Source: JSO of TNAsylum.com
Magnus came out with some kind of steel turnbuckle. Magnus tried to do his opening spiel but stopped when he realized he’s not the champion anymore. Magnus said he doesn’t see it as losing the title to EY and that good help is hard to find. Magnus called out Abyss to speak to him.
Magnus called Abyss a gigantic disappointment. Abyss had only one job and that was to make sure that the World Title stayed with Magnus. Abyss said MVP said whoever interfered would be fired, but Magnus said Abyss doesn’t work for MVP or TNA. Magnus fired Abyss and wished him luck in his future endeavors.
Abyss lashed out at Magnus, saying that it was never about the money. He befriended Magnus so he could belong, but now he realized that Magnus is selfish. Abyss wanted to get his hands on Magnus, but he was reminded that he was not an employee so Magnus threatened to sue him if he laid a finger on him. MVP came out and offered Abyss a full-time spot on the TNA roster if he could beat Magnus tonight. As MVP skipped out of the ring, Abyss said he never liked Magnus and that he would kick his ass.
Reaction: Um, why did Magnus fire Abyss now when he still has a World title rematch at Sacrifice? MVP didn’t say anything about outside interference at the PPV, and Magnus even said Abyss couldn’t be fired anyway. Other than that, I enjoyed the mic work here between Magnus and Abyss.
Backstage, EC3 spoke with Rockstar Spud about what happened last week. EC3 said he saw the real Kurt Angle and he’s the only one who could defeat him. EC3 assured Spud that there is a plan for tonight and he needs Spud to be a gazelle.
Kurt Angle vs. Rockstar Spud
Spud looked nervous as he made his entrance and tried to leave, but EC3 kept guiding him to the ring. Spud went for a single leg takedown, but Angle suplexed him across the ring. Angle hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Spud tried to run around the ring and EC3 held Angle’s leg, allowing Spud to take the offense. Spud hit a dropkick and went for another, but Angle hit a belly to belly suplex. Angle put in the Ankle Lock for the win. After the match, EC3 attacked Angle from behind and went for a leg lock. Willow made the save as the heels bailed out of the ring.
Reaction: Well, it was Operation Human Shield. Toss in the post-match activities, and that was solid build for the tag match at Sacrifice. It’s nice to see Angle back in the ring as well. I suspect that Spud will take the fall again this Sunday to set up the eventual Angle/EC3 match.
Backstage, The Beautiful People said they were going to give Madison Rayne a makeover tonight.
Backstage, Kenny King was sitting in MVP’s office. King talked about how good he is and he should be featured on the show. MVP said his match is next and then called somebody on his phone.
Madison Rayne came out and called out the Beautiful People. Angelina mocked Madison’s look and asked if she’s exhausted from taking care of her baby. Madison said she’s sorry for what she was about to do and attacked the Beautiful People before the numbers game got to her. Angelina said Madison was nothing and she was there to make them look good. Brittany came out for the save but was taken out quickly by the Beautiful People. Velvet hit the In Yo Face on Madison. They put the brown paper bag on Madison’s head to end the segment.
Reaction: That was short. Madison/Angelina is not the most compelling feud, but I like how they’re playing up their history in these segments.
During the break, Gail Kim approached Madison Rayne backstage and said she’s not going to let the Beautiful People ruin the Knockouts division. Gail offered to tag with Madison tonight against TBP. Brittany offered to e there as well, but Madison shrugged her off.
Kenny King vs. Bobby Lashley
Lashley took the offense with some takedowns. The announcers mentioned that King is next in line for the X Division Title. King went out of the ring to regroup. Lashley continued to dominate with some power moves. King poked Lashley in the rings and nailed some strikes. Lashley hit a belly to belly suplex followed by a pair of clotheslines and a shoulder block in the corner. Lashley went for a spear, but King countered with a kick. As King went for a blockbuster, Lashley caught him and hit a suplex. Lashley went for a spear again, but this time King bailed out of the ring. Lashley got the win with a count out.
Reaction: So King talks a big game and then he just bails when the going gets tough. King has a lot of swag though, plus his music is really cool. I like the idea of Lashley being called to fight anyone, anytime.
Mr. Anderson was shown driving to Samuel Shaw’s parent’s house. Anderson met Shaw’s mother, who was a redhead named Christy.
Backstage, Bobby Roode and James Storm talked about their bitter past. Roode asked Storm why he wanted to team with him tonight. Storm explained that when they were Beer Money, they were unstoppable. Storm and Roode talked about the damage they would do to Gunner and Bully.
Austin Aries vs. MVP
Basic chain wrestling to start. MVP went for the Ballin’ Elbow, but Aries rolled out of the ring. They fought on the outside for a bit before Aries rolled MVP back in and hit an elbow drop for a near fall. MVP naiied some elbows followed by a lariat for a near fall. MVP hit the Ballin’ Elbow. Aries regrouped and hit a discus elbow. Aries went for the brainbuster, but MVP got out and hit a back suplex. Aries hit his running dropkick in the corner for a near fall. He went for a 450 splash, but MVP rolled out and capitalized with the Drive-by Kick for the pin.
Reaction: Good match. But damn, that stinks for Aries. He made a fuss about being on the sidelines and then he loses to the boss even though he’s actually the better wrestler. I hope this goes somewhere and not just a one-off loss for Aries.
A vignette aired of Sanada training hard in the gym and talking about the pressure on him by the Great Muta to represent his country of Japan.
Mr. Anderson was talking with Shaw’s mom. She said she bakes an apple pie for Shaw every day. Anderson asked where Shaw is and she said he lives in the basement.
Bobby Roode & James Storm vs. Bully Ray & Gunner
The faces took the offense with some quick flurries. Gunner hit a headbutt on Roode for a near fall. Storm pulled Bully’s leg from outside the ring and Beer Money took control. They isolated Bully in their corner with some strikes and chokes. Bully hit a hard chop as Roode trash talked him. Gunner and Storm tagged in, with Gunner cleaning house on Beer Money. Gunner hit a slingshot suplex on Storm, but Roode broke up the pin attempt.
The faces did the Wassup headbutt on Storm, and then Bully told Gunner to get the tables. Bully went for an elbow drop on Roode through the table, but Roode moved out of the way. Gunner hit the Hanger 18 on Roode but as he turned around, Storm hit the Last Call for the pin.
Reaction: Finally, Storm gets a win over Gunner. And we got a cool Throwback Thursday with Beer Money (Fortune) vs. Immortal. I guess if we go by the usual booking 101, both faces will get their revenge at the PPV.
Backstage, Magnus was taping his fists for his match tonight. He talked about ending Abyss’s career and said that people need to understand whose time it is.
Anderson was down in Shaw’s basement. Shaw walked in, all freaked out, and the two got into a brawl. The camera man went upstairs where Shaw’s mom waved him goodbye. Shaw came up as well and hugged his mom.
Reaction: I have to say, these segments were very entertaining. I like the way TNA shoots this stuff; it just catches your eye. I’m kinda rooting for Anderson at Sacrifice so we can see more character development for Shaw in the loony bin.
The Beautiful People vs. Madison Rayne & Gail Kim
As the match started, the announcers mentioned that Brittany suffered a concussion. Gail and Madison took the fight to the Beautiful People. Gail went for a submission on Angelina, but Velvet broke it up. Madison cleaned house with some clotheslines. Velvet took out Gail on the outside as Madison worked over Angelina in the ring. As Madison knocked down Velvet, Angelina rolled her up from behind for the pin.
Reaction: Solid match. There was a lot of energy from both teams and it was pretty much what you’d expect with these four Knockouts. I would be fine with Gail turning face again, but we’ll see where that goes.
A video aired of Knux and his girlfriend having a good time in their hometown. She said she was leaving with Knux to go to TNA.
Backstage, Abyss talked about how Magnus is an arrogant prick. Abyss referenced someone as “he” and said tonight, the massacre of Magnus is for him.
A video aired of the Wolves hyping up their handicap match against the Bro Mans and DJ Z for the Tag Team Titles.
Magnus vs. Abyss
World Champion Eric Young came out for commentary. The match went to s commercial about a minute after the opening bell. Back from the break, Magnus took Abyss down and targeted the leg with some kicks. Magnus went for a leg lock, but Abyss kicked him out of the ring. Back in the ring, Magnus hit a low blow on Abyss for the DQ. Magnus grabbed a chair and unloaded on Abyss. Eric Young tried to make the save, but Magnus hit him with a low blow as well. Magnus continued to attack Abyss and EY with the chair as the show came to a close.
Reaction: Magnus worked a body part (Abyss’ leg) just like Desmond Wolfe used to do. It was basically an angle that killed two birds with one stone in terms of Abyss’ employment and the upcoming title match. I like this mean streak from Magnus. He made a statement tonight, plus it gives the strong impression that he might regain the title at Sacrifice.
