Source: TNAStars.com
Opening Segment
A video package plays highlighting the main event from Final Resolution and Tenay leads us into a World Championship match to open the show.
5-Minute Time Limit Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Bobby Roode vs. AJ Styles
Mike Tenay informs us that this match will be the Overtime session from Final Resolution. Roode goes to the outside, but Styles chases him back in the ring and hits a cross body for bone. After some brawling by AJ, he goes into the side headlock form several near falls before Roode turns the table with head scissors. AJ kips-up to his feet to break the hold and goes for a standing side head-lock. Roode slides out and Styles takes the boots to him as Tenay notes there is only two and a half minutes into the match. Roode slides out of the ring and AJ jumps to the apron to attempt a springboard move. Roode takes out the leg and slides into the ring and instructs the referee to count him out. The referee gets to three when Styles slides in the ring and Roode starts to stomp on the injured knee with under a minute and a half left. AJ hits a hurricanrana and the one-minute mark and —, but Roode gets the foot on the ropes. AJ goes for the Clash, but Roode thumbs the eyes. Roode looks at the clock to see there is twenty-three seconds left and runs to the outside. AJ follows him and is able to slide out to the other side before Roode does and hits a sick Pele kick. AJ hops on the apron to hit a springboard dive, but misses Roode as the time runs out.
The result is a TIME LIMIT DRAW; Roode retains the World Heavyweight Championship
The crowd chants for ‘Five More Minutes’ and that brings out “The Man in Charge” Sting. Sting tells Bobby Roode that we can do this all night, and he will until he gets a winner.
World Heavyweight Championship: Bobby Roode vs. AJ Styles
Roode chops AJ’s leg from under him at the bell and puts him in the Single Leg Crab in the center of the ring and after about a minute, AJ taps out.
Winner by Submission and STILL TNA World Heavyweight Champion: Bobby Roode
((Jarrett’s Jab – I hate to be negative from the start, but I wonder how pissed off the paying customers of Final Resolution feel after being screwed over? You could have skipped Final Resolution completely, and you still would have gotten your pay-off to the two main storylines on FREE TV with this match and the announcing of which Jarrett will be fired. And I feel under NO circumstances does a World Champion defend his title to start off a free television show. ))
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Robert Roode said that it didn’t matter how long it took, as long as he got the job done. They interspersed comments from Styles, saying he had Roode’s number. Roode said that he spits in the face of authority and if Jeff Hardy wants a shot, good, he can have one. Good promos from both. Roode is really on as champ and Styles was his normal great self.
Backstage, Steiner said that he owes Abyss one but he’s under orders from Eric Bischoff to make this work. He said they are a team, right? Abyss didn’t really respond. Mike Tenay reminded everyone that Immortal has been trying to get Abyss back into the fold.
Wildcard Tag Team Tournament Match: Scott Steiner & Abyss vs. Robby T & Hernandez (with Rosita and Sarita)
Steiner and Hernandez started the tag team match. Steiner kicked him in the gut and rammed him into the corner. Steiner continued his advantage on Hernandez with several punches and chops. A hard Irish Whip into the corner takes Hernandez off of his feet, but not for long. Hernandez placed him on the top and nailed the top rope Fall Away Slam. Robbie T tried to interfere so Steiner nailed an overhead belly to bell release suplex. Steiner clotheslined Hernandez and dropped an elbow for a two count.
Steiner offered a tag to Abyss, who just stood there. Robbie T used the opportunity to attack Steiner from behind. Hernandez and Robbie T worked over Steiner. Hernandez and Robbie T double teamed Steiner. Robbie T picked up Hernandez for a suplex, dropping him down over Steiner. Robbie T covered Steiner for only a two count. A double shoulder block later, Abyss finally gets in the ring behind them and nailed a double clothesline and an Avalanche in the corner. He choke slammed Hernandez but was jumped by T. Abyss shook him off and nailed the Black Hole Slam. He got into Steiner’s face and reluctantly tagged Steiner. Steiner covered T and scored the pin.
Winners by Pinfall: Scott Steiner and Abyss
Steiner went to leave but Abyss grabbed him and raised his arm. He left, smiling and pointing to his head.
Backstage, Kurt Angle said he was sick of Sting. He said it was time for him to do something about it.
-Commercial Break-
Back from Commercial, Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring and calls out Sting. Angle told him that for the first time in his life, Sting was going to shut up and listen. He complained that he was thrown into a title bout with James Storm with 90 minutes to prepare and claimed he lost due to a loaded boot. He said that he then got a rematch and the same loaded boot caused his loss. Angle threatened Sting and demanded a rematch with Storm. Sting said that Storm beat him fair and square and needs to move upward and onward towards Booby Roode. Sting says that everyone’s got a little cowboy in him and notes that Storm gave him his fringed jacket Angle said that Sting had it out for Roode and Angle. Angle said that Sting wants to be a Cowboy like James Storm so Angle was going to go to Storm’s hometown and kick everyone’s ass there. He said that once he does that, maybe Storm will grant him his rematch. ((Jarrett’s Jab – That jacket looked ridiculous on Sting. Kurt looked more professional and he was wearing a thirteen dollar Button Up shirt from the MMA Elite Collection at Walmart!))
-Commercial Break-
Best of Three Series – Match One: Zema Ion vs. Tony Neese
The winner gets a slot in a 4-Way X-Division title match at Genesis. Neese takes Ion down at the bell with a waist lock but Ion gets to his feet. The two start an arm drag and reversal sequence before Nese drilled him with a running boot and started working over his arm. Neese drilled him with an elbow to the neck but Neese took his legs out as Ion rebounded off the ropes and hit a springboard moonsault. He followed up with a running knee that sent Ion to the floor. Neese hit a great forward flip dive to the floor. Neese nailed a flying clothesline off the top for another near fall, but was kicked off while charging into the corner. Ion went for a tornado DDT out of the corner but Neese blocked it. Neese went for a top rope hurricanrana but it was blocked when Ion held on. Ion hit an impressive missile dropkick for a two count. Ion drilled Neese’s chin into his knees and covered him, then pulled him up. He nailed it again and pulled Neese up again. Ion went to the top and hit a 450 splash, scoring the pin and the win.
Your winner by Pinfall and advancing to Genesis: Zema Ion
The Jarrett entered the building backstage. Jeff and Karen both tried to tell the other one that they should be the one fired, trying to sacrifice the other. They both said they were going to talk to Sting.
Backstage, Zema Ion said he’s got the prettiest great, boots and is the prettiest wrestler in the company. He said he was tired of waiting for his opportunities, so he took one. He said, “It’s all about me, myself and Ion.” ((Jarrett’s Jab – Who are you? “Gorgeous” George? Seriously, cut down on the “pretty talk.” Unless you’re talking about a girl, it comes off as awkward.))
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Ric Flair told Gunner to forget Garrett Bischoff because he’s done. He said that tonight, Gunner has Jesse Neal. He said Jesse was a good wrestler but compared to Gunner, he doesn’t exist. He told Gunner to get the job done.
Jesse Neal vs. Gunner (with Ric Flair)
Gunner slammed Neal down to the mat and just wrecked him with punches. He shoulder blocked Neal into the corner and worked him over viciously. Flair surveyed the damage and looked on approvingly. Gunner drilled Neal in the corner again and he went down. Neal went to the floor. Gunner went after him but the referee tried to stop him. Gunner shoved Earl Hebner, and Hebner disqualified him.
Winner by Disqualification: Jesse Neal
Flair attacked Neal and stomped him low. Flair removed the mats from ringside and Gunner DDT’d Neal on the exposed concrete. They showed EMTs working over Neal. ((Jarrett’s Jab – Neal being jobbed out to Gunner was definitely needed. Gunner has become a joke, and they need to give him everything they can to make him credible again.))
Footage is shown of Jeff Hardy walking backstage rather than staying on Jesse Neal as we head to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Karen Jarrett was trying to charm Sting by complimenting him. He cut to the chase and asked her what she wanted. Karen said that she knew Sting was going to send one of them home and she told Sting that he can’t fire her. She admitted that Jeff was a great wrestler but there’s 100 Jarrett’s out there who can take his spot on the roster. She said God broke the mold when he created Karen Jarrett. She said that Jeff can watch the kids while she helps Sting run the show. Sting said that he’s known Jeff since Jeff was a little kid and he can’t make a decision until he hears Jeff out too. She asked him if he saw where she was coming from and Sting said that he did. She excitedly hugged Sting and ran off. Sting looked at her leaving and muttered “Poor Jeff.”
Jeff Hardy came to the ring and took the mic. He said that his neck hurts and his body is sore from Sunday, but he’s the number one contender and will face the champion at Genesis. He said he’s going to do everything in his power to make 2012 the most memorable year of his career….and Bully Ray’s music plays to signal…Bully Ray. He said that Hardy is in a really good mood for someone who has no clue who he has to fight tonight. Ray said they are fighting tonight and mocked Hardy for interacting with his fans instead of having a life and doing something creative. Ray said he was the most feared guy in the company and he’s been kicking Jeff’s head in for 15 years. He said that he’s not really that pissed off at Jeff and said that he really has to thank Jeff. He said that at the PPV Jeff screwed up (Victory Road), Ray stepped into Hardy’s shoes the next day and took Hardy’s spot in Immortal. He said that he’s better than Hardy and won’t be a stepping stone. Ray said he’s a freight train and Hardy is standing on his tracks. ((Jarrett’s Jab – Bully Ray saved this segment. They need to stop mentioning Victory Road though. The Impact Zone fans are defiantly behind him, but it is hard to forget that night, or his other incidents.))
Backstage, Samoa Joe told Magnus that he doesn’t know him and he doesn’t care to know him. Joe said he doesn’t play politics; he just wants to fight his way to get what he earned. He said Magnus is an anchor to get his opportunity at the belts. Magnus said he didn’t care about friendship or about Joe. He said he never gets a chance and he just wants to go out there and win the tag tournament. Good segment.
-Commercial Break-
Wildcard Tag Team Tournament Match: Robbie E & Douglas Williams vs. Samoa Joe & Magnus
Magnus and Williams started the match off. Williams took him down to the mat with head scissors and a headlock takedown. Magnus escaped and they faced off. Robbie E tagged in and scored with a kick but started grandstanding and ate a clothesline. Williams kicked Magnus from behind, setting up the chance for Robbie E to stomp away at Williams. Williams nailed a running knee in the corner and snapped a suplex over. Robbie E nailed a fist drop for a two count but Samoa Joe hit the ring to break up the pin with a kick. Robbie E continued to work over Magnus. Magnus came out of the corner with a clothesline and tagged Joe. Joe nailed an inverted atomic drop, a kick to the face and a back senton splash for a two count. Joe nailed a power slam but Robbie E tried to interfere. Joe moved and Robbie E nailed his partner. Joe destroyed Robbie E and snapmared him over. Magnus came off the top with a big elbow. He drilled Williams, setting him up for a muscle buster. Joe scored the pin on Williams.
Winners by Pinfall: Samoa Joe and Magnus
((Jarrett’s Jab – A good match, but I hate this tournament. British Invasion is technically TNA’s last active legitimate tag team, and they are opponents tonight.))
Backstage, Jeff Jarrett was buttering up Sting, reminding him that they’ve known each other 25 years. Jeff said that he knows Karen has been talking to Jeff about this for days. He tells Sting that he knows it would be publicly humiliating but then asked Sting to let Karen down easy, noting that it’s his wife and he cares about her – yeah, enough to toss out a window apparently! Jeff reminded Sting that he’s the reigning Mexican heavyweight champion. He said that Karen loves to be home with the kids and asked Sting to be gentle and nice. Sting asked Jeff if he was sure and whether she was looking for a Nanny or really wanted to stay home with the kids. Jeff said he was sure and asked him again to let her down easy. Sting said that he needed a few minutes.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Eric Young was cutting his usual promo when ODB showed up and told him that she was her partner tonight. It was all silliness. Young was impressed with her strength when they locked up.
Devon called out Pope, who brought out Devon’s kids. He said he’s the one who is their father, he was there for them, he raised them and he’s the one training them, not Pope. He told Pope he was going to bring them up the way that he wants them brought up. He told them it was time for them to leave. As they tried to walk out, Pope cut a promo and said it was time for Devon to get with the times. He put himself over, saying the boys were tired of living a boring lifestyle when Pope is giving them a chance to learn how to live the high life. He said Devon will never be as fly or pimping as the Pope. Devon tried to walk away and Pope told him not to walk away from him like his wife did to Devon. Pope said those kids should have been his seed but he and Devon’s ex-wife are working on that. Devon attacked him but the kids pulled him off trying to calm him down. Devon hugged them and Pope kicked Devon low from behind. Devon’s kids smiled at Pope and stood aside as Pope worked over Devon. Pope screamed that the boys were his now. They raised his hand. ((Jarrett’s Jab – Whoever thought that this would be good pay off for almost a year of Devon’s kids being on TV? This was one of the most pathetic things I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait until this feud ends.))
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Karen and Jeff were trying to snow each other by saying they were sacrificing themselves. A Crew Member showed up and said that Sting wanted to see them both. They were shocked that Sting wanted to see them together at the same time.
Traci Brooks vs. Madison Rayne
Brooks charged Rayne during her entrance and tackled her on the stage. Brooks dragged her to the ring and speared her into the apron. Dragging Rayne into the ring, she started to choke her in the corner. Rayne cut her off and starts to choke her against the ropes. Rayne choked her and stepped over Brooks’ back. She nailed a neck breaker through the ropes on Brooks, who fell to the floor. Back in the ring, she slammed Brooks face first to the mat and covered her for a two count. Rayne used her foot to choke Brooks in the corner. Rayne was nailed with a jawbreaker to break it. Brooks charged her and drill her knees into Rayne’s back. Rayne used her legs to snap Brooks neck but Traci kicked up at two. Rayne charged and kicked her in the head. She covered Brooks for the pin.
Winner by Pinfall: Madison Rayne
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Sting was meeting with the Jarrett’s. Now, the Jarrett’s were putting each other over and saying they should be the one to be sent home. Sting said that it’s obvious neither of them have seen anything from the show tonight. Jeff praised Sting for the way he was running it, but said they were too busy consoling the other to watch. Sting then exposed them both for trying to sell out the other to keep their jobs. Karen accused Sting of lying, so he ran the footage from earlier. Jeff lost it when he heard Karen burying him, particularly the “1000 Jeff Jarrett’s” comment. She then lost it when she saw the footage of Jeff burying her. They went nuts. Sting cut them off and said that they can’t have Jeff without Karen or Karen without Jeff and fired both of them. The announcers said that it was the end of an era.
Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray
Jeremy Borash did the ring introductions before the match and Hardy was introduced as the Number One Contender. Ray went to work on Hardy in the corner with elbows and shoulder blocks at the bell. Ray stalked Hardy to measure him for several punches. Bobby Roode was doing commentary, scouting Hardy. Hardy was tied to the tree of woe and beaten with punches to the mid-section. Ray held him overhead for a standing vertical suplex and dropped him down. Ray locked in a bear hug and squeezed hard. Hardy broke free but Ray back dropped him for a two count. Ray slammed him and tried to come out of the corner with a Vader splash but Hardy rolled out of the ring. Hardy made a comeback with a series of rights. He whipped Ray and drilled him with a leaping forearm and a clothesline for a near fall. Hardy nailed a head scissors out of the corner. Ray went for the Bubba Bomb but Hardy slipped out and nailed the Twist of Fate for a two count. Ray caught him with a side slam for a two count. He missed a splash and was caught with a Twist of Fate for the pin.
Winner by Pinfall: Jeff Hardy
Hardy turned to Roode and told him time was ticking on his title run. Roode started heading to the ring, allowing Ray to attack Jeff from behind. They double teamed Hardy and Ray brought a table into the ring. Roode fed him to Ray, who power bombed Hardy through the table. I kept waiting for James Storm to make the save but instead it was Sting. He faced off with Roode but Ray went to nail him. Sting got in his face and nailed him. Roode nailed Sting from behind and starts putting the boots to him while Ray steps on Sting’s throat. Roode shoved the belt in Hardy’s face and said he was the World champion. ((Jarrett’s Jab – Loved that there was no ridiculous music to end the show this week. They made the heels look strong and both Ray and Roode need that. Not sure what the ‘consequences’ for attacking Sting will be, but it should be great Television ))
