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Posted by Greg De Marco on 02.09.2012

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411's IMPACT WRESTLING REPORT 2.09.12

Championship Roll Call:
TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Bobby Roode
TNA X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: Austin Aries
TNA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: Crimson and Matt Morgan
TNA KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP: Gail Kim
TNA KNOCKOUTS TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: Gail Kim and Madison Rayne
TNA TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: Robbie E

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The Usual DeMarco Disclaimers...
* I am rolling 100% SPOILER FREE tonight! 100%.
* I actually like Impact Wrestling, and want to see TNA be successful.
* I'm excited about this weekend's Against All Odds PPV, and look forward to see what TNA has in store for the "go home" show.

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Coming up tonight...Impact Wrestling meets Star Wars!

Opening Video
We parallel the Bischoff Family Saga with the Star Wars saga...i really hope the whole show isn't like this! Actually, we parallel everything to Star Wars.

Taz & Mike Tenay welcome us "back" to the Wembley Arena in London, England! Bully Ray makes his way out to start the show!

Opening Promo with Bully Ray
Bully Ray shuts everyone up, which only makes them boo louder. But that was likely the plan, because he's a classic heel. Ray doesn't want to talk to anybody but his "good, close, personal friend" Bobby Roode. He tips his cap to recently departed ROH official Syd Eick and calls Roode "pal." Roode hops off the chain and comes out.

Bully Ray meets Roode in the aisle way, and has some questions. Bully Ray points out that Roode never has his back, but Roode takes things into the ring. The champ is a ring general! Bully Ray says he's been saving Roode's title for two months. Roode responds, and the crowd chants "WHAT?!" at everything. They argue over who trains with who, and Roode says his problem isn't with the champ, but with Sting. This, of course, brings out The Authority Figure Icon himself...

Sting makes his way to the ring with his "trademark" cricket bat. He immediately dismisses anything both men have to say, and names himself the special enforcer for Against All Odds. He then books Roode & Ray against James Storm and "The Insane Icon" for later. Oh, that's Sting!

Later tonight...James Storm & Sting vs. Bully Ray & World Champion Bobby Roode!

Garett Bischoff and Hulk Hogan are WALKING!!!!~!!!11OMG backstage!

[Commercial Break.]

We are welcomed back with a video package focusing on the love triangle between AJ Styles, Kazarian and Christopher Daniels. We still have no idea why Kazarian is listening to Daniels over AJ. Maybe it's because he's a better talker.

Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles
Christy Hemme is looking mighty fine tonight! Remember when these two had their "last match?" Me too. This rivalry has spanned their entire careers, and I honestly think it should go until both men retire. Things start fast & furious, until AJ nails a dropkick that sends Daniels outside. AJ with a huge dive to the outside and THAT'S HOW YOU CATCH A MAN MIZ! Sunset flip back in, AJ goes for the Styles Clash, but Daniels cuts him off and goes to the boots for a foreign object. Daniels is quick to give it to Kazarian, and the camera angles are slightly different over last week. AJ regains control, but is slow with the corner charge. Daniels sends him to the floor, then gloats for the fans. AJ (and his horrible tattoo) lay on the floor, and we get a bottom scroll about Star Wars.

Daniels goes to work on AJ on the floor, then comes back inside with a slingshot leg drop. Clothesline takes AJ down. Daniels mounts and ponds on AJ's head. Impact Wrestling hits the Virginias this weekend (proper & West) as Daniels has a chinlock on Styles. AJ kicks out of a pin attempt at 1, and Daniels goes back to the modified chinlock. There is a loud "Fallen Angel" chant, reminding me that I love this crowd. AJ tries to power out, but Daniels keeps him at bay. Daniels goes for the Angels wings, but AJ reverses out and nails a beautiful enziguiri. Daniels calls to Kazarian, who has the international object, remember? AJ dishes out some vintage offense on Daniels, including the moonsault-inverted DDT combo. Springboard Super Forearm and the crowd is solidly behind AJ!

AJ goes for the Styles Clash, but Daniels reverses, then goes for the BME. AJ avoids and nails the Pele Kick! Daniels hugs the bottom rope, and AJ lays the boots until the ref gets to a 4.5 count. Kazarian gives the object to Daniels, but AJ ducks and positions for the Styles Clash. Daniels fights, so AJ goes for a powerbomb, allowing Daniels to nail him with the object of foreignness. And that puts AJ down for three!
Winner: Christopher Daniels (pinfall, brass knuckles shot), 7:25, ***

Eric Bischoff talks to Gunner backstage about Hogan's shocking appearance last week. They agree to take Hogan & Garett out tonight—one kneecap at a time. Mafia style, yo.

[Commercial Break.]

In Ring Promo: Magnus & Samoa Joe
Magnus starts off strong, pointing out that they're not in the UK—tonight...this…is…ENGLAND! Huge pop for that, as you could imagine. Magnus has come home, and he brought his partner with him. Joe gets a chant for that. Magnus looks like a star here, and has the crowd in the palm of his hand. He points out that they won the Wildcard Tag Team Tournament, but they now have chemistry and are a well-oiled machine. They fear no one, and Matt Morgan & Crimson are only a team so they don't have to wrestle each other. He promises a title win at Against All Odds, and I really hope this comes true.

Matt Morgan & Crimson are out to stink up the joint... Morgan says there is only one thing left to say. Talking is over! We got a donnybrook on our hands! M&C eliminate Joe and double team Magnus, until Joe drags his partner out of the ring. The champs stand tall, but the challengers have all the momentum.

Still to come...Sting & Storm vs. Roode & Ray, but Austin Aries vs. Doug Williams vs. Alex Shelley is NEXT! Hopefully Williams does better than Mark Haskins did last week. Shouldn't Williams be out for revenge against Gunner tonight?

[Commercial Break.]

This just in: there will be NO 411 on Wrestling Podcast on Friday night. But something big is apparently coming on 02.20.12. That, or Larry is overusing the date gimmick. I'm 50/50 on the issue.

During that break, TNA debuted a social networking commercial that makes the WWE Network spot look awesome.

X-Division Triple Threat (Non-Title Match)
Douglas Williams vs. Alex Shelley vs. X-Division champion Austin Aries
At least Tenay acknowledges that Gunner took Williams out. We're reminded that Shelley has Chris Sabin's blessing, setting up their competitive feud for the future. The class of the X-Division is out, and that is A-Double himself. I am looking forward to watching this—but not looking forward to recapping it! All three men circle to start, and Aries goes after Shelley, only to get rolled up by Williams. It's 2 on 1 early, with Aries at the disadvantage. Crowd is solidly behind Williams, who sends Aries outside and gets rolled up by Shelley for two. With Aries on the outside, Shelley goes for Sliced Bread early but Williams reverses out of it and takes Shelley down with a clothesline. WORLD ELITE! Austin Aries sneaks in to attack Williams, but he east a top rope single leg kick from Shelley. Aries drags Shelley to the outside, and Shelley eats a suicide dive from Williams, who then eats a Heat Seeking Missile from the champ!

Back inside, Aries gets two on the hometown hero, but Aries has his supporters, too. Aries eats several European Uppercuts. WORLD ELITE! Aries takes Williams up top, and goes up to join him. Shelley comes in, and spanks Aries. Yup. Shelley has Aries on his shoulders, and Williams us up for the Doomsday Device. Aries escapes, sending the two faces together. Aries misses the pendulum elbow, and eats a diving European Uppercut, followed by a running knee...CHAOS THEORY on Shelley! It gets two, as Aries low blows Williams to break it up. Aries has Shelley set for the Superplex, but he escapes. Sliced Bread for the win!
Winner: Alex Shelley (pinfall on Aries, Sliced Bread), 4:51, ***

Shelley celebrates, and we still have Storm & Sting vs. Roode & Ray LATER TONIGHT!

[Commercial Break.]

Garett & Hogan chat, and are interrupted by Sting. Hogan thanks Sting, excuses Garett, and says he's proud to say Sting is a friend. The Golden Girls of TNA have arrived! Hogan says that Sting is a target, bigger than he believes. Hogan wants him to know that the red & yellow blue & white have his back! He did say "go down with you" but he didn't mean it like that. Sting then references a "big load," but he didn't mean it like that. Hogan then kicks out the camera man, making me question if they did mean it like that.

The ninja camera man then catches up with some fans in the crowd.

We get a shot of Gail and Tara fighting, and it's next? Methinks that we're going to see that again, but the full version this time. TNA has taken a liking to using that technique as of late.

[Commercial Break.]

As expected, Tara is hosting a video package about Impact Wrestling in the UK, and is attacked by Gail Kim. They wear lots of clothes and really fight (differentiating themselves from most of the Knockouts), and Gail Kim cuts a really cool brief promo "...courtesy of Gail Kim!"

We get a highlight package of Hulk Hogan's ill-advised promo from last week. The company looks major league in England, and Hogan takes them right back to Orlando with that promo.

Promo Time with Garett Bischoff and Hulk Hogan
Hogan postures for the crowd. You know, someone told me that the crowd was dead for the second half of the taping. I don't see it. Hogan calls them the greatest wrestling fans in the world, pissing off all of Australia and four people in Orlando. He mentions that it's been 18-years since he wrestled in the UK. MAGNUS TOLD YOU IT'S NOT THE UK, BROTHER! Hogan knows what happens when people dedicate their lives, giving their blood, sweat & tears to get ahead. He asks the crowd or a favor—support Garett Bischoff as they supported him. Nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww we're 50/50. He's known Garett since he was a wee little kid. Garett is the same as everyone in the building—a Hulkamaniac. Garett just wants the opportunity to have an opportunity, but Daddy Eric stood in the way.

And he does it again! Eric Bischoff makes his way out, with Gunner. Where's Douglas Williams?!?!? Eric asks Hogan who the hell he thinks he is, interfering in his family business. Hey, Hulk knows a thing or two about dysfunctional families, okay Eric? Hogan points out that it's about Garett now, and the crowd must have Daddy issues as they loved that. Eric says Garett won't have a future, and neither will Hogan. Yup, that Terry Bollea, he won't amount to anything! Hogan says Eric doesn't understand the business—my brother—because Hogan has the Hulkamania stroke, brother. But he didn't mean it like that! He says he's back in the good graces of the Hulkamaniacs in the UK, and talked to the Stinger, brother. Sting gave Hogan the right to book a match at Against All Odds, Garett Bischoff vs. Gunner, brother! They immediately start fighting, and Eric Bischoff hits the worst low-blow I've ever seen, and I've seen Chyna do it! They go after Garett, but Orange Man hulks up, takes out Daddy & shatters Phil. (See what I did there?!?)

[Commercial Break.]

We come back with a clip from Star Wars, where Tenay points out that we can go to the theater to see a movie that is shown on television! Hard sell! #getdonwestinherestat

Backstage, Bully Ray says that they he & Bobby Roode need to be on the same page, while they make fun of each other. They hug it out...this can't end well.

Hulk Hogan talks to Garett Bischoff outside. He puts a telegraph and the internet into the same category. Brother! Hogan will be in Garett's corner at Against All Odds!

HARDCORE COUNTRY!

Mickie James vs. Velvet Sky
"Who shall we root for?" sayeth the crowd. Let the pigeons loose! Nice indeed. Tenay mentions that the Knockouts title will be on the line, but neither Knockout in this match is involved. We get a spirit of competition lock-up to start. Velvet looks hot tonight, Mickie looks warm. Taz likens Velvet to "Princess Layla" but ends up calling her "Lay Her." Mickie James gets two, but Velvet comes up with a headlock. Shoulder from Velvet sends Mickie down. Hip toss from Velvet, but Mickie comes back with a bridging pin attempt for two.

Velvet goes to shake, and Mickie turns it into an ARMBAR! Velvet hits the corner, and Mickie charges but eats a boot. Swinging headscissors from Velvet, and we're all dizzy. Mickie get frustrated with Earl—her neighbor in Richmond. Mickie unloads on Velvet with a slap to the face, and takes her over with a snap mare. Mickie locks in a seated stretch, and the crowd claps for Velvet. Mickie makes Daniel Bryan proud by turning it into a cradle, for two. Velvet fights to her feet and takes over on offense. Mickie quickly stops things with a back kick, but Velvet hits a side slam for two. Velvet waits for Mickie to get up, but Mickie eventually clotheslines her down. Mickie positions for the DDT, Velvet reverses, Mickie reverses, Velvet reverses once more into a random pinning combination that gets three!
Winner: Velvet Sky (pinfall, random roll-up), 5:25, **1/2

More video footage from the fans before we go to break.

[Commercial Break.]

We get a London video package, and TNA really needs to move their operations overseas.

We follow that up with a Bobby Roode/Against All Odds video—and people complained about the number of videos on RAW!

We transition to James Storm & Sting outside, and Sting appears to be ready to fight. The main event is on...NEXT!

[Commercial Break.]

Main Event
World Champion Bobby Roode & Bully Ray vs. James Storm & Sting
Jeremy Borash does the super special ring announcing. When he said Bully Ray was "standing to my left" I really thought he was saying "standing two-feet nine-inches tall!" Great reception for Sting here, followed by a "Let's Go Sting!" chant. Roode & Sting to start, but both start by working the crowd. We finally lock-up at 1:06 into the match. Gotta protect the icon! Bobby Roode has some knife-edge chops for Sting, but they have no effect. Sting fires back, sending Roode to the mat with a back body drop. Stinger Splash misses, but Sting keeps control and locks in the Scorpion Death Lock. Bully Ray breaks it up, and James Storm is in. Storm keeps his shirt on... I guess he read my comments about gaining a few pounds.

[Commercial Break.]

We're back as Bully Ray & Sting face off, but Ray wants the "Cowgirl" James Storm. Storm & Ray lock-up, and Ray backs him into the corner. Tense but clean break, and Storm ducks a punch from Ray. Storm locks in the ARMBAR! and keeps Ray down. Tenay mentions Abyss, and the ninjas that kidnapped Joe roll over in their respective graves. Huge "COWBOY!" chant from the London crowd. This crowd has absolutely made this show over the past two weeks.

Sting takes over on Ray's arm, innovating right before eyes by stomping on the hand and biting the forehead. Storm quickly tags back in, making Arn & Tully proud. Or Bobby & Stan. Or Ricky & Robert. Take your pick. Bobby Roode jumps in, but "tags" Ray back in after taking shots at Storm. Ray tears Storm's shirt off, and exposing the injured ribs. Okay, that does help explain the shirt. Ray tags in Roode, and the champ continues to work over Storm's back. Roode in now, and he has a high waist lock on Storm, continuing to work over the ribs and back. Storm works up to his feet, but Ray is back in. Storm has officially been your face-in-peril for a few minutes now.

Taz recommends Storm go to the eyes for the break, and Storm heard him. Bully Ray tells Roode to "watch this" and goes for his chain. He tells Brian Hebner that he could care less about his instructions, and Storm catches him with a side Russian leg sweep. That took a lot out of Storm, too. Bobby Roode tags in, as does Sting! Sting is the proverbial house-a-fire! Stinger Splashes for everyone! Roode avoids it, but goes up top—obviously not listening to Flair! Ray elbows Roode on "accident." Sting continues to beat both men, and Storm chimes in with a nice kick to the back of Roode's head. Nut shot! Double R Spine Buster on the Icon by the Champ. Roode goes for the Fisherman's Suplex, but Sting reverses into the Scorpion Death Drop. Sting takes Roode over with the Scorpion Death Lock for the second time in the match, and Ray has the belt. But he decides not to use it, bailing on Roode. The champ has no other option but to tap out. Well, I guess he could have fought his way to the ropes, but still.
Winners: Sting & James Storm (submission, Scorpion Death Lock to Roode), 15:33, ***1/2

The faces celebrate in the ring as Roode hugs the title on the floor and Ray makes his way to the back.

And we're out!