Source: Talon of TNAsylum.com
Executive Director of TNA, Kurt Angle appeared in the crowd. Kurt hyped up tonight’s show with EC3 vs Rhino and The Hardys vs The Wolves vs Team 3D in a Tag Title Series. Angle said he wanted to congratulate a new number one contender but they don’t have one yet. When he sits down with Roode and EY and determines who the number one contender is. At that moment, the music of the World Champion as Lashley, MVP and Kenny King made their way to the ring.
MVP put over the World Champion and then made fun of New York City. He called them sissified savages with no class. MVP said if the NYPD were called to come out and put on chokeholds, they would all be laying flat. The King of New York is Bobby Lashley. At that moment, Tommy Dreamer walked to the ring with a mic.
Tommy talked about his friendship with MVP calling him one of the most underrated talents he has ever seen but he has a problem with his mouth. He called Kenny King a sellout. Dreamer called Lashley the most dominant champion this business has ever seen. Tommy was blindsided by Kenny King.
Reaction: This was probably the longest promo since TNA went to New York. I am tired of the Tommy Dreamer act but I don’t blame TNA if they feed him to Lashley. Having him tear through the competition is the best approach in keeping him strong.
As MVP was running his mouth, Tommy Dreamer laid out King with a kendo stick. Kurt Angle announced Lashley vs Tommy Dreamer in a New York City Street Fight tonight. A Kenny King distraction allowed Lashley to lay Dreamer out as the bell rang.
Lashley vs Tommy Dreamer
New York City Street Fight
Dreamer was wailing on Lashley when we returned from commercial. Lashley blocked a stick shot and hit a physical Belly to Belly Suplex sending him into the ramp. In the ring, Lashley locked in a Bear Hug until Dreamer bit his way out of it. Moments later, Dreamer was able to connect with the DDT but the World Champion kicked out at two.
Dreamer came off the top with a Kendo Stick but Lashley derailed him with a Clothesline. He followed it up with an explosive Spear to pick up the victory.
Reaction: Fun little hardcore match. They had to add the stip to give Dreamer an edge. It served it purpose by giving Lashley another victim.
Madison Rayne was interviewed backstage. She said she has heard all about Taryn Terrell since she got back but now its time for Taryn to hear about Madison Rayne.
A “Havok” vignette teased her debut next week.
Samuel Shaw was drawing something in a hotel room. He was drawing the New York skyline. Gunner got a text from somebody and then took off. After he left, Samuel Shaw went over to Gunner’s army gear and checked it out.
Taryn Terrell vs Madison Rayne
No entrances for either girl. This is a #1 Contender Match. Both ladies chain-wrestled early on. Things heated up a bit afterwards. Taryn bit a number of clotheslines followed by a Flipping Neckbreaker for two. She got another two-count with a Flying Crossbody. Madison tried using the ropes to pin Taryn but the referee caught her. Taryn hit a Cutter move to win the match.
Reaction: Taryn lost a lot of momentum since last year. It sounded like some fans were booing this match. It did its job of establishing Madison as the next challenger for Gail Kim.
Bobby Roode was going into Kurt’s office to determine a new #1 contender. EY was in the room eating Kurt’s fruit. Kurt came in and told the cameraman to turn off his camera so they could get down to business.
Gunner returned to his hotel room to see Samuel Shaw in his camouflage. Shaw saluted him. Gunner told Shaw to take it off or he would.
Homicide, DJ Z and Manik vs Low Ki, Tigre Uno and Crazzy Steve
The heels jumped Low Ki at the opening bell. Tigre was purple for this match. Tigre hit his signature Hurricanrana move on DJ and then a modified Samoan Drop on Manik. DJ Z pushed Uno off the top to give the heels the advantage.
Low Ki made the hot tag and did his signature spots to Manik. Manik went for Death from Below but Low hit a beautiful Double Foot Stomp. Things broke down as four men hit dives on the outside. Manik went for a dive but Low Ki caught him with a kick followed by the Ki Krusher to gain the win for his team.
Reaction: The overall theme about the X Division is total nonstop action. They put a bunch of guys in a match and let them hit their spots. It creates a unique match even if I want to see more singles matches between two stars. The chaos provides a unique piece to the show though.
Backstage, Bobby Roode and Eric Young exited Kurt Angle’s office. Kurt thanked them for being professionals. How that will be handled will be announced next.
Rhino cut a promo backstage. The War Machine said money bought EC3 a one way ticket straight to hell. He will rip him in half with a Gore.
Bobby Roode was in the ring. He recapped last week’s main event. Roode announced that another #1 Contender’s Match would take place next week pitting him vs Eric Young. EY came out. Roode reviewed their history together (Team Canada, teaming and enemies). Last week they battled again. It was a battle that could have gone either way. Roode said if he had to earn a title shot, he would have it against no other person.
EY pretty much repeated what Roode said. EY said he is always asked is who the best wrestler in the world today and his answer is Bobby Roode. EY said next week he would be better. Roode said next week they would tear the roof off this son of a bitch.
Reaction: What a waste of time. Its hard to believe anyone considers Eric Young the best in the world. Roode is definitely a few levels above Young . This segment didn’t really accomplish anything after the match was announced. Pointless.
Bromans and DJ Z were backstage. JB walked up and asked them what they were doing. They were having a Tinder competition to see who got the most matches. DJ said that they tied. They both said that they matched with a TNA Knockout. They wouldn’t show JB who that was. They were competitive saying they would take her home next week.
EC3 vs Rhino
Rhino immediately took the fight to EC3. Spud was ringside with a regular suit (disappointing). EC3 mocked Sting with a Stinger Splash in the corner. Rhino battled back with rights, shoulder tackles and a TKO. Rhino went for the Gore but Rockstar Spud distracted the referee. EC3 followed that up with a low blow for a nearfall. Rhino’s Belly to Belly Suplex was followed up by another Gore attempt. Spud was laid out which allowed EC3 to take a chair to the War Machine for the DQ loss.
Spud tried stopping EC3 from using the chair but EC3 shoved him aside. The Carter left the ring with Spud looking on in shock.
Reaction: I fully expect this feud to continue as EC3 continues to unleash his aggressive side. While he is a great comedy character, a new serious side will only help him elevate. I wonder if these two pay things off at Bound For Glory.
James Storm came to the ring with a mic in hand. He said he is the leader of a revolution. A revolution with many men who will undergo a rebirth. He introduced his protege, The Great Sanada. Sanada had dark hair and facepaint which resembled Great Muta.
Great Sanada vs Austin Aries
In Japan, Aries defeated Sanada to become X Division Champion. Aries took down Sanada with a number of arm drags. He locked in the Last Chancery moments later. Sanada bowed to James Storm at ringside. Sanada choked Aries in the center of the ring.
Sanada continued to use cheap tactics to maintain and regain his advantage. Aries kept slamming Sanada’s head into the ring post, pinballing him between two pads. Aries followed it up with a big dive to the outside. Aries went for the Brainbuster in the ring but Sanada bit his hand. As Sanada distracted the ref, James Storm shoved him off the ropes. Sanada followed this with Green Mist to the eyes followed by a brutal superkick to the kneeling Aries to pick up the win.
Reaction: Huge win for Sanada. I like TNA playing off the history of Aries and Sanada to establish The Great Sanada character. The Storm revolution is the most intriguing thing about the current product. I am interested in seeing who else Storm plans on transforming.
We got a promotional video for Chris Melendez talking about his time in the military and losing his leg. There were clips of him being interviewed. Melendez has been training to become a pro wrestler.
In the ring, Kurt Angle was in the ring with Team 3D and Mr. Anderson. Kurt introduced Chris Melendez, who came out to a modified rock version of the Star Spangled Banner. There was a loud “USA” chant with fans holding mini flags. Kurt said what he did for this country pales in comparison to what he did. He revealed that Melendez was an amputee.
Anderson took the mic and said his favorite charity called Wounded Warrior. Anderson talked about how he was introduced to Chris Melendez. Anderson said he didn’t have a ring but he did know of two guys who did have a ring (Team 3D). Bully took the mic and talked about how he met Chris, Chris’ training and more. Bully said giving Chris this opportunity is one of the proudest moments of his career. All the guys in the ring celebrated.
Reaction: Its a nice heartfelt story that is getting TNA good publicity. Its not the most interesting thing to get fans hooked but sometimes you sacrifice time like this to do something like this. I understand why TNA did it. Melendez will be the ultimate hero.
The Hardys vs The Wolves vs Team 3D
Match 1 of the Tag Title Series
I am going to lay out for most of this match just to enjoy it. Highlights will come later.
A lot of back and forth action with many nearfalls. Team 3D picked up the victory following the 3D on Eddie Edwards. The show came to a close with the announcers questioning what kind of match Team 3D would choose.
Reaction: Excellent match with a lot of great exchanges. These three teams are going to have a great series of matches and they kicked things off strong with this match. Great way to close out IMPACT.
