TNA Impact Wrestling
Orlando, Florida (Impact Wrestling Zone)
July 26, 2012
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
This week Impact Wrestling opens up with the regular recap of last week’s events and then Sting’s music hits and the Insane Icon makes his way down to the ring. Sting says Hulk Hogan is at home right now with metal plates in his back all at the hands of the Ace’s & 8’s. He says that Dixie has asked him to step in as Interim GM for Hogan while he’s out and his first order of business tonight is to say that he’s alone and he’s calling Ace’s & 8’s out right now!
Austin Aries’ music hits and the World Champ makes his way down to the ring to stand alongside Sting. Aries says he admires Sting’s courage but everyone knows that it’s a numbers game with Ace’s & 8’s and when you jump the World Champ you’re trying to make a statement. Aries says he has a statement to make and that’s if any of the Ace’s & 8’s shows up tonight he’ll be doing the jumping and that’ll be his statement. Aries says it’s not a threat, it’s a promise and then Kurt Angle’s music hits and the Olympic Hero makes his way down to the ring to join Aries & Sting.
Angle says Ace’s & 8’s tried to hurt him physically and they tried to take away his shot at the World Title so he wants to fight these “sons of bitches” too. Bobby Roode’s music hits now!
The former champ walks onto the stage and tells the babyfaces to relax and says he’s not out here to fight any of them or to have their backs. He says the reason he’s out here is to point out the obvious. He says that he knows who’s been behind these attacks and Roode’s microphone goes out so Angle offers his while Aries says that’s what happens when you’re not the champ anymore. Roode says the man behind these attacks is a man that hasn’t been in the World Title picture in almost a year and a man that has been pissed off at Roode for a very long time. He says that man is jealous of Aries and a man that was scheduled to face Kurt Angle last week. Roode says the man behind all of this is James Storm! None of the babyfaces seem convinced but Roode says that he’s known Storm for over 4 years and he knows how Storm manipulates people and how he’s a piece of crap.
Storm runs down the ramp and jumps Roode! Storm tosses Roode into the ring and jumps all over him! Roode comes back on Storm but then Storm tackles him. Angle looks like he’s going to separate them but Sting stops him and lets the fight go. Storm and Roode continue to brawl for several minutes until finally Angle drags Storm away and Roode bails out of the ring. Roode screams “I TOLD YOU SO!” and says the truth hurts. Angle holds Storm back as Roode continues to scream that Storm is the man behind A’s & 8’s.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back Tara talks about Chavo Guerrero Jr. and says that she’s known him ever since she broke into the business. Kid Kash talks about him as well saying that their paths have crossed in the past and it would be interesting to see them cross in TNA. Angle says that he’s had some amazing matches with Chavo (the Los Guerreros vs. Angle & Benoit vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. & Edge 3-way tag feud comes to mind) and he thinks Chavo is an excellent technician and one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Roode is shown retreating in the back as he continues to scream about Storm being behind all of this. He says he KNOWS what makes Storm tick and then he grabs his bags and says he’s out of here since nobody wants to believe him.
As Gail & Madison make their way down to the ring a clip of Madison making out with Earl Hebner 3 weeks ago is shown. Did we really need to see that disturbing display again? Earl is the referee for this match and Madison keeps waving to him as she and Gail come into the ring.
Gail Kim & Madison Rayne vs. “Hardcore Country” Mickie James & Tara
Tenay reveals that these same four knockouts will be facing off in a 4-Way with the winner facing Tessmacher at Hardcore Justice. Tara and Gail kick this one off and lockup as the bell rings. Gail hits Tara with a knee and then puts her in a wristlock but Tara cartwheels out of it and into a wristlock of her own. Gail shoves Tara into the corner and then charges at Tara but Tara moves out of the way and then catches Gail with an armdrag. Tara holds onto the armbar and then tags in Mickie. Tara hits a Snapmare Takeover on Gail and then Mickie hits a sliding dropkick on Gail for a nearfall. Mickie puts a wristlock on Gail but Gail kicks her with a stiff leg kick and then springs to the top and dives off with a Diving Armdrag, but Mickie holds onto Gail’s arm as they land keeping an armbar on her. Mickie picks Gail up and whips her into the ropes and hits a Thesz Press. Mickie hits a series of right hands on Gail and then attempts to whip Gail into the ropes again but this time Gail reverses it and Madison kicks Mickie in the back from the apron. Gail then follows up with a clothesline to a stumbling Mickie and puts the boots to her. Gail tosses Mickie into the corner and chokes her as she tags in Madison. Madison chokes Mickie and then slams her to the mat before flirting with Earl again. Mickie goes for a clothesline on Madison but Madison ducks it and hits a Jawbreaker and then a clothesline for a nearfall. Madison whips Mickie into the corner and then charges at Mickie with a Running Hip Attack, but Mickie sidesteps her and tags in Tara! Tara hits Madison with a series of big right hands and then whips her into the ropes and hits a series of clotheslines followed by the Spider’s Web! 1…2…NO Gail breaks it up! Mickie tags back in and they each grab a leg and then roll forward taking Madison with them and then put Madison in an insane Double Crab as Gail looks on! Gail climbs up top and dives off with a Double Missile Dropkick but Mickie & Tara let go of Madison’s legs and block the Dropkick and then lock Gail in a Double Heel Hook! Madison screams at Earl to break up the double team move but Mickie rolls her up into a bridge! 1…2…Madison gets her shoulder up and 3! Earl claims that both girls shoulders were down but Madison got hers up before Mickie (Mickie definitely got hers up before Madison).
Winners: Madison & Gail via pinfall
Mickie & Tara argue with Hebner but he doesn’t relent and holds up Madison’s arm again.
In the back Sting talks with Aries as the two look into his office where several X-Division stars are standing around. Sting says these guys need direction but he can’t do it because he has so much on his mind but Aries can give them that direction. Sting wants Aries to make the decision on who stays and who goes in the X-Division. Aries agrees to do it and as he walks in I can see Dakota Darsow and Sonjay Dutt but that’s about it. There seems to be about 6 guys in there.
A Gut Check vignette highlights Sam Shaw and he talks about showing what he’s about but doesn’t tell us who he is at all. He says he’s nervous because he loves wrestling so much and he’s more excited than anything.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Hernandez talks about Chavo and he says he has just one word to describe it: “increible” (Spanish for incredible). Gunner talks about the Guerrero name and how legendary it is but he says if Chavo is going to prove himself to Gunner he has to be tougher than him. Bully Ray says Chavo is just another Guerrero for him to beat up and push around.
Gut Check Challenge
Sam Shaw vs. Douglas Williams
Apparently no one gave Shaw the advice to get some real wrestling gear if he’s going to be on National TV. Is this dude wearing SNEAKERS too? Who are you, John Cena? Williams shoves Shaw into the ropes but eats a shoulder block and then Shaw bounces off the ropes again. Williams goes for a backdrop but as Williams lifts him in the air Shaw shows off some impressive athleticism by flipping in midair and landing on his feet. Shaw follows up with a dropkick and then a clothesline and a back elbow. Shaw whips Williams into the ropes and hits a backdrop of his own but Williams comes right back with a knee to the gut. Shaw answers with a Backcracker and then a Neckbreaker! Shaw covers Williams and gets a nearfall as the fans are actually getting behind him a little. Shaw hits a Scoop Slam and then climbs up top as we can see Joey Ryan at ringside. Shaw seems a little distracted by Ryan showing up. Ryan and several fans are holding up signs that say 87%. Williams gets to his feet and grabs Shaw’s leg and tosses him off the top. Al Snow comes down to ringside with security to get Ryan escorted out but Ryan punches Snow CLEAN on the jaw laying Snow out! I mean Snow I got BELTED! Snow gets to his feet and chases Ryan through the crowd. In the ring Williams hits a Lariat and then reigns down a series of rights on Shaw before connecting with an Uppercut. Williams whips Shaw into the corner and hits a Running Knee followed by a T-Bone Suplex! Williams grabs Shaw and talks trash to Shaw, pointing his finger in Shaw’s face. Shaw slaps Williams’ hand away so Williams bitch slaps Shaw in the face! Williams then hits a NASTY Rolling Chaos for the pin.
Winner: Williams via pinfall (Rolling Chaos)
In the back Austin Aries is with the X-Division and he says they have some business to attend to. He says he has the decision to decide who faces Zema Ion for the belt. Rashad Cameron makes his case and then Kenny King says Darsow has been getting his ass kicked on Impact every week for the last month so he needs to be gone. Sonjay says he was in the X-Division longer than anyone else in there combine and the only thing he didn’t do was win that belt and it’s his destiny to do so. Sonjay says the only reason Zema even won Ultimate X was because he pulled out that hairspray. Aries tells Zema he hasn’t offered anything to this conversation and then he hands Zema a poster of Aries from the wall and tells him he can take that and leave. Rashad Cameron says Sonjay was in TNA for 6 years and didn’t win the belt and there’s a reason for that. Kenny King says Sonjay has been tested and he ain’t ready and Rashad is tough but he ain’t ready neither. Kenny says he’s the ONLY one ready in there. Sonjay says he beat Rashad at DX and he had his hands ON the belt. Aries says the Rashad Movement is about to move right out the door as he argues with Aries so Rashad is eliminated.
Chavo is debuting next.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Bellator Welterweight Ben Saunders is sitting ringside.
Chavo Guerrero Jr. makes his way down to the ring as Tenay runs down the Guerrero family talking about Gory, Hector, Mondo, Eddie, and Chavo Sr. as Chavo makes his entrance. For those unaware one of Chavo’s legendary uncles, Hector, is a longtime TNA Spanish Commentator. Chavo is the son of Chavo Guerrero Sr. and nephew of the legendary Eddie Guerrero (R.I.P.). As Chavo gets into the ring a big “Chavo” chant starts up as Chavo introduces himself to the fans. A shot of Hector is shown at the Spanish Announce table. Chavo says he’s very humbled to be in the TNA ring right now and thanks the fans and one thing the Guerrero family has always done, that would be to conquer the ring and be a champion on every continent and every company they’ve ever been in. He says the Guerrero’s have to conquer TNA but that is about to change. Chavo says when he looks in the eyes of the wrestlers backstage he sees hunger and he sees guys (and girls) hungry to steal the show and be the best every night. Chavo says that is why he’s here right now and he is here to BEAT the best. Chavo says that timing is everything and that is one thing the Guerrero’s have always had. Chavo tells the fans to remember this date because it’s time, it’s Guerrero time, it’s time for Chavo Jr. to be a champion in TNA. Chavo ends it with “Viva la Raza, Viva Guerrero!” but Kid Kash interrupts him!
Kid Kash walks down with Gunner and Kash says what Guerrero is trying to say is that the Guerrero family is legendary. Kash asks if everyone was a wrestler in the Guerrero family and Kash asks Chavo where he’s been. Kash says Chavo is trying to claim that the Guerrero family is wrestling royalty. Kash asks Chavo where his family is right now but Chavo says his family is surrounding the ring right now (the fans). Kash says he’s not talking to these “government funded jerkoffs” (ouch), he’s talking to Chavito. He says he wants to know where his father is. Kash talks about Eddie and Chavo Sr. being legends and he asks why Chavo Sr. isn’t here. He says is it because he’s too old or is it because Chavo Sr. is just too drunk. Did somebody tell Kash to shoot because that was a shoot. Chavo punches Kash and then goes after Gunner! Kash and Gunner get the numbers game on Chavo but then Hernandez runs down and makes the save! Hernandez takes Gunner out of the ring and then Chavo hits a dropkick sending Kash out! Hernandez and Chavo hug and Hernandez holds up Chavo’s arm!
In the back Angle talks with Storm and says he knows Roode is full of crap but he has to make sure there is no connection with Storm and A’s & 8’s. Storm says if he has a problem with ANYBODY he’ll come right to your face and Angle should know that better than just about anyone. Angle asks Storm if he has their backs if A’s & 8’s attacks tonight. Angle walks away and Storm puts his head down.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back Taz, Al Snow, and Bruce Prichard discuss Sam Shaw’s match but things move to Joey Ryan. Snow goes crazy talking about Ryan, calling him a jackass and says if Ryan wants his attention, he has it. They finally talk about Shaw. Taz says he liked Shaw and says he looked real good. Prichard says he got distracted by Ryan too but what he did see was good.
A vignette covering the AJ-Crackhead Claire drama is shown.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
BFG Series Match
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
Storm and AJ lockup in this battle of former Fortune teammates. Storm gets AJ in a side headlock but AJ shoves him into the ropes only to eat a shoulder bock as we see Crackhead Claire in the audience. Storm goes for a Hip Toss but AJ counters into a rollup! 1…2…NO Storm kicks out and then gets AJ in a backslide for a nearfall of his own. They stare each other down and then Storm catches AJ with a series of right hands and then he slams AJ into the turnbuckles and lights him up with chops. Storm tosses AJ headfirst into the opposite turnbuckle and then covers him for a nearfall before going right back into a headlock. AJ fights to his feet and breaks the hold with a right hand and then he bounces off the ropes but Storm kicks him and then hits a nice Double Underhook Suplex! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! Storm whips AJ into the ropes and connects with a big backdrop and then locks in a chinlock on the Phenomenal One. AJ fights back up to his feet and breaks the hold with back elbows. AJ tosses Storm into the ropes and then leapfrogs him but then as he drops down and Storm leaps over him, Storm stops anticipating the Phenomenal Dropkick and kicks AJ. Storm then hits a Facebreaker and bounces off the ropes again but AJ catches him with the Phenomenal Dropkick! 1…2…NO Storm kicks out! AJ picks Storm up and goes for a Scoop Slam but Storm blocks it and goes for a German Suplex, but AJ runs Storm into the turnbuckles to break the hold. AJ hits a Snap Suplex and gets a nearfall and then he locks in a chinlock of his own on the Cowboy. Storm fights it off and explodes with right hands on AJ and then he runs AJ into the corner with a Shoulder Block. Storm hits a clothesline and then a Hot Shot sending AJ into the ropes! Storm then hits a Flying Forearm, 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! AJ answers back with a leg kick and then he charges at Storm but Storm gets AJ up on his shoulders! AJ blocks whatever Storm was planning and goes into a Waistlock and then a Back Suplex! 1…2…NO Storm kicks out! AJ whips Storm into the corner and then goes for a Flying Forearm but Storm moves out of the way and then he lifts AJ up onto the top rope! Storm climbs up top with AJ but AJ catches Storm with a back elbow! AJ stands up on the top but Strom climbs right back up with AJ, AJ then nails Storm’s head into his knee knocking Storm back down to the apron! AJ sets up for something on the top but Storm clotheslines AJ’s legs crotching him on the top turnbuckle! Storm grabs AJ off the top and hits the Eye of the Storm! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! Storm shows frustration for the first time as AJ kicked out. Storm knocks AJ into the corner and then whips AJ into the opposite corner and charges in with a Running Clothesline. Storm climbs up top and goes for the Swinging Noose but AJ is able to catch him with a knee to the head. AJ then goes to swing at Storm but Storm catches him with a right hand. Storm then goes for a Tornado DDT but AJ blocks it and Northern Lights Suplexes Storm into the turnbuckles! GOOD LORD! 1…2…NO Storm kicks out! AJ climbs out to the apron and hits the Springboard Flying Forearm! 1…2…..NO Storm still kicks out! Now AJ showing his frustration! AJ grabs Storm and sets up for the Styles Clash but Storm blocks it and counters into an Alabama Slam! ROLL DAMN TIDE! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out again! AJ rolls out to the apron and Storm follows. AJ and Storm exchange kicks and right hands on the apron but then Storm catches AJ with a DDT onto the apron! Storm rolls AJ back in, 1…2…NO AJ kicks out yet again! Storm cannot believe that AJ kicked out again. Storm picks AJ up but AJ explodes out of nowhere with a Leaping Enziguri! AJ grabs Storm and attempts the Styles Clash again but Storm shoves him away and nails AJ with the Closing Time! Storm says it’s time for the Last Call but AJ blocks it and hits the Pele out of absolutely nowhere! Holy crap! Ace’s & 8’s slide into the ring and jump AJ! While 3 of them attack AJ 3 others stand guard in front of the ring so no one can save him!
Winner: NO CONTEST
The guys on the outside are laying out security as AJ is laid out in the ring. They never touched Storm.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break commercials of what just went down is shown and Tenay reveals that both AJ and Storm get two points for that match because it was a draw. In the back James Storm is approached by Jason Hervey and the camera and points out that they attacked AJ but didn’t attack Storm. Storm screams at him and asks him if he’s accusing him of something. Storm slams Hervey against the wall and says he doesn’t know ANYTHING about Storm and he doesn’t need help to whoop a man’s ass. Storm says the next time he accuses him of something he better know the truth.
JB brings Sam Shaw back out to the ring for the evaluation with Taz, Snow, and Prichard. Shaw says even though he came up short, you can see he has the intensity, drive, and determination to be one of the best. Shaw asks them to please “say yes to Sam Shaw.” Snow says unfortunately because of some jackass he really didn’t get to see what he did but nothing would make him happier than to stick it up Ryan’s ass and say yes, but he’s going to have to say no. Prichard says he and Snow haven’t disagreed on anyone yet during this thing but he did get to see Shaw’s match while Snow was getting punched out. Prichard says Shaw did a hell of a job and his answer is yes. Shaw says that if he can show half the fortitude that Taz showed in ’99 when he called himself the “Bush League Shooter” he can do it. He says he wants to work with the best talent in wrestling. Taz says he loves Shaw’s athleticism and intensity and he took his eye of the ball tonight but tonight he says yes. Maybe this fool can buy some real ring gear now.
In the back Aries discusses things with the X-Division guys and he’s taking down their ethnicities calling Dutt “Himalayan American”, King “African American”, and Darsow “Russian American” since his dad was a “Russian sympathizer.” Dutt asks Aries who else in the X-Division could dislocate their shoulder twice in the same match and still almost win the belt if it wasn’t for the hair spray to the face. King says he has the size, speed, looks, and charisma to get it done and Aries left a very big hole in the X-Division and he’s the only one that can run with the ball, so you might as well call him Emmitt Smith. Darsow says he brings something different to the X-Division with his size and domination, but Aries says the X-Division is sometimes flashy and pretty so he’s not ready yet. King tells him that “boots are made for walking” and then Aries tells Darsow to tell his dad hello since his Repo business is doing great. Aries says he’ll make the decision between the two remaining later.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Zema Ion makes his way down to the ring to defend his strap. In the back Aries with King & Dutt when Bruce Prichard accidentally walks into frame in a hilarious moment (his face was priceless). That’s live TV fellows. Aries says that he talked to the doctor and he’s not sure if he’s ready yet and tonight they’re giving King the shot tonight. He says Sonjay isn’t far behind but he just needs to get that shoulder healthy.
TNA X-Division Championship
Zema Ion (c) vs. Kenny King
King tells Zema to wave goodbye to his belt. They lockup and King forces Zema into the corner but breaks clean. Zema grabs the hairspray and sprays it into his hair and then says he’s ready now. They lockup again and Zema knees King in the gut and then trips him. Zema hits the ropes and King nips up to his feet quickly and sidesteps the charging Zema and connects with a dropkick! King hits Zema with elbows and chops in the corner and then whips Zema into the opposite corner. King hits a Flying Back Elbow and then snaps Zema across the top rope as King leaps over to the floor and lands on his feet! King then springboards off the top Springboard Flying Cross Body! 1…2…NO Zema kicks out! King hits a Snap Suplex and then rolls backwards into a series of right hands on Zema. King attempts to whip Zema into the corner again but this time Zema reverses it and then charges at King but eats a back elbow! King climbs up top but Zema shoves him off sending King crashing to the floor! Zema hits a beautiful Somersault Plancha over the top onto King on the floor! Looks like Zema’s lip is busted open. Zema climbs up top and dives off with a Missile Dropkick! Zema chokes King on the middle rope and then hits Double Knee Strike across the back of King! Zema covers King and gets a nearfall and then locks King in a combination Chicken Wing and Chinlock. King breaks it with back elbows but then Zema knocks King to the mat and slams him headfirst into the turnbuckles. Zema whips King hard into the corner and then he lights King up with chops! Zema whips King into the opposite corner and then taunts him and the fans. Zema hits a Forearm Smash and then whips King into the opposite corner yet again, but this time King floats up and over the charging Zema and into a rollup! 1…2…NO Zema kicks out! King gets to his feet and goes for a Leaping Spinning Heel Kick, but Zema ducks and then hits the Hostile Makeover! 1…2…NO King kicks out! Zema picks King up but King slaps him away and hits the ropes but Zema catches him with a back elbow. Zema bounces off the ropes but runs right into a Leaping Spinning Heel Kick from King! King follows up with a Clothesline and then a Back Elbow. King attempts to whip Zema into the ropes but Zema counters into a knee to the gut. Zema then goes for a clothesline but King ducks and hits an Atomic Drop followed by a Spinning Enziguri! King then hits an Arm & Leg’s T-Bone Suplex, Taz style! King backdrops Zema over the top but Zema lands on the apron only to eat a Leaping Enziguri! Zema crashes to the floor and King follows out with a Corkscrew Plancha over the top onto Zema on the floor! King tosses Zema back into the ring and then King sets up for a high spot as Zema distracted the referee. King screams at the referee to move but Bobby Roode runs out and slams King into the ring post and then tosses him back into the ring! Zema hits a Diving Moonsault out of the corner, 1…2…3!
Winner & STILL X-Division Champ: Zema via pinfall (Moonsault)
Aries jumps Roode on the ramp and Roode runs to the back as Aries goes to check on King.
In the back Bully Ray says he has no level of concern for A’s & 8’s because he doesn’t have to beat them to get points in the BFG Series and they’d be “schmucks” to come after him. Ray says he has a lot of respect for Angle and he says that on “Twittah” today he called Kurt Angle the best wrestler in the world, but Angle knows damn well that Ray is the one guy that can go right through Angle. Ray says he’s the toughest guy in wrestling, period.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Highlights from Aries’ win at DX is shown hyping up the rematch at Hardcore Justice. Tenay reveals that next week Roode will team with Ion to face Aries & King!
Main Event
BFG Series Match
Bully Ray vs. “Olympic Hero” Kurt Angle
Angle and Ray lockup and Ray forces Angle into the corner but he breaks clean. They lockup again and this Angle gets Ray in a waistlock but Ray reverses it. Angle counters again and then goes for the Olympic Slam but Ray blocks it and then goes for a Big Boot, but Angle ducks and they stare each other down. Ray looks like he’s about to lockup again but backs away and then finally locks up with Angle. Ray hits a knee to the gut and starts beating on Angle. Ray goes for a Bully Bomb but Angle blocks it and trips Ray and goes for the Ankle Lock! Ray quickly gets to the ropes and then they lockup again and this time Angle gets Ray in a wristlock and slams his elbow down onto Ray’s arm. Angle whips Ray into the ropes and goes for a backdrop but Ray stops and slaps Angle on the back and then hits a Piledriver! Ray rolls Angle over and covers him but Angle’s feet were in the ropes. Angle rolls out to the floor and sells his many times injured neck.
—–COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Ray covers Angle for a nearfall and then covers him again for another nearfall. Ray hits Angle with a jab and then an elbow to the top of the head. Ray hits the ropes but Angle catches him with a nasty Lariat! Angle continues to sell the neck but then hits a series of rights on Ray. Angle attempts to whip Ray into the ropes but Ray reverses it only to eat a Forearm Smash from Angle! Angle charges at Ray in the corner but Ray gets his boot up! Ray then runs right into a Belly-to-Belly Overhead Suplex from Angle! 1…2…NO Ray kicks out! Angle goes for the Olympic Slam but Ray blocks it and hits the Bully Bomb! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! Ray goes for a Rock Bottom but Angle blocks it and hits an elbow followed by the Rolling German Suplexes! After 3 German Suplexes Angle locks in the Ankle Lock! Ray rolls through to break the hold and then slaps Angle HARD across the chest! Angle answers with a slap across the face and the two start exchanging SICKENING chops and slaps! Finally Ray lifts Angle HIGH up into the air with a Rock Bottom! 1…2…NO Angle BARELY kicks out! Ray goes for a Running Big Boot but Angle ducks and hits the Olympic Slam! 1…2…NO Ray kicks out! Angle climbs up top and dives off with the Picture Perfect Moonsault, but Ray rolls out of the way! Ray then goes for a Bully Cutter but Angle shoves him away and then walks into the Big Boot from Ray! 1…2…NO Angle still kicks out and Ray cannot believe it! Ray charges at Angle in the corner but Angle moves and hits the Olympic Slam again! 1…2…3!
Winner: Angle via pinfall (Olympic Slam)
Right after the match A’s & 8’s hits the ring and jumps Angle again! They are beating him down until AJ Styles, Sting, and Austin Aries hit the ring! The fight is truly on now! All hell has broken loose! Storm’s music hits and he storms the ring! As Storm hit’s the ring A’s & 8’s ALL stop at once, throw their hands up, and leave the ring. All of the other babyfaces look at Storm in confusion as A’s & 8’s back down. Angle looks at Storm and points and you can see him mouth the words “what the f*ck was that?!” as Tenay reveals that he was just told Storm will face Angle next week in the match we were supposed to get last week!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Wow, tonight may have been the best in-ring action we’ve been given in a REALLY long time. Seriously, there wasn’t a single bad match on the card (in my opinion).
The opening was really well done with the babyfaces all standing tall only to have Bobby Roode plant that seed of doubt into their heads about Storm. It could all be a nice ploy by Roode to make everyone THINK it’s Storm only for him to be behind it (I don’t see that happening though). Storm’s intensity tonight was really great and everything really played into that doubt about him nicely from them not attacking Storm while they laid AJ out and then all backing away when Storm came down. I like the actual direction that the group showed this week rather than random attacks last week.
The opening Knockouts Tag was solid and those are the 4 best Knockouts in TNA so the 4-Way next week should be really good. I want to see Mickie & Tara team up and try and make those KO Tag Titles mean something, a feud with Sarita & Rosita would be great.
Sam Shaw actually looked pretty good, the dude is definitely athletic as hell. He just LOOKS like a damn scrub. Joey Ryan continues to be entertaining as hell.
Storm and AJ may have put on the Impact Match of the Year. Good lord those two went ALL OUT and had an unbelievable match and the finish actually works for me because both look really strong in the situation. Did Crackhead Claire look psychotic as hell in the crowd or what? Somebody must have hid her crack pipe.
Chavo’s debut was solid, he’s never been very good on the microphone, but Kash is always entertaining so that helped and I’m really shocked that Chavo was cool with Kash bringing up his dad’s real life drinking problem in that promo. Hernandez getting a rub by standing tall with Chavo was nice and I think that could be a solid team but neither is very good at talking so I don’t know how they’re going to get over there. Hector COULD go that route but he tried being the mouthpiece for L.A.X. in the past and that didn’t work out. I’m interested to see what Chavo has left in the ring because it’s been quite awhile since I’ve seen him. Yes, I know he was a part of Ring Ka King but I never saw anything from it.
Zema and King put on a GREAT match and King looked as good as ever while Zema had his best singles match in TNA. We need a rematch between those two on PPV. King has a GREAT future in the X-Division.
The Main Event was another AWESOME match, Angle and Ray beat the hell out of each other, and really put it out there. I would put both BFG Series Matches from tonight up there with the best BFG matches thus far (AJ-Angle and Angle-Joe from earlier this year). Great stuff.
The brawl at the end with the babyfaces finally putting up a fight against the invaders was nice too. TNA is kicking it into high gear right now.
QUICK RESULTS
1) Madison Rayne & Gail Kim def. Mickie James & Tara
2) Gut Check: Douglas Williams def. Sam Shaw
3) BFG Series: James Storm fought AJ Styles to a NO CONTEST (2 points for each)
4) TNA X-Division Title: Zema Ion (c) def. Kenny King to retain the title!
5) BFG Series: Kurt Angle def. Bully Ray via pinfall (7 points)
– Promo/Segment of the Night: Opening segment
– Match of the Night: Storm vs. AJ (****)
– Overall Grade: A
BFG Series Standings
1) Samoa Joe (47 points)
2) James Storm (45 points)
3) Kurt Angle (34 points)
4) Mr. Anderson (30 points)
5) Jeff Hardy (28 points)
6) Rob Van Dam (21 points)
7) Christopher Daniels (19 points)
8) AJ Styles (16 points)
9) Magnus (14 points)
10) The Pope (7 points)
Bully Ray (7 points)
11) Robbie E (5 points)
Scheduled for Next Week:
– 4-Way Knockouts #1 Contenders Match: Tara vs. Mickie James vs. Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne
– BFG Series: James Storm vs. Kurt Angle
-Bobby Roode & Zema Ion vs. Austin Aries & Kenny King
Hardcore Justice Lineup:
– TNA World Title: Austin Aries (c) vs. Bobby Roode
-3 BFG Series Hardcore Matches
– TNA Knockouts Title: Miss Tessmacher (c) vs. TBD