Total Non-Stop Action presents Xplosion
Date: 4/12/2003
From: Nashville, TN
MATCH #1: CHRIS HARRIS VS. THE ROCKER
NOTE: Christopher Daniels joins commentary for the match.
FINISH: Harris pins Rocker following the Catatonic.
Bob’s Take: It is noted that Chris Harris is getting a mixed reaction because he’s been hanging out with SEX members recently. Rocker is a smaller wrestler and as a result there’s no way he can get any heat on the larger Harris. Harris looks like a star.
Match Rating: *
MATCH #2: KONNAN VS. SAL RINAURO
NOTE: Rinauro didn’t get an entrance.
FINISH: Konnan wins with the Tequila Sunrise.
Bob’s Take: Odd for Sal to not get an entrance when every enhancement guy has gotten an entrance on Xplosion thus far, at least. Rinauro had been working for Wildside, and in about a year he’d be working for ROH/FIP. Sal bumped around very well for Konnan, which made Konnan look much better than he is at this point in his career.
Match Rating: *
MATCH #3: DAVID FLAIR & ERIK WATTS VS. THE BEALE STREET POSSE (DUSTIN STARR & SIMON REED)
FINISH: Watts and Flair hit their finishers and get stereo pins to win the match.
Bob’s Take: Dustin Starr is actually a promoter for Memphis Wrestling on YouTube (not an ad). I like the look of the Beale Street Posse. They certainly don’t look like a babyface team, which would have benefited this segment since Flair and Watts are heels. Watts and Flair are far more bearable and more enjoyable in a tag setting than they are in singles.
Match Rating: *1/2
MAIN EVENT: JAMES STORM VS. DERRICK KING
FINISH: Storm wins following the Eight Second Ride.
Bob’s Take: There’s something about Derrick that grabbed my attention, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. He’s got some colorful gear, but his overall presence oozes charisma, which I think is what is grabbing my attention. They do some fun stuff on the floor including Storm backdropping Derrick. Derrick popped the crowd with his yelping when taking a big spot. I think I’m a fan of Derrick King. The brawling on the floor was good, and it wasn’t a stale match.
Match Rating: **
Final Thoughts:
Derrick King and the Beale Street Posse are enhancement acts I wouldn’t mind seeing again on TNA TV. Action wise this was a bit dull, but they are doing a good job reminding people what’s going on with their PPV shows highlighting the important stuff. It’s basically their version of Heat/Velocity and they do a good job with it.
Thanks for reading.