Impact Wrestling: Rise to Glory (2013-??)

BOUND FOR GLORY (October 20, 2013)

Viejas Arena -- San Diego, California

Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to San Diego for Bound for Glory, Impact Wrestling’s premier event of the year. In the corner of the screen is a countdown clock ticking under 30 minutes until the show starts. 

They run down the card starting with the main event, Bully Ray, President of Aces and Eights puts his World Heavyweight Title on the line against AJ Styles. Styles won the Bound for Glory Series but in the process, heavily criticized Owner Dixie Carter’s running of the promotion. Taz, an Aces and Eights member himself, reminds us that AJ Styles’ contract is up, and that every Impact fan should be pulling for Bully Ray tonight, a true TNA hero. 

Sting had challenged his good friend Magnus to a match tonight. Tenay says he likes Sting’s plan to try to bring the best out of someone who might be the future of this company. Taz disagrees, saying Sting is being selfish and just trying to hold down a promising future star. 

The X Division title, currently held by Manik, will be on the line in an Ultimate X match against three former X champs Chris Sabin, Samoa Joe and Austin Aries, and Jeff Hardy. Tenay picks Hardy in the match, while Taz goes with Sabin cause he likes his change in attitude in recent weeks. 

Also tonight, Bobby Roode faces Curt Angle, ODB puts her knockouts title on the line against Gail Kim and Brooke, and Ethan Carter III makes his long awaited debut. 

Also Gunner and James Storm defend their world tag team titles against the winner of a tag team gauntlet match, starting right now … 

Gauntlet match for a shot at the World Tag Team Titles

Eric Young and his partner Joseph Park are first out for the Gauntlet match. Meeting them to open the match is the team of Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez. 

Both teams seem evenly matched with one small, quick member and one powerhouse. Although, Hernandez’s vast experience edge over Park had his team in a good spot. But in a stunner, Park was able to roll up Chavo to keep his team moving. 

Bad Influence, the team of Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian, danced their way to the ring next. They’ve had some issues with Young and Park lately and were more than glad to face them after Chavo and Hernandez had softened them up. 

Bad Influence took advantage of their advantageous draw. They double teamed Park on the outside, whipping him into the steps. They then went back in the right and hit a double team on Young and get the pin. 

Park on the outside was busted open, but that seemed to ignite something in him. After letting out a primal scream, he rushed back into the ring and channelled his brother, Abyss, hitting Black Hole Slams on both Daniels and Kazarian, leaving them laid out as he and Young went to the back. 

Next out was Robbie E and Jesse Godderz, The BroMans, excited because they were believing they were the final team. They came to the ring and easily pinned a still layed-out Daniels, and began celebrating thinking they were going on to wrestle for the titles. However, music began to play and the BroMans began looking around confused. 

Out stepped Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman, collectively known as C&C Wrestling Factory. Both Tenay and Taz were shocked, neither knowing there was a fifth team entered in the gauntlet. The BroMans protested but the official word was handed down, C&C was the fifth and final team entering the match. 

The final two teams put on quite a good match, and maybe it was the element of surprise giving them the edge, but C&C prevailed, moving on to face Gunner & Storm on the main card. 

Eric Young and Joseph Park defeated Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez when Park pinned Guerrero after a roll up in 6:28.

Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) defeated Eric Young and Joseph Park when Daniels pinned Young in 9:48.

The BroMans (Robbie E and Jessie Godderz) when Robbie pinned Daniels in 11:32.

C&C Wrestling Factory (Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman) defeated The BroMans when Coleman pinned Godderz in 21:45

Coleman and Alexander celebrated their win going to the back, Tenay and Taz got set to welcome in the main show while the BroMans came past the broadcast location protesting saying they were supposed to be the last team. Tenay shooed them away and the intro for Bound of Glory hits. 

ULTIMATE X MATCH FOR THE X DIVISION TITLE

Manik © vs. Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy

With so much X Division royalty in the match, you had to figure the match to be non-stop action and that’s basically what you got. 

Samoa Joe had some things that the others didn’t , size and strength to match his agility and athleticism. However, throughout history, Samoa Joe has had trouble, because of that size, in Ultimate X matches and this time proved to be no different. There were a couple times he had everyone else down and out, but couldn’t make the climb to the belt in the center of the ring. 

Jeff Hardy ended up taking Joe, and himself, out of the match. As Joe laid on a table on the floor, Hardy climbed to the top of the extended corner post, diving off and swantoning Joe through the table.

Manik was well positioned to make the crawl across the cable to grab the belt. Chris Sabin was the only one left standing in the ring, but had no way to get up to stop him. So Sabin went and grabbed a few chairs, tossing them up in the air to where they hit Manik until he eventually fell. Sabin went to go start his climb. The two started swinging chairs at each other before each trying to make a climb. It was an even race, but once they got close to each other and the belt, they focused on each other, not seeing Austin Aries climb up the other side. Aries held the cables swinging his legs out kicking both, one with each leg until they eventually fell off, leaving Aries a clear path to get to the belt and win the match. 

Ultimate X Match:

Austin Aries defeated Manik, Chris Sabin, Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy in 18:43.

Rating: *** 1/2

(Austin Aries won the IMPACT WRESTLING X DIVISION TITLE.)

Sabin and Manik weren’t done with each other, fighting back up the ramp. Aries celebrated with his belt, exhausted from the match and not seeing Kenny King come in behind him. 

King grabbed one of the chairs left in the ring and smacked the unsuspecting Aries in the back with it. He hit his Royal Flush move on Aries and grabbed the title over Aries’ body. King shouted into the camera, “You think you can keep me out of this match? You all afraid. Afraid of Kenny King taking out your heros. It’s my time now!”

King then took Aries’ newly won title belt and walked out with it. 

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

Gunner & James Storm © vs. C&C Wrestling Factory

Despite already wrestling once tonight, Impact Wrestling’s newest team, C&C Wrestling Factory, had a lot left in their tank to give the champions quite a challenge. 

They might have even won the match if it weren’t for the BroMans. Robbie and Godderz snuck back out to ringside. With Coleman against the ropes, Robbie, hiding out of view, grabbed hold of Coleman’s leg, leaving him a sitting duck for a James Storm Last Call superkick. 

Gunner and James Storm defeated C&C Wrestling Factory (Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander) when Storm pinned Coleman after the Last Call in 11:13.

Rating: ** ¾

(Gunner and James Storm retained the IMPACT WRESTLING WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES.)

While getting ready for the upcoming Knockouts title match, Brooke, girlfriend of Aces and Eights President Bully Ray, tried to recruit support. Bully, however, said the group can’t spare a single body as everyone needs to be getting ready to help Ray in his title match against AJ Styles. But before she left, he did slap her on her butt and told her to bring that title home. 

KNOCKOUTS TITLE MATCH

ODB © vs. Gail Kim vs. Brooke

Midway through the match, the ref got knocked out, getting himself on the wrong end of a reverse whip as ODB crashed into him in the corner. While he was down, Lei’D Tapa, a gigantic beast of a knockout that has been going after ODB in recent weeks, made her way to the aisle. ODB charged to meet her, only to be met with a big boot to the face then a powerslam on the ramp. 

Tapa continued to march to the ring when Brooke tried coming off the top rope after her, only to be caught and powerbombed into the ring. At that moment, the ref began crawling back into the ring, right whe Gail Kim pinned the prone Brooke. 

Triangle match

Gail Kim beat ODB and Brooke in 10:19.

Rating: **

(Gail Kim won the IMPACT WRESTLING KNOCKOUTS TITLE.)

After the match was official, Tapa climbed into the ring and stared down Kim, only to raise her hand in victory. 

KURT ANGLE VS. BOBBY ROODE

The feud between these two has been built on disrespect. Roode made a mockery of the announcement of Kurt Angle getting into the Hall of Fame by inducting himself into the EGO Hall of Fame. 

Angle has been hesitant about accepting the induction saying he wasn’t wrestling at a hall of fame level. But he took Roode’s mockery as motivation, reigniting the fire in him. 

Angle wanted this win bad, maybe too bad. 

He went for perhaps one high risk move too many. Angle had Roode in his Ankle Lock, but Roode got to the ropes after quite a while. Roode slithered out to the floor to try and regroup, but Angle went to the top rope. He went for a moonsault, only to have Roode move out of the way as Angle crashed to the floor. 

For good measure, when Angle was getting up, Roode got him from behind with a Northern Lariat. He rolled Angle back into the ring and brought out his new finisher, the Roode Bomb, to put Angle away. 

Bobby Roode pinned Kurt Angle after the Roode Bomb in 20:41.

Rating: ****

Roode gloated as he left ringside. Angle meanwhile, was helped back by officials holding his neck. 

ETHAN CARTER’S DEBUT

Dixie Carter, Impact Wrestling owner, came to the ring next to announce what she called a momentus night in wrestling history. Her nephew, Ethan, makes his debut. She said she searched all corners of the globe to bring in an opponent worthy of facing Ethan at the biggest invent of the year. First she announces his opponent, none other than Norv Fernum!!

A tall, but rather scrawny man comes out in plain trunks and struggles to get into the ring. 

Then the house lights dim and strobes start scanning the arena. Giant pyro letters E, T, H, A and N light up on the stage. A grand spectacle to be sure. Finally, Ethan appears. 

He comes to the ring, a fine physical specimen. He made short work of Fernum, controlling all the offense for the short while the match lasted. 

Ethan Carter III pinned Norv Fernum after the 1 percenter in 3:12.

Rating: * ½ 

Before the next match, Jeremy Borash is interviewing Magnus. Borash asked Magnus what he thinks Sting’s goal was in making this challenge. Magnus replied that he has nothing but respect for Sting and all he has accomplished in his career. He thinks Sting is looking for that person he can pass the torch to and be the industry leader Sting has been. Magnus says its up to him to prove to Sting he’s the one. 

MAGNUS VS. STING

Two good friends led to a lot of shows of class and sportsmanship in the early stages of the match. But as the match went longer, those kinda flew out the window. Mangus wanted desperately to prove he’s a top calibur performer; Sting wanted to prove he’s not done yet in this business. Each’s desire drove them in the contest. 

Magnus had the upperhand for a while, but couldn’t put Sting away. After the match turned in Sting’s favor, it was the same tale. Frustrations started to mount when neither could gain the decisive pin. 

Sting took control late, had Magnus set up for the Stinger Splash in the corner, but Magnus caught Sting coming in and dumped him over the top rope. The referee went outside to check on Sting, but Magnus wasn’t stopping. Magnus leapt over the top rope and crashed down on both Sting AND the ref. This led to a moment of unity almost as both Magnus and Sting put aside their heated contest to check on the referee. You could see the concern on both wrestlers’ faces. But the look on Magnus’ face soon changed. While Sting was checking on the ref, Magnus reached under the ring and pulled out a baseball bat. 

Magnus smack Sting right across the back with the bat. Sting turned around with a look of shock in his face. You could see him mouth “What are you doing?” The answer was Magnus jabbing the bat right in between Sting’s eyes. Then repeatedly he came down across Sting’s back several more times before eventually rolling an unconscious Sting back into the ring. Mangus then went to the ref, shook him to revive him. He got back in the ring and covered the motionless Sting and got the 1,2,3. 

Magnus pinned Sting in 15:22.

Rating: *** ½ 

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH

NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH

Bully Ray © vs. AJ Styles

Just before tonight’s main event, Dixie Carter proclaimed this match would be No Disqualifications. 

Bully looked to take advantage of the new stipulation to the fullest, trying to go for his weapon of choice, his hammer, only to get kicked in the face by AJ and the hammer fly away. 

Dixie tried to go as far as handing Bully weapons, but they all seemed to backfire. She handed him a chair and AJ came from the outside with a springboard forearm that drove the chair back into Bully’s face. 

AJ showed he can work in a No DQ setting quite well himself, using a chair and anything else he could find. That at one point included a 450 splash that sent Bully Ray through a table. He set Bully up for the Styles Clash, but Bully backdropped Styles over the top rope.

Bully motioned for his Aces and Eights buddies to come down to the ring, but no one came and Bully looked puzzled at first, which quickly changed to anger. But there proved to be a reason why no one came to his aid. The camera in the back showed both Garrett Bischoff and Knux out cold in a tore up locker room. Bully was shocked. 

That distraction let AJ get back into the match. Catching Bully with another chair shot and another kick to the head. AJ then went outside and came back with a springboard somersault splash, the same move he won his last TNA world title with over four years ago. It served him well again, he got the pin and much to Dixie Carter’s chagrin, AJ was awarded the World Heavyweight title. 

The show closed with AJ going through the crowd in celebration. 

AJ Styles pinned Bully Ray after a springboard somersault splash in 21:03.

Rating: *** ¾
(AJ Styles won the IMPACT WRESTLING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE)

Impact Wrestling

Oct. 31, 2013

Maverik Center (Salt Lake City, Utah)

The show opens with Dixie Carter in the ring. On a podium next to her is brand new world title bet. 

DIXIE: As you may know already, our supposed champion AJ Styles quit on us. He quit on this company, and he quit on you the fans. 

The crowd, not buying what Dixie is saying, gives her a hearty round of boos. 

DIXIE: AJ took his ball and went home. Which is fine by me, because he is not what Impact Wrestling deserves. You deserve a true champion. A real hero. Someone who will join me to create a better Impact Wrestling than has ever been seen before. So I’m starting an 8-man tournament. Seven of the men are all former world champions: Samoa Joe, James Storm, Bobby Roode, Kurt Angle, Austin Aries, Chris Sabin and Jeff Hardy. 

At the sound of this, another former world champion, the one who lost the belt to AJ Styles, Bully Ray came out. Despite coming out to the Aces and Eights music, there was no longer any backup along side Bully Ray. 

BULLY RAY: Please explain something to me here cause I’m a little confused. My name was not included in that group. I am the most recent world champion. AJ left town like a little bitch, so the belt should go right back to me. 

DIXIE: Here’s the problem. You had your chance and you blew it. I need a champion that will take this company to new heights. You dropped the ball. You could’ve stopped this AJ Styles mess, but you failed. How can I trust you to ever get the job done ever again?

But I’ll tell you what I’ll do. The final spot in the tournament is still up for grabs. I’ll make a match for tonight. You, You’re old pal Mr. Anderson cause he was MIA until last week; Because he lost the right to challenge for the title, he has to fight his way into the tournament, Sting; and the one who might be the best in this business to never yet be a world champion, Magnus. The four of you, 1 spot.

BULLY RAY: I can get in the tournament and get my hands on Ken Anderson? I’m in. 

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

Gunner and James Storm © vs. The BroMans (Robbie E and Jessie Godderz)

Even though they’re interference didn’t stop AJ Styles from taking the World Title home with him last week, The BroMans still got the world tag title shot Dixie Carter promised them. 

After taking a beating from the champs early on, the BroMans turned the tide lowblowing Gunner while the ref didn’t see it. They capitalized a while until Gunner was able to make the hot tag to Storm who began to clean house. 

But the BroMans still had tricks up their sleeves. As the referee was trying to break up a fight on the floor between Gunner and Godderz, Robbie grabbed a chair and was set to smack an unsuspecting Storm with it when he turned around. But C&C Wrestling Factory, whom the BroMans cost the titles recently, weren’t gonna let their new rivals get away with it.

They ran down and Cedric Alexander reached into the ring and ripped the chair out of Robbie’s hands. This startled Robbie who turned ended up eating a Last Call kick from Storm. The ref came back in and counted the 1, 2, 3. 

Gunner and James Storm defeated The BroMans (Robbie E. and Jessie Godderz) when Storm pinned Robbie after the Last Call in 13:43.

Rating: ***

(Gunner and James Storm retained the IMPACT WRESTLING WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES.)

Manik comes to the ring and calls out Chris Sabin. He claims Sabin was the man he felt was most responsible for him no longer being champion and challenged him to a match right now. 

Sabin came out to answer. 

SABIN: No, that’s not going to happen. While you may be focused on the X Division, I have moved on. In case that mask blocked your ears too much and you didn’t hear earlier, I’m entered the Impact World Title Tournament. I have a place among the best in this business and a chance to once again be world champion. And that carries a hell of a lot more weight than simply being X Division champion. I have risen about the X Division and I have risen above you. 

As Manik began to respond, Sabin ran and cheapshotted him a clothesline. He then called a ref down to the ring. 

CHRIS SABIN VS. MANIK

Sabin used his early edge to inflict a lot of punishment on Manik, however the masked man did start to turn things around, but only briefly. 

Sabin weathered the subtle storm Manik came with and ended things rather quickly with his Future Shock. 

Chris Sabin pinned Manik after the Future Shock in 5:12.

Rating: * ¾ 

BACKSTAGE WITH CHRIS SABIN AND VELVET SKY

Sabin met up with his girlfriend in the back and started bragging about how quick he took care of Manik. He was all fired up and said he’s wrestling as good as he ever has, right in time for the world title tournament. 

Sky, however, didn’t seem too impressed, telling Sabin he might not be able to cheapshot Jeff Hardy or Kurt Angle to start a match. 

Sabin shrugged of her comments saying that’s how you handle twerps like Manik, jump on him early and not let up. 

He added that that was part of Velvet’s problem and why she isn’t anywhere near a championship level. He called her too nice and not hungry enough, needing to get out in front and make things happen herself. 

IN-RING INTERVIEW WITH BOBBY ROODE

ROODE: This seems like a good time to remind all of you, I was the longest reigning champion in TNA history. I am the It Factor of professional wrestling and I will once again, run through the roster and win the tournament to be the next champion. 

And most importantly, Dixie Carter, I will be a champion you will be proud of. (The crowd heavily boos the mention of Dixie Carter) I will carry the Impact Wrestling flag and help lead this company to the promise land, side by side with you. Together, we will mold this company in our vision and make this the place to be. 

Roode is interrupted by Kurt Angle’s music. 

ANGLE: Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself a bit Bobby? This might be the most difficult field in a wrestling tournament ever. Former world champions everywhere. And I don’t know if you saw before you came out here, the brackets just got posted in the locker room. And boy do you have a tough draw. 

ROODE: Oh yeah, who’s first?

ANGLE: Me. 

Roode takes a minute before responding. 

ROODE: No problem, I beat you at Bound for Glory and I’ll do it again. 

ANGLE: Did you really? Did you beat me, or did I beat myself? No excuses, you got your hand raised in victory cleanly. But was it cause of anything special you did, or is it cause I knocked myself out? I’ve lost a lot of matches in my career. But think about it, how many times have you seen anyone get two in a row on me? I make mistakes, but I know how to correct them better than anyone in this business. I’ll see you next week. 

Angle’s music hits as the segment ends. 

KENNY KING VS. CHAVO GUERRERO

Kenny King came to the ring still carrying the X Division title belt he stole from Austin Aries. The self-proclaimed New Face of X left the title belt at ringside, telling the camera he had a responsibility as the face of the X Division to go defend his title. 

After some nice back and forth wrestling early on, King began to take control of the match. Chavo countered with a flurry but it was again answered by King. He hit his Royal Flush and was set to get the pin when Austin Aries jumped the guardrail, grabbed his belt, and left back through the crowd. 

This distracted King enough that Chavo recovered and rolled up King for a pin. King looked shocked as the ref raised Chavo’s hand. 

Chavo Guerrero pinned Kenny King after a roll up in 11:32.

Rating: ** ½

GAIL KIM & LEI’D TAPA VS. THE BLOSSOM TWINS

Veterans of TNA’s British Bootcamp, Hannah and Holly Blossom, made their return to Impact Wrestling to face Knockouts champion Gail Kim and her bodyguard Lei’D Tapa. 

Kim started the match and controlled most of it early but quickly tagged out to Tapa. Kim was more than pleased to sit back and let Tapa destroy the two twins. 

Gail Kim and Lei’D Tapa defeated Hannah Blossom and Holly Blossom when Tapa pinned Holly in 7:32.

Rating: * ¾

Kim remained outside the ring on the apron basking the victory, but she didn’t notice Velvet Sky run down to the ring. Sky pulled Kim off the apron and quickly whipped her into the steel steps. She followed that up with a DDT and then rushed off to the back as Tapa, by that time, finally began to see what was going on and make her way out of the ring. By that time, Sky was back at the top of the ramp celebrating while Tapa checked on the fallen Kim. 

In the back, ODB is shown watching all that transpired on a monitor. 

BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW WITH STING

Sting is asked about being back in the ring with Magnus for the first time since Bound For Glory. 

STING: In this business, everyone carves their own path. Some fight and scratch and claw to get to the top, beat the best to become the best. Others like to take shortcuts. A cheap shot here or there to try to clear their path. I have always believed that one day Magnus would get to the top, and I tried to play a role in helping him get there, much the same way Ric Flair did for me a long time ago. So maybe it was my own fault. Maybe I misjudged him. But maybe also he misjudged me. Maybe he thought, hitting me a couple times with a baseball bat was going to clear me out of his way. Well he was dead wrong. I’m still here, I’m still standing, and if that’s the path you want to take, you also got to be ready to accept the consequences for your actions. If you try to take me out, you better make sure you get the job done. Cause I’m still here and now I’m pissed off and ready to take you out of my way. It’s showtime! 

FOR THE FINAL SPOT IN THE WORLD TITLE TOURNAMENT

Sting vs. Magnus vs. Bully Ray vs. Ken Anderson

All rules for this one were very quickly thrown out the window. Two sets of rivals faced off and immediately got in their own sets of brawls, Sting and Magnus going at it, as did Bully Ray and Anderson. 

The ring, or even ringside, couldn’t hold the fights. Bully Ray and Anderson spilled into the stands, but it was there where Anderson found a surprise. Knux, one of Bully Ray’s Aces and Eights allies, was waiting to attack Anderson. 

After Knux threw Anderson around a while, Ray headed back to the ring and joined in the middle of Sting and Magnus’ fight. 

There were brief times were several mini alliances seemed to be formed for a 2-on-1 attack, but they never seemed to last long as whichever two paired up, quickly turned on each other. 

After a while, Anderson crawled back to ringside and got himself back involved, taking Ray out of the ring and fighting him up the rampway. They got to the top, where Anderson then took Ray off with a Mic Check, both crashing down through some tables below. 

That basically took both out of the match leaving it a one-on-one between Sting and Magnus. Sting started to get the upperhand and Magnus retreated outside of the ring. Sting went to the top, not seeing Magnus pull a bat out from under the ring. As Sting leapt off at Magnus, Magnus caught Sting in the knee with the bat. 

He rolled Sting back in the ring and locked on the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf. In writhing pain from the bat clipping his knee, Sting was forced to tap and give Magnus the win and the tournament spot. 

Magnus defeated Sting, Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson when Magnus made Sting submit to the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf in 18:41.

Rating: *** ¾

After the bell rang, Magnus refused to let go of the hold, further damaging Sting’s knee. After several minutes, he finally let go of the hold. But he did this only to go back outside and grab the bat. He came back in the ring and starting pounding away on Sting’s injured knee with the bat before again locking in the cloverleaf. Officials tried to pry Magnus off to no avail as the camera faded out on Sting crying out in pain, still trapped in Magnus’ hold.

IMPACT WRESTLING

Nov. 14, 2013

Cincinnati Gardens Arena (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Tonight on Impact! Two more world title tournament first-round matches. Last week, Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle advanced to the semifinals. Tonight, two more will join them in the semifinals to be contested next week on the Impact Wrestling Turning Point special Edition. In the main event, Magnus takes on James Storm, and in our opening match, Jeff Hardy faces Austin Aries. 

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT

FIRST ROUND

Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries

Austin Aries came to the ring wearing his X Division title belt that’s been bouncing back and forth between him and Kenny King lately, not because the title has switched hands, but moreso each has been busy stealing the belt from the other. 

The two athletic former world champs engaged in a few nice back-and-forth fast-paced exchanges early. Neither wrestler was able to hold control for very long before the other found a way to turn the tide. 

Late in the match, Hardy was trying to up Aries for the Twist of Fate, only to have Aries shove his way out of it, but in doing so, he shoved Hardy right into the referee. 

On commentary, Taz makes reference how we need to train officials on how to do a better job of staying out of the way. 

While everyone was temporarily down, Kenny King ran down, grabbed Aries’ X Division title belt, slid into the ring and knocked Aries out cold with it. He then left, once again with the belt. 

Meanwhile, Hardy was oblivious to what happened. As the ref was coming to, Hardy went up top and hit a Swanton to get the win. 

WORLD TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

Jeff Hardy pinned Austin Aries after a Swanton Bomb in 14:56.

Rating: *** ¾ 

Hardy advances to the tournament semifinals next week against the winner of tonight’s Magnus-James Storm match. 

BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW WITH JAMES STORM

The Cowboy James Storm, one half of the world tag team champions, is being interviewed about his participation in the world title tournament. 

STORM: This is a golden opportunity for me. Being a world tag champion is great, but to be THE world champion, to be at the top of the mountain … I’ve had a taste of that before. And it only lasted a few days until it was ripped out of my hands. Ever since then I’ve been scratching and clawing to get back to that point.

During the interview Storm was told Impact officials have scheduled the next tag title defense for Storm and Gunner. In two weeks on Impact, they’ll defend against Bad Influence. 

STORM: I know I can speak for Gunner when I saw we’re looking forward to the challenge. Out of all the greats in this business, only a select few have held the world title and world tag titles at the same time, and I’m looking forward to joining that club.

Storm was interrupted by Magnus rushing in from behind him and clipping out his knee. Magnus started stomping away at the same knee until Storm’s partner Gunner came in to chase Magnus off. Gunner helped Storm away from the set. 

BROOKE VS. HEIDI LOVELACE

Brooke took on another newcomer to the TNA Knockouts Division, Heidi Lovelace. Brooke controlled the early part of the match until once again, like she’s done the past few weeks, ODB came out to the ramp with her lawn chair and 6-pack of beer. She also was eating a burger too this week. 

Brooke stopped in the ring to turn her attention to ODB, asking her what she was doing out there. ODB, like she did last week, said she was trying to enjoy the show. 

This distraction allowed Lovelace to get some offense going on Brooke. 

After a few minutes Gail Kim and Lei’D Tapa ran out to attack ODB from behind. She tried to fight them off, but soon received help as Velvet Sky came down to help ODB. 

As though four fought to the back, the match in the ring continued. Brooke eventually regained control and soon put Lovelace away. 

Brooke pinned Heidi Lovelace after the Tess-Shocker in 8:16.

Rating: * ¾ 

IN-RING INTERVIEW WITH ERIC YOUNG & JOSEPH PARK

Eric Young called this interview to address his partner about his recent actions and the whereabouts of his brother Abyss. 

YOUNG: So basically, what the hell has been going on. I’m your partner, I deserve to know the truth. 

Park looked confused. 

YOUNG: That hasn’t been you, that hasn’t been Joseph Park snapping in the ring. That’s been Abyss.

PARK: Abyss was here? 

Park asked with a tone of genuine surprise. 

YOUNG: Will you quit playing games. Be straight with me. There is no Joseph Park or no brother. You are Abyss. 

PARK: No, Abyss is my brother. 

This brought out Hernandez who was a victim last week of Park’s - or Abyss’ - rage. 

HERNANDEZ: Joseph Park, Abyss, I don’t really care who you are. I owe someone an ass kicking for last week. It can either be you right now, or Abyss can meet me in the ring. 

Park kept shying away from Hernandez as he kept pressing the issue. Young tried to intervene only to get clotheslined by Hernandez. Hernandez kept on the attack on Young as Park cowered in the corner. He eventually tried to help out, but his strikes had minimal impact on Hernandez. Hernandez took a few shots at Park before finally leaving the ring with Park and Young both laid out. 

HANDICAP MATCH

NORV FERNUM & DEWEY BARNES VS. ETHAN CARTER III

In recent weeks since making his Impact debut, Ethan Carter III has easily taken care of a pair of challengers. This week, those two teamed up to take on EC3 together in a handicap match. However, joining forces had little effect against the rising star. 

His aunt, Dixie Carter, cheered on his victory from ringside. 

Ethan Carter III defeated Norv Fernum and Dewey Barnes after EC3 pinned Fernum with the 1-percenter. in 6:31.

Rating: *

BACKSTAGE IN THE TRAINERS’ ROOM

James Storm is getting his knee taped up while Gunner stands by. Gunner emplores him to step away from his match tonight so he doesn’t further hurt his knee. 

STORM: I’m not backing out of this. There is too much at state for me to walk away. 

GUNNER: Think man. We are the world tag team champions. We got a title defense in two weeks. You go out there and mess your knee up bad, you’re out of the tournament, we could lose our titles and then you have nothing. 

STORM: I need to go out there. You wouldn’t know, you’ve never been in this kinda spot. 

GUNNER: What’s that supposed to mean.

STORM: I didn’t mean it like that, but the world title is a different animal. You can’t throw away any chance to get to the top of the mountain. 

GUNNER: OK, but just remember I’m your partner. What happens to you affects me too. 

MR. ANDERSON VS. KNUX

It was announced that Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson will meet at Turning Point next week in a Falls Count Anywhere match. A week ahead of that match, Anderson faced off with one of Bully Ray’s last remaining Aces & Eights allies in Knux. 

While Knux’s size and strength gave him and early edge, Anderson kept fighting back, not afraid to use what some may call cheap tactics to turn things in his favor, such as biting Knux’s nose to get out of a bear hug. 

Anderson was able to capitalize on the momentum he gained and hit his Mic Check to get the win.

Mr. Anderson pinned Knux after the mic check in 9:43.

Rating: ** ½ 

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TOURNAMENT

FIRST ROUND

James Storm vs. Magnus

Storm was hobbled a bit from the earlier attack from Magnus but gained the early edge knocking Magnus around a bit. But Magnus turned the tide by going after Storm’s leg. 

Magnus kept working on the knee as the match wore on, inflicting damage. At times, a concerned Gunner was shown watching from a backstage monitor. Mike Tenay and Taz wondered aloud on the broadcast what might be going through his mind as he watches in partner in pain. 

But Storm refused to be held down, fighting back and again taking the advantage when he countered a charging Magnus by backdropping him over the top rope and all the way to the floor. 

Storm brought Magnus back inside and kept up the attack, eventually setting him up to hit the Last Call when Magnus was backed into a corner. But at the last second, Magnus moved out of the way and Storm kicked the turnbuckle with his bad leg. This left the Cowboy in a tremendous amount of pain, which Magnus took advantage of, clipping out the leg then locking in the cloverleaf. 

Storm had no choice but to tap out. 

WORLD TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

Magnus made James Storm submit to the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf in 16:15.

Rating: ***  

Magnus will now face Jeff Hardy in next week’s semifinals, but he refused to let go of the hold even after the bell was rung and he was awarded the match. 

Much like he did a few weeks ago against Sting, Magnus let go of the hold, only to go outside and get a chair with the intention of bringing it into the ring to inflict further damage with. Officials tried to stand in his way, but he just tossed them aside. 

Fortunately, before he could use the chair, Gunner ran down to chase him off. Magnus retreated up the ramp but still held his hands up victoriously, while Gunner checked on his fallen partner as the show faded to black.

-----------------

Next week, live on Spike TV, Impact Wrestling will air its Turning Point special. 6 exciting matches have been signed for the card:

World Title Semifinals

Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle

Jeff Hardy vs. Magnus

X Division Championship

Austin Aries vs. Kenny King

Falls Count Anywhere

Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson

Gail Kim & Lei’D Tapa vs. ODB & Velvet Sky

C&C Wrestling Factory vs. The BroMans