Total Non-Stop Action presents Xplosion
Date: 5/31/2003
From: Nashville, TN
Jeremy Borash and Mike Tenay host the show and they promote the title match taking place on the next weekly PPV between NWA World Champion Jeff Jarrett and Glen Gilbertti.
MATCH #1: ERIK WATTS VS. PRESTON QUINN
NOTE: Mortimer Plumtree is managing Erik Watts this week. I was not expecting this at all. Actually, during the match Mike Tenay thanks a TNA executive known as David Webber for his help with the company as he’s going back to Minnesota. David Webber, is in fact Mortimer Plumtree.
FINISH: Late in the match, Mortimer spears Eddie G to the floor. Watts hits a flatliner to win the match.
Bob’s Take: Since Mortimer is going back to Minnesota, I think this was basically a farewell appearance for him. There’s a funny moment where Mortimer thinks Watts wants him to kiss him on the cheek, but gets swatted away and Mortimer breaks in laughter. Watts is harmless fun on Xplosion and tend to enjoy his work on the show. I also popped for Mortimer making his final appearance as I was not expecting it whatsoever.
Match Rating: *1/2
MATCH #2: TRACI BROOKS VS. VJ LOVE
NOTE: VJ Love is better known as Lizzie Valentine, and was trained by Homicide. She had previously appeared on Xplosion in the corner of Joey Idol as part of Hollywood Incorporated.
FINISH: Brooks rolls through a crossbody and has a handful of tights to win the match.
Bob’s Take: The flow and pacing of the match felt a bit off and it was noticeable right from the beginning. The crowd was flat for the entire encounter and I don’t blame them. It wasn’t very good and neither woman is seasoned enough to carry this match to an entertaining level.
Match Rating: 1/2*
MATCH #3: SHARK BOY VS. VINNIE VALENTINO
NOTE: Vinnie Valentino is better known as Brent Albright of ROH/OVW fame later on in his career. He’s also known briefly as Gunner Scott on Smackdown.
FINISH: Shark Boy picks up the win following the Dead Sea Drop.
Bob’s Take: I was initially impressed by Valentino before realizing it is Albright, which makes a ton of sense. Valentino delivered a muscle buster, which would have pissed off Samoa Joe. Valentino is a good wrestler and was able to showcase his ability on the smaller Shark Boy. The crowd did not appear to be overly interested and it seemed to be some jeers during the match. It wasn’t that bad, at all.
Match Rating: **
MAIN EVENT: DAVID YOUNG & MIKE SANDERS VS. BJ WHITMER & MATT STRYKER
FINISH: Young plants Stryker with the spinebuster to pickup the win.
Bob’s Take: Whitmer and Stryker are regulars from HWA and I feel like they drove to the show with Shark Boy or something to be booked. As a viewer, it’s a bit frustrating to see the talents of Whitmer and Stryker losing to someone like Mike Sanders, who doesn’t seem to be caring all that much at this point. Stryker showed good fire and hit a nice double team neckbreaker with Whitmer on Young at one point. Stryker stood out to me in this match.
Match Rating: **
Final Thoughts:
An average episode at best as there wasn’t an overly entertaining match. I liked Mortimer getting a final appearance on TV and seeing Valentino, Whitmer and Stryker in action and looking good in their showings.
Thanks for reading.