Total Non-Stop Action presents Impact
Date: 10/18/2007
From: Orlando, FL
Matches:
1.) Alex Shelley wrestled Chris Sabin to a no contest in a Fight for the Right Tournament Match
2.) Awesome Kong defeated Talia Madison
3.) James Storm & Robert Roode defeated Chris Harris & Rhino
4.) Frankie Kazarian defeated Lance Hoyt in a Fight for the Right Tournament Match
5.) Abyss defeated Disco Inferno
6.) Christian Cage defeated Samoa Joe in a Fight for the Right Tournament Match
Angle Developments/Notes:
1.) A video package highlighting Bound For Glory for this past Sunday is shown to kickoff the program.
2.) Backstage, Kurt Angle is talking with Jeremy Borash saying he had Sting right where he wanted him until Kevin Nash stuck his nose into his business. Angle is pissed that he was cost the match and title. Borash says that Nash came down because Sting was gonna kill Angle. Angle is pissed and says he would kick Nash’s ass if he was there. Angle promises to wrestle Sting tonight for the championship. Karen thinks that Kurt is delusional for wanting a rematch without Nash at the arena. Karen doesn’t think Kurt can beat Sting. Kurt declares that he can beat Sting and he’ll regain the title now. Kurt kicks Karen out of the room so he can prepare.
3.) Kurt Angle makes his way down to the ring along with Karen behind him. Kurt wants Sting to come out to the ring because he has the TNA World Championship that belongs to him. Kurt says that if it wasn’t for Nash he’d still be the champion. Angle doesn’t care about the NWO.
That brings out Kevin Nash to confront Angle. We see footage from Bound For Glory where Nash tried to help Angle several times. Nash enters the ring where Kurt is hiding behind Karen. Nash is out there for Kurt to say stuff to his face. Kurt blames Nash for him not being champion and believes Nash cost him the championship. Nash notes that Sting was kicking Angle’s ass all over the arena. Nash felt sorry for Kurt and that’s why he came out to the ring. Nash says they had a good run and he’s giving Kurt one chance to apologize like a man. Kurt insists he’s not sorry and thinks Nash has been riding his coattails. Angle says that Nash isn’t funny and his advice sucks. Kurt thinks Nash is a disgrace to the business. Nash says that Angle has a fight tonight and it’s not with Sting, but rather with him. Nash begins to take off his shirt. Angle punches Nash a few times, but Nash delivers a knee lift and hits the jackknife!
4.) Backstage, Kurt Angle is laying on the couch complaining of his injuries. Karen asks what Kurt will do if Sting grants a rematch. Kurt tries to think of a peace offering. Borash tells Kurt that Nash enjoys porn. Kurt tells Karen to go down and get a stack of porn to offer to Nash. Kurt also wants some for them. Karen can’t believe that a stack of porn will keep Nash away from beating up Kurt. Kurt says he’ll just tell Nash this was a just a joke. Karen calls them both a joke and leaves. Kurt yells out for Karen to not forget the porn for Nash.
5.) Sabin and Shelley shake hands at the start of the match. They avoid each others offense in the opening moments of the match. They have a standoff and the crowd applauds. Brother Ray comes out to the stage and says this match sucks. Ray says they are horrible and they are nobodies. Brother Devon attacks them both from behind. Ray has entered the ring and beats on Sabin and Shelley. Devon clotheslines Sabin inside out. Ray whips Sabin and Shelley with his belt. Ray calls for Devon to get a table from under the ring. Ray says they are going to destroy the X-Division because it sucks. Ray says they will destroy the X-Division simply because they can. Team 3D sets up two tables in the middle of the ring. Shelley and Sabin are powerbombed through the tables at the same time. The match has ended in a no contest.
6.) Backstage, Jeremey Borash is talking with Jim Cornette in his office. Christian Cage enters the office with a ladder. Cage says there’s a spot in the tournament and he wants in the tournament. Cage wants to become the number one contender in a ladder match. Samoa Joe enters the scene and wants the spot in the tournament. Joe grabs Cage, but Matt Morgan steps in front to stop an altercation.
7.) Earlier today, Mike Tenay talked with Glen Gilbertti (Disco Inferno). Tenay notes that Gilberti was a staple in WCW and peaked as WCW Television Champion. Tenay says that Gilberti has fallen of the wrestling map since early TNA. Gilberti disagrees and says that just because he’s been off television doesn’t mean he’s fallen off a map. Gilberti still thinks he’s one of the best wrestler in the world. Tenay mentions the comedy movie The Comebacks and suggests that Gilberti’s attempted comeback could also be seen as a parody. Gilberti is insulted and says he’s serious. Gilberti says he’s in the best shape of his life and he’s ready to be in the spotlight again. Gilberti believes that he doesn’t need TNA, but TNA needs him. Scott Steiner enters the scene and tells Gilbert “give it up” before walking off.
8.) Talia tries for a go-behind on Kong, but that doesn’t work. Talia tries for right hands, and is knocked down into the corner. Talia kicks Kong in the corner and tries for a crossbody, but is caught and slammed to the mat. Kong works over Talia in the corner with chops. Kong continues with several chops before hitting a splash in the corner. Kong nails Talia with a spinning back fist. Kong hits a sit down powerbomb for the win. (NR. Kong is a star in the making and I’m looking forward to a showdown with Gail Kim.)
9.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash is with Kevin Nash and says that Nash is the center of attention again. Nash says that he can be a nice guy or a real SOB. He’s been comic relief for the past year and been lighting things up. Nash says if Kurt wants to find out if he has more diesel fuel in the tank, that’s cool too. Karen enters the room and Nash tells her he doesn’t have singles on him. Nash tells Karen that she rids with Kurt, she dies with Kurt. Nash is not interested in talking things out. Karen is stressed out.
10.) Backstage, Chris Harris is interviewed and he’s not thrilled to be there. Harris knows he’s going to get the same stupid question about how he feels about the match tonight. Harris says that James Storm and Robert Roode are his favorite people to knock around in TNA. Rhino enters the scene and Harris says he doesn’t know what their problem has been today, but if they are going to tag they should probably show up to their interviews at the same time. Harris wants Rhino to show up where he needs to be and requests that Rhino stay sober tonight. Rhino asks if Harris has a problem and Harris says the fight is out in the ring.
11.) Rhino and Storm start the tag match, but Storm quickly tags out to Roode. Rhino keeps a headlock on Roode, but Roode shoves Rhino off into the ropes. Rhino clotheslines Roode to the mat and scares Storm to the floor. Rhino elbows a charging Roode in the corner. Rhino spears Roode in the corner and tags in Harris. Harris kicks Roode in the ribs before keeping wrist control. Roode yanks Harris down by his hair and Storm tags into the match to work over Harris. Harris connects with a bulldog out of the corner for a two count. Roode delivers a few right hands in the corner. Harris avoids a backdrop with a strike to the back and hits a delayed vertical suplex on Roode for a near fall. Rhino tags in and kicks Roode in the corner. Rhino rams Roode into the corner, but Roode sends Rhino hard into the corner. Storm tags into the match and hammers away on Rhino in the corner. Rhino fires back with strikes and hits a belly to belly suplex. Rhino decks Roode off the apron. Storm nails Rhino with a running knee strike. Roode returns to the match and stomps Rhino on the mat. Roode rams Rhino into the corner face first. Roode clotheslines Rhino in the corner and Roode hits a rolling neck snap. Storm comes off the ropes with a knee drop for a near fall. Storm keeps a chin lock on Rhino. Rhino punches free and hits a flapjack. Roode tags in, but Harris cleans house with left hand punches and a backdrop to Roode. Storm kicks Harris, but runs into a spinebuster. Roode misses a clothesline and Harris nearly wins after a leaping clothesline. Harris dumps Storm to the floor, but Roode tries for a fisherman suplex. Harris counters looking for the Catatonic, but Roode avoids it. Harris has a rollup, but the referee is distracted and Storm kicks Harris on the head. Roode hits the Payoff and wins the match. (*1/2. If I had to guess I’m sure Harris will be blaming Rhino for this loss and suggest he was drunk or something. The action was decent, but nothing memorable or all that entertaining. I’m not someone who enjoys exploiting real life issues, so if this Rhino angle goes too far it will turn me off from the angle.)
12.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash is with Kaz and mentions he’s qualified for the Fight for the Right tournament. Kaz says there has been turbulence his whole time in TNA. Kaz earns everything he gets and he has earned his spot in the tournament.
13.) Mike Tenay is in the ring with Jim Cornette to promote the Parada of Champions segment. They will be handing the titles over to the three new champions. TNA X-Division Champion Jay Lethal makes his way out, but he retained his title at Bound For Glory. Cornette knows that Lethal has a lot of fans in the Impact Zone. Cornette shakes Lethal hand and he then leaves. Gail Kim is introduced first as the new TNA Knockouts Champion. Cornette puts over Kim as being an inspiration and says that everyone is behind her. Kim accepts the championship and holds it in the air for the fans. Kim is proud to the first TNA Knockouts Champion and thanks the fans for believing in her.
The new tag team champions are next with AJ Styles and Tomko coming to the ring with Christian Cage behind them. Cornette says they have become a first rate tag team and puts them over for winning the tag titles. Tomko admits he had his doubts, but they did it. Styles has a list to read off from. Styles thanks Kip James for keeping it real at 50. Christian Cage thinks they should be thanking him. Cage says they can’t have a parade of champions without a real champion like himself. Cage wants the final spot in the tournament and wants it tonight. Cornette says that Samoa Joe wants that spot, too. Cornette makes a singles match between Cage and Joe for the final spot.
Sting is the final new champion to be introduced. Cornette puts over Sting for defeating Kurt Angle in the most brutal fight in Sting’s career. The fans let Sting know that he still has it. Sting accepts the championship from Cornette and plays to the crowd for a moment. Sting says that Angle took him places he had never been before. Sting brags that he still has it. Tenay has to ask if Sting will accept the challenge by Angle for a rematch. Sting asks the fans and he accepts.
Kurt Angle comes out to join the segment. Angle comes up from under the stage in a wheelchair. Security has to help Angle out of the platform and stops on the aisle. Angle talks about being attacked by Kevin Nash earlier in the show. Angle has a doctors note and he will not be able to compete due to serious trauma to his spinal cord. Angle says he can’t get out of the wheelchair and there will not be a match. Angle says he will have the match next week. Sting asks if Angle’s mother wrote that note. Sting tells Angle to bring the wheelchair because if he’s not already crippled he will be next week.
14.) Backstage, Kurt Angle is with Karen and he’s upset that Sting would threaten to cripple him. Kurt wonders why Sting can’t turn the other cheek. Karen reminds Angle that he hit Sting’s 18-year old son. Kurt needs to get on the same page with Kevin because he can’t go into the match with Sting without Kevin.
15.) Hoyt decks Kaz to get the advantage and sends Kaz into the corner a few times. Hoyt spins Kaz around and down to the mat gut first. Hoyt kicks Kaz on the back of the head for a near fall. Hoyt pummels Kaz with right hands on the mat. Kaz fights back with a few kicks, but is knocked down in the corner. Hoyt steps on Kaz in the corner and taunts the fans. Hoyt continues with right hands and a clothesline. Hoyt gets a two count on the cover. Hoyt tries for a powerbomb, but Kaz breaks free and slides to the floor. Kaz kicks Hoyt a few times followed by a spinning heel kick. Kaz atomic drops Hoyt and delivers a dropkick for a two count. Kaz is dumped to the apron and forearms Hoyt. Kaz delivers a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall. Jimmy Rave gets on the apron, but gets decked off by Kaz. Christy Hemme gets in the ring and yells at Hoyt. Kaz ducks a clothesline and fakes kissing Hemme. Kaz nails Hoyt with a kick to the face to win the match. (*. An obvious outcome since Kaz clearly has a direction and seems to be on the verge for a push. The action here was pretty forgettable.)
16.) Backstage, Crystal interviews a guy from competitive eating that is part of a new show airing after Impact. His name is Crazy Legs. Junior Fatu enters the scene and says that people are chasing each other around, but he’s the new breed. Fatu talks about being in the Fight for the Right tournament and says that somebody next week is getting stinky.
17.) Backstage, Karen Angle is pushing Kurt in a wheelchair. Kurt isn’t going to ask someone where Nash is at. Borash isn’t going to ask. Karen ends up going over to Black Reign asking where Kevin Nash is. Reign says he has seen Nash and licks a rat to scare Karen. Kurt is trapped and yells out for help.
18.) Inferno tries to get some offense in, but Abyss stops Inferno with a spinebuster. Abyss delivers the Shock Treatment. Abyss wins with the Black Hole Slam. After the match, Black Reign attacks Abyss from behind. Abyss clotheslines Reign and hits a chokeslam. Father James Mitchell decks Abyss, but that does nothing. Abyss has Mitchell set the Shock Treatment, but Reign nails Abyss with a hammer that has a spike on it. Reign handcuffs Abyss to the ropes in the corner. Abyss is bleeding quite a bit. Reign grabs his rat. Reign licks the rat and puts the rat in Abyss face. Reign puts the rat in a bag and then puts the bag over Abyss head.
19.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash tries to get Kurt Angle to meet with Nash, but Nash gets in his car and drives off. Kurt tries to apologize and yells out “I’ll buy you porn” several times.
20.) Joe and Cage trade strikes with Joe getting the advantage with jabs and a chop. Joe comes off the ropes with a running kick. Joe continues with another chop to drop Cage to the mat. Cage bails to the floor, but Joe follows to continue the match. Cage gets in the ring, but is met with an atomic drop. Cage avoids a big boot attempt, but is kicked anyway. Joe nails Cage with a running knee strike in the corner. Joe boot scrapes Cage several times in the corner. Joe nails Cage with a running boot scrape. Joe atomic drops Cage and hits a running boot off the ropes. Cage blocks a standing senton by getting his knees up. Cage stomps on Joe a few times to maintain the advantage. Cage chops Joe in the corner, but Joe fires back with strikes. Cage tries for the Un-Prettier, but Joe avoids it. Cage manages to hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Joe elbows and then kicks Cage in the corner to the floor. Joe comes off the ropes and misses a suicide dive. Cage tries for a dive, but Joe nails Cage with a boot to the face. Joe grabs Cage and tries for a suplex, but Cage gets on the apron and hits a reverse DDT onto the apron. Cage sends Joe into the railing before returning to the ring. Cage stomps Joe a few times and eye rakes Joe. Joe jabs Cage, but is sent through the ropes to the floor. Cage goes to the middle rope delivering a forearm strike as the show goes to commercial.
Cage drives Joe down with a neckbreaker and chokes Joe on the mat. Cage controls Joe with a neck vice on the mat, but doesn’t get a submission. Joe tries for a sleeper, but Cage drops down with a jawbreaker. Cage hammers away on Joe and goes to the middle rope hitting an uppercut for a near fall. Cage punches Joe a few times in the corner, but Joe breaks free with a powerbomb. Cage elbows Joe and leaps off the middle rope, but is met with a cutter in midair. Joe jabs Cage several times, but Cage counters a backdrop attempt. Joe nails Cage with a clothesline for a near fall. Cage looks for the Un-Prettier, but Joe counters with chops and a kick. Joe delivers a knee drop for a two count. Joe sunset flips Cage for a near fall. Joe rolls around the ring with Cage, but still only gets a two count. Joe sits Cage on the top turnbuckle. Joe stops Cage on the top rope, but Cage bites Joe off the ropes and hits a frog splash for a near fall.
Cage slaps Joe a few times and accidentally clotheslines the referee. Joe plants Cage with a Muscle Buster, but there’s no referee. Joe tosses AJ Styles to the floor and punches Tomko. Tomko gets in the ring and is met with a low blow. Joe clotheslines Tomko to the floor. Cage has gotten a chair, but Matt Morgan stops Tomko on the floor. Joe boots a chair into Cage and locks in a chokehold. Cage is tapping in the middle of the ring. Robert Roode whacks Joe over the back with a chair shot. Cage lays on top of Joe and wins the match. (***. Well, that is interesting to see Robert Roode seemingly get elevated up the card and likely having a singles match with Joe on PPV. That would be the direction I’d take it. The action was solid and they held my interest. Even with the interference it’s a good win for Cage. I do get annoyed a little bit since Joe’s win on PPV is kind of forgotten here since more people are seeing Cage win on TV.)
21.) Next week, TNA World Champion Sting defends against Kurt Angle.
Final Thoughts:
At this point I find myself interested in a potential Nash/Angle singles match on PPV if that were to be the direction they go in. I thought this was a good episode coming out of Bound For Glory and their apparent attempt to push Roode and Kazarian isn’t going unnoticed. I think freshening up the main event/upper card would benefit the company.
Thanks for reading.