TNA Impact Wrestling
Orlando, Florida (Impact Wrestling Zone)
August 02, 2012
Commentators: Mike Tenay & Taz
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
As the credits for the show that comes on before Impact were running Zema Ion & Bobby Roode got into a brawl with Aries & King and then as Impact opens up the two teams spill the brawl into the arena! Aries and Roode brawl on the ramp as Zema & King brawl around ringside.
Kenny King & “A-Double” Austin Aries vs. Zema Ion & “The IT Factor” Bobby Roode
Aries drags Roode down to ringside and slams him into the apron but Roode comes back on the champ and puts the boots to him and then clotheslines King! Zema and Aries start going at it now as Roode beats on King. Aries with a VICIOUS chop to Zema and Roode slams King into the ring steps! Aries sees this and then climbs into the ring and up to the top and dives off the top onto Roode on the floor! Aries tosses Roode into the ring and the bell finally rings. Roode quickly tags Zema in and Zema hits Aries from behind as Aries went after Roode. Zema hits a Hot Shot onto Aries onto the top rope and then a Neckbreaker for a nearfall. Zema puts Aries in a side headlock and then reaches for a tag but Roode screams at him to take care of Aries himself. Aries hits a Back Suplex and then tosses Zema into the babyface corner. King tags in and the two lift Zema up onto both their shoulders with a Double Airplane Spin and then they put him down and both LIGHT him up with chops! King covers Zema and gets a nearfall and then follows up with a Scoop Slam followed by a Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop! 1…2…NO Zema kicks out and King tags Aries back in. King trips Zema and then catapults him into a Forearm Smash from Aries on the apron! Zema falls back down onto King’s knees as King lies on the mat. Aries then slingshots himself over the top into a Slingshot Elbow Drop onto Zema as Zema was lying across King’s knees! 1…2…NO Zema kicks out! Aries dares Roode to get into the ring and then grabs Zema and whips him into the ropes and connects with a Back Elbow and then a Leaping Elbow Drop for another nearfall! Aries tags King back in and he beats on Zema in the corner with body shots and chops. King puts the boots to Zema in the corner and then hits him with a series of Shoulder Blocks. King whips Zema hard into the opposite corner and then covers him for another nearfall. King tags Aries back in and then hits a Scoop Slam on Zema. Aries hits a Slingshot Corkscrew Splash! 1…2…NO Zema kicks out. Aries puts the boots to Zema and then tags King back in and as Zema was trying to crawl back to his corner King slingshots back into the ring and down onto Zema with a stomp. King hits a Snap Suplex and then rolls backwards into a mount where he hits Zema with repeated right hands. King covers Zema for another nearfall and then he picks him up for a Suplex, but Zema blocks it and lands on his feet. Zema bounces off the ropes but walks right into an Atomic Drop from King! King hits the ropes but Roode nails him from behind with a knee. Zema then charges at King with a clothesline attempt but King ducks it and Zema runs into Roode! King attempts to whip Zema into the ropes but Zema reverses it and then attempts a clothesline but King ducks again and as King hits the ropes on the other side Roode trips him up from the outside and pulls him to the floor. Roode slams King into the ring apron and then Zema dives over the top with a Somersault Plancha onto King on the floor! Zema and Roode double team King on the floor and then toss him back into the ring where Zema gets a nearfall on King. Roode finally tags in and puts the boots to King before tossing him into the corner. Roode spits at Aries and then pokes King in the eyes. Roode lights King up with a chop and then whips him hard into the opposite corner. Roode stomps on King’s leg and then hits a Vertical Suplex followed by a Knee Drop. 1…2…NO King kicks out! Roode knocks Aries off the apron and then tags Zema back in. Zema puts the boots to King and hits a Snapmare Takeover and then puts King in a chinlock. Zema then stomps on King and goes back to the chinlock. He then starts raking the eyes of King before laying off as the referee warns him. Zema throws King into the corner as we head to a break.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Zema and King fight each other atop the turnbuckles. King knocks Zema off the top and then sets up for something but Roode shoves him off sending him crashing to the floor! Aries chases Roode around ringside as Hebner tries to get between them. Roode climbs into the ring and drags King in and hits him with a big right hand as he argues with Hebner that he and Zema tagged. Roode rakes the back of King and then puts the boots to him in the corner. Roode tags Zema back in and then taunts King and Aries before stomping on King’s arm before he could tag Aries. Zema puts King in a Front Chancery as King fights to try and scrape to his corner. King tosses Zema away but then Zema punt kicks him! Zema charges at King with another kick attempt but this time King catches him with a Cradle T-Bone Suplex! As King was just about to tag in Aries, Roode came into the ring to distract the referee and he missed King making the tag. As Hebner tries to get Aries back out of the ring Roode drags King to the heel corner and he and Zema go to work on him. Zema puts the boots to King in the corner and King tries to fight his way out with right hands and elbows and then he connects with an Atomic Drop followed by a Spinning Enziguri on Zema! 1…2…NO Roode breaks it up! Aries dives off the top with a Missile Dropkick that sends Roode to the floor! Aries sets up for the Heat Seeking Missile to the outside but Zema cuts him off with a kick and then hits the ropes but eats a clothesline from Aries! Aries then dives through the ropes with the Heat Seeking Missile onto Roode on the floor! In the ring King hits Zema with the Coronation! 1…2…3!
Winners: King & Aries via pinfall (Coronation)
Roode screams at Aries after the match that Aries didn’t beat Roode tonight.
The weekly recap that usually happens at the open of Impact runs highlighting the drama with the A’s & 8’s group and the accusations of Storm being the leader of the group.
In the back Hervey approaches Sting and he says he wants to give Storm the benefit of the doubt tonight and we’ll hear from the horse’s mouth tonight. He says he wants to know who’s behind this thing and why.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
The Interim GM, Sting, makes his way down to the ring and Sting says there is lots of questions out there and no answers regarding A’s & 8’s, but there is always someone has some inside information. He says he wants to hear things from the horse’s mouth so he wants to hear from Storm tonight. Storm’s music hits and the Cowboy makes his way down to the ring looking like he’s in a bad mood. Tenay and Taz question Storm and say that Roode’s claims seem more and more true as you look at the footage from last week.
Sting says he didn’t believe Roode last week when he pointed his fingers at Storm but he has some footage that is very compelling. Sting says he’s about to air that footage and he wants to talk to Storm about it. The clips from last week with A’s & 8’s beating AJ down but not touching Storm are shown and then also when they backed down at the end of the show when Storm came down. Sting says he wants Storm to convince him and everyone in “TV land” that he has nothing to do with A’s & 8’s.
Storm says he’s gotten phone calls, tweets, e-mails, and messages asking him the same question and he could see how Sting could think that, but what he sees a bunch of cowards backing down when he came to kick their asses. Storm says he has known Sting for a long time and they’ve fought each other many times and not once has Storm needed someone to fight his battles for him. Storm says he knew at the end of the day he could hold his head up win or lose. He says if you think back about 9 months ago when he was jumped from behind by Kurt Angle but he didn’t cry or moan about it, he picked himself up and whooped Angle’s ass. Angle says he beat Angle 3 out of 4 times and one those times being for the World Championship and he didn’t need a damn soul to do it. Angle’s music cuts Storm off.
Angle comes down to the ring and apologizes to Sting for interrupting but says he heard his name. Angle says he and Storm have been through a lot the last year and he says that he saw Storm win the World Title and he saw him lose it. Angle says he saw Storm walk away and quit but he also saw him come back. Angle says he doesn’t understand Storm’s motives and talks about him calling Angle out at OFN and A’s & 8’s attacking him before he could come out. He says Storm is the only person that benefits that and then he says that A’s & 8’s kick AJ’s ass last week yet don’t touch Storm and then kicked everyone’s ass except Storm. Angle says “8 grown men ran away from one man.” Angle says if A’s & 8’s are here tonight he’s begging them to come out tonight during his match because there will be an ass kicking party! Sting says he loves that because he wants to make it a party and he’ll be ringside himself! Angle gets close to Storm and says he will make him tap out tonight and then leaves the ring.
Storm says we’ll see about that one and then drops the mic as Angle continues walking up the ramp.
Tenay and Taz talk about AJ Styles being on a promo tour in Australia this week. The drama between him and Crackhead Claire is revisited in a vignette. In the back Daniels and Kaz say that “fleeing the country” is low even for AJ. Daniels says it’s up to he and Kaz to do the right thing and throw Crackhead Claire a proper Baby Shower.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Tenay & Taz talk about the BFG Series 4-Ways at Hardcore Justice. Each match will be worth 20 points in the BFG Series and each one will have a different hardcore stipulation. Angle, AJ, Daniels, & Joe will face off in a Ladder Match! RVD, Mr. Anderson, The Pope, & Magnus will face off in a Falls Count Anywhere Match! Jeff Hardy, James Storm, Bully Ray, & Robbie will face each other in a Tables Match!
BFG Series Match
Bully Ray vs. Robbie E w/Robbie T
These two will face off in the 4-Way Tables Match at BFG. Ray is on his “Twittah machine” as he comes to the ring. He grabs the microphone and says he’s talking to Storm right now. He says that he heard what Storm said but he never trusted Storm and he’s been here 6 “freakin’ years” and he never trusted him. Ray says he’ll be ringside for the Angle-Storm match tonight too. Robbie T attacks Ray as Robbie E was talking to the referee before the bell. Robbie E goes after Ray early and gets a couple of nearfalls. Robbie stomps on Ray and then chokes him in the ropes but eats a chop from Ray as he taunts him. Ray hits another VICIOUS chop and then a third one! Ray follows up with the Bully Cutter! 1…2…3!
Winner: Ray via pinfall (Bully Cutter)
In the back Earl Hebner gives Madison chocolates and flowers and other crap, but she says she doesn’t need all of that when Gail Kim walks up. Gail asks what’s going on here and Madison says Earl would never screw anyone over in a match because he’s a professional so tonight the best woman will win. Tara and Mickie are then shown warming up for the #1 Contenders Match.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Knockouts #1 Contenders Fatal 4-Way
“Hardcore Country” Mickie James vs. Tara vs. Madison Rayne vs. Gail Kim
Madison Rayne is on guest commentary for this one. All 4 of these Knockouts are former Knockouts Champions.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
The bell rings as we come back from break and Tara rolls Gail up but Hebner is distracted by Mickie & Madison. Tara attempts to put Gail in the Tarantula but Gail blocks it and shrugs Tara off sending her crashing to the floor below. Mickie hits the Mickiecanrana on Madison and then a Running Clothesline! Mickie goes for a Sliding Dropkick but Gail catches her with a clothesline of her own! Madison then hits a sliding dropkick to Mickie sending her to the floor with Tara. Madison and Gail give each other high fives but Tara sneaks into the ring from behind them and lays into both with right hands. Gail hits Tara from behind as Tara was laying into Madison. Madison hits Tara with a sloppy facebreaker and then a Neckbreaker. Gail mounts Tara and beats on her with right hands and then Madison covers Tara for a nearfall as Gail came off her. Mickie drags Gail to the floor and the two brawl around ringside. Gail throws Mickie hard into the ring steps while Tara hits the Spider’s Web on Madison! 1…2…NO Gail breaks it up! Gail kicks Tara and then hits a Shortarm Clothesline. Madison covers Tara as Gail wasn’t paying attention and gets a narfall. Gail puts Tara in a Chinlock but Madison pulls her off and then puts Tara in a chinlock of her own. Gail argues with Madison and then hits a European Uppercut on Tara. Both the heels whip Tara into the corner and then Gail whips Madison into a Running Hip Attack on Tara in the corner! Madison whips Gail into a Flying Body Press attempt at Tara in the corner but Tara moves out of the way and Gail’s momentum sends her flying through the ropes and crashing to the floor! Madison hits a Facebuster on Tara but Mickie stops her from making a pin attempt. Mickie slams Madison’s head into the mat repeatedly and then whips her into the ropes. Madison holds onto the ropes instead of bouncing off so Mickie charges at her only to eat a boot from Madison. Madison charges at Mickie but Mickie catches her with a Spinning Neckbreaker! 1…2…NO Gail breaks it up! Gail then covers Mickie and gets a nearfall of her own. Gail hits a European Uppercut on Mickie and then a Backbreaker. Tara starts to climb back into the ring so Gail grabs her but Tara catches her with a jawbreaker onto the top rope followed by a Slingshot Somersault Guillotine Leg Drop on Gail! 1…2…NO Gail kicks out! Tara argues with Hebner and then picks Gail up and hits a Scoop Slam. Tara climbs up top but Madison crotches her up top! Madison hits Tara with forearm shots and then climbs up with Tara but Mickie pulls her down and hits a clothesline! Mickie slams Madison into the corner as Gail climbs up with Tara! Gail hits Tara with several European Uppercuts up top as Madison hits Mickie with a punt kick! Gail hits a Superplex on Tara! All 4 women are down now. Gail covers Tara but Madison distracts Hebner so Gail gets in her face! Gail and Madison argue and then Mickie grabs Gail from behind and tosses her out to the floor! Mickie ducks a clothesline from Madison and hits her with one of her own! Mickie then hits a 2nd clothesline followed by a Flying Forearm! Mickie hits a Flapjack on Madison and then climbs up top. Gail shoves Mickie off the top and she crashes hard on the ring apron and then to the floor. Tara grabs Gail and hits the Widow’s Peak! Mickie kicks Tara and goes for the Rayne Drop but Tara rolls her up! 1…2…3! Tara celebrates the win but Hebner raises Madison’s arm! Hebner claims Tara’s shoulders were down but the replay shows that clearly not the case.
Winner: Madison via pinfall (rollup)
A replay of the confrontation between Angle & Storm earlier tonight is shown.
In the back Roode says that he told the world last week Storm was behind this and now finally people are starting to believe it. Roode says since Sting and Ray will be ringside tonight for the Main Event then so will he. As Roode walks away, Aries comes from behind some lockers and says that sounds like quite a party so if Roode is going to be out there, so will the Champ.
Sting talks to Brooke Hogan in the GM’s Office. He asks her how he’s doing physically and she says he’s definitely not doing fine. She says she’s having to take care of him for the first time in her life. Sting says he doesn’t know who they are but he thinks it’s someone from within and he’ll get the bottom of this A’s & 8’s thing. He says that Brooke has been hired to lead the Knockouts and he needs to know if she is up to the task right now. She says her dad told her to carry on and keep her head up at all times but she’s scared because she doesn’t know if they will attack her too. Sting says he doesn’t know if this will spill into the Knockouts so that’s why he needs to know if she’s going to be able to handle it. She says she’s going to try but then some guy comes in and says that he was told to give a package to Brooke right away.
The package has the A’s & 8’s hand in it and she immediately drops it and storms away.
Chavo is shown warming up backstage for his in-ring TNA debut.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back ODB talks to Eric Young about Brooke Hogan being all over her lately for not defending their KO Tag Titles. She says that Brooke also has a problem with EY being a man and being half of the KO Tag Champs. EY says he has a perfect plan, she has one belt and EY has another one so they’re never together so they can’t MAKE them defend them since they’re never together. Yeah, that sounds like it’ll work.
Kid Kash w/Gunner vs. “Mexican Warrior” Chavo Guerrero Jr. w/Hernandez
Hector Guerrero is shown at the Spanish Announce table and then we see Mama Guerrero at ringside. Herlinda Guerrero, Chavo’s grandmother, and the mother of the legendary Eddie Guerrero and obviously the wife of Gory Guerrero. Kash shoots in on Guerrero at the bell but Chavo gets him in a Front Facelock. Chavo transitions into a waistlock and then a Snapmare Takeover. Kash rolls back into a Headscissors Takeover on Chavo and then grabs Chavo in a side headlock. Chavo shoves Kash into the ropes but eats a shoulder block from Kash and then Kash mocks Guerrero before flipping him off. Kash hits the ropes but eats a Forearm Smash from Guerrero. Kash tries to bounce back at Guerrero off the ropes but Guerrero catches him with a nice armdrag and locks in an armlock. Kash fights the hold and gets up to his feet and breaks it with right hands. Kash walks into a kick and then a series of European Uppercuts from Guerrero! Chavo whips Kash into the corner and then he bounces back with a clothesline attempt, but Chavo ducks it and gets Kash in a waistlock. Kash hits a back elbow to break it and then nails Chavo with a vicious Lariat! Kash beats on Chavo on the mat and then argues with the referee. Chavo kicks Kash and hits another European Uppercut. Chavo bounces off the ropes but Kash catches him with a big Spinebuster! Kash hits a Backbreaker and then covers Chavo for a nearfall. Kash hits another Scoop Slam and goes for his Double Spring Moonsault off the top, but Chavo got his knees up! Chavo hits Kash with a series of Forearms but Kash pokes him in the eyes and then bounces off the ropes only to eat a clothesline from Chavo! Chavo attempts to whip Kash into the ropes but Kash reverses it only for Chavo to catch him with a gorgeous Spinning Head Scissors Takeover! Chavo follows up with a dropkick, 1…2…NO Kash kicks out! Chavo goes out to the apron and channels Eddie Guerrero with the Slingshot Somersault Senton! Chavo sets Kash up for something but Gunner gets on the apron to distract him. Hernandez stares Gunner down and Gunner backs down. Chavo turns around and walks into a series of right hands from Kash. Kash with a roundhouse kick and then he goes for a Brainbuster but Chavo blocks it and hit’s the Three Amigos! Chavo climbs up top and hit’s the Frog Splash! 1…2…3!
Winner: Chavo via pinfall (Frog Splash)
After the match Chavo & Hernandez celebrate together in the ring.
In the back Dixie Carter says she’s been on the receiving end of the stuff that they’re saying about AJ, but she says it’s way past time for AJ to step up and set the record straight.
Daniels & Kaz are walking backstage with presents.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back Kurt Angle is talking to Wes Brisco, the son of Gerald Brisco, and Wes says he’s been hoping to get in the ring with Kurt and show him what he can do. Angle says he’ll put in a word for him to Hogan. Garett Bischoff and Devon walk up and tell Angle that a few weeks ago they offered their services to Sting & Hogan and they declined it and then later they got jumped. Devon tells Kurt there won’t be a third time for them to jump Kurt and they promise they won’t get to him. Devon tells Wes to say “wassup” to his dad for him.
In the ring Kaz and Daniels have a table set up with a bunch of presents. Kaz reminds us that AJ isn’t here tonight because he’s in Australia promoting TNA and “probably impregnating someone.” Kaz says that just like AJ’s whole career, when AJ drops the ball he and Daniels are there to pick it up. Kaz says being the standup gentlemen they are they decided to invite Crackhead Claire to the ring. Claire comes into the ring as Kaz says he and Daniels would like to do what AJ and his redneck family SHOULD have done, throw her a baby shower. Daniels says he has 2 beautiful children so he knows that this is a special time in her life so she deserves to be surrounded by people who love her and AJ is treating her like crap. He says that he and “Frankie” can’t stand it so they want to be here for her. Kaz gives her one of the gifts and it’s diapers. Kaz says “the kid’s gonna’ poop a lot.” She opens up another present and it’s AJ action figures and pictures of them and a mini title belt. Daniels says there is one gift they’re really proud of and it’s a baby doll with a little AJ Styles hoodie on. Kaz does AJ’s motions with the doll that he does during his entrance as he mocks AJ. Claire looks into the camera and says she needs AJ to do the right thing for their baby. Boy, that was awful.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back Joseph Park says he’s proud to announce his firm have been retained by a few TNA wrestlers. He then approaches Sting and says he doesn’t want to “kayfab” him (yes he said “kayfab” not kayfabe) but he’s been retained by some TNA stars for representation. He asks Sting if he’s thought about good representation and Sting says he has and he’s covered. Sting talks about the Black Hole Slam Park hit and Park acts confused and Sting asks him if he’s really going to “kayfab” him.
Main Event
BFG Series Match
“Olympic Hero” Kurt Angle vs. “Cowboy” James Storm
Wes Brisco is shown sitting ringside for this one. Angle and Storm lockup and Storm forces Angle into the corner but breaks clean. They lockup again and this time Storm gets Angle in a hammerlock and then a side headlock. Angle forces Storm into the ropes but Storm bounces off with a shoulder block. They lockup again and this time Angle gets Storm in a side headlock and Storm shoves him into the ropes only to eat a shoulder block from Angle now. They lockup yet again but this time Angle gets Storm in a waistlock but Storm reverses into one of his own. Angle counters into a wristlock but Strom counters right back. Angle counters with a Snapmare Takeover but as Storm lands on the mat he immediately reaches back and grabs Angle’s arm and locks him in a Hammerlock. Angle fights up and this another Snapmare Takeover and he gets a headlock on Storm but Storm counters yet again with a Hammerlock. Sting is shown walking down to ringside now. Angle fights up to his feet and breaks the hold with a back elbow and then he bounces off the ropes with a Shoulder Block. Angle hits the ropes again but this time Storm catches him with a Hip Toss and then an arm drag. Storm locks in an arm bar but Angle fights up to his feet as Garett & Devon come down to ringside. Angle shoves Storm into the ropes but Storm catches him with a Facebuster and then he charges at Angle but Angle sidesteps him and Storm goes flying over the top! Storm holds onto the top rope and skins the cat back into the ring! Storm nails Angle with a right hand then whips him into the ropes and hits a Thesz Press! Storm hits Angle with right hands and then a clothesline but Angle answers right back with a clothesline of his own sending Storm into the ropes. Storm bounces off and goes for the Last Call! Angle blocks it and hits a series of right hands sending Storm into the corner. Angle beats Storm down in the corner and chokes him with his boot. Storm answers back with right hands and kicks in the corner. Storm attempts to whip Angle into the corner but Angle reverses it and then charges at Storm. Storm gets his boot up and then charges at Angle but Angle nails him with the Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex! Bully Ray comes down to ringside now and stares down his brother Devon. In the ring Angle puts the boots to Storm.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break Storm stomps on Angle’s hands as he tries to get back into the ring. Angle pulls Angle up to the apron and then drags him into the ring hanging him up in the ropes and nailing him with a Hanging DDT! Roode has come down to ringside now shortly thereafter followed by Aries. Storm and Angle exchange slaps and right hands in the center of the ring. Storm Hot Shots Angle into the ropes and then hits a Flying Forearm. Angle retreats to the corner and Storm charges at him but Angle backdrops him over the top. Storm lands on the apron and catches Angle with a Leaping Enziguri to the back! Storm bounces off the ropes and goes for a clothesline but Angle ducks and hit’s the Rolling German Suplexes! Angle goes for the Olympic Slam but Storm counters with an armdrag! Storm then goes for a clothesline but Angle ducks and kicks Storm in the head with a WICKED boot! That one connected flush. 1…2…NO Storm kicks out! Angle locks Storm in the Ankle Lock but Storm rolls through sending Angle into the turnbuckles! Storm then hits the Olympic Slam on Kurt! 1…2…NO Angle barely kicks out! Storm picks Angle up but Angle shoves him off and connects with a series of right hands. Angle bounces off the ropes but Storm tries to catch him with the Closing Time, but Angle blocks it and locks in the Ankle Lock! Storm rolls over and starts kicking at Angle but he holds onto it! Storm almost reaches the ropes but Angle pulls back to the center of the ring! Angle wrenches on Storm’s ankle as Angle screams at him to tap! Storm continues to fight the hold and yet again is just fingertips away from the ropes when Angle pulls him back again! Storm almost taps out but gets the crowd behind him and rolls over and kicks Angle in the head with a kicked shot! Storm then hits the Last Call but immediately hits the mat and sells the leg! Storm rolls over and covers Angle, 1…2…3!
Winner: Storm via pinfall (Last Call)
After the match everyone at ringside is shown looking around anticipating A’s & 8’s as Storm celebrates his win but no one ever comes down. Storm grabs the microphone and calls out A’s & 8’s saying the “gang” is all here so they should bring their asses on out and get it whooped. Still nothing and Storm continues to taunt them on the microphone but no one ever comes. Roode grabs a microphone and says this seems to be a little odd and he says it’s because Storm doesn’t need them right now because he beat Angle by himself, that’s why they’re not here. Roode says Storm is “guilty as charged” and he told everyone. Roode says he knows Storm better than he knows himself and he tells Storm not to even try and lie about it. Ray approaches Storm in the ring and Storm punches him! They start brawling and then Roode gets in the ring and Aries goes after him as well! Angle looks confused as everyone fights in the ring.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I loved the way Impact kicked off going right into the first match instead of the usual video recap or promo and I also loved that they showed the beginning of the confrontation at the closing of the previous show so to possibly pique the interest of anyone that was watching that show that maybe wouldn’t watch wrestling otherwise. It was a really great tag team match as well with Aries & King especially working well together. Good, old school tag wrestling with all 4 guys working hard and putting on a great match.
Ray and Robbie was about as good as you would expect anytime Robbie E is in the ring, not very.
I liked the Knockouts 4-Way which was kind of a car crash type of spotfest with nonstop action. I hate the idea of the Hebner/Madison angle because it’s nonsensical. Why wouldn’t Sting or Brooke just make it where Hebner doesn’t referee the KO matches? It’s really that simple. Yeah, you can say that their attentions are on the A’s & 8’s stuff but with something that simple you really can’t use that excuse (though eventually I’m sure they will on TV). I truly was hoping for Tara to get the shot.
The promo with Sting, Storm, and Angle was really well done with Angle coming off the best he’s sounded on the mic for awhile and I liked that they reminded us of their feud from earlier this year and last year.
Chavo looked great and it was cool that his grandmother was in attendance for the match. Is it a coincidence that Wes Brisco was shown on TV and the rumors on the internet that he might possibly be one of the guys revealed as a member of A’s & 8’s? And how about the fact that Chavo debuts just as that storyline is getting underway?
The stuff with Crackhead Claire was terrible tonight, just awful. Even Daniels couldn’t save that one.
Angle and Storm put on yet another great match as they do everytime and Storm got the clean win which didn’t just make Storm look strong but played into the storyline (as Roode detailed in his promo). I actually love the fact that A’s & 8’s didn’t make an appearance tonight. They were really verging on over exposure over the past few weeks with the attacks so slowing down made sense but it also plays into the mind games of it looking like Storm is a part of this with Roode egging it on (making me think more and more he might be involved or he’s just using it to his advantage).
The BFG Series 4-Ways at Hardcore Justice should be great especially the Ladder Match (I cannot wait to see that one).
QUICK RESULTS
1) Austin Aries & Kenny King def. Bobby Roode & Zema Ion
2) BFG Series: Bully Ray def. Robbie E via pinfall (7 points)
3) KO #1 Contender 4-Way: Madison Rayne def. Tara, Mickie James, & Gail Kim
4) Chavo Guerrero Jr. def. Kid Kash
5) BFG Series: James Storm def. Kurt Angle via pinfall (7 points)
– Promo/Segment of the Night: Sting/Angle/Storm
– Match of the Night: Storm vs. Angle (***1/2)
– Overall Grade: A
BFG Series Standings
1) James Storm (52 points)
2) Samoa Joe (47 points)
3) Kurt Angle (41 points)
4) Mr. Anderson (40 points0
5) Jeff Hardy (28 points)
Rob Van Dam (28 points)
6) Daniels (26 points)
7) Magnus (21 points)
8) AJ Styles (16 points)
9) Bully Ray (14 points)
10) The Pope (7 points)
11) Robbie E (5 points)
Scheduled for Next Week:
– BFG Series: The Pope vs. RVD
– BFG Series: AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle
– BFG Series: Bully Ray vs. James Storm
Hardcore Justice Lineup:
– TNA World Title: Austin Aries (c) vs. Bobby Roode
– BFG Series 4-Way Ladder Match: AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe vs. Daniels
– BFG Series 4-Way Tables Match:Bully Ray vs. James Storm vs. Robbie E vs. Jeff Hardy
– BFG Series 4-Way Falls Count Anywhere Match: The Pope vs. RVD vs. Magnus vs. Mr. Anderson
– Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Hernandez vs. Gunner & Kid Kash
– TNA X-Division Title: Zema Ion (c) vs. Kenny King
– TNA Knockouts Title: Miss Tessmacher (c) vs. Madison Rayne