TNA Impact Wrestling: Open Fight Night
Orlando, Florida (Impact Wrestling Zone)
July 19, 2012
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
This week Open Fight Night kicks off with highlights from last week and then cut to Mike Tenay & Taz as they discuss what Aces & 8’s did to Hogan and Sting last week. Tenay reveals that Hogan fractured his pelvis and had back surgery following the attack. They show pictures of Hogan in the hospital as well as his surgery scar. Tenay reveals that neither Hogan or Sting is here in the Impact Zone tonight and then we cut to the OFN intro.
After showing the updated BFG Series leaderboard Tenay reveals that the challenges will be made by the score leaders which means James Storm makes the first challenge.
Storm says he wants to address a few things real quick and the first thing he talks about is the new World Champion. Storm congratulates Aries and then he says people ask him where that leaves him. Storm says last time he checked he’s still in the lead in the BFG Series and he’s still on the fast track to BFG, but Bobby Roode better not think he forgot about him. He says winning the World Title is business because he wants to carry TNA on his back, but Roode is personal and he just wants to kick the living crap out of him. Storm says Ace’s & 8’s are running around like this is the wild west which it isn’t because if it was he’d be the damn sheriff. He says they obviously don’t have any balls because they only jump people from behind and he wishes Hogan well, but now it’s down to the BFG Series. Storm says he also heard the saying “don’t fight the cub, beat up the lion” and the measuring stick in wrestling is the greatest wrestler to ever step foot in the ring, Kurt Angle! Storm calls out Angle!
Angle’s music plays but he doesn’t come down the ramp as Storm looks on in confusion. Storm tells one of the camera guys to go backstage and get Angle. Ace’s & 8’s are beating Angle down! One of them looks down at Angle and screams “Ace & 8’s mother*cker” and then slams a lead pipe on Angle before they leave!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Tenay and Taz discuss what went down with Angle backstage and then the footage of them beating on Angle is shown again.
Samoa Joe makes his way down to the ring and says he knows there isn’t a man alive that would walk out and call him out so he’ll pick a fight for himself. Joe says there is one man that’s always good to fight and that’s someone he’s always had problems with The Pope so he needs to walk his ass out so he can get TAPPED out!
BFG Series Match
“Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero
Pope and Joe had a brief feud last year. They lockup and Joe forces Pope into the corner and then nails Pope with a series of jabs taking him down in the corner. Pope turns it around on Joe and hits a series of wicked Forearm Smashes and then attempts to whip Joe into the opposite corner, but Joe counters into a Forearm Smash that sends Pope stumbling into the corner. Joe follows up with a Running Back Elbow followed by a Leaping Enziguri! Joe picks Pope up but eats a series of body shots and then a big right hook! Pope hits punches and knees on Joe and then shoves Joe into the corner. Joe spills out to the floor and sells a jaw injury so Pope kicks him HARD in the head! Pope tosses Joe back into the ring and then hits more Forearm Smashes and knees in the corner. Pope argues with the referee and then walks into a series of jabs from Joe and then Joe goes for a clothesline but Pope counters into an STO! 1…2…NO Joe kicks out but Pope goes right into a Chicken Wing on Joe! He then transitions into a pin for another nearfall. Pope grabs Joe and hits more nasty knee strikes but then Joe shoves Pope off and goes for a T-Bone Suplex but Pope blocks it with an elbow to that injured jaw! Pope hits the 4-Uppercut to Joe’s jaw and then follows up with a series of elbows to the head of Joe! Joe rolls over but Pope continues to go after Joe’s jaw, but as he was punching him Joe reached up and locked Pope in an armbar out of nowhere! Pope taps!
Winner: Joe via submission (armbar)
Earlier tonight Roode was questioned whether he was behind the attack on Hogan but he says he has more important things to worry about. Roode says he’ll prove it was a fluke tonight.
Jeff Hardy’s music hits and the Charismatic one makes his way down to the ring.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Jeff Hardy and his freaky facepaint say hello to his creatures of the night and then says he’s got somebody in mind he wants to call out, but Robbie E’s music interrupts the freaky one and he says it’s clear Hardy and everyone else is ducking him. Robbie says tonight HE is calling Hardy out and there’s nothing he can do about it because Hardy’s “not on the list, bro.” Hardy looks confused and says “let’s do this!”
BFG Series Match
“Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs. Robbie E w/Robbie T
Robbie jumps Hardy before the bell and beats him down for a second before Hardy catches him with a Leaping Mule Kick and then a Scoop Slam. Hardy follows up with a Leg Drop and then he hits the ropes where Robbie T trips him (as the referee checked on Robbie E). Robbie whips Hardy into the ropes and hits him with a body shot and then stomps on him. Hardy answers with an Atomic Drop and then a Leg Drop to his sternum followed by a Sliding Dropkick for a nearfall. Robbie charges at Hardy in the corner but Hardy gets his boots up. Robbie sells an injury to the face and as the referee checks on him Robbie T trips Hardy and drags him out and throws him into the ring steps! Hardy rolls back into the ring before the 10 count and Robbie covers him for a nearfall. Robbie puts Hardy in a headlock and then hits the ropes but eats a clothesline and then a back elbow from Hardy! Hardy attempts to whip Robbie into the corner but Robbie reverses it. Robbie charges at Hardy but Hardy hits him with a back elbow and then leaps to the top and dives off with the Whisper In The Wind! 1…2…NO Robbie kicks out! Robbie rolls out to the floor where Robbie T checks on him. Hardy dives over the top with a Slingshot Plancha but Robbie T moves Robbie E! Hardy goes crazy and starts going after Robbie T and choking him with his shirt! All the while Robbie E rolls back into the ring and the referee counts Hardy out!
Winner: Robbie E via countout
Robbie E gets his first 5 points of the BFG Series!
In the back a young guy named Sam Shaw is warming up backstage for the Gut Check.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Backstage ODB is talking to Eric Young on the phone but EY is behind her. She asks EY where he’s been and he claims some guys in a creepy van pulled up to him and offered him a fishing show on Discovery. He claims a shark ate his phone but as ODB continues to b*tch at him he says he can fix this and kisses her. She tells him to go get his beer and chicken so he leaves to do so.
A vignette recapping the drama with Crackhead Claire last week is shown.
Backstage Daniels and Kazarian says they’re going to finally be able to prove AJ is the scumbag they said he always and he says that AJ continues to put on his fake persona after being busted. Kaz says AJ needs to get some balls and be a man and own up to his mistakes.
Jeramy Borash introduces Sam Shaw who JB says competes in extreme sports but says there’s no adrenaline rush like wrestling. Is this fool really wearing gym shorts on National TV? Shaw says he’s wanted to be a pro wrestler his whole life and finally he’s going to get his chance to show the fans why he should be on the TNA roster. Before anything else can be said Ace’s & 8’s hit the ring from out of nowhere and destroy Shaw!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break officials and the Gut Check judges are checking on Shaw in the ring. Mr. Anderson’s music hits and it’s time for another BFG Series Challenge.
Anderson says a few weeks ago he called out one of the biggest douche bags that TNA has to offer, Daniels and when they cheer his name Anderson asks why they’re cheering him. Anderson says this week he’s going to call out someone he respects the hell out of, AJ Styles!
BFG Series Match
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles vs. Mr. Anderson
Anderson and AJ square up and then shake hands before locking up. AJ immediately gets Anderson in a wristlock but Anderson reverses it into a wristlock of his own. Anderson transitions into an armbar but AJ tosses him into the ropes and then goes for a Hip Toss but Anderson blocks it and then hits one of his own! Anderson charges at AJ and connects with an armdrag and then he drops a series of knees down on AJ’s arm before going back to an armbar. AJ counters out with a headscissors where he holds Anderson on the mat for awhile before Anderson is able to do a headstand and roll forward into a front facelock! AJ rolls Anderson over into a nearfal but Anderson rolls back into the headlock! AJ fights to his feet and trips Anderson up and locks in a Keylock on Anderson. Anderson rolls backwards and counters back into a Hammerlock and then a side headlock. AJ shoves Anderson into the ropes and connects with a Back Elbow that knocks Anderson through the ropes! AJ sets up for a dive but Anderson quickly rolls back into the ring. AJ lands on the apron and then Slingshots into the ring into a Cross Body on Anderson! 1…2…NO Anderson kicks out! AJ grabs a headlock on Anderson but Anderson lifts him into the air and down with a Back Suplex for a nearfall of his own!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Anderson has AJ in a headlock but AJ shoves Anderson into the ropes and then leapfrogs him and connects with the Phenomenal Dropkick! 1…2…NO Anderson kicks out! AJ hits a Scoop Slam and then a Knee Drop for another nearfall! AJ hits Anderson with an elbow and then tries to whip him into the ropes but Anderson counters with a back elbow followed by a Swinging Neckbreaker! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! He covers AJ again and again AJ kicks out! Anderson puts AJ in a Cravate and forces him down to the mat while maintaining the hold. AJ fights to his feet and connects with an armdrag to shake Anderson off. AJ then goes for a Scoop Slam but Anderson connects with a Diamond Cutter and holds onto the Cravate as he hits the mat! AJ fights back up to his feet and shoves Anderson into the corner repeatedly to break the hold. AJ then attempts to whip Anderson into the opposite corner but Anderson reverses it and charges at AJ. AJ attempts to float up and over Anderson but Anderson catches him on his shoulder and locks in the Cravate again! AJ shoves Anderson into the ropes and hits a sloppy Hurricanrana followed by a Spinning Heel Kick. AJ charges sat at Anderson in the corner but Anderson backdrops AJ over the top! AJ lands on the apron and hits the Springboard Flying Forearm! 1…2…NO Anderson kicks out! AJ sets up for the Styles Clash but Anderson blocks it and reverses into an attempt at the Green Bay Plunge, but AJ blocks and counters into a Waistlock. Anderson gets to the ropes but AJ rolls him up! 1….2…NO Anderson kicks out and then hits the Green Bay Plunge as they both get to their feet! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out! Anderson goes for the Mic Check but AJ blocks it and catches Anderson with the Enziguri! AJ climbs up top but Anderson crotches him and then climbs up with AJ! Anderson hits a Superplex off the top! A HUGE Superplex! 1…2….NO AJ kicks out! AJ rolls over and covers Anderson now, 1…2…NO Anderson kicks out! Anderson goes for a clothesline on AJ but AJ ducks and hits the Pele! AJ then goes for the Styles Clash but Anderson blocks it and flips AJ over and I think he was gonna go for a rollup but completely botched it so he cradles AJ and gets the win.
Winner: Anderson via pinfall
AJ and Anderson shake hands after the match. AJ shakes his head and looks down in frustration until Crackhead Claire shows up with a microphone and screams at AJ to get down there and talk to him. She says that she has been calling AJ all week and since AJ won’t return her calls they’ll talk about it right here. Crackhead Claire says that AJ seems to be having a hard time remembering that “night” so let her remind him. She says that AJ had some drinks with her one night when she was having problems but AJ says if this thing happened it happened in her imagination. She then pulls out pictures from her phone with her and AJ in the bed together with AJ looking drunk and possibly passed out. She shows all the pictures as AJ looks shocked. Almost all of them show her there and AJ either asleep or passed out. Claire throws the pictures at AJ and tells him to think about it so maybe he’ll remember it, sarcasticly.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back AJ looks at the pictures in disbelief.
Bellator commentator Sean Wheelock joins Tenay & Taz at commentary and says he’s a huge wrestling fan and recently went to a TNA house show.
RVD is out next for an open challenge. RVD says he’s just “tickled pink to be here” to take part in Open Fight Night because he feels like fighting and there is no one that he’d rather kick the crap out of than the “Fallen Scumbag” Christopher Daniels.
BFG Series
“Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam vs. “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels
As RVD taunts Daniels with his pointing gesture Daniels attempts to kick him, but RVD catches his foot and connects with a clothesline. RVD then hits a kick and then hangs Daniels up in the Tree of Woe in the corner! Joe hits a Sliding Dropkick to Daniels and then hits a Forearm, and bounces off the ropes but Daniels catches him with a back elbow. Daniels whips RVD into the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but RVD backflips over him and then hits a Bridging Northern Lights Suplex! 1…2…NO Daniels kicks out! RVD locks in an Abdominal Stretch and then drops back onto his back and locks in a legbar but Daniels gets to the ropes. Daniels rolls out to the floor and RVD follows but as he hits the floor Daniels slams him into the apron. Daniels puts the boots to RVD and then headbutts him! Daniels slams RVD into the apron again and then tosses him back into the ring. Daniels hits a Slingshot Elbow Drop over the top! 1…2…NO RVD kicks out! Daniels hits a Reverse Bulldog and gets another nearfall then chops the back of RVD. Daniels hits a Knee Drop and taunts the crowd which allows RVD to recover and hit him with a series of kicks from his back. Daniels cuts RVD off quickly and locks RVD in a chinlock. RVD fights to his feet breaks the hold with elbows and then the two exchange right hands in the center of the ring. Daniels kicks RVD and then grabs him but eats a Front Kick from out of nowhere from RVD! RVD rolls Daniels up with a Body Scissors for a nearfall and then goes for a Superkick but botches the holy hell out of it by completely missing Daniels by about a foot! Daniels improvises and grabs RVD so RVD can shove him away and then connect with the Superkick! RVD then follows up with a Monkey Flip out of the corner! RVD springs to the top and dives off with the 5-Star, but Daniels moves and then goes for a kick! RVD catches his foot and hits the Stepover Heel Kick followed by an attempt at the Rolling Thunder, but Daniels moves out of the way! Daniels then pins RVD and uses the ropes for leverage! 1…2…3!
Winner: Daniels via pinfall
Backstage Austin Aries mocks the way Roode freaked out last week and says he shouldn’t have beat Roode at DX because Roode shouldn’t have even been the champion because he looked up the definition of fluke and Roode’s face was right there because Roode was a fluke to win at Lockdown. Aries says he’s right here if Roode wants to call him out and says his World Title belt trumps Roode’s “dress belt” and his cape trumps Roode’s “lame robe.” As Aries picked up his cape the Ace’s & 8’s hand fell out of his cape and he said “Ace’s & 8’s…I trump that too.”
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Brooke Hogan joins Taz & Tenay on the phone for an update on Hulk and she says he had to have multiple surgeries and he’s in bad shape. She says she doesn’t really want to talk about it right now.
Clips of Joseph Park freaking out last week are shown. Backstage Park talks to Garett Bischoff and says Garett’s last name comes with a big risk of lawsuit and then asks him if he’s thought about getting an attorney. Garett asks him what happened last week but Park acts like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Backstage the only two BFG Series competitors left, Magnus & Ray, stare each other down and then Magnus’ music hits and he goes through the tunnel.
BFG Series Match
Magnus vs. Bully Ray
As Magnus makes his entrance Ray sneaks up behind him and hits him from behind! Ray beats Magnus around ringside but Magnus comes back on Ray and slams him into the guardrail! Magnus slams Ray into the ring steps and then hits a big right hand! Magnus continues to beat down the Bully before Ray rolls into the ring. Magnus hits a Running Back Elbow and then whips Ray into the ropes and attempts a backdrop but Ray kicks him. Ray then hits the ropes but eats a clothesline from Magnus. Magnus attempts to whip Ray into the corner but Ray reverses it and then charges at Magnus, but Magnus gets his boot up and hits the ropes again but eats a Big Boot from Ray! Ray tosses Magnus into the corner and then rakes his eyes in the corner. Ray whips Magnus into the opposite corner hard and then lights him up with a big chop! Ray follows up with an Elbow Drop and gets a nearfall. Ray hits Magnus with elbows and then follows up with a Scoop Slam. Ray goes for a Splash but Magnus moves and then he and Ray exchange right hands. Ray goes for a clothesline but Magnus ducks and then connects with a Back Suplex! 1…2…NO Ray kicks out! Magnus hits the ropes but gets caught with a clothesline. Ray goes for a Big Boot but Magnus moves and Ray kicks the corner. Magnus trips Ray and locks in a Texas Cloverleaf! Haven’t seen that one in awhile. Ray gets to the ropes to break the hold and then hits the Mag Daddy Driver! 1…2….NO Ray kicks out! Magnus climbs up top and dives off with the Flying Elbow but Ray moves and hits a Diamond Cutter! 1…2…3!
Winner: Ray via pinfall (Diamond Cutter)
A vignette airs hyping up the debut of Chavo Guerrero Jr. next week!
Bobby Roode makes his way onto the stage and says he has one word…FLUKE! Roode says he’s calling Aries’ ass out!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Roode says he isn’t waiting any longer and again says Aries’ win was a fluke. He tells Aries to get his ass out to the ring right now. The Champ doesn’t make him wait much longer!
Main Event
Non-Title Match
“The IT Factor” Bobby Roode vs. “A-Double” Austin Aries
Roode goes after Aries at the bell but Aries sidesteps him and nails him with several right hands and forearms. Roode grabs Aries in a side headlock but Aries shoves him into the ropes only to eat a shoulder block for a quick nearfall for Roode. Roode beats on Aries and then locks in an armbar and repeatedly slaps Aries in the head. Aries shoves him into the ropes again and hits a Japanese Arm Drag and locs in an armbar of his own and starts slapping Roode. Aries then goes for the Last Chancery but Roode blocks it and gets to the ropes! Aries puts the boots to Roode and then goes for a Suplex but Roode runs him into the corner and nails him with a series of right hands. Roode whips Aries into the opposite corner and charges but Aries catches him with a back elbow and then charges at Roode. Roode gets Aries in the Crippler Crossface! Aries gets his foot on the bottom rope and then Roode puts the boots to him. Aries rolls out to the apron and Roode hits the ropes and charges full speed at him but Aries gets him with a shoulder block followed by a Slingshot Somersault Senton Eddie Guerrero style! Aries follows up with a Leaping Elbow Drop! 1…2…NO Roode kicks out! Roode rolls out to the apron and Aries dropkicks him off the apron and then sets up for a dive. Roode moves out of the way and Aries lands on the apron and then dives off the apron onto Roode on the floor!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
A quick return to action during the break shows Aries rolls Roode back into the ring and then he climbs up top but Roode knocks Aries off the turnbuckles causing him to crash to the floor! Back from the break Roode has gotten the advantage and beats Aries down in the corner. Aries explodes with a series of right hands from the corner on Roode and then he hits the ropes but Roode catches him with a nice Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker! 1…2…NO Aries kicks out! Roode screams “FLUKE” at Aries and then lights him up with chops and whips him into the corner repeatedly. Roode charges at Aries but Aries gets his boots up and then charges at Roode, but Roode nails him with the Double-R Spinebuster! 1…2…NO Aries kicks out! Roode puts the boots to Aries and then hits a Vertical Suplex followed by a Knee Drop! 1….2…NO Aries kicks out! Roode puts Aries in a headlock Aries fights to his feet with the crowd behind him. Aries hits Roode with elbows and body shots to break the hold but then eats a back elbow as he bounced off the ropes! Aries and Roode exchange forearms and chops! Aries hits a Rolling Elbow and then a series of forearms! Aries then hits the ropes and goes for another Rolling Elbow but Roode catches him in the Crossface! Aries counters out and gets to his feet and connects with a Russian Leg Sweep! 1…2…NO Roode kicks out and Aries immediately transitions into the Last Chancery! Roode thinks about tapping but stops himself and rakes the eyes of Aries! Aries releases the hold and runs into a Spear from Roode! 1…2…NO Aries still kicks out! Roode hits Aries with a shoulder block in the corner and then lifts Aries up onto the top rope and goes for a Superplex but Aries blocks it with knees to the head! Aries knocks Roode off the top and dives off with a Missile Dropkick! Aries then hits the IED in the corner! Aries goes for the Brainbuster but Roode counters into the Crossface again! Aries almost gets to the ropes but Roode rolls over taking Aries back towards the center of the ring! Aries rolls over into a pin, 1…2…NO Roode kicks out! Roode goes for a clothesline but Aries ducks and then goes for a rollup! Roode holds onto the ropes and shrugs Aries off but when he turns around he walks right into the Rolling Elbow from Aries! Aries clotheslines Roode and then tosses him over the top rope! Aries dives out with the Heat Seeking Missile onto Roode on the floor! Ace’s & 8’s jump the railing and attack Aries!
Winner: Aries via DQ
Tenay and Taz suggest that Roode had something to do with this since they jumped Aries just as Aries was taking control! Roode smiles as Ace’s & 8’s beat Aries to hell and back! Roode applauds them and then offers a handshake but they jump Roode too!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tonight was a lot more up and down than recent weeks but ended with a big bang. I truly have no clue where they’re going with the Ace & 8’s storyline. It looked like they were going one way with them beating down legends (Sting, Hogan, and Angle) but then attacked the Gut Check kid and that went right out the window and then attacked both a heel (Roode) and babyface (Aries) at the end to make this thing even more bizarre.
Most of the BFG matches weren’t very good at all and two of the more intriguing match ups looked sloppy (RVD-Daniels and AJ-Anderson). AJ and Anderson had some really good chain wrestling early on but it just seemed like things didn’t click when they botched the finish. RVD just looked bad tonight. Joe looked really impressive again and I’m loving this “live by the submission, die by the submission” story they’re telling with him and the match itself told a great story. Pope hurt Joe’s jaw early and went after him relentlessly with knees and those uppercuts (makes since with Pope’s boxing background) but that got him caught with one of Joe’s submissions which also puts over how Joe can end you just that quickly with a submission reinforcing his nickname.
I think it’s pretty clear where the Crackhead Claire story is going unless I’m completely wrong. Either Claire and Daniels conspired to get AJ passed out and take the pictures or she did it on her own out of jealously or something.
Roode and Aries had an absolutely excellent match yet again and the finish doesn’t hurt at all since it gives us a TASTE of the rematch. Gives more anticipation for the PPV match.
QUICK RESULTS
1) BFG Series: Samoa Joe def. The Pope via submission (10 points)
2) BFG Series: Robbie E def. Jeff Hardy via COUNTOUT (5 points)
3) BFG Series: Mr. Anderson def. AJ Styles via pinfall (7 points)
4) BFG Series: Daniels def. RVD via pinfall (7 points)
5) Bully Ray def. Magnus via pinfall (7 points)
6) Austin Aries def. Bobby Roode via DQ
– Promo/Segment of the Night: TIE (Austin Aries/James Storm)
– Match of the Night: Aries vs. Roode (****)
– Overall Grade: B
BFG Series Standings
1) Samoa Joe (47 points)
2) James Storm (43 points)
3) Kurt Angle (27 points)
4) Mr. Anderson (23 points)
5) Jeff Hardy (21 points)
6) Christopher Daniels (19 points)
7) Rob Van Dam (14 points)
Magnus (14 points)
8) Bully Ray (7 points)
The Pope (7 points)
AJ Styles (7 points)
9) Robbie E (5 points)
Scheduled for Next Week:
-Gut Check Challenge w/Sam Shaw
-Chavo Guerrero Jr.’s TNA debut
Hardcore Justice Lineup:
-TNA World Title: Austin Aries (c) vs. Bobby Roode
-3 BFG Series Hardcore Matches