Wrestling Fans, let’s jump back into the proverbial driver’s seat and catch up on two episodes of Impact. This will review the results of May 17th and also May 22nd 2016 airings. Additionally, TNA Slammiversary will air on PPV, June 12th 2016.
Jeff Hardy opened up the show and fresh off the heels in defeating his brother Matt previously in a no-holds barred showdown. This victory propelled the younger Hardy into possible contention. However, once the opponent was called out; Jeff Hardy sees one of three Willows instead. Willow is the alter ego of Jeff Hardy. So, Shadow Willow and with these nuances was revealed; but the third and final Willow was Matt Hardy.
Sienna defeated Velvet Sky, with Velvet’s career on the line, and so she is out of Impact Wrestling. Mike Bennett continues his feud with EC3, but takes out Earl Hebner instead because of “biased officiating”. EC3 meanwhile defeated Tyrus in a last man standing bout.
Eddie Edwards and DJ Z defeated Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett in tag team action featuring X-Division standouts. Bram further called out his future opponent Eli Drake regarding Bram’s title, the King of the Mountain/Legends/TV (red belt) of TNA’s.
In the main event, was a lumberjack match for the Impact heavyweight crown. Champion Drew Galloway wrestled Bobby Lashley to a no-contest. This means Drew retains the title.
May 24th 2016 brings the next episode of Impact. Matt Hardy opens up the show with a new look and pseudo-gimmick while promo-ing about what his plans and intentions are regarding Jeff Hardy, who he is calling Brother Nero. Nero is Jeff’s birth middle name. Instead, EC3 comes out to interrupt and defeats Matt by DQ. Mike Bennett comes out and attacks Carter, post-match.
In Knockout action, Gail Kim defeats Sienna to keep her job, while Maria Kanellis-Bennett is still trumpeting a power-position role, similar to Tracy Brooks and Karen Angle.
Al Snow who is a producer for TNA still wrestles and defeats Grado in a street fight. Former NXT standouts, Lefort and Louis appear and attack Shera, who is showing support for Grado.
Despite the X-division stars appearing in a tag match the previous week, instead it’s now a fatal four way style match for the title. Where’s the logic? Teaming one week, and wrestling each other the next. Are we all supposed to believe the enemy of “my” enemy therefore is a friend, common interests lead to a tag team? Anyhow, champion Trevor Lee retains the X title versus former partner and opponents: Eddie Edwards, DJ Z and Everett.
Foreshadowing, promo-ing and build up is set for the blow off bout at Slammiversary between Lashley and Galloway. Quite honestly, outside of Bennett and Carter, this looks like the only real appealing bout and feud. Most other concepts are either rehashed/recycled, silly, or a unusual fit that don’t lend any legitimacy or credibility to be taken seriously. It comes across hokey and even worse or close to it, from the New Generation era of the then-WWF around 1995ish.
The main event leads to an official signing and confirmation of what we already knew. In another battle and yet pointless, given the silly storyline- Matt Hardy will face his brother Jeff at Slammiversary. However, Jeff beat Tyrus and Spud in a handicap match to evidently earn this privilege in facing his elder brother.
In closing, this was another “wrestling show” but difficult to watch based on no real storylines people can sink their teeth into, and the angles if that, seem based on the in-ring product- and not anything secular to help with the build-up and propping of the talent. In other words, this company and shows are built on: a great roster, great talent but no real emotional involvement for fans. The casual ones who want the drama, the intrigue and “story” will not see it here in Impact.
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