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411’s TNA Impact Report 1.17.13

January 17, 2013 | Posted by Jonathan Sullivan

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411’s IMPACT WRESTLING REPORT 1.17.13

*****

Previously on IMPACT Wrestling: Sting makes his return to get revenge on The Aces and 8’s, Mike Knox is revealed as an Aces and 8’s member, Hulk Hogan indefinitely suspends Bully Ray, Kurt Angle is taken out by Knox, and Bully Ray proposes to Brooke Hogan.

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We go live to the Impact Zone in Orlando, FL. The area around the entrance ramp is set up for the upcoming wedding later tonight (cake, presents, etc.). We cut backstage to a video from earlier today where Bully Ray is greeted by his “extreme” friends Spike Dudley and Tommy Dreamer. Quick cut to Brooke Hogan’s dressing room where she’s getting ready and she’s asked if her father is coming. She doesn’t know

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We go back to the Impact Zone where the pyro goes off and Todd Keneley welcomes us to the show proper. TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy makes his way out to the ring as the commentators talk about his win at Genesis. We see clips of his defeat of Bobby Roode and Austin Aries. Hardy grabs a mic as the Impact Zone chants his name, followed by a random “You still got it!” chant. Hardy says the odds were stacked against him but “we, THE CREATURES” prevailed once again. Hardy calls Aries and Roode two of the best pro wrestlers on the planet, but he is still the World Champion. Hardy says he fights for each and every one of the fans, and as champion he’s already to fight.

Hardy is interrupted by the music of Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian as they come out to give their two cents. Kazarian says that in one week Daniels is going to bring the fight to Hardy and take his TNA World Heavyweight Title. Daniels and Kazarian enter the ring, Daniels getting into Hardy’s face. Daniels calls Jeff “Jefferson” and says he didn’t think Hardy was the bragging type. Daniels goes into some bragging of his own, bringing up his defeat of AJ Styles last month and his win over James Storm on Sunday. Daniels says the creatures aren’t “creatures of the night”; they’re “creatures of habit” and their addiction is losing. Daniels says the “creatures” are losers like Styles, Storm, and Hardy. Daniels tells the crowd to turn their frown upside down because when he wins the title next week he gives them permission to worship him. Hardy says they don’t have to wait until next week and goes at Daniels. Daniels and Kazarian beat on Hardy for a few seconds before James Storm makes his way out to scare them off. Bad Influence bails as Storm grabs a mic. Storm says if Bad Influence wants to fight, they should get into the ring with he and Hardy RIGHT NOW. Bad Influence are against it but Storm says it wasn’t an option. Hardy and Storm rush Bad Influence on the outside and the brawl commences.

  • Segment Thoughts: Good opening to build next week’s World Title match. Daniels and Kazarian were gold on the mic, while Hardy…well at least it wasn’t an inner monologue. Plus it’s not like he has to say much to get adulation from the fans. I’m glad Daniels is getting a shot, even if it’s just on TV and not on a PPV.

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Match #1: *TNA World Champion* Jeff Hardy & James Storm Vs. Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian)

Hardy rolls Kazarian in and the bell rings. Storm and Daniels also find themselves in the ring, but Storm clotheslines them both to the outside. Kazarian goes for a springboard move but Storm prevents him from launching. Hardy connects with a double baseball slide to Bad Influence as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

Storm connects with a backdrop on Daniels we come back from break. Hardy tags in and he and Storm connect with a double elbow. Hardy goes for a cover but barely gets 1. Daniels catches a kick but Hardy responds with a kick using the other leg. Storm tags back in and connects with an axehandle on Daniels’ arm from the second turnbuckle. Storm drops Daniels with a right hand, then after jawing with Kazarian for a moment, does so again. Storm picks Daniels up by the ears but Daniels backs him into Bad Influence’s corner allowing Kazarian to hit him from the apron. Daniels riles up Hardy, causing the ref to be distracted and Bad Influence takes advantage. Kazarian tags in and he and Daniels drop Storm with a double team move for 2.

Kazarian connects with a dropkick and Hardy runs back in, once again distracting the ref. Daniels tags in during this time and chokes Storm in the corner with his boot. Daniels sends Storm hard into the corner and tags Kazarian back in. Kazarian stands on Storm’s back as he’s draped over the second rope. Kazarian rams Storm repeatedly into the corner. Storm starts fighting back with forearms but Kazarian rakes the eyes to stop the momentum. Storm is sent into Daniels’ boot and Daniels tags in. Daniels takes Storm down with a sort-of reverse neckbreaker for 2. Daniels applies a reverse chinlock to wear Storm down. Storm fights his way out but Daniels sends him crashing to the mat using the hair. Hardy furiously enters the ring but the ref keeps him at bay. Daniels chokes the fallen Storm then continues to work on the neck with an elbow. Daniels headbutts Storm then goes for a suplex but Storm rolls him up for 2. Daniels quickly regroups and drops Storm with a clothesline. Back to the reverse chinlock for Daniels. Storm fights out once again, then drops Daniels with a side Russian legsweep.

Hardy gets the hot tag and Daniels immediately tags out to Kazarian. Hardy dropkicks Kazarian’s legs sending him to the floor. Hardy takes to the air, launching himself from the apron. The action goes back in the ring and Hardy hits a running forearm followed by a basement dropkick for 2. Kazarian reverses an Irish whip but runs into Hardy’s elbow. Hardy follows up with the Whisper in the Wind for the 1…2…Daniels breaks the count. Bad Influence attempts a double clothesline but Hardy ducks and sends Kazarian into Daniels. Hardy drops Kazarian with a jawbreaker, but Daniels hits the STO. Storm gets into the fray and sends Daniels to the outside with Closing Time. Storm splashes Daniels and both men wipe out on the floor. After an initial counter from Kazarian, Hardy manages to hit the move for the 1…2…3.

Winners [via Pinfall]: Jeff Hardy & James Storm (11:56)

  • Match Thoughts: A really solid match to start the show. Good action from all four and Hardy pinning Kazarian makes him look strong while also keeping Daniels strong.

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Post-Match: Daniels attacks Hardy from behind and gives him the Angel’s Wings on Hardy’s custom championship belt. Daniels grabs the other TNA World Title and talks trash while laying on the fallen Hardy.

  • Thoughts: Daniels becoming the new champion is definitely a longshot, but part of me really hopes they go with him next week. Think of how much fun he’d be as World Champion, if only for a little while.

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We go to an earlier conversation with the Gut Check judges discussing last week’s match between Jay Bradley and Brian Cage. They call Cage “charismatic” and say that Bradley has more “polish”. Bruce Prichard goes to say what his vote is but obviously it cuts out before then.

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Jay Bradley and Brian Cage are backstage getting ready to face the Gut Check judges, which happens after this commercial break.

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-Commercial Break-
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Bully Ray is palling around with Tommy Dreamer and Spike Dudley when Joseph Park interrupts. Park interrupts and thanks Ray for going to bat for him with Hulk Hogan. Park gives him a gift of non-street legal cigars.

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And the Gut Check Winner is…

Jeremy Borash introduces the Gut Check judges: Taz, Bruce Prichard, and Al Snow. Borash then introduces the two competitors, Jay Bradley and Brian Cage, who both come out at the same time. Cage slaps hands with the fans while Bradley antagonizes them. They get into the ring and Borash says only one of them will go on to face the judges. Prichard is the man making the decision. He compliments their match last week. Prichard compliments both men, but in the end Cage is eliminated from the final judgment. Cage shakes hands with Borash and soaks in the cheers of the audience before departing the ring.

Taz is first up, wearing his wedding tux. Taz instantly says “no”. Bradley is given the mic and 30 seconds to “kick out”. Bradley says that “humping highways” has taught him discipline and brought him here to the Impact Zone. Bradley says he’s been trained by the best to be one of the best and says that last week he and his “Boomstick” were trending on Twitter. Bradley says he’s knocking on their door; all the judges have to do is let him in and he’ll do the rest. We go next to Al Snow for his verdict. Snow says Bradley showed great talent and skill and “Yes” is his verdict. It all comes down to Prichard for the deciding vote. Prichard says Bradley has passion and guts and his answer is…”YES”. Bradley is now a member of the TNA roster. Bradley shakes hands with the Gut Check judges in celebration.

  • Thoughts:: Bradley’s “kick out” was lame but I’m glad to see him on the TNA roster. He impressed last week and I’ve heard lots of good things about his indy work. He could end up being a big get as time goes on.

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-Commercial Break-

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Christian York makes his way out for the next contest. His opponent, Kenny King, makes his way out second. We go back to last Sunday where King beat up York after their match.

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Match #2: Christian York Vs. Kenny King

York splashes King on the outside and rams his head into the ring steps. King tries to send York into the post, but York blocks it and clotheslines him to the floor. York rolls King into the ring, and King attacks as York makes his way back in. York regains the advantage right away, dropping King with a clothesline. York whips King into the ropes and drives the knee into his gut for 2. York rains down a series of strikes on King in the corner than hits a series of rapid-fire kicks to the head Davey Richards-style. King tries to leave the ring but York grabs him by the leg. King turns it into an enziguri. King goes for his finisher, but York rolls him up for 2. King goes for a spinning heel kick but York catches him and slams him to the mat. York tries to use King’s own move, and King slips out and rolls him up, handful of tights, for the 3.

Winner [via Pinfall]: Kenny King (2:52)

  • Match Thoughts: Is it just me or has York been slipping as of late quality-wise? At least that’s what it’s seemed like in his last two TV matches. King’s win was a foregone conclusion but I was glad to see him get it nonetheless. King has quickly become a “must-watch” talent after the start/stop of his TNA career back in the summer.

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-Commercial Break-

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Bully Ray catches up with Sting backstage. Ray says tonight is a huge night for him and Brooke and the only thing that’ll make her happy is for her father to walk her down the aisle. Ray asks Sting to convince Hulk to be at Brooke’s side tonight. Sting says he’ll try and they shake hands.

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Austin Aries is trying to figure out what to wear for the wedding. Bobby Roode interrupts and says “damn I look good!”. Aries says he’s missing something: the World Title. Roode snaps back and the arguing commences. Aries stops it and says all their arguing is getting them nowhere. Aries says they’ve been carrying the company for a year and they should have a celebration. Aries puts on all black and says that maybe this wedding will be a “funeral”.

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Hulk Hogan arrives backstage and is interrupted by the mysterious interviewer. He is repeatedly asked if he’s here for the wedding, but Hogan tells him to get the camera out of his face.

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-Commercial Break-

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Bully Ray remarks at how well Dreamer and Spike have cleaned up. Taz enters the dressing room to join in on the dressing room. Taz asks if “Paul” is coming; Ray says “Paul” would call him back “in five minutes”. Dreamer asks if Hulk is going to show. Ray says he doesn’t know and says he hopes he’ll show up. Taz says Hulk’s a dad and he’s in a tough spot. Ray says he begged Sting to talk to Hulk for him and says he’s marrying Brooke tonight no matter what. Ray grabs his suit and leaves to put it on.

  • Thoughts: “Paul”, eh? That was…very inside baseball of them. All four seem to be having fun though and I kind of dig that; I like watching these guys shoot the, erm, poop? I don’t know if I’m allowed to swear on here.

—–

Storyline Recap: The Bully Ray/Brooke Hogan/Hulk Hogan Drama.

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Sting makes his way out to the Impact Zone and the crowd goes…relatively wild. Sting opens with “it feels great to be in the Impact Zone!” for a cheap pop. Sting says the crowd has arrived on a very special evening and “love is in the air”. Sting says there’s also some tension in the air and he wants to clear it right now. He invites Hulk Hogan out to the ring for a talk.

“Not Quite the nWo Theme” hits and out comes Hogan, wearing all black and not looking all that thrilled. Hogan gets on the mic and tells Sting to cut right to the chase. Hogan says throughout their career they’ve been stabbed in the back by supposed “best friends”. Hogan tells Sting to lay it out straight and let him know where he stands. Sting says Bully Ray has come to his, Hulk, and Brooke’s aid many times and asks Hulk what it’ll take to make this happen. Hogan says it’s not just him, it’s everyone on social media telling him to watch out for Ray. Hogan says when he’s around Ray, there’s a vibe that emanates from him that he doesn’t accept. Hogan flat out says he doesn’t trust Bully Ray. Sting says that Hogan needs to do it for himself and for his daughter.

The crowd chants “DO IT!” which Sting acknowledges and then leads a chant of. Hogan simply says that he always does the right thing (BROTHER!) and drops the mic leaving Sting and the rest of the Impact Zone to ponder the true meaning behind that statement.

  • Segment Thoughts: Sting’s opening “Joker” schtick was something I was hoping he’d drop after his return two weeks ago. I guess that’s staying. This whole segment was alright, and the crowd was very into it, but honestly I could’ve cared less.

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Gail Kim catches up with Knockouts ref Taryn Terrell backstage. Kim shows Terrell the end of the Knockouts gauntlet at Genesis where Kim gets her foot under the bottom rope. Kim says luckily she’s granted a #1 Contendership rematch against Velvet Sky tonight and Terrell promises to call it down the middle. Kim says “it better be called down the middle” then leaves in a huff.

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-Commercial Break-

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Tenay and Keneley talk over footage of Bully Ray’s bachelor party that happened in New York City at a place called Rick’s.

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Gail Kim makes her way out to the ring for the next match. We clips again of the Genesis match. Kim immediately gets in the face of Taryn Terrell. Kim’s opponent, Velvet Sky, makes her way out. Keneley and Tenay bemoan the fact Taz isn’t here to say his “pigeons” line.

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Match #3: Velvet Sky Vs. Gail Kim in a #1 Contenders Match

Sky backs Kim into the ropes and makes a clean break. Sky and Kim lock up, and Kim backs her into the corner. Terrell gets in between the two to separate them. Kim slaps on a side headlock. Sky sends her into the ropes and floors her with a clothesline. Kim immediately bails to the outside and complains that Sky grabbed her hair. Kim gets back in the ring and immediately drives the knee into Sky’s midsection. Kim puts Sky in the corner and chokes her with her boot. Kim gets Sky in a fireman’s carry position but Sky rolls her up for 2. Sky tries another roll-up but Kim kicks her immediately after. Kim gets a running start and takes Sky down with a clothesline. Kim tries for a reverse neckbreaker but Sky stumbles and falls. Undaunted they go for the move again and this time Kim hits it for 2. Kim whips Sky into the corner but Sky responds with a boot. Sky follows it up with a suplex for 2.

Sky sets up for In Your Face, but is backed into the corner. Kim sends Sky face-first into the mat. Kim applies a headscissors to wear Sky down. Kim twists her body to add torque to the move. Kim lets go and mocks the “Velvet!” chant coming from the Impact Zone. Sky gets her boots up in an attempted corner splash but Kim responds with a front-facing dropkick a few seconds later. Kim connects with the Eat Defeat for the 1…2…Sky gets her leg under the bottom rope. Kim and Terrell start arguing as Sky gets to her feet. Sky grabs Kim by the hair and hits a bulldog. Sky connects with a couple of clotheslines and then connects with the “In Your Face!” for the 1…2…3.

Winner and NEW #1 Contender to the Knockouts Title [via Pinfall]: Velvet Sky (5:50)

  • Match Thoughts: Well that was an ugly match. Velvet is over with the fans, but every match I’ve seen of hers since her return have been…less than stellar to say the least. It’s making me not look forward to her eventual program with Tara although I think Tara will be able to get more out of her than Kim has.

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We go backstage where TNA President Dixie Carter is with Brooke Hogan. Carter says she looks beautiful in her wedding dress and Brooke thanks her for all the support since she joined TNA. Carter says no matter what happens, her dad loves her very much. Carter hugs her and says she’s very proud of her.

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More shots of the wedding gifts and cake as Tenay/Keneley hype up the wedding which is next!

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-Commercial Break-

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We see clips from the opening tag team match and Christopher Daniels’ post-match beatdown on Jeff Hardy. Daniels and Hardy meet next week for the TNA World Heavyweight Title.

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The music of Bobby Roode hits and out comes “The IT Factor” alongside Austin Aries. Aries stops by the gift table and shakes one of the boxes to hear what’s inside, and both men give a disapproving look to the cake. They get into the ring and Roode and Aries both grab mics. Roode says the only celebration that should be going on is a celebration of he and Aries because if it wasn’t for them there wouldn’t be a show. Roode says they are two of the greatest wrestlers on Earth; Roode says he’s the longest-reigning World Champion in TNA history and Aries interrupts and says he’s the one who beat the longest-reigning World Champion in TNA history. Aries takes over and says every great match and moment from last year is due to the both of them. Aries says the lack of respect TNA has for them has spawned a mutual respect between the two. Aries says there was a time when people could be proud of the World Champion, but now it seems that the company has taken a step into the past. Aries namedrops all the current champions with disdain in his voice. The crowd pops for the mention of Jeff Hardy. Aries says they haven’t gotten the respect they’ve deserved and it makes them sick.

Roode and Aries then proceed to object to the wedding, but the music of TNA Tag Team Champions Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Hernandez interrupts. Out they come wearing tuxes…and their titles. Guerrero says that he and Hernandez also object and head into the ring. Guerrero says they actually object to the statements Aries and Roode made about the champions in this company. Aries clears it up, saying they object to their objections, and calls them “caterers”. Aries and Roode ask them for burritos. Guerrero and Hernandez immediately attack them. Hernandez goes for a Border Toss on Aries, but Roode pulls him off and they escape as the TNA Tag Team Champions beg them to come back into the ring.

  • Segment Thoughts: Much like Bad Influence before them, Aries & Roode played the race card in order to get the ire of the tag team champions. What a lazy way to start a feud. Everything before that was pretty good however, as Aries and Roode have a cool dynamic going on between them and are entertaining together. I guess they’re now moving into the tag team division for real…and are essentially taking over Bad Influence’s role. Does that mean Daniels is getting a long-term singles run? This gives me hope.

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The wedding is still to come, don’t worry. NOW it’s next.

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-Commercial Break-

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The Wedding of Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan

Generic wedding music plays as Bully Ray makes his way out in a tux. He is all smiles. Tommy Dreamer and Miss Tessmacher come out arm in arm to begin the march of the wedding party. A “Dreamer!” chant breaks out in the Impact Zone. Spike Dudley follows next, arm in arm with Mickie James. Keneley makes sure to call Spike “Brother Runt” for obvious reasons. Last but not least out comes Taz arm in arm with Christy Hemme. The entrance of the bride happens…right after this commercial.

-Commercial Break-

“Here Comes the Bride” starts playing and out comes Brooke Hogan in her wedding dress. Hulk Hogan pops out from the side in a tux to walk his daughter down the aisle. The Impact Zone goes nuts when he shows up. The crowd chants “SHAKE HIS HAND!” at Hulk. The Priest begins the wedding spiel. He asks who presents Brooke to be married and Hulk says “I do”. Bully and Brooke hold hands as the priest continues on. The priest gives them time to express their vows. Brooke goes first and she says she can’t believe she’s here right now. Brooke says she finally feels safe with Bully and can’t imagine her life without him. Bully’s up next with his vows. He says that from the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew that she was the one. Bully says he’s a happy person when he’s around her and wants to make her the happiest girl in the world. Bully ends with “I frickin’ love you!”.

The priest asks for anyone with just cause as to why these two shouldn’t marry to speak up. No one does and they move onto the ring portion. The priest asks Brooke if he’ll take Bully as her husband. She says “I do”. The priest then asks Bully if he’ll take Brooke as his wife. Bully says “I do”. Before the priest finishes, Taz interrupts and grabs the mic. Taz asks Bully if he’s sure he wants to do this. Bully says yes. Taz asks the second question: “is it hot in here?”. Taz takes off his coat, revealing…AN ACES AND 8’S VEST. The Aces and 8’s rush the ring and attack everyone inside as D.O.C. and Mike Knox hold Brooke. Devon drives a piece of the wedding set into Ray’s head. Brooke frees herself to check on her dad, who says to “check on Bully” as we fade to logo.

  • Segment Thoughts: Well I can honestly say that I did not see that swerve coming so kudos to TNA for that. Considering how hard Bully was trying to sound happy about this wedding during the nuptials I figured the turn was a done deal. Crazy. I don’t even really know what to think of this; where does Taz go from here? It’s not like he can wrestle. Hm. I guess I’ll invoke the “wait and see” clause before I pass judgment.

*****

Random Overall Show Thoughts: With so much emphasis on the Bully/Brooke wedding I didn’t expect much action on this week’s show so the lack of wrestling didn’t really upset me too much. The wedding itself also ended up being interesting and had an unexpected twist, which I’m sure many people are going to hate. Personally I find it interesting, even though I have absolutely no idea where they can go with Taz after this. Maybe he’ll act as The Aces and 8’s personal commentator? I don’t know. Overall it was an okay show, the tag team match and Bradley winning the Gut Check being the highlights, but your opinion on this will depend on your enjoyment/hatred of the wedding segment. That’s the ultimate divider.

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In addition to IMPACT coverage every Thursday on 411Mania, Jon also writes about pro wrestling on his own site The Pro Wrestling Nerd. You can also catch his other wrestling-related musings in 140 characters or less by following him on Twitter.

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Jonathan Sullivan

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