TNA Impact Wrestling
Orlando, Florida (Impact Zone)
August 11, 2011
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Impact Wrestling opens up fresh off this past Sunday’s “Hardcore Justice” PPV with Angle talking about his match with Sting after the PPV. Angle says he took advantage of an opportunity and is sure Sting would have done the same while clips of the ending to the PPV (Angle snatched a chair away from Hogan and then blasted Sting with it). Angle says he doesn’t know anyone that’s gone for a World Title that wouldn’t take that opportunity. Angle says maybe he can’t beat Sting without controversy but he’ll take the win however he can get it. Angle says he got a call earlier this week and he won’t say who it is, but the person that is responsible for everything that happened in tearing his family apart will pay for it because now he’s the World Champion and he’s in control not Hulk Hogan or Dixie Carter. Angle says as long as he’s champion he calls the shot.
The usual Impact opening hits and then we cut to the arena where Immortal’s music hits and Abyss leads the rest of Immortal out to the ring. No Bischoff or Hogan but Abyss, Bully Ray, Mr. Anderson, Gunner, and Scott Steiner are there. Anderson keeps looking back at Bully Ray as they head to the ring off the heels of their VERY physical match at Hardcore Justice. Ray says they are Immortal and Abyss is turning into a major disappointment. Abyss looks shocked as Ray asks him if he really lost to AJ Styles in the 6-man match at the PPV. Ray says Abyss cost Immortal that match and then says he’s on thin ice but as Abyss starts to get in his face Ray says he’s on thin ice with Bischoff not him. Ray says tonight in a BFG Series Match it will be Ray vs. Gunner vs. Steiner vs. Crimson in a Fatal 4-Way Match. Ray says he guarantee’s Crimson’s undefeated streak comes to an end and he’ll probably get the 7 points because he’s going to become the World Heavyweight Champion.
Ray says it’s time to get down to business with everyone’s favorite Asshole and points to Anderson (who doesn’t look happy tonight). Ray says what blows his mind is the fans actually like him and they actually like it when he calls the fans his fellow assholes. Ray says he probably thinks that Ray will talk smack to him tonight but that’s exactly what he’s not going to do because at Hardcore Justice Anderson stood with him toe-to-toe. Ray says he hit Anderson with some of his biggest shots and Anderson still kept coming at him and he definitely underestimated how tough Anderson really is. Ray says he’s been in the ring with everyone and Anderson brought it to him just as good as anyone else has ever done it before. He calls Anderson a tough S.O.B. and then says he belongs in Immortal, and Immortal can benefit from having Anderson in the group. The fans boo that comment. Ray says whatever they had between themselves it’s over and yes he did beat Anderson at the PPV, but it’s only for one reason and that’s because he’s just a better wrestler. Ray says he’s still tough and their problems are over with now. Ray says it’s all about Immortal taking over TNA…and him becoming World Heavyweight Champion and then offers his hand to Anderson. Anderson just laughs at him which pisses Ray off. Ray asks Anderson if he doesn’t think he’s being serious with him and then he says he’s a stupid S.O.B. and a freaking moron. Ray says he can’t believe that Anderson doesn’t take him seriously. Anderson then punches Ray!
Anderson and Ray brawl before Steiner pulls Anderson off. Anderson hits Steiner now! He goes after Gunner and Abyss now too but they take him down. Immortal beats down Anderson in the ring and then Bully Ray blasts him with his chain. Steiner puts Anderson in the Steiner Recliner and we see that Anderson’s forehead is busted open. Steiner grabs the chain and wraps it around Anderson’s neck. Security runs out but Immortal takes them out pretty quick. Steiner chokes Anderson with the chain while Ray talks trash to him on the microphone. D-Lo Brown, Al Snow, and Simon Diamond run out (TNA Agents) and beg Immortal to lay off of Anderson. Immortal leaves the ring and EMT’s come out to tend to Anderson. Steiner with the line of the night: “bleed asshole!” I’m not going to say a word about that one.
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Back from commercials footage of trainers helping Anderson in the back are shown with Anderson trying to fight them and get off the stretcher to try and refuse medical attention. They eventually loaded him up in an Ambulance and took him to the hospital.
In Bischoff’s office he admits that Anderson was a mistake and he thanks them for taking care of that mistake. He says Ray tried to warn him but he didn’t listen and he says it will never happen again. He says he talked to Hogan a little while ago and he’s on his way and so is Kurt Angle, but he has no idea what the deal with Angle is. He says he has no idea where Angle’s head is at but he tells Immortal to be ready. Bischoff says he and Abyss need to talk.
TNA Knockouts Title #1 Contenders Match
Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James
Clips of Madison losing the belt to Mickie James back at Lockdown are shown before the match. Mickie lost the title to Winter Sunday night so this is a match between the two last Knockouts Champions to name a new #1 Contender. Mickie rolls Madison up quickly as Madison was taking her crown and gets an early nearfall. Madison begs Mickie off but when Mickie goes to grab her, Madison trips her and gets a nearfall of her own. Madison tosses Mickie something and as the referee took it away from Mickie, Madison poked her in the eyes. Madison kicks Mickie in the head and covers her for a nearfall as Tenay reminds us that Winter sprayed that red substance in Mickie’s eyes at Hardcore Justice. Madison rakes Mickie’s eyes again and then she slams Mickie into the mat and then slams it again. Madison picks Mickie up by her hair and then slams her down to the mat. Madison then sets up for her Head Scissors Pushup Faceslam, but Mickie rolls her up out of nowhere! 1…2…NO Madison kicks out! Mickie hits a few body shots on Madison and then hits a clothesline. Mickie avoids a sweep from Madison and then dropkicks her for a nearfall. Mickie then hits a series of Forearms and attempts to whip her into the ropes, but Madison counters into a back elbow. Madison hits the ropes but eats a Hot Shot from Mickie! Mickie climbs up top and dives off with a Flying Thesz Press! Mickie grabs Madison’s crown and puts it on and mocks Madison. Madison hits the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Mickie kicks her and hits the Mickie-DT! 1…2…3!
Winner & NEW KO #1 Contender: Mickie via pinfall (Mickie-DT)
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Back from commercials the new World Champion arrives to the arena and Robbie E is in the ring. A-Double, Austin Aries, is at the announce table with Tenay & Taz. Did Aries really just blow Aries a kiss, oh man.
Non-Title
Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Robbie E. w/Cookie
As Kendrick makes his way to the ring clips of Kendrick’s win over Aries & Shelley in a 3-Way at the PPV are shown. Aries puts out that he beat Shelley, not Aries in that match. Robbie attacks Kendrick from behind before the bell and puts the boots to him. Robbie taunts Kendrick and chokes him on the middle rope. As Robbie argues with the referee Kendrick recovers and charges at Robbie with Forearm Smashes. Robbie cuts him off with a knee to the gut and then beats him down. Robbie screams at Cookie about something and then locks Kendrick in a Side Headlock. Kendrick fights to his feet and breaks the hold with back elbows and forearms. Kendrick hits the ropes but eats a Back Elbow from Robbie! Kendrick falls out to the ring and Robbie notices it and screams at Cookie thinking she pulled him out. Robbie rolls him back in and gets a nearfall. Robbie picks Kendrick up and goes for a Vertical Suplex but Kendrick blocks it and the two exchange forearms and right hands. Kendrick gets the advantage and ducks a clothesline and connects with a Flying Forearm followed by a Spinning Heel Kick. Kendrick follows up with a Running Forearm in the corner! Kendrick sets up for Sliced Bread but Robbie shoves him into the corner. Cookie gets on the apron as Robbie grabs Kendrick in a Waistlock. She tries to spray Kendrick with her hairspray, but Kendrick ducks it and she sprays Robbie! Kendrick then hits SLICED BREAD! 1…2…3!
Winner: Brian Kendrick via pinfall (Sliced Bread)
After the match Aries says Kendrick can’t call himself the real champion until he beats him one-on-one. Cookie and Robbie continue to argue up the ramp.
In the back Devon approaches Pope who’s on the phone with someone. Devon asks Pope who’s texting and Pope claims it his mom. Devon says he’ll give Pope props for beating him at Hardcore Justice and he says he had to slap Pope around and it’ll happen again if he double crosses Devon tonight. Devon says he doesn’t want to team with Pope but he will because he wants those points. Pope says he needs the 7 points too and says it’s all business. Devon says he still doesn’t trust him and walks away.
In the back Jeff & Karen Jarrett arrive in the parking lot. They are wearing stereotypical Mexican clothes.
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In the back Robbie screams at Cookie and he says they’re finished. He calls her a ‘stupid bitch’ and she calls him pathetic. Robbie says the only reason she’s there is to help him win and he says he’s finished and walks away. She says “peace out douche bag.”
Clips of the BFG Series Matches at Hardcore Justice are shown. Pope over Devon, and Crimson over RVD via DQ which means RVD is penalized 10 points because of Jerry Lynn’s interference. Crimson says he’s not happy about Lynn’s interference but a win is a win. Pope says Pope isn’t the future, he’s right now and he’ll prove it by winning the Tournament. Crimson remains atop the leader board with 43 points while James Storm is a distant 2nd with 33 points. Devon is 3rd with 30. Gunner, Ray, and Roode are tied at 4th with 28. RVD is at 5 with 25, AJ is at 6 with 21, Pope is at 7 with 17, Steiner is at 8 with 14, and Joe is still in last place with -10 points (I forgot last week that a DQ penalized 10 points).
BFG Series
Triple Threat Tag Team Match
Devon & D’Angelo Dinero vs. AJ Styles & Rob Van Dam vs. Beer Money Inc.
Winner of the fall earns the points. AJ and RVD is a bit of a dream team here with arguably the best flyer of the 90’s teaming with arguably the best high flyer of the 2000’s and on. All four of these guys competed at Hardcore Justice. RVD was DQ’d against Crimson, AJ and his Fortune buddies beat Immortal in 6-man action, Beer Money successfully retained the Tag Titles against Mexican America, and Pope defeated Devon. Christopher Daniels shows up at the announce table before the match. Daniels says he has something to talk about and he will when we return.
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TNA’s Direct Auto Insurance commercial airs for the first time (at least the first time I’ve seen it). Crimson, Pope, Abyss, Kurt Angle, and several others are featured. Back from commercials the match is on and RVD & Devon kick things off. Daniels says that he hoped by talking to AJ he could get things done but that hasn’t happened so he’s going public. He officially challenges AJ to a rematch of their Destination X classic. Devon locks RVD in a Hammerlock but RVD reverses it and then locks in a side headlock. Daniels refuses to answer any of Tenay & Taz’s questions and walks away. In the ring Devon shoves RVD into the ropes but eats a shoulder block. RVD hits the ropes and then eats a Corkscrew Back elbow from Devon for a nearfall. Devon tags in Pope and holds RVD as Pope puts the boots to him. Devon & Pope whip RVD into the ropes and then Pope hits a Drop Toe Hold on RVD and holds him in place as Devon hits a Diving Headbutt. Pope covers RVD but only gets a nearfall. RVD shoves Pope away and then locks in a Waistlock, but Pope counters with an arm drag and holds onto his arm in an Armbar. RVD uses his legs to counter out with a Head Scissors and then they both get to their feet and RVD rolls Pope up with a Body Scissors! 1…2…NO Pope kicks out! RVD hits an arm drag on Pope and locks in an Armbar of his own. Pope fights up and forces him in the corner, AJ tags RVD. AJ hits Pope in the gut and then connects with a Scoop Slam followed by a Knee Drop for a nearfall. AJ gets to his feet and connects with repeated Elbow Drops for another nearfall. AJ picks Pope up but then feels the wrath of those quick hands from Pope as Pope connects with a series of body shots and head punches. Pope then whips AJ into the ropes where Storm blind tags AJ. AJ ducks Pope and then picks him up into the air and Storm connects with a Bulldog on Pope as AJ held him up! 1…2…NO AJ shoves him off. AJ holds up the Fortune symbol and smiles at Storm. Storm with a big right hand on Pope and then he attempts to whip Pope into the ropes, but Pope counters with a back elbow. Pope slams Storm into the corner and tags Devon back in. They whip Storm into the ropes and Devon drops down and then Pope catches Storm with a clothesline. Devon covers Storm for a nearfall. Devon goes for a Corner Splash but Strom gets his boot up and then hits a Diving Corkscrew Elbow off the top! Storm tags his buddy, Roode, in and Pope tags back in! Roode connects with a series of clotheslines on Pope and then he attempts to whip him into the ropes, but Pope reverses it only to eat a Flying Forearm from Roode! Roode then hits a Running Clothesline in the corner rand then whips him hard into the corner again. Roode charges at Pope but Pope gets his boot up. Pope charges at Roode but eats the Double-R Spinebuster! 1…2…NO RVD breaks it up! RVD attempts to whip Roode into the corner but he reverses it and then eats a Leaping Enziguri in the corner from Storm on the apron. RVD stumbles into a NASTY Spike DDT from Roode! RVD still sells DDT’s better than any wrestler on the planet. Roode turns around into a boot from Pope (the legal man). Pope whips Roode into the ropes and sets up for a Backdrop but Roode holds onto the ropes. He then charges at Roode but Roode catches him with a back elbow. Pope then stumbles into a Springboard Flying Forearm from AJ out of nowhere! AJ then eats a One-arm Spinebuster from Devon! Roode eats a Neckbreark from Devon and then Devon knocks Storm off the apron! Pope tells Devon to go up top and then he picks Roode up. Pope holds Roode as Devon dives off with a Diving Shoulder Block, but Roode side steps it and he nails Pope! Storm then clotheslines Devon out to the floor and both crash down on the outside. In the ring Roode grabs Pope and hits the Payoff! 1…2…3!
Winners: Beer Money via pinfall (Payoff)
Roode: 35 points
Storm: 33 points
RVD: 25 points
AJ: 21 points
Devon: 30 points
Pope: 17 points
With that win Roode moves all the way up to 2nd place with 35 while Storm falls to 3rd with 33. So the tag champs are at 2nd and 3rd place and could both end up in the BFG Series Finals.
Clips of the Sting/Angle feud are shown. Angle will be speaking next.
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The new World Heavyweight Champion, Kurt Angle, makes his way down to the ring carrying the chair he used on Sting at the PPV to the ring. Angle thanks the fans for all the emails and tweets asking him “why” after the PPV and he knows the fans are surprised at the way he took out Angle. Angle says he has the upmost respect for everybody but when he doesn’t get that same respect he gets pissed off. Angle apologizes to Sting for taking him out that way but over the past week he was told certain things which made Sting in the wrong place at the wrong time. Angle says he’s not joining the “dark side” and this whole thing is about getting his integrity back (the 3 I’s!). Angle says 3 days before the PPV an individual called him and told him that he’s been talking to Karen & Jeff quite a bit and that Karen & Jeff know what they did was wrong, but the individual explained to him that all wrestlers are scumbags and have no ethics. Angle says Jeff saw a beautiful women and went after her even though she was married and that’s just the way this business is unfortunately. Kurt says even though Jeff & Karen were guilty there is a 3rd person with blood on their hands. Angle says it wasn’t another wrestler but that third party was supposed to look out for his best interests…that third party was DIXIE CARTER. Kurt says 3 years ago he came to Dixie and told her about Jeff & Karen and she told Kurt that she didn’t know anything about it. She told Kurt he was paranoid but Jeff & Karen told this individual that Dixie knew everything. Kurt says he was going to break Jeff Jarrett’s neck but because he didn’t want a PR disaster he took the high road because of Dixie, and she stabbed in the back. He says because Sting was her friend and her ally he had to take care of Sting with this and then picks up the chair. Angle says Dixie told him that her plan when she signed him was to surround him with a bunch of young talent and his plan now is to take that young plan and hurt them one-by-one! Angle says he will send them all home until there is only Kurt Angle and as long as he is TNA he will make sure she NEVER gets her company back again!
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As Kurt walks up the ramp Sting shows up on the ramp with his bat! Sting approaches Angle and knocks the chair out of Angle’s hand with some pretty wicked shots with the bat! Sting is screaming over and over at Angle and is about to hit Angle with the bat when Hogan hits him from behind with a chair!
Angle screams at Sting and says if Sting wanted to know who his informant was, it was Hulk Hogan! Kurt says Hogan cares about him and is invested in him. Kurt says payback is a bitch and then Hogan punches Sting!
Hogan picks up the chair and hits Sting with it again! Hogan hits him over and over with the chair the whole time talking trash to Sting. Hogan tosses Sting into the ring and while Angle laughs and watches. Hogan punches Sting again and then continues to punch away at him as Kurt comes into the ring. Hogan looks at Kurt and then looks down at Sting and then raises Kurt’s arm! Tenay questions Angle saying, “Kurt Angle & Immortal’s Hulk Hogan working together…Kurt, that’s how you get your integrity back?”
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Clips of Hogan’s beat down on Sting are shown as we come back from break.
Non-Title Match
Jackie & ODB vs. Tara & Brooke Tessmacher
Tenay says that ODB & Jackie went to Bischoff after Velvet’s promo on them a few weeks ago and asked for a chance so he gave them this match. Tessmacher was introduced as Brooke Tessmacher and Taz says it as well so I’m guess that is her new ring name (her real name is Brooke Adams). Tessmacher and Jackie start the match off. They lockup and Tessmacher gets Jackie in a side headlock but Jackie pulls her hair and shoves her into the ropes. Jackie hits a shoulder block but Tessmacher answers with a dropkick. Tessmacher hits the ropes and Jackie goes for a Hip Toss, but Tessmacher blocks it and hits one of her own! Tessmacher then hits a Drop Toe Hold followed by a Front Headlock. As Tessmacher holds Jackie in place with that move, Tara blind tags herself in and hits a Slingshot Sunset Flip on Jackie for a nearfall. Tara then puts Jackie in a side headlock and transitions into a wristlock. Jackie pulls her hair but ODB tells her not to because Bischoff told them no funny business. Tara then catches Jackie with an armdrag and ODB tags in. ODB eats an arm drag from Tara and Tara locks in an arm bar. Tessmacher tags in and locks ODB in a wristlock of her own but ODB breaks it with forearms. ODB attempts to whip Tessmacher into the corner but Tessmacher reverses it and then hits her Asstastic move in the corner. ODB is pissed at that one and Jackie tries to calm her. Tessmacher then rolls her up for a nearfall. ODB then gets to her feet and hits a clothesline. ODB grabs Tessmacher but Tessmacher crawls through her legs and tags Tara in. Jackie tags back in as well and Tara ducks a clothesline from her. Tara then hits a Running Spinning Neckbreaker for a nearfall. Tara locks in a side headlock but Jackie breaks it and shoves her into the ropes. ODB is about to hit Tara from behind but Jackie screams at her no and then kicks Tara and hits a Snap Suplex for a nearfall. Jackie locks Tara in a wristlock and then whips her into the corner and tags ODB back in. Tara comes back with chops on both but they stop her and drag her back to their corner. ODB slams Tara into the turnbuckles and then nails her with shoulder blocks. ODB whips Tara into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Tara ducks and then goes for a Cross Body Block. ODB catches her in midair and hits the Fall Away Slam! ODB climbs up top but Tara crotches her and then hits a Superplex! Both girls are down. Tara tags Tessmacher in and ODB tags in Jackie. Tessmacher hits a series of clotheslines on both ODB & Jackie but then ODB attacks her from behind. ODB & Jackie start to double team her but Jackie stops and tells them they have to behave. Tara then comes from out of nowhere with a Spear on ODB! Tessmacher rolls Jackie up! 1…2…3!
Winners: Tara & Tessmacher via pinfall (rollup)
Tessmacher & Tara offer a handshake and ODB & Jackie accept reluctantly and leave.
A new aspect to the show is the “Direct Impact of the Night” which is a replay of the biggest move I guess, sponsored by Direct Insurance. Tonight’s Direct Impact is Tara’s Spear on ODB.
In the back the X-Division wrestlers are standing in front of Bischoff’s office. I see Kendrick, Zema Ion, Kid Kash, Mark Haskins, Aries, and several others that I could tell who it was because they were standing behind those guys. This is interesting since it’s the first time we’ve seen Haskins since Destination X as well as Ion, and both Zema Ion & Kid Kash recently signed with TNA.
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Back from commercials the X-Division guys are in Bischoff’s office. Bischoff tells them to have a seat because they’re going to be here for awhile, and unfortunately they’ll be in TNA for a LONG while. Bischoff says he got word from the network and because of Destination X and the fabulous performances they put on (and what Abyss didn’t get done, he says he wants Abyss to have to see this) the division stays. Bischoff says there will now be a weight limit on the X-Division, 220 lbs. and under which means guys like Abyss can’t get a shot at the belt. Bischoff says next week they will be holding a Gauntlet with everyone in the office where the winner gets a shot at the belt at No Surrender. Bischoff says they need to live up expectations because expectations are very high.
Austin Aries then interrupts Bischoff and says he and Bischoff are a lot alike and he just wants to tell him that he doesn’t like those guys either and he’s going to make the X-Division great. Kid Kash walks up to Aries and stares him down and then walks away. Bischoff tells the X-Division guys to take a hike but he wants to talk to Aries.
Jeff Jarrett’s music hits and the AAA World Heavyweight Champion makes his way down to the ring alongside Karen. As Jarrett makes his way down to the ring TNA mentions the AAA name for the very first name and then footage of Jarrett winning the belt at TripleMania (in his AWFUL match with El Zorro) are shown. There have been some rumors that TNA couldn’t even mention the AAA name or show any footage on TV because of an old deal that AAA had with another company. Apparently that has all been worked out now.
Taz with one of his “witty” lines: “Jeff sort of looks like he’s from Tijuana…except for the blonde hair, the goatee, and the southern accent.” Jeff tells the fans to shutup in crappy Spanish and then says it has come to his attention that even though he and Karen have been official crowned the King & Queen of Mexico that some people aren’t taking this situation serious enough. Jeff says people think it’s all an act even though in one night he single handedly took down an entire wrestling organization, AAA (that is questionable at best, CMLL is BY FAR the bigger promotion). Jeff says that still isn’t enough and someone told him that he needs to learn the nuances of the Mexican people and that he has to get endorsed by the Mexican people. Jarrett says he has scanned all of Mexico and he has gotten endorsed, and he has two brothers Jose-A and Jose-B, that landscape the Impact Zone. He says they are, “uninsured, unbounded, and damn sure unlicensed.” Wow this is messed up.
Jose-A and Jose-B come down to the ring wearing their landscaping gear. For anyone interesting that is INDY wrestlers Los Ben Dejos. Jeff says they remind him of a couple of wrestlers he knows. Jeff says he wants them to say in his own words how great Jeff is. Jose-A says “que” over and over as Jeff is getting pissed. He asks Jose-B to do it but then they see Hector Guerrero at the announce table and they get excited. He tries to get them to focus. He tells Jose-A to say “Jeff Jarrett is the King of Mexico” but he says instead “La familia Guerrero es reyes de Lucha Libre Mexicana” (The Guerrero family is kings of Mexican Wrestling). He once again asks Jose-A to say it but this time he starts naming off members of the Guerrero family: Gory, Mando, Hector, Chavo, and Eddie! Jose-B reiterates that the Guerrero family is the kings of wrestling in Mexico so Jarrett attacks them!
Jeff beats the hell out of them until Hector Guerrero runs down. Jeff stops Hector from getting in the ring so he grabs a steel chair and Jeff bails.
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Eric Young, TNA’s resident halfwit, is back in Hollywood. Young is trying to get into the Baio house but he can’t find it. He says Shai Lebouf (the Evens Stevens kid from Transformers) took him in a ride in Bumblebee but he couldn’t find Baio.
Anderson is shown returning and pretty much limping around backstage with bloody dripping down his forehead. He shoves the camera away and walks into a trailer in the back lot. It’s Immortal’s locker room! Ray tells him to relax but Anderson grabs his chain, but before anything can happen Gunner attacks him from behind and slams him into the lockers. Ray says Anderson will never learn. Ray shoves the camera away and says “no witnesses” and we hear Anderson screaming and Gunner hitting him with something.
Matt Morgan makes his way to the announce table for a little guest analysis.
BFG Series
Fatal 4-Way Match
Gunner vs. Bully Ray vs. Crimson vs. “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner
On commentary Morgan says he would die to be the World Champion and he thinks the guys in Immortal would too so that would mean more to them than working together despite them coming to the ring together. Immortal surrounds Crimson but the referee it’s not going to go down like that and makes Gunner & Steiner get on the apron, tag rules here. Ray and Crimson will start the match off. Before they lockup Ray turns around and tags in Gunner and tells him to go after Crimson. They lockup and Gunner hits Crimson and then connects with a right hand. Gunner chokes Crimson and then attempts to whip into the ropes, but Crimson reverses it and connects with a back elbow. Crimson then hits a clothesline and whips Gunner into the corner. He then hits a backdrop as Gunner stumbles out of the corner. Crimson goes for a Full Nelson but Gunner blocks it only to eat a series of Knee Strikes from Crimson. Crimson follows up with a Swinging Neckbreaker for a nearfall. Crimson charges at Gunner in the corner but eats a back elbow. Gunner then explodes out of the corner with a Running Forearm for a nearfall. Gunner then elbow drops Crimson repeatedly and Ray screams at him to tag him. Gunner reluctantly tags Ray in but as he comes in Crimson gets to his feet. Ray sees Crimson is up and tags Steiner in. Steiner taunts Crimson as Tenay talks about Crimson & Steiner’s history. Steiner kicks Crimson and then lights him up with chops and right hands. Steiner whips Crimson into the ropes and goes for a backdrop but Crimson kicks him and then hits him with right hands. Crimson attempts to whip Steiner into the ropes but Steiner reverses it and as Crimson hits the ropes Gunner kicks him in the back. Steiner then hits a Belly-to-Belly Overhead Suplex on him. 1…2…NO Crimson kicks out! Steiner whips Crimson into the ropes and connects with a Steinerline followed by the Steiner Elbow Drop for a one count before he gets up and starts taunting Crimson with pushups. Steiner distracts the referee while Gunner chokes Crimson on the ropes. Steiner puts the boots to Crimson now and then tags Gunner back in. Gunner & Steiner hit a Double Suplex on Crimson and Gunner gets a nearfall. Gunner locks Crimson in a headlock while Steiner puts the boots to him. Gunner covers again and again gets a nearfall. Steiner & Gunner take turns punching Crimson on the ropes and then they whip Crimson into the ropes, but he ducks and goes for a Double Clothesline of his own! He connects on Steiner but Gunner ducks it. Gunner then charges Crimson but Crimson side steps him and Gunner runs into Ray! Crimson rolls Gunner up! 1…2…3!
Winner: Crimson via pinfall (rollup)
Crimson: 50 points
Gunner: 28 points
Bully Ray: 28 points
Steiner: 14 points
After the match Crimson celebrates on the ramp but Kurt Angle attacks him! Angle takes his shoe off and starts hitting Crimson over and over with it! He take off his OTHER shoe and beats Crimson with it! Angle then tosses Crimson into the ring as Immortal bails. Angle continues to beat Crimson down and then he takes Crimson’s knee brace off. Angle hits Crimson with the brace repeatedly and then he blasts him with a running shot with the brace as Crimson tried to get to his feet. Crimson tries to crawl out of the ring but Angle stops him and grabs Crimson’s leg and wraps it around the ropes and starts sitting down on it with his weight in a kind of Knee Lock over the ropes. Crimson is just hanging there as Angle works the knee over as the show comes to a close.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall I enjoyed tonight’s show, we got some good segments as well as some good action in the ring, and some explanations to some things.
I really liked the opening segment because it was short and to the point and Bully Ray continues to be one of the best talkers in TNA. Some will say “another turn” about Immortal kicking Anderson but that definitely needed to happen. That was the worst thing they could do to Andreson, to put him with a group. He needs to be a loner.
Mickie-Madison had some good action but was just way too short.
Kendrick-Robbie was okay but I cannot stand Robbie E. and never could. Don’t know what the breakup between he and Cookie means for either character but it’s probably not a good thing for their future.
Really entertaining match in the 3-Way Tag with Roode getting more points, as his comeback continues. Great stuff there.
I didn’t mind Kurt’s turn at the PPV as much as some mainly because I enjoy Kurt more as a heel than as a babyface. He at least gave reason to why did what he did and the beat down by Hogan pretty much guarantees us we will see Hogan-Sting at BFG (sadly). I just hope that they keep the Hogan-Angle alignment as something between them two and not Angle joining Immortal. The fact that Immortal just left the ring instead of helping Angle beat on Crimson at least points to that being the case.
Jackie & ODB vs. Tara & Tessmacher was a really enjoyable match and all 4 girls worked well together. I think the ODB & Jackie angle with them having to “be on their best behavior” to get a job is at least different. Don’t know how good it will be though. This match was good.
I loved the X-Division segment, and hopefully next week’s Gauntlet is a REAL Gauntlet and not that stupid Gauntlet for the Gold that TNA has done for years. I actually had a conversation with someone a few days ago about TNA putting a weight limit on the X-Division. Honestly I don’t like the idea, because it takes away from the “no limits” slogan, and this means guys like Joe can no longer compete for the belt. Then again at least there is no chance of guys like Abyss winning the belt again.
Jarrett’s promo had a lot of bad stereotypes but I loved the Guerrero name drops and Hector’s involvement was interesting. They have been showing Hector Guerrero on camera for a few months new every single week to keep him in our minds and with this I’m really thinking there is more to it. There is a certain Guerrero that is a Free Agent at the moment and right around BFG time should be able to sign with TNA.
Another awful Eric Young segment.
The Main Event was okay and continued to make Crimson look strong. He outsmarted the heels and got more points. Also, Morgan’s commentary really added to the match tonight in my opinion. The beatdown afterward made sense since Angle said he was going to take out all of the young guys and who’s the hottest young guy right now? After the Impact tapings Crimson said on his twitter that he was getting an MRI so I’m wondering if maybe they’re going to go with an injury angle here that keeps him out of action for a few weeks leading to others leapfrogging him in the BFG Series, and instead of him being in the Finals he faces Angle at No Surrender. Otherwise I think Crimson is a guarantee for the Finals. Other than him I think RVD, AJ, and Roode will make it.
–Promo/Segment of the Week: Opening segment
–Match of the Night: TIE – Tag 3-Way/Tara & Tessmacher vs. ODB & Jackie (**)
–Overall Grade: B
Scheduled for Next Week:
– X-Division #1 Contenders Gauntlet: Robbie E vs. Kid Kash vs. Austin Aries vs. Mark Haskins vs. Alex Shelley vs. Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorenson vs. Tony Nese
– BFG Series: Scott Steiner vs. Devon
– BFG Series: RVD vs. AJ Styles
– TNA Tag Team Titles: Beer Money (c) vs. Mexican America
No Surrender Lineup
– TNA World Title: Kurt Angle (c) vs. TBA
– BFG Series Finals Match #1: TBA vs. TBA
– BFG Series Finals Match #2: TBA vs. TBA
– TNA X-Division Title: Brian Kendrick (c) vs. TBA
– TBA Knockouts Title: Winter (c) vs. Mickie James
BFG Series Standings
1) Crimson: 50 points
2) Bobby Roode: 35 points
3) James Storm: 33 points
4) Devon: 30 points
5) Gunner: 28 points
Bully Ray: 28 points
6) RVD: 25 points
7) AJ Styles: 21 points
8) The Pope: 17 points
9) Scott Steiner: 14 points
10) Samoa Joe: 0 points
*Matt Morgan has been eliminated due to injury.