Strangle-Mania: Viva Las Violence
Date: April 17, 2026
Location: Horseshoe Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
Commentators: Joe Dombrowski, Mark Roberts, Zac Amico,

Why not end it with some Juggalo Championship Wrestling? This is the last indy show of the week that I’ll be covering and I’m coming into it completely blind. Vince Russo is now a big force in this company and that means if I’m going out, I’m going out on a ridiculous show. Let’s get to it.

A car with Texas license plates arrives and drops someone in a body bag out of the trunk before driving off.

The opening video looks at gambling.

Then we play the two videos again, with the audio fixed.

The regular opening video shows us some of the bigger names set for the card.

Here is half owner Violent J to get things going. J welcomes the fans and we’re ready with the opener.

In the back, Jasmin St. Clair yells at Vince Russo, who says the Monster Corporation is split up if they lose tonight. St. Clair is their manager so she’s issuing a challenge for a six person tag against some legends.

George South/Rock N Roll Express vs. St. Clair Monster Corporation

The Corporation is Beastman/Kongo Kong/Mr. Happy. And yes South has his face painted like a clown. The Monsters jump them to start as commentary says the legends have something like 130 years experience. That actually might be true and that’s insane. Beastman gets staggered with a knee lift and Kong is taken into the corner for some alternating wristlocks.

Kong gets knocked down but comes back with a shot to Morton. Happy comes in and knocks Kong out by mistake, leaving South to fight back on Beastman. Kong is back up but crashes into his partners as everything breaks down. Kong and Beastman crash into each other in the corner with Happy (who isn’t that bright) thinking it’s a game. He splashes both of them and Kong falls down for the pin at 4:41.

Rating: D+. This was a comedy match and I think you know where this show is going. The match was the mess you would have expected, though it’s always nice to see the Express. Thankfully they kept this short, with Happy being little more than a comedy goof and the other two not being much better.

Commentators preview the rest of the card.

Kerry Morton says he is Mr. JCW and knows Mickie Knuckles wants to face him. Vince Russo wants to get rid of him because no one can hang with him. Knuckles is getting in the ring with a Japanese legend as Morton was on a Japanese tour.

Here is Claude, an odd artist, as played by Wrestling With Wregret’s Brian Zane. He doesn’t like the fans and they don’t like him either but he’ll be here for the next match.

Mickie Knuckles vs. Kerry Morton

And apparently Claude is guest referee for this Kamikaze Death Match. Before the match, Morton tells the fans to shut the f*** up while he talks. He sees some women here for a change and some of them are actually good looking. Morton can’t believe he has to look at TWO women in his sport, meaning Knuckles and the ring announcer.

Now he’s going to show the men what it’s like to whip a woman. Knuckles slugs away to start and knocks him outside where Morton gets in a cheap shot. The weapons are already thrown in but Knuckles grabs him low to cut him off. Some trashcan shots to the head have Morton staggered but he gets in a hard shot of his own to take over again. Knuckles bites him low (“It’s not the biggest target but Mickie found it!”) and it’s a running hip attack in the corner.

A running dropkick sends a trashcan into Morton’s face and Claude is ordered to help set up some weapons. That takes too long and Morton fights back again, only to spend too much time thrusting his pelvis in her face. Knuckles shoves him through a door…but Claude stops to sneeze. Morton knees Claude down by mistake and Knuckles rolls some suplexes for two. Knuckles thrusts back at Morton and gets sent through a door, with the rest being broken over her head. A trashcan shot gets the pin at 8:58, with Morton using the rope.

Rating: C-. This was the weapons mess you would expect and that’s all it needed to be. Morton is great at being a jerk and the fans want to see him get beaten up. Knuckles got to do that and then Claude was able to make it even worse, which is exactly the idea. It wasn’t a good match, but the angle was fine.

The Outbreak don’t do well in their urine test. Yep. Because they’re zombies.

Outbreak vs. Brothers Of Funstruction

The Outbreak (again, zombies, named Abel and Jacksyn, with Barnabas The Bizarre) are apparently addicted to cocaine, hence the drug test. The Brothers (Ruffo and Yabo, a pair of clowns) bring in a bunch of balloons…and hang on as here is Violent J to make it a triple threat.

Outbreak vs. Brothers Of Funstruction vs. Backseat Boyz

The Outbreak goes after the Boyz to start fast and they take out Abel before moving on to the Brothers. That earns the Boyz a double atomic drop but the Outbreak are up to fire off elbows in the corner. The Boyz come back with a top rope G9 to Jacksyn but the Brothers make the save with their balloons. We pause for some tickling but it doesn’t work on the undead Outbreak. As Above So Below (Skull & Bones) finishes Ruffo at 7:45 (counting the two on two tag part).

Rating: C. This was all about the insanity and ridiculous gimmicks and that’s exactly what it came off as, which is…good? I guess? It’s certainly memorable and while “cocaine addicted zombies” might not be the most traditional gimmick, it’s better (I think) than some of the terrible ideas we could be seeing.

Post match the Outbreak celebrate with cocaine. Of course they do.

Big Vito (yes that Vito) pays off PCO to help him in the main event against Vampiro. PCO isn’t in but Vito has another idea.

American Title: Disco Ray vs. Mikey Avalon vs. Mecha Wolf vs. Ninja Mack vs. Facade

Facade is defending and goes to the floor as the other four do a test of strength. Ray starts dancing and Wolf is mesmerized by the hips. Some tambourines to Avalon (the Man Of 1000 Gimmicks) have him in trouble for a change and it’s Facade back in to take over on Ray. That leaves Facade to do a handstand in the corner and then kick Ray down. Wolf slugs away at Facade and Avalon pushes Mack off the top.

Avalon is back in with his surfboard, which he throws at Facade’s head followed by…a surfboard. Wolf gets in a frog splash for two, with Ray making the save. Avalon side slams Wolf for two but Wolf is back with some mist. Mack backflips into a dive to the floor and Ray Downward Spirals (Panic At The Disco) Facade. Hold on as Ray’s Ring Rat (yes that’s her name) comes in to hit him low. Facade chairs Ray down and hits a Sabu Triple Jump Moonsault to retain at 10:21.

Rating: C+. This is pretty easily the best match of the night thus far, mainly because it was more about a wrestling match than all of the ridiculous stuff. Yes you had the stuff with the Rat (because her name is Ring Rat) and the mist, but I’ll take that over the other stuff we’ve seen thus far. The athleticism was certainly good.

Post match the Rat leaves with Steven Flow.

Violent J and Big Vito yell at the Vampiro retirement match. Vince Russo comes in to ask what happened to Vampiro’s honor and Vito yells a lot. With Russo and J gone, Vito pays someone off to do…something. The guy calls Vito horrible and Vito says don’t you forget it or it could be you next.

Here is the Green Phantom. He doesn’t do anything, but he’s here. Then he leaves.

Women’s Title: J-Rod/Nyla Rose vs. Alice Crowley/Dani Mo

Crowley is defending and yes it’s a tag match for the singles title (whomever gets the fall gets the pin), with Katie Forbes as guest referee. After a long weapons check, it’s Crowley suplexing J-Rod to start and hitting an Emerald Flosion for an early two. Mo comes in to kick J-Rod in the head but Crowley tags herself in to face Rose.

The usually bigger Crowley gets thrown around by Rose, so Mo tags herself in and gets powerslammed for two. J-Rod comes back in to strike away on Mo before it’s back to Rose, with Mo giving her a Code Red for two more. That doesn’t get her very far as it’s J-Rod with a running elbow in the corner. Crowley is drawn in and a double chokeslam gives J-Rod the pin and the title at 8:12.

Rating: C. As usual, the stipulations don’t make a ton of sense and the reason for them being added didn’t really get explained. That’s where things get complicated because it leaves you wonder why you’re watching this. I wanted to see more of Crowley, who has impressed me in the limited time I’ve seen her, while J-Rod looks like an amazing prospect. At the same time, it’s nice to see Rose, as she’s too good to leave sitting on the sidelines.

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2 Tuff Tony/Rob Van Dam/Willie Mack vs. Kenta/Good Brothers

Tony’s entrance takes forever and Van Dam (who does not age) has Bill Alfonso with him. Anderson and Tony start things off with Tony stopping for a drink. It seems to work, with Anderson shouldering him down and Gallows coming in to face Mack. The power exchange doesn’t get either of them very far so it’s off to Kenta vs. Van Dam.

Believe it or not, Kenta runs his mouth before getting pulled into the corner for the tag off to Tony. Everything breaks down (I’m shocked it took that long) and we settle down to Mack Stunnering Anderson. Gallows is back in to strike away but he gets caught with a Van Daminator. Not to be outdone, Tony lights something on fire and knocks Gallows down. The Five Star finishes for Van Dam at 8:59.

Rating: C. They were probably better off keeping things a bit nuts here rather than trying to do a regular match. Van Dam continues to defy all things involving time and aging as he’s still about the same as he was ten years ago. The others didn’t really add much here but the Good Brothers kind of come packaged in with a show like this one.

Vince Russo gives Caleb Konley (Russo’s chosen one) a pep talk, telling him to be less relaxed. Konley says he’s done everything Russo has asked him to do and now he gets yelled at again. That’s what Russo wanted to hear.

JCW World Title: CoKane vs. Matt Riddle vs. Nic Nemeth vs. Caleb Konley

CoKane, a cocaine addicted Kane enthusiast, is defending and this is elimination rules. Hold on though as here is Jeeves to bring out EC3 as guest referee. Because that’s a thing that he can do. And apparently Jeeves and EC3 are cousins. Konley has Vince Russo with him and Nemeth has his face painted. Actually Russo jumps on commentary because of course he does.

Konley drops to the floor to start and it’s Riddle coming in to clean house. CoKane kicks him down but gets suplexed for his early efforts. Konley comes in and has to block the straws to the head. CoKane’s rope walk is cut off and Konley elbows him in the back of the head. Nemeth is back in to knock Konley down and drops the big elbow. Nemeth’s superkick puts CoKane down but Konley kicks Nemeth low.

A Burning Hammer pins Nemeth at 5:20. Riddle is back up to kick away, with a fisherman’s buster getting two on CoKane. A Broton hits CoKane as Konley heads outside again. Riddle Tombstones CoKane but Konley kick Riddle low, with another Burning Hammer finishing him off at 7:21.

We’re down to one on one as Russo rants about commentary not praising Konley enough. Konley knocks the referee down by mistake and gets caught with CoKane’s Lethal Injection. The cocaine is loaded up but Steven Flo takes it away. The Burning Hammer only gets two and Russo is ticked. CoKane sits up, has some cocaine, and hits a chokeslam to retain at 11:21.

Rating: C-. The cocaine stuff is dumb and I don’t know how else to say it. Maybe they’re going for the idea of “well we don’t know exactly what it is” but it’s still just a dumb story no matter how they present it. CoKane is at least a funny character, but to have him as the top name in the company is…yeah there’s a reason this place isn’t taken the most seriously. Throw in Russo being his usual self on commentary and this wasn’t going to work.

Post match Russo gets in the ring to yell and it means nothing.

We recap Vampiro’s retirement match. Vampiro returned to help Violent J and then wanted to retire. For some reason Vito hates him and is sending PCO to get him. Vito wants to get rid of him as well and…yeah I’m not sure if this makes sense either. Eh you take what you can get.

Vampiro vs. Big Vito vs. PCO

Vito, wrestling in most of a suit, insults the crowd and the ICP fans, which is more complicated as the ICP come out with Vampiro. Before the match, Vampiro thanks the fans for staying around and thanks the ICP for working with him for so many years. PCO has him scared and he doesn’t know Vito very well (Then why is he here?) so let’s fight. Vampiro chops away at PCO to limited avail so PCO helps him knock Vito down.

They go outside with PCO and Vito being sent into the post before the brawl heads out into the crowd. They come back to ringside with Vampiro being knocked into a chair, leaving Vito’s shots to PCO to not have much effect. J gets in and cue the man Vito paid off earlier (Shane Mercer), who hits Vito by mistake.

PCO is back in with a headbutt to Vito so Vampiro comes in to steal a cover. Vito’s crossface goes on so PCO makes the save and stomps away on Vampiro. Vito yells at PCO for trying to go after Vampiro and gets chokeslammed for his efforts. Vampiro cuts PCO off and it’s the Nail In The Coffin to finish Vito at 10:42.

Rating: D. I watched this show and I’m not sure if I know why these people are fighting or what is going on. That’s something that might make sense after a big time World Title match, but this was a simple retirement match. Why do we have this much going on in Vampiro’s retirement match? Ah yes: Russo is booking and it’s a bunch of people who were past their primes decades ago (ok maybe not PCO) so what else were you expecting?

Post match Vampiro gets the streamers and a trophy to end the show.

Overall Rating: D. Yeah this was as bad as you would have expected, with some fun/funny ideas in there but so much stuff that was just either bad or made no sense. I still don’t get the idea of running angles during what should be your biggest show of the year but that’s always been a Russo thing. This really did not work and while the weekly show might be better, this had way too many of the Russo issues and tropes dragging it way down.

Results
Rock N Roll Express/George South b. St. Clair Monster Corporation – Splash to Kong
Kerry Morton b. Mickie Knuckles – Trashcan to the head
Outbreak b. Brothers Of Funstruction and Backseat Boyz – As Above, So Below to Ruffo
Facade b. Disco Ray, Mikey Avalon, Mecha Wolf and Ninja Mack – Triple jump moonsault to Ray
J-Rod/Nyla Rose b. Alice Crowley/Dani Mo – Double chokeslam to Mo
Rob Van Dam/2 Tuff Tony/Willie Mack b. Good Brothers/Kenta – Five Star Frog Splash to Gallows
Vampiro b. Big Vito and PCO – Nail In The Coffin to Vito

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

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Impact Wrestling
Date: April 16, 2026
Location: Upstate Medical University Arena At The Oncenter War Memorial, Syracuse, New York
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with Rebellion and that means we should be in for a big time fallout. Mike Santana is still the World Champion after dispatching Eddie Edwards and the Hardys FINALLY lost the Tag Team Titles, oddly to the System. There is a lot of fallout to cover here, including a heck of a return to the ring so let’s get to it.

Here is Rebellion if you need a recap.

We open with a long Rebellion recap, covering pretty much everything.

Opening sequence.

Here is Nic Nemeth, who stumbles down the ram, to join commentary on the opening match.

KC Navarro vs. AJ Francis

The much bigger Francis shoves him down to start but it’s too early for the Down Payment. Navarro knocks him outside but a dropkick is countered into a faceplant onto the apron. Francis posts him and then fires Navarro into the corner back inside. For some reason Navarro tries an Angle Slam and is promptly LAUNCHED with an AA.

A jawbreaker and dropkick work a bit better for Navarro and he hits some running dropkicks in the corner. They go up top and a super Angle Slam actually connects to give Navarro two. Francis Pounces him though, which lets Francis yell at Nemeth. That’s enough for Nemeth to get up, which allows Navarro to grab a rollup for the pin at 7:04.

Rating: C+. Navarro is back with a quick win and that’s a good thing to see. At the same time you have Francis ticked off at Nemeth, which should work out well for both of them. It’s certainly a step up for Francis to go after a star like Nemeth, though I’m wonder what is next for Navarro as well. He’s been gone for so long and was never a singles star, though he might just be lost in the shuffle again.

EC3 talks about carrying the company through its darkest time and then leaving for a long time. Now he’s back, and has to deal with Eric Young. What a great way to start.

Here is the System, once again with Alisha Edwards, for a chat. They’re happy to have the Tag Team Titles but Eddie Edwards blames Moose for not being the World Champion. Alisha mocks Moose for being stupid (even though he knew she was doing) and Cedric Alexander wants the X-Division Title.

Cue Leon Slater, who asks when Alexander will shut up. Moose comes in to insult all of them, who he finds to be b******. Slater wants a match right now but here is Daria Rae to say no but Slater says Santino Marella would do it. That’s enough for Rae to make the 4-2 handicap match for later.

We look at Frankie Kazarian cheating to beat Elijah at Rebellion.

Elijah comes in to see Daria Rae, who wants to face Kazarian again. Rae calls Kazarian, who says no. End of discussion.

Tasha Steelz vs. Jada Stone

The rest of Order 4 is here with Steelz and Mustafa Ali brags about his win at Rebellion. He’s a champion who doesn’t need a second chance so he’s GIVING a second chance, in the form of an open challenge for his newly won International Title. Stone storms the ring and we’re ready to go. They slug it out at the bell with Stone headscissoring her into the corner. Steelz bails to the floor and manages to post Stone to take over. That means some posing from Steelz and we take a break.

We come back with Steelz suplexing her for two and grabbing a camel clutch. That doesn’t last long so Steelz stomps away in the corner instead. Stone fights up and scores with a middle rope Meteora into a split legged moonsault. Steelz is right back with a neckbreaker and a German suplex but Stone gets in a facebuster. Ali offers a distraction though and Steelz grabs a middle rope cutter for two. The referee tosses Order 4 so Stone superkicks her into the Spark Stunner for the pin at 13:17.

Rating: B-. They had a good back and forth match here and it got some time. The other good thing is you can see Stone being treated as someone who could become a star. That is something that is always welcome, as the division needs some fresh blood. I don’t know if that’s going to be Stone but at least she’s getting some attention.

We go to the Undead Realm where Rosemary finds Joseph Park. He’s looking for his brother (“You know”) Abyss but is so happy to see Rosemary that he gives her a hug. Park is going to do something for her (she seems pleased) and is off to work on it. We cut to Tessa Blanchard trying to find her way out and beating up some women before running off. To be continued.

Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro are happy with his win but the System comes in for some mocking. Nemeth is ready to fight Bear Bronson any time.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He’s put down every former World Champion he’s faced so now he wants to issue a challenge of his own. There is someone else back there who has turned his life around so he wants Rich Swann out here. Swann asks if this is a good idea because he’s in the best shape of his career and is ready to fight all night long. Santana says the people have spoken and he’s ready for the title match next week. It seems to be on.

Lei Ying Lee talks about falling in love with wrestling and gaining a friend in Xia Brookside. She doesn’t know why Brookside abandoned her.

Brookside has nothing to say.

EC3 vs. Eric Young

Young jumps him from behind to start fast and the brawl is on, with EC3 getting beaten up on the floor and inside. EC3 fights up and runs over Young and the referee, which is enough for the no contest at 2:31. Well that’s odd.

Post match Young wraps a chair around EC3’s neck and sends it into the post.

Back in the Undead Realm, Rosemary runs into a masked man named Frank, who is holding an ax. They have a chat about his mother and he goes on his way. Mara Sade and Allie discuss vegan options and run into a woman who teleports around them. They aren’t impressed and move on.

Tessa Blanchard finds Rosemary and wants out so the fight is on, with Blanchard beating her up and tying her to a chair. Allie and Sade come in and untie her, with Rosemary finding it funny. Allie gives chase and we cut to Blanchard and her friends escaping, as James Mitchell lets them out. The teleporting woman comes in and Mitchell introduces himself to her. Hannifan: “What the h*** is going on?”

In the arena, Blanchard, Mila Moore and Victoria Crawford crawl out from underneath the ring…but the lights go out and Rosemary and Mara Sade are here for the brawl. Sade is beaten down but Rosemary isn’t worried. The lights go out again and Allie is back to quit the reaction.

The Hardys swear vengeance on the Righteous. Brokenness is teased.

The System vs. Moose/Leon Slater

Alisha Edwards is here with the System. Slater and Alexander start things off but the numbers game lets Alexander get in a shot from behind. Moose (who played college football here) comes in for a backsplash and sends Bronson outside. Myers spears Bronson by mistake and Moose powerbombs Alexander onto the two of them. Slater busts out the big dive and Moose spears Alexander back inside.

Myers makes the save and Edwards hits a Boston Knee Party to put Moose down. Bronson sits on Moose’s chest for two and Edwards ties up his leg. Moose fights out and drops Edwards, allowing the tag off to Slater. Some running boots in the corner connect but Edwards pokes Slater in the eye. Alexander frog splashes Slater for two and Moose accidentally takes out a security guard on the floor. Back in and Alexander reverses a rollup into a Lumbar Check to pin Slater at 7:50.

Rating: B-. This was pretty much what you would have expected here, as there was no reason for Slater and Moose, as great as they are, to overcome these odds. The ending is a fine way to give Alexander another shot, as Slater is less than a month from the longest reign in history. It’s a star studded main event, which went exactly as you probably thought it would have.

Commentary gives us a recap of the night (not a bad idea) to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. There was a lot to like here, as they set up something with Slater vs. Alexander II, plus Nic Nemeth possibly getting in on the battle against the System. Throw in the women getting out of the Undead Realm and things are looking up. I liked this show a good deal and it’s nice to see them hitting the ground running after a pay per view for a change.

Results
KC Navarro b. AJ Francis – Rollup
Jada Stone b. Tasha Steelz – Spark Stunner
EC3 vs. Eric Young went to a no contest
The System b. Moose/Leon Slater – Lumbar Check to Slater

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

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Rebellion 2026
Date: April 11, 2026
Location: Wolstein Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan

We’re already back with a full pay per view after Sacrifice a few weeks ago. Hopefully this show’s main event doesn’t end in about two minutes due to an injury. This time around, Mike Santana is defending against Eddie Edwards due to the Feast Or Fired contract, plus the Hardys defending the Tag Team Titles against the System. Let’s get to it.

Pre-Show: Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE

Before the match, Nemeth brings up being from Cleveland and then reveals Pittsburgh Steelers (Cleveland Browns’ big rivals) gear. BDE jumps him during his latest batch of insults and knocks him to the floor. A springboard high crossbody connects on the way back inside but Nemeth gets in a knockdown of his own.

Some right hands on the mat set up a neckbreaker for two and we hit the chinlock on BDE. That’s broken up and the springboard cutter gives BDE two of his own. A DDT gives Nemeth the same but BDE hits a jumping enziguri. The frog splash connects, only to send Nemeth outside. Nemeth Stunners him over the top rope though, setting up a jumping Downward Spiral to finish BDE at 5:00.

Rating: C. This was the right kind of opener as it gives the fans a reason to get annoyed, though BDE could have gotten his first singles win here, just to pop the fans. Either way, it wasn’t like they were out there very long and the match was a bunch of entertaining spots. For a quick pre-show outing, they did fine.

And now, the show proper.

Charity Evonna sings the National Anthem.

X-Division Title: Leon Slater vs. Cedric Alexander

Slater is defending. They start fast with neither being able to get very far. Slater misses a slingshot dive but Alexander can’t quite send him into the steps. Back in and a springboard high crossbody gives Slater two and he hammers away in the corner. Alexander is sent to the apron, where he grabs an STO to take over. Back in and a German suplex puts Slater down, followed by a basement dropkick for two.

Alexander goes outside but stops to yell at the crowd, allowing Slater to hit a dropkick through the ropes. They get back in where Alexander hits another German suplex and we hit the chinlock. That’s broken up so Alexander rakes the eyes to put him right back down. A leg lariat gives Slater a breather so Alexander rolls outside, with Slater hitting the big running flip dive.

Alexander probably should have known that was coming as it’s kind of Slater’s thing but oh well. Back in and a standing Sliced bread Gives Slater two more but he misses the 450. Slater charges into a Michinoku Driver for two and Alexander crotches him on the top. A clothesline brings Slater back down and Alexander gives him a brainbuster onto the turnbuckle. The Lumbar Check gets two so the frustrated Alexander goes outside to grab the title. That takes too long though and Slater grabs a Styles Clash, setting up the Swanton 450 to retain at 14:23.

Rating: B. This was in the “of course it’s going to be good” category as Alexander can work well with anyone and Slater is on an absolute tear at the moment (ok several moments). At the same time, we’re at the point where it’s hard to imagine Slater actually losing the title, which is going to become an issue down the line. That being said, opening with the X-Division has worked for years and that’s still the case, so continuing the tradition worked well.

We run down the card.

Mike Santana, with his face painted, is ready to defend the World Title again tonight. Alisha Edwards comes in to offer him some tips on facing Eddie Edwards tonight.

Frankie Kazarian vs. Elijah

Elijah chases him to the floor to start and hits a big boot back inside. A jumping clothesline lets Elijah send him chest first onto the apron and Old School connects. Back up and Kazarian German suplexes him into the corner and a slingshot hurricanrana on the floor drops Elijah again.

The slingshot legdrop gets two back inside so Kazarian grabs the strap from Elijah’s guitar. That’s enough to swat Elijah out of the air and a clothesline gives has down again. Kazarian’s Old School is broken up with a slam though and an electric chair powerbomb gets two more.

The jumping knee knocks Kazarian out of the air for another near fall and Elijah straps him down for a change. The guitar is brought in but Kazarian catches him on the apron with a slingshot cutter onto said guitar. An annoyed Elijah pops up and grabs the broken guitar but the referee takes it away, allowing Kazarian to get in a low blow and rollup for the pin at 12:26.

Rating: C+. This wasn’t the most thrilling feud when it started and their match here wasn’t much better. It’s not that it’s bad, but it’s just kind of…there. Kazarian winning is good enough and the ending likely keeps things going for a more violent rematch. I would think a recent World Champion would get something better than this, but Elijah goes from a bit less than serious to a featured player rather quickly so it’s hard to say if this was a big step down for Kazarian or not.

Stacks says he’ll help Arianna Grace retain the Knockouts Title.

We recap Moose vs. Agent Zero. Moose has been going after Order 4 and Zero is their enforcer. Hoss fight time.

Moose vs. Agent Zero

Alisha Edwards is here with Moose, who gets jumped by Zero to start fast. Moose gets sent into the steps for the opening bell but he’s able to send Zero outside. The dive connects and it’s already time for the table. They fight on the apron with neither getting the better of things so it’s time to go back inside. Moose kicks him to the floor but makes the mistake of following, where Zero hits a powerbomb into the post.

Back in and they trade forearms until Moose knocks him into the corner for a top rope superplex. Moose nips up…and Zero does the same, only to get clotheslined to the apron. The spear through the table crushes Zero and they both have to beat the count. Back in and Zero wins a slugout, setting up a swinging Downward Spiral for two. Moose fist pumps his way back up and hits a release Rock Bottom into a backsplash.

Zero is able to send him outside though, only for Moose to catch his dive. That means a powerbomb onto the steps so cue the Good Hands, with Moose having to save Edwards. The pump kick sends Skyler to the floor but Edwards crashes down too and hurts her ankle. Moose carries her off and gets kicked in the face by Zero, making her drop Edwards in a crash. The chokebomb sends Moose onto the apron and a chokebomb gives Zero the pin at 10:47.

Rating: B. This was about two big strong men hitting each other until one of them made the mistake of showing some humanity and it cost him. Zero is starting to look more and more like a monster and beating one of the most decorated stars in TNA history is only going to help him. I could go for seeing what they have with Zero, as he’s doing rather well around here thus far.

We recap the Elegance Brand vs. ODB/Mickie James/Taryn Terrell. Basically Ash By Elegance has been running her mouth about various legends so the legends are here to go after her. The biggest issue here: Ash being called a MARK. It’s just going to be in a weapons based match to hide some limitations.

Elegance Brand vs. ODB/Mickie James/Taryn Terrell

Hardcore Country rules. James brings out the Mark Bucket, much to Ash’s annoyance. This doesn’t sit well with Ash, who rants a lot as the Brand’s shirts all say I AM NOT A MARK. It’s a brawl to start with the Brand’s anti-mark signs being destroyed. That lets all six throw in weapons and the legends all hit Thesz presses.

The Brand goes after…I think a celebrity in the first row so they get buckets put on their heads for a ramming together. Back in and Terrell suplexes Heather onto a pile of lollipops for two because that’s a thing here. The suckers are thrown into the crowd and the legends hit a bunch of baseball slides. James and Terrell are knocked down on the floor, leaving ODB to get beaten up with kendo sticks.

Back up and Ash is sent into a wheelbarrow full of hay and Terrell beats on her with a big lollipop. Mr. Elegance is sent face first into a cooler of pickle juice (because Mr. Elegance’s loins are pickle-esque) as I try to figure out what in the world I’m watching. The Personal Concierge is put in a pickle suit and Terrell hits a big dive onto the floor. Back in and Mr. Elegance clotheslines ODB, who uses a pair of tongs to grab him low. Ash is up with a DDT to ODB and a triple cover gives the Brand the pin at 10:55.

Rating: D-. What in the world was this? Hay, pickles, a pickle costume, tongs and whatever Mr. Elegance is supposed to be, all in one. I get the idea of having the goofy villains tick off the legends and then cheat to beat them, but this was a bunch of comedy stuff going on for way too long and nothing resembling a match for the most part. They had what could have been a somewhat serious story here but instead went all over the place and it was pretty much a disaster.

Post match the winners celebrate by imitating ODB’s signature taunt but Tommy Dreamer and Carlos Silva interrupt. The reason? ODB is going into the Hall Of Fame. AND THEY PICK THE MOMENT AFTER SHE LOST IN A PICKLE MATCH TO TELL HER! ODB thanks the fans and she’ll see us at Bound For Glory, maybe even with the food truck.

Elayna Black wants the Knockouts Title.

AJ Francis vs. Nic Nemeth

Francis took Nemeth out at Sacrifice and Nemeth, the hometown star, is back for revenge. As a bonus, Nemeth has former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar in his corner. Francis actually hits a superkick for two at the bell but misses a splash in the corner, allowing Nemeth to hammer away. The running DDT is blocked though and Nemeth crashes down to the floor.

A right hand knocks Nemeth out of the air for six and Francis hits a running knee in the corner. Nemeth elbows hits way up but collapses on a fireman’s carry attempt. Back up and Nemeth hits the running DDT, followed by the ten elbows. Now the fireman’s carry works, with Nemeth hitting an AA for two more. The superkick is countered with a spear to give Francis two but the chokeslam is countered into a Fameasser (that looked good) to give Nemeth the same.

Francis is back up and puts him on top, where Nemeth grabs a super Danger Zone…for two. Dang that should have been the pin. Francis grabs a chair but the referee takes it away, only for Francis to hit the referee. Kosar gets in the ring for the standoff but KC Navarro (Francis’ former partner) interrupts for a distraction. That means a chair shot from Kosar to set up the Danger Zone to give Nemeth the pin at 14:30.

Rating: B-. I’ve seen far worse than this, with Nemeth doing well as the hometown star and Kosar being there for the football pop. Nemeth knows how to wrestle this style rather well, while Francis has gotten a lot better in recent months. He’s still not exactly good, but he knows how to wrestle like a big man. I liked this more than I was expecting, though I’ve always liked Nemeth better as a good guy.

We recap Lei Ying Lee challenging Arianna Grace for the Knockouts Title. Grace is the undeserving champion and Lee wants the title back. Pretty simple indeed.

Knockouts Title: Lei Ying Lee vs. Arianna Grace

Grace is defending and Xia Brookside and Stacks are the seconds. Lee dropkicks her down to start and hammers away in the corner so Grace bails outside. Stacks’ distraction lets Grace take over, with a swinging neckbreaker getting two back inside. Brookside calls Stacks out on the cheating and he’s quickly ejected, leaving Grace all alone.

An exploder suplex gives Lee two and a Blockbuster connects for the same, meaning it’s time for the Warrior’s Way. Grace rakes the eyes to break that up but Lee tries it again, this time planting Grace down. The cover…is broken up though as Brookside puts the foot on the rope. Brookside pulls Lee outside and lays her out, allowing Grace to hit a running knee for the pin at 8:50.

Rating: C+. This was about the turn and really, that has been an obvious twist for weeks. That’s not a bad thing though, as Lee and Brookside were only an ok team in the first place. It also lets Grace escape with the title again, which should set up a big title change down the line. This didn’t feel like the biggest match but they went in the right direction with the result.

Here is Eric Young for a chat. He’s tired of being here but he’s heard that EC3 is here and wants him out here for an explanation of why he isn’t a nepo baby. Cue EC3 (first time in nine years) to clothesline Young outside and challenge him for Impact. Do they really want to bring up that era of the company’s history?

Slammiversary is coming to Boston.

We recap Mustafa Ali challenging Trey Miguel for the International Title. Ali wants the title and had his goons attack Miguel’s friend Jada Stone. Now Miguel is out to defend her honor and the title.

International Title: Trey Miguel vs. Mustafa Ali

Ali, with Order 4 and in something like robot gear, is challenging. They slug it out and run the ropes to start until Ali grabs a hurricanrana. Back up and Ali’s chops just tick Miguel off so he knocks Ali outside. That means a running step up flip dive, followed by a twisting Destroyer for two back inside. That’s enough to draw the Great Hands to the apron, with Miguel being sent into a cutter from Tasha Steelz.

Ali’s rolling cutter gets two but so does a small package from Miguel. They go outside and Ali loads up the steps, only to take too long and get caught with the running Meteora from the apron onto said steps. Back in and Miguel grabs a German suplex, only to get caught with a DDT. Miguel gives him a spinning DDT for two and a basement dropkick but Ali tries the rolling neckbreaker.

That’s countered with a Stomp for two so Miguel goes up top, only to get caught with a super Spanish Fly. Ali tries the 450 but dives into a cutter to send him outside. Miguel’s suicide tornado DDT sets up the top rope Meteora for two back inside but Steelz offers a distractions. The Great Hands use the helmets from their entrance to knock Miguel silly and the 450 makes Ali champion at 12:36.

Rating: B. Some of those dives were excellent as these two are able to turn up the dial with the best of them. It’s great to see Ali get some more gold, which is vastly overdue and hopefully moves him closer to the main event scene. Granted that feels like something that should have happened a long time ago, but at least it’s a step. I’m curious to see what happens to Miguel, who is far too talented to just get lost in the shuffle.

Lei Ying Lee is rather emotional over Xia Brookside’s betrayal.

It’s back to the Undead Realm for the Abyss/James Mitchell reunion. Rosemary leaves them alone but we cut to Tessa Blanchard wandering around. Back to Mitchell, who apologizes to Abyss for everything. Abyss thanks him for being there for all those years and we hear about some of the times they were unstoppable together. Mitchell talks about wanting to be a mad scientist when he grew up and thanks Abyss for making it possible. They love each other and Abyss disappears. To Be Continued.

We recap the Hardys vs. the System. Well not really as there isn’t much to recap but we do talk about it, as the System won a title shot and….now they have it!

Tag Team Titles: Hardys vs. The System

The banged up Hardys are challenging but elbow Myers down to start. Matt sends him face first into all three buckles, followed by the Side Effect for an early two. Myers rolls outside though and Bronson gets in a cheap shot to take over. Bronson drops an elbow back inside before sitting on Matt’s chest for two. Matt loses his shirt to reveal some taped up ribs, only to counter a spear into the Twist Of Fate.

The tag brings in Jeff to start the comeback but a Boss Man Slam cuts him down. That means Myers’ top rope elbow gets two as everything breaks down. Matt and Myers clothesline each other on the floor and Jeff actually wins a slugout with Bronson. Spinal Destination goes on and Matt is back in for the Plot Twist. The Twist Of Fate sets up the Swanton but Myers pulls Jeff’s bad arm onto the top rope. Matt is sent outside and a superkick/fire thunder driver combination finishes Jeff to give us new champions at 10:24.

Rating: B-. Another good enough match here as the Hardys FINALLY lose the titles. That’s been overdue for a long time but it’s nice to see a fresh team get the belts. At some point you need new blood in the division and this version of the System is new enough. If nothing else, Bronson has looked good in his brief time in TNA so it’s nice to see him getting a title like this.

Moose and Alisha Edwards argue about his loss.

TNA World Title: Eddie Edwards vs. Mike Santana

Edwards, challenging and with the System, is sang/screamed to the ring. The lockup doesn’t go anywhere to start and an exchange of armdrags goes nowhere. The Boston Knee Party misses so Santana hits an elbow to send Edwards outside. Back in and a running shoulder puts him on the floor again but Edwards comes back in with some chops. A clothesline and the tiger bomb give Edwards two and it’s time for both of them to go outside this time.

Santana is fine enough to grab a belly to back drop onto the apron, but Spin The Block hits the post. Edwards starts in on the bad arm, which is sent crashing into the post. An arm crank goes on but Santana is up for a clothesline, only to bang up the arm again. Another knockdown sets up a frog splash to give Santana two so they head out to the apron. Edwards grabs a fisherman’s buster to send Santana outside and it’s time to peel back the mats. Another tiger bomb is loaded up but Santana reverses into a Death Valley Driver. Edwards comes up holding the knee so they get back inside for an exchange of clotheslines

Cue Alisha Edwards on crutches….with Moose following. Moose points to the screen, where we see their argument from earlier, plus some bonus footage of Alisha revealing that she’s faking her injury and is still great with Eddie. Cue the rest of the System to go after Moose but Santana hits a big flip dive. The Boston Knee Party hits Santana for two so Moose gets in for a spear to Eddie for two more. Another Boston Knee Party connects but Santana snaps off Spin The Block to retain at 19:17.

Rating: B-. As much as I love Moose being smart enough to see the most obvious turn in the world coming, there was something missing to keep this match from getting great. That something isn’t exactly a surprise either, as there wasn’t much of a reason for them to be fighting. As usual, there’s something so weak about a guaranteed title match ala the Feast Or Fired stipulation and that was the case (Get it?) again here. It’s not a terrible or even bad match, but it didn’t have a ton of fire because there was no real personal issue between them. Good angle with the Moose stuff, but it didn’t get them over the hump.

Post match Santana nods in appreciation to Moose and celebrates to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. I liked this for the most part, but WOW that six woman tag was another kind of a disaster. The good thing is that’s the only real negative on the show, as most of the matches were more than strong enough. It didn’t have some big must see match, but it did feel like a big time event with multiple title changes. I’m happy enough with the show, as it’s a step up after the mess that was Sacrifice.

Results
Ryan Nemeth b. BDE – Jumping Downward Spiral
Leon Slater b. Cedric Alexander – Swanton 450
Frankie Kazarian b. Elijah – Low blow
Agent Zero b. Moose – Chokebomb
Elegance Brand b. ODB/Mickie James/Taryn Terrell – DDT to ODB
Nic Nemeth b. AJ Francis – Danger Zone
Arianna Grace b. Lei Ying Lee – Running knee to the back of the head
Mustafa Ali b. Trey Miguel – 450
The System b. Hardys – Superkick/fire thunder driver to Jeff
Mike Santana b. Eddie Edwards – Spin The Block

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

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Impact Wrestling
Date: March 5, 2026
Location: Gateway Center Arena At College Park, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re on the way to Sacrifice and that should make for some card building shows in the near future. I’m not sure what that’s going to entail, but it seems like we’re gearing up for Mike Santana defending the World Title against Steve Maclin. That feels like a full pay per view main event though so we’ll have to see what else they might have. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

The cast of Mama June is here! They sure are!

Lilian Garcia is here too! Ok that’s a bit better.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Knockouts Title: Jody Threat vs. Arianna Grace

Grace, with Stacks, is defending. Hold on though as here are Victoria Crawford, Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore to watch, with Blanchard joining commentary. Grace jumps Threat to start fast but gets knocked into the corner for some right hands. Stacks offers a distraction though and Threat gets knocked off the top. Cue Indi Hartwell to watch as Grace knees Threat in the ribs.

A fisherman’s neckbreaker gives Grace two as Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Lee are here too. Threat fights up and makes the clothesline comeback, followed by a release German suplex. A Michinoku Driver gives Threat two and Grace goes outside, where Stacks gets taken out by a dive as Dani Luna is here to watch too. Back in and Grace loads up Santino Marella’s Cobra (because it has the power of a sock) but Threat takes it away. Grace goes after Threat’s bad ribs though and a rollup retains the title at 5:33.

Rating: C. The match itself was pretty generic, but the interesting part here was all of the women coming out to watch. It was a good chunk of the Knockouts division being out there, possibly scouting the less than great champion, and that has potential. Threat was only so thrilling as a challenger, but that wasn’t the point here.

Post match Stacks hands Grace the title rather than the tradition of Carlos Silva handing it over.

The Nemeths are in the back and, after the interviewer’s microphone is off to start, Nic says he’s ready to win the X-Division Title from the talented Leon Slater.

Here is the Elegance Brand (minus Ash) for a chat. The Personal Concierge says that Ash isn’t here for the sake of mental health after being called a mark, which is NOT TRUE. Hold on though as it’s time to go yell at the cast of Mama June…which brings ODB out of the crowd to say the Brand is disrespecting her people. That’s what they did to Mickie James so it’s time to fight. ODB whips out some cups of…I’m not actually sure, but she and the cast of Mama June pour it on the Brand and the women freak out. Your Knockouts Tag Team Champions people.

The Hardys give Leon Slater a pep talk for tonight and Slater is ready for Nic Nemeth.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

BDE/Rich Swann vs. The System vs. Righteous vs. Sinner And Saint

For a future Tag Team Title shot. Williams and BDE shake hands to start before BDE hits a quick springboard crossbody. Swann comes in but Bronson joins him to fire off the big forearms. That earns him a trip out to the floor so Swann and BDE superkick Sinner And Saint to the floor. The stereo dives connect to take out the System as well, leaving the Righteous alone. Dutch hits his own big dive and we get back inside, with Bronson chokebombing Vincent.

Myers’ chinlock doesn’t last long and it’s back to Swann to kick away at Williams. Swann drops Sinner And Saint, with a super hurricanrana getting two on Williams. Sinner And Saint are back up with a brainbuster for two on Swann so BDE comes back in to dropkick away. Orange Sunshine gets two on BDE with a bunch of people making the save and it’s time for the parade of knockdowns. Myers gives BDE a Roster Cut and Bronson’s over the shoulder piledriver finishes him off at 8:33.

Rating: B-. This was a fun four way tag where they kept things moving quickly enough to avoid things getting bogged down. I like the System winning as they’re supposed to be the big heel threat, meaning putting them into title contention is a good thing. Other than that, BDE continues to do better than he should be doing and having him put people over is a fine way to use him.

Rosemary (hey I remember her) is in a room with shadows going around her. She has a knife and talks about Decay ending, even though she was supposed to be the master of the realm. There is still a way to make things right though, which involves making a list.

Here is Moose, with Alisha Edwards, for a chat. Moose is tired of the System calling themselves a family when they’ll stab you in the back. He talks to some Atlanta Falcons legends in the front row, as he was part of the team at one point. Moose is ready to go through the System, one on one, starting with Cedric Alexander in a street fight next week. Then it’s Bear Bronson, with Eddie Edwards being saved for last. Alisha promises to stand by his side and take out the System, one by one. Right.

Rich Swann gives BDE a pep talk and Trey Miguel comes in to do the same. Order 4 shows up and complain about not being in the #1 contenders match. BDE and Swann leave so here is Jada Stone to get into it with Tasha Steelz.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Elayna Black vs. Mara Sade

Black backs her up against the ropes to start and we actually get a clean break. Huh. Anyway a running shoulder puts Sade down but she’s right back up with a dropkick to send Black outside. Sade gets pulled face first onto the apron and a step up stomp to the back gives Black two.

Black’s running elbow to the back gets two and she fires off knees in the ropes. The double arm crank goes on but Sade fights up and strikes away. Sade knocks her to the floor for the dive, followed by a missile dropkick for two back inside. Black is back in with a quick Canadian Destroyer for two of her own so she grabs a chair. That’s a distraction so she can load up brass knuckles though and Sade is knocked out for the pin at 7:21.

Rating: C+. Sade continues to be a nice surprise as she went from little more than a tag wrestler in NXT to someone who feels like she could be a big deal on her own here. On the other hand you have Black, who comes off like someone who should be a natural star but isn’t quite there. Maybe that changes, but either way it’s nice to have some bright options.

AJ Francis insults Atlanta so here is the Home Town Man for the brawl.

Here is Frankie Kazarian for the King’s Speech. He mentions showing up on Monday Night Raw for AJ Styles last week before bringing out his guest: Elijah. Kazarian praises Elijah for the “instant classic” of the guitar case casket match and Elijah hits his catchphrase. That’s not something Kazarian wants to do and brings up the Elijah has never won a title here.

Elijah talks about ending things with Mustafa Ali and Order 4 but Kazarian gets in his face, claiming disrespect. Hold on though as here are AJ Francis and the Home Town Man, with Francis chokeslamming Man off the stage and onto some people. Elijah goes to check on the Man.

Eric Young grabs a camera and says he hopes Leon wins. At least it was short.

The word PRIDE appears on the screen and Tommy Dreamer is…gone as Rosemary appears in his place. Rosemary offers Carlos Silva a new contract, and a feather to use as a pen. Silva signs and a monster appears in the door. Rosemary says that’s one down and six to go as Project Lazarus has been approved. She has ideas for the next one.

X-Division Title: Leon Slater vs. Nic Nemeth

Nemeth, with his brother Ryan, is challenging. Nic starts fast with a neckbreaker and rakes Slater’s eyes up against the ropes. That seems to wake Slater up as he knocks Nic to the floor for the dive. Ryan gets in a distraction on the way back inside though and Nic’s Fameasser connects for two.

We take a break and come back with Slater hitting a running boot, followed by a spinning one for two of his own. Nic catches him going up top though and the running DDT gets two. The Danger Zone is blocked and Slater hits a standing Blue Thunder Bomb for two more. The Swanton 450 misses but Slater reverses a superkick into a Styles Clash.

Nic gets the knees up to block the Swanton 450 though and the sleeper goes on. That’s broken up so Ryan offers a distraction, allowing Nic to superkick Slater for two. A superplex is loaded up but Slater reverses into a spinning version of his own. Now the Swanton 450 can retain the title at 11:58.

Rating: B. That’s another pin over a former World Champion for Slater, who feels like he is becoming one of the big projects around here. There are far worse ideas out there too, as Slater has already become someone to look forward to every week. I could go for seeing how far he can go, as he’s already having one of the longest X-Division Title reigns ever. Good match here, as Slater lives up to the hype again.

Post match Eric Young runs in to jump Slater and give him a piledriver on the floor.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He gets straight to the point as he wants to talk about Steve Maclin, who jumped him a few weeks ago. Accountability is what got him here as the World Champion. Tom Hannifan has gone to bat for Maclin and now Santana will too: he wants Maclin reinstated so he can get his hands on Maclin. Cue Daria Rae to grant his request, but she gets to decide when they’ll fight. Cue Santino Marella to say the match is on for Sacrifice, which works for Santana, but the violence is on next week.

Commentary gives us a quick recap of the show to wrap it up. I wonder if they were running short and had to fill time. Either way, it’s not a bad use of the last minute or so of the show.

Overall Rating: C+. Good enough show here, but it’s pretty clear that Slater, Santana and Maclin are miles ahead of pretty much everyone else. There are other talented stars, but most of them either aren’t around often or aren’t doing much. You can see a lot of Sacrifice from here and I’m curious about some of the stories, so they’re doing something right. This wasn’t a great week, but they have me interested enough for it to be an enjoyable night.

Results
Arianna Grace b. Jody Threat – Rollup
The System b. BDE/Rich Swann, Righteous and Sinner And Saint – Over the shoulder piledriver to BDE
Elayna Black b. Mara Sade – Brass knuckles punch
Leon Slater b. Nic Nemeth – Swanton 450

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

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Impact Wrestling
Date: February 19, 2026
Location: The Pinnacle, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with No Surrender, where only so much of note happened but the show itself was pretty good. Now it’s on to…whatever their next big show is, which hopefully has a better main event. The idea right now is a bunch of people could be coming for the World Title so Mike Santana has to have his head on a swivel. We also have a guitar case casket match, which is apparently a thing. Let’s get to it.

Here is No Surrender if you need a recap.

We open with a long No Surrender recap.

Opening sequence.

Indi Hartwell vs. Heather By Elegance

The rest of the Elegance Brand is here too. Hartwell wastes no time in wrestling her down to start and a side slam gets an early two. Heather sends her outside without much trouble and avoids a charge into the corner. The chinlock goes on to keep Hartwell down with Heather switching into a sleeper to make it worse.

Hartwell fights up with a spinebuster and the rest of the Brand gets up for a distraction. The referee is too smart (work with me here) for that though and they’re all tossed (save for Ash, who was on commentary). A top rope elbow to the back gets two on Heather, followed by a Hurts Donut for the pin at 7:15.

Rating: C. I still don’t think I see it with Hartwell, as the fans like her quite a bit but there’s a certain spark missing from her. The size difference was a problem here as well as Heather is downright tiny and Hartwell is one of the taller women in the company. Not a bad match at all though, and Hartwell and Xia Brookside might still be coming for the titles.

Earlier today, Steve Maclin was stopped from getting in the arena by Tom Hannifan. Maclin told him to find a way for him to get in next week, with Hannifan saying he’ll do it.

Hannifan says TNA management hasn’t responded yet.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He gets to the point, saying that if Steve Maclin keeps knocking on death’s door, sooner or later, it’s going to answer. With that out of the way, Santana would like Leon Slater to come out here. This brings out Slater, with Santana welcoming him back. Santana was worried about someone cashing in on him at No Surrender but Slater had his back.

In addition, Santana wants to apologize for leaving him on his own, and they shake hands. Slater pinned a former World Champion in Nic Nemeth though, which brings out the Nemeth Brothers, but Santana tells Ryan to shut up with the catchphrase. Nic calls the win luck, but Santana says it was skill. The challenge for the tag match is issued, which brings out Daria Rae. The match isn’t happening right now, but maybe next week. For now, get out of the ring.

The System warns Moose to move on because they dropped him for being dead weight. They have titles to win.

Frankie Kazarian wants to be on commentary for the Nemeths vs. Slater/Santana next week. Works for Daria Rae.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

International Title: Stacks vs. Trey Miguel

Stacks, with Arianna Grace, is challenging. Before the match, Grace talks about how great things went at No Surrender, where he won the Knockouts Title. Yes her daddy got her the match and yes she played him like a fiddle. Miguel now has a customized (bright green) title and starts fast by ducking away from a charging Stacks. An arm snap over the top puts Stacks on the floor and we take a break.

We come back with Miguel catching him with a springboard moonsault before rolling a northern lights suplex into a Kimura. With that broken up, Miguel flips over him and stomps Stacks in the back, only for Stacks to pop back up to put him down. Miguel ties him in the corner for a Cheeky Nandos Kick and a 619, only for Grace to slide in the Knockouts Title. The distraction lets Stacks hit a running boot to the back of the head for two but Miguel is right back with the Lightning Spiral to retain at 9:49.

Rating: C+. I can go for Miguel retaining and getting a title defense underneath his belt, as he needs to rebuild his status as a singles star. Beating Stacks again is a good thing to see, if nothing else as it’s nice to see the TNA wrestlers beating the NXT names for a change. Nice enough match here, and it should be fun to see Grace yelling at Stacks again.

Eric Young and his unseen fans are ready to cleanse this place, starting with Leon Slater. Good for him. Now stop talking.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Tessa Blanchard vs. Jody Threat

They go to the mat to start, with Blanchard cranking on the arm early on. That’s broken up and Threat fires off some clotheslines in the corner, only to get knocked down again. Blanchard’s slingshot splash gets two and she grabs an abdominal stretch to hammer on the ribs. Threat fights up and grabs a fireman’s carry, which draws in Victoria Crawford for the DQ at 4:44.

Rating: C. They didn’t have much time here and having Threat get beaten up on her way to the Knockouts Title shot is a bit of a questionable move. At least she didn’t lose here, but this didn’t make her look like much. Hopefully she gets a better win down the line, preferably over Blanchard, as that would make her feel like a much better threat to get the title.

Post match Blanchard and company stay on Threat and her bad ribs until Harley Hudson and Myla Rose come in for the save.

BDE/Rich Swann vs. Sinner And Saint

Swann headscissors Williams to start fast and it’s off to BDE, who gets chopped down in a hurry. Icarus takes BDE into the corner, where he almost fights his way out. Instead he has to flip his way to freedom, allowing the tag to Swann. That means the pace can pick up, with Icarus being knocked outside as BDE comes back in.

The springboard cutter is blocked though and a backsplash into a brainbuster gets two, with Swann making the save. BDE is back up with a springboard cutter, followed by a handspring cutter from Swann for two, with Williams making the save. Swann is knocked outside, leaving BDE to get kicked in the head in the corner. Total Elimination finishes for Icarus at 5:37.

Rating: C+. Sinner And Saint have grown on me a bit, which is probably due to getting them away from being lackeys and making them their own thing. TNA has a history of building some some nice teams and maybe they can do it again here as well. It’s not like there are a ton of great teams around here so why not see what they have here? As usual, BDE is a unique case and he’s not going to be hurt by losing match after match.

Post match respect is shown.

Mance Warner and Steph de Lander swear vengeance on AJ Francis…and then go into his locker room where the fight is on. It’s also quickly broken up.

The Hardys are ready for the System, who come in to interrupt them. The Righteous come in and the System bails. With them gone, the Righteous say they’re still going to try to gain the Hardys’ trust. Shockingly, the Hardys don’t seem convinced.

Here is Elayna Black, who is not happy with Mara Sade for eliminating her from the #1 contenders battle royal. She wants an explanation from Sade, who comes out to the stage to say they both came from the same place. They’re in the same place again, but Black says Sade has been handed everything before. Sade says Black hates her for being a go getter and the challenge is on.

Here’s what’s coming next week, including an interview with Steve Maclin.

Elijah vs. Mustafa Ali

Guitar case casket match and Order 4 is barred from ringside. Ali charges into a boot to the face to start and they head outside, where Ali chairs him in the back. A bunch of chairs are set up on the floor but Elijah is back up with a ukulele shot. They fight to the ramp, where Elijah backdrops him onto the open chairs.

We take a break and come back with Ali putting him on a table at ringside, setting up a 450 from the top. Cue the barred Order 4, with Agent Zero putting Elijah in the casket…where Elijah comes out throwing powder. Elijah fights out and grabs Tasha Steelz for the Highwayman’s Farewell.

Ali grabs the guitar but Elijah is smart enough to turn around so Steelz gets hit in the back with the guitar instead. After Ali realizes that didn’t go well, it’s a Highwayman’s Farewell to put him down but Ali manages a low blow. Ali loads up the casket, which seems to have a door laid over the hole. Another 450 misses though and Elijah guitars him in the head. A chokeslam through the door into the casket gives Elijah the win at 11:56.

Rating: B-. There were some good spots here, but Elijah was reaching near superhero levels as he beat the entire team on his own. I’m still not sure why Ali can’t win anything big, but this does at least seem to be the end of their feud. Now get Ali on to something he can win and Elijah on to…whatever he’s going to do now.

Overall Rating: C+. I do like how things are going on the way to Sacrifice, but it only feels like so much of an event. That was the problem going into No Surrender and that doesn’t make for the best back to back schedule of shows. The show was good enough and Santana and whatever he is doing continue to be interesting, but there’s quite the step down from there and that needs to change.

Results
Indi Hartwell b. Heather By Elegance – Hurts Donut
Trey Miguel b. Stacks – Lightning Spiral
Jody Threat b. Tessa Blanchard via DQ when Victoria Crawford interfered
Sinner And Saint b. BDE/Rich Swann – Total Elimination to BDE
Elijah b. Mustafa Ali – Elijah shut Ali in the casket

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

No Surrender 2026
Date: February 13, 2026
Location: The Pinnacle, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

I’m really not sure what to expect from this one as TNA hasn’t exactly gone out of their way to make it feel important. It comes off like a show that happens to be taking place with a few important matches being set up and not much more. The main event is Leon Slater/Mike Santana vs. Nic Nemeth/Eddie Edwards so let’s get to it.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Pre-Show: Brad Attitude/TW3 vs. Sinner And Saint

Sinner And Saint say they haven’t been here in a long time and it’s a shame that the people are sleeping on the team they should be dreaming about. Williams shoulders Attitude over to start and it’s off to TW3 for some kicks to the arm. Icarus comes in to take TW3 down but it’s back to Williams, who gets kicked down off a distraction.

Williams gets kicked down some more and his chops don’t do much good. A suplex gets Williams out of trouble and a handspring clothesline allows the tag off to Icarus. Everything breaks down and a middle rope dropkick sends TW3 outside. Williams’ dive drops TW3 again and a frog splash gives Icarus two, with Attitude making the save. A running kick to the face/belly to back fisherman’s suplex combination finishes TW3 at 6:48.

Rating: C+. It wasn’t much of a match, but this was all about giving the fans some wrestling to get warmed up with before the important matches. As a result, this was fine enough, though I still don’t get the appeal of Sinner And Saint. They’re just kind of a generic team who does well enough in the ring and while they’re far from bad, I’m not sure how interesting they are.

Mike Jackson (76 years old) is happy to be here but Mance Warner and Steph de Lander come in to complain about how much time he’s getting. Jackson says he’s stood across the ring from the biggest names in wrestling and Warner isn’t one of them. A match is made for later, with Jackson not knowing de Lander’s name either (on purpose).

Pre-Show: Alan Angels vs. Ryan Nemeth,

Hold on though as before the bell, here is Frankie Kazarian to say we’re going to have an impromptu King’s Speech instead of this match. Nemeth says he gets paid just because he got in the ring so he’s leaving (with Kazarian leaving him hanging). Kazarian talks about signing a new contract and getting a big raise, which he has of course earned. He’ll be back in the World Title picture, because he just lost the World Title while wrestling with a broken hand.

As for tonight, Kazarian will be watching the main event very closely. He explains Option C….and has to pause to address the WRAP IT UP chants. Angels is still in the ring though and grabs the mic, saying he doesn’t remember Kazarian being so horrible. Kazarian says get out of his ring but Angels isn’t leaving. Kazarian threatens to punch Albert Angle in the face but Angels punches him out first. Angels wants a match and we’re doing this now.

Pre-Show: Alan Angels vs. Frankie Kazarian

Kazarian is in street clothes. Angels pulls him inside for two off a rollup and snaps off a hurricanrana to the floor. A high crossbody gives Angels two and he grabs the Rings Of Saturn. That’s broken up and Kazarian gets the chickenwing for the tap at 2:26.

And now, the show proper.

The opening video looks at TNA’s recent hot streak, plus the show’s bigger matches.

Knockouts Battle Royal

Mara Sade, Rosemary, Tessa Blanchard, Victoria Crawford, Mila Moore, Myla Grace, Harley Hudson, Jada Stone, Jody Threat, Tasha Steelz, Elayna Black

For a future Knockouts Title shot. Rosemary yells a lot and even scares Blanchard early on. Rosemary sends Hudson to the apron but gets tossed out by Threat. Rosemary is so ticked off that she comes up swinging a chair. Stone is out, followed by Steelz, with the two of them fighting on the floor.

Riggins is gone as well as the eliminations pick up in pace. Crawford eliminates Grace and poses a bit but Blanchard accidentally knocks out Moore and Crawford at the same time. Threat holds on by her feet, leaving Black and Sade to fight on the apron. The two of them slug it out with Black being eliminated but Blanchard shoves Sade out, leaving us with Blanchard and Threat. Back up and the Pop Shove It sends Blanchard to the floor so Threat can win at 8:01.

Rating: C. This wasn’t great but they kept it short enough to not be too bad. Threat winning is a surprise as Sade has been getting some TV time as of late and her getting the spot would have made sense. The rest of this just kind of showed that the division needs to develop some more stars, as they only have so much depth right now. Granted that’s what giving someone like Threat a chance can do.

Leon Slater and Mike Santana are ready for the main event, with Santana wanting to keep the grass mowed so he can take them down. Slater is glad to be back and he’s not thinking about Option C tonight. Santana threatens to eat Nic Nemeth and Eddie Edwards alive tonight.

Jelly Roll is here. Fair points on having a big name.

International Title: Stacks vs. Trey Miguel

Stacks, with Arianna Grace, is defending and Miguel has a singer named Teddy Swims in his corner. Miguel rushes at him to start and hits a dropkick to the floor. Grace pulls Stacks away from the running flip dive though and Miguel gets tied up in the ring skirt. Back in and Stacks slams him down, setting up a mockery of Santino Marella’s trombone pose. The chinlock goes on for a bit, followed by a legdrop for two on Miguel.

Back up and Miguel springboards off the bottom rope and grabs a German suplex to leave them both down. They go up top and either fall off or do a weird rolling to the side superplex to give Stacks two. A fisherman’s neckbreaker gives Stacks two more but Miguel is back with a not good looking Roll Of The Dice for two of his own.

Stacks is able to dropkick Miguel to the floor but Grace gets caught slapping him, meaning it’s an ejection. Miguel is back up with a sliding tornado DDT to drop Stacks on the floor, followed by a spinning Downward Spiral back inside. The Lightning Spiral gives Miguel the pin and the title at 11:00.

Rating: C+. They had a series of not great looking spots in there as they were going a bit too fast and it hurt things a lot. At the same time though, anytime my eyebrows actually pop up in surprise over a result, it’s probably a good sign. Miguel winning is a big surprise and I’m not opposed to it, as Stacks wasn’t going to be a long term champion anyway.

Here is AJ Francis for an unscheduled appearance. Francis talks about the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl and compares himself to Bad Bunny. They’re both rappers, they’re both wrestlers, and they’re both stars. As for Jelly Roll, if he ever wants to cross the line, he’ll see why this is TNAJ Francis’ place. He’ll be on commentary for the rest of the night. Hannifan: “What did I do to deserve this pain?”

Mance Warner vs. Mike Jackson

Jackson (76 years old) goes after the arm to start and does an Old School around all four ropes (Warner does nothing) before knocking Warner down. The dive is cut off and Jackson reverses a suplex into one of his own. A suicide dive connects and even Francis has to show him some respect. Back in and Warner’s chops don’t get him very far as Jackson strikes away as well. A neckbreaker gives Jackson two but Warner drops him with a running clothesline. The Pay Window finishes Jackson at 5:19.

Rating: C. The match wasn’t exactly great, but Jackson more than held his own in there. That’s the point of a match with Jackson, who is in pretty good shape all things considered and didn’t do anything that would embarrass him. I’m not sure how much it needed to be on a special, but there are worse ways to go.

Post match Warner tells Jackson that he still has it and they shake hands, with de Lander doing the same. Francis: “This is pathetic.” Francis yells at de Lander and blames her for ruining Warner. That gets Warner in Francis’ face and Francis storms off. That seems like a face turn for Warner, though I liked Warner better as a good guy so maybe it works.

Arianna Grace yells at Stacks for screwing up and threatens to break up with him if anything else goes wrong. Then he can eat candy all by himself. Quite the threat.

Knockouts Tag Team Titles: Indi Hartwell/Xia Brookside vs. Elegance Brand

The Brand is defending. Brookside takes over on Heather to start and it’s off to Hartwell for a headlock takeover. M comes in to take Hartwell down and chokes with the cloth on her arm. That doesn’t last long and it’s back to Brookside for a Russian legsweep to Heather. Mr. Elegance offers a distraction though and the champs knock Brookside down into the corner.

The chinlock goes on for a bit so Brookside grabs a small package for a breather. That doesn’t last long either as Heather sends her into the ropes, where M gets in a running boot on the apron. The champs spend too long posing though and it’s a double shove from Hartwell to put them on the floor. Hartwell comes in off the tag for some big boots and a top rope elbow hits Heather for two. A Michinoku Driver cuts Hartwell off though and she gets sent into the post, setting up Nip And Tuck. Hartwell’s foot is on the rope but Ash shoves it off to retain the titles at 11:07.

Rating: C+. The match picked up a bit at the end and that’s a good thing as it wasn’t much to see for the first part. Hartwell and Brookside are pretty much a makeshift team and that doesn’t make for the best challengers. At the same time, you’re only going to get so far with the options you have for challengers so throwing teams together is often the best you can do.

Post match Mickie James of all people comes out (Ash LOSES IT) and beats up Ash (all the more impressive since James is in massive heels).

We recap Eric Young vs. BDE. Young wanted BDE to join him but BDE refused, earning himself a beating last night on Impact. Now it’s time to fight.

Eric Young vs. BDE

It’s a brawl before the bell with BDE getting hit low and then the match officially starting. Young hammers away to start but BDE manages a middle rope Blockbuster. The running hurricanrana gets two but Young is back with a sitout powerbomb for two of his own. BDE fights back but gets powerslammed down for two more. The slow pace continues until BDE manages to get in a springboard cutter for another near fall.

Young is put up top, where he bites BDE’s face to put him down. There’s the top rope elbow for two and the Death Valley Driver connects to give Young two more. BDE bites him right back off the top and a Canadian Destroyer gets a rather near fall. BDE goes up again but the referee is shoved into the ropes, setting up the piledriver to give Young the pin at 10:23.

Rating: C+. As usual, here’s the thing: if Young is supposed to be this next big bad with whatever he’s doing with the Cleanse, he shouldn’t be needing ten minutes and cheating to beat a glorified celebrity wrestler. Young is far from the worst wrestler, but him as this tough crazy guy is horrible miscasting and has been for years. Unfortunately that seems to be continuing, and possibly in a much bigger way soon.

Jody Threat is happy with her win and gets some applause from other Knockouts. Tessa Blanchard and company come in, with Blanchard saying she should have won. A match is made for Impact.

We recap Arianna Grace challenging Lei Ying Lee for the Knockouts Title. Grace is Santino Marella’s daughter and has teased wanting to make up for him, including by getting this shot. Shenanigans may be afoot though and Lee happens to be here too.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Knockouts Title: Arianna Grace vs. Lei Ying Lee

Grace, with Stacks, is challenging and commentary points out that Grace isn’t very good, even citing her win/loss record. They start slowly with Grace taking over and sending Lee to the apron. Lee flips over her to come back inside and sweeps the leg…as Dani Luna (who had a title match set up but was held off due to visa issues) returns.

Security cuts her off and gets rid of her, leaving Grace to hit a neckbreaker for a quick two. Lee is sent into the apron and we’re off to a neck crank inside. That’s broken up and Lee hammers away with right hands in the corner but gets facebustered. A fisherman’s neckbreaker gets two but Lee snaps off a German suplex.

They forearm it out from their knees until Lee loads up Warrior’s Way. Grace goes to the eyes so Stacks sends in the belt, which doesn’t work well. Instead Lee kicks Stacks down so Grace pulls out the Cobra (which she stole from Santino Marella last night). That and a fireman’s carry facebuster give Grace the title at 13:21.

Rating: C. Grace is hardly a polished star in the ring, but that’s kind of the point. The idea here is that she manipulated her way into a title shot and then cheated to win (even though IT’S JUST A SOCK). That’s at least a story and it feels like someone stole a title rather than just holding it until a member of the regular roster can pick it off.

Rich Swann throws BDE a video game controller but says BDE has been playing a bit too long. Now Swann is ready to give him a tutorial in wrestling but it’s time to game first.

We recap the tag team main event. Apparently if Nic Nemeth (Call Your Shot), Eddie Edwards (Feast Or Fired) or Leon Slater (Option C) cash in their title shot, the tag match is thrown out and the World Title is on the line. Because THAT is a good idea. If you have three people with instant World Title matches available, you really need to rein things, because that’s ridiculous.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Order 4 vs. Righteous/Hardys

The question here is whether the Hardys can, or should, trust the Righteous. Matt takes over on Skyler to start and neckbreakers him down. Jeff comes in for a quick splash but gets into it with Ali, meaning everything breaks down in a hurry. We settle down to Dutch whipping Hotch upside down in the corner and it’s off to Vincent. Hotch is beaten down again and it’s off to Zero, who powers Vincent up rather quickly.

Ali comes in and tries a superplex, only to get shoved down, allowing Vincent to hit a tornado DDT. That’s enough for the tag off to Matt so the pace can be picked up. Hotch breaks up the Twist Of Fate to Skyler though and it’s back to Jeff instead. A basement dropkick and elbow get two on Hotch and the Whisper In The Wind does it again. Everything breaks down and Zero cleans house, followed by a heck of a suicide dive.

Dutch is right there with a big flip dive of his own but Zero powerslams him back inside. The good guys get together to beat up Zero in the corner and the quadruple teaming actually puts him down. Matt and Dutch hit stereo Twists Of Fate, setting up stereo Swantons from Jeff and Vincent but a double save breaks up the covers. They brawl onto the ramp and a big crash sends a bunch of people to the floor. Tasha Steelz throws powder in Dutch’s eyes and he takes Matt out by mistake. The 450 gives Ali the pin on Matt at 15:31.

Rating: B. They did a good job here with building up the question of whether or not the Righteous would turn on the Hardys. The ending leaves you wondering even more and that’s a good feeling. It’s better than just having the turn take place and if Order 4 gets thrown into the title picture as well, so be it.

Post match the lights go out and it’s a big guitar case casket. Elijah pops up throws Ali inside but Ali bails before their casket match on Impact.

Santino Marella tries to talk to Arianna Grace but gets Daria Rae instead. Daria threatens him if anything happens, and don’t bother looking for the sock. Do anything to anyone, and he’ll be fired.

We recap the main event of Mike Santana/Leon Slater vs. Nic Nemeth/Eddie Edwards. The idea is that all three challengers have guaranteed World Title matches and could cash in anytime.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Mike Santana/Leon Slater vs. Nic Nemeth/Eddie Edwards

Santana and Edwards start things off with a feeling out process until Edwards grabs a headlock. That doesn’t get either very far so it’s off to Nemeth to work on the arm. Slater comes in for a nice dropkick and nine right hands in the corner, setting up a monkey flip right back out of it. It’s back to Santana, who sends Nemeth outside…for the tease of a cash in.

That’s enough of a distraction for the villains to take over on Santana back inside, with Santana getting caught in the corner. The comeback doesn’t take long as Santana gets over for the tag off to Slater, who fights off a double team attempt. The handspring elbow drops Nemeth and Edwards and Slater takes Edwards out with a big dive to the floor. Everything breaks down and Santana hits his own dive onto the System.

Back in and Slater misses the Swanton 450 to Edwards and walks into a superkick to give Nemeth two. It’s back to Slater, who is caught in the wrong corner again but he heads outside to run around the ring. That’s not quite enough for the tag off to Santana, so Slater kicks the villains into each other. NOW it’s back to Santana to clean house, including a heck of a chop to Nemeth.

An assisted standing moonsault gets two on Nemeth and everything breaks down, with Slater hitting the big running flip dive over the corner. Cue the fired Steve Maclin to go after Santana (why this isn’t a DQ isn’t clear) and they brawl into the crowd. So that leaves Slater in a handicap match, with the System still on the floor. Nemeth mocks Slater having no partners but Slater is back with a running knee to drop Edwards.

It’s back to Nemeth, whose running DDT is countered. Slater’s high crossbody takes both of them down for two but the referee gets bumped. The System runs in to go after Slater but here is Moose to interrupt. Moose cleans house of the non-in this match members of the System, including brawling to the back with Edwards. That leaves Nemeth to Fameasser Slater for two but he kicks Nemeth down, setting up the Swanton 450 for the pin at 23:12.

Rating: B. Well, it certainly wasn’t boring. This was more a “Slater is back and he’s really good”. They managed to hide the fact that in the end, nothing was actually on the line here. That’s a hard place to go, especially with Moose wanting revenge on the team which doesn’t really have a leader. They tried something different here and while it wasn’t a smash hit, it worked well enough, especially for Slater.

Overall Rating: B-. I came into this show with pretty much no expectations and the stakes feeling pretty low (including in the main event, with the three teased cash-ins not really being a thing until tonight) and wound up getting a good show. It’s not a classic or close to it, but I can always go for a show where the worst part was perfectly fine. They’ll need to raise the stakes next time, but this worked for a nice surprise.

Results
Sinner And Saint b. Brad Attitude/TW3 – Reverse fisherman’s suplex to TW3
Frankie Kazarian b. Alan Angels – Chickenwing
Jody Threat won a Knockouts Battle Royal last eliminating Tessa Blanchard
Trey Miguel b. Stacks – Lightning Spiral
Mance Warner b. Mike Jackson – Pay Window
Elegance Brand b. Indi Hartwell/Xia Brookside – Nip And Tuck to Hartwell
Eric Young b. BDE – Piledriver
Arianna Grace b. Lei Ying Lee – Fireman’s carry facebuster
Order 4 b. Hardys/Righteous – 450 to Matt

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: February 12, 2026
Location: Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re on the way to this weekend’s No Surrender, though the show isn’t exactly feeling like anything special. It would be nice to get a boost on the way there and that’s the point of this show. If nothing else, I’m curious to see what may or may not be going on with Steve Maclin so let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Here is Moose (in a snazzy jacket) to get things going. Moose wouldn’t usually come out here and talk about people leaving him laying because he isn’t a little b****. Two years ago, he created the System and he knows exactly what he needs to do to dismantle it. There is one man back there who knows how to take out the System one by one so here is Mike Santana.

He knows the two of them have fought each other face to face so now it’s time for them to fight together against the System. Now they just need the Hardys, but instead here is Daria Rae to interrupt. Any violence they’re planning can be saved for the main event so the good guys…leave.

Ryan Nemeth, sounding like he’s doing a weird voice on purpose, is ready to beat Mara Sade in a street fight. Oh dear.

Alisha Edwards apologizes to Moose for what happened and says she might just leave before her contract is up. Moose believes her, even though it feels likely that she’s going to turn on him.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Rich Swann vs. Nic Nemeth

Nemeth backs him into the corner to start but Swann is back with a quick hammerlock. That’s broken up so Swann headstands out of a headscissors without much trouble. A dropkick puts Nemeth on the floor and we take a break. We come back with Swann winning a slugout but getting caught with a Fameasser for two. The Danger Zone is blocked though and Swann hits a superkick, only to have to flip out of another Danger Zone attempt.

Nemeth is knocked down and Swann’s frog splash gets two. The phoenix splash misses and Nemeth hits a running DDT as commentary talks about Option C (as in the X-Division can cash in the title for a World Title shot at any time, though it hasn’t been used in years), because that’s a thing again. Nemeth’s sleeper is countered into an AA and they’re both down for a bit. They slug it out from their knees until Swann tries a Lethal Injection, which is countered into the Danger Zone for the pin at 12:02.

Rating: B. That finish was great as Nemeth timed it perfectly (at least as the camera saw) for a good win. Nemeth could be moved into a bigger spot soon and beating a former World Champion should help him. At the same time, Swann is a former World Champion who has nothing going on right now, with basically no momentum. I’m not sure I see that changing anytime soon, though he had a good match here.

Xia Brookside and Indi Hartwell are ready to watch Lei Ying Lee retain the Knockouts Title but they want the Knockouts Tag Team Titles.

The Righteous can’t wait to team with the Hardys at No Surrender when they’ll face Order 4. Fear is just a four letter word and they are honored to team with the Hardys, because this is going according to plan.

Here is Eric Young for a chat. Young hates how this place has gone and it’s time for a cleanse. That starts with BDE, who needs to come out here and answer Young’s offer to join him. BDE comes out and Young says he doesn’t understand BDE, but knows that they need his voice and reach. Now which side is BDE on? BDE says he doesn’t need Young or his imaginary friends so the answer is a big no. The brawl is on and Young hits a piledriver, shoves a female referee, and piledrives a pair of security guards.

Post break Santino Marella suspends Young but Daria Rae reverses it and makes Young vs. BDE for No Surrender.

Ryan Nemeth vs. Mara Sade

Street fight and falls count anywhere. Sade ducks a cheap shot and punches him into the crowd to start fast. They’re already back to ringside and Sade throws in the metal sheets to hit him in the head. A missile dropkick sends Nemeth outside but he manages to tie her up in the ring skirt. Sade is right back out with a chair shot to the ribs but Nemeth knocks her down and reveals an Andy Kaufman WOMEN’S WRESTLING CHAMPION OF THE WORLD shirt.

A neckbreaker on the floor gives Nemeth two so he loads up a chair. Another neckbreaker takes too long though and Sade sends him hard into the post. Sade pours out a bag of lollipops and suplexes him onto them, which doesn’t seem as devastating as she might think it is. Back in and Sade unloads with a kendo stick and a White Russian legsweep gets two. Nemeth takes the stick away though and knocks her down, allowing him to go up. That means a quick crotching and another superkick finishes Nemeth off at 8:40.

Rating: C. It wasn’t particularly good but this should wrap up the feud. Sade was in her hometown and got to beat a comedy goof so it wasn’t like she had any reason to lose. Nemeth is the definition of someone who can get beaten like this and not fall in the slightest because he had nowhere to go but down. Sade has gotten some nice TV time out of this though and that’s a good sign for her start in the company.

Steph de Lander and Mance Warner introduce themselves and explain their love of violence.

Video on Elijah vs. Order 4, with Elijah not liking Mustafa Ali’s prayer asking God to stop him. Therefore, it’s time for a casket match. Oh wait: a GUITAR CASE casket match. I guess that is officially a thing.

No Surrender rundown.

Arianna Grace thanks Santino Marella for her Knockouts Title shot at No Surrender…but she steals the Cobra. She does know it’s just a sock right?

The System vs. Hardys/Moose/Mike Santana

The System immediately bails from Moose to start so it’s off to Santana, which has Myers willing to get back inside. Santana dropkicks him down and hits a backsplash, allowing Jeff to come in to quite the reaction. Myers gets catapulted throat first into the middle rope and a splash gives Jeff two. Edwards comes in and clotheslines Santana to take over, allowing Bronson to hammer away in the corner.

Santana slips out of Alexander’s belly to back suplex though and brings Moose in to start wrecking things. The chokebomb gets two on Alexander and a dropkick cuts off a charging Edwards. Matt comes back in to send Myers into the buckle over and over but Bronson comes in to run Matt over. Bronson sits on Matt’s chest and we take a break.

We come back with Alexander suplexing Matt for two and slapping on the chinlock. That works so well that Myers comes in for one of his own but Matt Side Effects his way out of trouble. Everything breaks down and a Blue Thunder Bomb into a top rope elbow into a frog splash gets two on Santana. Moose is back in to clean house but Bronson takes him out.

That earns him a Twist Of Fate from Matt and everyone is down. Jeff grabs a rather wacky submission so Myers grabs a belt, only to have Alisha Edwards pull it away. Moose kicks Myers down but gets taken down by a dive. Santana hits a dive of his own and it’s a Plot Twist to Bronson. Alexander crotches Jeff on top though and Bronson’s fire thunder driver gets the big upset pin at 21:19.

Rating: B. You need this much time if you’re going to have so many people involved in the match and it helped a good bit here. Bronson getting the win is certainly a big deal for him and a nice welcome to the team. If nothing else it might give the Hardys another set of challengers, which they could certainly use. Moose is going to need to get some revenge, though I’m not sure who the big final boss is supposed to be. Edwards in theory, but how big does that feel?

Overall Rating: B. The opener and main event were good and the middle match was goofy fun. I liked most of the show and can even overlook the always dumb Eric Young nonsense. Other than that, I’m not sure how much this did to set up No Surrender, but TNA doesn’t seem to be treating that as much in the first place anyway. Nice show here, with the solid wrestling carrying things.

Results
Nic Nemeth b. Rich Swann – Danger Zone
Mara Sade b. Ryan Nemeth – Superkick
The System b. Hardys/Moose/Mike Santana – Fire thunder driver to Jeff

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: January 29, 2026
Location: Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s a big night as we have the unveiling of the Feast Or Fired briefcases. Therefore, three people are going to get title matches and a fourth is going to be fired. That can make for quite the dramatic moment and now we get to see who winds up getting what. In addition, Rich Swann and AJ Francis are facing off in a No DQ match. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

Here is the new System for a chat. Brian Myers says it had to be done and Eddie Edwards says he’s going to break it all down for you. Moose used to be the most dominant star in all of wrestling but he is just selfish. All he cared about was himself rather than the team. Then you have JDC, who walked away from the team. This brings out Alisha Edwards, who gets in Eddie’s face and says he kept this from her. Her contract is coming up and maybe she doesn’t want to be part of the System. She walks away and Eddie isn’t happy.

BDE is ready to prove that he belongs here tonight.

Nic Nemeth, BDE

Nic Nemeth vs. BDE

Nemeth offers a handshake to start and then kicks him in the ribs to take over. A front facelock doesn’t work as well for Nemeth as BDE knocks him outside with a clothesline. The dive connects but the springboard elbow back inside doesn’t. We take a break and come back with BDE still in trouble with Nemeth sending him into the corner for some cocky forearming.

BDE manages to reverse a whip into the corner but a running knee is dropped with a clothesline. Back up and the running knee does connect for BDE and a frog splash gets two. BDE tries a springboard elbow but dives into the Danger Zone (that was nice) to give Nemeth the pin at 11:37.

Rating: C+. This wasn’t an all time classic or anything but it was a nice way to let BDE look good in the process. BDE can’t do much in the way of regular wrestling and is basically just a moves guy, but he’s likable enough and isn’t taking up any kind of major spot. Let him do what he can and have a veteran like Nemeth in there to walk him through the match. It worked well enough and I liked this.

Post match Ryan Nemeth comes out to celebrate with Nic before getting in the ring. He calls out Mara Sade, who he says has been assaulting him. Sade says Ryan got away with one at Genesis so he offers to let her give him a kiss. The ensuing superkick is blocked and a clothesline puts Sade down hard.

The Elegance Brand gives Ash By Elegance presents because she is officially medically cleared. Lei Ying Lee comes in to say she’s ready to defend anytime and here are Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside to set up a six woman tag. Mr. Elegance seems to hit on Hartwell, who takes the champagne and says it’s not her kind of party before than leaving.

Stacks vs. Home Town Man

Non-title and Arianna Grace is here with Stacks, who holds up Man’s stolen mask. That means the brawl is on fast and Man stomps away in the corner, with the fans rather approving. They go outside with Stacks mocking a fan with the mask, which Man takes away and gives to said fan in a nice moment.

Back in and a corkscrew uppercut gives Stacks two and he grabs something like a half crab. That’s kicked away with Stacks crashing to the floor, allowing Man to hit a People’s Elbow. A crossbody gets two but Grace’s distraction….doesn’t really work. Instead Stacks goes to the eyes and grabs a rollup with feet on the ropes for the pin at 5:51.

Rating: C. Well, this match did in fact confirm that Stacks is in fact a wrestler and he is in fact just kind of there. That’s been my thoughts on Stacks for a long time now as there is nothing to him that really stands out. Yes he’s with Grace and that helps a bit, but there isn’t anything about Stacks alone to make him feel interesting or stand out. That’s not good and while there are worse options, I really don’t see it with him.

Post break Stacks says Grace didn’t help him and Santino Marella shows up. Grace seems to threaten both of them with making a mistake of her own.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Jason Hotch vs. Elijah

The rest of Order 4 is here with Hotch. Elijah takes him down by the arm to start and Hotch bails out to the floor. Back in and Elijah works on the arm, including Old School for two. Tasha Steelz has to offer a distraction and Hotch gets in a cheap shot to take over. Some stomping has Elijah down in the corner but he’s right back with a backdrop.

Hotch has to rake the eyes to get out of a fireman’s carry and another distraction lets him hit a Codebreaker onto the arm. The knees to the arm set up some cranking, with Elijah flipping out pretty quickly. A suplex neckbreaker gives Elijah two but Hotch is back with a superkick. The torture rack bomb gets two on Elijah, who is right back to knee Hotch out of the air. The Highwayman’s Farewell finishes Hotch at 7:58.

Rating: C+. Normally I would say that Hotch was a good hand but TNA has already beaten me to that one. This is a good way to keep the Elijah vs. Order 4/Mustafa Ali feud going, though it does make you wonder why that feud is continuing. Ali needs to move on to something bigger but maybe we’ll see it one more time and then they’ll move on for good.

Post match Order 4 jumps Elijah, with Ali grabbing the guitar. That’s enough for Elijah to fight back and use the guitar to clear the ring.

Post break Jada Stone is rather excited to be here but Order 4 comes in to yell at her. Tasha Steelz even slaps her down, with Elijah popping in to help her up like a gentleman.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Elayna Black vs. Ruthie Jay

Daria Rae is on commentary. Black jumps her to start and grabs a gutwrench suplex. The chinlock goes on but Jay is up for a running shoulder in the corner. Black isn’t having that though and grabs a swinging double underhook neckbreaker for the pin at 2:46. Pretty much a squash, as it should have been.

The Hardys are happy with how things have been going but the Righteous come in to talk about their Genesis match. They also seem to tease an alliance between the teams. Didn’t they do that before?

It’s time for the Feast Or Fired reveals. Trey Miguel is up first and gets…an International Title shot. Next is Eddie Edwards, who gets a World Title shot. That leaves Steve Maclin and Eric Young, with Maclin being fired and Young getting an X-Division Title shot.

Post break, Eddie Edwards and the System come up to threaten Mike Santana with a cash in. Santana glares back.

Commentary is depressed by Steve Maclin being fired.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Rich Swann, AJ Francis, First Class

AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann

Anything goes so Swann brings out a trashcan full of weapons (must be a Raven fan). Swann hits him with a baseball bat to start but Francis won’t let him bring in a table. The table is set up on the floor anyway but Francis kicks him down again. They head to the state where Swann slips out of attempts at a chokeslam and a Styles Clash. Instead Francis goes with a Pedigree and we take a break.

We come back with Francis sitting in a chair with his foot on Swann’s back. Swann fights up and sends him face first into the chair but an Air Raid Crash onto the chair gives Francis two. Back up and Swann is able to drop Francis face first onto the steps, followed by a handspring cutter for two more. Swann sets up another table on the floor and throws in a bunch of chairs, though he couldn’t keep Francis down for three.

Back in and a Pounce gives Francis two but Swann grabs a hurricanrana through the tables on the floor. The Phoenix splash hits Francis for two more and it’s time for the baseball bat again. Francis uses the delay to grab a chain and knock Swann silly with a right hand for two. Swann is put inside a trashcan and obliterated with a chair….for two. Francis tries to take him up top but gets hurricanranaed down onto the pile of chairs. That lets Swann unload with the chair, followed by a frog splash to pin Francis at 16:20.

Rating: B. This was a weapons filled and at times somewhat goofy brawl but it did feel like the big definitive ending for their feud. That’s what it needed to be as Swann needs to move on to something else. Swann is someone who could be a bigger deal around here so getting this kind of a win is a good sign for his future. Francis can go away for a few weeks and come back with one of those condescending promos of his and he’ll be fine.

Frankie Kazarian wants to talk to Daria Rae to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show felt like it was designed to get things ready for the next big stretch, with Feast Or Fired giving us three upcoming title matches. Hopefully Maclin leaving is just a head fake as TNA really doesn’t need to lose someone that good. Swann winning is a good thing to see and he won a big main event, though we’ll have to see where he goes. The Daria Rae stuff feels like it’s going to be the next big us vs. them story and…yeah that’s only so appealing after we just got done with the NXT invasion stuff. Just let Mike Santana be the focus maybe? The World Champion? Maybe?

Results
Nic Nemeth b. BDE – Danger Zone
Stacks b. Home Town Man – Rollup with feet on the ropes
Elijah b. Jason Hotch – Highwayman’s Farewell
Elayna Black b. Ruthie Jay – Swinging double underhook neckbreaker
Rich Swann b. AJ Francis – Frog splash

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

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Impact Wrestling
Date: January 22, 2026
Location: Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re back on AMC with another live show after last week’s less than well received debut and the ensuing Genesis pay per view. That means it is time to start getting ready for…whatever the next show is going to be. This week’s event features the return of Feast Or Fired, plus finding out the newest member of the System. Let’s get to it.

Here is Genesis if you need a recap.

Genesis recap.

Opening sequence.

Company President Carlos Silva is happy with the AMC debut. End of thoughts from Silva.

Cedric Alexander vs. Moose

Alisha Edwards is here with Moose, who has a banged up back. They shake hands to start and Moose chops him into the corner. A dropkick cuts Alexander off and sends him to the apron and they slug it out until Alexander plants him hard. Alexander hits a big suicide dive but gets sent hard into the steps as commentary runs down the show.

Moose loses a fight over a suplex and his back is banged up even more. A frog splash gives Alexander two so he kicks Moose in the bad back for a smart move. The springboard Downward Spiral gets two but Moose gets more fired up and kicks him in the face. For some reason Moose hits a backsplash but he’s fine enough to nip up.

The chokebomb out of the corner gets two on Alexander, who counters the spear into a Michinoku Driver for two of his own. They chop it out until Alexander grabs a Spanish Fly. Moose headbutts him out of the air to block a springboard before loading up a powerbomb. That’s fine with Alexander, who reverses into a hurricanrana for the pin at 9:59.

Rating: B-. I can certainly go for Alexander getting a bigger push, which is to say a push of almost any kind. This is the biggest win of his TNA career and it very well should boost him up before his X-Division Title shot. Moose sold the back well for the most part, though the last few minutes felt like a pretty standard Moose match, which isn’t a great sign.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He sits down in a chair and plays a message from his late father, saying Santana earned his way here, he deserves to be here, and he belongs here. The fans tell Santana that he deserves it and Santana talks about coming back here about two years ago. Every time he tries to do something, he remembers his father’s words. Santana talks about fighting back every time, even when he lost the World Title just thirty days after he won it.

Now he’s back where he belongs and he praises Frankie Kazarian after the wars they’ve had. He knows his back is against the wall against these people but that’s the way he likes it, because he’s earned his way here, he deserves to be here and he belongs here. This guy knows how to get fans behind him and he did it again here with a good promo.

Mustafa Ali, with Order 4, talks about the Hardys thinking they’re goats but they’re really sheep. Tonight, he will be Jeff Hardy’s shepherd.

We look at Zaria and Sol Ruca earning a Knockouts Tag Team Title shot earlier this week on NXT.

Indi Hartwell vs. M By Elegance

The rest of the Elegance Brand is here too. Hartwell backs her into the corner to start before grabbing a headlock. They run the ropes a bit until Hartwell uppercuts her into the corner. A running big boot misses though and M stomps on Hartwell’s foot, with the Personal Concierge smashing the foot with a shoe (as payback for Hartwell stepping on M’s foot). We take a break and come back with Hartwell grabbing a spinebuster, starting up the clothesline comeback. The Hurts Donut is broken up but Hartwell rolls her up for the pin at 9:05.

Rating: C. That was a bit of an oddly timed break at the end as there wasn’t much when we come back, though maybe AMC is still learning how to lay these things out. That being said, it was your usual Hartwell match, as she’s just not that great in the ring. The fans love her though and that’s more than enough of a reason to have her in a featured spot.

Post match the Brand jumps Hartwell but Ash By Elegance tries to cool things off. Violence is teased so cue the Angel Warriors…and Ash jumps Lei Ying Lee, suggesting that she might be able to do some physical stuff. That’s good to see after how bad things sounded.

Post break, Ash tells the Brand that she is back. If that means she’s healthy, that’s great.

Feast Or Fired

Mance Warner, Rich Swann, Hometown Man, Ryan Nemeth, AJ Francis, Eric Young, John Skyler, Jason Hotch, Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Steve Maclin, Trey Miguel

There are four briefcases (one at each corner), three of which contain title (World, X-Division, International) shots. The fourth contains a pink slip. Whomever gets a case has to get to the ground with it to officially win it, with the reveals next week. Miguel is a surprise, as his “break” from wrestling lasted…a week?

The ring is quickly cleared out so Swann and Miguel can have a hug. Francis cuts Miguel off from his climb and gets double powerbombed down for his efforts. Young is back in to clear the ring until Miguel…really doesn’t do well with a poisonrana attempt. Miguel hits a big dive and Man goes up top to dive off as well rather than going for a case. Man goes back up and tries for the case but Young steals his mask and the case, which he officially wins.

Hotch and Skyler go after a briefcase but Maclin takes it away and escapes so we’re down to two. Warner loads up chairs rather than going after a case, allowing Edwards to Blue Thunder Bomb him onto the chairs. Francis chokeslams Swann onto the apron but Miguel kicks Francis down. That’s enough for Miguel to get a briefcase, leaving Myers to clear the field so Edwards can get the last case. Francis is waiting on him though…so Edwards throws the case at him and hits a dropkick, allowing Edwards to get the case back and wrap it up at 8:21.

Rating: C+. This is a really weird one to rate as you have four winners but the rest don’t really lose. The big drama comes next week as we find out who gets what, but they went with a pretty standard group of winners. If nothing else, it gives me the hope that Young will be gone and that would improve a lot of things.

Mike Santana runs into Nic Nemeth and warns him to watch his step. Nemeth teases Calling His Shot and brings up Santana’s daughter, which is enough to trigger the brawl.

Post break, BDE and some of his friends are in the back playing video games. Nic Nemeth comes in to yell them for just playing games because this is real life. BDE isn’t happy and offers to face him next week. Nemeth says it’s on.

Here is Elayna Black for a chat. She’s the only one you need to talk about and she’s the only one who matters. Her first match is next week and this is the Era Of Elayna. This sounded like someone on Tough Enough making up a character on the spot.

Arianna Grace apologizes to Santino Marella, who doesn’t seem impressed. She says Stacks was wrong and begs his forgiveness. They hug, which I’m sure will go fine for both of them.

Mustafa Ali vs. Jeff Hardy

Order 4 and Matt Hardy are here too. They lock up to start with Jeff shoving him down out of the corner. Jeff takes him down for a quick ride and a right hand puts Ali on the floor. Back in and Ali gets punched to the floor again, meaning it’s time for a breather. Ali gets back in again and knocks Jeff into the corner, followed by a shot out to the floor. Agent Zero takes Matt out and we take a break.

We come back with the fight taking place on the apron until Jeff hits a Twist Of Fate onto the steps (turned on their side next to the apron). They both dive back in to beat the count with Jeff getting the better of things, including the basement dropkick. Another Twist Of Fate is blocked but Ali is sent face first into the buckle.

Tasha Steelz’s interference doesn’t work as Jeff hits a double Twisting Stunner for two so Ali grabs a title belt. Matt cuts that off and gets into it with Agent Zero, leaving Jeff to hit the Twist Of Fate. The Swanton misses though and Ali’s 450 gets two. Cue Elijah for a distraction, meaning it’s the Twist into the Swanton to finish Ali at 15:30.

Rating: B. So the Elijah vs. Ali feud continues, which hardly does Ali any favors. Ali is someone who seems like he could be put into the main event scene but he’s still dealing with Elijah, who doesn’t feel that big. Losing to Jeff is fine, though I have no idea who is supposed to take the titles from the Hardys. They feel almost unbeatable and that’s not the best situation to give the rest of your division.

The Righteous suggest it isn’t over with the Hardys. Is there really no better option?

Here is the System, with JDC, to announce JDC’s replacement in the team. He has handpicked his replacement and it’s…Bear Bronson. Bear Bronson? Ok then. The team seems happy with it…but Eddie Edwards and Bronson jump Moose and JDC. Cedric Alexander runs in for the save…and he hits Moose with a chair.

Eddie says they’re replacing TWO members of the System because Moose is out. Alisha Edwards is distraught as the beating continues to end the show. The turn makes sense, as the System works better as villains and Moose losing isn’t something they should tolerate. If nothing else, it means Alexander gets something to do and I’ll take that.

Overall Rating: B-. FAR better show this week, which was at least partially due to it feeling like a regular show instead of being the big premiere. They had some good action here, plus the big twist(s) at the end, which is a needed change. Next week should be interesting with some important matches and the briefcase reveals. Not a classic show here, but it felt like a return to form, which was needed after last week’s less than successful offering.

Results
Cedric Alexander b. Moose – Hurricanrana
Indi Hartwell b. M By Elegance – Rollup
Eric Young, Steve Maclin, Trey Miguel and Eddie Edwards won Feast Or Fired
Jeff Hardy b. Mustafa Ali – Swanton Bomb

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

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Genesis 2026
Date: January 17, 2026
Location: Curtis Culwell Center, Garland, Texas
Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan

It’s the first pay per view of the year and it’s coming off the heels of a less than well received Impact debut on AMC. The main event was made that night, as new World Champion Mike Santana will defend against Frankie Kazarian in a Texas Deathmatch, with Nic Nemeth as guest referee. Granted that announcement didn’t make air, but that’s what social media is for these days. Let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: International Title: KJ Orso vs. Eric Young vs. BDE vs. Stacks

Stacks, with Arianna Grace, is defending and you might know Orso better as an unmasked Fuego del Sol. Stacks jumps BDE to start fast and Young follows BDE outside. That leaves Orso to take over in the corner, including a slingshot to send Stacks to the floor. We pause for Young to yell at some fans but BDE jumps him from behind. Stacks decks BDE and steals his phone for some live streaming, only for BDE to take Stacks down with a dive.

Orso gets in a knockdown of his own and stops to pose with BDE, with Rehwoldt not being pleased. The villains get hammered in the corner but fight back without too much trouble. BDE forearms his way back and Codebreakers Stacks, much to the fans’ delight. Orso is back up to cutter BDE as a handful of fans try a THIS IS AWESOME chant. The Orso Driver gets two on BDE with Stacks getting back up. BDE’s springboard cutter drops Stacks, only for Young to come back with a neckbreaker. Young piledrives Orso, only for Stacks to toss him outside and steal the retaining pin at 6:22.

Rating: C+. This was pretty by the book, with the ending being about what I was expecting with the story of Stacks having the deck, uh, stacked against him. That’s a fine way to go and this was a perfectly acceptable way to get the fans warmed up. Unfortunately it’s part of the battling authority figures, which doesn’t exactly bode well.

Santino Marella isn’t pleased but Daria Rae comes in to tell him to shut up. If Marella is going to make a match based on emotion, Rae might have to do something similar.

Here is the Personal Concierge to introduce the Elegance Brand, including Mr. Elegance. The Concierge does not think much of the way the fans around here smell. The Brand will not be wrestling tonight, but they will be sitting in the front row for this next match.

Kickoff Show: Indi Hartwell/Vicki Venuto vs. Mila Moore/Tessa Blanchard

The Elegance Brand is at ringside and Robert Stone/Victoria Crawford are here with the villains. Blanchard allows Venuto to grab a headlock to start and doesn’t like how aggressive things get. It’s off to Hartwell for a suplex so Venuto can get two, only to have her get taken into the wrong corner. Moore works on Venuto’s leg and the pace slows way down, with Moore and Blanchard taking turns with knees to said leg.

Back up and Blanchard slaps her in the face in the corner. That’s enough for Venuto to fight out of trouble and bring in Hartwell to clean house. Everything breaks down and Stone offers a distraction, allowing Crawford to crotch Venuto. Hartwell goes after them but gets into it with the Brand, leaving Blanchard to hit the Buzzsaw DDT for the pin at 7:51.

Rating: C-. Not much to this one, as there were so many people floating around and a lot of it was just slow motion work on Venuto’s leg. It doesn’t help that Venuto is brand new and Hartwell is only so good on her best day. Moore has a great look and putting her with Blanchard isn’t a bad idea. I’m curious to see where that winds up going so it’s certainly a start.

And now the show proper.

Romeo Vaughn sings the National Anthem.

The opening video is mainly a recap of the AMC debut, which serves as a preview for the pay per view.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling/Darryl Stewart

AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann

Swann has to fight out of an early Down Payment attempt and knocks Francis into the corner for some right hands. Francis gets knocked to the floor, where he can’t hit a Down Payment onto the apron. Back in and Swann’s handspring elbow is chopped out of the air and a crossbody is countered into a toss AA to send Swann flying.

Francis knocks him outside again for nine and the frustration is clearly setting in. Swann grabs a jawbreaker so Francis kicks him in the face for two. The chinlock doesn’t last long and Swann fires off his own kicks, setting up a cartwheel splash. A 450 gives Swann two so Francis knocks him down, only for a moonsault to be broken up. Swann bites him in the face to knock Francis back down but Francis Pounces Swann out of the air in a big crash.

Another Down Payment attempt is blocked so Francis grabs a Styles Clash for two more. Somehow Swann is back with a Canadian Destroyer into a splash for two of his own as Francis is in trouble. Another handspring is cut off though and a reverse Down Payment sets up the regular version for the pin on Swann at 12:14.

Rating: C+. This was a good example of a match where they didn’t make things too complicated. Swann wanted to put Francis out and used his speed but couldn’t get around the size and power. That’s a fine way to go as it’s about as classic of a wrestling story as you’ll get. Francis might not be the top star in the company, but he’s good at what he does.

We run down the card.

We look at Mike Santana regaining the World Title.

Mike Santana hopes Frankie Kazarian is coming for the fight of his life, because that’s what Santana is bringing this week. His daughter is glad he’s back and tonight he’ll show why he is the realest to ever do it.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling, Darryl Stewart

Elijah vs. Mustafa Ali

Order 4 is here with Ali, who is mad that Elijah tied him to a horse and rode away. Elijah takes out the Great Hands to start and goes after Ali, sending him hard into the corner. Ali tries to pick up the pace but walks into a sitout powerbomb for an early two. They go outside with Elijah chopping away before taking out the Great Hands again. This time it’s enough of a distraction for Ali to get in a cheap shot to take over for the first time.

Back in and Ali cranks on the arm but gets leveraged out to the floor. Ali is right back with the rolling neckbreaker and they slug it out until Elijah shrugs off a superkick. One heck of a clothesline drops Ali, followed by a jumping knee for two. Back up and Ali grabs a Death Valley Driver for two of his own but Elijah hits a quick Highwayman’s Farewell.

Ali bridges out before he passes out, which is a bit of a stretch but at least it looked cool. Elijah loads up a super Highwayman’s Farewell but Ali slips out and hits a dropkick. That’s fine with Elijah, who hits a super chokebomb but Special Agent Zero pulls the referee. The Great Hands are ejected as well, leaving Tasha Steelz to grab the guitar. Elijah goes after her but gets guitared in the back by Ali for the pin at 9:35.

Rating: C+. Ali’s push continues and I’m wondering what the next step is for him. It wouldn’t be out of the question to have him move into the main event scene, though I’m not sure I can imagine TNA pulling the trigger in that direction. Elijah fighting against a group of villains isn’t a bad thing, though in theory he’s going to want revenge.

We recap Eddie Edwards vs. JDC. They’re old friends but it’s JDC’s last match and he has requested to face Edwards, who accepted.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling/Darryl Stewart

JDC vs. Eddie Edwards

They come out at the same time to the same music in a nice touch. JDC (in Terry Funk style tights) tries an early rollup to start fast and Edwards applauds him. They fight over arm control to no avail so it’s time to run the ropes, with JDC hitting a dropkick. The armdrag into an armbar doesn’t last long as Edwards is back up with a clothesline. JDC’s snap powerslam gets two but Edwards catches him with an enziguri on top.

A super hurricanrana sends JDC outside and there’s the required suicide dive. JDC is back up with a drop onto the apron, followed by a nice spinwheel kick back inside to put both of them down. A running boot to the face sends Edwards outside and JDC is back up with a running flip dive to drop him again. Back in and a slingshot legdrop gives JDC two and a Falcon Arrow gets the same.

JDC charges into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two and we hit the chinlock. With that broken up, Edwards dives into a Liontamer, followed by a Codebreaker to give JDC two. They go up top with JDC grabbing a super Air Raid Crash for two more. Edwards is back with the Boston Knee Party for two, setting up the Diehard Driver. Another Boston Knee Party (with JDC telling him to do it) finishes JDC’s career at 17:12.

Rating: B. I’m really not sure what to say here, as the match was good enough, but it was just kind of a match. There was little in the way of heat or anything beyond two friends having a pretty good match. JDC isn’t exactly someone you think of getting a big sendoff, so while it was entertaining, it gets more of a “well, ok then” reaction.

Post match the System comes out to give JDC the big sendoff. JDC thanks the fans and commentary before leaving.

We recap Mara Sade vs. Ryan Nemeth in an intergender match. Well kind of as we’re told there is an issue and then go to the intros. Basically Sade keeps superkicking him, including after Nemeth hit on her.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling/Darryl Stewart

Ryan Nemeth vs. Mara Sade

Nemeth shoves her into the corner to start and quickly flips her away to escape a sleeper. The threat of a superkick sends Nemeth outside and Sade is right there with a dive. Back in and Nemeth sweeps the leg out so Sade slaps him in the face. Nemeth gyrates a bit and threatens a right hand, earning himself a tornado DDT. Nemeth counters a sunset flip into a rollup and grabs the rope for two, with the referee catching the cheating. Sade goes up but Nemeth dropkicks her down and grabs the rope for the pin at 5:20.

Rating: C-. Uh…ok then. I’m not sure what that was, as Sade got in a bit of offense but then got beaten with a quickly dropkick and some cheating. That’s all there was going on here and it wasn’t even entertaining. This felt like it should have been a big comedy match but instead it just kind of came and went. Weird choice here.

Stacks and Arianna Grace aren’t worried about Santino Marella and tell him to worry about losing his job instead.

Knockouts Title: Zaria vs. Lei Ying Lee

Lee is defending with Zaria serving as a replacement for Dani Luna, who had visa issues, and Sol Ruca/Xia Brookside are here as the seconds. Zaria goes with the power to start but Lee is back with a few kicks. Some choking in the corner drops Lee for two and it’s off to something like a Texas Cloverleaf.

Lee reverses into an STF, which is broken up so Lee strikes her into the corner instead. Some right hands in the corner have Zaria in more trouble but she’s able to block Warrior’s Way. Lee loads up a choke but Zaria reverses into a cannonball into the corner. They head out to the apron to strike it out, with Zaria driving her back first onto said apron.

Cue the Elegance Brand to watch as Zaria hits a spear into an F5, with the referee getting bumped. The Brand runs in so Brookside and Ruca cut them off for a brawl into the back. With them four of them gone, Zaria goes up top but gets caught with a super hurricanrana. They slug it out until another F5 is countered into a DDT. The Warrior’s Way retains the title at 14:23.

Rating: B. They were in a very tough spot here with a cold match (not their fault, as Zaria was a last minute replacement) and managed to turn it into something pretty good. While I usually don’t like all of the shenanigans, it makes sense to have the interference this time, as there was nothing else going on with the match. Zaria needs to win something sooner than later, though a heel turn doesn’t feel crazy either.

Post match Elayna Black comes out to suggest she’s next in line for the title.

Nic Nemeth talks about how his ten count decides who walks away with World Title.

We recap the Righteous challenging the Hardys for the Tag Team Titles. The Righteous came in acting like they were really friendly but it seems they want to take/replace the Hardys. Then they got violent on Impact (including a chain through Jeff’s gauge) to make it a bit more traditional.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling/Darryl Stewart

Tag Team Titles: Hardys vs. Righteous

The Hardys are defending and pull the Righteous outside to start the brawl on the floor. They fight until Matt and Vincent start things off with Matt taking him down and hammering away. Jeff comes in with a slingshot legdrop and Poetry In Motion makes it worse. Matt adds the Side Effect for two but Dutch grabs him from the apron.

Dutch comes in for some elbows in the corner, setting up Vincent’s running Downward Spiral for two. Matt manages a desperation Twist Of Fate to Dutch, allowing the tag off to Jeff. That means something like a weird reverse full nelson twist (it’s hard to describe), followed by the Plot Twist for two. Dutch trips Matt from the floor though and the villains take over again.

A Twist Of Fate into the Swanton gets two on Jeff, with Matt making the save. Dutch’s apron legdrop to the floor misses Jeff for a big crash, leaving Matt to go after Vincent. Hold on though as Vincent backs away, with Dutch saying this is what they wanted: to hurt. Matt has had enough of this and it’s the Twist Of Fate into the Swanton to finish Vincent and retain at 12:40.

Rating: C+. The Righteous feel like another team of wannabe cult guys and that’s only going to go so far. While they might stick around, this feels like the height of what they’re doing, though odds are we’ll get a violent rematch. At the same time, someone has to take the titles from the Hardys and I have no idea who is supposed to do that at this point.

We look at Leon Slater not being able to win the US Title on Smackdown. Slater can’t be here due to visa issues (fair) but he wants to thank Joe Hendry for taking his place in the triple threat. He’ll defend the title as soon as he can get back.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling/Darryl Stewart

Joe Hendry vs. Moose vs. Cedric Alexander

Hendry is replacing Slater so it’s just a triple threat with nothing on the line. Moose starts fast to clean house but Hendry snaps off a hurricanrana. Hendry gets knocked outside for a dive from Alexander and Moose is backdropped HARD onto the steps. We pause for the medics to check on Moose, leaving Alexander to roll Hendry up for two. A dropkick to the back of the head keeps Hendry in trouble and a Michinoku Driver gives Alexander another near fall.

Moose is still down and the other two hit stereo clotheslines for a double down. Somehow Moose is able to get up (while holding his back) and takes over on both of them, including quite the chop to Hendry. Moose superplexes Hendry, who rolls through into a suplex, only for Alexander to frog splash Hendry for two. Alexander goes up but Moose chokebombs him back down for two but Hendry’s pop up powerbomb drops Moose for another near fall.

Hendry’s spinning pose lands him in a Death Valley Driver from Alexander, who grabs a crossface for a bonus. With that broken up, Alexander Styles Clashes Moose for two and everyone is down, with the fans approving. Moose spears Alexander for two but his back gives out. That earns him a Lumbar Check from Alexander, only for Hendry to grab the Standing Ovation to pin Alexander at 15:20.

Rating: B. Well that’s a choice. You have the former TNA guy, who has moved on to WWE, come back and show that he can beat two TNA stars at once. I get that Hendry hasn’t been gone from TNA for long and the fans still love him, but maybe don’t have the #1 contender to the X-Division Title get pinned before the title match?

Santino Marella brings out the Kickoff Show panel to make predictions for the main event. Everyone picks Mike Santana and it’s up to Tommy Dreamer but Daria Rae interrupts. Well she’s a hero as far as I’m concerned. Anyway, she says we don’t have time for this so let’s get to the video package.

We recap the main event, with Mike Santana defending the World Title against Frankie Kazarian in a Texas Deathmatch with Nic Nemeth as guest referee. Santana won the title but Kazarian used his Call Your Shot title shot to take it away. Then Santana won it back on Thursday so it’s rubber match time. Nemeth has his own Call Your Shot as well.

TNA World Title: Mike Santana vs. Frankie Kazarian

Santana is defending, Nic Nemeth is guest referee, and it’s a Texas Deathmatch, which is basically Last Man Standing but you have to score a fall before the ten count begins. Kazarian bails to the floor to start but Santana catches him coming back inside with some kicks. A big boot misses though and they fight to the floor, where Santana hits a dive off the steps.

It’s time for a table, but first Santana uses a chair for a step up cannonball against the barricade. The fight heads into the crowd with Kazarian sending him into some walls but a superplex off a balcony is blocked. Instead Santana hits a dive of his own and they fight into a back hall. Kazarian trashcans him in the back and a slam on the floor gets two. They come back to ringside, where Kazarian grabs a suplex but sets up some weapons rather than covering.

Some chairs to the back have Santana in more trouble and the fans tell Kazarian that he’s not overly popular. Fade To Black onto some open chairs is broken up and Santana piledrives him onto the chairs for the pin at 9:32. Kazarian beats the count at nine and he has to fight out of another piledriver from the apron. Santana goes up but the bleeding Kazarian cutters him down through a table at ringside for the pin at 12:04.

Santana beats the count as well so Kazarian knocks him into the steps and grabs a ladder. That takes too long and Santana is back up with a barbed wire baseball bat. A shot to the head makes Kazarian bleed even more and Santana plants him with a Samoan driver. Santana puts him on the table and hits a frog splash from the ladder for…two? Ok then. Santana yells at Nemeth but the replay shows that it was the right call. Back up and Kazarian spits at Santana, who wraps his arm with the barbed wire for Spin The Block. Kazarian is pinned 18:29 and Santana retains at 19:11.

Rating: B-. It was a fine brawl, but Nemeth changed absolutely nothing and Santana has already had his big moment twice now. I get that they wanted the title change for the AMC debut but it sucked the life out of the title change here. It was good enough though and Santana standing tall to end the show is absolutely the right call at the moment.

Post match Nemeth tries to cash in with a Danger Zone but Santana drops him with the Spin The Block. Santana celebrates to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. They were in a weird spot here and some of the results showed it. The biggest issue was they had their major show two days ago and this show was little more than follow up. It’s not a show that you need to see, but it is miles better than the disaster that was this week’s Impact. The problem though is a lot of the damage has already been done and I’m not sure how they can really make up for it anytime soon. This helped, though it only had so much impact.

Results
Stacks b. BDE, KJ Orso and Eric Young – Piledriver to Orso
Mila Moore/Tessa Blanchard b. Indi Hartwell/Vicki Venuto – Buzzsaw DDT to Venuto
AJ Francis b. Rich Swann – Down Payment
Mustafa Ali b. Elijah – Guitar shot
Eddie Edwards b. JDC – Boston Knee Party
Ryan Nemeth b. Mara Sade – Rollup while holding the rope
Lei Ying Lee b. Zaria – Warrior’s Way
Hardys b. Righteous – Swanton Bomb to Vincent
Joe Hendry b. Cedric Alexander and Moose – Standing Ovation to Alexander

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