TNA Impact Wrestling
Orlando, Florida (Impact Zone)
August 4, 2011
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Impact Wrestling opens up this week with highlights from last week.
We cut to the arena where Immortal is standing in the ring. Bully Ray tells the fans to sitdown and shutup and listen. The fans chant “you suck” at him and he says they don’t suck because they’re Immortal. He then starts hyping up the rest of Immortal talking about Steiner’s arms, calls Gunner the “future” of TNA, he says Abyss is the only man he’s afraid of, and then says Jarrett is his idol. He says Jarrett is the only man that could take the AAA Title from Mexico to America. He looks at Anderson and says he’s just an asshole and then starts talking about the long going Fortune-Immortal feud. Ray says “this town just ain’t big enough for the two of us”, but then Anderson interrupts him. Anderson asks if Ray really just said TNA isn’t big enough for Fortune and Immortal, but he says the ring they’re standing in isn’t big enough for the both of THEM (Ray and Anderson).
Anderson says last week Ray volunteered Anderson to face Angle in a Cage but then he went ahead and screwed him in the match as well. Ray says he didn’t screw him and Anderson just couldn’t get the job done. Anderson says all he has to say is that he hopes and prays to God for his sake that it was worth it but he is a very vindictive person and he WILL get Ray back. Ray asks Anderson who is again and then he says Anderson is the guy that LOST the World Title after only being in Immortal for one week. He calls Anderson weak and then says he’s a 20-time Tag Team Champion and when Bischoff & Hogan ain’t around he’s in charge of Immortal. Another “you suck” chant breaks out now. Ray says he will become the World Heavyweight Champion and Anderson is nothing more than a piece of dog crap on the bottom of his shoe on his way to winning said belt.
Anderson has an idea, neither are booked at Hardcore Justice so they should “make a little date with freaking destiny” and suggests Anderson vs. Ray at Hardcore Justice. He taunts Ray which results in Ray spitting in Anderson’s face! Anderson then blasts Ray in the face and the two start brawling! Immortal pulls them apart and then Fortune’s music hits!
The entire group walks out onto the stage and Kazarian calls Ray “Bully Ray Cyrus” and then says before their little slap and tickle fight broke out it sounded like they were going to call out Fortune and invite them to the ring. Kaz says if that’s the case then consider this their RSVP and then they hit the ring! Fortune and Immortal begin brawling but Anderson bails out and lets Immortal take the beating from Fortune! Fortune cleans house but Storm is selling like he threw out his back when going for a punch or something. Storyline or for real, I’m not sure.
Tonight Hernandez faces James Storm in a Street Fight plus 3 BFG Series Matches and the Contract Signing between Sting and Angle!
In the back Tessmacher is stretching for her match tonight.
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Knockout Champion Mickie James makes her way to commentary, lucky Tenay & Taz. She is looking good as hell like always tonight.
Madison Rayne vs. Ms. Tessmacher w/Tara
Mickie is hyping up Tessmacher on commentary. Hebner kicks Tara from ringside before the match starts but as Madison taunts Tara, Tessmacher nails her with a series of Forearms. Tessmacher puts the boots to Madison in the corner and then slams her ass into Madison’s face repeatedly. Tessmacher celebrates and Madison attacks her from behind. Madison slams Tessmacher’s face into the mat and then starts raking her nose. Madison slams Tessmacher into the corner and then tosses her across the ring by her hair twice. Madison locks Tessmacher in a Headscissors and slams Madison’s head into the mat repeatedly Madison taunts Mickie at commentary which allows Tessmacher to recover and roll Madison up with an Inside Cradle! 1…2…3!
Winner: Tessmacher via pinfall (rollup)
After the match Madison attacks Tessmacher and starts choking her. Mickie starts to go down and help Tessmacher but Angelina Love attacks her from behind on the ramp. Mickie comes back on Angelina and hits her with forearms and knees but then Winter attacks her from behind. Angelina holds Mickie and Winter hits her with the title belt. Winter puts the belt over her shoulder and taunts Mickie along with Angelina.
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Back from commercials a recap of the BFG Series Matches at last weeks Live Events are shown. James Storm, The Pope, Bully Ray, Crimson, AJ Styles, and Robert Roode earned points. AJ got revenge on Bully Ray after his loss to him at Slammiversary by earning more BFG points with a win. Crimson remains on top with 40 points while James Storm has moved up to second place with 33 points. RVD, Gunner, Bully Ray, and Robert Roode are in a 4-way tie for 3rd place with 28 points. Matt Morgan does have 24 points but he is eliminated due to the injury. Devon has 23 points, AJ Styles has 21, Steiner has 14, and The Pope has 7. Samoa Joe remains the only person in the series with no points.
BFG Series Match
Devon vs. “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles
Devon currently has 23 points while AJ has 21. With a pin here AJ would move into the tie for 3rd place while Devon would move into 3rd place alone with a pin. Oh, I do believe AJ is about to screwed by Immortal, something’s telling me. AJ and Devon circle each other and then Devon goes for a lockup, AJ ducks underneath it and locks in a Waistlock. Devon tries to back AJ into the corner but AJ releases the hold and flings Devon into it. They then lockup now and AJ goes for a Wristlock but Devon shoves him away. They lockup again and AJ ducks underneath and locks in a Side Headlock. Devon shoves AJ into the ropes and AJ cartwheels over him when Devon drops down and then AJ grabs him in a Headlock. Devon shoves AJ into the ropes again and this time he actually leapfrogs AJ and hits a Hiptoss. What the hell? Did I really just see Devon Dudley do a Leapfrog? Devon goes to pick AJ up but AJ rolls back and kicks Devon away. AJ then leapfrogs Devon and connects with the Phenomenal Dropkick! The Pope walks down to ringside and starts shaking hands with Devon’s kids. AJ gets a nearfall on Devon and then he ducks a right hand from Devon and locks in a Waistlock. Devon breaks the hold with a back elbow and then charges at AJ but AJ nails him with a Side Kick. AJ then charges at Devon but eats a Corkscrew Back Elbow! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! Devon now notices Pope at ringside and starts jawing with him. Pope tells him to focus and Devon finally turns around and charges at AJ, but AJ side steps him and then hits a leg kick. AJ then locks in the Flying Armbar! Devon is able to get his foot on the bottom rope and then rolls out of the ring. AJ then goes for a dive but Devon quickly rolls into the ring. AJ is able to catch himself and land on the apron. He then hits a Slingshot Sunset Flip! 1…2…NO Devon kicks out but AJ transitions right into a Styles Clash attempt! Devon fights it off with a boot to the head! Devon then hits a series of right hands until AJ blocks one. AJ then goes for one of his own but Devon counters into a Reverse Suplex attempt. AJ blocks it and lands on his feet and ducks a clothesline attempt from Devon and connects with the Pele! Daniels is shown sitting at ringside now. 1…2…NO Devon kicks out! AJ notices Daniels at ringside and is trying to figure out what he’s doing. AJ walks onto the apron and says something to Daniels and then goes for the Springboard Flying Forearm, but Devon avoids it and then rolls AJ up! 1…2…3!
Winner: Devon via pinfall (rollup)
Devon: 30 points
AJ: 21 points
AJ is obviously heated but shakes Devon’s hand anyway. Devon goes to ringside and has words with Pope and then AJ and Daniels have words as they walk up the ramp. Daniels is still trying to “talk to AJ about this” (presumably their match at DX still?).
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Tenay and Taz discuss the Angle-Sting match and Tenay talks about Angle wanting to finally get that clean win over Sting in the middle of the ring. They then show a video package highlighting the Sting-Angle history. They go all the way back to the BFG ’07 match between Sting and Angle (you know when Angle attempted the 450 Splash and landed square on Sting’s chest with his knees) and then further into their other matches including the Empty Arena Match during the Main Event Mafia era. Footage of Angle training his shown and Angle says the fans will remember this match for the rest of their lives.
In the back Pope says he’s in the BFG Series to win it and talks about his past with Samoa Joe. He says he was just informed that he and Devon are facing each other at Hardcore Justice and says he’s been working hard to make the thing between him and Devon click. He says he hopes they have a completive match and then they’ll be brothers afterward.
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BFG Series Match
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe
Matt Morgan, arm in a sling, is on guest commentary and he will provide “analysis on the BFG Series.” Morgan says he will give a wrestlers perspective on the matches and says it’s bitter sweet because he had his dream taken away. Joe swings at Pope but Pope ducks and then Joe goes for a leg kick but Pope leaps over it. Joe fakes going for a test of strength and then swings and misses with a right and a left, and then Pope catches him with a right hook. Joe corners Pope and as Pope tries to get out he flings Pope back into the corner. Joe then comes after Pope but Pope ducks underneath him and then catches Joe with an armdrag. Pope then follows up with a dropkick for a nearfall. Joe gets to his feet quickly and charges angrily at Pope but Pope catches him with another armdrag and this time holds onto an Armlock. Joe fights to his feet but Pope transitions into a Hammerlock. Joe grabs Pope by the head and tosses him into the corner. Joe then charges at Pope but Pope sidesteps him by rolling out to the floor. Joe then follows Pope out but Pope slides back into the ring and ducks a clothesline from Joe. Pope catches Joe with an Atomic Drop and then a Shoulder Block! Pope hits a series of elbows and then he hits a Double Axe to the face. Pope circles Joe and then waits for Joe to get to his feet and sets up for a whip. Devon walks down to the ring. Joe blocks the whip and looks like he just absolutely snapped and screams at Pope. Joe picks Pope up and goes for a Scoop Slam but Pope counters it and shoves Joe into the ropes. Pope then rolls Joe up! 1…2…NO Joe counters into the Coquina Clutch! Pope taps! Joe finally gets his win!
Winner: Samoa Joe via submission (Coquina Clutch)
Samoa Joe: 7 points
The Pope: 7 points
After the match Joe continues choke Pope out and he goes old school Samoa Joe with his eyes rolling back into his head as he continues to choke Pope! The referee tries mercifully to pull Joe off of Pope but to no success. Pope is no longer moving at all as he continues to choke Pope out. The referee continues to warn Joe that he will reverse his decision if he doesn’t let go. Finally he does, he reverses the decision. He DQ’s Joe!
Winner: Pope via DQ
Pope: 10 points
Joe: 0 points
Joe snaps again and looks like he is going to MURDER the referee. He bails and takes off running to the back as Joe screams over and over as he chases him.
In the back Samoa Joe is ranting and raving, screaming that the truth is the people that run TNA don’t want him anywhere near the gold and he knows why. He says that’s why the put him in this damn tournament and he says he KNOWS why, because he’s a threat, he’s a problem. Joe looks inot the camera and says,
“Goddamn it I know what you people are about, and I know what you want from me. You’ve sat there and you’ve TRIED to kill me…YOU’VE TRIED TO KILL ME! But you won’t, you WILL NOT! I WILL NOT GO SILENTLY AND BY GOD FROM HERE ON OUT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU ACTIONS! YOU will be held accountable and THE BLOOD…it’ll be on your hands.”
Holy sh!t that’s the intensity we have been wanting from Joe! EXCELLENT promo!
We cut to Bobby Roode walking into the Fortune locker room and saying he’s been looking for Storm. Storm is selling the back and says he tweaked his back in the fight. Roode says he has a Street Fight now. Storm says he’s been in worse shape and he says they have to defend the Titles in 3 days so he can’t go out there like this right now. He asks Storm what’s more important than the titles and Storm says what’s more important is nothing at all. Roode asks Storm to let him do the match and Storm agrees to it. Storm agrees but says he’s going down to the ring with him.
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Back from commercials Bully Ray is on the phone with Hogan and Hogan is apparently pissed about the Ray-Anderson drama. Ray says he always said Anderson is wrong for Immortal and Hogan says Ray was instigated everything with Anderson. Ray refuses to apologize to Anderson but finally gives in and says he’ll apologize to him.
Falls Count Anywhere Street Fight
“Super Mex” Hernandez w/Mexican America vs. Robert Roode w/James Storm
Mexican America are wearing their brand new t-shirts which say “nada es imposible” (nothing is impossible) which is scrolled across Hernandez’s biceps as a tattoo. Roode tells the referee he’s going to take Storm’s place and Hernandez doesn’t care. Roode climbs into the ring and ducks a clothesline from Hernandez and nails him with right hands until Hernandez tosses him into the corner. Roode comes back and lights Hernandez up with chops. Roode then attempts to whip Hernandez into the opposite corner but Hernandez reverses it. Roode explodes out of the corner with a clothesline! Roode then clotheslines Hernandez over the top to the floor! Roode then hits a Slingshot Plancha over the top onto Hernandez on the floor! Roode picks up a chair and hits Hernandez in the gut with it and then hits him in the back with it. Roode grabs a trashcan and tosses it into the ring followed by more weapons. He picks up a trashcan lid and blasts Hernandez with it but Hernandez comes back with a knee to the gut. Hernandez then tries to slam Roode into the ring steps but Roode blocks it and then hits him with an uppercut. Roode then attempts to whip Hernandez into the ring post but Hernandez reverses it! Hernandez then covers Roode for a nearfall. Hernandez grabs a trashcan lid and nails Roode with it and tosses him back into the ring. Hernandez then hits the Slingshot Shoulder Block! Hernandez takes his belt off and starts whipping Roode on the back with it repeatedly. Hernandez chokes Roode with the belt and then taunts him as Storm tries to get the fans behind Roode. Hernandez grabs Roode but Roode punches him in the gut and then nails him with chops and right hands. Roode attempts to whip Hernandez into the ropes but he reverses it and then nails Roode with a clothesline. Hernandez picks up the trashcan lid and hits him in the head with it and gets another nearfall. Roode rolls out of the ring again and Hernandez follows him and slams him into the apron. Hernandez then tosses Roode into the ring steps. Roode sells that previously injured shoulder as Hernandez rolls him into the ring. Hernandez picks up his belt again but walks into a shot from the trashcan lid! Roode hits him again and then hits him a third time. Roode charges at Hernandez but Hernandez gets his boot up and then grabs the top rope and pulls himself up to the top! Roode tosses a trashcan at Hernandez! Roode then climbs up with Hernandez and Superplexes him! Both men fight to their feet and Roode nails Hernandez with a kendo stick repeatedly. He hits Hernandez in the face with it and then gets fired up. He grabs Hernandez and chops away at him in the corner and then he attempts to whip Hernandez into the opposite corner, but Hernandez reverses it. Hernandez charges at Roode but he gets a boot up. Roode hits the Blockbuster off the top! 1…2…NO Hernandez kicks out! Roode is still selling the arm again as we see Hernandez is busted open. Roode attempts to whip Hernandez into the ropes but Hernandez reverses it and then goes for a backdrop. Roode stops and kicks Hernandez and then lights him up with chops. Roode hits the ropes but eats a nasty Shoulder Block from Hernandez! Hernandez picks Roode up and sets up for the Border Toss but Roode blocks it and then hits the Double R Spinebuster! Roode then grabs Hernandez and locks in the Fujiwara Armbar! Rosita gets on the apron and distracts the referee as Hernandez taps! Storm pulls Rosita off the apron and Anarquia attacks Storm from behind! Roode pulls Anarquia up onto the apron and decks him to the floor. Sarita climbs into the ring and nails Roode with the kendo stick! Roode turns around and Sarita bails. Hernandez then grabs Roode and rolls him up! 1…2…Hernandez uses the ropes for extra leverage…3!
Winner: Hernandez via pinfall (rollup)
Ray comes into Anderson’s locker room and he says he doesn’t care what people think about him, but he has respect for this business and for the guys that came before him like Hogan. Ray says he’ll do the right thing and apologize to Anderson. He tells Anderson that he’s sorry for the way he treated Anderson and the predicaments that he put Anderson in. Ray offers a handshake but Anderson questions him. Ray says he feels like a jerkoff for even offering an apology but offers it one more time. Anderson accepts it and shakes Ray’s hand. Ray then kicks him in the nuts and says, “who’s the asshole now” and walks out leaving Anderson doubled over on the floor.
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In the back Angle is talking to someone in the production truck.
Alex Shelley vs. Austin Aries
Shelley and Aries will be in the 3-Way for the X-Division Title this Sunday night. Aries attacks Shelley from behind before the bell and lights him up with chops. Aries chokes Shelley on the bottom rope and then hits a Slingshot elbow over the top to Shelley as he was draped over the ropes. Aries taunts the crowd and then goes for the Slingshot Somersault Senton, but Shelley gets his knees up. Shelley then hits Aries with Forearms and body shots. Shelley nails Aries with an Enziguri and gets a nearfall. Shelley covers Aries 2 more times and gets 2 more nearfall. Aries begs Shelley off and then offers a handshake but Shelley slaps it away. Aries then tries to kick Shelley catches his boot! Aries goes for an Enziguri but Shelley ducks it and then rolls Aries up with a La Magistral cradle! 1…2…NO Aries kicks out! Shelley nails Aries with several nasty chops and then he whips Aries into the corner and charges at him. Aries floats up and over Shelley and then goes for a Springboard Back Elbow. Shelley ducks it and then kicks Aries and hits a Flatliner into the turnbuckles! 1…2…NO Aries kicks out! Tenay says next week several new X-Division stars will be debuting. Aries hits a back kick on Shelley and then calls for the Brainbuster, but Shelley grabs his leg and hits the Dragonscrew Legwhip! Shelley then locks Aries in a Spinning Reverse Figure Four! Aries fights it and finally gets the ropes! That was a nasty submission! Shelley continues to work on the leg of Aries slamming his own knee into the leg of Aries. He then sets up for another submission but Aries kicks him with the free leg sending him into the corner. Aries shakes his leg trying to shake it off and then charges at Shelley, but Shelley avoids him by sliding through the ropes to the apron. Shelley goes for a shoulder block through the ropes but Aries avoids it and hits Shelley in the head with a knee. Aries then hangs Shelley up in the ropes and hits a Hanging Neckbreaker! Aries climbs up top and dives off with a CRAZY Plancha onto Shelley on the floor! Aries rolls Shelley back into the ring and covers him for a nearfall, and then he covers for another nearfall followed by yet another nearfall. Aris picks Shelley up and puts him on the top rope. Aries climbs up with him but Shelley shoves him off! Shelley then dives off top with a Flying Liger Kick! Aries falls out to the floor and Shelley dives with a Tope Suicida through the ropes onto Aries on the floor! Shelley rolls Aries back into the ring and climbs up top. Shelley dives off top with a Diving Double Foot Stomp attempt, but Aries rolls away. Shelley charges at Aries but eats a back elbow and then Aries mocks Shelley by going for Sliced Bread! Shelley blocks it and shoves Aries into the corner and rolls him up! 1…2…NO Aries kicks out! Shelley gets to his feet and goes for a round kick but Aries ducks and then tosses Shelley out to the floor again. Aries grabs Shelley’s ring jacket and mocks him wearing it! He then grabs the metal spokes on the jacket and acts like he’s going to hit Shelley with it but the referee stops him and takes it away. Shelley is back in the ring now and hits a back kick to the gut on Aries. Shelley then goes for Sliced Bread but Aries crotches him in the corner and then kicks him in the nuts! Aries then grabs Shelley and hits the Brainbuster! 1…2…3!
Winner: Aries via pinfall (Brainbuster)
After the match Aries grabs the microphone and screams at Shelley, taunting him. He asks Shelley what he has to say now and says he beat Shelley with a “nice, clean wrestling maneuver.” He continues to stomp on Shelley the whole time taunting him on the mic. Kendrick then runs down and chases Aries off. Aries tells Kendrick that he’ll see him at the PPV, punk. Damn, Aries chest is blood red from those chops from Shelley in the match.
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Back from commercials yet another vignette of Eric Young in Hollywood is shown. Oh yeah, creative “has nothing” for Amazing Red but they can sure find something for this goofball, good lord. Young meets with his acting coach. She tells Young that he’s probably more likely to get struck by lightning then be an actor. She says Young has wasted his time. Young finally finds Scott Bayou on a golf course, apparently that will be shown next week. Joy.
In the production truck JB is with Angle where he will give his thoughts on their Empty Arena Match he and Sting had back in 2009 while the match is shown. They talk about the Main Event Mafia and Angle says this fight was over control of the Main Event Mafia. Angle says this is probably his last opportunity to get in the ring with Sting at Hardcore Justice. Angle says the Empty Arena Match was more of a fight while this Sunday will be a wrestling match. Kurt talks about the spot where Sting threw him off the bleachers to the floor and Angle says he will remember that spot when he punishes Sting on Sunday. I remember enjoying that match (Empty Arena) while it happened until the finish (which I hated). Angle talks about wanting to settle things at Hardcore Justice and it’s going to be physical.
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Sting is shown walking into the arena. This fool is wearing sunglasses over his Joker face paint.
Main Event
BFG Series Match
Immortal (Scott Steiner & Gunner) vs. Rob Van Dam & Crimson
Whichever man scores the fall in this one gets the points. Crimson & RVD are facing each other at Hardcore Justice. RVD and Steiner start the match off. They lockup and Steiner tosses RVD into the corner. He taunts RVD by showing his arms but while he’s doing that RVD rolls him with a Body Scissors! 1…2…NO Steiner kicks out! Steiner then gets to his feet and lays RVD out with a Steinerline. Steiner chops away at RVD in the corner and then he hits him with a right hand. Steiner whips RVD into the corner but RVD floats up and over the charging Steiner and then hits him with a Spinning Heel Kick. RVD does his “R-V-D” taunt again but as he was doing Steiner nailed him with a Full Nelson Slam! Steiner spits at Crimson and then tags Gunner in. Gunner lays into RVD with stomps and rights and then he whips RVD into the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but RVD backflips over Gunner and then takes Gunner down with a Spinning Leg Sweep. RVD then follows up with a Standing Moonsault for a nearfall. RVD immediately gets a wristlock on Gunner but Gunner shoves him in the corner. Gunner hits RVD with repeated big rights and then he goes for a Hiptoss, but RVD blocks it and kicks Gunner in the face with a front kick. RVD tags in Crimson and the big man takes Gunner out with a Running Back Elbow and then a Scoop Slam. Crimson taunts Gunner and picks him up and hits a T-Bone Suplex! 1…2…NO Gunner kicks out! Crimson attempts to whip Gunner into the ropes but Gunner reverses it and Steiner kicks him in the back from the apron. Crimson knocks Steiner off the apron and turns around into a Running High Knee from Gunner for a nearfall. Gunner stomps on Crimson and then locks in a side headlock and tags Steiner back in. Steiner puts the boots to Crimson and then slams him into the top turnbuckle. Steiner lights him up with chops in the corner and then hits a Belly-to-Belly Suplex! 1…2…NO Crimson kicks out! Steiner whips Crimson into the ropes and connects with the Steinerline and then the Steiner Elbow. 1…NO Steiner stops and mocks Crimson with pushups. Steiner taunts RVD and then grabs Crimson and drags him to the heel corner and tags Gunner back in. Gunner hits a Back Suplex and gets another nearfall. Gunner climbs up top and dives off with an Axe Handle Drop but Crimson catches him in midair and hits the Red Alert! Both men are down now. Both tag out! RVD ducks a clothesline from Steiner and hits a Superkick! RVD then hits a spinning heel kick and then hits the ropes but eats a Belly-to-Belly Overhead Suplex from Steiner! Steiner approaches RVD in the corner but eats a back elbow from RVD followed by a Springboard Back Kick. RVD then hits Rolling Thunder! 1…2…NO Gunner breaks it up! Crimson comes after Gunner and hits some nice strikes. Gunner comes back on him as Steiner and RVD brawl on the outside. RVD drapes Steiner over the guardrail on the outside while Gunner slams Crimson into the turnbuckles. RVD sets up for his Diving Corkscrew Guillotine Leg Drop off the apron but Gunner lays him out. He then turns around into a Spear from Crimson! RVD dives off the top with the 5-Star Frog Splash on Gunner! He then walks into the Steiner Flatliner from Steiner! Crimson eats a Steinerline and then he covers RVD! 1…2…NO RVD kicks out! Steiner calls for the Frankensteiner! He picks RVD up and puts him on the top rope. Steiner climbs up with RVD and goes for the Frankensteiner but Crimson comes from out of nowhere and lifts Steiner up onto his shoulders and hits the Electric Chair Drop! RVD dives off with the 5-Star Frog Splash on Steiner! 1…2…3!
Winners: RVD & Crimson via pinfall (5-Star Frog Splash)
RVD: 35 points
Crimson: 40 points
Steiner: 14 points
Gunner: 28 points
After the match Christy Hemme approaches RVD and Crimson for post match comments. RVD says he’s going to beat everyone to win the Tournament and then Hemme asks about their match at Hardcore Justice, where the winner will be in 1st place. Crimson says it was a honor to team with him tonight but at the PPV it will be a different story because he’ll be walking out with the points. They shake hands and wish each other luck.
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Tenay and Taz run down the card for Hardcore Justice.
TNA World Title Contract Signing
Borash introduces both Angle and Sting to the ring. Angle & Sting sign the contract without anything said, yes he is still wearing sunglasses over his face paint. JB then asks if they have any final comments.
Angle says there are few people in the business he respects but Sting is one of them. He says Sting is the Icon because that’s what he is. He says Sting has never politicked or screwed anyone over and if he’s half the man Sting is then he knows he’s done a good job, but at Hardcore Justice he’s coming after him. He says it’s strictly business, and nothing personal. He says it will end in a handshake but he will be walking away with the title.
Sting says suddenly he doesn’t feel like laughing too much. Sting thanks Angle for those words and he makes him feel like he’s actually accomplished something in the past 20 years and that he’s actually had an effect on someone. He said he would be a liar if he didn’t tell Kurt that he was as big a fan of Kurt as he was of Sting. Sting says no matter where he goes or who he talks to, when they ask who the greatest wrestler he ever faced it is always Kurt Angle. Sting says there is nothing that Kurt can’t do, he says he’s the greatest technical wrestler and puts over his timing and stamina and even his aerial moves. Sting says no one does a Moonsault off of a 20 foot cage and lives to tell about unless your name is Kurt Angle. Sting then talks about the Gold Medal and mentions how nobody else in the business ever did that. Sting says the belt has always been important to him but never as important it is now because it’s what he needs to right the ultimate wrong. He says TNA belongs to Dixie not to Hogan & Bischoff. He says he made a vow to all the wrestlers, the fans, and Dixie that before he hung his boots up he would bring the company back to Dixie. He says losing is not an option for Sting. Sting says Angle will have to come real close to killing him to get that belt, and at Hardcore Justice he will walk out with the belt “and that’s what’s real.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed tonight’s show but before I say what I enjoyed and what I didn’t I have to talk about the damn finishes. STOP WITH THE ROLLUP FINISHES! We get it, a match can end on anything but damn they have done that finish to death at this point.
The opening segment with Immortal was great, I loved the back and forth between Anderson and Ray. Fortune came out and looked strong taking them out. Anderson doesn’t fit in with Ray and it looks like we’re heading back to the loner Anderson. I also loved Ray’s “apology”, what else would a guy named “Bully” do to someone?
Rayne-Tessmacher was barely there and just there to set up the beatdown on Mickie. At least they furthered that angle.
AJ-Devon was short and before tonight I would have said that is a good thing, but they were both working well together. Devon looked really good. AJ losing doesn’t kill him because of the way he lost but Devon should be putting guys over in this tournament, not the other way around.
Pope-Joe was okay while it lasted but it seems like Joe has FINALLY snapped. That promo afterward was AWESOME. Can’t wait to see this guy start murdering people again.
The Street Fight with Hernandez and Roode was very well done but had an over booked finish. Roode and Storm did a great job of putting over the belts before the match as well.
Shelley-Aries was excellent but I didn’t expect otherwise. The 3-Way should definitely steal the show this Sunday.
The stuff with Angle in the production truck talking about the Empty Arena Match was overdone and just not necessary. They were hyping that Empty Arena Match too much, but they did do a good job of selling the Main Event for the PPV all night.
Eric Young’s crap continues to be stupid as hell and unneeded.
Main Event was really well worked. All 4 guys put in a lot of great action. RVD is again getting the points, I’m still pretty sure he’s going to end up winning this Tournament and if that happens it will be the ultimate disappointment. We’ll probably no more after the PPV. If RVD is willing to put the younger guy over or not.
The contract signing was pretty brief and uneventful. That was the first time we’ve heard Sting talk like a normal person in weeks. I don’t like contract signings and this did nothing for me. Too much respect and not enough “I wanna whoop your ass” for my taste.
The biggest plus for me was that every single match was hyped tonight for the PPV. I mean every single one. That NEVER happens in TNA. Sting-Angle was obviously built up. Beer Money-MA was furthered with the Street Fight. Mickie-Winter was hyped with the beat down. The X-Division Title was hyped with the Aries-Shelley match and then the beat down afterward. Fortune-Immortal was built up with the opening brawl. Crimson-RVD was built up with their team up and the post match interview. And finally Pope-Devon and Anderson-Ray was built up throughout the night.
–Promo/Segment of the Week: Opening segment
–Match of the Night: Shelley vs. Sabin (***)
–Overall Grade: B +
Scheduled for Next Week:
– The debut of several X-Division stars
Hardcore Justice Lineup:
– TNA World Title: Sting (c) vs. Kurt Angle
– TNA Tag Team Titles: Beer Money (c) vs. Mexican America
– TNA Knockouts Title: Mickie James (c) vs. Winter
– TNA X-Division Title 3-Way Dance: Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley
– 6-Man Tag Team Match: Fortune (AJ Styles, Kazarian, & Christopher Daniels) vs. Immortal (Abyss, Gunner, & Scott Steiner)
– BFG Series: Crimson vs. RVD
– BFG Series: Devon vs. The Pope
– Mr. Anderson vs. Bully Ray
BFG Series Standings
1) Crimson: 40 points
2) RVD: 35 points
3) James Storm: 33 points
4) Gunner: 28 points
Bully Ray: 28 points
Robert Roode: 28 points
5) Devon: 30 points
6) AJ Styles: 21 points
7) Steiner: 14 points
8) The Pope: 10 points
9) Joe: 0 points
* Matt Morgan has been eliminated due to injury.