TNA Impact Wrestling: Championship Thursday
Orlando, Florida (Impact Wrestling Zone)
September 20, 2012
Commentators: Mike Tenay and Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Championship Thursday opens up with highlights from last week and then Hogan’s music hits and the GM makes his way down to the ring bat in hand. Hogan says he and A’s & 8’s have a date tonight and says tonight’s Impact Wrestling is going to be a turning point because Bound for Glory is just 3 weeks away. He says that he’s been distracted as of late with A’s & 8’s so right now he has to take care of some business and since it’s Championship Thursday the Television Title is hanging in the balance tonight. Hogan says that Devon was a great champion and he would like to see him back in TNA but Devon’s negotiations with TNA over his contract have broken down. Hogan says he’s handpicked Mr. Anderson, Samoa Joe, Garett Bischoff, and Magnus and he’ll meet with them to discuss who will face off to crown the new TV Champion.
Hogan says the next thing they have to clear up is the James Storm-Bobby Roode “debacle” and he says this thing has gone on for over a year and it’s spun completely out of control. Hogan says that the TNA referee’s have even thrown their hands up in the air so to straighten it out, he’s going to put them in a Street Fight at BFG! Hogan says that they’re not only going to be in a Street Fight at BFG but he’s bringing in a Special Enforcer, MMA star King Mo! He says that King Mo will be on Impact next week as well!
Hogan says it’s time to get back to business with A’s & 8’s and he says that tonight he’ll go to their clubhouse and he’ll see what they’re made of. He says they’ve crossed the line and tonight he’s going into their clubhouse and he’s going for a fight even if it means he’s going alone, but Sting’s music interrupts him and the Icon makes his way down to the ring!
Sting says this whole thing with A’s & 8’s started with him and when Hogan took over as GM he promised to have Hogan’s back and he meant what he said. Sting says that he’s going with Hogan because he has Hogan’s back and they’re going to pay A’s & 8’s a visit together. Hogan and Sting shake hands and Hogan says they need to get another bat.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Mr. Anderson’s most memorable moment was 10.10.10 with him in the Main Event. Anderson says fans can expect “equal opportunity ass kicking” from him at BFG.
Tenay & Taz talk about the 3-Way Tag Titles Match at BFG and then we head to the ring.
Triple Threat Match
“Olympic Hero” Kurt Angle w/AJ Styles vs. “Mexican Warrior” Chavo Guerrero Jr. w/Hernandez vs. “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels w/Kazarian
Kurt Angle will be a guest on MMA Live tonight according to Tenay. Chavo and Angle square off but then turn around and drag Daniels into the ring and take turns nailing him with right hands and uppercuts. Angle tosses Daniels into the corner and then continues the beating alongside Chavito for several minutes. Angle picks Daniels up again and slams him into another corner but then Chavo grabs him and slams him back into the other corner. Angle & Chavo together whip Daniels into the opposite corner and then Angle charges at Daniels but he moves out of the way and Angle slams shoulder first into the ring post. Chavo then clotheslines Daniels and then hits him with a European Uppercut. Chavo attempts to whip Daniels into the ropes but he reverses it and as the referee is checking on Angle, Kazarian trips Chavo up from the outside. Chavo goes out to the floor thinking it was AJ that did it and gets in his face as Hernandez tries to explain to Chavo what happened. Angle follows Chavo out and gets in his face and tells him that it was Kaz that did it. Kaz slides into the ring and taunts the babyfaces alongside Daniels. AJ and Hernadnez get in the ring along with their partners to go after the champs but Kaz & Daniels bail.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Daniels has Angle in a wristlock as we find out that the referee kicked Kaz, AJ, and Hernandez out from ringside. Angle hits the ropes and nails Daniels with a Forearm Smash and then a clothesline followed by a big German Suplex! Chavo comes in and eats a German Suplex as well! Angle goes for the Olympic Slam on Chavo but he counters with an arm drag and then a clothesline that sends Angle over the top! Daniels walks into a series of strikes from Chavo and then he attempts to whip Daniels into the ropes but Daniels reverses it and goes for a Tilt-A-Whirl move. Chavo counters into a Spinning Head Scissors Takeover! Chavo hits a dropkick and then a Somersault Senton Splash! 1…2…NO Angle breaks it up! Angle shoves Chavo into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Chavo slides underneath his legs only to get back to his feet and get caught with a Belly-to-Belly Overhead Suplex from the Olympian! Chavo rolls out of the ring and Angle hits the Olympic Slam on Daniels! Angle locks in the Ankle Lock but Chavo comes back in and rolls Angle up! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! Angle and Chavo exchange shots and then Chavo kicks Angle and attempts the Three Amigos, but Angle blocks it and sets up for another German Suplex. Chavo blocks it and then Daniels attempts to hit both men but Chavo ducks out of the way and Daniels nails Angle sending him out of the ring! Chavo grabs Daniels and hits the Three Amigos! Chavo climbs up top as a big “Eddie” chant erupts but as Chavo got to the top Angle slide back in and locked in the Ankle Lock on Daniels! Daniels uses his free leg to send Angle into the corner knocking Chavo down. Chavo gets back to his feet and swings at Angle but Angle ducks and goes for the Olympic Slam again! Chavo blocks it and goes for a Northern Lights Suplex but Daniels slams both of them into the corner. Daniels hits Chavo with an STO, 1…2…3!
Winner: Daniels via pinfall (STO)
In the back Hogan talks with the TV Title contenders and he needs to do who wants it the most. Garett says he’s been “kicking his ass” (what the hell does that mean?) to prove he belongs and Devon himself even took him under his wing. Hogan says that’s why Garett is here because Devon saw something in him. Magnus says how is Garett qualify for this just because he was Devon’s tag partner and Joe chimes in and says “that’s funny, being someone’s tag team partner and suddenly being in line for a title.” Anderson says everyone always runs their mouth about how their hungrier or younger or fresher but actions speak louder than words and Hogan knows that what he sees with Anderson is what he gets. Joe says none of them deserve to be in the ring with him and the truth hurts. He asks which one of them is willing to do anything it takes in the ring. Magnus mentions he’s held belts in India, Japan, and the U.S. and Joe says this about the TNA TV Title, nothing else. Anderson says he just wants to fight somebody and Hogan asks him which one Anderson would eliminate first. Anderson says Bischoff. Joe says he’s not knocking any of the guys in there and what they’ve done but he says NONE of them want to get in the ring with him tonight and that’s just the facts. Hogan eliminates Magnus and says this about separating he and Joe right now. Joe taunts Magnus the whole way out.
Tara approaches Brooke Hogan in the back and she says there would be consequences for last week but then Tara interrupts her and takes a call from her boyfriend. Brooke says if Tara wants a title shot at BFG she has to get in the ring and earn it but her phone rings again and Tara answers it. Brooke takes the phone and annoyingly tells Tara’s boyfriend that her match is next.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
TNA Knockouts Title #1 Contenders Match
Tara vs. ODB w/Eric Young
This is the first time we’ve seen ODB in the ring in months and she and ODB are still carrying the KO Tag Titles despite not defending them in as many months. Eric Young tries to lockup with Tarryn Terrell (the KO referee) as he gets in the ring and then randomly does a cartwheel and locks up with her again. ODB was not amused. ODB drags Tara into the ring and then and the two exchange strikes. ODB hits Tara with a Hairmare and then a 2nd one before Tara rolls out of the ring. ODB follows her but Tara rolls right back in and then eats a Running Shoulder Tackle from ODB. ODB shoves Tara into the ring and nails her with repeated shoulder blocks. ODB whips Tara into the opposite corner and then hits a Splash followed by the Carpet Muncher! Tara rolls back out of the ring as EY rolls into the ring and begs for a Carpet Muncher. ODB hits a Sliding Dropkick to Tara on the outside and then slaps her on the ass. I wish ODB’s hand was my hand at this moment. ODB tosses Tara back into the ring and then Tara begs her off but ODB grabs her by the hair and hits a Shortarm Clothesline followed by a second! ODB hits a Fall Away Slam and then kicks Tara completely out of the ring! Tara grabs her knee as she lands on the floor and tries to use Eric Young to pull her up. ODB sees that and goes right after Tara slamming her into the floor as EY says he never touched her. He tells ODB that his pants are still up. Tara rolls back into the ring and removes her brace and continues to sell the knee acting like it’s in pain. ODB looks over at the brace and then back down at Tara as the referee tries to keep ODB away. Tara suddenly grabs ODB and rolls her up! 1…2…3!
Winner & NEW #1 Contender: Tara via pinfall (rollup)
Impact is sponsored by my childhood, I mean Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Apparently they have a new series starting this weekend on Nickelodeon. I guess I have something new to fill up my Saturday mornings before College Football starts!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Backstage Al Snow, Brother Love…I mean Bruce Prichard, and Taz discuss Gut Check. Prichard & Snow argue about the Joey Ryan situation as well. Snow admits that he made a mistake in hitting Ryan a few weeks ago. Finally they talk about Evan from last week and Taz says that he surprised Taz because he looked good for an 18 year old kid. Snow says he had guts to join Killer Kowalski’s school so young and Prichard says he loves his passion. Snow says his youth is also his downside because of maturity. Prichard says they’ll announce their decision later.
In the back Ray is on his “Twittah Machine” and refuses to give us a hint on who his partner is tonight. Ray says he looked great holding the TNA Title over his head last week.
Hogan talks to the TV Title contenders and says he isn’t worried about Joe’s ability so he’s down to Anderson and Bischoff. Hogan asks Anderson how he thinks the “young buck” can hang with him and Anderson laughs. Garett says that he could hang with both guys but then eliminates Garett because it’s not his time yet. Joe and Anderson for the TV Title next! Hogan tells them that he wants to see a war between them. Bischoff gave Hogan a pretty evil look before he walked away.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Backstage Bobby Roode approaches Austin Aries and says he has no beef with him right now, he just wants to talk. Roode says out of respect he wanted to tell Aries that he was teaming with Bully Ray tonight. Roode reminds Aries that he can’t ever face Aries for the belt again so along with everyone else he’ll be rooting for Hardy. Roode says he was in the ring with Hardy numerous times and was always able to beat him but he could never beat Aries. Roode says that Aries is the better man and the better champion and asks if they really want a guy like Jeff Hardy walking around with the title stealing spotlights from other guys. Roode says tonight in the tag match he’s SURE that Aries and Hardy will be a great tag team and walks away. Aries shakes his head and says “what was that?!”
TNA Television Championship
“Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe vs. Mr. Anderson
Two former TNA World Champions here. This belt is the only belt in TNA that Joe HASN’T won (other than the Knockouts Title obviously) so if he wins tonight he becomes just the 2nd Grand Slam champion in TNA history alongside AJ Styles. Anderson goes right after Joe as he gets in the ring and the two exchange strikes but Joe finally ducks a right from Anderson and hits a series of jabs. Joe then hits the ropes and Anderson immediately goes for the Mic Check, but Joe blocks it and counters with an armdrag and then goes for the Coquina Clutch but Anderson quickly tosses Joe away. Joe and Anderson lockup and Joe backs Anderson into the corner and lights him up with repeated jabs. Joe then whips Anderson into the opposite corner and hits a Running Back Elbow followed by a Leaping Enziguri! 1…2…NO Anderson kicks out! Joe nails Anderson with a Forearm Smash but Anderson fights back with rights and lefts. Anderson hits the ropes but Joe obliterates him with a Running Back Elbow! Joe puts the boots to Anderson and then hits a Snapmare Takeover and slaps his back, and then Joe goes for a round kick but Anderson ducks it and rolls Joe up! 1…2…NO Joe kicks out and then walks into a Swinging Neckbreaker from Anderson! 1…2…NO Joe kicks out! Anderson mounts Joe and hits him with a series of right hands and then he whips Joe into the corner. Anderson charges at Joe but Joe nails him with a back elbow and then climbs up top. Anderson nails Joe with a shot to the gut and then puts him on his shoulders for the Green Bay Plunge! Joe blocks it and locks in the Coquina Clutch but Anderson counters with a Jawbreaker! Anderson then picks Joe back up and hits the Green Bay Plunge, but Joe rolls Anderson up as they hit the mat with a Crucifix! 1…2…NO Anderson kicks out! Kudos to Anderson for getting Joe up there like that and not killing him when he hit that move, pure strength. Joe gets back to his feet and swings at Anderson but he ducks and goes for a clothesline but Joe sidesteps him and nails Anderson with a European Uppercut! Joe hits Anderson with a big headbutt and then goes for a clothesline but Anderson ducks and hits one of his own! Anderson goes for the Mic Check but Joe blocks it with repeated elbow shots. Anderson ducks the final one and goes for a rollup but Joe counters into the Coquina Clutch! Joe has Anderson locked up in the center of the ring! Anderson slowly inches his way towards the ropes but Joe rolls over onto Anderson’s back! Anderson continues to scrape and crawl towards the ropes but as he reaches out Joe hooks his arm with his leg and rolls him back to the center of the ring! Anderson again starts to try and fight the hold but looks to be fading out. Joe screams “DIE!” as he cranks back on the hold and Anderson looks like he’s passing out! The referee checks Anderson and he’s out! Joe is the new champ!
Winner & NEW TV Champ: Samoa Joe via KO (Coquina Clutch)
Samoa Joe is now the 2nd TNA Grand Slam Champion in the company’s history! I don’t know if anyone noticed but the belt they gave Joe was the old World Heavyweight Title belt. I’m assuming Devon never gave the TV Title back to TNA.
A video package highlighting what’s gone down with A’s & 8’s so far is shown.
Hogan and Sting discuss what’s about to go down tonight when some chick walks up with some papers and says that Prichard needs Hogan to sign some documents. As he looks them over the girl sprays mace into Sting’s face and then Hogan’s! Members of A’s & 8’s then jump Hogan and drag him away into a van! They put a bag over Sting’s face and then tie him up and toss him in the van as well! One of the members (the one that looks like Brian Pillman, at least the hair) holds up a camera and says that they’ll make sure to send plenty of “pictures.”
*NOTE* WrestleView staff member Jason Namako informed me the chick in that segment was SHIMMER wrestler Leva Bates.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Gut Check is up next for Evan. Evan says that he didn’t put his best effort in last week because he lost but he got his ass kicked and he’s still here tonight. Taz says that he thinks Evan has a big upside and way ahead of the curve but he does have a lot to learn, but he would like to see him learn that under the TNA brand so it’s a yes from him. Bruce says that he agrees with Taz that Evan has a hell of a future and he respects what he’s doing at a young age because there isn’t enough people that want it as bad he does but his answer is no because he thinks Evan needs more time. Evan says in 1994 he was born and that at same time Snow was trying to get into Smoky Mountain Wrestling and ECW, and he wasn’t 18 years old then. Evan says he’s 18 years old and he’s here again despite getting his ass handed to him. Evan says he’ll come back every single time he gets his ass handed to him and if he says yes he’s going to be like Ladanian Tomlinson and run all the way to the endzone with that ball. That was a little bit dated of a reference for an 18 year old. Snow says that Evan is the epitome of what Gut Check is about, it’s about finding young kids with the passion. He says Evan has passion and guts and he believes that he has the talent to be a star, but he’s 18 and he doesn’t think Evan is ready and his answer is no. Evan shakes all of their hands and says he’ll be back.
TNA runs a special promo hyping up the new Ninja Turtles series and it actually looks pretty funny.
Tenay says some footage was just sent to TNA and we see a shot of Hogan and Sting with masks over their heads. The VP pulls the hoods off and says the boss man is on his way.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Magnus talks about BFG 2009 when he and Douglas Williams won the Tag Titles from Beer Money in the Ladder War for the first time. I believe both the IWGP Tag Team & TNA Tag Team Titles were on the line that night. Magnus puts over how big of a moment that was for him, being only 22 years old at the time.
Back to A’s & 8’s the “boss man” taunts Sting & Hogan and says who he is isn’t really important riht now but what he wants is. He apologizes for the treatment on getting them there but he couldn’t have them “MapQuest” their clubhouse later on. He says they were having so much fun until Hogan started to play chess and make their life more difficult by trying to lock them out. He has a proposition for Hogan and Hogan screams at him to untie them and they can fight this out right now. He says they like TNA and they want to come and go as they please and they’ve been spending a little time with Hogan’s pal, Joseph Park. They wheel him in on a stretcher and the President says he’ll let them all go eventually but he needs something first. He says he wants Hogan to pick two guys from TNA to face two guys from A’s & 8’s at BFG but Hogan says he and Sting are there right now and they’ll fight them. He says this isn’t about Hogan but it’s about Hogan WATCHING what happens when he messes with A’s & 8’s. He says he’ll pick two and Hogan picks two and if A’s & 8’s then they get full access into TNA and if Hogan’s team wins they’ll go away. Hogan agrees to it and I think Sting actually called the dude a “piece of sh*t” shockingly. Sting is going to say like 20 Hail Mary’s after that one. The President says they’ll let Park go AFTER BFG and he’s their insurance but nothing will happen to him until then.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back James Storm says it’s about damn time that he got Roode in a Street Fight. He says that at BFG two men will walk in, only one man will walk out. Storm puts over King Mo and says that it’s great is that he wants to make a name in TNA but the only thing he needs King Mo to do is raise his hand after he kicks Roode’s teeth down his throat.
Main Event
“A-Double” Austin Aries & “Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs. “Calfzilla” Bully Ray & “The IT Factor” Bobby Roode
Jeff Hardy continues to creep me the hell out with his face paint. Ray and Hardy kick the match off and Ray gets the better of the #1 contender early. Ray beats on Hardy in the corner and then whips him into the opposite corner but Hardy floats up and over a charging Ray into a Spinning Head Scissors Takeover! Hardy then hits Ray with an Arm Drag. Aries blind tags himself in to Hardy’s frustration and then gets in Ray’s face. Ray then turns around and tags in Roode. Roode and Aries lockup and Aries gets him in a side headlock, but Roode shoes him into the corner. Roode charges but Aries floats up and over him and then catches Roode with an armdrag! Aries hits a 2nd armdrag and then nails Ray with a Drop Toe Hold as Ray came into the ring. Hardy comes in and this Roode & Ray with a Double Clothesline that sends the heels retreating to the outside.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Hardy attempts to whip Ray into the corner but Ray reverses it and then charges at Hardy. Hardy catches him with a back elbow and then climbs to the top for Whisper In The Wind but Roode takes Hardy’s legs out causing Hardy to land hard on the mat! Ray knocks Aries off the apron and then hits Hardy with an Elbow Drop for a nearfall. Roode tags back in and hits Hardy with a Knee Drop for a nearfall. Roode beats on Hardy but then Hardy catches him with a Jawbreaker! Hardy hits the Twist of Fate but can’t capitalize on it! Both men are down. Both men tag out and Aries nails Ray with Forearm Shots and then he hits the ropes but Roode catches him with a knee. Aries knocks Roode off the apron but then turns around into a boot from Ray that sends him to the outside! Roode slams Aries hard into the ring steps! Ray pulls Aries back in and goes to work on him with stomps and strikes. Ray tags Roode in and the two treat Aries’ legs like a wishbone. Roode slams Aries down with a Backbreaker and then puts the boots to him and drops a knee down onto Aries’ back. Aries tries to fight back but Roode slams him into the corner and then tags Ray right back in. Ray climbs up top and dives off with an Axe Handle Drop to the back of Aries as Roode held him. Ray follows up with a Big Splash for a nearfall. Ray locks Aries in a Bearhug continuing to work on his back. Aries breaks the hold with slaps to the side of the head and then he bites Ray! Aries dropkicks Ray’s legs out from under him and then turns around to tag Hardy but stops. Aries then turns around and nails Roode with a Forearm Smash as Ray tagged him. Aries attempts to whip Roode into the corner but Roode reverses it and charges at the champ. Aries gets his boots up and then climbs up top and dives off with a Flying Clothesline! Aries looks at Hardy but stops before tagging out again. Aries then charges at Roode but Roode backdrops him over the top rope. Aries lands on the apron and nails Ray with a clothesline before hitting Roode with a Shoulder Block through the ropes. Aries springboard into the ring and then locks in the Last Chancery on Roode! Ray comes in and breaks up the hold and then destroys Hardy with a Big Boot! Ray goes for a clothesline on Aries but he ducks and Ray nails Roode! Aries hits Ray with a Rolling Elbow sending him into the corner! Aries then hits Roode with the IED and then one for Ray! Ray hits the Heat Seeking Missile through the ropes onto Roode on the outside! Aries climbs up top and dives off with a Missile Dropkick on Ray! Roode comes back in and hits Aries from behind and goes for the Payoff. Aries blocks it and hits the Brainbuster! Aries stumbled back into corner and Hardy blind tags himself into the match with a hard slap to the back of Aries. Hardy climbs up top as Ray pulls Aries out to the floor! Hardy hits the Swanton! 1…2…3!
Winners: Hardy & Aries via pinfall (Swanton Bomb)
In the parking lot A’s & 8’s drop Sting & Hogan off. Sting says they’ll come to BFG with their best.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jam packed and news worthy show tonight that’s without a doubt. The opening segment with Hogan was nice because it set up the rest of the show nicely and wasn’t overdone.
Great Triple Threat Match, all 3 guys worked hard, and the heels get some momentum going.
Tara and ODB had a solid match with ODB looking really good, but good lord either get rid of those belts or strip them from ODB & EY.
Joe and Anderson had a fun back and forth, hard hitting match and I LOVED the finish with Joe refusing to let Anderson get to the ropes hitting with several different positions of the Coquina Clutch.
The A’s & 8’s stuff was corny again but at least we’re getting some movement in the angle, I just hate the fact that they’re going to have a big match at the biggest show of the year for TNA and we will have no idea who the guys under the mask will be. I’m going to say A’s & 8’s will be using Matt Morgan & Luke Gallows and I pray that at some point they get unmasked, at the very least during the match. I’m going with Sting and Bully Ray for Team Hogan (reason being Ray is the big bad bully and Hogan will want a bad dude with Sting, and this gives Ray the chance to turn on TNA like I think he will). That was definitely Jeff Jarrett as the President, in my mind.
I LOVED the Main Event and the story they told with it. It started with Roode playing mind games with Aries before the match which makes all the sense in the world (since Roode needs Hardy to win if he is going to get another shot at the belt). Ray & Roode spent the whole match working on Aries’ back while Aries refused to tap out to prove that he was better than Hardy, and after Aries did all of the work Hardy “stole” the pin (in Aries’ mind). Great stuff from all involved. The story made the match that much better in my mind.
QUICK RESULTS
1) Triple Threat: Christopher Daniels def. Kurt Angle & Chavo Guerrero Jr.
2) TNA Knockouts #1 Contenders Match: Tara def. ODB
3) TNA TV Title: Samoa Joe def. Mr. Anderson to win the vacant title!
4) Austin Aries & Jeff Hardy def. Bully Ray & Bobby Roode
– Promo/Segment of the Night: Opening
– Match of the Night: Roode & Ray vs. Aries & Hardy (***1/2)
– Overall Grade: B+
Scheduled for Next Week:
-n/a
Bound For Glory Lineup:
– TNA World Title: Austin Aries (c) vs. Jeff Hardy
– TNA Tag Titles Triple Threat: Kazarian & Christopher Daniels (c) vs. AJ Styles & Kurt Angle vs. Hernandez & Chavo Guerrero Jr.
– Street Fight: Bobby Roode vs. James Storm w/Special Enforcer: King Mo Lawal
– TNA Knockouts Title: Miss Tessmacher (c) vs. Tara
– Team Hogan vs. A’s & 8’s
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