Aside from the continued hilarity that is the ODB and Eric Young angle, the return of Alex Shelley was the only thing worthwhile in this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
The matches were average and the promo was decent. It was nothing to go crazy about. No mark-out moments; no times where you felt like you were glad to be sacrificing your Thursday night.
All in all, TNA continues to prove that they are plain lucky to be the number two promotion in the United States. Any dedicated group with cash, talented wrestlers, a TV spot and some common sense could overtake them right now. They need a shake up.
Matches:
Gunner, with Ric Flair vs. AJ Styles: Gunner is on a hot streak, but it’s mainly been due to the influence of Flair. This time around, he used his manager to get the assist and with Christopher Daniels and Frank Kazarian ringside distracting Styles further, Gunner managed to hit the DDT [the best one he’s delivered in TNA thus far] for the win.
Magnus vs. Crimson: A quick match that ended after Crimson hit his lifting-seated powerbomb for the win. After the match, Samoa Joe and Magnus took out the tag champs.
Knockout Tag Champion Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James in a Steel Cage Match: A routine match that gained no allure by being in a steel cage. James won with her jumping DDT.
Eric Young vs. Angelina Love: Match was a no-contest after Eric Young was attacked by Winter. The lead into this situation was hilarious as Young “locked up†with a fan ringside and the referee. Hilarious stuff. While they’re great to watch, it’s sad that Young and ODB continue to be the most interesting part of TNA.
#1 Contenders Match: James Storm vs. Jeff Hardy: This is what happens when your World Champion isn’t over. Two faces face off with no real animosity or angle, just to give the fans a decent main event. A good match, but it was routine. Aside from Storm’s slingshot suplex, a-la former Horseman Tully Blanchard, the offense was predictable. It must be said that this match confirmed that Storm could be a more than capable singles performer. His promo earlier in the show proves he’s getting better on the stick as well.
But in a typical TNA letdown, Bully Ray, fresh off an argument with Impact Wrestling GM Sting, took out three referees and both competitors with a steel chain. Sting eventually hit the ring and got rid of Ray, but Roode snuck in and continued the assault.
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