Impact Wrestling
Orlando, Florida (Impact Zone)
July 7, 2011
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Just days away from “Destination X” we open up this week’s Impact Wrestling with highlights from last week with Joker Sting going nuts and Angle coming out to make the save for Stinger.
We cut to the ring where Scott Steiner, Gunner, and Bully Ray are standing with a mic. Ray says talk is cheap and he demands Mr. Anderson come down to the ring. The World Heavyweight Champion doesn’t make Immortal wait very long and walks out onto the stage. He does his usual introduction (for the first time in awhile actually) and then walks down to the ring. Tenay hypes up Anderson vs. Sting for next week as Anderson walks down to the ring.
Ray says he’s not impressed by Anderson’s little entrance and then does his own little intro for himself. Anderson mocks him and then Ray says for once in his life he needs to keep his mouth shut and listen. Ray says if he doesn’t Gunner will beat him down where he stands. Ray says Anderson is pissing a lot of people off lately. He says Hogan is on his way to the arena which means Ray is in charge right now which doesn’t bode well for Anderson. Ray says last week Anderson started to head down the right path when he dropped Sting on his head, and this week he will continue to head down that path with Immortal. He says Sting is nuts and he asks Anderson what makes him think he can beat Sting. He says Anderson can’t beat that nut and he needs Immortal, and Immortal needs that belt. Ray tells Anderson to do the right thing and join Immortal. He says the title will never be in jeopardy again and that will make everyone happy.
Scott Steiner says it’s time for Anderson to put up, or shut up. He says Hogan has given Anderson every opportunity to make the decision on his own but he’s been screwing Hogan around. Steiner says Anderson’s time is up and he has to make his decision TONIGHT! Either he’s with Immortal or he’s against them and if he’s against Immortal then he has to deal with Steiner.
Gunner says Hogan came to Immortal earlier this week and laid it all out for them and even told them what tonight’s Main Event will be: Immortal vs. Sting & Kurt Angle in a Handicap Match. He says by the end of that match Anderson has to have made his decision. They expect their answer or Immortal will make sure Anderson doesn’t see the light of day on Impact Wrestling ever again. Gunner says, “HIT OUR MUSIC,” but Sting’s music hits and the lights go out in the arena!
When they come back on Sting is up in the rafters looking down at Immortal laughing hysterically at them. His paint is even more nuts this week. The lights go out again and when they come back on Angle is in the ring! Angle hits the Angle Slam on Steiner and then one for Gunner! Anderson just watches and Bully Ray bails out of the ring.
Angle picks up the mic and says he and Sting also expect Anderson to make a decision tonight and he says it’s an easy one. Angle gets in Anderson’s face and tells him not to make things hard on himself. He drops the mic and leaves Anderson staring into space thinking about what he’s going to do.
In the back Beer Money are discussing what’s going down tonight. Storm asks Roode if he’s okay and Roode says “not really” but that doesn’t matter. Roode says this means too much and Storm tells him to go get himself some points. Roode asks Storm about teaming with Morgan tonight and calls them “Beer Giants,” and Storm tells him not to remind him that he has to team with Morgan. Crimson vs. Roode is up next.
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The BFG Series scoring is updated. Devon beat Bully Ray and RVD pinned AJ in Brooklyn, NY while Ray got revenge on Devon and Crimson upset RVD in Asbury Park, NJ. Right now Crimson is sitting alone at the top spot with 24 points while Gunner is at #2 with 21 points and Morgan, AJ, Storm, RVD, Bully Ray, and Devon are all tied at #3. Steiner is alone at #4 with 7 points and neither The Pope, Bobby Roode, or Samoa Joe have managed to score any points thus far. Tonight Roode faces Crimson and in a tag team match Matt Morgan & Storm face Devon & Pope.
BFG Series Match
Bobby Roode vs. Crimson
This is a matchup between two young and up and comers, the unbeaten Crimson and ½ of the Tag Team Champions: Bobby Roode. Roode and Crimson lockup and Crimson gets Roode in a side headlock, but Roode shoves him into the ropes only to eat a shoulder block. Roode sells the shoulder like he just got shot. Crimson and Roode lockup again and again Crimson gets him in a side headlock and again Roode shoves him into the ropes. Roode drops down and then connects with a back elbow on Crimson as Crimson came off the ropes. Roode sells the shoulder again like that hurt him as well. Crimson gets to his feet and slams Roode into the corner and hits him with several shoulder blocks. Roode comes back with a kick and then he throws Crimson into the corner and hits a series of shoulder blocks with his other shoulder. Roode follows up with a Snapmare Takeover followed by a Rolling Jawbreaker for a one count. Roode attempts to whip Crimson into the ropes but Crimson reverses it and then Roode attempts to float up and over Crimson, but Crimson catches him on his shoulder. Crimson then drops Roode down onto the top rope and follows up with a Diving Shoulder Block. Roode rolls out to the apron and Crimson hits a Sitout Suplex from the apron into the ring for a nearfall. Crimson then locks in a Cravate and follows with a series of Knee Strikes followed by a Spinning Neckbreaker for another nearfall. Roode gets to his feet and hits a series of chops and punches, but then Crimson counters with a T-Bone Suplex! 1…2…NO Roode kicks out! Crimson whips Roode into the corner and charges but Roode nails him with a back elbow. Crimson charges again and Roode gets the boot up. Roode dives off the top with the Blockbuster and again he sells the shoulder. Roode fights to his feet and ducks a right hand from Crimson. He hits a right of his own and then ducks another right from Crimson and connects with another right of his own. Roode whips Crimson into the ropes and goes for a backdrop but Crimson stops and kicks Roode. Crimson hits the ropes but eats the Double-R Spinebuster from Roode! Roode sells the shoulder again. He finally covers Crimson, 1…2…NO Crimson kicks out! Roode picks Crimson up and goes for the Payoff, but Crimson counters and pulls Roode into a rollup! 1…2…NO Roode counters into the Fujiwara Armbar out of nowhere! Crimson fights it and fights it and is able to reach out and grab the ropes. Crimson rolls to the apron and Roode charges at him but eats a NASTY shoulder block through the ropes from Crimson. Crimson goes for the Red Sky but Roode blocks it and goes for a German Suplex, but Crimson blocks it and shoves Roode into the corner shoulder first (the injured one)! Crimson then connects with the Red Sky! 1…2…3!
Winner: Crimson via pinfall (Red Sky)
Crimson: 31 points
Roode: 0 points
The first “profile” of the X-Division newcomers for tonight is of Tony Neese. He says he is going to prove he can stand with the X-Division guys while clips of him on the INDY’s are shown. I believe he’s from Orlando. His clips look pretty impressive.
In the back Abyss is freaking out still looking for his mask. He picks up some guy in the back and screams at him wanting to know where his mask is.
We cut to another area in the back where Brian Kendrick is sitting with his hood on. He takes off the hood revealing that he’s wearing Abyss’ mask and then walks away.
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The next profile for the new X-Division stars is for “From The Heavens” Jack Evans, who is currently ½ half of the AAA Tag Team Champions as well as the AAA Cruiserweight Champion down in AAA in Mexico. Evans puts himself over while clips of his time in Jersey All Pro are shown. Evans talks about his tours of Japan and Mexico and he says he is the step above anyone else.
Brian Kendrick is in the ring with Abyss’ mask. Kendrick says he has something that belongs to Abyss and he swears that he intends on giving it back to him. He just desires a word with Abyss and he asks Abyss to come down to the ring so he can give his mask back. Abyss’ music hits and he storms down to the ring.
Abyss has a towel over his head to cover his face. Kendrick says he knows Abyss is smart enough to reason and he just wants words, not violence. Kendrick says Budha says “God moves in 12 directions” and then says a bunch of other philosophies about God, and he says all those thinkers and thoughts have something to do with wrestling because the X-Division is off it’s path and his purpose is to bring it back. Kendrick says Abyss has it in his power to have the X-Division soar higher than ever but his ego gets in the way. He says he understands his match with Abyss this Sunday is David vs. Goliath but Abyss’ intimidation will meet it’s end at the hands of courage and Kendrick is the hands of courage. Kendrick says he hides behind that mask because of his pain and it’s not the chairs and the barbed wire and the tacks and the chains that cause Abyss pain. He says what causes Abyss pain is the real Abyss screaming at him to shed his ego and reach his full potential. Kendrick says he would love to help Abyss shed his mask but his mission and purpose is to defeat Abyss at Destination X. Kendrick gives Abyss his “security blanket” back and Abyss puts the mask on under the towel.
Abyss looks down at Kendrick and goes ape sh*t on him! He punches Kendrick in the face and then picks him up and tosses him out to the floor. Abyss slams Kendrick into the ring steps and then he slams him into the guardrail. Abyss screams at the fans to shutup and then he rolls Kendrick back into the ring. Kendrick tries to fight back but Abyss cuts him off and then he hits the Shock Treatment. Abyss starts to leave but then stops and picks up Kendrick and hits the Black Hole Slam! Abyss leaves Kendrick laying in the ring.
The next X-Division Profile is Jesse Sorensen from Texas. He talks about the guys that paved the way for the X-Division but says they need to step aside and let guys like him shine in the X-Division.
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X-Division Tournament
3-Way Dance
“From The Heavens” Jack Evans vs. Jesse Sorensen vs. Jesse Nese
Evans does his break dancing on his way down to the ring while some generic Hip Hop beat plays. A big “Jack” chant starts up right away. Nese is in the green trunks, Sorensen in the purple trunks, and Evans is in the baggy blue gear. A graphic comes up on the screen reminding us that (I love that addition, it’s subtle but a great thing for new guys). All 3 lockup in the center of the ring with a Triple Greco-Roman Knuckelock! Nese kicks Evans and then Sorensen. He hits Sorensen with a Spinning Back Kick to the gut while holding onto the Knucklelock on Evans. He flips Evans over onto the mat, but then Evans kicks him and nips up to his feet and rolls Nese up! 1…2..NO Sorensen breaks it up with a rollup on Evans! But he rolls too far so he gets back up to his feet and charges at Nese only to eat a boot. Nese kicks Evans and then flings him out to the floor and then turns around into a rollup from Sorensen! 1…2…NO Nese shifts his way into a pin on Sorensen! 1…2…NO Sorensen kicks out! Nese hits a Running Knee to the gut on Sorensen and then he goes for a Back Suplex, but Sorensen blocks it and shoves Nese into a Leaping Enziguri from Evans on the apron! Nese falls back into a dropkick from Sorensen! 1…2…NO Evans breaks it up with a Springboard Somersault Senton! Evans then hits a dropkick on Sorensen while holding onto the ropes causing him to backflip over the top to the apron. Evans then springboards to the top and Sorensen charges at him so Evans springboards into a front flip and lands on his feet in the ring and then hits the ropes. Sorensen attempts a running clothesline but Evans does his version of the matrix where he literally backflips UNDER the clothesline attempt! He lands on his feet and then hits a Somersault Dropkick on Sorensen that sends him out to the floor. Evans then sets up for a dive but Nese comes from out of nowhere with a nasty Lariat! 1…2…NO Evans kicks out! Taz with the line of the night: “no flippity-doo-da there, just knocked his ass out with a clothesline!” Nese climbs up top but Sorensen catches him with a NASTY Leaping Enziguri. The height this dude got on that kick was CRAZY! Nese falls out to the floor and Sorensen covers Evans for a nearfall. Nese tries to climb back in the ring but Sorensen nails him with a Superkick! Sorensen then hits a GORGEOUS Somersault Plancha over the top onto Nese on the floor! Evans is back up now and he hits a Springboard 450 Splash onto both on the floor! Yes he just did a damn Springboard 450 to the outside! Evans rolls both back in the ring and covers Nese for a nearfall. He then covers Sorensen for another nearfall. Evans gets a little frustrated and then puts the boots to Nese. He whips Nese into the ropes and goes for a Handspring into a Back Elbow, but Nese moves out of the way. Nese then hits a Spinning Back Elbow on Evans in the corner! Nese then follows with a DISGUSTING Running Knee to the face of Evans in the corner! He pulls Evans back to the center of the ring, 1…2…NO Sorensen kicks Nese in the face! Sorensen grabs Evans and goes for a absolutely disgusting REVERSE Roll of the Dice! Evans sells that sh!t like he just got shot! 1…2…NO Evans gets his foot on the bottom rope! Nese grabs Sorensen and goes for a German Suplex, but Sorensen blocks it and then hits the ropes only to get thrown HIGH up into the air with a Press Slam! Nese grabs Sorensen around the waist while he’s laying on the mat and DEADLIFTS him up into the air into a GERMAN SUPLEX! 1…2…NO Evans breaks it up with a Standing Moonsault! Evans covers Sorensen and gets a nearfall. Evans goes for a Running Clothesline on Sorensen but Sorensen ducks and lifts Evans up into the air and then runs him into the corner. Sorensen then grabs Evans and picks him up to the top rope. He hits Evans with an uppercut and then climbs up top with Evans and sets up for a Frankensteiner but Evans blocks it and then flings Sorensen off the top down onto the ring apron and then he crashes to the floor! Nese hits a Rolling Enziguri on Evans (who was still sitting on the top rope)! Nese climbs up top and goes for a Superplex but Evans counters into a Front Superplex! Evans remains up top and hits the 630-Splash! 1….2…3! Tenay went ape sh!t when Evans hit it.
Winner: Evans via pinfall (630-Splash)
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In the back British Invasion talk about Mexican America jumping them last week. Magnus says they will take MA out and become #1 contenders and they’re sick and tired of being overlooked in TNA. Williams says that’s great but they have the PPV to contend with first because at Destination X he is issuing an OPEN CHALLENGE because he is the most dominating X-Division Champion ever.
A video package airs hyping up Ultimate X announcing Shannon Moore, Robbie E, Alex Shelley, and Amazing Red. All of the competitors cut a short promo about the match. Shelley points out that he’s more experience in Ultimate X than ANY of the other guys in the match and says he learned from the best, Chris Sabin. He dedicates this match to Sabin.
In the back Velvet Sky says this match tonight with Jackie & ODB means the world to her because they’ve been targeting her since they came back. She says she’s not taking sh!t from anyone anymore. Velvet says if she beats ODB & Jackie then they’re out of TNA forever and she’s going to go to the ring tonight and “cleanse Impact Wrestling of two ugly hogs at a time.”
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Kurt Angle is walking into Sting’s locker room where he’s signing and actually laying across the top of some lockers. Angle asks Sting if he’s alright and Sting says he’s doing great and starts laughing. Sting says next week at “Midsummer Nightmare” he’s going to get the title back and the power will be back in his court. Angle says before he can do that, they have to survive tonight. Sting laughs and says “the more the merrier.” Angle says Sting’s out of his mind and he can’t trust him tonight. Sting promises Angle he can trust him and he knows what he’s doing. Sting lays back down on the lockers and starts singing again. Angle just shakes his head and walks away. Sting starts talking to himself now and says he hasn’t snapped, he just feels good because he’s getting to Hogan.
Handicap Match (if ODB & Jackie lose, they are gone from TNA)
ODB & Miss Jackie vs. Velvet Sky
As ODB is mocking Velvet’s entrance, Velvet comes from out of the crowd with a chair and slams Jackie in the back with it! She then hits ODB with it! The match hasn’t started so she can’t be DQ’d! Velvet gets in the ring and the bell rings. She hits ODB with a series of shoulder blocks in the corner and then she lights up ODB with a chop. She whips ODB into the ropes and connects with a clothesline and then puts the boots to ODB in the corner! She kicks ODB in the ass and then whips her into another corner. Velvet charges and hits a Running Clothesline and continues chopping away at ODB. Velvet whips ODB into yet another corner and hits another clothesline followed by a Running Bulldog! Velvet sets up for something but Jackie attacks her from behind. Jackie puts the boots to Velvet and then she throws Velvet across the ring by her hair. Jackie picks Velvet up and hits her with right hands. She then whips Velvet into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Velvet ducks and hits a clothesline followed by a Scoop Slam. Velvet gets a nearfall before ODB breaks it up. ODB picks Velvet up by the throat and slams her into the corner. She then goes for a corner splash but Velvet moves and kicks ODB in the ass repeatedly. Velvet then chops ODB but Jackie attacks her from behind again. Jackie slams Velvet into the corner and then puts the boots to her. Jackie tags in ODB and then slams her into a turnbuckle. ODB chops away at Velvet’s ample chest and then talks trash to her while putting the boots to her. Jackie tags back in and they whip Velvet into the ropes and go for a Double Backdrop but Velvet kicks ODB and then clotheslines Jackie. ODB tries to elbow drop Velvet but Velvet rolls out of the way. All 3 girls are down now. Velvet gets to her feet and hits both ODB & Jackie with forearms and kicks, but ODB cuts her off and kicks her in the gut. Jackie then slams her to the mat and Jackie tells ODB to get a chair. ODB gets the chair and slides back in the ring. Jackie holds Velvet and ODB swings but Velvet was able to move out of the way so ODB nails Jackie! Velvet then kicks the chair into ODB sending her to the floor. Velvet then hits the DDT on Jackie! 1…2…3!
Winner: Velvet via pinfall (DDT)
ODB says “you aint getting’ rid of me you loose hussy.”
In the back Devon approaches The Pope and Pope says he knows why he’s there. Pope says they’re going to be cohesive tonight and he even hands Devon some Pope shades to wear. Devon says, “listen we ain’t brothers, we ain’t partners, and we sure as hell anint friends” (nice little nod to 50 Cent’s “Life On The Line” there Devon). Devon says if Pope even thinks about double crossing him he’ll be sorry he ever met him. Devon walks away and Pope says “I’m already sorry I met ya’.”
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An EXCELLENT video package airs hyping up the Daniels-AJ match for Destination X with both guys putting each other over and talking about their feuds in the past. Footage of the two men working out is also shown. The men that trained Christopher Daniels (Mike Gratchner & Sam Decero) also even put Daniels over in the promo. THIS was absolutely excellent, putting over both their friendship and also putting over Daniels talking about AJ having the bigger career and how he feels like he’s been “lost in the shuffle” since returning to TNA. Boy, when he turns heel the heat is going to be massive. Daniels puts over how he wakes up with pain every single day and he’ll never get rid of it and even gets a little teary talking about those injuries and saying that if he didn’t absolutely love professional wrestling he wouldn’t put his body through it.
Four Corners Match
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs. “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels vs. “Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam vs. “New F’N Show” Jerry Lynn
They show clips of Lynn in TNA while he comes to the ring to remind some that may have forgotten or new TNA fans that aren’t familiar with him. This will be Four Corners rules which means tags are necessary. Daniels and RVD start the match off. They lock up and Daniels forces RVD into the corner where Lynn tags RVD on the back. Lynn and Daniels circle each other as a “Jerry” chant starts. They lockup and Daniels gets Lynn in a side headlock, but Lynn shoves him into the ropes only to eat a shoulder block. Daniels hits the ropes and then cartwheels over Lynn and chops him. Daniels whips Lynn into the ropes and goes for a backhand but Lynn ducks and then turns around into a Back Heel Kick from Daniels! Daniels covers Lynn and gets a nearfall. Daniels goes for a Scoop Slam on Lynn but Lynn blocks it and goes for a German Suplex. Daniels blocks it and fights to get to the ropes and then he bumps Lynn off. Daniels goes for a clothesline but Lynn ducks and then hits a gorgeous Spinning Headscissors Takeover! AJ blind tags himself in now and then circles Lynn. A “you still got it” chant starts directed at Lynn and he bows to the fans. Lynn & AJ lockup and AJ hits a Snapmare Takeover on Lynn and locks in a chinlock, but Lynn counters into a wristlock. He transitions into a Hammerlock but AJ reverses into a Hammerlock of his own. Lynn counters into a Fireman’s Carry Takeover and AJ grabs Lynn around the head with his legs in a Head Scissors. Both men get to their feet and AJ hits an Armdrag and then Lynn answers with one of his own! Both men get to their feet and attempt Armdrags at the same time! Nice sequence. Lynn then follows up with a Wheelbarrow into a rollup! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! AJ gets to his feet and stares down Lynn. AJ smiles at him and then they shake hands. Lynn points at RVD saying he wants RVD in the ring. AJ tags RVD in! RVD and Lynn circle each other and then lockup. RVD gets Lynn in a side headlock but Lynn shoves him into the ropes and then drops down. RVD leaps over him and Lynn goes for a back elbow, but RVD ducks and whips Lynn into the ropes. RVD drops down into a split but Lynn stops and attempts to Leg Drop, but RVD rolls away. RVD then attempts to kick Lynn from his back, but Lynn ducks and then sweeps the legs of RVD! Lynn goes for an Elbow Drop, but RVD rolls away and then goes for a Somersault Leg Drop! Lynn rolls away now and then gets to his feet and attempts a clothesline, but RVD ducks and then attempts a Spinning Heel Kick. Lynn ducks and the two stare down. Lynn kicks RVD as he plays to the crowd and then he hits the ropes and RVD drops down. Lynn hops over him and Daniels blind tags as Lynn hits the ropes. RVD goes after Lynn but Daniels catches him and hits an STO! Daniels picks RVD up and slams him into the corner. Daniels then whips him into the opposite corner and hits a Running Forearm. Daniels attempts to kick RVD but he blocks it and hits the Stepover Heel Kick. RVD follows up with the Standing Moonsault and then the Rolling Thunder! 1…2…NO Daniels kicks out! RVD picks Daniels up but eats a Jawbreaker from Daniels. Daniels slams RVD into the corner and then nails him with a series of shoulder blocks. Daniels attempts to whip RVD into the opposite corner, but RVD reverses it. RVD charges at Daniels but Daniels gets his boot up. Daniels tags in AJ and takes a breather on the apron. AJ grabs RVD and attempts a Back Suplex, but RVD blocks it and Lynn blind tags RVD! Lynn comes in and counters a clothesline attempt from AJ into a clothesline of his own! Lynn then hits a back elbow followed by an Enziguri! Lynn then charges at him in the corner but AJ gets his foot up. AJ climbs up top but Lynn catches him with a right hand to crotch him. Lynn climbs up top and hits the Frankensteiner on AJ! Daniels blind tags himself in and hits a shoulder block on Lynn. Lynn whips Daniels into the corner though and then charges at him, but Daniels counters with a drop toe hold sending Lynn into the middle turnbuckle face first! Daniels climbs up top and rides him down to the mat with a boot to the chest. 1…2…NO RVD breaks it up! AJ then comes from out of nowhere with the Springboard Flying Forearm on RVD! AJ tosses RVD out to the floor and then catches Lynn with a back elbow. AJ goes for the Phenomenon (Springboard Moonsault into a Reverse DDT), but Lynn reverses it in midmove into a Reverse Suplex onto the top rope! AJ crashes and burns on the floor. Lynn sets up for a dive but Daniels catches him with a Standing Rock Bottom! Daniels then goes for the BME, but Lynn rolls out of the way and Daniels lands on his feet! RVD blind tags Lynn and then Daniels catches Lynn with a back kick (not seeing the tag) and follows up with an attempt at the Angels Wings! Lynn blocks it and counters into the Kryptonite Crunch! RVD then hits the 5-Star Frog Splash on Daniels out of nowhere! 1…2…3! Lynn couldn’t break it up in time!
Winner: RVD via pinfall (5-Star Frog Splash)
Eric Young is talking about having his own trailer (it’s an RV) and he talks about Hollywood not coming to him, so he’s going to Hollywood. I literally could not care less.
BFG Series Match
“The Blueprint” Matt Morgan & “Cowboy” James Storm vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero & Devon
Neither of these teams have teamed before to my knowledge. Devon and Storm lockup and Devon gets Storm in a side headlock but Storm shoves him into the ropes only to eat a shoulder block from the bigger Devon. Devon follows up with an Elbow Drop attempt, but Storm rolls away and then gets Devon in a side headlock of his own. Devon shoves Storm into the ropes and Storm catches him with a shoulder block of his own. Devon doesn’t go down so Storm hits him with a Spinning Backkick. Storm then this the ropes and takes him down with a Shoulderblock for a nearfall. Storm locks Devon in a wristlock and Devon counters into one of his own. Storm breaks it with a right hand and then he charges at Devon but Devon backdrops him over the top rope (Morgan blind tags himself in as Storm was up in the air) to the apron. Morgan grabs Devon but eats a series of rights from Devon. Devon then hits the ropes but eats a back elbow from Morgan. Morgan follows up with a Scoop Slam followed by a Leg Drop. 1…2…NO Devon kicks out! Morgan shoves Devon into the corner and goes for his Back Elbows but Storm tags himself in. Storm whips Devon into the ropes but Devon catches him with a Corkscrew Back Elbow! Devon then hits Storm with a Scoop Slam followed by a Diving Headbutt for a nearfall. Pope is literally begging Devon to tag him and he finally does. Pope puts the boots to Storm and then hits a Forearm Smash. Pope whips Storm into the ropes and goes for a Hip Toss but Storm counters into one of his own. Pope tags Devon back in and Storm rolls Devon in as Devon argues with Pope! 1…2…NO Devon kicks out! Storm gets to his feet and hits a Running Clothesline and then tags Morgan in. Morgan headbutts Devon and then hits him with the Back Elbows in the corner. Morgan hits a Corner Splash and then follows up with the Sidewalk Slam for a nearfall. Morgan headbutts Devon again and tags in Storm. Storm hits Devon with an uppercut and then hits a Running Forearm. Storm goes for another one but Devon hits him with a back elbow and then climbs up top and hits a Diving Shoulder Block! Devon tags in Pope and he comes in with a couple of right hands and back elbows on Storm. Pope attempts to whip Storm into the ropes but Storm reverses it only to eat a Flying Forearm from Pope! Pope then hits an Atomic Drop followed by a Running Clothesline on Storm. Pope then dropkicks Morgan off the apron! Pope mounts Storm in the corner and reigns down right hands until Storm shoves him off. Storm charges at Pope and ducks a clothesline attempt and then hits the Backstabber on Pope! 1…2…NO Morgan pulls Storm off. Morgan and Storm argue now. Devon comes in and goes after both Storm & Morgan with right hands. Devon attempts to clothesline Morgan but Morgan ducks and then clotheslines Devon over the top taking both guys over. Morgan sells it like he injured his knee when he lands. Back in the ring Pope and Storm run into each other headfirst. Pope grabs the title belt on the outside and hits Storm with it! He looks like he’s going to pin Storm but stops and tags Devon in instead. Devon covers Storm and gets the pin.
Winners: Devon & Pope (Devon gets the points)
Devon: 21 points
Morgan: 14 points
Storm: 14 points
Pope: 0 points
In the back Anderson talks about Immortal and Angle trying to bully him into making a decision. He says giving him ultimatums don’t work and if you want to know just ask his former employer. Anderson says if it’s an answer they want then he’ll give them one.
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Jeff Jarrett and Karen Jarrett are standing inside the arena in Mexico City (I see the cage above the ring so it’s obviously from TripleMania). Jarrett says in one week when they make their triumph return they will show a fiesta and Karen says she has something special for the members of Immortal. She says Jarrett has something extra special for Hogan & Bischoff and she says history has been made. Jarrett says in one week everyone will know how he became The King of Mexico.
Tenay & Taz hype up Destination X from the announce table, but no new announcements except that the winner of the Ultimate X will be the NEW #1 Contender for the X-Division title!
In the back Sting is being pummeled by Hulk Hogan but he continues to laugh the whole time. Hogan finally picks up the bat and Sting says “oh crap” and Hogan blasts him with it! Hogan drops the bat on top of Sting and walks away. Hogan says, “I told you Sting, you’ll never embarrass me again.”
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Main Event
Handicap Match
Immortal (Bully Ray, Scott Steiner, Abyss, & Gunner) vs. Kurt Angle & Sting
No Sting after that beating he just took obviously. Sting’s music hits but he doesn’t come out. Steiner jumps Angle and kicks the match off. Steiner pummels Angle in the corner and then attempts to whip him into the opposite corner but Angle reverses it. Angle then charges at Steiner but Steiner gets his boot up. Steiner charges at Angle but eats a Belly-to-Belly Suplex from Angle for a nearfall. Steiner pokes Angle in the eyes and tags in Bully Ray. Ray slams Angle into the corner and then chops away at him. Ray hits a Swinging Neckbreaker on Angle for a nearfall and then he goes for the Bully Bomb, but Angle blocks it and hits the German Suplex! Ray rolls over and tags in Gunner. Gunner swings at Angle but he ducks and then whips Gunner into the ropes and hits a Backdrop. Angle hits a Snap Sulex and gets another nearfall. Angle tosses Gunner into the corner and dares any of the other Immortal members to come in. Abyss tags himself in and Angle catches him with right hands. Angle then charges at Abyss with a Cross Body attempt but Abyss catches him in midair. Abyss sets up for a Powerslam but Angle blocks it and ducks a clothesline. Angle hits the ropes but Abyss grabs him by the throat and goes for a Chokeslam, but Angle counters into a rollup! He turns it into the Ankle Lock! Steiner distracts the referee and Ray breaks it up. Abyss beats on Angle now, punching away at him. Abyss tags in Steiner and Steiner starts to beat on Angle now. He slams Angle into the corner and puts the boots to him and then hits the Belly-to-Belly Suplex! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! Gunner tags himself back in and he puts the boots to Angle and then chokes him. Angle fights back but eats a Running Back Elbow from Gunner! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! Gunner slams Angle into Ray’s boot and then tags Abyss back into the ring. Abyss beats on Angle in the corner and then hits a Scoop Slam. Ray tags back in and he grabs the chain. He chases the referee away and then he sets up to hit Angle wit it but Anderson’s music stops him! Anderson runs down to the ring and climbs in as Angle hits the Angle Slam on Ray out of nowhere! Anderson stands in Angle’s corner! Angle tags Anderson into the ring! Anderson hits a clothesline on Ray and then one for Gunner. He knocks both Gunner & Abyss off the apron! He then grabs Ray sets up for the Mic Check but stops and then hits it on Angle instead! Anderson looks down at Angle as Immortal looks on in disbelief. Anderson rolls Angle over to the corner and tags him back in so Ray can get the pin.
Winners: Immortal via pinfall (Mic Check)
Immortal wonders what just happened and asks what the deal is. Steiner asks if he’s with them and then Anderson jumps into the arms of Abyss and Immortal celebrates! Hulk Hogan walks out onto the stage and applauds as Gunner & Abyss lift Anderson up onto their shoulders.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tonight’s show was full of a ton of stuff that was thrown at us. Most was pretty entertaining, especially the in-ring action. First off, I hate Handicap Matches. I mean I HATE them. The Knockouts Match was actually decent for the most part and the Main Event was solid while Angle was on offense. He looked like an absolute beast tonight.
The opening promo was quick and to the point, I enjoyed it. Sting’s getting nuttier and nuttier.
Roode-Crimson was good and Crimson is really impressive physically. He just isn’t connecting with the fans right now. If he can find that “IT” then he could be special. I love the story they’re telling with Roode though. With the injury it gives him an out, but he keeps ‘fighting’ and if they do this right it could make for an EPIC comeback for him if he eventually wins the tournament.
I like that Kendrick was trying to get into the head of Abyss especially since Abyss has been playing mind games for the past few months, but having Abyss completely destroy Kendrick does nothing to help put that match over. I know you want to put heat on Abyss going in, but making it seem like Kendrick will be short work for Abyss isn’t going to sell any PPVs. Abyss needs to drop the belt at DX, period though.
The X-Division 3-Way was insane tonight, and maybe my favorite thus far. Jack Evans is incredible but most of us already knew that. Next to Evans, Nese was the most impressive. That kid is physical as hell and shows a ton of fire in the ring.
The Tag Match was done well especially since I’ve been wanting a random tag match thrown together with guys from the BFG Series and see them fighting over who gets the pin and not wanting to tag out. Devon-Pope still confuses me and I’m completely shocked that Devon has done so well in the Tournament so far. He needs to be the one taking pins going forward though.
The Four Corners Match was great but you just had that feeling that given another 5-10 minutes it could have been insane. They never really went full blast but it was great to be a teaser. I’d LOVE to see this match on PPV. Lynn looked awesome and hasn’t lost a step in the least bit. RVD didn’t need that win though.
I don’t know about Anderson joining Immortal. They could put it over as him wanting to get help against Sting and then turning on them, but it looks like he may be the replacement for Hardy. I just prefer Anderson as a loner.
–Promo/Segment of the Night: Opening segment
–Match of the Night: 4-Corners (***)
–Overall Grade: C +
Scheduled for Next Week’s “Midsummer Nightmare”:
– TNA World Title: Mr. Anderson (c) vs. Sting
– TNA Tag Titles #1 Contenders Match: Mexican America vs. British Invasion
– Madison Rayne vs. Tara
– BFG Series 3-Way Dance: Samoa Joe vs. Bobby Roode vs. The Pope
– Jeff Jarrett returns from Mexico
Destination X Lineup:
– Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles
– TNA X-Division Title: Abyss (c) vs. Brian Kendrick
– Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn
– TNA X-Division Title #1 Contenders Ultimate X Match: Alex Shelley vs. Robbie E vs. Amazing Red vs. Shannon Moore
– Samoa Joe vs. Kazarian
– Open Challenge: Douglas Williams vs. TBA
– X-Division Tournament Finals: Low-Ki vs. Austin Aries vs. Zema Ion vs. Jack Evans (winner earns a TNA contract)
BFG Series Standings
1) Crimson: 31 points
2) Gunner: 21 points
Devon: 21 points
3) Matt Morgan: 14 points
AJ Styles: 14 points
James Storm: 14 points
Rob Van Dam: 14 points
Bully Ray: 14 points
4) Scott Steiner: 7 points
5) The Pope: 0 points
Samoa Joe: 0 points
Bobby Roode: 0 points