TNA iMPACT!
Orlando, Florida (Impact Zone)
January 6, 2011
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Impact opens up with highlights from last week.
As we cut to the arena Immortal and Fortune are making their way down to the ring. Flair argues with a fan at ringside before he gets in the ring and said fan screams “F*CK YOU” as Jarrett passes by. Stay classy there Orlando. Bischoff wishes everyone a Happy New Year and then says that like the name implies, “Genesis” will the beginning of everything not the end of anything. He says not only for Immortal but for every athlete associated for TNA. He says that even though he put a bounty on every TNA Title that Immortal doesn’t hold, there will be no chicanery and they will get those belts “the right way.” He says tonight will be a “Night of Champions” and then he introduces the X-Division (Jay Lethal), Tag Team (Motor City Machine Guns), and Television (Douglas Williams) Champions and they come out to the ring as Bischoff promises nothing will happen to them. The face AJ Styles makes as Bischoff introduces Lethal as being “phenomenal” was beyond priceless. He had that “what the f*ck” look on his face.
Bischoff says that the men in the ring are not only Champions in the eyes of the fans but also in Immortal’s eyes. He admits that they earned those Championships and he says they respect them. He says they’re expecting 5 star matches from all them and he says in the spirit of fairness he will give them each the opportunity to sharpen their skills tonight. Bischoff says that Jay Lethal will be going one-on-one with Abyss! Abyss smiles at Lethal as he looks at him. Bischoff says he’ll get to the Guns in a moment but he can’t think of a better challenge for Douglas Williams than “The Freak” Rob Terry. Bischoff goes back to the Guns and he says he’s been waiting to announce this all night. It will be the Machine Guns vs. AJ Styles & Kazarian! Bischoff asks the champions to shake their opponents hands in the “interest of fairness.” Immortal & Fortune then jump the champs! Bischoff sarcastically says this is not what they discussed and they will be fined. RVD’s music then hits!
RVD runs out and Gunner & Murphy meet him on the ramp but he takes them out! RVD slides into the ring as Machine Guns, Williams, & Lethal start to come back on Immortal! Immortal bails out of the ring and RVD grabs a microphone. He says he’s ready to stop playing games just as soon as Bischoff is ready to put Hardy in the ring with him. RVD demands that Bischoff tell him who his opponent at Genesis is but Bischoff says he’ll tell him when he’s good and ready. RVD says he WILL find out tonight even if that means he has to “beat it out of your manipulative little ass.” Bischoff goes nuts and says that Abyss will kill RVD if he asks him to.
In the back Bully Ray talks trash about Devon and says that week after week Devon tries to get after him. He says for 15 years Bully used Devon and made him his lackey. Ray says he’s going out to the parking lot and if Devon has the guts and is man enough they can settle this thing.
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A recap of the MMA stuff with Jarrett is shown focusing on Red and his “baby brother.”
Jarrett’s music hits and he makes his way out to the ring entourage in toe. Sounds like TNA is officially calling Red’s “brother” Little Red. The guy at ringside is still screaming at Jarrett but he ignores him for the most part. Jarrett says since last week he’s had to make a few tweaks to his MMA Challenge but it’s only to protect TNA legally. Jarrett says the first change is if someone is going to accept the challenge they can NOT be taller than him and he claims the reason is because he doesn’t want anyone getting seriously hurt. Jarrett then says the MMA Challenge is now just an “exhibition” not a competition and it’s again because he doesn’t want anyone getting seriously hurt. Jarrett grabs the stack of waivers and says all anyone has to do is sign the waivers. Jarrett asks if there is any takers in the house and Jarrett points out the kid Boo Boo Stewart from Twilight movie but he says he can’t beat up a 14 year old kid. Jarrett then walks over to Boo Boo and asks if he seriously wants to enter it and he says he does. Jarrett asks the fans if they want to see it and then Jarrett gets Borash to make sure Boo Boo is shorter than him. Jarrett says that Boo Boo is in the Junior Black Belt Hall of Fame and Stewart says he is. Jarrett then tells Stewart’s dad to stand up and he is a tall man so Jarrett says that makes Boo Boo disqualified because one day he would be bigger than him. Jarrett then points out a TNA fan in the top section and tells him to come on down. This guy is tiny as hell. He makes Amazing Red look like Big Show. Jarrett tells the kid to sign the waiver and the kid does so. Jarrett then asks the kid what his name is and he says his name is Jonathan Cruz from San Juan, Puerto Rico and Jarrett nails him with a series of knees.
Jarrett tosses the kid to the mat and then punches him in the back of the head repeatedly and then picks him back up and nails him with another knee to the head. Jarrett then locks the kid in an Ankle Lock and the kid taps out but Jarrett refuses to let go. Finally Kurt Angle comes from out of the crowd and slides into the ring! Jarrett bails out quick as hell along with his entourage! Angle checks on the kid and then picks up a microphone as Jarrett screams at him. Kurt says he and Jeff are about the same height and since this is just an exhibition they don’t have to worry about anyone getting in hurt all he has to do is sign the waiver. He picks up the stack of waivers and signs it and Angle says it’s on for Genesis. Jarrett reminds Angle that he said he would never wrestle again in TNA and Angle says he’s right but this is just an exhibition! Angle smiles at Jarrett and then he says he’ll see Jarrett’s ass at Genesis! Angle leaves through the crowd as Jarrett looks none too happy.
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Back from commercials Tenay & Taz discuss Angle and Jarrett.
Non-Title Tag Team Match
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles & Kazarian vs. Motor City Machine Guns
AJ and Kaz are wearing matching red ring gear. The Guns hit the ring and the two teams start brawling right off the bat. The Guns toss AJ & Kaz out of the ring and then hit Double Suicide Dives through the ropes onto AJ & Kaz on the outside! Shelley tosses AJ into the ring post and then rolls him back into the ring. The Guns whip AJ into the ropes and then Shelley hits him with an Atomic Drop followed by a sliding dropkick to the knees from Sabin. Shelley then holds AJ’s face up into the air as Sabin hits another Sliding Dropkick into AJ’s face. Sabin covers AJ and gets an early nearfall. Sabin then picks AJ up but AJ pokes him in the eyes and then he hangs Sabin up in the ropes. AJ tries to hit Shelley on the apron but Shelley blocks it and then nails AJ with a forearm as Kaz hits a Slingshot Leg Drop over the top onto Sabin in the ring. AJ covers Kaz and gets a nearfall of his own. AJ hits Sabin in the back of the head with an elbow and then he shoves Sabin into the corner and lights him with a chop. AJ tags Kaz in and Sabin tries to fight out of the corner with punches and elbows. Sabin then kicks AJ and tries to get to the face corner but AJ grabs him and pulls him back. AJ then lifts Sabin up into the air and holds him as Kaz hits another Slingshot Leg Drop onto Sabin and AJ drops him down with a Sidewalk Slam at the same time. Kaz covers Sabin for a nearfall before Shelley breaks it up. Kaz nails Shelley in the corner and then puts the boots to Sabin. Kaz chokes Sabin on the bottom rope and AJ punches Kaz in the head from the outside. Kaz chokes Sabin and then covers him for another nearfall. Sabin tries to fight back but Kaz pokes him in the eyes and then hits a Corner Splash on Sabin. Kaz whips Sabin into the opposite corner and then charges but Sabin gets his boot up. Sabin follows up with a nasty Running Lariat! Both men are down now. Kaz tags AJ and Sabin tags Shelley! Shelley nails AJ with a series of strikes in the center of the ring and then he tries to punch Kaz on the outside but Kaz ducks. Kaz then holds Shelley in place for AJ but Shelley kicks AJ and then nails Kaz in the head with a back elbow. AJ charges at Shelley again and again Shelley sidesteps him and then hits AJ with a Leaping Enziguri to the back! Shelley then hits a Slingshot Plancha over the top onto Kaz on the floor! Kaz starts to climb back in as AJ charges at him. Shelley meets him with a shoulder block through the ropes and then he slingshots himself over AJ and flips into the ring. Shelley goes for a German Suplex but AJ blocks it, stomps on Shelley’s foot, and then reverses into a Waistlock of his own. AJ goes for Chaos Theory for a 2nd week in a row but as he rolled backwards Shelley blocked it and then nailed AJ in the head with a back elbow. Shelley goes for Sliced Bread but AJ blocks it and then goes for the Phenomenon out of the corner! Shelley blocks it and counters into a disgusting Brainbuster! 1…2…NO Kaz breaks it up! Kaz charges at Shelley but Shelley backdrops him over the top rope to the floor! AJ grabs one of the Tag Titles and swings it at Shelley but he ducks and AJ walks into an Enziguri from Sabin! Shelley then grabs AJ and hit’s Sliced Bread! 1…2…3!
Winners: Machine Guns via pinfall (Sliced Bread)
Eric Bischoff walks out onto the ramp and doesn’t look very happy. As Kaz threatens The Guns with a steel chair Beer Money shows up out of nowhere behind The Guns and attacks them! Beer Money beats The Guns down in the ring as Bischoff looks disgustingly at AJ. In the ring Beer Money continue to beat down The Guns and then they hold up the Tag Titles and the Fortune symbol.
In the back Pope talks about the camera that’s been following him around the past few weeks and he says tonight he will find out who it’s been following him around. Pope demands an apology to whomever the hell the person may be.
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In his office Bischoff says that he is really trying to control his anger right now (he’s talking to AJ) but AJ’s job tonight was freaking simple. He says he was supposed to go out there and soften them up. AJ says The Guns are the freaking Tag Team Champions there’s nothing simple about “softening them up.” Flair says that Bischoff just wants AJ to be the best that he can be and he says AJ is the best and the face of TNA. Flair tells AJ to calm down and says they have a lot on their shoulders right now. AJ says Bischoff wants him to win every match and he says Flair is the greatest wrestler ever but asks if he won every match. Flair says he didn’t but Bischoff cuts Flair off and says it’s not about Flair it’s about AJ getting the job done. He says AJ has 3 days to get the job done at Genesis “or else.” AJ says “or else what?” and Bischoff doesn’t even want to know what else. He puts his head down and Flair signals AJ to kill it right now and AJ walks out.
Pope is in the ring and says unless you’ve been living under a rock or not paying attention someone has been following him around with a camera while Pope has been handling his business. Pope says he doesn’t know what this person is trying to accomplish but he can assure everyone that the Congregation is standing behind him and they trust him with their life. Pope says whoever the person may be he’s calling him out right now. Pope tells the person to come out and face him in person right now. Samoa Joe’s music hits!
Samoa Joe comes out to the ring as Pope looks like he can’t believe it’s Joe. Joe says if there’s one thing he’s learned over the past few months it’s that the war isn’t won in the ring, it’s won by the person that holds the perception of being something their not. The person that lies. Joe says that Pope tells the people that he’s a “street saint” but from what he’s seen Pope is really a scumbag. Joe says Pope is helping the community in his spare hours but what they saw was Pope in a strip club in the nickel booth and then Pope asks for charity from the boys to give to the needby but Joe checked the shelters and they haven’t been given anything and Joe wonders what goods Pope was buying exactly. Joe says Pope says he’s buying puppies for the kids but they go around to the orphanages and there’s no puppies while there’s 35 noise complaints at Pope’s house this week. Joe asks if Pope really is the street saint or is he a scumbag. Pope says how dare Joe pass judgment on him. Pope says he’s been judged all his life so he doesn’t need some Samoan passing judgment on him now. Pope says when he went to the strip clubs he told those young girls that they don’t need to be doing that to put themselves through college (Joe laughs at that). Pope says when Pope goes to the orphanage they’re sitting with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree so he has to give them hope. Pope says he was saving those pitbull puppies and he says pitbulls are the best company a kid can have because he has one too. Pope says he’s not new to the game, he’s true to the game but this isn’t about the game. Pope channels Ice Cube as he says the next time Joe thinks about coming out and accusing Pope of something untrue he better “check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Pope says the next time he and Joe will have a problem. Pope drops the mic and walks out as Joe stares him down.
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Back from commercials Devon talks about Ray calling him out. Devon says he’ll meet Bubba in the parking lot tonight and he’ll kick his ass.
Knockouts Tag Team Match
Madison Rayne & Sarita w/Tara vs. Mickie James & Velvet Sky
Oh man I don’t think it’s gets any hotter than the 5 girls out there right now. Sky attacks Sarita at the bell and shoves her to the mat. Velvet then hits a sliding dropkick followed by a Facebreaker over her knee. Velvet follows up with chops and then she attempts to whip Sarita into the ropes but Sarita reverses it. Vevlet comes off the ropes and goes for a Spinning Headscissors but Sarita blocks it and Velvet counters into a rollup! 1…2…NO Sarita kicks out! Velvet covers Sarita again and again gets a nearfall. Velvet follows up with a clothesline and then she slams Sarita’s head to the mat repeatedly and then goes for a DDT but Sarita blocks it and backs Velvet into the heel corner where Madison grabs Velvet by the hair. Sarita shoves Velvet into the ropes and then Madison hits a jawbreaker on Velvet over the ropes. Sarita covers and gets a nearfall and then she tags in Madison. Madison slams Velvet into the corner and nails her with repeated shoulder blocks in the corner. Madison then chokes her with her boot and then Madison distracts the referee while Sarita chokes Velvet in the ropes. Madison covers her and gets another nearfall. Madison taunts Mickie and then Sarita tags in. Sarita talks trash to Velvet and then nails her in the gut. Sarita slaps her repeatedly while taunting her and then tags Madison back in. Madison beats on Velvet and then she does the Facebuster Pushup Slam on Velvet and then spits at Mickie. Mickie tries to get ahold of her but Madison tags in Sarita. Sarita hits Velvet with an Elbow Drop and then she sets up for a Tiger Bomb but Velvet blocks it and reverses it into a DDT! 1…2…NO Madison breaks it up! Mickie storms into the ring and hits Madison with a Thesz Press and then she beats o Madison slamming her to the mat. Mickie then hits her with a Neckbreaker! The referee tries to get Mickie out of the ring and while that’s happening Tara gets up on the apron and hits Velvet in the face with that big elbow brace. Madison then hits Velvet with a big right hand and Sarita covers her for the pin!
Winners: Sarita & Velvet via pinfall
In Bischoff’s office RVD tells Bischoff that Hardy has his belt and Bischoff needs to sign the match for Genesis. Bischoff tells RVD to stop worrying about that because he has a match tonight and RVD asks who against but Bischoff says he’s still working on that. RVD says this is just more head games and he doesn’t know how he avoided it his whole career but now he’s being manipulated. RVD says he’s going to kick this guys ass too.
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Non-Title Match
Douglas Williams vs. “The Freak” Rob Terry
These two are former partners in the British Invasion. Douglas uses his speed advantage over the big guy by avoiding all of Terry’s lockup attempts and he frustrates Terry quickly. Finally Williams nails Terry with a series of headbutts and European Uppercuts and then he follows up with repeated Knee Strikes. Williams then hits the ropes but eats a big shoulder block from Terry. Williams rolls out of the ring and out of nowhere AJ shows up and attacks Williams!
Winner: Williams via DQ
AJ slams Williams hand into the ring steps and then he rolls Williams back into the ring where he tells Terry to hold him. Terry stands on Williams arm while AJ stomps on the hand and then AJ climbs up top and dives off the top with a Foot Stomp on the hand!
In the back Bully Ray is walking to the parking lot, security with him.
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In the parking lot security holds Devon back as he tries to get Bully Ray. Devon asks Bully what this is about. Ray taunts Devon the whole time telling him to fight him the whole time he stands behind security and then he calls him a punk because he won’t throw a punch. Ray calls Devon his side kick and his bitch. Devon calls Ray a coward and then walks off. Ray says the problem is that Devon USED to be tough but now he’s just a “pu**y” (he said it, not me). That’s the one that set Devon off as he charges after Ray but again security holds him back. As they’re holding Devon Ray kicks Devon in the nuts! Security tries to keep Ray back now and Ray kicks one of the security guards and then talks more trash to Devon. Ray tells Devon to go home to his family and not to show up at Genesis.
In Bischoff’s office Jarrett says he has a gameplan for Sunday and he has an insurance policy on this plan. Bischoff says he has a problem that Jarrett can solve. He says that they need to get rid of RVD and he wants Jarrett to face RVD tonight. Jarrett says Angle is still lurking around somewhere and Bischoff says he thought of that. Bischoff says the match will be No DQ and he doesn’t have to worry about Kurt because Kurt got what he wanted, his match with Jeff for Genesis so he won’t show up. Jarrett agrees to it.
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Non-Title Match
“The Monster” Abyss vs. Jay Lethal
Lethal locks Abyss in a Waistlock at the bell but Abyss just tosses Lethal to the side like he weighs nothing. Lethal tries to take Abyss down and again Abyss tosses him to the side again. Abyss swings at Lethal but Lethal avoids it and nails Abyss with a big right hand. Lethal nails Abyss with a chop and Abyss gets pissed off. Abyss grabs Lethal by the head and tosses him back. Abyss goes for a Splash in the corner but Lethal got out of the way and then slams Abyss’s head into the turnbuckles. Lethal then ducks a clothesline and goes for a Springboard Cross Body but Abyss catches him in midair and goes for a Powerslam, but Lethal blocks it and then he hits a big leg kick followed by a dropkick but Abyss doesn’t go down. Abyss grabs Lethal by the throat but Lethal slaps his hand away. Abyss then grabs Lethal by the throat again and again Lethal slaps his arm away. Lethal connects with a series of rights and lefts and chops and then he hits the ropes. Lethal hits the Handspring Back Elbow off the ropes followed by a Missile Dropkick off the top! 1…2…NO Abyss kicks out! Lethal climbs up top again but Abyss gets up and tosses Lethal off the top! Abyss dares Lethal to get back up and as he does he charges at Lethal but Lethal moves out of the way and then he hits the ropes but gets caught with a Black Hole Slam from Abyss! 1…2…NO Abyss pulls Lethal up before the 3. Abyss tosses Lethal into the corner and beats him on with rights and lefts and then he chokes Lethal in the corner and won’t let go as the referee tells him to. Finally he calls for the bell.
Winner: Lethal via DQ
Kazarian comes out to the ring after the match as Abyss continues to beat on Lethal. Kaz grabs a microphone and mockingly begs Abyss to stop because he’s ‘hurting’ Lethal. Kaz tells Abyss to leave some for him on Sunday because if he doesn’t have a pulse then Kaz can’t beat him at Genesis. Kaz says this match was designing to be a highly competitive warm-up match for Genesis and he thinks they delivered just that. Kaz asks Lethal to stand up but he’s obviously out of it. Abyss lifts Lethal up and Kaz says it’ll be a pleasure getting into the ring with Lethal at Genesis and he wants to shake his hand. Abyss grabs Lethal’s arm and shakes Kaz’s hand with it. Abyss then drops Lethal and Kaz laughs.
Up next will be a sitdown interview with Morgan & Anderson.
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A hype video for Genesis runs.
We then go to a sitdown interview with Mike Tenay and Matt Morgan and Mr. Anderson. Tenay asks Anderson if he fully understands what Morgan did for him by turning his back on Fortune to have Anderson’s back. Anderson asks how many times he has to thank Morgan for that and asks if he should hire a marching band for the guy. Morgan says Bischoff is loving every single second of this thing with Anderson & Morgan and Morgan says if he was in the same predicament as Anderson his family would come first rather than have the match. Tenay asks about Anderson’s family and Anderson says it’s none of his damn business about his family. He says he respects Tenay but they’re not talking about his family. Tenay asks Anderson what he would do if he was in Morgan’s shoes and Anderson gets fired up. He says he would shut his damn mouth and WRESTLE because that’s what they do! He says every once in awhile they get hurt, it happens. Anderson says he took two months off and his doctor has cleared himself so he can get in the ring and get a shot at the belt so he can take care of his FAMILY more effectively. Anderson says it’s none of Morgan’s business who’s seen Anderson’s clearance. Tenay says he’s interviewed many guys in wrestling but Anderson is the only guy he’s never been able to get a read on. He asks if there’s a chance that Anderson is ‘working’ him, the fans, and Morgan. Anderson says maybe but you’ll know when he steps foot in the ring at Genesis. Anderson says assholes always finish first. Morgan says when that bell rings at Genesis the gloves are off. Anderson mocks him and Morgan gets in his face. Morgan says Anderson is going to be looking at two things this Sunday, right cross = hospital, Carbon Footprint = graveyard. He walks off as Anderson watches him.
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Main Event
No DQ Match
Jeff Jarrett vs. “Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam
Jarrett is wearing his MMA gear still. Jarrett and RVD circle but Jarrett backs away rather then lockup. Jarrett circles again and then he goes for a roundhouse kick but Van Dam catches the leg and hits the Stepover Heel Kick as Taz wonder why in the hell Jarrett would even attempt that on RVD. RVD does the “R-V-D” taunt at Jarrett and then Jarrett pokes him in the eyes this time and goes for another kick and yet again RVD catches the foot and this time nails him with a Spinning Heel Kick! RVD hits Jarrett with forearms and shoulder blocks in the corner followed by a Snapmare Takeover and then a Springboard Flying Back Kick! RVD goes for Rolling Thunder but Jarrett rolls out of the ring to avoid it. Jarrett jogs around the ring and then climbs back in Gunner and Murphy grab RVD’s leg. RVD nails Jarrett with a forearm but then Gunner & Murphy trip RVD which allows Jarrett to jump on RVD nail him with strikes on the mat. RVD hits Jarrett with a couple of body shots and tries to whip him into the ropes but Jarrett reverses it and then locks RVD in a Sleeper. RVD fights it and finally gets back to his feet and breaks the hold with back elbows. RVD nails Jarrett with right hands and then a series of clotheslines followed by a Superkick. One of the guys in Team Jarrett storms the ring but RVD just side steps him and the guy goes flying over the top rope to the floor. RVD grabs a steel chair and another member of Team Jarrett comes in and eats a clothesline. Another eats a Superkick and yet another feels a Forearm Smash. Gunnery & Murphy come in and attack RVD and beat on him. They hold RVD as Jarrett punches RVD in the face repeatedly. Finally he tells them to let go and as he winds up for a big right RVD springs to his feet and hits a Spinning Back Kick from out of nowhere on Jarrett! RVD then nails Gunner & Murphy with forearms and Superkicks! Jeff Hardy slides in the ring out of nowhere and hits the Twist of Hate on RVD! Jarrett rolls Van Dam over and gets the pin.
Winner: Jarrett via pinfall
After the match Hardy continues to beat on RVD and Jarrett joins in. Matt Morgan’s music hits and he runs out to make the save. Clotheslines and right hands for Jarrett & Hardy and then he tosses Jarrett into the corner but Hardy grabs a steel chair! Anderson comes from out of nowhere and grabs the chair and swings it at Hardy but Hardy ducks and Anderson hits Morgan in the back with it! Anderson doesn’t seem to care too much that he hit Morgan as Hardy and Jarrett bail. Morgan looks up at Anderson holding the chair as Anderson leaves the ring.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Decent but not great go-home show tonight. They built to all of the matches on the card for the PPV so that’s a plus at least.
The opening segment was solid and set up the rest of the show. The babyfaces end up looking kind of like dopes for believing that Immortal wouldn’t jump them, though I guess all babyfaces do that kind of idiocy.
The Jarrett stuff was funny and Angle coming back was nice. I like how they got around his retirement thing by saying it’s an exhibition but they need to hurry up and reinstate him on TV however they’ll do it.
Machine Guns vs. AJ & Kaz was solid but short, but it really wasn’t about the in-ring stuff it was to hype the PPV. I’ve said it before but AJ & Kaz could be a great team if they ever thought about going that route. Also, I liked how Tenay pointed out that Bischoff always seems to single AJ out every week. They made The Guns look strong in the win, AJ looks vulnerable going into his “do or die” match, and Beer Money came out and got the beat down on The Guns making them look strong as well.
The Dinero & Joe stuff was okay I guess but if you haven’t been paying attention the last few weeks you were completely lost. I think Joe & Pope can definitely make this feud work if they want to. I just wonder if Joe will end up being the heel or Pope. This feud makes sense at least since the two have been going back and forth the last few months over Joe not wanting to join up with Pope to take on Immortal (as well as them being on opposite sides at BFG).
Knockouts match was okay but did good to put Sarita over again. Madison is still the chicken shit heel. Her and Mickie’s match should be pretty good this Sunday.
Williams and Terry did a good job of putting AJ-Williams over as AJ came out and got his heat back by taking out a body part on Williams giving him something to work over at the PPV.
I liked the sitdown interview and I really liked how Tenay pointed out how you just can’t get a read on Anderson and then questioned whether Anderson meant to hit Morgan or not.
Main Event was nothing special but put over the Main Event for the PPV some more. I’m still wondering who RVD’s opponent will be at the PPV, I just hope it really isn’t Matt Hardy.
I’m about to rant now. Dixie Carter made a comment about there being an ‘announcement regarding Impact’ soon and nothing more. She didn’t make it out like it’s going to be some earth shattering announcement or some huge announcement yet a lot of people have decided they will take this chance to scream and cry about TNA promising surprises and not delivering. Then, I actually saw some fans crying about the Mystery Opponent thing saying it’s yet another time TNA is going to promise something and not deliver. I just wonder if these people like to talk shit and really not pay attention to anything at all? When did Bischoff, TNA, or anyone else say his opponent was going to be a major “talent acquisition” or some huge surprise. They just said RVD wouldn’t know who it is, a mystery opponent. This isn’t the first time it’s ever happened people. Some folks really need to chill the hell out and relax, we know you hate TNA no reason to scream it every chance you get.
I didn’t do a Year End type of deal for TNA last week like I did last year so I figured I would do it this week instead. These are MY OPINIONS so if you don’t agree with them then great, but this is how I felt. I didn’t do “Worst of the Year” deals for this just because I don’t think it was necessary, there’s been enough negativity regarding TNA (warranted and unwarranted alike) around here and the internet in general.
– Promo/Segment of the Night: Opening segment
– Match of the Night: AJ & Kaz vs. Guns (**)
– Overall Grade: C
Genesis Lineup:
– TNA World Title #1 Contenders Match: Matt Morgan vs. Mr. Anderson
– TNA Tag Team Titles: Motor City Machine Guns (c) vs. Beer Money, Inc.
– TNA X-Division Title: Jay Lethal (c) vs. Kazarian
– TNA World Television Title: Douglas Williams (c) vs. AJ Styles (if AJ loses, he’s out of Immortal)
– TNA Knockouts Title: Madison Rayne (c) vs. Mickie James
– Exhibition Match: Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle
– Rob Van Dam vs. TBA
– Bully Ray vs. Devon
“Best of 2010” for TNA Impact:
– Wrestler of the Year: AJ Styles
AJ started off the year as TNA World Heavyweight Champion and he lost it before the midway part of the year (never to regain it in 2010) but AJ also turned heel and has had easily his best heel run. AJ has become much more confident talking and is the leader of the Fortune group. AJ is also finally making the TNA Television Championship (formerly Legends Title & then Global Title) mean something with his excellent feud with Douglas Williams. 2011 could possibly be the biggest year of his career if things go as I think they will.
– Tag Team of the Year: Motor City Machine Guns
There really isn’t a team that would come close to touching the Guns in this department. #2 would be Beer Money and not even they could come close to what The Guns did in 2010. The duo finally won the Tag Team Championships after years of working to get to that point this year and they’ve had great matches and feuds with Beer Money, Team 3D, and Generation Me all year long. 2011 should be no different for this duo.
– Knockout of the Year: Madison Rayne
I don’t think there is another wrestler that has improved as much as Madison Rayne over the past few years, especially this year. She’s gone from a timid, uncomfortable talker to one of the most confident heels in wrestling (man or woman). She’s held the Knockouts Championship for the better part of the year and has feuded with Tara, Angelina Love, and now Mickie James heading into 2011. After Angelina’s Visa problems Madison became the leader of the Beautiful People and never looked back.
– X-Division Star of the Year: Jay Lethal
2010 was easily the worst year for TNA’s X-Division but Jay Lethal was one of the few bright spots. He won the title 3 times in 2010 and had great matches and feuds with the like Doug Williams, Amazing Red, and even a big win over Ric Flair. One of the highlights of 2010 was Ric and Lethal’s big showdown on Impact where they went back and forth with Lethal impersonating Flair.
– Feud of the Year: Motor City Machine Guns vs. Beer Money, Inc.
The feud was set in motion back at Sacrifice in a 3-Way Dance between the two teams that also involved Team 3D. The feud really heated up at Victory Road and then carried into the Best of 5 Series where the two teams raised the bar each week on Impact running the gauntlet of matches from a Street Fight to a Ladder Match to a Steel Cage Match to an Ultimate X Match and then finally the incredible 2/3 Falls Match that sealed this feud as the best of the year in my mind. Guess what? These two teams are about to do it all again in 2011 as they rekindled their feud at the end of 2010!
– Match of the Year: 2/3 Falls Match: Motor City Machine Guns vs. Beer Money, Inc. (TNA Whole F’N Show)
As I stated above this was the match that sealed the feud as the best of the year for me. These two teams pulled out all the tops in 3 unbelievable falls. Hell, even Robert Roode performed a dive in this one! A match that probably sent Hunter Golden into conlvusions because of the “MOVEZ~” was the most excited match I’ve seen all year.
– PPV of the Year: TNA Lockdown ’10
Lockdown is also the PPV ever year I anticipate the most because of the uniquness of every match being contested inside a Steel Cage, the most brutal match in wrestling. This years saw great X-Division action with the X-Division 3-Way Dance and the Xscape Match along with a shockingly decent tag team match between 3D & The Outsiders and AJ Styles vs. Dinero for the TNA Title and the always entertaining Lethal Lockdown. The highlight of the event, however, was the incredibly brutal Angle vs. Anderson match which saw both guys beat the holy hell out of each other for about 30 minutes. I’ll never forget the moment when a bloody Mr. Anderson sat up on his knees as Kurt Angle started to walk out through the door. Anderson looked at Angle, screamed at him to bring more while flipping him off screaming for Angle to bring it on. Just an awesome match all the way around.
– Newcomer of the Year: Mickie James
Mickie made an “Impact” (pun intended) right off the bat as she almost immediatley began an insanely physical feud with Tara that had as much if not more violence as the classic Gail Kim/Awesome Kong feuds from back in the day. Tara & Mickie feuded for a few months taking their battles from the ring into the parking lot on more than one occassion, but then raised the bar with the most brutal Knockouts Match we ever saw. Mickie will enter 2011 feuding with Madison Rayne for the Knockouts Championship which she will surely win this year.
– Shocking Moment of the Year: Jeff Hardy turns heel at Bound for Glory
Whether you liked it or not, absolutely not ONE person predicting that Jeff Hardy would be turning heel in the year long 10-10-10 storyline. In a day and age in wrestling when very little is still kept secret or a surprise, one must give TNA kudos for not allowing this one to slip out.
– Impact of the Year: “Whole F’N Show” Impact special
Easily the most enjoyable Impact this year was the week following “Hardcore Justice” when TNA held the PPV-like “Whole F’N Show” Impact special which featured my Match of the Year along with another fine AJ Styles-Kurt Angle battle, a brutal Ladder Match between Abyss & Rob Van Dam, and a solid bout between Shannon Moore and Jeff Hardy.
– Most Underrated: Douglas Williams
Douglas Williams is probably the best wrestler few have heard of. Even many TNA fans for most of the time he’s been in TNA haven’t thought too much of the Britishman. Williams went solo in 2010 and carried the X-Division Title for several months, having great matches with the likes of Kazarian, Jay Lethal, and Kendrick along the way. Then came the feud with AJ Styles which has taken this guy to another level and which could really raise him into a World Title contender in 2011.
– Wrestler to Watch in 2011: The Pope
The Pope has been on the cusp of superstardom almost his whole career. This guy has went from being called the “next big star” by Vince McMahon to unemployed to X-Division wrestler to TNA Title #1 Contender and back. In 2011 I predict Pope to get his World Title finally as the Congregation grows!
2010’s BEST MATCHES
1) 2/3 Falls: Motor City Machine Guns vs. Beer Money Inc. (TNA Whole F’N Show, 08/12/10)
2) Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles (TNA Impact, 01/04/10)
3) Steel Cage Match: Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle (TNA Lockdown, 04/18/10)
4) Motor City Machine Guns vs. Beer Money Inc. (TNA Victory Road, 07/11/10)
5) AJ Styles vs. Douglas Williams (TNA Final Resolution, 12/05/10)
6) Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle (TNA No Surrender, 09/05/10)
7) Ladder Match: Motor City Machine Guns vs. Beer Money (TNA Impact, 07/15/10)
8) Steel Cage Match: Mickie James vs. Tara (TNA Impact, 12/09/10)
9) AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam (TNA Sacrifice, 05/16/10)
10) Last Man Standing: Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair (TNA Before The Glory, 10/07/10)
– HONORABLE MENTION: Full Metal Mayhem: Motor City Machine Guns vs. Generation Me (TNA Final Resolution, 12/05/10)