Source: Talon of TNAsylum.com
Eric Young walked into the office of MVP. MVP talked about how Dixie and Magnus ducked and dodged challenges but EY is a fighting champion. Young said he wants to defend his belt tonight. MVP handed EY a deck of cards to help him decide who he would face tonight.
Moments later, we had Mr. Anderson, Gunner and Bobby Roode in the room. All three won at Sacrifice. Since Eric Young had to win the title through a test of endurance, so will they. The person who picks the lowest two cards will wrestle to see who faces the person who grabs the highest card. The winner of that match faces Young for the title tonight. All three grabbed cards. Anderson and Gunner grabbed 4’s while Roode grabbed an Ace. It will be Anderson vs Gunner with the winner facing Roode.
Reaction: Its definitely a different way to determine a challenger. I like the idea of an endurance challenge. Like inserting Bobby Roode back into the title picture as well. It plays up to the theme of how EY won the title in the first place.
Magnus made his way to the ring. Magnus complained about not being in the title picture. He was the champion for four months. Magnus called MVP out and wanted to know why he wasn’t in a championship match. In the crowd, Abyss stood and walked towards the ring. Abyss and Magnus brawled around ringside where Abyss got the upperhand.
The announcers questioned the contract status of Abyss after last week. The Monster was going to use a steel chair but Magnus ducked. In the ring, Abyss ended up hitting a big chokeslam on the Brit. Abyss went under the ring and grabbed a chair but the fans chanted “we want Janice.” Abyss grabbed the board but Magnus retreated to the back before he could use it.
Reaction: I am pretty sure Abyss mentioned how he earned a contract in the post-show videos last week. The issues between Magnus and Abyss went at breakneck speed. One moment, Abyss gets hired as Magnus’ enforcer and the next, they are feuding.
We will get a Beautiful People Celebration and a match between Willow and James Storm tonight.
Bully Ray walked to the ring carrying a table. The table had “Dixie” spraypainted onto it. Ray talked about the finish of his match at Sacrifice. He was favoring his ribs saying one was bruised and one was fractured. Bully promised that if he saw Dixie Carter tonight, she was going through a table.
Backstage, a limo appeared and Dixie Carter arrived and talked on the phone. Carter ignored the camera man.
Reaction: I think it would be a huge moment if Dixie went through a table. They should probably save that for New York though, since its a hardcore audience and Bully’s hometown.
Backstage, Rockstar Spud ran up to Dixie and tried covering her up with a trash bag but Dixie told him not to. Spud said that Bully threatened to put Dixie through a table. Dixie wasn’t at all concerned. She told him that Bully was all bark and no bite. She was a lady and his boss. She doesn’t take kindly to being threatened.
Gunner vs Mr. Anderson
The winner of this match will advance to face Bobby Roode later tonight. Anderson and Gunner went back and forth with neither really getting a distinct advantage. Gunner took Anderson down and went up top. James Storm ran out of nowhere but was taken down. Storm missed a kick on Gunner but accidentally connected on Anderson. Moments later, Gunner hit the Hanger 18 for the win.
Storm didn’t appear too phased. Gunner looked as if he didn’t know what was going on.
Reaction: Short and quick match that transitions the Storm/Gunner feud into a Storm/Anderson feud. The question is if it was intentional or an accident.
Backstage, Magnus complained about not being in the title picture. A bearded man appeared behind him. Magnus called him Bram, hugged him and asked him what he was doing here. Bram said they needed to talk.
Reaction: Bram is the former Kenneth Cameron of the Ascension from NXT. Magnus knew him so my guess is that he is someone significant (a running buddy) from Magnus’ past.
Bram told Magnus he was there to knock sense into Magnus. He called Magnus an pathetic excuse compared to what he was. He called him an embarrassment. He asked him if he remembered the good old days. Did he remember the booze or the fights. He told Magnus that he went soft. Magnus told him to watch it but Bram shoved him into the locker. Bram said he was here for Magnus’ own good.
Reaction: Someone from Magnus’ past is helping him regain his edge that he lost. I like it. Magnus was treated as a cowardly heel so hopefully this rebuilds him and gets him another opportunity as the World Champion. I also love new talent so this is good for TNA.
EC3 was in the ring. In seven days, he goes one on one with Kurt Angle. This was supposed to happen at Lockdown, but he forced Angle into surgery. EC3 said that since Angle is back, he is very happy. He can’t validate himself until he defeats Kurt Angle. EC3 began bragging while the fans chanted “where’s your boyfriend.” EC3 said he needed a sparring partner who is quick like a gazelle. He then introduced Rockstar Spud.
EC3 vs Rockstar Spud
Exhibition Match
Spud wore headgear and a blue singlet (and a red bowtie). Spud and EC3 told the fans not to try this at home. Carter showed his amateur wrestling ability, taking down Spud numerous times. EC3 celebrated and Spud congratulated him.
EC3 grabbed a mic and told him to assume the position. Spud got down on all four. Carter went to grab Spud but Kurt Angle walked out with a mic. He called this cute. He warned him that if he showed up next week, he would be facing an angry Angle. Next week, he will beat him and end his undefeated streak. He will apply the Ankle Lock until he breaks EC3’s ankle. He told EC3 to enjoy walking the next week because in a week, the pain begins.
Reaction: EC3 and Spud are great. I loved Spud’s attire. Angle is just so sensitive everything. EC3 is just having a little fun.
The Beautiful People walked backstage. They talked about their celebration.
We got the Knux/Rebel segment from Sacrifice talking about Crazy Steve and The Freak. The Menagerie debuts next week.
Reaction: I am absolutely excited about the debut of the Menagerie. Its definitely different and different is often good.
Bobby Roode vs Gunner
Contender’s Match
Roode is fresh while Gunner wrestled less than an hour ago. Roode got cocky early on which allowed Gunner to gain the advantage with a headbutt. Roode begged off and then sent Gunner to the outside. He then continued the attack there. Roode slammed Gunner into the steel steps a few times. The assault continued in the ring.
Gunner caught Roode with a big Fallaway Slam and a series of strikes. He went for Hangar 18 but Roode raked the eyes. Gunner with a nearfall following a DDT. Roode went for the Roode Bomb but Gunner fought out and hit the Slingshot Suplex. Gunner off the top with a missed Headbutt. Roode Bomb by Bobby to pick up the win. Roode will challenge Eric Young later tonight.
Reaction: Another short but okay match. These things aren’t really kicking into the next gear but are effective in progressing the story. EY vs Roode could be a big match if built well over time.
Backstage, Dixie Carter was with security. She said that they needed to get the table set up near the ring. No matter what, they aren’t to leave her side.
Angelina Love read a letter to Velvet Sky. It was from the TNA Board of Directors telling her that since she is representing TNA, she needs to hold themselves as role models. They will start with how they dress as they will act like ladies. Angelina told Velvet that they will dress up but by the time its all done, nobody will know what they will be wearing.
Reaction: I wonder if the TNA Board of Directors will become more of a character heading forward. I don’t think making the Beautiful People wear more clothes will get them over with the fans.
Dixie Carter made her way to the ring surrounded by her security. They brought the “Dixie” table in the ring. Dixie sat on it and then bragged about putting Bully through a table at Sacrifice. Dixie said that Bully was hurt. She kept running her mouth about Bully threatening her. She said that Bully Ray should fear her.
Bully came out with a mic and chain in hand. He walked up to security at ringside and told them to move aside. He asked if they really wanted to stick up for Dixie. Deep down, every one of them would love to see him put her through the table. He told them to walk away. Security thought about it and then obliged.
Three security guys remained in the ring. Bully said he would count to five and then he would kick the crap out of them. After that, he will put Dixie through a table. The crowd finished the five count when security held him down. Bully powered out and took the three security guards out. Dixie went face-to-face with Bully and tried slapping him. He grabbed Dixie for a Powerbomb but MVP’s music hit.
MVP walked out and told Bully to leave her alone. MVP said this was his ring. He told Dixie to leave the ring. He said everything that happens in the ring is his responsibility. MVP said until further notice, both Dixie and Bully are barred from the IMPACT Zone.
Reaction: Not a popular decision by MVP. If Bully eventually puts Dixie through a table, that will be a huge moment for TNA. I am happy that Dixie is willing to get physical as it means she has more options as a character.
Willow vs James Storm
Storm went right on the attack immediately. He kept things up for the opening moments. Storm went for the Eye of the Storm but Willow fought back with his Leg Drop and creepy laugh. Willow with the Twist of Fate. He hit a really cool baseball slide splash thing. Willow hit a Springboard dive onto Storm at ringside. Willow laid Storm on the stairs and went to leg drop him with a chair under him but Storm got out of the way.
Storm grabbed a beer bottle and the referee told him to get rid of it. Storm shoved the referee which means he was disqualified. Storm cracked the bottle and had a shard of glass. Before he could use it, Willow hit him with his umbrella. Willow chased Storm up the ramp but Mr. Anderson appeared behind Storm. Anderson hit Storm with the Mic Check on Storm on the ramp.
The Bromans and DJ Z complained to MVP about the match at Sacrifice. MVP said they would team again with a very special partner. That match is happening next. After they left, Bully Ray walked up to MVP. Bully reminded him that he was the reason he was the Director of Wrestling Operations. MVP said whatever happens in the ring is his responsibility but whatever happens outside is out of his jurisdiction.
Eric Young was backstage and talked about Bobby Roode and his history with him. Tonight, they will find out who the better man was tonight.
DJ Z came out and introduced The Bromans. Their opponents were The Wolves and X Champion, Sanada.
The Bromans and DJ Z vs The Wolves and Sanada
The heels jumped the faces at the opening bell. The Wolves sent The Bromans to the outside and then launched DJ Z into them. They then dove onto him. In the ring, Robbie trash-talked all of his opponents but they all went after him. Things got more organized at that point.
The tag champions and DJ Z hit the Triple Boom on Eddie Edwards. Tenay announced that The Bromans would face The Wolves in a Ladder Match next week. Things broke down again with everyone going every direction. All three hit their finishers on DJ Z to get the victory.
Reaction: TNA needs more teams. I do look forward to the Ladder Match next week though. Solid six man tag!
The Beautiful People made their way to the ring. They were wearing dresses. Angelina talked about receiving a letter earlier but they take orders from nobody. They talked about taking it all off right now. They teased it trying to be sexy. They stopped in the middle of it and called the people disgusting and pathetic. Velvet said that they wrote the letter to set the fans up for something they never will have.
At that moment, Gail Kim walked to the ring. Gail said that they have made a mockery of the division that she built. Gail said she would make sure that they got stripped of EVERYTHING. The Beautiful People retreated but as they left, Madison Rayne and Brittany went after them from behind. They stripped Angelina and Velvet of their evening gowns sending them running.
Reaction: So the Beautiful People wrote a letter to themselves about a dress code so they could show the fans something they would never have? That doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. While I love Gail Kim, I don’t consider Gail vs Angelina a real fresh matchup. I am hoping Brittany gets a bit more involved or we get some new Knockouts soon.
Eric Young vs Bobby Roode
World Heavyweight Championship
We got a “Super Eric” chant from the crowd early on. Tenay ran down the history of EY and Roode as tag team champions. EY outwrestled Roode for the first few moments. This continued on into the commercial break.
Young landed hard on the outside. Roode capitalized on this to wear down EY systematically. Young fought back and connected with a dive on Roode to the outside. Roode countered the Piledriver and the two exchanged reversals leading to a Spinebuster from Roode. Both men’s finishers were countered when EY connected with the Piledriver for a very close fall.
Roode countered and hit the Roode Bomb for a nearfall of his own. The two exchanged fisticuffs. Roode went for a Top Rope Roode Bomb but EY countered sending Roode down hard. Young hit the Top Rope Elbow to retain the World Title.
Young looked shocked and then extended his hand to Roode. Roode grabbed it an EY pulled him up.
Reaction: Many fans see EY as a midcarder holding the World Heavyweight Title but these title defenses gain him credibility every week. Roode has an excuse since he wrestled twice. While I miss EY’s comedy side, I do think TNA is doing a good job building him up. That likely should have happened before he won the World Title though.
A camera man approached Bully Ray backstage. Bully said he was going to Nashville, Tennessee.
