Total Non-Stop Action presents Xplosion
Date: 2/22/2003
From: Nashville, TN
In these Xplosion reviews, I am only going to cover the matches and if there’s something happening in the arena. There’s likely going to be a lot of video recaps to remind fans what is going on.
MATCH #1: SHARK BOY VS. DELIRIOUS
FINISH: Shark Boy wins following the Dead Sea Drop, which removed Delirious’ mask.
Bob’s Take: In 23-years, Delirious would end up being the head booker for TNA Wrestling. The crowd in Nashville didn’t quite know how to react to Delirious, but Shark Boy is already a cult favorite. This is an interesting matchup from character standpoints as Delirious would become a cult favorite on the indies in a couple of years. Delirious messed up a powerbomb spot at one point, but they had decent action throughout despite a dead crowd.
Match Rating: **
Jeremy Borash and Bert Prentice talk about the recent success they’ve been having at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Prentice promotes the tag match next week which will see the Harris Brothers vs. Dusty Rhodes & Vader.
MATCH #2: JORGE ESTRADA VS. JEREMY V
FINISH: Estrada won the match following a swinging leg trapped neckbreaker. After the match, Stone Mountain comes out and shoves the referee down. Stone Mountain hits the Landslide on Jeremy! Stone Mountain hits the Landslide on the referee, too.
Bob’s Take: Jeremy V is from Wildside, which I haven’t gotten to in my reviews yet. He’s got some great hair, but so does Estrada with his afro. Estrada has ditched the Elvis outfit, but he still has the music. There’s something about Estrada that he screams babyface and has a great energy to him that I can’t put my finger on. Jeremy also appeared to mess up a powerbomb spot, whcih appears to be a curse tonight. Jeremy missed a top rope 450 splash and landed right on his face. I don’t think this was Jeremy’s best outing, but I did like Estrada’s energy. I was shocked to see Stone Mountain appearance because he doesn’t ever appear on TNA PPVs or anything, which is a bit surprising.
Match Rating: *
MATCH #3: SONNY SIAKI VS. BILLY MCNEIL
FINISH: Siaki picks up the win following Siakalypse Now.
Bob’s Take: McNeil is doing a leprechaun gimmick with red hair and green trunks. McNeil hit a nice double springboard hurricanrana early into the match followed by a moonsault to the floor. I thought McNeil looked great in this match with his dives and Siaki tossed him around with a sick suplex. McNeil seems to be a guy that would have been worthy of at least a look on the bigger stage in TNA. The only thing I could think of that would have held him back is his gimmick. McNeil tried a moonsault leg drop, but missed. This was a very enjoyable encounter.
Match Rating: ***
Jeremy Borash and Bert Prentice promote the move Head of State, which features Chris Rock and notes that if you were in the audience then you’re in a movie! It is in theaters starting March 28th.
MAIN EVENT: DAIZEE HAZE VS. MSCHIF
NOTE: During the match, Desire comes out to watch the match from ringside. Trinity comes out and attacks Desire.
FINISH: MsChif gets distracted by Trinity attacking Desire, and Haze gets a rollup to pickup the win.
Bob’s Take: Considering TNA doesn’t have much of a women’s division yet, this is a bit interesting to see taking place and being the main event of Xplosion. These two women are mainstays on the independent scene, so it’s nice that they’d get a shot in TNA. It’s not too bad of a match, but the real focus was on the issue between Trinity and Desire. Haze and MsChif not getting a shot when TNA forms a Knockouts division is a thought that crossed my mind.
Match Rating: *1/2
The show ends with a couple minutes of the title defense between NWA World Champion Jeff Jarrett and AJ Styles being shown. Jarrett retained after hitting the Stroke off the middle rope.
Final Thoughts:
I thought this was a good episode of Xplosion. I am fascinated by the talent that is used on this program compared to the PPVs. Stone Mountain and Billy McNeil stood out and I’m a bit disappointed that neither man got a shot for whatever reason in TNA on a regular basis. McNeil especially would have fit in the X-Division.
Thanks for reading.