Total Non-Stop Action presents Impact
Date: 10/9/2008
From: Orlando, FL
Matches:
1.) Cute Kip defeated Rhino in a no disqualification match
2.) Consequences Creed defeated Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal & Petey Williams in a number one contenders match for the TNA X-Division Championship
3.) Abyss & Matt Morgan defeated TNA Tag Team Champions Beer Money Inc. in a non-title match
4.) Awesome Kong & Raisha Saeed defeated TNA Knockouts Champion Taylor Wilde & Roxxi
5.) AJ Styles defeated Booker T; special referee: Christian Cage
Angle Developments/Notes:
1.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash is with Jeff Jarrett in Jarrett’s office. Borash asks Jarrett about his thoughts three days away from Bound For Glory. Jarrett knows he has to be ready because Kurt Angle wrestles all over the world and he’s been out of the ring for two years. Jarrett says he’s not regretting this at all and says things have gotten personal, but he’s got to be ready for the PPV. Borash realizes that Jarrett has Angle’s gold medal and Jarrett has big plans for it tonight.
2.) Christian Cage makes his way out to cut a promo in the ring. Cage says he’s been told that he needs to pick a side between the veterans and the young up and coming guys in TNA. Cage declares that he’s the champ and he’ll pick a side when he wants to pick a side. Cage notes that he may not want to pick a side. Cage thinks he may not need to pick a side. That comment brings out Booker T alongside Sharmell and they make their way down to the ring.
Booker says he’s not out there to start any problem and instead is there to reason with Cage and try to persuade Cage. Booker notes they go way back and they’ve had many fights, but it doesn’t matter. Booker says Cage has brought AJ Styles to another level and made Styles the man he is today. Booker thinks Styles wants to move Cage to the side and take his spot. Booker grabs Cage by the neck and asks if he sees it.
AJ Styles makes his way down to the ring to join the segment. Styles asks if Cage can see what Booker is trying to do. Styles thought that Cage was the master manipulator, but thinks Cage is being manipulated by Booker T. Styles asks if it is about respect or spotlight. Styles wants to know what it mean in Booker’s country. Styles doesn’t want to hear anymore of Booker’s accent. Booker tells Cage that Styles doesn’t respect them. Booker warns Styles that he doesn’t know who he’s messing with. Styles knows he’s messing with a washed up has been and better get out of his face.
Jim Cornette comes down to the ring to join the segment. Cornette says he’s listening to all three men insulting each other, but they’re not backing up anything they say. Cornette says they have room for one more match on the show tonight. So, tonight it will be Booker T versus AJ Styles, but Christian Cage will be the special referee. Cage likes the thought of that. Cornette is determined to settle the issues tonight.
3.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash is with Sting for an interview. Sting considers the match with Samoa Joe to be the biggest match of his career. The match isn’t about the title or glory. It’s about his reputation. Sting is representing people all over the world who have been disrespected. Sting is taking a stand against the disrespect. Borash asks what if Sting doesn’t prevail, but Sting tells Borash that isn’t an option.
4.) Rhino attacks Kip on the floor and rams Kip into the railing chest first followed by more right hands. Rhino sends Kip into the railing and continues with a chop before playing to the crowd. Rhino goes under the ring to grab a table. Kip trades forearms with Rhino, but sends Rhino into the railing back first. Rhino rams Kip into the ring steps face first and they return to the ring. Kip keeps Rhino on the mat with a sleeper hold. Kip knee lifts Rhino and keeps a chin lock on Rhino. Kip yanks Rhino to the mat to maintain control of the match. Rhino avoids getting a paper bag over his head and knocks Kip down a few times. Rhino shoulder rams Kip in the corner followed by a clothesline. Rhino heads to the floor and grabs the table. Kip strikes Rhino a few times, but Rhino hits a belly to belly suplex. Rhino waits in the corner, but Kips avoids a GORE attempt. Angelina holds Rhino’s leg and Velvet sprays something into Rhino’s eyes. Kip spears Rhino through the table to pickup the win. (*1/2. A standard street fight, but I am a bit stunned that Rhino lost to Kip here. There must be some hope for the trio of Kip, Love and Sky as a heel group.) After the match, ODB and Rhaka Khan run into the ring to make the save.
5.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash runs up to Kurt Angle and tells Angle about the gold medal. Angle wonders what Jarrett is up to and says Jeff uses his brain like he uses his ankle lock. Kurt is going to let Jarrett make the first move.
6.) Dutt goes to the floor and kisses Val, but Lethal suicide dives onto Dutt. Williams atomic drops Creed, but is met with a boot in the corner. Creed hits a somersault clothesline for a two count. Lethal springboard dropkicks Creed, but Dutt decks Lethal from behind. Lethal hip tosses Dutt followed by a dropkick. Williams shoulder rams Lethal followed by a slingshot Codebreaker. Creed decks Williams with a few jabs. Creed drops Williams with a right hand, but Dutt works over Creed with strikes and taunts the crowd. Creed strikes Dutt, but Williams makes the save with strikes. Williams delivers a backbreaker and a neckbreaker to Creed. Williams poses to taunt the crowd. Williams holds Creed for Dutt to deliver strikes and punches Creed in the ribs. Dutt kicks Williams, but is sent to the floor. Williams drop toe holds Creed over the middle rope. Lethal clotheslines Williams a few times. Lethal handsprings off the ropes and dropkicks Williams for a two count. Creed strikes Lethal and hits a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Williams delivers a tilt a whirl side Russian leg sweep to Creed. Dutt hits a springboard moonsault for a two count on Creed. Dutt works over Williams in the corner. Dutt kicks Williams from the apron. Williams tries for a Destroyer, but Creed gets involved and kicks Dutt. Lethal nails Lethal Combination on Williams. Creed hits a TKO on Lethal onto Williams. Creed gets a backslide on Dutt and picks up the win. (**. A quick match, but a solid one regardless. I like Creed and if he can beat Bashir at BFG that would be a big moment for his career.)
7.) Backstage, Lauren interviews TNA X-Division Champion Sheik Abdul Bashir. Bashir couldn’t think of a better opponent than Creed for Bound For Glory. Bashir notes that Creed wears the American flag. Bashir asks who is home and free? Bashir is upset about the country taking his wife and kids. Bashir was given a lethal injection. Bashir promises that Creed is going to pay for his pain. Bashir is going to torture Creed in a much more physical way.
8.) Karen’s Angle is up next with Mick Foley as her guest. Foley is thrilled to be in TNA and admits his nerves were in full effect. Foley says last week was the first day for the rest of his life. Foley wants to make a difference. Foley thinks Sting has rediscovered his passion for the business. Foley is flattered to be part of Bound For Glory. Foley appreciates Angle giving his absolute best every night, which could be his strength and weakness. Foley thinks Angle is bothered when Jarrett says Foley was the biggest addition to TNA. Foley thinks Angle needs to control his emotions and remain focus. Foley says emotions can be wasted energy. Foley hopes that Angle can learn from his mistakes.
9.) Backstage, Rhino shoves Borash away. Rhino says Kip is going to be appetizer at Bound For Glory. Rhino is going to play a vicious game of Gore The Whore at Bound For Glory!
10.) A video promoting Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, who is the special referee for the Monster’s Ball match for the TNA Tag Team Championships. Mongo promises it will be the most barbaric match in history.
11.) Team 3D come out to watch the tag match and join the commentary table.
12.) Morgan and Roode kickoff the tag match with Morgan shoving Roode into the corner. Roode kicks Morgan followed by chops in the corner. Roode ducks a clothesline, but Morgan hits a fallaway slam. Storm tries for a crossbody, but Morgan catches Storm until Roode chop blocks Morgan. Morgan is stomped on the mat. Storm elbow drops Morgan on the knee. Storm focuses his offense on the left knee of Morgan. Roode wraps Morgan’s leg around the ring post. Beer Money double team Morgan on the mat for a moment. Roode stomps Morgan’s knee a few times. Morgan kicks Roode into the corner chest first. Morgan strikes Roode, but Roode takes Morgan down with a rolling single Boston Crab. Morgan tags in Abyss, but the referee didn’t see that. Storm elbow drops Morgan on the knee several times. Morgan counters a double suplex attempt and delivers a double clothesline to Beer Money. Morgan tags in Abyss and Abyss cleans house with strikes. Abyss splashes Roode in the corner and does the same to Storm. Abyss splashes Roode in the corner before hitting the Shock Treatment on Storm for a two count. Roode strikes Abyss in the corner a few times. Morgan hits a top rope crossbody. Morgan nails Roode with a the Carbon Footprint, but Storm kicks Morgan. Storm elbows Abyss, but is met with a boot from Morgan and the Black Hole Slam. Abyss covers and pins Storm. (**. A decent tag match with a little bit formula, but an enjoyable match nonetheless. I don’t think Morgan and Abyss are going to win at BFG, but rather they hold off for a tag match straight up with Beer Money.)
13.) Earlier tonight, Lauren interviewed LAX regarding BFG. Homicide says they want Beer Money and they want revenge not carrying about the other teams. Homicide promises to elevate their hate at Bound For Glory. Homicide is going to make sure Beer Money gets hurt and they bleed in Chicago.
14.) Mick Foley makes his way down to the ring to cut a promo. Foley is there to answer questions and jokes about his jacket. Foley jokes about Brother Ray stealing the red and black flannel vest causing Foley to think of a new outfit choice. Foley thanks the fans for his reception to the Impact Zone. Foley has had a lot of great moments in his career. Foley notes that the Impact Zone will hold a special place in his heart. Foley says at Bound For Glory the pieces are all in place. Foley will be there as special enforcer for Angle vs. Jarrett. Foley puts over Angle as the greatest wrestler ever and Jarrett returning to the ring after two years. Foley can’t promise a great match, but says if any allies get involved then they will be dealt with by him. Foley introduces the two men for the pay per view.
Kurt Angle makes his way out to join the segment. Jeff Jarrett also joins the segment. Foley asks if Jarrett has anything to say before the PPV. Jarrett says TNA made a huge mistake hiring Angle, but they have to live with it. Jarrett considers it bad judgment. Jarrett thinks this can end up any other way and tells Angle he didn’t want it this way. Jarrett hands over the gold medal since Angle earned it. Angle shakes his head no when asked if he had any last words. Foley wants to see them shake hands. Jarrett offers his hand, and Angle accepts. Angle grabs the microphone before Jarrett leaves and thanks Jarrett for giving him his medal back. Angle asks for one more favor. Angle wants Jarrett to tell his three girls that Angle apologizes. Angle wants Jarrett to apologize because “daddy isn’t coming home after Bound For Glory.” Angle departs the ring as Jarrett is left pissed off with the comment.
15.) Backstage, Jeremy Borash interviews Booker T and Sharmell. Borash asks how Booker sees Christian Cage calling the match tonight. Booker thinks Cage will be on his side because they are both champions. Booker says AJ Styles is good for two things feeding the chickens and picking up cow poop. Booker is going to prove to Styles he’s in the ring with a living legend. Borash asks about the briefcase, but Sharmell says they won’t reveal the contents until the time is right. Booker says that time is approaching, but not quite yet.
16.) TNA Roughcut focusing on Roxxi, who thinks she deserves an opportunity to prove she’s championship worthy. Taylor Wilde says she doesn’t have a lot of experience with hardcore. Wilde is getting payback on Kong for the stitches. Roxxi is going to give Wilde a run for her money.
17.) Roxxi forearms Kong a few times, but Saeed helps Kong get the advantage. Wilde dropkicks Roxxi onto both women from the top rope for a two count. Wilde kicks Kong and is decked by Kong. Saeed stomps Wilde on the mat and Kong slams Saeed onto Wilde for a two count. Saeed pummels Wilde on the mat with right hands. Saeed tags in Kong, who kicks Wilde in the ribs. Kong tosses Wilde across the ring by her hair. Kong pulls Wilde by her hair, but Wilde responds with right hands. Kong collides with Saeed on the apron. Roxxi strikes Kong several times. Roxxi forearms Saeed to the mat. Roxxi kicks Kong into the corner and climbs to the top rope hitting a double knee strike for a two count. Saeed enters and trades strikes with Roxxi. Wilde dumps Kong over the top to the floor. Wilde accidentally kicks Roxxi as Saeed avoids the kick. Wilde forearms Saeed, but is tripped and pulled to the floor by Kong. Saeed slams Roxxi as Kong clubs on Wilde. Saeed misses a top rope moonsault attempt. Roxxi tries for the Voodoo Drop, which she hits, but Kong strikes Roxxi. Kong hits the Implant Driver for the win. (*. Kind of a weird booking choice to have such focus on Roxxi in recent weeks and she loses to Kong cleanly here. This felt like an opportunity for Roxxi to get a win over Saeed and establish herself leading into the PPV.)
18.) Booker backs Styles into a corner, but Cage prevents a strike. Styles tries for a rollup, but only gets a two count. Styles keeps a headlock on Booker, but Booker strikes free. Booker breaks free with a headlock of his own. Booker avoids a dropkick attempt. Booker strikes Styles, but Styles responds with a dropkick for a two count. Styles keeps Booker on the mat with a chin lock as the show goes to commercial.
Styles avoids a heel kick and forearms Booker to the mat followed by stomps. Styles chops Booker, but Booker drops Styles chest first over the top rope. Booker chops Styles in the corner and nails Styles with a leaping heel kick. Booker tries for a cover, but Styles kicks out at two. Booker keeps Styles on the mat with a top wrist lock. Styles elbows free, but Booker plants Styles with a spinebuster for a two count. Booker misses a standing heel kick. Styles strikes Booker several times. Cage gets in Booker’s face after Booker knocked Styles to the mat. Booker puts a chin lock on Styles, but doesn’t get a submission. Booker knee lifts Styles on the back a few times. Booker comes off the ropes missing a scissors kick and Styles nails Booker with the Pele kick. Styles strikes Booker a few times and comes off the ropes to deck Booker with a clothesline several times. Styles suplexs Booker for a two count. Styles ducks a clothesline and kicks Booker. Styles puts an arm bar on Booker, but doesn’t get a submission again. Booker hits a German suplex and Cage counts the fall, but Styles got his shoulder up and Booker did not. Cage awards the match to Styles. (*1/2. Man, Booker can’t do a clean job on TV for Styles. I don’t like the finish. Booker is kind of boring playing the heel in the ring and his extended offense doesn’t hold my interest.) After the match, Cage decks Booker to the floor and clotheslines Styles after Styles grabbed Cage’s arm.
19.) Jim Cornette comes out and says nothing has been settled tonight. Cornette books a three way dance at Bound For Glory between AJ Styles, Booker T and Christian Cage.
20.) Jim Cornette is in the ring to host the contract signing between TNA World Champion Samoa Joe and Sting. Cornette wants to go over the rules of the match and there’s one clause that both men asked for and agreed to. Cornette says there will be no rematch between the two no matter what happens. Sting signs the contract without saying a word. Samoa Joe signs the contract as well, without saying a word. Cornette asks for any last comments. Sting says it didn’t need to be this way, but there they are. He’ll see Joe at BFG. Joe chimes in and tells Sting to do whatever he needs to do. Joe is sure Sting is wondering why Joe isn’t kicking his ass right now. Joe says Nash taught him to be professional. Joe says professionally speaking Sting is wrong because Joe does respect him. Joe offers a handshake and Sting accepts. Joe headbutts Sting. Sting responds with a strike and they brawl for a moment until security runs into the ring to keep them apart.
21.) There is a near three minute music video promoting Bound For Glory with Smashing Pumpkins song “Tarantula” being the theme song for it.
Final Thoughts:
There wasn’t anything here standout wise for in-ring, but they have built BFG fairly well and the card looks good overall. Samoa Joe feels like a heel despite not being the heel, or at least I don’t think he’s supposed to be the heel. Sting seems to have sympathy and I’d be more inclined to root for Sting to win over Joe due to the clear lack of respect.
Thanks for reading.