Total Non-Stop Action presents Xplosion
Date: 4/19/2003
From: Nashville, TN
MATCH #1: ERIK WATTS VS. ANTONIO BANKS
NOTE: Antonio Banks would go on to be known as MVP in the WWE. Banks wrestles for NWA Florida at this point in his career.
FINISH: Watts delivers a buckle bomb followed by a flatliner to win the match.
Bob’s Take: Watts pulling out a hurricanrana during the match was not something I was expecting to see. During the match, Watts noted he’s not sure why he’s on Xplosion and wanted to say hello to Jeff, which I like that because it’s a valid thing to say. The crowd is reacting to Watts in a manner that would suggest he’s getting over as a babyface, and honestly his charisma comes across more favorable to being a good guy. Banks didn’t do much of anything to shine as the focus is solely on Watts.
Match Rating: *
Mike Tenay and Don West are hosts for Xplosion this week as Bert Prentice and Jeremy Borash are on assignment according to Tenay.
MATCH #2: THE NATURALS VS. DERRICK KING & JASON B
FINISH: Naturals pin King following a double team wheelbarrow DDT combo.
Bob’s Take: According to Cagematch, the Naturals had teamed for the first time just four days before this match was taped. They aren’t wearing matching gear yet. Don West noted they are hated on Saturday Night shows in Tennessee. For some reason there’s a blatant cut in the match which leads me to believe something happened during the match that they didn’t want o be seen. It actually happened a couple of times for some reason. I dig the Naturals.
Match Rating: *1/2
MATCH #3: SONNY SIAKI VS. DUSTIN STARR
FINISH: Siaki wins following the Siakilypse Now. After the match, David Young delivered a spinebuster on Starr.
Bob’s Take: For some reason it is reported that Delirious competed against Siaki here, but I can confirm that is not the case and it’s Dustin Starr of Memphis Wrestling fame. Similar to the Naturals match, there is a clear cut in the match. Considering the cut in the match, I feel like I can’t properly judge this one.
Match Rating: NR
MAIN EVENT: CHRIS HARRIS VS. BJ PAYNE
FINISH: Harris picks up the win following the Catatonic.
Bob’s Take: Okay, every single match on this weeks episode has a cut for some reason. I’m wondering if they didn’t want to show enhancement guys getting any offense or something? I’m not of a fan of this cutting of the matches.
Match Rating: NR
Final Thoughts:
I hope the approach of cutting up the matches is not an extended thing that happens moving forward. I really dislike that approach. Show the whole match and not only the TNA regulars getting offense. It doesn’t translate well. Thus, I didn’t like the episode this week.
Thanks for reading.