Impact Wrestling has become a Tuesday Night Titans, although that’s where the comparison begins and ends. Initially, the TNT reference is to indicate the fact there is more action, alternatives outside of WWE on Monday and Thursday nights. Let’s take a look back at the most recent TNA Impact episode.
Last week was teased of challenger Matt Hardy putting his career on the line, in return for an exchange in this deal with EC3, Ethan Carter. The two rivals agreed to terms and the caveat was Hardy getting one last try for the World title. Hardy would win the title from Carter, and save his career. However, TNA episodes are still taped, and rumors are running rampant. The scuttlebutt is that the Hardy’s will return to WWE, perhaps as surprise entrants at the Rumble. Honestly, Hardy (Jeff) in this instance can be better utilized, and both brothers’ careers are best synonymously linked to WWE. Will the Hardy’s return?
In other action, Tyrus was defeated by disqualification by Jeff Hardy. Ironically, Tyrus would also play benefactor, a key role in the main events proceedings, and outcome. “The Miracle” Mike Bennett, the recent acquisition with wife Maria Kanellis made their Impact in-ring debut. Bennett defeated Pepper Parks in singles competition. Hopefully, Bennett can be the next Magnus and carry TNA, as he was projected, and stated (Bennett) mentioned in an online interview. Despite the woes and stigmas attached to Impact, can TNA rebound and most importantly, rebuild? Not only to rebuild key talent, and home grown talent; but their image and reputation?
The return of an old concept, and a takeoff from WWE Money in the Bank- the Feast or Fired cases return. The participants are: Godderz, Drake, Beer Money, Spud, Drew Galloway, Chris Melendez, EY Eric Young, Grado, Aiden O’Shea and Robbie E. Honestly, the reunited Beer Money and the possibility that one of those members could leave is problematic. Both Roode and Storm are known as Originals, and so is Eric Young. Having those men leave (of any variation) is eerily similar to the WCW backbone being lost, when Benoit, Malenko, Saturn and Guererro left to the WWE and formed their faction, the Radicalz. Any form of loss, and especially marquee talent, and or established talent (regardless of how) is a problem for Impact. Furthermore, a talent like Galloway should be propped as untouchable, and a serious main eventer. But booking issues of where he’s placed on the card and a lackluster push honestly hurts his credibility.
Drake and Godderz are the future young studs with a good look, but they need more intangibles personality wise to get more “over” with the crowd. Seeing any of those men leave is like having a free agent in baseball go to the opposition. Think: Christopher Daniels, Kaz and Austin Aires as reference.
Gail Kim regained her Knockouts title versus Awesome Kong accompanied by Dollhouse members, Marti Belle and Jade. In tag team action, Beer Money featured an in ring promo versus Jesse Godderz and Eli Drake. The two teams would face each other soon after, with a Beer Money victory.
Again, with good action and little storylines outside of the “main stars” including the tag teams and singles main eventers is still an issue with Impact. Bobby Lashley came out during a Kurt Angle promo and set the seeds for a future bout. How they’ve never met (for a ratings pop or pay per view) prior to, is ironic and scary for Impact to not utilize a prime meaty contest earlier.
Lastly, to recap, Matt Hardy did defeat EC3 to win the Impact/TNA Heavyweight title. In closing, how will TNA carry over a hook to build a new opponent for Hardy? We saw a snippy altercation during “Huh?” with Ken Anderson. Yet he is nowhere near being propped as a main eventer. Will Angle face Hardy as a last hurrah? How do Lashley and Galloway get back into the fold? Again, if the booking and creative improves, then we have some serious new opponents for Matt to feud with. But, will TNA regroup and get out the bugs?
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