Impact Wrestling
Date: December 12, 2024
Location: Crown Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s the last show before Final Resolution, which isn’t exactly feeling like a hot card. The show hasn’t had time to get built up and there is only so much that can be done in the span of one more night. Odds are we’ll get some more matches added to the card this week and that could make things interesting. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Here is Moose to get things going. Ever since he won the X-Division Title, the question has been what he is going to do with the title. He is going to make it the most important title around here, which is what has happened since he became champion. People aren’t talking about Nic Nemeth or Joe Hendry and they certainly aren’t talking about the Hardys because they are too busy chanting his name.

The reality is he doesn’t need the people because he is going to be the greatest X-Division Champion in TNA history. Cue Cody Deaner to interrupt, saying he lost his love for wrestling but the people led him back in the right direction. Deaner says he can beat Moose if he has the people behind him so the title challenge is on. Moose knocks him down, orders a ref, and says the match is on right now.

X-Division Title: Moose vs. Cody Deaner

Moose, in a tracksuit, is defending and grabs the mic to ask the fans to chant for Deaner. Back up and the spear misses, allowing Deaner to send him outside for a dive. They get back inside and Moose is sent into the corner so Deaner can roll him up for two. A big boot cuts Deaner off but he escapes a powerbomb and gets two more. The DDT is countered into a release Rock Bottom though and Moose hits the spear for the pin at 3:04.

Rating: C. This was more of an angle than a match with Moose being a dominant monster but getting a bit too cocky for his own good. That being said, the match with Kushida is already set and the title wasn’t likely to change hands so close to Final Resolution. It wasn’t the most serious match but it wasn’t supposed to be and that’s fine once in awhile.

First Class and Tasha Steelz say tonight’s main event will be a preview of their dominance at Final Resolution. AJ Francis promises a bunch of chokeslams.

The Northern Armory interrupts Mike Santana and they bicker, with both promising to win the #1 contenders match at Final Resolution. That could be promising if they ever break into a singles match.

Rosemary vs. Xia Brookside

Brookside flips away to start and works on the arm before scoring with a running dropkick. Back up and Rosemary blocks a running headscissors, setting up a chinlock. That’s broken up and Brookside hits a middle rope crossbody to leave both of them down for a bit. Brookside hits some clotheslines into a running headscissors, setting up Broken Wings in the corner. The Brooksie Bomb is countered into the Upside Down and Rosemary grabs a choke. That’s reversed into a cradle for two but Rosemary pulls her into As Above So Below for the pin at 6:30.

Rating: C+. This was a snappy little match as they didn’t have much time but they were moving throughout the time that they had. It was entertaining while it lasted and I can go for Rosemary getting a bit of an upgrade. She’s one of the most established names in all of the division and having her win something like this should help her, at least a little bit.

Post match Rosemary hammers on Brookside some more until Jordynne Grace makes the save.

Trent Seven is not happy with being put into a match against Ace Austin at Final Resolution. Austin comes in to promise revenge for Seven turning on Mike Bailey.

Leon Slater/Laredo Kid vs. The Rascalz

Wentz and Slater go technical to start before fighting over wrist control. Miguel comes in for a rope walk wristdrag to Kid and all four nip up into a standoff as we take a break. Back with Wentz cranking on Slater’s arm until Slater makes the rope for the escape. Miguel snaps the arm but Slater is up with a running cutter, allowing the tag off to Kid. A pair of moonsaults gets two on Wentz but it’s quickly back to Miguel for a double hurricanrana.

The Rascalz hit a double dive but Slater is right back up for a heck of a flip dive to the floor. An assisted sitout powerbomb gets two on Miguel, with Slater’s bad arm meaning he can’t get a proper cover. A Swanton to a hanging Kid gets two and everything breaks down, with Slater’s Swanton 450 getting superkicked out of the air. Kid gets put in a torture rack and it’s a top rope double stomp into a reverse AA combination to give Miguel the pin at 11:44.

Rating: B-. This was the fast paced tag match of the week and as usual, it went just fine. It’s still a formula that works very well and it went just fine again here. The Rascalz get a quick win and Slater gets to look good in the process. That’s all it needed to be and it was a nice way to get them back on the winning path and give us a fun match at the same time.

The System is ready to win at Final Resolution.

PCO/Sami Callihan vs. Jake Something/Hammerstone

Something jumps PCO from behind to start and it goes as well as you might have expected. Callihan comes in to work on Something’s arm and bends the fingers back to make it worse. Hammerstone offers a distraction though and Something runs PCO over. A whip into the corner has PCO in some trouble but a running clothesline breaks that up and allows the tag off to Callihan. Everything breaks down and PCO hits a double DDT, followed by the big double dive tot he floor. Back in and Callihan Stunners Something but Hammerstone hits PCO with a chair for the DQ at 5:14.

Rating: C. So this was little more than a way to set up a rematch, likely with No DQ, at Final Resolution. I could go for this a bit more if it wasn’t something that they had already done with the Tag Team Title match. For now though, Callihan and PCO will do well enough as the good monsters, though Hammerstone and Something actually winning a match would be nice for a change.

Post match the weird 23 thing pops up again.

Dani Luna vs. Heather By Elegance

Jody Threat and Ash By Elegance/the Personal Concierge are here too. Luna offers a test of strength to start but Heather has to go to the middle rope to reach her hand. Heather’s running elbow doesn’t get her anywhere as Luna grabs a fall away slam. The Concierge breaks up a dive though and that’s the big wind up ejection.

Heather uses the distraction to go after the leg and hits a running hurricanrana driver for two. Luna kicks her way out of the corner and makes the clothesline comeback, setting up a slingshot Blue Thunder Bomb for two more. Back up and Heather snaps the throat across the top rope, only to get caught with a German suplex. Ash tries a distraction so Threat dives on her, leading Luna to hit a fireman’s carry powerbomb for the pin at 6:40.

Rating: C. This was more about the interference than anything else but my goodness can they think of something better than singles matches between tag wrestlers? It feels like that is all they do with these teams over and over and it has long since become tiresome. Just find some different teams for By Elegance to beat to set up their title shot.

Final Resolution rundown.

Tasha Steelz/First Class vs. Joe Hendry/Nic Nemeth/Masha Slamovich

Navarro mocks Hendry to start and gets run over with a shoulder to start. A rather delayed suplex gives Hendry two and it’s already off to Nemeth. Navarro gets dropped with a dropkick and Nemeth gets to pose before doing it again. Slamovich comes in and gets to face Steelz, who hits her in the face.

Steelz’s kick to the head drops Slamovich again as we take a break. Back with Navarro grabbing a front facelock on Steelz, who fights up with ease and brings in Nemeth to clean house. The rapid fire elbows get two on Navarro but a cheap shot lets Francis come in for the stomping. Navarro whips him into the corner and Francis hits a big boot for two.

We hit the chinlock but Nemeth jawbreaks his way to freedom in a hurry. A DDT plants Francis again and it’s Hendry coming in to fight off everyone. The fall away slam sends Francis flying (well close enough) but the Standing Ovation is broken up. Nemeth dives onto Francis and hits a Fameasser for two on Navarro. Slamovich dives onto Steelz and the Danger Zone finishes Navarro at 15:54.

Rating: B-. It was a long match and gave some time to a pair of matches at Final Resolution, which is always a nice way to use some television time. At the same time, Hendry almost has to be the next #1 contender but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him not wind up as champion at Genesis one way or another. Slamovich feels like she’s going to smash Steelz as well, but hopefully they can have a good match on the way there.

Post match the women fight and Francis spears Nemeth. Back to back to back Down Payments leave Nemeth laying to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. They’re trying with Final Resolution, but there is only so much you can do when the main event is AJ Francis getting a World Title shot. The main match at the pay per view is the four way for the #1 contendership and Hendry feels like the big favorite. Final Resolution needs more and for now, this show didn’t make me want to see what they are going to do tomorrow night.

Results
Moose b. Cody Deaner – Spear
Rosemary b. Xia Brookside – As Above So Below
The Rascalz b. Leon Slater/Laredo Kid – Top rope double stomp/reverse fireman’s carry slam combination to Kid
Dani Luna b. Heather By Elegance – Fireman’s carry powerbomb
Joe Hendry/Nic Nemeth/Masha Slamovich b. Tasha Steelz/First Class – Danger Zone to Navarro

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: December 5, 2024
Location: Crown Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We are done with Turning Point and Nic Nemeth retained the World Title, again with the help of John Layfield. In addition, we are about two weeks away from Final Resolution, which is going to need a card set up in rather short order. That makes for some interesting options so let’s get to it.

Here is Turning Point if you need a recap.

We open with a long Turning Point recap.

Opening sequence.

Trent Seven vs. Kushida vs. Ace Austin vs. JDC vs. Leon Slater

For the X-Division Title shot at Final Resolution. Slater and Seven are left in the ring to start but Austin comes back in to dropkick Slater out to the floor. Austin’s big dive to the floor takes some people out but Seven kicks him out of the air back inside. Seven and JDC get together to take over on Slater until JDC rolls Seven up for two (it was a matter of time).

Austin hits a quick Art Of Finesse for two on Kushida but he pulls Austin into a cross armbreaker. Slater breaks that up with a top rope splash and then takes both of the out with a big dive tot he floor. Back in and Austin climbs onto JDC’s back to superplex Slater (that was cool) but Slater backdrops Austin to the floor. Kushida is back up with Back To The Future to pin Slater at 8:26.

Rating: B-. As has been the case for years, there is some easy value in having a bunch of people in a match going all over the place until one of them wins. Kushida is someone with enough of a track record to be an interesting challenge to Moose, even if I can’t imagine him winning the title. They had a nice way to get there though, with Austin looking good as well.

Tasha Steelz is ready to get rid of the thorn in her side that is Jordynne Grace.

PCO/Sami Callihan vs. Good Hands

On their way to the ring, the Good Hands mock the South Carolina fans and say Callihan is dirty, while PCO needs to understand that Halloween is over. Callihan chops Hotch into the corner and it’s off to PCO to knock him outside in a heap. Back in and a slingshot takes Callihan down and Skyler grabs a chinlock. That’s broken up rather quickly and PCO comes in to run both of them over. A double DDT drops the Hands and Callihan backdrops PCO onto both of them outside. Back in and assisted top rope Swanton (the old Quebecers’ Cannonball) finishes Hotch at 5:47.

Rating: C. Yeah what were you expecting here? This was designed to be PCO and Callihan as a monster team and they did what they were supposed to do. I’m not sure I can imagine them as a regular team but it’s not like either of them have anything better to do. That’s not a good sign when PCO has two titles but it’s not like the Digital Media Title means much.

Post match the lights go out and “23” appears on the screen.

Nic Nemeth is cut off by First Class, with Top Dolla saying he wants the World Title. Santino Marella comes in and the match is on for Final Resolution. And yes you are supposed to want to see this.

Tag Team Titles: The Hardys vs. The System

The Hardys are defending and Alisha Edwards is here with the System. Eddie headlocks Jeff to start and the Hardys are even more popular than usual in their home state. Matt comes in and takes over on Myers in the corner with the double stomping ensuing. Myers is back up with a chop block to Matt though and we take a break.

Back with Myers hammering away and working on Matt’s knee like a good villain should. The Roster Cut is countered into a Side Effect though and Matt gets a needed breather. That’s enough for Jeff to come back in and clean house, with an elbow drop getting two on Eddie. The Whisper In The Wind gets two more but the Twist Of Fate is broken up. The System Overload is broken up though and the Plot Twist gives the Hardys two. It’s time for a table, which is enough for Alisha to use the kendo stick for the DQ at 9:48.

Rating: B-. This felt like a way to set up a rematch with some kind of stipulation at Final Resolution, which isn’t the best sign when the Hardys and the System (plus ABC) just had a big stipulation match at Bound For Glory. Then again, the Hardys being put in a match in North Carolina makes sense. Throw in the heat the System will get from these fans and this was a good setup.

Post match the System beats up the Hardys, with Jeff being put through Matt through the table.

Spitfire is a bit annoyed at each other but they’re ready for Ash/Heather By Elegance.

Here is Santino Marella (to quite the reception) to announce the Hardys vs. the System at Final Resolution in a tables match.

PCO and Sami Callihan want to know what 23 is and accuse Hammerstone and Jake Something of being behind it. That’s not true, but a match seems likely.

Tasha Steelz vs. Jordynne Grace

They grapple to start with Grace taking her over off a headlock takeover. We see Rosemary watching from the rafters as Grace grabs a rather delayed suplex for two. Steelz slips out of a superplex attempt though and hits a Cheeky Nandos kick as we take a break. Back with Steelz throwing her into the corner but the Blackout is blocked.

Grace sends her flying and hits the Vertebreaker for a quick two. Steelz catches her in the corner and gets two off Sliced Bread. A cutter is blocked and Grace grabs a Regal Roll for two more. Cue Alisha Edwards for a distraction though, allowing Steelz to grab a rollup with feet on the ropes for the pin at 11:11.

Rating: C+. This was a way to set Steelz up for her future title shot as Grace’s downward slide continues. Odds are that is on her way out of the promotion as WWE seems like a likely destination for her, but it isn’t like she has anything else to do around here. She has completely dominated the division for so long that she almost has to move on, just for some fresh challengers. Steelz has been at the top of the division before, but Slamovich is going to be a bit different for her.

Post match the beatdown is on but Masha Slamovich makes the save.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Final Resolution rundown, including a four way between Joe Hendry, Josh Alexander, Mike Santana and Steve Maclin for the World Title shot at Genesis.

Northern Armory/Frankie Kazarian vs. Steve Maclin/Eric Young/Jonathan Gresham/Mike Santana

Joe Hendry is on commentary. It’s a brawl to start with everyone heading to the floor, with more referees having to settle things down. We officially start with Gresham grabbing an Octopus on Alexander before it’s off to Maclin for an Irish Curse on Williams. Alexander offers a quick distraction though, allowing Kazarian to get in his springboard legdrop to cut Maclin off.

We take a break and come back with Young coming in to clean house but Icarus gets in a shot so Alexander can take over. Young is sent outside for a big group beatdown and Kazarian gets two off a suplex. A double clothesline gives Young a breather and it’s Santana coming in to clean house.

Alexander saves Icarus from Spin The Block as everything breaks down. Gresham snaps off a bunch of armdrags but a triple kick in the corner drops him, with Maclin having to make the save. We hit the parade of strikes to the face until Alexander piledrives Gresham for two. Kazarian sneaks in a trophy shot to Gresham and Alexander steals the pin at 15:16.

Rating: B-. Nice, longer match here with Alexander getting a bit of momentum before next week’s #1 contenders match. That’s a simple way to go and Kazarian is still around with the guaranteed title shot, so there are some options for how things can go through Genesis. It still needs to be the guy who wasn’t even in the match, but there is a chance that ship has already sailed.

Overall Rating: B-. This was standard Impact, with good action and some nice build towards the upcoming big show. At the same time, since it’s TNA, they only have so much time to get ready for that show. It doesn’t make Turning Point feel that important, which can get a bit annoying when the show just kind of came and went. For now though, Final Resolution is going to need a heck of a go home show, because it feels like that four way is the only really interesting thing taking place.

Results
Kushida b. Trent Seven, Ace Austin, JDC and Leon Slater – Back To The Future to Slater
PCO/Sami Callihan b. Good Hands – Assisted top rope Swanton to Hotch
The Hardys b. The System via DQ when Alisha Edwards interfered
Tasha Steelz b. Jordynne Grace – Rollup with feet on the ropes
Northern Armory/Josh Alexander b. Eric Young/Steve Maclin/Jonathan Gresham/Mike Santana – Trophy shot to Young

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: November 28, 2024
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt
Hosts: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s Thanksgiving night and thankfully TNA is smart enough to go with something other than a regular show. Rather than a traditional Best Of show, we’re getting some previously unreleased matches from earlier in the year. Some of those have been rather fun before so hopefully the trend can continue. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

The hosts give us a quick welcome.

From October 2024, Nashville, Tennessee.

The System vs. PCO/Sami Callihan/Joe Hendry

Alisha Edwards and Brian Myers are here with the System. Before the match, Hendry says that even though PCO is dead, the crowd is going to make the team come alive. Callihan shoulders Eddie into the corner to start and it’s PCO coming in, with an actual Honor No More reference.

Everything breaks down in a hurry and everybody heads outside, with Alisha’s distraction letting Moose boot Callihan in the face. Callihan suplexes his way out of trouble and it’s Hendry coming in to clean house. Moose breaks up the Standing Ovation but PCO plants him with a DDT. Callihan gives Eddie the Cactus driver 97 and the Standing Ovation is enough for Hendry to get the pin at 5:38.

Rating: C+. I’ve got a feeling we’re going to be in for a lot of things like this for most of the show and that isn’t a bad thing. This was a fun match and felt like something you would see on a house show, which is what a show like this should be. Hendry is of course as over as free beer in a frat house and that has been the situation for a long time now. PCO gets his own cheers and Sami…well he had good partners here.

From June 2024, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jordynne Grace vs. Dani Luna

Grace’s Knockouts Title isn’t on the line and Jody Threat is on commentary. At least I think this is non-title but it doesn’t make the biggest difference. They fight over a lockup to start with Luna actually powering her back into the corner. Back up and Grace powers her into the corner as well, only for both of them to miss some chops.

An exchange of shoulders goes to Luna but Grace is back with a running shoulder. They go nose to nose and then forearm it out with Grace knocking her outside. Grace’s suicide dive doesn’t even knock Luna down so she plants Luna with a Jackhammer instead. Back in and a slingshot Blue Thunder Bomb gives Luna two but Grace is back with a Regal Plex. The Juggernaut Driver finishes Luna at 5:42.

Rating: B-. This didn’t have the time to get to that next level but it was starting to be a lot of fun with the two of them trading power moves. You don’t see Grace’s power advantage negated very often but it made for an interesting match. Luna is a good powerhouse in her own right and she did well enough here. Nice match and better than I was expecting.

Sami Callihan is running a poker game and PCO wins (beating aces and 8’s in the process). The Good Hands aren’t happy but Santino Marella comes in to make a tag match. Xia Brookside is called “just a girl” and food winds up in John Skyler’s face.

From June 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Leon Slater vs. Trent Seven vs. Mustafa Ali

Slater starts fast with a big flip flip dive onto Ali and the Secret Service, leaving Seven to hit the Seven Star Lariat for two on Ali. Slater breaks up the Birminghammer with a high crossbody before chopping it out with Seven. Ali knocks both of them off the top for a crash to the floor, followed by the rolling neckbreaker for two on Seven. Ali and Seven go up top with Seven’s super slam getting two as Slater dives in for a save.

They all chop it out from their knees and Ali is backdropped out to the floor. Seven slams Slater for two before heading outside, where he chops the post instead of Ali. Slater busts out an insane running flip dive over the post to take both of them down (that was great). Back in and the Swanton 450 hits Seven, only for Ali to steal the pin at 5:38.

Rating: B-. They didn’t have much time so they packed in as much as they could in about five and a half minutes. Slater got in his array of crazy athletic stuff and Seven was good as the biggest guy in the match. That left Ali to steal the win and it made for a nice formula, but Slater’s stuff was rather impressive.

From October 2024, Nashville, Tennessee.

Mike Bailey vs. Jake Something

Hammerstone is here with Something. Bailey kicks (shocking I know) away in the corner but Something runs him over to cut that off. A big toss to the floor has Bailey down and his kicks to the face don’t have much effect. Instead Bailey sweeps the leg to send Something outside for a change but Hammerstone gets in a cheap shot. Back in and Bailey strikes away but has to roll his way out of a chokeslam attempt for two. A kick to the face staggers Something but he hits the ropes and blasts Bailey in the back of the head.

Something gets smart by stepping on Bailey’s foot to cut off the kicks and drops him with a big right hand. Bailey is back up and heads to the top, where Something catches him with a super sitout powerbomb (OUCH) and a near fall. Something tackles him out to the floor but Hammerstone’s interference doesn’t work. Instead Bailey hits a Canadian Destroyer into a superkick, only to have the Tornado Kick broken up with a running forearm…for the pin at 8:14.

Rating: B-. They must have known that Bailey was on the way out here as it’s hard to imagine one of the bigger stars in the company losing to someone like Something otherwise. That being said, it’s nice to see Something pick up a win, which doesn’t happen very often. I’m not sure why as he has potential, but we’ll call that the second benefit to Bailey leaving.

From November 2024, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Rhino/Joe Hendry vs. First Class

Before the match, Hendry accuses AJ Francis of complaining to HR about Hendry being too man on the microphone. Therefore, please don’t chant AJ SUCKS, because you can believe in the Gore and Joe Hendry. Navarro starts for the team and gets shoved down, meaning it’s time to dance. Hendry shows off the power game with a delayed suplex and it’s off to Rhino, who gets to trade shoulders with Francis.

A Navarro distraction lets Francis take over and a running shot in the corner gets two on Rhino. Francis cuts off the tag attempt and Navarro adds a backsplash. The second tag attempt works though and it’s Hendry coming in to clean house. The fall away slam sends Navarro flying and Rhino Gores Francis. That leaves Hendry to hit the Standing Ovation to finish Navarro at 6:44.

Rating: C. Perfectly nice match here with Hendry getting to pop the fans and beat up an annoying heel team. Rhino is always going to get some nice reactions, with his recent Hall Of Fame induction making it even better. The fans responded as they should have and, like everything else, they didn’t overstay their welcome.

From July 2024, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

PCO vs. Moose

Casket match and the System is here with Moose. The bell rings and PCO drops Moose, only to get jumped by the System. Everyone hits a finisher on PCO and the casket is loaded up (with DO NOT ENTER painted on the bottom of the lid), only for Joe Hendry to run in for the save. PCO is back up and Moose accidentally spears Alisha Edwards. Moose is knocked down for the PCOsault and PCO wins at 3:46.

Rating: C+. This was barely a match as the big heel beatdown and then the interference started almost immediately. That being said, it continued the trend of the night being all about the fun, as PCO got a nice win in his hometown without Moose having to get pinned. Hendry gets another appearance, as this has more or less been his show so far, which isn’t a bad idea.

From September, San Antonio, Texas.

Nic Nemeth vs. Sami Callihan

Nemeth is the only person on the show to get to wear his belt. Callihan starts fast and hits a sitout powerbomb for an early two. The Cactus Driver 97 is blocked though and Nemeth hits a superkick as we take a break. Back with Callihan staggering around the ring but raking the eyes to take over. Callihan chops the post by mistake but he’s fine enough to bend the finger and hit Nemeth in the back of the head for two.

The chinlock doesn’t last long so Callihan elbows him in the face. A nerve hold is broken up and it’s a double clothesline to leave them both down. Callihan wants Nemeth to slug away but Nemeth goes with a Fameasser instead. The ten elbows into the Shot To The Heart gets two but Callihan is back with a cutter for the same. Callihan tunes up the band, which of course takes too long and allows Nemeth to hit his own superkick. The Danger Zone finishes for Nemeth at 9:07.

Rating: C. Not a match you really need to see, but it’s a fresh matchup and the World Champion gets to beat someone who has a bit of status. It’s not something I would want to see on a regular show, but it was a fine way to go to wrap up a show like this. Nemeth wasn’t on the show much, though it makes sense for the World Champion to be the only title featured.

A quick Turning Point rundown and a farewell from the hosts wrap us up.

Overall Rating: B-. This was fun! They didn’t do anything long (with the longest match being about eight minutes), the matches were mainly about the good guys winning to make the fans happy, and it didn’t do anything serious on a show a lot of people aren’t going to see. It’s not an important show in the slightest as it’s basically just a collection of dark matches, but it breezed by and I had a good time. Nice job here and exactly what a holiday special should be.

Results
Joe Hendry/Sami Callihan/PCO b. The System – Standing Ovation to Edwards
Jordynne Grace b. Dani Luna – Juggernaut Driver
Mustafa Ali b. Leon Slater and Trent Seven – Swanton 450 to Seven
Jake Something b. Mike Bailey – Running forearm
Joe Hendry/Rhino b. First Class – Standing Ovation to Navarro
PCO b. Moose – PCO shut Moose in the casket
Nic Nemeth b. Sami Callihan – Danger Zone

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: November 21, 2024
Location: Crown Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan

We are eight days away from Turning Point and the show is starting to come together. That should make for a big enough show, though Eddie Edwards doesn’t feel like the best #1 contender to the World Title. Other than that, Joe Hendry seems to still be involved in the World Title scene, though that might be something more for Genesis in January. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Knockouts Title: Alisha Edwards vs. Masha Slamovich

Slamovich is defending with No DQ. Edwards jumps her during the entrances but Slamovich is back with some kicks to the face to take over. They go outside where Edwards grabs a chair, even though the fans want tables. A DDT onto the chair gets two but Edwards’ charge into the corner only hits the same chair. Edwards knocks her off the top onto a stood up trashcan, but Slamovich isn’t going to have any of the kendo sticking. The package piledriver retains the title at 5:43.

Rating: C. They didn’t have much time here but that’s kind of the point. Edwards was there to get crushed by the monster champion and that’s all it needed to be. Slamovich is set for another showdown with Jordynne Grace next week and Edwards was little more than a final obligation on the way there.

Post match Tasha Steelz runs out to jump Slamovich but Jordynne Grace makes the save.

The Rascalz and Kushida are ready for Turning Point.

Jody Threat vs. Ash By Elegance

The Personal Concierge and Heather By Elegance are here too. Ash bails to the floor to start but gets suplexed back inside. Ash hammers away though and sends her into the corner for some hammering. Threat fights up and makes the clothesline comeback into a German suplex. A spear into the corner sets up more clotheslines but a Heather distraction lets Ash knock her off the top. Rarefied Air finishes Threat at 5:49.

Rating: C. Another standard match with some interference but egads can we PLEASE stop with the “half of a tag team beats half of the champions” stuff? I’ve long since lost track of how many times I’ve seen this around here and any impact it might have had is gone. By Elegance should get a title shot at Turning Point and it’s not like thee is any reason to keep the titles on Spitfire at this point.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He has proven people wrong throughout his life and now it’s time to do it again by becoming World Champion. Cue Frankie Kazarian to interrupt and brag about his cup, but Santana isn’t impressed. Kazarian doesn’t want a fight but Santana is going to find out about a match between them at Turning Point. A fight is teased but here is Rhino (scheduled to face Kazarian tonight) for their match right now.

Frankie Kazarian vs. Rhino

Rhino clotheslines him down to start and we take an early break. Back with Rhino hitting some shoulders so Kazarian bails to the floor, where he grabs the trophy. The referee breaks that up so Kazarian gets in a low blow for two and takes over. Rhino fights up and hits some clotheslines but the Gore misses. Kazarian grabs a rollup and puts his feet on the ropes for the pin at 8:47.

Rating: C. Kazarian gets a win on the way towards a likely World Title run, with Rhino putting him over rather well. The feet on the ropes made it even better as Kazarian is that kind of a cheater. Rhino doesn’t have much going on, but he knows how to put someone over like this.

Post match, Rhino Gores him down.

Steve Maclin is at a bar and then his hotel, where he seems to be having PTSD. Then officer (he has a badge) Eric Young sits down to ask if Maclin knows who he is. The scene keeps changing as Maclin seems to be going insane. Maclin wakes up in bed at his hotel and Young knocks on the door. That was out there even by TNA standards.

Leon Slater/Laredo Kid vs. System

JDC works on Kid’s arm to start but that’s broken up in a hurry. A high crossbody staggers JDC and it’s off to Slater to chase him to the floor. Moose offers a distraction though and knocks Kid outside for a ram into the steps. Back in and Kid knocks JDC back, allowing Slater to come in and hammer on Moose. The leg lariat gives Slater two but Kid’s lip dive is countered into an apron bomb. Back in and Slater rolls JDC up for the pin at 6:33.

Rating: B-. Well that’s a surprise. I would not have bet on this one as Slater and Kid aren’t exactly a normal ream and yet here they are beating the top heel stable. Maybe this sets up either Slater or Kid for an X-Division Title shot, though at least he didn’t pin the champ to get there. Either way, this doesn’t bode well for JDC, who has never felt like he was on strong ice in the System anyway.

Post match JDC jumps Slater and it’s a powerbomb into Down And Dirty. Kid makes the save with a chair.

Here is Joe Hendry for a chat. Hendry talks about everything he has to be thankful for this year and thanks the fans for being there for him. He’s ready to win the Turkey Bowl match at Turning Point and that will get him closer to the World Title. Believe.

Nic Nemeth isn’t impressed with Hendry and he’s ready to retain the title at Turning Point.

Savannah Evans vs. Brittany Jade

Jade looks terrified to start and gets thrown down, allowing Evans to hammer away. A Samoan drop puts Jade down again and a full nelson slam finishes her off at 2:47.

Jordynne Grace is getting another title shot against Masha Slamovich at Turning Point. We’ll make that 2/3 falls.

Turning Point rundown.

Hardys/Ace Austin vs. Jake Something/Hammerstone/Trent Seven

Jeff backdrops Hammerstone to start so it’s off to Matt to send Something into the corner. Some Hardys double teaming gets two on Seven and Jeff’s basement dropkick connects for the same. Something comes in for a chase but Matt gets in a cheap shot from behind to take him out. Alternating shots to the arm keep Something in trouble and Poetry In Motion hits the villains as we take a break.

Back with Austin enziguring Hammerstone but the tag attempt is cut off. The Seven Star Lariat gets two but the Birminghammer is countered into a faceplant. Jeff comes in to pick up the pace, including a basement dropkick for two. Matt adds a double DDT and Jeff dives onto the villains on the floor. Back in and the Swanton gets two on Seven with Something and Hammerstone making the save. The Birminghammer gives Seven the pin on Austin at 13:53.

Rating: B-. Fast paced match here and that’s what it needed to be, with Austin and the Hardys making a fairly makeshift team work. Hammerstone and Something are a regular team and having them as the next challengers to the Hardys could work. For now though, Austin as the Hardys’ second isn’t a bad idea and it should give them something fresh enough to do.

Post match the beatdown is on but Kushida and the Rascalz make the save.

Overall Rating: C+. This was a show that did some work to setting up Turning Point, which is good as there is only one more show before the pay per view. Other than that, they have me wondering what is going to happen after the show, as it seems like some longer term seeds have been planted. The System losing was surprising enough and the main event was nice so I’ll call this a good enough show which did some important things.

Results
Masha Slamovich b. Alisha Edwards – Package piledriver
Ash By Elegance b. Jody Threat – Rarefied Air
Frankie Kazarian b. Rhino – Rollup with feet on the ropes
Leon Slater/Laredo Kid b. System – Rollup to JDC
Savannah Evans b. Brittany Jade – Full nelson slam
Trent Seven/Hammerstone/Jake Something b. Hardys/Ace Austin – Birminghammer to Austin

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: November 14, 2024
Location: Crown Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re about two weeks away from Turning Point and thankfully we’re off to some fresh tapings, meaning the wrestlers have been able to move on a bit from the Chris Bey/Hijo del Vikingo injuries. That had to shake things up a lot and maybe now we can get a bit more back to normal. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Mike Santana vs. KC Navarro

AJ Francis is here with Navarro, who runs the ropes to start but can’t hit much of anything. Instead, Santana sends him outside and for a hard knockdown before easily blocking a rollup back inside. Francis offers a distraction though and Navarro scores with a dive to take over. A double stomp gets two on Santana and a high crossbody gets the same. Santana counters a hurricanrana into a powerbomb for two, followed by Spin The Block for the pin at 6:25.

Rating: C. Sometimes you need to let an up and coming star have an easy win and that’s what we got here. Santana is fresh off beating Moose at Bound For Glory and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get into the World Title picture soon into the new year. Give him a nice win over Navarro in a relatively short time and everything works out fine.

Ryan Nemeth is ready for Joe Hendry tonight and Nic Nemeth is ready for Eddie Edwards at Turning Point.

We look at Trent Seven turning on Mike Bailey last week.

Seven interrupts the Hardys and Ace Austin, who aren’t impressed with him. Jake Something and Hammerstone run in to beat down the good guys.

Jake Crist/Alan Angels vs. Rascalz

Wentz works on Angels’ wrist to start and gets in a basement dropkick, setting up a quick tribute to Chris Bey. Crist is back up with a rolling fisherman’s suplex for two before Angels comes in with a double elbow. Miguel suplexes Angels for a breather though and it’s off to Wentz to pick up the pace. A running shooting star press gets two on Crist but Angels crotches Wentz on top. Angels’ top rope splash gets two but Miguel is back with a superkick. The backbreaker/double stomp combination finishes Angels at 6:17.

Rating: C. Not much to this one but it was similar to the opener, with Crist and Angels getting in some offense before getting caught by the better team. The Rascalz need something to do so giving them a short win is better than nothing until they get some kind of a feud going. It wasn’t a bad match, but it did feel like it was there to fill in time.

Spitfire is ready for Ash/Heather By Elegance.

Northern Armory vs. Eric Young/Jonathan Gresham/Steve Maclin

Maclin drops the lackeys to start and wants Alexander but settles for handing it off to Gresham instead. A German suplex drops Williams but Alexander gets in a cheap shot from the apron to take over on Maclin. Alexander grabs a northern lights suplex for two and we take a break.

Back with Williams striking away on Maclin, who kicks him in the face for a breather. Young comes in with his wheelbarrow neckbreaker for two on Alexander as everything breaks down. Gresham kicks away at Icarus, who grabs a swinging butterfly suplex for two. Alexander can’t hit the C4 Spike as Gresham kicks the leg out and goes up.

That’s broken up as well though and the Armory hits a C4 Spike/dropkick combination with Maclin making the save. Young hits the Death Valley Driver on Alexander but Maclin hammers away, meaning the top rope elbow can’t be dropped. Gresham breaks up their argument and hits a dive but Alexander hits the C4 Spike to pin Maclin at 12:49.

Rating: B. This took its time to get going but I was digging it by the end. They had a fast paced match here and there were a few near falls which served as some nice false finishes. The argument between Maclin and Young makes sense as Alexander continues to drive everyone nuts, making this a good bit better match than I was expecting.

Frankie Kazarian doesn’t like a clip of Rhino Goring him airing last week. Rhino comes in to threaten violence but Kazarian gets on him for swearing. I knew I liked him for a reason.

Steve Maclin wants Santino Marella to do something about Josh Alexander. Then he yells at Eric Young, with Jonathan Gresham coming in to say he’s letting them argue.

Ryan Nemeth vs. Joe Hendry

The fans are still way behind Hendry. Before the match, Hendry has a director’s cut of Nemeth’s career highlight package. It’s the same as last week and we even see it again. Nemeth jumps him from behind to start and drops the big elbow for an early two. The chinlock goes on for a bit, followed by the chinlock to mix things up a bit. Nemeth goes up but Hendry slams him down, setting up the fall away slam. The Standing Ovation finishes for Nemeth at 4:35.

Rating: C. That’s all it needed to be, as Hendry is a big star and Nemeth is….well he’s Nic’s brother, the end. There’s nothing else to him and there isn’t much that can be done to hide that. Hendry needs to move on to something more important, like getting back into the title picture (assuming he isn’t still there) and a short win over the less famous Nemeth is a fine enough way to start (or maybe continue) that process.

Rosemary vs. Jada Stone

They chop it out to start until Rosemary easily takes her down. Stone jawbreaks her way to freedom and gets in a kick to the face, only to walk into As Above So Below to give Rosemary the pin at 3:49.

Rating: C. This was just a step above a squash with Rosemary getting the win to continue…whatever it is that she’s doing. If nothing else, it’s better than having Wendy Choo drag her down again. Rosemary is one of the better stars in the division but she needs something to do and it needs to be better than whatever she’s been doing.

Earlier today, the System had a celebration for themselves and showed off their matching rings.

Here is Alisha Edwards to brag about the System and promise a win in the main event. She also claims that she carried Masha Slamovich, who interrupts and offers Edwards a title match next week. Tasha Steelz comes out to glare but Jordynne Grace says she’s waiting on the winner at Turning Point.

Preview for next week’s show.

Ryan Nemeth has been attacked and Nic Nemeth is concerned, but Frankie Kazarian teases cashing in to distract him further.

Brian Myers vs. Nic Nemeth

Non-title and the Edwards’s are here with Myers. And here’s Joe Hendry to join commentary. The threat of a superkick sens Myers bailing to the floor but he comes back in with a quick shot to take over. Nemeth slips out of a slam though and hits a dropkick but the neckbreaker is countered into a backslide for two. Eddie gets caught interfering though and that’s enough for an ejection, only for Myers’ charge to miss and he crashes out to the floor. Myers is fine enough to send Nemeth shoulder first into the steps and we take a break.

Back with Myers choking on the ropes and grabbing the chinlock. Nemeth fights up with a clothesline into the Shot To The Heart for two. Myers is back with an implant DDT for two but the Roster Cut is countered into a jumping DDT. Nemeth hits a Fameasser for two of his own so Alisha gets in a kendo stick shot. Myers’ spear connects for two more so Hendry carries Alisha to the back. The superkick and Danger Zone finish for Nemeth at 14:20.

Rating: B-. Myers is a valuable thing to have on the roster as he can work well with anyone and make them look good without ever really losing any status. That’s a good hand to have and Myers was doing his thing again here. Other than that, it continues Hendry’s association with Nemeth, which should set something up or Genesis or so at the latest.

Post match Eddie Edwards runs in for the beatdown but Hendry makes the save with a kendo stick. Nemeth isn’t sure who Hendry is swinging for though and an uneasy stare ends the show.

Well maybe not as we see Steve Maclin getting into his car and driving somewhere. To Be Continued.

Overall Rating: C+. This was the show that started the build towards Turning Point and that means we should be in for the better episodes coming up. Nemeth has a few people coming after him and there are enough midcard feuds going on to make the rest of the show work. The six man s a nice surprise and the rest of the matches were good enough to keep the show going. Turning Point still needs a lot of work, but they were focusing on the main event stuff here, as they should have.

Results
Mike Santana b. KC Navarro – Spin The Block
Rascalz b. Jake Crist/Alan Angels – Backbreaker/double stomp combination to Angels
Northern Armory b. Steve Maclin/Jonathan Gresham/Eric Young – C4 Spike to Gresham
Joe Hendry b. Ryan Nemeth – Standing Ovation
Rosemary b. Jada Stone – As Above So Below
Nic Nemeth b. Brian Myers – Danger Zone

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: November 7, 2024
Location: Wayne State Fieldhouse, Detroit, Michigan
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman

We’re still in the aftermath of Bound For Glory and unfortunately still in the aftermath of Chris Bey’s neck injury. That match was scheduled to take place this week and as a result, this week’s show might be a bit weird. We’re also on the way to Turning Point and a lot of people are coming after Nic Nemeth’s World Title. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Tasha Steelz/Alisha Edwards vs. Masha Slamovich/Jordynne Grace

Grace and Slamovich start things off with Grace grabbing a headlock as we get some graphics for what is coming throughout the show (nice touch). Slamovich comes in and strikes away before running Steelz over with a shot to the face. A World’s Strongest Slam looks to set up Grace’s Vader Bomb but Edwards cuts it off.

Edwards realizes that hitting Grace in the face is a bad idea but it’s back to Steelz, whose dancing earns her a quick spank. Grace plants Steelz down and hands it back to Slamovich, who drops Steelz with a running boot for two. It’s already back to Grace, who gets caught in a quick crucifix bomb for two more. That’s enough for Slamovich, who gets the tag and chokes Edwards out for the win at 7:16.

Rating: C. This was about as to the point as it should have been, with Grace and Slamovich being a pair of monsters who aren’t going to have much trouble against Edwards and Steelz. Thankfully they didn’t mess around here and it made the match work out well. I’m not sure if we’re getting a Grace vs. Slamovich III, but there are worse ideas out there.

We look back at Savannah Evans attacking Lei Ying Lee last week.

Evans says she’s the big deal and she’s taking over.

Wendy Choo vs. Rosemary

No DQ. Choo jumps her to start but Rosemary fights back and tries the Upside Down. That’s broken up and Choo hits a running dropkick. They fight over to the announcers’ table with Rosemary choking away with a camera cord. Back in and they fight over a cane until a double knockdown lets them both do the situp. Choo beats her up with the loaded pillow and drops a middle rope elbow with said pillow for two. Rosemary gets in a cane shot though and hits As Above So Below for the pin at 6:01.

Rating: C-. Forgive me for not being able to get into the idea of someone whose big deal is a pillow that she uses to beat on people. It hasn’t exactly worked in NXT and it isn’t working here. At the same time, this whole crossover is losing its steam rather quickly, as there is little to get behind when the home promotion star wins pretty much every time.

Post match Rosemary seems to lick Choo’s head.

And now, from the vault, on June 15, 2024, likely as a replacement for the Hardys vs. ABC match.

X-Division Title: Mustafa Ali vs. Mike Santana

Ali, with Champaign Sing, is defending. Santana knocks him down to start and shrugs off a chop. Some right hands in the corner and a clothesline have Ali in more trouble but Singh gets in a cheap shot for the DQ a 2:35.

Cue Santino Marella to make a tag match.

Mustafa Ali/Champaign Singh vs. Mike Santana/Joe Hendry

Hendry cleans house to start and hands it back to Santana to drop Singh. Ali pulls Hendry off the apron though and Singh gets in a shot to Hendry to take over. The chinlock doesn’t last long as Santana fights up and rolls over to bring in Hendry for the house cleaning. It’s already back to Santana, who elbows Singh down, leaving Hendry to GTS Ali, setting up Spin The Block to finish Singh at 6:29.

Rating: C. This whole thing could have been at any house show, with the cool pairing defeating the villains. Ali was a pretty big deal at this point, while Singh was there to take the fall. That’s all it needed to be and the fans were certainly into Hendry, which was the big point of the whole thing.

Post match Steve Maclin runs in for the beatdown but Rhino makes the save, including a Gore.

Maclin says no one, including Josh Alexander, can beat him.

The Rascalz are anxious, so they go to the tree house and talk about Space Jam. Lightening up ensues.

We look at Ryan Nemeth and Joe Hendry yelling at each other after last week’s main event.

Here is Hendry for a chat. Hendry has a special video about Ryan Nemeth’s entire career. Beginning of the video, “He’s Nic Nemeth’s brother. The end.”, end of the video. Hendry wants to face Ryan next week.

Mike Santana runs into First Class, who likes him and offers him a spot on the team. Santana isn’t impressed.

Jody Threat vs. Heather By Elegance

Their partners are here too. Heather jumps her to start but Threat gets in some clotheslines in the corner, followed by a suplex right back out of it. A tornado DDT gives Heather two and she stomps away in the corner, where Ash can get in some hair pulling. The neck crank goes on but Threat suplexes her way to freedom. Ash’s distraction lets Heather pull Threat into the corner, but Threat is fine enough to catch a high crossbody. Pop Shove It finishes Heather at 5:02.

Rating: C. Well I’ll take it over another tag champion losing a singles match to set up a Tag Team Title match. It’s still not good, but at least the champions don’t look like losers for a change. There still isn’t much in the way of a division, but at least they’re doing something with a fresh team.

X-Division Title: Mike Bailey vs. Moose

Moose is challenging and is quickly hurricanranaed out to the floor. A pump kick just annoys Moose so he takes Bailey outside, where a chop hits the post. Bailey accidentally kicks the steps though and Moose drops him onto the apron as we take a break. Back with Moose stomping away in the corner but getting caught with another hurricanrana. A release Rock Bottom drops Bailey again though and a kick to the head makes it worse. Bailey is back up with the moonsault knees for two and we take another break.

We come back again with Bailey hitting a top rope dive, followed by a shooting star press for two. They strike it out until the tornado kick is blocked, leaving Moose to hit a discus lariat. Bailey is right back with a Code Red for two and the Ultimate Weapon is loaded up, only for Moose to dropkick him out to the floor.

Back in and a super poisonrana puts Moose down and the Ultimate Weapon connects for two more. Another tornado kick is cut off with a spear to send Bailey outside, followed by an even bigger spear. They go back inside where two more spears give Moose the pin and the title at 17:24.

Rating: B-. That’s something of a relief, as Bailey getting away from the title makes things more interesting. I can only take so many tornado kicks and Ultimate Weapons, though thankfully Bailey only ignored a few moments of leg work this time. Moose winning the title is a new way to go, and I could go for a bunch of people coming after the monster champion.

Post match Moose leaves so Trent Seven comes out, hugs Bailey, and then hits him low. The Seven Star Lariat drops Bailey to end the show. If it keeps Bailey away from the title, I approve.

Overall Rating: C+. These tapings are nearly cursed by injuries as there is only so much you can get with two matches being stopped due to injuries. Putting in the previously unreleased match wasn’t exactly interesting but they had limited options here. Other than the title change at the end, there wasn’t much to be seen here, but there is still more than enough time before Turning Point to get things going. Just make things a bit more interesting on the way there, as this show was only ok for the most part.

Results
Masha Slamovich/Jordynne Grace b. Tasha Steelz/Alisha Edwards – Rear naked choke to Edwards
Rosemary b. Wendy Choo – As Above So Below
Jody Threat b. Heather By Elegance – Pop Shove It
Moose b. Mike Bailey – Spear

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: October 31, 2024
Location: Wayne State Fieldhouse, Detroit, Michigan
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman

We’re done with Bound For Glory and the big story is that Nic Nemeth retained the World Title against Joe Hendry with help from JBL. Other than that, the Hardys are the Tag Team Champions against after a not so thrilling main event. We’re on the way to Turning Point next week, which could go in a few different ways. Let’s get to it.

Here is Bound For Glory if you need a recap.

The show opens with a graphic showing a statement from Chris Bey, thanking fans and the medical staff helping him with his recovery. He knows it will be a long and challenging recovery process. The voiceover talks about the GoFundMe and asks for donations to help him. That does not sound good in the slightest but at least he’s here to make such a statement.

Bound For Glory recap.

PCO wishes us a Happy Halloween.

Opening sequence.

Here is Frankie Kazarian, in a heck of a Joe Hendry cosplay, for an even better Hendry impression, to mock everything about Hendry. This includes the clapping, but here in the real thing to chase him off. Hendry calls this the first entertaining thing Kazarian has done in 47 years, but the reality is that Kazarian took something away from Hendry and the people.

What matters is that there was a conspiracy against him, with Kazarian, John Layfield and Nic Nemeth all being in on it. Cue Nemeth to say he didn’t know what Layfield did and Hendry deserves a rematch. Nemeth wanted to give Hendry a rematch tonight but Santino Marella said no. Cue the System, with Nemeth insulting them and a tag match seemingly being set up for tonight.

Post break Alisha Edwards and Tasha Steelz are still in the ring to say Masha Slamovich’s Knockouts Title reign is on borrowed time. Cue Slamovich to mock Alisha’s catchphrase and say she’s looking for a fight tonight. The double teaming is on so here is Jordynne Grace for the save. Cue Santino Marella to make a tag match between the women for next week, as well as Nemeth/Hendry vs. JDC/Eddie Edwards.

First Class vs. Rascalz

Miguel and Navarro start things off and a wristdrag has Navarro down, meaning Wentz can come in for a rolling snapmare out of the corner. AJ Francis low bridges Wentz outside though and adds a running knee in the corner back inside. Navarro’s double stomp gets two, followed by a big boot to give Francis the same. A backsplash misses though and it’s back to Miguel to pick up the pace. That means a series of quick strikes into a Swanton for two before Wentz and Navarro crash out to the floor. Navarro is fine enough to get in a cheap shot though and the Down Payment finishes Miguel at 7:03.

Rating: C. First Class getting a win to put them back on track is nice to see, as Francis’ bragging is still good enough. Other than that, not much to this one as they only had so much time, though the Rascalz are dropping quite a bit after their big feud with Wes Lee over in NXT. I’m not sure what they can do, but it might be a bit before it gets better.

Josh Alexander/Good Hands vs. Eric Young/Jonathan Gresham/Steve Maclin

The Good Hands are here because the Northern Armory had visa issues. We’re joined in progress with Gresham getting triple stomped in the corner and Skyler dropping a leg for two. Gresham fights up and gets in a shot to the arm, followed by a dropkick for the tag off to Young. Alexander goes after the knee though and it’s Maclin coming in to chase Alexander outside. That’s enough for Alexander to leave and the spear in the Tree of Woe into KIA finishes Skyler at 7:12.

Rating: C+. Well yeah, of course the villains lost here. You had Alexander and two guys literally described as being there as helpers against two former World Champions and a former Ring Of Honor World Champion. This would have been the same thing if the Armory had been involved so at least it wasn’t shaken up very badly by something out of their control.

We look at the last few minutes of Mike Bailey vs. El Hijo del Vikingo at Bound for Glory. I’m assuming this was going to be the Vikingo match where he got hurt.

Mike Bailey gives Trent Seven a pep talk after losing the Call Your Shot gauntlet but Seven isn’t happy. The System interrupts, with Moose saying he might just take the X-Division Title. Works for Bailey.

Dani Luna vs. Ash By Elegance

Jody Threat, Heather By Elegance and the Personal Concierge are here too. An exchange of shoulders goes to Luna but a Heather distraction lets Ash send her into the steps to take over. Back in and Ash grabs a chinlock, with Luna fighting up without much effort. A Blue Thunder Bomb gives Luna two but the Concierge offers a distraction, allowing Heather to get in a broom (witch’s costume) shot. Rarefied Air finishes Luna at 6:02.

Rating: C. Giving Ash an entourage of people to help her steal some wins is a fine idea, as it would stun me if she isn’t at least a serious challenger for the Knockouts Title sooner than later. She’s too good to leave in the middle of the pack for that much longer and has been treated as a big deal. For now though, it looks like By Elegance is coming for the Knockouts Tag Team Titles, as this was the required “beat a champion in a singles match”.

Lei Ying Lee vs. Maggie Moore

Moore works on a wristlock to start but Lee headscissors her down and gets in a stomp. A pump kick staggers Lee but she hits a crossbody out of the corner. Thunderstruck finishes Moore at 2:51. That was certainly a Lee match.

Post match Savannah Evans returns and lays Lee out.

Mike Santana is proud of his win over Moose and says the World Title is a matter of when.

Nic Nemeth/Joe Hendry vs. The System

Frankie Kazarian is on commentary. Hendry takes Edwards down in a hurry to start and we take an early break. Back with Nemeth being knocked outside thanks to an Alisha Edwards distraction and JDC hitting a slingshot elbow for two. The chinlock goes on for a bit before JDC heads up, only to miss a flipping legdrop. Hendry comes back in to clean house and a double clothesline puts the System down. Everything breaks down, leaving Hendry to accidentally hit Nemeth. The Boston Knee Party finishes Nemeth at 10:02.

Rating: C+. This didn’t have time to go very far and was mainly about the arguing among the good guys. The System gets another boost and there is a chance that we’ll be seeing Eddie get a shot at Nemeth in there somewhere. Throw in Kazarian lurking around and Hendry needing a rematch and Nemeth has his plate full for the time being.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was tasked with getting things going in the new direction after the biggest show of the year, but the Chris Bey stuff was hard to get around. Between the opening announcement and constantly mentioning him all night (and of course there is nothing wrong with that), it was hard to get focused on the show, as it’s hard to not think about how bad things might be for him. All that aside, the main event felt like it was setting up more stuff in the World Title picture, but a lot of the rest felt like it was just continuing from Bound For Glory. There was no big new moment, but that’s not something required.

Results
First Class b. Rascalz – Down Payment to Miguel
Eric Young/Jonathan Gresham/Steve Maclin b. Josh Alexander/Good Hands – KIA to Skyler
Ash By Elegance b. Dani Luna – Rarefied Air
Lei Ying Lee b. Maggie Moore – Thunderstruck
The System b. Nic Nemeth/Joe Hendry – Boston Knee Party to Nemeth

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: October 24, 2024
Location: Skyway Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan

We’re two days away from Bound For Glory and the show is pretty much set. There are still some matches that could use a final push towards the show though and that is what we will be seeing here. Other than that, there is still the chance that we could be seeing something added to the show at the last minute so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Jake Something vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. AJ Francis vs. Sami Callihan vs. Laredo Kid vs. Jason Hotch

One fall to a finish, the winner is #20 in the Call Your Shot gauntlet match and the person who loses the fall is #1. Kazarian wants his special introduction but gets dropkicked outside for his efforts. Kid and Hotch are left in the ring with Kid flipping him around. Something comes back in but Francis knocks him down to take over.

Francis teases the dive but stops instead, only for Callihan to take him out. Kid breaks up Callihan’s dive so Callihan throws him onto the pile and a triplebomb puts Francis down for two back inside. Hotch hits a tornado DDT on Something but Kazarian is back in with the slingshot cutter for two. Callihan Stunners Something and hits the Cactus Driver 97 on Kazarian…but Francis steals the pin on Kazarian at 6:57.

Rating: C+. What do you want from something like this? It’s supposed to be a random scramble match with one person stealing the pin. That’s exactly what we got here with the people getting in their stuff until Francis stole the pin. Francis makes sense, though Kazarian being there at the beginning and already having a spot at the end of the pay per view in the World Title match is scary.

Jonathan Gresham is ready to prove he’s the best in the world and he’ll start against Josh Alexander.

Mike Santana is walking through his childhood neighborhood and talks about how tough they made him. He’s ready for Moose.

It’s time for a launch party, with Ash By Elegance and the Personal Concierge coming out around a champagne and punch table. We meet the new Heather Reckless, who looks quite a bit like Ash. Fans: “BASIC WHITE GIRL!” The women toast the champagne but here is Xia Brookside to say the excitement is almost as fake as the two of them. She doesn’t like what they did to Brinley Reece so here is Reece to help send the women into the beverages.

Josh Alexander vs. Jonathan Gresham

The Northern Armory is here with Alexander. They take their time to start before grappling to a standoff. Alexander works on the arm and Gresham can’t quite flip his way to freedom. An armdrag to the floor works a bit better and Gresham posts him for a bonus as we take an early break.

Back with Alexander getting in some cocky kicks to the head but Gresham scores with an enziguri. A springboard armdrag sends Alexander outside, setting up four straight dives, followed by a middle rope moonsault. Back in and Gresham slips on a springboard, setting up an exchange of rollups for two each. The C4 Spike is blocked so Alexander settles for an ankle lock. That’s broken up as well so Alexander grabs something from his headgear and knocks Gresham silly. The C4 Spike finishes Gresham off at 12:48.

Rating: B-. This was the kind of match that boosts Alexander up on his way to a big showdown at Bound For Glory. Gresham has enough status left over from his time in Ring Of Honor and he’s not going to be hurt by losing to a multiple time World Champion. The action was good enough too and that’s all it should have been.

Post match the beatdown is on so Steve Maclin runs in with a chair for the save, only to get beaten down. The villains zip tie him to the ropes but some wrestlers run in to cut off a big chair shot to the head.

Mike Santana is still in New York and still from the streets. He was on the way to jail or the morgue but he got in the ring instead. These vignettes have been great.

Wendy Choo vs. Jody Threat

Rosemary is here with Choo. They go with some grappling to start before heading out to the floor. Choo gets in a posting to take over and Threat is slammed off the top back inside to make it worse. The chinlock doesn’t last long as Threat comes up for the double clothesline. Threat’s German suplex and clothesline get two but Rosemary gets on the apron for a distraction. The half nelson slam finishes for Choo at 7:04.

Rating: C. Rather to the point here as we have a match that helps set up a less than interesting showdown on Saturday. Choo and Rosemary as the creepy team is better than nothing as challengers for the Knockouts Tag Team Titles but it’s still only so good. Thankfully they didn’t waste time here and got to the point, even with Dani Luna not here for some reason.

The System is ready to win their matches at Bound For Glory.

Bound For Glory rundown.

The System vs. Hardys/ABC

ABC clears Moose out to start and the rest of the System is sent outside as we take a break. Back with Jeff slugging away at JDC and suplexing Edwards. Myers comes in for a cheap shot though and we hit the chinlock. That’s broken up and it’s Matt coming in to clean quite a bit of house.

It’s of to Bey, who gets distracted by Alisha Edwards, meaning a four way stomping can ensue on the floor as we take another break. Back again with Myers suplexing Bey for two but the Roster Cut is blocked. Austin comes back in to pick up the pace and we hit the parade of finishers. The 1-2-Sweet finishes JDC at 12:09.

Rating: C+. This was a way to get everyone in the ring before the three way tag match on Saturday, with JDC being the designated jobber. I’m still expecting the Hardys to take the titles in the “feel good” moment at Bound For Glory, but ABC getting the titles back is certainly not out of the question. For now though, a nice preview and that’s all it needed to be.

Post match the villains take out the winners, with Mike Santana’s save attempt not exactly working.

Santino Marella is here to moderate the contract signings for the Knockouts and World Title matches. After all four come to the ring, Slamovich says she’s said everything there is to say and promises to win the title. Slamovich signs and Grace says we know how this will go. Nothing will change from their first match and she signs.

That leaves Hendry, who talks about playing a lawyer the first night he saw Nemeth. That night, no one knew his name but everything has changed, because now they are chanting his name. On Saturday, they will be chanting WE BELIEVE and he signs. Nemeth wants Hendry focused on Bound For Glory, because he doesn’t plan on losing. He signs as well, leaving Marella stunned that this worked, but cue Frankie Kazarian to interrupt.

Kazarian went to the Earl Hebner Referee Academy and went over Marella’s head to get the referee spot. Marella means nothing at Bound for Glory because he is the law. Nemeth drops Kazarian and it’s a Cobra to put him down again. Everyone but Santino puts him through the table, setting up the four way staredown to end the show. Kazarian is going to be a factor, but him being in the Call Your Shot and still being there in the end needs to be a red herring, as another cash in title change to end the show would be terrible.

Overall Rating: C+. This was one of those shows that is always hard to pull off, as the show was all but set and they only had to put on the finishing touches. The good thing is they did a nice job of reinforcing what was already set up and didn’t make me lose any interest in the pay per view. Saturday is what matters the most though and now we should be ready for the big show.

Results
AJ Francis b. Jake Something, Frankie Kazarian, Sami Callihan, Laredo Kid and Jason Hotch – Cactus 97 Driver to Kazarian
Josh Alexander b. Jonathan Gresham – C4 Spike
Wendy Choo b. Jody Threat – Half nelson slam
ABC/Hardys b. The System – 1-2-Sweet to JDC

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: October 17, 2024
Location: Skyway Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re coming up on Bound For Glory and the card has started to take shape. The main event will see Nic Nemeth defending the World Title against Joe Hendry but we’ll also be seeing a ladder match for the Tag Team Titles. You know, because we have to do that at some point in every promotion. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

In Memory Of Joe Koff, former Ring Of Honor executive.

Opening recap.

Digital Media Title/International Heavyweight Title: PCO vs. Rhino

PCO is defending both titles. They slug it out to start until Rhino sends him outside and grabs a chair, as this is apparently No DQ. Some cookie sheets to the head rock PCO and it’s time for the trashcan. That takes too long though and PCO chokeslams Rhino onto it for the big crash. Rhino goes back out to the floor but grabs the trashcan to cut off a big dive. The table is brought in but Rhino Gores it by mistake. The PCOsault retains the titles at 8:02.

Rating: C. I’m not sure why this was a hardcore match but it was as run of the mill of one as you could have gotten. They used all of the regular hardcore tropes and there was nothing that went outside of the norm. PCO gets a nice win, but Matt Cardona is the real opponent for him in the near future so this was only going to go so far.

Nic Nemeth is ready to face anyone as a fighting champion so tonight he’s facing Matt Cardona. He wants to see the special Cardona rather than whatever he’s been lately.

Here is Arianna Grace to introduce this week’s NXT guest star.

Brinley Reece vs. Ash By Elegance

Ash’s kick to the ribs off a handshake is broken up and Reece takes her down for a wipe of the lipstick. We pause for some fresh makeup before Reece starts cranking on the arm. A pose off goes to Reece so Ash does some pushups, only for her running shoulder to have no impact. Reece knocks her down and does her own pushups but gets kicked out to the floor for her efforts. Back in and Ash hammers away before grabbing the quickly broken chinlock. Reece’s flipping clothesline gets two but the Personal Concierge offers a distraction, allowing Ash to drop her. Rarefied Air finishes Reece at 5:17.

Rating: C. This is the kind of NXT cameo that offers very little as Reece doesn’t mean much over there in the first place. It isn’t that Ash beat someone important but rather someone from another promotion, which only has so much value. Ash is likely going to get into a bigger story soon, so call this a glorified warmup for whatever is next.

Post match we’re going to be seeing a makeover, but for now it’s just some fresh makeup to Reece. Xia Brookside makes the save.

Rosemary and Wendy Choo torment/stalk Spitfire.

X-Division Title: Mike Bailey vs. Leon Slater

Bailey is defending. They both miss dropkicks to start and it’s an early standoff with Bailey doing his martial arts stance. Slater knocks him to the floor but his dive is knocked out of the air and Bailey gets in a posting as we take a break. Back with Slater’s arm giving out on a handspring attempt so Bailey kicks him down, only to miss a running shooting star press. Slater kicks him right back down as the fans want them to fight forever.

Bailey goes back to the arm but Slater snaps off a flying mare to the floor. The big dive is cut off though and Bailey’s moonsault knees have Slater down again. Slater sends him to the apron, only to miss a dive and get caught with an Asai moonsault. Back in and the tornado kick is cut off by a leg lariat, with Slater sending him outside for the big dive. Bailey goes after the arm again but gets planted off the top. The Swanton 450 misses though and Bailey grabs a chickenwing suplex. The Ultimate Weapon into the Flamingo Driver retains at 15:03.

Rating: B-. Maybe it’s just been seeing him with the title for what feels like ever but I am completely sick of Bailey in almost anything he does. He has a certain style to him that might be impressive but it’s feels so much like a performance rather than trying to win a match. It doesn’t help that he’s also rather active, which makes what he does feel all the more repetitive. Just not my guy and it becomes less interesting every time he’s out there.

Respect is shown post match.

El Hijo del Vikingo will be at Bound For Glory and Bailey seems interested.

Video on the three way match for the Tag Tam Titles at Bound For Glory. Ladders ahoy.

ABC praises the Hardys for being an inspiration but neither of them like the System. An eight man tag is set for next week, but the Hardys promise to win the Tag Team Titles at Bound For Glory.

Here is Steve Maclin, who wants Josh Alexander out here right now. Cue Alexander, flanked by Sinner & Saint, now known as the Northern Armory. Alexander doesn’t know where this change of attitude comes from because he knows what it takes to try and make these fans cheer you. He is the longest reigning World Champion of all time, so why would they believe in a failure like Maclin.

That doesn’t work for Maclin, because Alexander was the first guy to take him under his wing. Maclin thought they could be a team but they’re nothing alike. The Armory comes in and Maclin gets beaten down, with his arms being zip tied behind his back. A C4 Spike leaves Maclin laying.

Santino Marella and Arianna Grace are getting ready for the Call Your Shot gauntlet when an annoyed Frankie Kazarian comes in to draw his number.

Mike Santana vs. Brian Myers

The rest of the System is here too and Santana knocks Myers cold with a chain before the bell. Spin The Block with the chain drops Myers again and Santana calls out Moose. That doesn’t happen so the hunt is afoot. No match.

Post break Santana goes after Moose, who hits him with something made of metal to leave Santana laying.

We get a sitdown interview between Masha Slamovich and Jordynne Grace. Slamovich has been a good friend and doesn’t know why Grace hasn’t helped her up. Grace talks about how hard she has worked to get here and the same thing that happened at Bound for Glory two years ago is happening again this year. Slamovich doesn’t think so.

Matt Cardona vs. Nic Nemeth

Non-title, Frankie Kazarian is on commentary and Cardona has security here to protect him from PCO. Cardona takes him into the corner to start but Nemeth fights out and drops the ten elbows for two. Back up and Cardona hammers away before sending Nemeth shoulder first into the post. They head outside where Cardona’s piledriver attempt is blocked, only for him to send Nemeth into the steps.

We take a break and come back with Nemeth breaking up a superplex attempt. Cardona hits the running boot in the corner for two but Radio Silence is countered into a DDT to give Nemeth two. An implant DDT hits Nemeth for two but he’s right back with a superkick for two more. The Fameasser hits Cardona for another near fall, only for Cardona to sneak in a low blow. Cue PCO to break through security, which is enough of a distraction for the Danger Zone to finish for Nemeth at 12:57.

Rating: B-. Cardona has had a total career renaissance since leaving WWE and in that whole change, his in-ring abilities have been kind of forgotten. For so long he was known as little more than a comedy guy but he can wrestle a completely fine match, which is what we saw here. Cardona was hanging with an established star like Nemeth and never felt like he was out of place or trying to keep up. That’s a side of him that is overlooked and it’s kind of a shame.

PCO drags Cardona away so Kazarian jumps Nemeth, with Joe Hendry coming in for the save. Kazarian grabs a referee shirt and says he’s the guest referee for the title match at Bound For Glory to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. We’re at the point where everything at Bound For Glory is either set or all but set and that means the shows can have a tough go. There is only so much let for TNA to do before going to Detroit and they had to make it work here. What we got did hype up the show a bit more and I want to see most of what they’re offering, though the Tag Team Title stuff still isn’t doing it for me. Other than that though, they’re set up well and we should be in for a good biggest show of the year.

Results
PCO b. Rhino – PCOsault
Ash By Elegance b. Brinley Reece – Rarefied Air
Mike Bailey b. Leon Slater – Flamingo Driver
Nic Nemeth b. Matt Cardona – Danger Zone

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling
Date: October 10, 2024
Location: Skyway Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We are just over two weeks to go before we get to Bound For Glory and, after a week off due to Hurricane Helene, it is time to start the final push towards the show. Joe Hendry is the #1 contender to Nic Nemeth and the World Title so odds are the talking will be on this week. Other than that, the Hardys are facing the ABC so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Wendy Choo/Rosemary/Tasha Steelz vs. Masha Slamovich/Sol Ruca/Jordynne Grace

Grace slugs Choo down to start and hits an early Vader Bomb for two. Ruca comes in to clean house and gets two off an X Factor to Rosemary. Alisha Edwards offers a distraction though and Ruca gets knocked outside for a cheap shot from Steelz. The Upside Down has Ruca in more trouble as the villains start the alternating beating. Ruca fights out of Steelz’s camel clutch and, after a double neckbreaker, hits the Sol Snatcher (springboard inverted flipping cutter), hands it off to Slamovich. Everything breaks down and the Juggernaut Driver finishes Steelz at 6:57.

Rating: C+. This was what it needed to be, as Grace continues to clear out the rest of the division and is likely heading towards a title showdown with Masha Slamovich. That’s about all that is left for Slamovich, as the NXT stars haven’t meant much in recent weeks and Steelz was quickly dispatched. It’s another match about Grace and that’s all it should have been.

Josh Alexander welcomes Sinner & Saint into the fold and is ready to wreck Eric Young on the way to Steve Maclin.

Here is Nic Nemeth for a chat. He’s ready for Joe Hendry at Bound for Glory so here is Hendry to interrupt. Hendry has worked hard to get here and he is ready to take the final step by becoming the World Champion. Nemeth talks about how everyone believes in Hendry, even Shawn Michaels. Hendry asks about John Layfield believing in Nemeth, but here is First Class to interrupt.

They’re going to be in the main event of Bound For Glory and AJ Francis takes credit for making Hendry a thing. Hendry can’t remember which song he sang about Francis but samples a few of them, which doesn’t sit well with Francis. Nemeth gets to the point and issues the tag match challenge, with Santino Marella coming out to make the match. Note that Santino was on screen for about thirty seconds here, which is all he needs for such an announcement. On the other hand, I could go for not seeing “future opponents teaming together” for a long, long time.

Ash By Elegance and the Personal Concierge are working hard on Heather Reckless’ makeover.

Josh Alexander vs. Eric Young

They fight over a lockup to start and strike it out until Young knocks him out to the floor. Back in and Young’s sunset flip slide through the legs is blocked, allowing Alexander to hit his running crossbody to knock Young outside again. We take a break and come back with Alexander working on the arm. Young grabs a northern lights suplex for two but Alexander puts him down again and slaps on a chinlock.

That’s broken up as well and Young hits a powerslam, only for Alexander to roll some German suplexes. Young hits a Death Valley Driver for two, setting up the top rope elbow drop for the same. Cue Sinner & Saint for a distraction, including a dropkick to Young so Alexander can grab a jackknife rollup for the pin at 10:04.

Rating: B-. Good action here as Alexander is on his way to a much bigger match down the line. Young isn’t likely to be a top star around here anytime soon but he’s a fine gatekeeper around this level. The fans still react to him and he’s certainly not bad in the ring, but you kind of know what you’re getting with him. That was the situation here and it was what you would have expected.

Post match Young goes after the goons but gets triple teamed. Young’s ankle gets Pillmanized.

Jordynne Grace is looking for Masha Slamovich and finds a shrine to herself, with her picture crossed out. Oh dear.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He wants Moose out here right now because it’s time to settle this face to face. Cue Moose, with security, to say he isn’t scared of Santana. That doesn’t work for Santana, who talks about how they’ve both come up the hard way. Moose talks about how he’s become a three time World Champion…and the System comes in to jump Santana from behind. The ABC and the Hardys (scheduled for a match) run in for the save. Santino Marella comes out to make Moose vs. Santana for Bound For Glory. That’s been set up for months now and it’s nice to see it made official.

ABC vs. Hardys

Bey headlocks Matt down to no avail to start so it’s quickly off to Austin vs. Jeff. La majistral gets two on Jeff and they trade some arm cranking. Jeff takes him into the corner for Poetry In Motion and a neckbreaker gets two. Austin slides between the legs and kicks Jeff away though, allowing Austin to come back in.

It’s back to Matt as well, but he is quickly taken into the corner for stereo kicks to the head. That doesn’t last long either as it’s right back to Jeff for the house cleaning. Everything breaks down and Jeff hits the Twisting Stunner into a neckbreaker from Matt…and the System runs in for the double DQ at 8:19.

Rating: C+. Just make the triple threat match for the titles at Bound For Glory already, likely with a ladder involved. That’s the only way it could wind up going as the Hardys being involved make it all but guaranteed. At least the Hardys didn’t get a pin over ABC here, as that wouldn’t have helped much of anyone.

Post match Santino Marella comes out to make the triple threat match and….yeah it’s Full Metal Mayhem. Like it could have been anything else.

Laredo Kid vs. Leon Slater vs. Jason Hotch

For a shot at Mike Bailey, on commentary, and the X-Division Title. They start fast and trade near falls until Kid sends the other two outside. That means the big flip dive can connect before Slater and Hotch both hit kicks to the head back inside. With Kid on the floor, Slater hits the Swanton 450 for the pin at 3:42.

Rating: C+. What can you get out of three people going that fast for less than four minutes? Slater getting the title shot is certainly a surprise, though I can’t imagine there isn’t a much bigger name waiting for bailey at Bound For Glory. He isn’t overly interesting but he’s a big star and has dominated the division for a long time, so it’s time for him to face someone big.

Here is Jordynne Grace to calls out Masha Slamovich. Cue Slamovich, with Grace asking what was up with the shrine. Slamovich says Grace knew she spoke English but kept it to herself so she wouldn’t lose the spotlight. At Bound For Glory, Slamovich is coming for the title. Again: it’s the only way to go.

Nic Nemeth/Joe Hendry vs. First Class

First Class jumps Hendry before Nemeth comes in so cue Nemeth for the save as we take a break before the bell. Back with Nemeth fighting out of Francis’ chickenwing but getting whipped hard into the corner. Another whip into the corner is countered into a DDT and it’s back to Hendry to clean house. Everything breaks down and Henry gives Francis an AA for two. Nemeth tags himself back in and superkicks Francis into the corner, allowing Navarro to tag himself in for a missile dropkick. Not that it matters as a Fameasser finishes Navarro at 7:18.

Rating: C+. Short and to the point here as Nemeth was looking to one up Hendry a bit at the end. There’s no tension between the two going into their title shot and now they need to build at least a little something on the way to Bound For Glory. Not much to the match, but First Class taking a loss always has some value.

Nemeth and Hendry seem to get along to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. The phrase that I would use for TNA is “user friendly”. You could see a lot of the matches being set up for the last few weeks/months and now they’re set up. It’s a show where you can jump in at almost any time and get the idea, which is so nice compared to other promotions. Good stuff here and Bound For Glory is starting to look rather good at the right time.

Results
Jordynne Grace/Masha Slamovich/Sol Ruca b. Rosemary/Wendy Choo/Tasha Steelz – Juggernaut Driver to Steelz
Josh Alexander b. Eric Young – Jackknife rollup
Hardys vs. ABC went to a double DQ when the System interfered
Leon Slater b. Laredo Kid and Jason Hotch – Swanton 450 to Hotch
Nic Nemeth/Joe Hendry b. First Class – Fameasser to Navarro

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

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