TNA Impact Wrestling
Orlando, Florida (Impact Wrestling Zone)
December 13, 2012
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Taz, & Todd Keneley
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Fresh off the heels of “Final Resolution” this week’s Impact Wrestling opens up with highlights from last week and Final Resolution.
Bobby Roode comes out to the ring and is pissed out about Aces & Eights costing him the World Title at the PPV and jumping him afterward. Roode says he considers himself an intelligent businessman and he made a very expensive business investment into the World Title. He says he made a deal with Aces & Eights and where he comes from a deal is a deal so what he wants right now is answers. Roode calls out Aces & Eights and says he wants answers from them right now.
Devon leads Aces & Eights down to ringside and he says a better deal came to the plate for them. Devon says Roode is a businessman and they’re a club that likes to do business with businessmen. He says that someone else came to them with a better deal, it’s as simple as that. Roode wants to know who it was but they’re not talking. Devon says when a deal is made they don’t like to tell people’s business and they keep it in the club. Aces & Eights surround the ring and then Devon says they can’t tell him who the person was that outbidded him, but later on tonight he may just get his answer. Devon & DOC start to go after Roode but Jeff Hardy’s music hits as Roode uses the distraction to bail. Jeff and James Storm walk out and Jeff says he’s sick and tired of this “business BS” and who paid who. He says that they’ve jumped him twice now and tonight they’re not here to “play detective” they’re here to fight!
Hardy & Storm hit the ring and jump DOC & Devon! The rest of Aces & Eights pull them out of the ring and they retreat as Hardy & Storm stand tall in the ring.
The announcers discuss what went down at Final Resolution and then announce that next week is Championship Thursday and the Knockouts Title will be on the line. Backstage Velvet Sky talks about being back and being focused on getting back the Knockouts Title.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Footage of Mickie James crying after Final Resolution is shown. She says that she let herself down and her fans down and this was not how she wanted to end 2012. She says that she is the best women’s wrestler in the world yet she still let Tara and Jesse pull what they did and that’s “bullsh*t.”
Velvet Sky vs. “Killer Queen” Madison Rayne
This is Madison’s first match in quite some time and Velvet’s in almost 6 months in a battle of former Beautiful People members. Velvet has some new ring gear which is kind of a body suit so unfortunately the booty shorts are gone (but she still looks hot as hell). Madison gets in Velvet’s face as she comes to the ring and then she attacks Velvet to kickstart the match. Velvet tosses Madison into every corner and then slams her face into all three turnbuckles in one of the corners before slapping Madison’s ass. Velvet hit’s a Snapmare Takeover and then a kick to the back followed by a Rolling Neck Snap! Velvet hits a Basement Dropkick, 1…2…NO Madison kicks out! Velvet sets up for the In Yo Face but Madison blocks it and connects with a clothesline. Madison grabs Velvet’s arms and stands on her hair as she pulls Velvet up in the air. Madison chokes Velvet on the middle rope and then hits a Reverse Facebuster followed by the Scissor Stomp. 1…2…NO Velvet kicks out and then Madison covers again and again only gets a two count. Velvet gets in Tarryn Terrell’s face which allows Velvet time to recover and then kick Madison in the face. Velvet lights Madison up with repeated chops and then a series of Jawbreakers over her own knee and then a series of clotheslines and back elbows! Velvet hits a Running Bulldog and then the In Yo Face! 1…2…3!
Winner: Velvet Sky via pinfall (In Yo Face)
In the back Kurt Angle talks to Wes Brisco & Garett Bischoff. He says they have a tag match tonight but they’re going to be on their own in this one. Garett says they’re ready, they’re going to go get a cup of coffee and they’ll be set. Angle says he has something better than some coffee and pulls out a box of “5 Hour Energy” (PRODUCT PLACEMENT!).
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Bad Influence are shown walking backstage and the Hervey-Cam asks them if they had anything to do with the Bad Influence payoff. Kaz says Bobby Roode is their friend and they know how to treat their friends. Daniels says besides that his whole focus was on AJ last Sunday and he didn’t need any help to do that. Kaz says they should ask AJ Styles about the payoff because there’s anyone in the company that has nothing to lose its him because he’s at the end of his rope, and Daniels says if he wants “anything” he definitely has to pay for it.
Clips of the 8-Man TNA vs. Aces & Eights Tag from Final Resolution is shown as Samoa Joe talks after the match. Joe says, “COWARDS come together in unison and work towards a common cowardly goal that they cannot accomplish themselves….COWARDS hide their identities from their world because they are not man enough to face up their problems.” Wes Brisco says he will bleed and do whatever it takes to stay on the TNA roster. One thing I think people need to pay attention to in that match is that Brisco Speared DOC just as Angle was about to nail the dude with a hammer. Now they can play that off as Brisco was saving a DQ by doing that but it can also be seen as Brisco saving an Aces & Eights member from a severe headache, just a thought. Joe says that they claim the Aces & Eights is the “dead man hand” and he’s saying the death watch is on.
The Shore vs. Wes Brisco & Garett Bischoff w/Kurt Angle
Little Rob and Bigger Rob will face the 2nd Generation stars here. Angle says that Garett & Wes won’t get his help but he’ll still be in their corner. Little Rob & Bigger Rob jump the 2nd generation boys as they get in the ring. The Shore tosses Garett out to the floor and then Bigger Rob lays Wes out with a Powerslam. Bigger Rob tosses Wes into the heel corner and Robbie tags himself in. Robbie puts the boots to Wes and chokes him in the corner. Robbie hits a Drop Toe Hold and then Bigger Rob comes in and helps Robbie pull him back to the corner. Bigger Rob is now and he talks trash to Wes while continuing to beat on him. Rob picks Wes up in a massive Bear Hug but Wes fights it off with back elbows. He then leaps for a tag but Rob catches him in the air and then Robbie knocks Garett off the apron. The Shore drag Wes to the heel corner and double team him. Robbie in now and he hit’s a Scoop Slam followed by the Fist Pump Drop off the top, but Wes gets his boot up! Robbie catches the boot and then drops an elbow, but Wes rolls out of the way! Wes tags out and Garett comes in with a clothesline on Robbie followed by a Shoulder Block. Garett then hits a Corner Splash followed by a Flapjack! Rob grabs Garett by the hair and slams him to the mat allowing Robbie to tag him in. Bigger Rob whips Garett into the ropes where Wes is able to blind tag himself in. Garett ducks a clothesline from Rob Terry and then clotheslines Robbie E over the top to the floor! Garett hits a Jawbreaker on Terry and then Wes dives off the top with a Flying Cross Body! 1…2…3!
Winners: Brisco & Bischoff via pinfall (Flying Cross Body)
An Aces & Eights member runs down to ringside and nails Angle in the knee with a pipe! Brisco & Bischoff check on Angle as he rolls around in pain on the floor.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break a replay of the attack on Angle is shown. The medical staff is checking on Angle backstage and the doctor thinks there’s no ligament damage.
Footage of Joseph Park training at OVW is shown. Probably the funniest thing was seeing Park trying to get out of his rental car, a Volkswagen. They don’t even let Park get some workout gear, he has to start his training in his suit.
Tara & Jesse come into Brooke Hogan’s office and she talks about Bully Ray facing Jesse tonight. She says she wants to help Brooke pick her opponent for next week, but Brooke isn’t having any of that. Brooke says that Tara will find out who she’s facing next week like everyone else.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
In the back Kenny King talks about the match with RVD at Final Resolution and says it was a Dream Match and was one that he wanted his whole career, but he came up short and he’s always been someone who learns more from his losses than his wins. King says tonight may not be about the belt but it’s about what he took out of the Title Match. He says RVD will still be the champ after tonight but he’s going to knock him square on his ass.
Aces & Eights (DOC & Masked Guy) vs. “Cowboy” James Storm & “Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero Hardy continues to wear that creepy ass facepaint. One of the bigger masked members of Aces & Eights is joining DOC for this one. DOC and Storm will start the match off. DOC swings at Storm but he blocks it and connects with a series of right hands on the bigger man. DOC shoves Storm away and then charges at him, but Storm ducks underneath him and nails DOC with more right hands. Storm attempts to whip DOC into the corner but he reverses it and then swings at Storm again, but again Storm ducks underneath and then hits a Leaping Clothesline. Hardy tags in and dives off the middle rope with a Flying Axe Handle Drop to the outstretched arm (by Storm) of DOC! DOC shoves Hardy away and tags in the Masked Guy. He swings at Hardy but Hardy ducks and nails him with forearms and right hands. Hardy hits the ropes and connects with a Flying Forearm followed by a Corner Splash. Hardy then hits a Floatover into a Spinning Headscissors out of the corner that sends the masked guy out to the floor! Hardy hits a slingshot dropkick through the ropes sending him into the guardrail. DOC comes over to regroup with the masked guy but Hardy dives off the apron with a Plancha!
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Back from the break the masked guy lays Hardy out with a big clothesline as DOC puts the boots to him and kicks Hardy out to the floor. He tosses Hardy back into the ring and DOC lays into Hardy with a big Uppercut and then a series of body shots and another uppercut. The masked guy tags back in and the heels take turns choking Hardy on the mat. He slams Hardy into the turnbuckles and hits him with a big right hand and then a series of left jabs before tagging DOC back in. DOC puts the boots to Hardy and chokes him with his boot. The masked guy comes back in and hits an Elbow Drop on Hardy for the first nearfall of the match. He puts Hardy in a Front Facelock but Hardy counters out with a Jawbreaker out of nowhere! Hardy dives for the heel corner thinking it’s his for a tag but when he realizes it’s the wrong corner it’s too late as the big guy has him cornered again. He holds Hardy as DOC tags back in and kicks Hardy in the chest as the masked guy holds him. DOC chokes Hardy in the ropes hits an Elbow Drop to the back of Hardy followed by locking in a headlock. Hardy fights up to his feet and breaks the hold with elbows and then a kick to the head. Hardy reaches for the tag but DOC lays Storm out and then drags Hardy back to the heel corner and tags in the masked guy. He hits a Leg Drop to the back of Hardy as DOC held Hardy in place with a Leg Scissors. He covers Hardy and gets another nearfall before dropping his knee down on Hardy’s ribs repeatedly. He chokes Hardy and then tosses Hardy back out to the floor where DOC whips Hardy into the guardrail! Back in the ring the masked guy covers Hardy again and again only gets a nearfall. DOC tags back in and hit’s a Splash on Hardy for another nearfall but this time Storm broke it up by kicking DOC In the ass. DOC puts Hardy in a chinlock but Hardy breaks it with elbows. DOC then tosses Hardy into a corner but Hardy hits him with an elbow as he charges and then dives off the top with the Whisper In The Wind! Both men are down as the fans get behind Jeffrey. Hardy almost reaches Storm when DOC cuts him off and drags him back to the heel corner. The masked guy tags back in and puts the boots to Hardy. Hardy tries to get away but he grabs Hardy’s leg and holds on. Hardy hits a Leaping Mule Kick and dives to tag Storm! Storm is a house afire as he comes in with clotheslines to both DOC and the masked guy! He charges but the masked guy backdrops him over the top, Storm lands on the apron, and hits a Leaping Enziguri! Storm climbs up top and dives off with a Flying Cross Body! 1…2…NO he kicks out! Storm tags Hardy back in and then Hardy whips Storm into a clothesline on the masked guy in the corner. Hardy then dives off of Storm’s back with Poetry In Motion on the masked guy as well! DOC comes back in but eats a Double Suplex Beer Money style from Hardy & Storm! Another Aces & Eights member jumps in but gets laid out followed by another one! Devon runs in and swings a bat at Storm but he ducks and hits Closing Time! Hardy clotheslines Devon out to the floor and then Storm DESTROYS DOC with the Last Call! Twist of Fate on the masked guy! 1…2…3!
Winners: Hardy & Storm via pinfall (Twist of Fate)
All of Aces & Eights swarm the ring and the babyfaces retreat. Devon comes into the ring and says the club doesn’t fight other people’s business and says the guy that paid them off is…AUSTIN ARIES!
In the back Hogan is losing his mind about what he just heard and Bobby Roode is as well. Roode hilariously asks “who the hell does that?!” after doing the same thing himself a week ago. Hogan says he’s just as bad as Aries but Roode says this is worse because he ruined the Main Event at the PPV. Aries calls Hogan on his cell phone and Hogan wants him to tell him what the hell is going on tonight by the end of tonight. Roode and Hogan argue about Aries before Hogan walks away.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Highlights from AJ & Daniels’ “final battle” last Sunday are shown where Daniels used AJ’s own Styles Clash to beat him. After the match Daniels says he “beat the White Knight with his own sword.”
AJ Styles comes down to the ring and says he demanded his time to come out and address the fans. He says he doesn’t have to tell everyone where he’s been, how long he’s been there, or where he’s going as a “you still got it” chant erupts and AJ looks genuinely disgusted at it. He says “don’t worry I’m not going anywhere” sarcastically and then says the truth is he doesn’t know where he’s going and he has no idea what the next step is. He says that he’s spent so much time trying to be a “corporate guy” and take care of everyone else that he’s forgotten about himself. He says that the reason he’s out there is to say that this is has nothing to do with the fans, the Impact Zone, Dixie Carter, or TNA and then takes off his TNA shirt and hat and throws them down. He says this has everything to do with AJ Styles and he’s so sick and tired of being the “corporate janitor” and cleaning up every TNA mess. He says that he’s tired of always doing the right thing so from now on he’s going to be doing his own thing. He drops the mic and leaves the ring as the Impact Zone geniuses chant his name and obviously don’t realize that was the start to a heel turn.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
A replay of AJ from a few minutes ago is shown. Dixie Carter approaches him in the back and asks him who he is and what’s going on with him now. AJ tosses the TNA shirt at her and walks away. Bad Influence is shown watching that on the monitor and they think this means AJ is leaving TNA and Daniels is happy as hell thinking they just sent AJ packing. Kaz says he has something special for Daniels later.
Non-Title
Kenny King vs. “Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam
Replays of King & RVD’s Title Match this past Sunday are shown as RVD comes to the ring. King and RVD lockup and King gets RVD in a side headlock. RVD reverses it into a Hammerlock but King quickly reverses it into a Hammerlock of his own. RVD counters by tripping King with a drop toe hold.and then goes for a Front Facelock but King blocks it and gets to his feet as they stare each other down. RVD with a leg kick but King answers right back with one of his own. RVD hits another leg kick and King goes for one as well but this time RVD swipes it away and connects with a Spinning Heel Kick! RVD plays to the crowd which backfires as King catches him with a Flying Knee to the back that sends RVD flying through the ropes! King then hits a Slingshot Corkscrew Plancha over the top onto RVD on the floor! King tosses RVD back into the ring and covers him for a nearfall. King hits a Snap Suplex and floats over into a mount where he reigns down right hands on RVD. King whips RVD into the corner and hits a Flying Back Elbow! 1…2…NO RVD kicks out! King whips RVD into the corner again and charges but this time RVD catches him with a Spinning Heel Kick! RVD hits another Spinning Heel Kick in the corner followed by a Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop! 1…2…NO King kicks out! RVD picks King up and then blocks a kick from King and swings his leg around, but King catches him with a Cartwheel Kick out of nowhere! King hangs RVD up on the rope with a Jawbreaker and then dives off the top with a Springboard Blockbuster! 1…2…NO RVD kicks out again! King whips RVD into the corner again and charges but RVD moves out of the way and connects with a Front Slam followed by the Split Legged Moonsault, but King rolls out of the way and goes for a Suplex but RVD counters with a Bridging Northern Lights Suplex! 1…2…NO King kicks out! King goes for a Spinning Heel Kick but RVD ducks and then hits the Stepover Heel Kick! RVD hits a Corkscrew Leg Drop and then springs to the top for the 5-Star! King gets up to his feet and lays into RVD with a series of right hands and then climbs up with RVD! RVD shoves King off the top but King is able to backflip to his feet only to eat a Flying Cross Body off the top from RVD! King rolls through into a pin and uses the ropes for leverage! 1…2…3!
Winner: King via pinfall (roll through)
RVD looks heated after the match as King celebrates his win.
In the back Bully Ray walks into Hogan’s office and says he wants to know if he’s had a change of heart about Ray after Final Resolution. He says it’s obvious that Ray doesn’t know what problems he’s caused. He says Ray’s personal BS has turned into his business because his daughter wouldn’t have been in harm’s way if it hadn’t been Ray sneaking around behind his back. He says he hasn’t changed his mind one bit about Ray or this situation. Ray gets pissed at Hogan and says maybe it’s Brooke that has been chasing HIM but Hogan says it was obviously her (sarcastically) that threw him down on the couch when Tara and Jesse walked in. Hogan says nobody threw anyone down and says that she was sitting beside him apologizing for Hulk treating Ray like shit. Hogan says if that was the truth then there’s no reason for Ray to ever see her again for anything. Ray says he came down to go after Aries to shut him up about Hogan’s daughter out of respect and then he pulls out the towel from Final Resolution and screams at he bled to earn Hogan’s freaking respect and throws the towel at him. Ray asks Hogan what the hell it’s going to take and says what Brooke does is her own business because she’s a grown woman and he needs to get over it.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Jesse w/Tara vs. Bully Ray
Ray is no mood to play tonight and goes right after Jesse with a wicked Double Axe Handle. Ray beats on Jesse and connects with a big clothesline. Ray punches Jesse in the head and then whips him into the ropes and connects with a shoulder block. Jesse responds with an uppercut out of nowhere and then a chop but Ray just stares at him. Jesse chops him again so Ray Big Boots him and then tosses Jesse in the corner and shows him what chops feel like with some absolutely disgusting chops! It literally sounded like a gun going off. Tara tries to save Ray from anymore chops so Ray acted like he was going to hit her causing her to flinch and bend over. Ray then slaps her on the ass and then Jesse attacks Ray from behind. Ray puts the boots to Ray starting to show some fire for once and then reigns down elbows on him. The first closeup of Jesse’s shows how nasty those chops were. Jesse hits a series of forearms and then a dropkick! My god a welt in the shape of Bully Ray’s hand is literally visible on Jesse’s chest. Jesse hits another dropkick and then eats yet another sickening chop from Ray! Jesse answers with a Running Clothesline and then another series of Forearms. Jesse chokes Ray in the corner and then a Running Back Elbow. Jesse distracts the referee while Tara chokes Ray in the ropes. Jesse hits another dropkick and then goes for a Leg Drop but Ray moves out of the way and hits the Bully Cutter! 1…2…3!
Winner: Ray via pinfall (Bully Cutter)
Austin Aries is shown arriving in the back.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Highlights from Roode-Hardy at Final Resolution are shown.
Austin Aires comes down to the ring and says that he can’t say that he’s surprised that the beans have been spilled. He admits that he paid Aces & Eights off and he knows Roode is upset about it, but as a man that’s willing to do anything to get the World Title and a man that said “money talks” then he should understand when Aries says his money “sings.” Aries says it sang loud & clear to Aces & Eights and he says he isn’t surprised they outed him because there isn’t any honor amongst thieves but really doesn’t care because he paid them do the job and they did it. He says that Devon claims to not fight other peoples battles but when they do at least they get paid for it. Aries says 6 months ago Hulk Hogan had Aries fighting his battles against Aces & Eights for him as the new World Champion. He says Hogan put him at the front of the line to fight them and he didn’t get paid for fighting those battles. He says after he did Hogan’s dirty work he tossed Aries aside to jump on Hardy’s bandwagon and he doesn’t forget something like that. He says that’s why he’s been pushing buttons and doing what he’s been doing and he won’t stop until he gets back his World Title.
Jeff Hardy comes out and says this is about Hardy and what he has. He says that Aries wants the title so bad he went out and paid a Motorcycle Gang to attack him and how pathetic that is. He says all Aries had to do was step up and ask like a man for a title shot. Aries asks if he’s sure about that or does he have to climb a ladder or climb a jungle gym to get a shot. He says he has jump through hoops in TNA to get anything. Hardy says all he has to do is showup next week, he suggest Hardy-Aries III for the belt next week! Aries says he’s sure that’s what the fans want to see but he doesn’t do what the fans want or what Jeff wants, he does what he wants when he wants. Hardy says that’s the difference between he and Aries and then hits Aries! Aries and Hardy start brawling and Aries goes for a Brainbuster but Hardy blocks it and hits the Twist of Fate! Hardy goes up for the Swanton but Aries rolls out of the ring!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Unfortunately I have to start off the “Final Thoughts” this week by addressing something from last weeks recap. Apparently someone took offense to me referring to Mickie James last week as “Thickie James” (which by the way is something I have referred to her ass on many occasion) by saying that I was attempting to call her “fat” and even mentioning WWE’s storyline where LayCool called her “Piggie James.” Anyone that has read any of these Impact recaps or heard me on the various WrestleView Radio Shows talking about Mickie would know how hot I’ve ALWAYS thought she was. She’s a gorgeous woman and me referring to her as “Thickie” was aimed to at her curvy body, not calling her fat. Where I come from saying a female is “thick” is far from a bad thing. It’s actually pretty ridiculous that I’m having to address this right now but I didn’t want to let this go just in case there was anyone else that actually believed this to be true.
On to the show, the open was good and quick and explained what happened at Final Resolution and gave a hook for the rest of the show. Thankfully they didn’t make us weeks or months to figure out who paid them off and Aries makes sense. I’m expecting a 3-Way between Aries-Roode-Hardy to go down at Genesis to lead us into Hardy-Aries at Lockdown.
It’s good to see Velvet Sky back but the match with Rayne was nothing special (though she did look better than she has at times in the ring there). I liked Mickie’s emotions after losing the match at FR.
Samoa Joe’s “coward” promo during the highlights from FR was really great and the Tag Match between Brisco/Bischoff and The Shore was surprisingly good. They worked decently as a team and didn’t look lost as much as they have in the past.
Storm/Hardy vs. Aces & Eights was a REALLY good tag match. I’m really enjoying DOC, he’s a really good big man in the ring. The hot tag to Storm was about as good as it gets and they got the usually stoic Impact Zone hot during that match. At some point Aces & Eights has got to win here and there because they really do look weak with losses week after week.
The exchange between Bully Ray & Hogan is the best we’ve seen of this angle, Ray’s pissed off promo was great and the way he beat the ever loving shit out of Jesse was perfect. I have to give Jesse respect for taking those chops, that was just flat out nasty.
King and RVD had another fun match and FINALLY they’re giving King an actual character so now he can play the heel role up. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go with this feud. That was a big win for him.
AJ did really well in his promo setting up for where things should be going soon with him despite the fans at the Impact Zone being dumb as hell. I’m interested to see where they take this character now.
QUICK RESULTS
1) Velvet Sky def. Madison Rayne
2) Wes Brisco & Garett Bischoff def. The Shore
3) James Storm & Jeff Hardy def. Aces & Eights
4) Kenny King def. RVD
5) Bully Ray def. Jesse
– Promo/Segment of the Night: AJ Styles
– Match of the Night: Storm & Hardy vs. As & 8s (**1/2)
– Overall Grade: C+
Scheduled for Next Week:
– TNA TV Title: Kurt Angle vs. Devon (c)
– TNA Knockouts Title: Tara (c) vs. Mickie James/Velvet Sky/ODB/Tessmacher (one of them)
– TNA World Title: Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Austin Aries
Genesis Lineup:
-n/a
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