Nash and Young –where are Crosby and Stills?

When Good Mike Does Bad Mic
After fans saw Abyss blockade Mick Foley’s office in the wake of his plea for Mick not to wrestle, Mike Tenay acted like it was all some sort of Big Mystery when Foley didn’t answer the call of his entrance package.

A better alternative would have been to have the announcers wonder if Mick would escape from his office when his music hit. TNA could’ve even cut back and forth between the ring and Foley’s escape effort.

Pretending that there is a mystery when there isn’t one is a surefire way to turn off fans. If the announcers are made to look stupid, what they say will have zero impact.

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

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(11/21/09)

The fallout from Turning Point was almost nuclear. Plus, TNA rolled closer to the arrival of Hulk Hogan in the Impact Zone. Most stars gave their feedback, one of which provided a rather cryptic clue about the future.

This Week’s Episode: Burn, Baby Burn

The show opened with a look back at Turning Point. It turned out to be a pretty good show, despite no title changes.

Mike Tenay profiled the main event and then sent it to the ring. Mick Foley and Abyss came out to a huge pop. Tenay talked about Raven returning last week and throwing a fireball into Foley’s face. Foley’s left eye was bandaged. Foley said that almost losing his sight opened his eyes. Foley complained that Dixie Carter didn’t inform him about Hulk Hogan coming to TNA. Foley wondered if he was still valued in TNA. Foley said Carter won’t return his calls and he even had to show his ID to get into the Impact Zone. Abyss tried to calm Foley down and get him back on topic…Dr. Stevie and Raven. Foley started griping about Raven preventing him and Abyss from getting rid of Dr. Stevie. Foley said he was ready to exact revenge. Abyss tried to talk Foley out of it. Foley said Raven and Dr. Stevie were playing with fire.

Out comes Dr. Stevie, Raven and Daffney. Stevie got in all kinds of fire-related puns about Foley looking all hot and bothered. Stevie said he had to answered the challenge of Foley to eliminate him. Stevie compared himself to a cornered, rabid animal. Stevie said “they” would end things. Raven then took over and said he was disappointed with Foley. Raven said Foley was more interested in politics, than fighting. Raven taunted Foley’s authority (great Cartman impression). Raven and Foley got into a war of words, with Foley making a match between himself and Abyss against Raven and Stevie. Taz felt Raven had just “played” Foley.

Tenay and Taz really pushed how great Turning Point was. Tenay then talked about Sting’s press conference. Tenay said it turned into something unexpected. In the back, JB talked with Kurt Angle and A.J. Styles. JB mentioned that both Desmond Wolfe and Daniels both stated that they were not pinned on Sunday. Styles said he would throw out his friendship with Daniels, if he had to. Styles and Daniels would face off in the next PPV. Angle then talked about facing Wolfe. Angle then wanted to know why Daniels got a title shot at Final Resolution, instead of him. Styles said he looked forward to fighting Kurt but he needed to finish things with Daniels. Styles told Kurt he would face him, anytime. The two had a long staredown but nothing came of it.

Scott Steiner came out to the screaming sirens. TNA looked at the situation between Steiner and Bobby Lashley. Steiner blasted Lashley in the head with a piece of steel to take the match. Amazing Red and Don West then came out. West was now wearing a glow-in-the-dark red shirt. West was giving a major pep talk to the X-Division champ, Red.

Amazing Red d Scott Steiner (by DQ)
Non-Title Match

The Finish:

Steiner lifted Red and Press Slammed Red. Steiner dropped Red and then picked him back up. Steiner hit a Clothesline off the Irish Whip. He dropped the Elbow but did Push-ups, instead of taking the pin. Steiner with the Rolling Belly to Belly Suplex. West screamed at Steiner. Scoot with a Stall Suplex into a Brain Buster. Steiner went out and got the steel pipe. The ref warned Steiner, but it didn’t do any good. Steiner popped Red with the pipe. He then put the belt across Red’s face and punched it into Red’s face. Bobby Lashley ran out to make the save. Steiner screamed at Lashley, from the floor.

Grade: C+

Jay’s Thoughts: What the Hell was that? Red is the top guy in the X-Division and he’s used as a way to help push a mediocre feud? Bad, Sport, real bad. Somebody really needs to get TNA new writers, seriously.

JB then talked with Kevin Nash and Eric Young. At the PPV, Nash bashed James Storm in the head with the Global title. Nah handed the Global belt back to E.Y. Nash said Eric was able to out-think him, the smartest man in the business. Nash compared Eric to Scott Hall (kinda). Nash offered Eric the opportunity to tag with him. Nash wanted to know if Eric had a problem with Nash being an American. Eric didn’t. Nash said he would have answers for Mick Foley by the end of the night.

The next match was an 8-man tag. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley came out in new gear. Tenay teased a return of the nWo. Beer Money, Inc (James Storm and Robert Roode) then came out to join the Motor City Machine Guns. Their opponents were: Kiyoshi, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Brutus Magnus and Doug Williams

Beer Money, Inc. and The Motor City Machine Guns d World Elite
Eight-Man Tag Match

The Finish:

Shelley spun to his feet and they exchanged Knife Edge Chops as the Impact Zoners “Woo’d” in unison. Kiyoshi with a Thrust Kick to Shelley’s throat. Kiyoshi rushed at Shelley, in the corner. Shelley grabbed Kiyoshi and dragged him down, face first, into the middle turnbuckle. Shelley rushed to the corner and brought Sabin back into the match. Kiyoshi tagged out to Magnus. Sabin caught Magnus with kicks to the ribs that sounded like a shotgun blast. Sabin swept the leg of Brutus and then kicked him in the chest. Magnus went to the corner but Sabin bounced off the opposite turnbuckle to get a good running start. He threw a Flying Fore-arm that rocked the Brit. Sabin screamed out and then caught Magnus with a Springboard Clothesline. The rest of the World Elite came in to make the save. The match broke down as everyone went to the floor. Beer Money lifted Bashir and ran his crotch into the ring post. (Every man watching just cringed, including me). In the ring, the Guns double teamed Magnus with a Step-up Dropkick. Beer Money Double Suplexed Kiyoshi on the ramp. Beer Money got in Eric’s face as another ref tried to hold them back. In the ring, Big Rob Terry came in to try and aid his British Invasion partners. He accidentally Clotheslined his own partner, Brutus Magnus. The Guns then hit a Double Kick to the face. Sabin locked in a Neckbreaker and Shelley hit a Flying Crossbody to take out Magnus.

Grade: A-

Jay’s Thoughts: Some Williams and Roode basically get the night off? Their involvement in this one was minimal. The match was still great. I smell a face turn for “Big” Rob in the near future. Throw him in with Hernandez, D’Angelo Dinero and Matt Morgan as “Future Shock”.

Eric read the riot act to “Big” Rob Terry. Backstage, Mick Foley was searching for Kevin Nash.

Foley said to Nash that he was “Hogan’s Boy”. Nash was offended as being called a boy. Foley wanted to know what Hogan was up to. Nash said it was all about business. Nash was upset about getting a two-week suspension. Nash said if Foley could get him his money back, he’d have answers. Nash then left Foley with the cryptic…”When Hulk comes back, he’s not coming alone”. Hmmm…

Jay’s Thoughts: Could there be an nWo reunion? Could Nash be just talking about Bischoff? Will Batman escape the Joker’s latest dastardly joke? Oops…sorry. Anyway, I love when wrestlers get all cryptic.

TNA then went to a video package about Hogan joining with TNA. Hogan said the wrestling world would be turned upside down.

Abyss begged Foley to listen to him. Abyss was concerned about Foley’s eye. Abyss said that there was no jobs for blind wrestlers. (Well, George Weingroff did make a decent living in the old World Class days). Foley made it into a joke about becoming a ref. Abyss tried to get JB to talk sense into Foley. Foley then snapped and said none of this was funny. Foley said he needed to do what he needed to do. Abyss talked about all the years of pain endured and issued. Abyss said Foley was in no shape to fight. Foley appreciated Abyss’ concern but Foley felt the need to make the decision. Abyss accepted it but didn’t like it. Foley then whined about being kept out of the loop by Dixie Carter about Hogan. Foley skirted around my favorite quote of all time:

“When you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” — “Freewill” by Rush

Back to the Impact Zone for a Knockout match. Hamada made her way into the ring. She flipped into the ring as the fans cheered her. her opponent was Taylor Wilde.

Hamada d Taylor Wilde

The Finish:

Wilde kicked out of the pin and flipped out of a Belly to Back Suplex. Wilde did the Gail Kim RopeWalk/Arm Drag combo. Wilde with a Roundhouse Kick to Hamada’s face. Hamada nailed a Close Quarters Superkick. Hamada hit the Moonsault but only got a two. Hamada tried, twice, for a Powerbomb. On the second attempt, Wilde turned it into a Roll-up. She only got a two. Wilde used a Crucifix Backslide for a two count. Wilde with a Flying Headscissors into an Inverted Victory Roll for another two. Hamada rocked Wilde with an Enziguri. Hamada tried for the infamous Hamada Driver but Wilde Floated Over. Wilde tried for a German Suplex but Hamada blocked it. Hamada hit a Jumping Roundhouse Kick to the face and finished off Wilde with the Hamada Driver.

Grade: A-

Jay’s Thoughts: Somebody call the WWE, there are women who can actually wrestle. These two put on a heck of an outing in this short little battle. I want to see more of this. I wish Hamada would bring in a partner from Japan and go after the tag belts.

Abyss flipped Foley’s desk over to block the door so Foley couldn’t go to the ring. Dr. Stevie, Raven and Daffney walked backstage.

TNA ran another video piece of Hogan touting how much TNA is going to explode now that he’s joined the team.

Raven and Dr. Stevie strolled to the ring. Daffney was left in the back, darn it. Abyss’ music then rang out. The Monster walked out alone for the battle. Abyss cleared the ring of his foes. Foley’s music then went off. Foley didn’t arrive for the battle.

Abyss d Raven and Dr. Stevie (DQ)
Handicap Match

The Finish:

Dr. Stevie got Abyss in the ring and pounded away. Raven took the tag and kicked and punched Abyss. Stevie tagged in and they double teamed him. Abyss was choked on the ropes by both opponents. Raven and Stevie took turns pounding on Abyss’ back. That seemed to fire up the Monster, as he started punching away at both men. Abyss Power Whipped Raven into Dr. Stevie, in the corner. Abyss Splashed both of them and went for the Double Goozle. Raven and Dr. Stevie kicked their way free and sent Abyss to the ropes. Abyss managed to Clothesline Raven. Stevie went for the StevieKick but Abyss caught the foot. He hoisted Dr. Stevie into position and delivered a little Shock Treatment. Raven jumped Abyss before Abyss could make the pin. Raven went into his pocket for something. Raven was setting for another Fireball but Abyss Big Booted Raven. The ref, for some odd reason, called for the bell and gave the DQ win to Abyss. Huh?

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: While I’m glad to see Abyss getting some air time, I think this is not a good move for The Monster. He’s completely out of any title picture and he’s fighting two men who are nearing the end of their careers. The only good thing is we get to see Daffney.

After the match, Abyss attacked Raven on the floor. The two threw punches until Dr. Stevie jumped Abyss from behind. Daffney then came out. Raven hit the Evenflow DDT. Dr. Stevie had a heavy duty cable. Raven used it, over the ropes, to hang Abyss.

ODB presented her talk show…Trash Talking. She brought out her guest…Homicide. He brought her a bottle of tequila. ODB brought up “The Skull Guy”, Suicide. Homicide made fun of Suicide’s look, under the mask. Homicide wanted to get rowdy with ODB and make the show “mature”. They stared dancing around, acting a fool.

Jay’s Thoughts: When will these wrestling companies understand that these talk segments are a complete and total waste of air time?

Tomko returned to TNA! Lauren talked with him. He wanted to show Dixie Carter how good he could be. When he walked off, The Beautiful People came out to make fun of Lauren’s announcing skills. It was one of the lamest segments in TNA history. Yawn.

A.J. Styles pushed Hogan’s arrival as a positive change for TNA. Styles wanted to ask Hogan so many questions to learn from The Hulkster.

Alissa Flash came out for the next match. I’m glad she ditched that hood she wore as Raisha Saeed. Flash is actually a very beautiful woman. TNA looked at Flash’s attack on the birth defected arm of Traci Brooks, last week. Flash’s opponent was the other half of the Knockout tag champs, Sarita.
Sarita d Alissa Flash

The Finish:

Flash hit a Fore-arm Smash and then choked Sarita with the boot. Sarita fought back and caught Flash with a great Over-head Suplex. Sarita and Flash went back and forth with Roundhouse Kicks. Sarita ducked a Clothesline and then dropped Flash with a Springboard Dropkick that was too sweet for words. Sarita tried for a Butterfly Back Suplex but Flash powered out. Flash hit an amazing Belly to Back Suplex with a remarkable hang time. Sarita kicked out and Flash just couldn’t believe it. Flash went for a Scoop Slam and another Belly to Back Suplex, both of which were blocked. Sarita with the Inverted Small Package for a two. Sarita caught Flash with an Enziguri-like Mule Kick that knocked Flash out cold.

Grade: B+

After the battle, Traci Brooks came out and tore into Alissa Flash. Security broke it up. In the back, Foley screamed for Raven and Dr. Stevie. They ambushed him and choked him with the cable. They taunted Foley as he gasped for air. They even through out the “Have a nice day” catchphrase at him. TNA went to break.

Jay’s Thoughts: Another decent Knockout match? TNA must be getting ready to launch that all-Knockout show that was rumored. TNA really needs to scout Mexico and Japan to find some fresh female talent.

Team 3D and Rhino came out for a six-man Street Fight. The ring was surrounded by “toys”. Their opponents were D’Angelo Dinero, Matt Morgan and Hernandez.

Brother Ray, Brother Devon and Rhino d Hernandez, Matt Morgan and D’Angelo Dinero

Six-Man Street Fight

The Finish:

Dinero and Ray ended up fighting on the ropes. In the ring. Morgan whipped Devon too the corner. Morgan with a Corner Clothesline. Morgan then put a trash can over Devon’s head and nailed the See-Saw Back Elbows into the can. Morgan with another Corner Splash. Morgan couldn’t get the pin. Morgan and Devon went to the floor. Rhino and Hernandez got in the ring and Rhino hit a Corner Shoulder Thrust. Hernandez kicked him away and rolled up the turnbuckles. Rhino and Hernandez fought on the ropes. Hernandez shoved Rhino down to the canvas. Dinero placed a cookie sheet on Rhino’s chest and Hernandez hit a Sky-High Splash. Rhino was able to get free. ray jumped Hernandez and Scoop Slammed him. Ray called for the Wazzup! Dinero used a kendo stick to stop it. Dinero walloped both of Team 3D, over and over. Devon was Rocker Launched off the ropes by Morgan. Dinero then hit a Savage Elbow off the ropes…into the nether regions of Devon. That just wasn’t right…I don’t care who you are.

Dinero called for Morgan and Hernandez to “Get the Tables!” Morgan and Ray fought on the floor. Dinero clubbed Devon with the can lids. Morgan went for a Legdrop off the apron but Ray moved. Morgan crashed through the table. Team 3D caught Dinero with the 3D. Hernandez hit the Slingshot Double Clothesline. Hernandez went to Border Toss Rhino but saw Devon with a chair. Hernandez released Rhino and punched the chair into Devon’s face. Hernandez Speared Rhino but the ref was pulled out of the ring. Jesse Neal then slid into the ring and busted Hernandez in the head with a chair shot. Jesse had a new Mohawk haircut and all kinds of tribal ink on his chest and arms.

Grade: A-

Jay’s Thoughts: So, Jesse Neal now looks like a cheap imitation of Shannon Moore and has kind of a Mad Max mentality thing going? That beats the heck out of the flag-waving, all-American hero gimmick that made me want to hurl day-glo.

JB talked with the victors of the last match. Rhino welcomed Jesse to “The Cause”. Jesse didn’t like being touched. Ray said Jesse’s new look and attitude came from training with them. He called Jesse a “B.M.F”. Out of respect to our younger readers, I won’t go into what that stands for. Ray said that Jesse was part of the new Hardcore Wrecking Crew. Jesse said he would become the best. Devon said the Hardcore Wrecking Crew would eliminate Dinero, Morgan and Hernandez from TNA. Testify.

Tenay mentioned about the scheduled interview with Sting. Sting now lives in the Dallas area. Sting “No-Showed” for the interview.

Lauren talked with Wolfe and Daniels. Lauren wanted to know if Daniels and Wolfe could get along. Wolfe had a lot of respect for Daniels. Wolfe claimed Kurt used an illegal submission move on Sunday. Daniels wanted Lauren to announce that it was the first time (in TNA) that Wolfe and Daniels had teamed. Daniels said Styles could not beat him. Daniels was determined to prove to Styles that he was worthy of a solo title shot. They headed towards the ring for the main event as TNA went to break.

Daniels and Wolfe came out for the main event. I hear there is another Feast or Fired match in the near future. Daniels should be worried. Kurt then rose from the depths of the Impact Zone. Kurt got a huge cheer and an “An-gle” chant from the crowd. Kurt was in his new ring outfit. Styles then came out through the shower of sparks.

Daniels and Desmond Wolfe d Kurt Angle and A.J. Styles

The Finish:

Daniels took the tag and hit an Inverted Arm Drag on Kurt. Daniels tried to rip Kurt’s arm out of the socket. Wolfe tagged back in and nailed a Trapped Arm Suplex. Kurt began to fight back but Wolfe used a Power Spin Yank to send Kurt crashing to the canvas. Daniels came back in and pounded on the shoulder. Kurt caught Daniels with the Snap Belly to Belly Overhead Suplex. Kurt crawled to his corner for the hot tag. Wolfe also took the tag on his side. Styles dropped Wolfe with Running Fore-arms and Back Elbows. Styles caught Wolfe off the ropes with an Spicoli Driver into a Backbreaker. Wow. Styles set for the Styles Clash but Wolfe powered out. Styles caught Wolfe with the Pele Kick. Styles went to the top rope but Daniels tripped him. Wolfe used a Tower of London (Rope-Assisted Stunner from the top rope). Styles, somehow, kicked out at two. Angle rushed in and charged at Wolfe. Wolfe made a passing tag to Daniels on his way out of the ring. Daniels hit the B.M.E to beat A.J. Styles!

Grade: A+

Jay’s Thoughts: TNA got it right with these four. Daniels plays the poor little ol’ me role to a T. Wolfe lost at Turning Point but still looks promisiong. Styles is ready to face off in a “former best friends” feud with Daniels. Someone definitely earned their Christmas Bonus when they decided to set these match-ups.

Final Grade: B+

Final Thoughts: TNA is in flux. The Hogan thing will either make or break TNA. TNA is building some interesting feuds that could culminate in the revirth of the nWo or something similar. This week’s show was definitely above average.

–Jay Shannon
Jade89512@yahoo.com
(11/20/2009)

What’s Next for Sting?

Te opening package for the program still shows Sting’s painted face. An announcement on the Turning Point pay per view informed fans that the Icon will speak on the subject on the 11/22 iMPACT.

Will Sting hang ‘em up? I have no inside information, but it does raise the intriguing question: should Sting retire from professional wrestling?

Sting has reached his 50s, an age at which most others have called it quits. Most, but not all. Fit inlay still works creditably and so do a few others. More importantly, Sting is in good shape and has worked less than most wrestlers of the same age. His gimmick, his injuries and his previous retirements have preserved him pretty well.

Sting doesn’t seem to have the same passion for the work that he once possessed, but he still delivers good matches and interviews most of the time. When story support is good, Sting rises to the occasion.

Booking is crucial for Sting. If TNA wants to keep him, they will have to come up with a storyline that involved him in something both he and the fans consider significant.

The Return of Raven

My wife Joyce thought Raven looked terrible on his first show back – until I reminded her of what Raven looked like when he came in the last time. He still doesn’t look in fighting trim, despite the cloaking properties of his extensive costume, but he doesn’t look nearly as ill.

It looks like Raven will work a program against Abyss, who should in the final, decisive match. Raven may have trouble moving the bulky Abyss around the ring, but he will do reasonably interesting interviews and, hopefully, will make the feud more than a lame repetition of Abyss-Richards.

An Invitation to Disaster

The Lethal Invitational got off to an awful start with the match that Black Machismo lost to a plodding, out-of-shape Jim Niedhart. I don’t see how this works out if Lethal doesn’t win some matches, unless this is a convoluted way of ditching the Macho Man imitation.

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

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(11/17/09)

.

.

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

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

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

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

Tenay and Taz run down the card.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Sides of Steel Match
Awesome Kong
vs.
Tara

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revenge Match
Bobby Lashley
vs.
Scott Steiner

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

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

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

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

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

Challenge Match
Kurt Angle
vs.
Desmond Wolfe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Karen Belcher

Courtesy of ProWrestlingDigest.com

TNA is back with another PPV offering. This one is not even in the same ballpark as their spectacular Bound For Glory show. This second-rate effort is going to throw a lot of nowhere feuds and pretend threats to championships at the fans. I’m not impressed, as you will be able to tell as you read on.

Team 3D & Rhino v Matt Morgan, Hernandez and D’Angelo Dinero

Backstory: Ok, Rhino gets all paranoid and thinks “they” are out to get him. With his recent string of losses, he might be right. Anyway, he’s now convinced Brother Ray and Brother Devon that they are next on the victim list. Team 3D were battling Hernandez and Morgan, when Ray blith-whapped his opponents with a chair. Ray now suddenly buys all Rhino’s baloney and wants to protect himself from the “evil ones”. Speaking of “evil ones”, D’Angelo Dinero, who was off for a family emergency, is back. This time, he joins the yound studs to battle the old guard.

Predictions: My biggest question is: What the heck is Dinero doing on the face side of this one? He comes into TNA as a replacement for Ron Killings, basically, and gets thrown into a decent heel role. He has some kind of emergency and suddenly he’s the face savior. I can only imagine that Suicide is going to turn heel. Speaking of Suicide, I noticed that he’s not on the card, anywhere. To keep the conspiracy theory going, Team 3D and Rhino really need to lose this one. I see the ending as Rhino goes for a Gore! but missed. Dinero then catches Rhino with the D-D-E to take the win.

Predicted Winners: D’Angelo Dinero, Hernandez and Matt Morgan
Predicted Grade: B-

Bobby Lashley v. Scott Steiner

Backstory: Steiner takes a liking to Bobby’s better half and the war is on. That’s pretty much what the tired re-used-a-million-times feud is all about. Just like Rude/Roberts, Flair/Precious and probably a dozen more, Lashley is defending the honor of his family against the lustful Steiner. Oh, Puh-leeze!

Predictions: This is definitely the Beer Run match of the night. This feud was given absolutely no time to build before the near-sighted writers decided to run with a major battle. This is definitiely a no-win situation. If Steiner loses, the feud is dead in teh water. If Lashley loses, it kills any momentum that he had. I just have to think that TNA will go with the smart move and have Lashley destroy Steiner. Lashley could then move another step up the ladder and Steiner could fade into retirement (or join Booker T over in McMahon-Land).

Predicted Winner: Bobby Lashley
Predicted Grade: D

The British Invasion v Beer Money Inc. v The Motor City Machine Guns
TNA World Tag Title Triple Threat Match

Backstory: The Motor City Machine Guns won this title shot at Bound For Glory. Beer Money won their way into the mix with a win on Thursday’s Impact. The Brits took the straps at Bound For Glory and then got themselves suspended for smacking as ref to keep their belts in a match against Beer Money on Impact.

Predictions: This one seems rather complicated but I don’t think it’s going to turn out that way. With Beer Money beating the odds to earn this shot, common sense says they will take the belts. I don’t think so. I’m going with the Guns to take the straps. This could play into the whole Team 3D comspiracy thing and lead to a few really decent matches between the two teams.

Predicted Winners: Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley (New Champions)
Predicted Grade: A

Tara v Awesome Kong
Six Sides of Steel Cage Match

Backstory: Tara, the former Victoria, showed up in TNA a few months back. She immediately set her sights on the top woman in the company, Kong. Kong tried to squash Tara’s pet spider, Poison. Kong has recently disposed of her long-time handler, This latest match is going to be inside the six-sided steel cage.

Prediction: This match means absolutely nothing, since neither woman holds the Knockout belt. If Kong were to hold the belt, I’d give it to Tara. If Tara held it, Kong would win. There is just no way in Heaven or Hell that Tara will get Kong up into the Widow’s Peak. That neutralizes her biggest weapon. The only way I see Tara winning this one is if Raisha Saeed gets involved. Otherwise, Kong hits the Implant Buster and takes the win.

Predicted Winner: Awesome Kong
Predicted Grade: A-

The Amazing Red v Homicide
X-Division Title Match

Backstory: Red pulled off a huge upset when he defeated Samoa Joe for the X-Division title. He did have a little help from Bobby Lashley. Homicide has turned back into his old street thug character after joining the World Elite. He has mugged Red’s promoter, Don West, and raided Mick Foley’s office to steal the barbed wire bat.

Prediction: TNA has so much more that they can do with a Red X-Division title reign. I can’t imagine that they would end his first-ever reign so quickly. This match should be a warp speed affair with tons of high-risk moves and near falls. I’m expecting Homicide to get frustrated and attack either Red, the ref or both. Red gets busted open but keeps the straps, thanks to the DQ.

Predicted Winner: Amazing Red (by DQ)
Predicted Grade: A

ODB and Taylor Wilde and Sarita v The Beautiful People
All Knockout Titles on the Line Match

Backstory: Kong took her first Knockout title from her former beau, Cody Deaner. Sarita and Taylor Wilde won a tournament to become the first Knockout tag team champions. In this upcoming match, both the Knockout singles and tag belts are on the line.

Prediction: This has been billed as an All-or-Nothing match. If any of the Beautiful People were to take the pin, all the belts would go to Von Erich, Sky and Rayne. If that stands, then the straps will stay put and there will be chaos inside the Beautiful People. If they change it to where each champion is individually defended, then the Beuatiful People will take the tag belts and ODB keeps her title. I wish Lacey would take the singles title but she’s not ready. The other two Beautiful People aren’t strong enough to hold the singles title. I’m going to say that the titles will not change hands. I’m expecting ODB to take the win, which will set ODB v Lacey in the near future.

Predicted Winners: ODB, Taylor Wilde and Sarita
Predicted Grade: B

Kurt Angle v Desmond Wolfe

Backstory: The Main Event Mafia is gone. Booker T has left the company. Steiner has gone after Bobby Lashley. Nash is doing…well…something. In the middle of all this chaos, Desmond Wolfe (the former Nigel McGuiness) has arrived in TNA to eliminate Kurt and take his place. Wolfe has attacked Kurt, several times. So far, Wolfe has dominated.

Prediction: TNA is trying to push Wolfe to the top too fast. If Wolfe truly destroys Kurt, as he claims he will do, Kurt might as well join Booker T back in WWE. If Wolfe really gets trashed, he will be effectively useless as a top heel. The only way that this won’t weaken the company is if neither man is dominate. Expect a double DQ in this wild and wooly battle.

Predicted Winner: Double DQ
Predicted Grade: B+

A.J. Styles v Samoa Joe v Daniels
TNA World Championship Match

Backstory: These three met several years ago in a stellar match. Styles has been attacked, several times, recently. It looked like it might be Daniels. There was another masked man who jumped A.J. while Daniels and Samoa Joe were in the ring. Styles slapped his long-time friend on the most recent edition of Impact, when Daniels came to the ring during a match between Joe and Styles. Joe was able to lock in the Kokina Clutch to take the non-title win.

Prediction: The unknown masked man is the key to this bout. Since it does not appear that Daniels was behind the attack, taht leaves two options: another contender to Styles or a new member of Joe’s Nation of Violence. I think the mystery person (possibly the former Mr. Kennedy) will show up to attack Styles. It’s possible the mystery man might be Sting but I don’t think TNA would risk turning Sting heel. If the name “Black Scorpion” or something similar comes out, it’s him. No matter what happens on Sunday, Styles will go home with the gold

Predicted Winner: A.J. Styles
Predicted Grade: A-

Final Grade: B

Final Thoughts: TNA will play safe with this PPV. Don’t expect Hogan to show up or any major title changes, other than the tag belts. With Survivor Series coming a week after this, many fans will save their pennies for one of the WWE’s Big Four. This PPV won’t try to over-power that show, even if it could. It will be a decent PPV but nothing substantial.

– Jay Shannon
TheHeadLocker@SBCGlobal.net
(11/14/09)

TNA was filled with Legends, this week, including Super Dave Osborne. Dr. Stevie and Daffney put their careers on the line in this lead-in to Sunday’s Pay Per View. Also, the final pieces of the puzzle were cemented into place for Turning Point 2009.

The show opened with a recap of the Hulk Hogan/Dixie Carter alliance. Dixie told the roster to either follow her or leave. TNA hinted about major changes that were coming to TNA.

This Week’s Episode: Three’s A Crowd

In Mick Foley’s office, Mick talked with Super Dave Osborne about SDO’s new show on Spike. Foley also pushed him upcoming book (summer 2010). Dave was allowed to book one match. Dave wanted to book a couple matches but Mick wouldn’t give in. Mick gave Dave his office chair. Jay Lethal stormed in to talk to Mick, only to find Super Dave. Jay recognized him as his alter-ego, Marty Funkhauser. Jay wanted to know who he was facing. Jay called for Hogan. After Jay left, Super Dave and JB got into a discussion about twittering. Super Dave, like me, prefers the phone to twittering and texting. Just ask my grandsons. (smile)

Mick Foley came out to join the announce team for the opening match. Mike Tenay and Taz brought up that Mick was unaware of the relationship between Dixie and Hulk, at first. Tenay mentioned that Foley wasn’t at the big TNA company meeting, last week. Taz questioned Foley about his ignorance of Hogan coming to the company. Before Foley could answer, Dr. Stevie’s music echoed off the Impact Zone. The Zombie Hot, Daffney, walked out wearing a tiny, green, sparkly top hat. The Monster, Abyss, then stormed to the ring.

Dr. Stevie d Abyss
Career Threatening Match (if Dr. Stevie loses, he’s gone from TNA)

Abyss caught Stevie with a huge boot to the face. Both Abyss and Stevie missed Corner Splashes and Abyss rolled up Stevie for a two. Abyss lifted Stevie for a little Shock Treatment. Abyss didn’t get to pull the switch because Stevie went to Abyss’ eyes. Stevie came off the ropes and clipped the knee of Abyss. Stevie stomped on the injured knee. Stevie tried, several times, to pin Abyss. Abyss kicked out. Speaking of kicks, Stevie hit the Big Stevie Kick on Abyss. Stevie couldn’t get the pin. Abyss with the Goozle but Stevie kicked the bad knee of Abyss to get free. Abyss caught Stevie with the Black Hole Slam. Suddenly, the lights went out in the Impact Zone. When they came back on, Abyss was laid out. Stevie crawled onto Abyss to take the pin. Huh?

Grade: B-

Dr. Stevie taunted Abyss as Daffney slid a chair into the ring. Foley left the announce table to help Abyss. Foley was pounding on Stevie and checked on Abyss. The lights went out a second time. There was a fireball, thrown by…RAVEN! Raven hit the Evenflow DDT on Foley. The New Flock was born! TNA went to break.

Jay’s Thoughts: A Hardcore/ECW Reunion? With Raven, Stevie, Rhino, Team 3D and Taz in TNA, it would be easy to set up an ECW faction. With Hogan coming in, could an ECW v nWo 2010 be in the offing? Raven just added all kinds of new fuel to the fire. Welcome back, Scotty.

JB tried to talk with Raven and company. Dr. Stevie took over the stick and screamed at the fans. Stevie said he was in TNA to stay. Raven talked about setting Terry Funk on fire in the past because Foley got involved. This time he decided to burn Foley, directly. Raven went on one of his psychotic rants. “Quoth the Raven…Nevermore!”

Taz and Tenay talked about Hogan, again. Tenay said Sting would address the Hogan situation, next week. It led to a video piece about Sting’s possible retirement. Perhaps, Sting will make a final decision, next week.

Alissa Flash came out for the next match. Her opponent was the Playboy Playmate, Traci Brooks. Tenay talked about how Traci’s future has been thrown into chaos by the dissolution of the Main Event Mafia.

Alissa Flash d Traci Brooks

Traci shoved Alissa and the two then Collar and Elbowed. The danced their way to the corner, forcing the break. Flash choked Traci with the boot. Traci seemed to have an injured arm. Flash went to work on the injured right arm. Tenay stated that the right arm was a disability since birth. TNA hadn’t mentioned it in the past, out of respect to Traci. Alissa with the Shoulder Breaker. Flash with the Clutch DDT. Flash slammed the right arm into the mat and Flash slapped on a modified Fujiwara Arm Breaker to force the submission.

Grade: C+

Traci attacked Alissa, after the match, hitting her with fists and obscenities. Traci called for a trainer to check her arm. A mystery figure walked backstage. The legendary member of the Hart Family would face Jay Lethal, next.

Jay’s Thoughts: I’m hoping Traci ends up back in the middle of the search for the Knockouts title. She reallygot the raw deal with the whole Mafia thing. She also kinda got done wrong by Playboy, as well. She deserves a real break.

Jay Lethal came out to a new Tron video. The music was the same. This was the first Black Machismo Invitational match. Lethal was in his silver Macho robe. He waited in the ring to face…Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Neidhart is now billed from Calgary, instead of Reno, NV.

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart d Jay Lethal
Black Machismo Invitational Match

Jay looked shocked at the arrival of The Anvil. Jim moved Jay to the ropes and pounded away. Jim with a Back Body Drop. The crowd chanted “You still got it!” Jim missed a Corner Splash and Jay hopped up to the top rope. Jay hit an Ax Bomber on The Anvil. Jay’s right thigh was heavily bandaged. Jay with the Savage Punches. Jim caught Jay with a weak Clothesline, which Jay really sold. Jay grabbed Jim by the head and jumped over the ropes. Jim’s throat was brought down over the top rope. (Another Randy Savage favorite). Hmm…could a certain Legend be in the offing to face his imitator? Just thinking out loud. Jay with a big Running Elbow Smash to the face. Jim ducked a second one and lifted Jay for the Powerslam. 1-2-3!

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: It was great to see Neidhart in action. He should be in the WWE Hall of Fame but that probably will never happen. He’ll go in just about the same time Marty Jannetty gets the nod. I can only imagine this is part of Hogan helping his friends.

Lauren tried to discuss with Bobby Lashley about his issues with Scott Steiner. Before Bobby got started talking about his wife, Crystal, someone ran out to tell Bobby that there was an emergency in the truck. Bobby went out with the tech guy. Bobby ran to the truck to see a video from Steiner. Scott said he stayed away from the Impact Zone to smarten up Bobby. Scott suggested that Crystal was in love with him. Scott said he found out that Crystal was in room 305 at the local hotel. Bobby rushed out to go get his wife. Bobby took off in his car. A camera crew followed him. TNA went to break.

Super Dave was on the phone. Super Dave asked about Foley. JB said Foley had been rushed to the hospital for his burns. Super Dave asked JB to put together the best match possible. JB brought up the X-Division, which Super Dave liked.

The Beautiful People came out for an 8-Knockout match. They were joined by Awesome Kong. On the other side were ODB, Sarita, Taylor Wilde and Tara.

The Beautiful People and Awesome Kong v ODB, Taylor Wilde, Sarita and Tara
8-Knockout Tag Team Match

Highlights:

Sky Snap Mared Sarita as the show continued. She then knocked Sky off the apron. Sky missed a Low Dropkick but Sarita didn’t miss hers. During the break, The Beautiful People worked over Sarita’s lower back. Rayne and ODB both tagged in. ODB ran over both Rayne and Sky. ODB also got shots in on Lacey and Kong. ODB got Corner Splashes in on both Rayne and Sky. ODB hit her Bronco Muncher (Bronco Buster) on Sky. ODB then hit the Fallaway Slam on Rayne. ODB Kipped Up, only to be decked by a Clothesline from Lacey. Tara then punched Lacey. Tara got too close to Kong, who popped Tara in the skull. Kong got in the ring and Taylor went for the Crossbody. She might as well have been trying to Crossbody the side of a building, for all the good it did. Kong picked up Taylor and tried for the Awesome Bomb. Wilde got free and attacked Kong. Kong hit a Spinning Implant Buster on Wilde to take the win.

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: Is it me or is the Knockout division getting really boring? The Beautiful People come out, flaunt their sexiness, such as it is, and then stink up a match like cheap perfume. Sarita and Wilde are the first Knockout tag champs but they are dull as dirt. ODB finally wins the Knockout title but no one seems to care.

In the back, JB brought the entire X-Division stars into the office. Super Dave wanted something special for Foley. After the X-Division stars agree, Super Dave dismissed everyone except Don West. Super Dave told West and JB that Homicide (”the guy in the neckerchief”) took some stuff out of the office.

Kurt Angle talked about how great it was that Hogan had joined TNA. Kurt said Hogan knows what works in wrestling and what doesn’t. Kurt said Hogan was incredibly intelligent and would push TNA to the next level. Kurt said Hogan was the “change” in TNA.

TNA went to the hotel room where Steiner was. Lashley ran into the hotel room to check on his wife. Steiner jumped Lashley with a lead pipe. Scott crashed a lamp over Bobby’s head. Scott claimed the Lashley baby had his eyes. Crystal screamed for help.

Kurt Angle’s music went off as Kurt rose from the bowels of the Impact Zone. TNA looked at the attack on Angle, by Desmond Wolfe, three weeks ago. Kurt said his match against Wolfe, on Sunday, might be the most important of his career. Kurt threw major respect to Matt Morgan and A.J. Styles. Angle had no respect for Wolfe for injuring his neck. Angle said Wolfe didn’t take him out and hadn’t proven anything. Angle said he would end Wolfe’s career on Sunday.

Wolfe came on the Tron from a pub. Angle called out Wolfe. Wolfe said he was in TNA to hurt Angle and end his career. Wolfe said he was in TNA to take Kurt’s place in TNA. Kurt talked to Wolfe who didn’t answer. It dawned on Kurt that this was a set-up. He turned to face Wolfe, who had slid into the ring. Kurt ducked the Lariat from Wolfe and nailed a European Uppercut on the Britisher. Wolfe bailed out of the ring after getting bashed. Kurt went out and hit another European Uppercut. The audio from the prerecorded tape kept rolling. Kurt went to town on Wolfe. Kurt grabbed a chair but missed the chair shot. Wolfe with a DDT on the floor. Wolfe picked up the chair and waffled the Olympic hero. Wolfe taunted the knocked-out Angle.

Super Dave was at the announce table for the next segment. After another plug for Super Dave’s new show, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley and Amazing Red came to the ring. Their opponents were: Kiyoshi, Sheik Abdul Bashir and Homicide. Homicide was carrying a flag-wrapped package. Homicide set it on the announce table and told all three at the announce table to leave it alone.

The Motor City Machine Guns and Amazing Red d the World Elite
Six-Man Tag Match

The Finish:

Homicide came back to the announce table. Homicide took the flag off what had been previously called “roses” to reveal Mick Foley’s barbed wire bat! Security jumped all over Homicide. Kiyoshi and Bashir double teamed Shelley. Shelley fought back and crawled to his corner. Red took the tag and hit a Dual Missile Dropkick on both World Eliters. Red hit a Jumping Spin Kick on Kiyoshi and Bashir. Red blocked the double team by Kiyoshi and Bashir. Red rolled over Kiyoshi’s back to kick Bashir. Red with a Tilt-a-Whirl Tornado DDT. Red with a Twisting Corkscrew Plancha on Kiyoshi. The Guns hit a Sandwich move on Bashir. Sabin held Bashir in a Neckbreaker, while Shelley flew off the top rope with a Crossbody. I’m sure they will come up with a name for that move. Mine? Impressive.

Grade: A+

Jay’s Thoughts: These are the guys who are going to save TNA from the Hogan Invasion. These men are fast and agile, unlike most of the fossils that Hogan will drag with him into the group.

Lauren talked with Desmond Wolfe. Lauren felt Wolfe might have Kurt’s number. Wolfe didn’t want Kurt’s number, he wanted to replace Kurt. Wolfe said he was a healthier version of Angle. Wolfe swore he would finish the job on Sunday.

TNA looked, again, at Dixie Carter’s address to her troops.

Team 3D came to the ring with their IWGP tag belts. Rhino was with them. Brother Ray talked about Dixie calling for change. Ray said Team 3D was on board with Dixie. Ray talked about taking a chair to Matt Morgan and Hernandez, last week. Ray said he was glad he did what he did. Ray apologized to Rhino for not wanting to believe Rhino’s thoughts about being replaced by the young guys. Ray said Team 3D and Rhino wouldn’t let them get away with it. Ray then called out Morgan and Hernandez.

Hernandez and Morgan came from the back. Morgan said that Ray should come to them,not the other way around. Ray mocked Morgan’s status in the company. Ray called Hernandez “an uneducated Mexican with no green card”. Ouch. Hernandez said he and Morgan took what they’ve gotten in the company, because they can. Ray called for a six man street fight at Turning Point. Ray wanted to know if they had a partner. Morgan called them Team Triple D and Blubber Ray. Devon told Hernandez and Morgan that better get a partner. The call was answered by…”The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero! Dinero put himself in the match. Dinero started preaching about the future being the three of them. TNA went to break after Pope told Devon and the others “The Pope has spoken”.

TNA ran a promo for the Triple Threat World title match between A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe and Daniels. From there, Matt Morgan did a promo for ADHD. 2 of my 3 grandsons suffer from ADHD, so I know what a tough struggle it can be for kids. Morgan told the fans about WWW.CHADD.ORG. That stands for Children & Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Lauren interviewed the British Invasion. They would face Beer Money, later in the night. If the Brits were too lose, Beer Money would be placed in the World title match against The Motor City Machine Guns and the British Invasion. The Brits were upset that they were being discriminated against but were determined to fight. Eric Young mocked TNA for not standing behind the suspension that they issued to the British Invasion. Eric said he and the World Elite have no problem with Hulk Hogan,yet. Eric reminded everyone “We Came, We Saw, We Conquered” (spoken in Latin).

Tenay and Taz then ran down the finalized Turning Point card. TNA then went to break. After the break, Hogan did an audio comment about flipping the wrestling world upside down. Don West then ran down some upcoming events.

JB talked with A.J. Styles. JB talked about Daniels being on a different page than Styles. Styles apologized to Daniels for thinking that Daniels had jumped him. Styles said he hadn’t forgotten about the person who jumped him. Styles then went back to Daniels. He accused Daniels of “drinking the Kool-aid”. Styles gave Daniels a title shot, because Daniels asked for it. Styles said he would beat both Joe and Daniels on Sunday.

The British Invasion came to the ring for the main event. Beer Money then rolled to the ring.

Beer Money, Inc. d The British Invasion
Championship Challenge Match

The Finish:

Doug drove his knee into Roode’s back. Taz and Tenay pushed Dixie’s new Twitter page. Doug with a Rear Chin Lock. Roode Elbowed free. The Brits tried for the double team but it backfired. Roode hit a Stereo BuffBuster on Brutus and Doug. Storm got the tag. He threw hard rights at both Brits. Storm with the Jawbreaker and Flying Clothesline on Brutus. Storm used a Slingshot to bring in Doug. He then Bulldogged Doug into the mat. Storm with a solid right to the jaw. Brutus reversed an Irish Whip but Storm flipped him up and over the ropes. Brutus landed on the apron. Brutus got a shot in but Storm answered it. Storm then pulled a page out of Randy Orton’s playbook with the Rope-Assisted DDT. Doug tried for a Kneedrop to prevent the pin but ended up hitting Brutus, by accident. Beer Money took out Doug with the Double Suplex. They did the Beer Money Dance. Roode caught Brutus with an Inverted Atomic Drop. Roode then Clotheslined Brutus into a Back Stabber from Storm. Somehow, Brutus kicked out of the move. Roode slid a chair in the ring. He wanted Brutus to take it, which he did. Doug stopped him from striking Storm, which would have brought the DQ loss. Roode slid into the ring and Beer Money shoved the Brits into each other. Doug was tossed over the top rope and Beer Money caught Brutus with their DWI finisher. This time, Brutus didn’t get so lucky.

Grade: A

Jay’s Thoughts: There were rumors that James Storm might end up back with Chris Harris. I’m really glad that didn’t happen. Beer Money is destined to go down as one of the best tag teams in wrestling history, if some fool writer doesn’t split them up in the next couple of years. They mesh so well with each other in the ring.

Lauren talked with Roode and Storm, after the match. Roode said, on Sunday, Beer Money would prove they were the best tag team, ever. Storm told both the Brits and the Guns “Sorry about your damn luck”.

JB was with D’Angelo Dinero, Hernandez and Matt Morgan. Hernandez thought Dinero was shady. Dinero said he wore sunglasses because his future were so bright. Morgan wanted to know why he should trust a “street pimp”. Dinero said when he gives his word, it’s golden. Dinero felt that Team 3D and Rhino wanted to keep him down, as well as Hernandez and Morgan. Dinero said the three of them would be pimpin’ on Sunday.

Lauren then chatted with Daniels. Daniels was bitter that Styles thought he could attack him. Daniels said that they would always be friends, but this is business. There are not friends in business. Daniels started whining about TNA not supporting him. Daniels said that Styles wanted to fight him, after he was dropped on his head by Joe.

Speaking of Joe, he came out for a non-title match. This was the actual main event of the night. There were just about 6 minutes left in the show. A.J. Styles then came through the shower of sparks.

Samoa Joe d A.J Styles
Non-Title Match

The Finish:

Joe reversed an Irish Whip but Styles hit a Back Elbow. Styles Back Flipped out of the corner but Joe caught him with a Clothesline. Styles kicked out at two. Joe went for another Powerbomb but Styles rolled over the top. Styles then rocked Joe with a Crescent Kick. Styles called for his finisher but Joe turned the Styles Clash into a Back Body Drop. Styles ducked a Clothesline and hit the Pele. Styles went to the top rope but Daniels distracted him. The two argued as Joe smiled. Styles smacked Daniels in the face. Joe slapped on the Kokina Clutch. Styles passed out.

Grade: B

Jay’s Thoughts: This match deserved a good 20 minutes, not 6. I think there is going to be a huge Daniels v Styles feud after Sunday. I also think Samoa Joe is going to get left out in the cold.

Final Grade: B

Final Thoughts: Turning Point should be called Turning Stomachs. It is lining up to be serious sad, as PPVs go. Much like the WWE, TNA is running far too many PPVs. They don’t give stories the proper time to grow and mature. Angle v Wolfe should have taken 3 months to get to the big battle, not 3 weeks. The whole Knockouts thing is a yawn-fest. I realize that TNA is playing it safe, with Survivor Series running next week but the fans deserve better. This week’s Impact was as good as it could be, considering it was a two-hour informercial for a defective product.

– Jay Shannon
TheHeadLocker@SBCGlobal.net
(11/13/09)

… Shouldn’t whomever came up with the lame Chavo-vs.-Hatton fight deserve a rap on the knuckles for spoiling an otherwise pretty decent “guest host” shot on the 11/9 EAW from Sheffield, UK? The ex-champion stirred the crowd and, in the opening scene of the show, insured that fans would not cheering Chris Jericho and Big Show

… Doesn’t it seem strange that Hulk Hogan didn’t appear on the 11/5 iMPACT in any way? Talk about an inconsistent push! Even though Hogan may well have been concentrating on hawking his book, he could’ve done a remote, another pre-taped interview or even a telephone conversation.

… Hasn’t Superstars built up nicely? The last rating was 1.8, which is both respectable and higher than any episode of iMPACT.

… Is Sheamus the whitest man in the world? He did a good job riling up the crowd, which might otherwise backed him as a favorite son.” His squash match would’ve been a tiny bit more impressive, though, if they had mentioned the name of the guy he beat from turnbuckle to turnbuckle.

… Did you notice that iMPACT’s rating went down for the 11/15 show? Some may argue that this occurred because Hulk Hogan wasn’t on the program. Another way of looking at it, though, is that a mere week after all the hoopla, Hogan has not attracted new viewers.

.. Wasn’t it a “feel good” moment when Evan Bourne ended Jack Swagger’s winning streak? Now we don’t have to listen to the “no defeats until the end of the year” stuff every week on RAW.

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

– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(11/10/09)

 
Former WWE & ECW Champion, Rob Van Dam, was the special guest on this week’s live edition (11/02/09) of Monday Night Mayhem (presented by ReelWrestling.com), hosted by The Big Mosh, Blade, & “The Chairman Of The Board” Todd Vincent. You can feel The Mayhem live & in streaming audio every Monday night (at 8PM ET/7PM CT), exclusively on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network (www.MondayNightMayhem.com, www.ITunes.com, www.AudioWrestling.com, www.Facebook.com/MondayNightMayhem, & www.MySpace.com/MondayNightMayhem).    
 
RVD’s return to The Mayhem (as part of the “MNM Fall Tour ‘09″) is now available for free in Windows Streaming Media, or via The Mayhem’s official Podcast on ITunes:

Rob Van Dam/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (MNM Streaming Audio): http://www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/waxfiles/110209.wax 

Rob Van Dam/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (MNM Podcast On ITunes): http://www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/nov09/110209.mp3

Here are some of the highlights of RVD’s exclusive interview, provided by The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson From New Jersey:
 
===========================================================================================================
 
What better place for “Mr. Monday Night” to be on a Monday evening other than The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network! “Mr. PPV” joined The Mosh, Blade, & “The Chairman Of The Board” Todd Vincent for his third appearance on the MNM airwaves. Rob thanked The Mayhem Crew for the chance to come back, as he is gearing up for a phenomenal overseas tour in November & December. For more information on where Rob is headed, log onto his official website (located at www.RobVanDam.com), along with his official MySpace page (located at www.MySpace.com/GoToRobVanDam.com.)
 
Since leaving World Wrestling Entertainment two years ago, rumors have continued to swirl that RVD Rob could be moving over to TNA…and those rumors kicked into high gear after he attended last month’s Bound For Glory PPV in California (as a guest of Booker T) and met both Dixie Carter & Vince Russo. Now that Hulk Hogan has officially signed with TNA, how appealing is TNA to RVD? The question on the hearts & minds of fans across the globe was answered exclusively on The Mayhem. “With Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff now in TNA, it’s a very interesting time in the wrestling business…and in a very positive way. I was at Bound For Glory saying hi to some friends. And part of that was ‘Oh hi Dixie, nice to meet you.’ We have talked on the phone…Same thing with Vince Russo. Now that Hogan & Bischoff are there, it’s definitely putting a lot of energy on TNA, a lot of focus & eyes. Now if they can follow up with that, they could really, really grow.” He went to add, “It’s more appealing because they raised the stakes.” You cannot miss a special edition of “Reel Time” (featuring ReelWrestling.com’s Chris Walsh & The Mayhem’s National TNA Correspondent, “Wild Bill Brown) as part of The Mayhem’s “Sweeps Month” kickoff, with more analysis & discussion on Hulk Hogan signing with TNA Wrestling…and what lies ahead for the company in 2010.

Many people in the wrestling industry are indeed skeptical about TNA’s acquisition of “The Hulkster,” with such superstars as The Honky Tonk Man saying Hogan joining the company very will could be “the end of TNA.” Others have speculated that some of Hogan’s long-time friends & colleagues (such as Brutus “The Barber” Beefacke & The Nasty Boys) could have jobs again in the business with Hogan in charge. RVD knows Hogan well (especially after having the opportunity to be a special guest trainer on last fall’s “Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling”), and was asked what can Hogan bring to the table at this time to TNA. “Hulk Hogan brings credibility & name recognition. A lot of people that don’t watch wrestling & many haven’t watched wrestling in five or ten years, they all know who Hulk Hogan is. He is a great representative of what wrestling can be. Should he have the book? I don’t know. Just because you have one talent in the business, doesn’t mean you have something else. I can’t imagine myself having the book & being in charge. If they do allow Knobbs & Beefcake and those guys to come in, we can all say TNA wasn’t that smart.”

This month, The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network will be looking back at the ten-year anniversary of one of professional wrestling’s most-storied Pay-Per-Views, ECW’s November To Remember ‘99 (which took place in the hometown of The Mayhem: Buffalo, NY), along with its place in wrestling history, & the impact it left on the business. Many fans from the original ECW remember that was Taz’s last match with the company, and Taz’s final feud in the company while being an active member of the roster was against RVD. “The Chairman Of The Board” asked Rob about that night in Buffalo, what he remembers from the Pay-Per-View. “The night itself doesn’t stand out in a lot of way in my mind. The match I remember had a lot of momentum. I had a lot of special feelings for Taz at the time, and we had a little history with me being on Team Sabu & him being on Team Taz. I don’t remember the match that well, but I could pretty bet that RVD had a kick-ass match.” Mosh asked Rob about the legacy of November to Remember & how the fans will remember the event as a whole. “I think if nothing else since it had such a damn catchy title, I think the fans will always remember that. And if they were fortunate enough to be there live & be one of the fans that was part of that time period when we were all treated with these awesome extreme matches, then they will always remember it. Anytime you say November, you have remember in the back of your mind whether you say it enough.”

A couple of new DVD’s are in the pipeline from World Wrestling Entertainment (”The History Of The World Heavyweight Championship” & “Jeff Hardy: My Life, My Rules”) with some RVD’s best matches from years past being put on these upcoming DVD’s. Rob was asked if the industry can get back to when there was five-star matches all the time & if there can be a rebirth of sorts. “I would hope so, but I would understand if it went the other way too, because I had enough so I would understand when other people have had enough. I don’t watch wrestling in fact I haven’t watched it since 2001, so when I was in the WWE, I would record the show & fast-forward through it to my to critique it. It became about business to me, and I didn’t want to watch other people work. I see what they are doing, and I’m not impressed with al ot of what I see on TV. I see people going through movements, but they have no sense of art & pro wrestling is an art.” He continued by adding: “Can we get the wrestling business fun with Hulk Hogan in TNA? I don’t know but here’s one thing, part of why it’s not interesting to watch anymore is because it’s so routine & mundane. Every match from the beginning to the end, have to be ’superstar vs. superstar.’ They have to be treated like main events, they all have to go six or seven minutes, they have to back & forth all the time, and someone catches a fall. What happened to the jobber matches? Big John Studd would have a squash match with two or three guys, and then when he faced like Hulk Hogan, it meant something. But now every match, we have to see the babyface cry & sell, and the heel do his stuff, and the babyface make his big comeback. Every match? I don’t enjoy that.”

More goodness is contained in this exclusive interview with “The Whole F’n Show,” including his candid comments & thoughts on Shane McMahon’s departure from the WWE, what he would like to see more of in wrestling today, & a special “Get Well” message to the voice of World Wrestling Entertainment, Jim Ross. Don’t forget to log onto www.RobVanDam.com & www.MySpace.com/GoToRobVanDam.com to get the latest on RVD TV (and how you can score a free membership), RVD Radio, & Rob’s forthcoming overseas European tour!
While enjoying RVD’s return to The Mayhem, be sure to check out exclusive interviews with NFL Hall Of Famer/former Buffalo Bills Head Coach Marv Levy, along with former Playboy cover girl/pro boxer Mia St. John, plus an in-depth preview of Dragon Gate USA’s forthcoming “Untouchable” Pay-Per-View (w/G-Funk Sports & Entertainment’s Ken Gelman). Our hottest programming lineup is headed your way over the next month Mayhem Nation! You cannot afford to miss one moment. From the hottest guests in the worlds of professional wrestling, sports, & entertainment, to how you can score your very own copy of THQ’s “SmackDown vs. RAW 2010″ for the Nintendo Wii…It’s all contained in our “November To Remember Sweeps Month.”

“Your Home Of Wrestling Radio” is officially presented by ReelWrestling: the latest & hottest innovation from the coverage of professional wrestling online.Want to be a part of the RW movement? It’s simple…head on over to www.ReelWrestling.com, and subscribe (via e-mail or SMS) for free announcements on what’s hot & fresh on ReelWrestling.com. Your favorite Superstars & Divas are just one click away! The award-winning Monday Night Mayhem (voted on by you, the fans as the “Show Of The Year” in the 2009 Wrestling Radio Awards), is also sponsored by: Sizzlin’ Sauces (the official hot sauce of The Mayhem’s “Fall Tour ‘09:” www.SizzlinSauces.com), The History Of WWE.com (bringing you the best in the illustrious history of our business since 2002: www.TheHistoryOfWWE.com), TicketRelief.com (the official online traffic school of The Mayhem: www.TicketRelief.com), & ACN (get info about the ACN home-based business opportunity, video phone, & network marketing by contacting Shawn Allen at www.ssallen.acnrep.com).

All new & old members of The Mayhem Nation can check out the official Monday Night Mayhem Audio Vault, which contains the finest programming/audio content from over five+ years of Mayhem goodness. You can re-live interviews with some of your favorite WWE superstars (CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, & “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix), WWE Hall Of Famers (Bret “Hitman” Hart, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Jim Ross, & Jesse “The Body” Ventura), your favorite stars of TNA Wrestling (TNA President Dixie Carter, “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, Daniels, Team 3-D, Beer Money Inc., “The Monster” Abyss, The World Elite’s Eric Young/Homicide, The Beautiful People’s Velvet Sky, Taylor Wilde, & Christy Hemme), plus some of the biggest names in the worlds of sports, entertainment, & Hollywood (Dennis Rodman, Jim Kelly, Curtis Granderson, Ice-T, Nancy O’Dell, Michael Buffer, Brooke Hogan, & many more). All this is now available World Wide & 365 at www.MondayNightMayhem.com.

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)