Hello and welcome to my review of what’s happened in the land of Impact Wrestling over the last week. TNA have been in the UK for their annual Maximum Impact tour and they’ve appeared all over the country, including the 2 shows I’m going to focus on – their live show in Dublin, and the first-ever episode of Impact to air live from Glasgow, Scotland. This is going to be a longer post than normal from me, so I appreciate all of you for reading this!
Results from Impact Wrestling – Live Event in Dublin, Ireland
- Joseph Park & Eric Young (w/Ivan Minnock – a local TV presenter) defeated Rockstar Spud & EC3
- Madison Rayne & ODB defeated Gail Kim and Lei’d Tapa (Velvet Sky was the Special Guest Referee)
- Gunner defeated Bobby Roode (Roode attacked Gunner after the bell. Kurt Angle made the save and Angle-Slammed Roode)
- Austin Aries defeated Chris Sabin & Samoa Joe to retain the X-Division Championship (Aries hit the Brain-Buster on Sabin)
- The Bro-Mans defeated Bad Influence
- Magnus defeated James Storm (there were multiple distractions from Spud & EC3, finishing with Magnus hitting Storm with the belt to get the win)
- Mr Anderson defeated Bully Ray in a Dublin Tables Match after hitting the Green Bay plunge through the table.
Impact Wrestling – Aired on January 30th 2014
Let’s move on to the show from Glasgow, Scotland, which was the first time Impact had aired in the UK before America. Here’s a run-down of the matches we saw on Impact last week:
- Madison Rayne & Velvet Sky vs Gail Kim & Lei’d Tapa
- Gunner & James Storm vs Bad Influence
- World Tag-Team Championship Match: The Bro-Mans vs Abyss & Eric Young
- Samoa Joe & Kurt Angle vs Magnus & EC3 – (If Joe or Angle are pinned/submit they have to leave TNA, but if Joe or Angle win the pin/submission, they become the number 1 contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship)
In-Ring Segment with Magnus, Rockstar Spud, EC3, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe
Magnus is gloating about ending the career of the Icon, Sting. He says he’s sent Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles and now Sting, away from TNA. It’s the thinning of the herd and the start of a new generation. Magnus claims to have done it “single-handedly”, which doesn’t sit well with EC3. EC3 grabs the mic, but before he can take the issue up with Magnus, they’re interrupted by Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe.
Angle takes to the microphone and lays into Magnus, vowing to get revenge for his friends. He calls Magnus a “paper champion”, which sends the crowd nuts. They end up chanting it at the champ. Angle brings up Magnus’ time in the Mafia, and the champ claims that they’re jealous of him. All of this leads to a tag-team match being announced between Angle, Joe, EC3 and Magnus. If Angle or Joe get pinned/submit, they have to leave TNA. However, if Joe and Angle win, then whoever scores the pin/submission becomes the new #1 contender.
Dixie Carter comes out and tries to call off the match because she doesn’t want to see him lose to Angle or Joe – nice vote of confidence in her champion isn’t it? – but Magnus over-rules her and the match is set for later on.
Madison Rayne & Velvet Sky vs Gail Kim & Lei’d Tapa
Build: Gail Kim set the challenge for new competition in the Knockouts division. A returning Madison Rayne answered her call and beat her twice in the space of a few weeks to get a title shot and win the Knockouts Championship. Velvet Sky has distanced herself from Chris Sabin after last week’s match. Gail Kim has had Lei’d Tapa in her corner as her backup for the last several months before she lost the title a few weeks ago.
Highlights: Even though it was a short match, it was full of action. Gail hit a few clothesline on Madison to get a near fall. Velvet replied with some clotheslines of her own and followed up with a neckbreaker and a bulldog to get a near fall for her team. Tapa breaks up Velvet’s attempt to hit her finisher. Madison spears Gail and dropkicks Tapa off the apron, which allows Velvet to hit the Botox Injection to get the win.
Winners (via pin-fall): Madison Rayne & Velvet Sky
After the match, Chris Sabin made his way to the ring to talk to Velvet. He’s called, texted and tweeted her, but she’s ignored him. Girlfriends aren’t supposed to to that! He blames it on her hormones, but Velvet’s not impressed. Sabin says he’ll forgive her, only if she massages him and does what he says. Velvet loses it and dumps him.
Thoughts: This was a decent quick match to kick off Impact. It was good to see Velvet back in the ring and I’m glad that she’s dropped Sabin. It just wasn’t working for me and it made her look weak. I liked seeing Velvet team with Madison Rayne again. Are we going to see a reunion of The Beautiful People? I’m glad Madison is back too.
I still think Lei’d Tapa could be good in the Knockouts division, but I feel she needs a little more work to fully establish her character. I can see her stepping out of Gail’s shadow in the next few months so we can see what she can do. Unless she’s good on the mic, she’ll need someone to talk for her, but to be fair, we’ve not heard an awful lot from her.
It’s good to see TNA rebuilding the division because their female talents stand out from those in any other company.
Gunner & James Storm vs Bad Influence – with Gunner’s briefcase is on the line
Build: Storm comes out to cut a promo. He says he was friends with Gunner before they were in TNA. They became partners and tag champs, but something’s fallen apart along with way. He calls Gunner out to put an end to their rift. Gunner comes out and says they came to TNA to be great. They achieved that, but they’ve fallen out ever since he won the briefcase. Gunner says he had to make a career decision that was best for his family. The love-in continues until Storm apologises, which brings Bad Influence out.
Daniels and Kaz try to cause more tension between Storm and Gunner, goading Gunner into putting his shot at the World Championship on the line in an impromptu tag match.
Highlights: Storm lights Kaz up in the corner and tags in Gunner. Gunner hits a high elbow and knocks Daniels off the apron before Kaz catches him with a kick. Bad Influence then hit an elbow/leg-drop combo on Gunner. Gunner lands another high elbow and goes to tag Storm, but he can’t because Storm is brawling with Daniels on the outside. They argue before Gunner makes the tag a few minutes later.
Storm comes in and cleans house, hitting an enziguri on Daniels in the corner. Daniels avoids the Eye of the Storm. Kaz makes the tag and dropkicks Storm in the corner. Gunner gets the hot tag and climbs to the top rope. Storm delivers the Last Call superkick to Daniels as Gunner flies off the top rope and nails Kaz with a flying head-butt to get the win.
Winners (via pin-fall): Gunner and James Storm
Thoughts: It was a decent match and it’s good that Storm and Gunner are back on the same page, because it means we’ve not lost a tag-team. Although, if Gunner cashes in his briefcase and comes close to winning the World Championship – or even winning it – I can see Storm turning on him. Do you think Storm would be happy in Gunner’s spotlight? I’d love to see more of Bad Influence on my telly box. They’re good on the mic and they’ve got great chemistry.
Backstage Segments with Dixie Carter, Bobby Roode, EY, ODB & Rockstar Spud
Dixie Carter is on the phone to her attorney. She wants answers about who the new investor is. Roode interrupts and claims she promised him a shot at the World Championship if he helped to get rid of AJ Styles and Sting. Roode tells her she’s got a week to figure it out. Until then, he’s not doing her any more favours.
EY and ODB are talking in the back. ODB warns EY to be careful with Abyss because he’s a monster for a reason. Abyss walks by, says nothing, holds up a bag of thumb tacks and heads to the ring.
We see Spud backstage. He tells us that he’s going to get some answers from the Wolves about the new investor and heads out to the arena.
In-Ring Segment with Rockstar Spud and The Wolves
Spud comes out and insults the Scottish crowd, calling them “England’s B-Team”. He’s drowned out by “Scotland” chants. He calls the Wolves out. Spud insults them and asks who the new investors are. They don’t say a word. Spud knows how this works. He’s seen cop shows. He shines a light in their face. Still nothing from the Wolves.
Spud gets pissed. He’s pushed Jeff Hardy off a ladder and beat Samoa Joe within an inch of his life. He’s fierce. He’s a lion and demands answers! Spud slaps Davey Richards in the face. The Wolves take off their jackets and attack Spud, taking him down with the Alarm Clock move. With Spud down, they tell him that Dixie will find out who the investor is at the same time as everyone else. They say he’s interested in the tag-team main-event and if anyone interferes, they’ll be fired.
Thoughts: I’m enjoying the role that Spud’s playing. However annoying he might seem, he’s playing the character well. The whole thing with him before his match with Joe had me in stitches! I can’t wait to see the Wolves in the ring so they can show the fans just why they’re so good. The reign of the Wolves is upon us. Are you ready to howl with delight at the chaos that’s about to ensue?
World Tag-Team Championship Match: The Bro-Mans (c) vs Eric Young & Abyss
Highlights: EY and Robbie E start things off. EY hits a flying forearm on Robbie. Jessie attacks EY and charge him in the corner, but misses and EY gets a near fall. EY stops Abyss from attacking Jesse, which allows Jesse to get back in control, choking EY in the corner. Jesse tags in Robbie, so Abyss comes in and takes the Bro-Mans down, causing the ref to have words with him.
The Bro-Mans take advantage and double team EY. He tries to fight back, but he can’t. Eventually, he makes the tags to Abyss, who clears everyone out – the Bro-Mans, DJ Zema and the ref. EY checks on the ref, but gets a chokeslam from Abyss for his trouble.
As Abyss heads to the back, EY grabs a mic and asks if this is how Abyss wants it? EY says they have one experiment left to do – they go 1-on-1 next week in a Monster’s Ball Match! Abyss says he’s going to hurt EY, as EY stands with a smile on his face.
Winners (via disqualification, and STILL TNA World Tag-Team Champions): The Bro-Mans
Thoughts: It was an OK match with some good spots. It’s good to finally get Abyss back, but I’m scared that the length of time this Joseph Park storyline has gone on has made Abyss look weak. All you have to do to get Park to “Abyss up” is cut him. What do you have to do to get him to calm down? Show him pictures of kittens or something?!?!
The Bro-Mans have been a relief as tag-team champions. It makes a change from the usual suspects competing for the belts anyway. However, with the Wolves in TNA now, I think their days as champions are numbered.
Segment with Samuel Shaw & Christy Hemme
Build: A few weeks ago, we saw Samuel and Christy go out for drinks. Since then, Samuel’s attacked anyone who mentions, or looks at, Christy.
Samuel and Christy are at his condo. He’s showing her around when she goes into a room. He stops her and says there’s nothing in there. As she heads elsewhere, he goes into that room with a piece of her hair. He turns the light on and we see a shrine to Christy, with a few pieces of her hair.
Thoughts: What can I say apart from…weird!!! I hear the theme from the Psycho movie in my head whenever I see Samuel Shaw. I wouldn’t like to be in his shoes when he’s in front of the fans. The heat that he might get could be unbelievable and the chants from the crowd would be entertaining to say the least! I’m intrigued to see how this plays out, and how far TNA will go with it.
In-Ring Segment with Bully Ray & Mr Anderson
Bully wheels a coffin down to the ring. He asks us if we know who he is before telling us that he’s from New York City, he was the President of Aces & 8’s and that he had everything before Anderson took it all away. He’s tried to break Anderson, but he keeps coming back. Bully challenges Anderson to what’s essentially a Casket Match, which, of course, brings Anderson out.
Anderson asks Bully what he’s going to do once Anderson’s in the coffin. Bully says he’s going to piledrive Anderson’s wife and kids. Anderson questions him, so Bully repeats himself. Anderson says everyone’s fed up with Bully running his mouth before ramming the coffin lid into Bully’s face. They brawl for a bit before Anderson gets the better of Bully. Bully escapes as Anderson has a chair in hand.
Thoughts: This could be a classic match that ends their feud. In all honesty, I don’t think Anderson or Bully could fit in that coffin, but the level of violence we’ll see will supersede anything we’ve seen before from these 2.
Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe vs Magnus & EC3
Build: Earlier in the show, we saw Kurt and Joe agree to this match with the stipulation that if Joe or Angle lose, whoever gets pinned/submits has to leave TNA. If their team wins, whoever gets the pin/submission becomes the new #1 contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. The new investor added that if anyone interferes in this match, they’ll be fired.
Highlights: Angle and EC3 start the match off, exchanging waistlocks and reversals. Angle comes out on top and hits a hip-toss, followed by an arm-drag and locks in a waistlock before tagging Joe. Joe brawls with EC3 for a bit before tagging Angle back in. Angle gets a near fall off a snap suplex. He misses with a shoulder block and goes through the ropes, giving EC3 time to tag Magnus.
EC3 tags back in and he’s in control of Angle. Kurt fights back and gets a near fall from a flying clothesline. Magnus tags in and hits a big European uppercut on Angle. He taunts Joe to distract the referee as he and EC3 double-team Angle. EC3’s back in and misses a knee-life. Angle connects with a German suplex as the crowd call for Joe, who gets the hot tag.
Joe comes in and unloads. He ends up connecting with a huge power-slam on Magnus. He locks in an arm-breaker, but EC3 breaks it up. Angle drags EC3 to the outside and connects with a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. Joe grabs Magnus and locks in the Rear Naked Choke. Magnus taps.
Winners (via submission): Samoa Joe & Kurt Angle – Joe is the new #1 contender for the TNA World Championship
Post-Match: Dixie comes down to the ring. She knew this could happen. Joe taunts Magnus. He says the odds have caught up with Magnus. He’s staying in TNA for a long time. He says: “You’d better look in my eyes…I’m the number 1 contender…shine up that belt real nice boy because sooner rather than later…Joe’s gonna kill you!”
Angle takes the mic and says it’s nights like these that make him proud to be in wrestling. He’s been in TNA for 8 years. He’s done it all. After beating Roode last week, he’s proved he’s back. Dixie’d better get her chequebook out because he’s going into the Hall of Fame!
Dixie says she’s tired of hearing about this new investor. She’s demanding that they show themselves. The lights go out and a clock starts ticking. The Wolves appear before they’re joined on stage by the new investor…MVP! He stands between them, holding up his chain as Impact goes off air.
Thoughts: I’m happy that Joe’s getting the push he so rightly deserves. He’s been in the background for way too long. Joe’s great on the mic and in the ring and it’s great to see him back in the title picture. EC3 showed he can actually wrestle when he’s in there with decent competition. I can see him feuding with Magnus at some point in the future.
The “New Investor” is none other than MVP!!! That’s certainly a different direction for TNA to take things. Hopefully it injects some freshness into the TNA brand. I’m interested to see who’s going to be next. We’ve got the Wolves and MVP, so who else could turn up? Is MVP the new investor, or is he the face of the new investor? Was someone else behind MVP’s arrival into TNA? I guess we’ll find out as things move on!
What are your thoughts on the UK tour so far? What do you think about MVP being the new investor? Please leave a comment below or you can contact me on Twitter. I’m @emmagiles98. Thanks for reading!
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