wrestling / TV Reports

411’s TNA IMPACT Wrestling Report 1.24.13

January 24, 2013 | Posted by Jonathan Sullivan

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*****

We open with the end of last week’s episode where Taz breaks up the nuptials between Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan, revealing himself to be a member of the Aces and 8’s followed by footage of the post-reveal beatdown from the biker gang. Cut to the post-show footage of Ray and Hulk holding hands in a sign of solidarity followed by Hogan and Ray both being helped out of the ring. Somber music plays in the background.

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We go “live” to the Impact Zone in Orlando, FL where Todd Kenely and Mike Tenay are at the announce table (no Taz). Tenay says in the 10+ years he’s been with the company he’s never been more shocked than when Taz turned last week. Tenay says Taz will explain himself later tonight.

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Cut to the backstage area where the Aces and 8’s are getting rowdy and motorcycles are humming. Their theme music plays in the background.

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An actual IMPACT Wrestling video plays, the first one I’ve seen in forever, highlighting all the stars of the company.

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The Aces and 8’s theme hits, and out comes Taz from the crowd, with the rest of the group flanking from behind. They make their way into the ring and Taz grabs a mic. He says everyone has been asking why he joined the Aces and 8’s for the past week, and Taz says he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take direction and live on the vision of a “higher power”. Taz mocks Bully Ray and says all the wedding was last week was a platform for them to be seen on a “higher level”. Taz turns his attention to the TNA office and brings up his contract. He says that the language in the contract means that he’s bulletproof; if anyone touches him he will own the Impact Zone. Taz says he’s “Teflon Taz”. Taz says Bully and Brooke were just collateral damage and wishes them luck dealing with the “higher power”. He throws the mic to the mat and celebrates with the Aces and 8’s. Tenay hopes Taz joins them at the announce booth later.

  • Segment Thoughts: Lots of “higher power” mentions in this promo, hopefully meaning we’re getting closer to the reveal of the leader. As for the promo itself, Taz is leagues above Devon as far as a mouthpiece but he’s still got his missteps (the mocking of Brooke Hogan was way too forced). Also the whole “ironclad contract” wrinkle is a little ridiculous; TNA makes a lot of bad business decisions but giving a commentator a bulletproof contract is a little hard to believe.

—–

Jessie Godderz is backstage motivating his girlfriend Tara for her Knockouts Title defense. He holds up a Velvet Sky action figure and says they are Hollywood’s hottest power couple. He asks if Tara is ready, and she says she is now. The match is next!

  • Note: I did not do this exchange justice in the recap. It was a lot funnier and more entertaining. Godderz and Tara are awesome together.

—–

A hype video for Christopher Daniels plays to highlight his accomplishments in TNA over the past few years as well as his strengths in the ring. The announcer says for the first time Daniels is poised to win the TNA World Heavyweight Title for the first time.

  • Thoughts: Excellent way to hype up the World Title match. It built Daniels well and also gave a history of his TNA career for any new fans.

—–

The backstage cameraman asks Frankie Kazarian what his role will be in the Hardy/Daniels match. Kazarian holds up a lanyard and says he’s a licensed manager and will be out there. Christopher Daniels says that this is not just a big match, it’s a “turning point” and says while Hardy is a creature he is the “feature”.

  • Thoughts: Kazarian a licensed manager? Awesome. The two are more serious this week and I appreciate that. Eyes on the prize and all that.

—–

Taz is now at the announce booth with Todd Keneley and Mike Tenay. Velvet Sky makes her way out for the opening contest. Her opponent, TNA Knockouts Champion Tara makes her way out accompanied by her boyfriend Jessie Godderz. Taz calls them his “favorite couple” in TNA, then Tenay and Keneley grill him about what the “higher power” refers to.

—–

Match #1: Tara (c) [w/ Jessie Godderz] Vs. Velvet Sky for the TNA Knockouts Title

Tara poses for the crowd, allowing Sky to roll her up for a quick 2-count. Sky goes another roll-up, gets another 2. Tara whips Sky into the ropes and drops her with a shoulderblock. Sky catches a running Tara with a Japanese armdrag followed by a couple of running clotheslines and a Russian legsweep. Tara immediately bails to the outside into the loving arms of her boyfriend. Sky catches Tara on the apron and throws her back into the ring via the hair. Basement dropkick from Sky, and out goes Tara once again. Tara struggles to regain her composure as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

Sky is still in control as we come back from break. She kicks her way out of the corner and heads to the top rope. Sky connects with a flying crossbody for 2. Sky chops Tara in the corner, then drives her shoulder into the midsection of Tara. Sky whips Tara in the opposite corner and attempts a monkeyflip but Tara holds onto the ropes and Tara falls to the mat as Godderz screams with joy. Tara goes for the cover, only gets 2. Tara with a snap suplex for another 2. Tara shakes her ass then hits a standing moonsault for another 2. A reverse chinlock from Tara to wear Sky down as the announce team talks about Bellator.

Sky tries to break out but Tara sends her to the mat to prevent the comeback. Tara grabs Sky by the hair and flings her across the ring. She gets Sky into position and heads to the top. Sky gets up and slams her off the top turnbuckle. Both women are down. They get to their knees and trade rights to their feet. Sky wins the shootout then mounts a comeback with a couple of running clotheslines followed by a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Sky connects with a sort-of inverted DDT but Godderz distracts the ref to prevent the count. Tara tries to take advantage but hits her boyfriend instead and Sky rolls her up for 2. Sky goes for a slam, but Godderz trips her up and holds her foot down as Tara covers her for the 1…2…3.

Winner and STILL Knockouts Champion [via Pinfall]: Tara (9:39)

  • Match Thoughts: Much better than Sky/Kim from last week but still hard to watch in spots. Sky’s offense doesn’t look believably painful and her big spots look overly rehearsed. The finish was okay, I love when managers hold the leg down even though it should not matter in the slightest, but overall this was a “meh” encounter. A more positive meh than last week, but a meh nonetheless.

—–

A plug plays for next week’s “Open Fight Night” episode, which will air from the United Kingdom for the first time.

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The backstage cameraman catches up with Sting and grills him about what happened during the wedding last week. Sting says he’ll say what he needs to in the Impact Zone later.

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-Commercial Break-

Kenny King is backstage giving himself a pep-talk in a mirror when Zema Ion interrupts. King calls him “Goku” then brings up their tag team match. King says that all Ion has to do is sit back and let him do all of the work. Ion agrees, then says he’ll show King while overdoing the hairspray.

  • Thoughts: Another excellent vocal outing from King. Calling Ion “Goku” was great as was his braggadocio. Ion muttering that he’d show King what’s up while spraying his hair down was also great.

—–

Joseph Park makes his way out to the ring, complete with a theme music. He’s holding a notebook in his hand. Park gets on the mic and says he’s not the most graceful athlete in the world and hasn’t competed in sports since the 8th grade. Park says being in TNA over the last year has taught him that his place is as part of the TNA roster, not in front of some courtroom. Park says his debut match didn’t go quite as planned a few weeks ago, but he fought hard and it made him realize that he’s here to be the best he can be in IMPACT Wrestling. Park says next week the show will emanate from Manchester, England and it’ll be “Open Fight Night”. Being as committed as he is, Park says he’s ready and holds up his passport, then announces he’ll be competing in his first ever “Open Fight Night”. Park wonders aloud who he should choose as his first opponent, and says he’s going to spend the week watching video of every member of TNA and takes notes before “rendering his verdict” next Thursday. Park says that next week he will hold his court in the ring and get his “W”.

  • Thoughts: The “kayfab” stuff is a little lame, but I really enjoy the character of Joseph Park and I’m very interested to see how he holds up going forward. I could easily see him beating Devon for the TV Title in the future, should TNA remember that it exists anytime soon.

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-Commercial Break-
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The team of Kenny King and Zema Ion make their way out to the ring for the next match (and to King’s music). Their opponents, X-Division Champ Rob Van Dam and Christian York make their way out second to RVD’s music.

—–

Match #2: *TNA X-Division Champion* Rob Van Dam & Christian York Vs. Kenny King & Zema Ion

RVD and Ion start the match off. Ion with a quick side headlock, and RVD sends him into the ropes. After they take turns ducking one another’s offense, RVD catches Ion with an elevated dropkick. York tags in and drops Ion with a running kneelift followed by a running one-legged dropkick. York sends Ion into the corner and RVD connects with a monkey flip (he tagged in at some point, I guess I missed it). Basement dropkick to Ion sends him into the corner. RVD whips Ion into the ropes, but Ion bails and King grabs RVD by the hair. This distraction allows Ion to attack RVD from behind when he re-enters the ring.

King tags in and hits a snap suplex which he quickly transitions into a full-mount/multiple strike combo. King goes for the pin and only gets a 2 so he tags Ion back in. Ion prevents the tag and stomps on RVD before catching York with an elbow. RVD starts fighting back but Ion rakes the eyes. Ion sends RVD hard into the corner, the impact causing RVD to crumple to the ground. Ion takes to the air but misses the 450 when RVD rolls out of the way.

Ion tries to prevent the tag but he gets to York as King as also tags in. York connects with a neckbreaker side Russian legsweep then a corner clothesline. King catches York with a clothesline but York responds with a flying knee for the 1…2…Ion makes the save. RVD enters the fray and sends Ion into the corner. Ion catches RVD with a boot as York clotheslines King to the floor. King pulls York out and slams him face-first into the apron. RVD sets up for the Five Star Frog Splash but King comes up from behind and crotches him. King scales the second rope but RVD elbows him off. RVD goes to the top but Ion knocks him to the floor. Ion tags in and tries for the spinning DDT but York throws him off. King connects with a springboard Buff Blockbuster, and Ion pins York without King’s knowledge for the 1…2..3.

Winners [via Pinfall]: Zema Ion & Kenny King (5:05)

  • Match Thoughts: Fun tag team match. The tension between King and Ion was unexpected but I like that TNA is playing off the fact they both have massive egos. A nice game of oneupsmanship…similar to what’s happening between Aries and Roode…wait.

—–

Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan enter the Impact Zone as the mysterious cameraman tries to ask them about the wedding. Ray says they’ll do all their talking in the ring then tells the cameraman to get out of his face.

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-Commercial Break-

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Samoa Joe is in the locker room with Wes Brisco and Garret Bischoff. Joe says their concern is nice but he won’t let them ride his coattails like they do with Angle. Speaking of the devil, in comes Kurt and they ask about his injury. Angle says he’s not 100% but he can still kick some ass and has something in store for tonight. Brisco and Bischoff say they have his back.

—–

Storyline Recap: Hulk Hogan does the right thing and walks his daughter down the aisle for her wedding. Cheesy music plays as you can expect. This then leads into Taz’s turn once again and the post-wedding beatdown. You may have seen this earlier.

—–

Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan enter the Impact Zone and Ray makes a b-line for the announce booth. Tenay lets them know that Taz had to “take a phone call”. Ray is in disbelief, but heads to the ring along with his almost bride to be anyway. Ray grabs a mic and says last week should’ve been the greatest night of their lives, but turned into a nightmare. Ray says a lot of people were hurt last week and says he expected it from Devon but not from Taz. Ray yells for Taz, then calls him nothing but a frickin’ coward when he doesn’t show. Ray says he doesn’t care that he got hurt, but he cares for the people he hurt around him. Taz says he hurt Sting, the only man that’s trusted Ray for the past few months, as well as Hulk Hogan who Ray is still trying to earn the trust of. Ray says the one Taz hurt the most was the woman he loves. Ray says the things he’s going to do to every single member of The Aces and 8’s can’t be said on national champion, and they all better sleep with one eye open. Ray guarantees he will not sleep one wink until he kicks every single Aces and 8’s member’s asses. However Ray can’t do any of that until Hulk lifts his suspension. He says he knows Hulk is at home resting up and makes a plea for the suspension to be lifted.

Sting makes his way out to the ring wearing his “Hall of Fame” shirt. Sting gets into the ring and hugs both Brooke and Ray. Sting says when Hulk does something, he goes all the way to the very top. Sting talks to Hulk through the television, saying he’s only come half-way by giving Brooke away to Ray. Sting says it is time for Hulk to go all the way and reinstate Ray in TNA. Sting says everyone will be in the U.K. next week and he says he thinks Hulk will reinstate his “new son in-law” Ray. The music hits as Ray and Brooke inaudibly thank him.

  • Segment Thoughts: Nice impassioned plea from Bully, not so much from Sting. My hunch tells me Hulk is not going to reinstate him quite yet, not with a PPV still two months away. I could be wrong though.

—–

Last Week on IMPACT Wrestling: Austin Aries and Bobby Roode get into it with the TNA Tag Team Champions.

—–

Austin Aries and Bobby Roode are backstage discussing who should be the one to face Hernandez one on one. Roode says that Aries should do it because of his ability and speed. Aries says Roode is right, but Roode is the power guy of their team and the longest-reigning TNA Champ in history so he should take on Hernandez. Roode says Aries was the one to beat him, and Aries admits to a “small sliver of flukeness” to it. Roode says he knew it and Aries says he’ll clean up after he faces Hernandez. Roode yells to Aries that since he’s the power guy he should be the one to clean up as we go to commercial.

  • Thoughts: TNA better do their damndest to make Chavo/Hernandez entertaining or else they run the risk of Aries/Roode becoming good guys by accident. They continue to be entertaining and I like that their history with each other isn’t forgotten.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

A hype video for TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy plays, highlighting his biggest spots and moments since winning the belt back in October as well as shots of Hardy sitting in the ring pondering sans makeup.

—–

Jeff Hardy is walking backstage. He says that the Creatures already fly and tells Christopher Daniels to make the most of his opportunity tonight. He says that he knows Daniels who he exactly is and tonight he will show the world who Daniels really isn’t.

—–

Bobby Roode makes his way out to the ring in t-shirt mode as opposed to robe mode. Taz returns to the announce booth and asks Keneley and Tenay what he missed. His opponent, Hernandez, makes his way out second alongside partner Chavo Guerrero Jr.

—–

Match #3: Hernandez [w/ Chavo Guerrero Jr.] Vs. Bobby Roode

They lock up and Hernandez immediately throws Roode into the corner. Roode ducks under Hernandez and hits a series of forearms to the back of his neck. Roode places Hernandez in the corner and works him over with a series of strikes. Hernandez reverses an Irish whip and takes Roode down with a back bodydrop. Hernandez follows it up with a delayed vertical suplex, one of the longer I’ve seen in awhile. Roode rolls out and drops Hernandez throat-first on the apron before running back in and hitting a reverse neckbreaker. Roode goes for the pin and Hernandez bench presses him off onto the ref. Roode goes back on the attack and snapmares him out of the corner. He follows it up with a neck snap then plays to the audience a bit.

Hernandez starts fighting back with a couple of rights and a kick that sends Roode to the mat. Hernandez ducks a clothesline but is got with a back elbow. Roode goes for the pin but only snags a 2-count. Roode connects with two elbow drops followed by a running kneedrop for another 2. Roode goes to the reverse chinlock to wear Hernandez down. Hernandez gets to his feet and backs Roode in the corner. Roode backdrops Hernandez to the apron and Hernandez responds with a springboard shoulderbreaker as he comes back in. Hernandez whips Roode into the corner and hits a massive splash. Hernandez lifts Roode up and connects with an over the shoulder backbreaker. Hernandez goes for a backdrop but Roode catches him with a boot and chops him. Roode hits the ropes but Hernandez drives Roode to the floor with the shoulder. Hernandez sets up to fly but Austin Aries runs out and moves Roode. They argue until Chavo runs over to get physical with Aries. While Hernandez is distracted, Roode sneaks up with a bulldog out of nowhere for the 1…2…3.

Winner [via Pinfall]: Bobby Roode (5:41)

  • Match Thoughts: That might be the best Hernandez match I’ve seen in forever. I really enjoyed this from the action to the bickering with Aries to the bulldog finish which something I’d never thought I’d see again. This feud started off on the wrong (read: racist) foot but Aries and Roode’s act is keeping me interested.

—–

Post-Match: Aries says that they did it and tries to get a high five, but Roode maintains that it was all him. Aries raises Roode’s arm in the air then claps as he walks to the back, letting Roode soak in the victory.

—–

Kurt Angle is making his way towards the Impact Zone. He has something to say…after the commercial.

—–

-Commercial Break-
—–

Storyline Recap: Kurt Angle is attacked by the Aces and 8’s before his match with Mr. Anderson.

—–

Kurt Angle makes his way out to the Impact Zone (complete with shrieking females in the audience). He grabs a mic as he stands in the center of the ring. Angle says he’s tired of all the cheap-shots and sneak attacks from The Aces and 8’s. Angle turns to Taz and says that he talked about revenge but doesn’t really know what revenge means. Angle says next week he will get his revenge by getting his hands on Mr. Anderson then calls him out to the ring. After a really awkward delay, the music kicks up and Mr. Anderson makes his way out from the back in Aces and 8’s gear. Anderson gets into the ring and gets in Angle’s face. Anderson repeatedly asks if Angle really wants to fight him next week, the volume getting louder. Anderson says he doesn’t want to fight Angle next week…he wants to do it now! Anderson cheap-shots Angle and takes him to the mat. Anderson beats on Angle in the corner then plays to the crowd, allowing Angle to run him over with a clothesline. Angle attempts the Ankle Lock, but Anderson escapes and rolls out of the ring. Anderson stalks to the back and Angle says next week it’ll just be him and Anderson…IN A STEEL CAGE. Angle drops the mic and stares Anderson down.

  • Thoughts: So I guess Mr. Anderson is a full-fledged member of the Aces and 8’s now. I guess I missed the official announcement; I thought he was still trying to decide. Anderson was good again on the mic this week and I like the idea of he and Angle in a steel cage next week. I don’t like that Angle could make it a steel cage match for Open Fight Night though. If that’s the case, and you can just add any stipulation you want, couldn’t someone challenge Hardy to a “I Win the TNA World Title No Matter What!” match?

—–

Jeff Hardy walks the halls, belt around his shoulder. The main event is next.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

We’re at the Aces and 8’s clubhouse and Mr. Anderson tells the hookers to shut up (they were being pretty loud). Devon tells Anderson to relax and have a drink, because next week Anderson will go into the match with a battle plan. Anderson doesn’t seem to be taking the advice.

—–

Christopher Daniels makes his way out for the main event, his “licensed manager” Frankie Kazarian by his side. His opponent, TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy, makes his way out second and the females in the audience really make themselves known. Jeremy Borash handles the in-ring introductions. No sponsor for the introductions this week.

  • Thoughts: Mr. Anderson’s delivery of “SHUT UP HOOKERS!” was so hilarious that I had a hard time hearing what was happening afterwards.

—–

Christopher Daniels makes his way out for the main event, his “licensed manager” Frankie Kazarian by his side. His opponent, TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy, makes his way out second and the females in the audience really make themselves known. Jeremy Borash handles the in-ring introductions. No sponsor for the introductions this week.

—–

Main Event: Jeff Hardy (c) Vs. Christopher Daniels [w/ Frankie Kazarian] for the TNA World Heavyweight Title

Hardy gets the crowd clapping as the bell rings. They lock up and Daniels backs Hardy in the corner. Daniels breaks clean. Second lockup ends with Hardy applying a side headlock. Daniels backs Hardy in the corner again then drives the shoulder into the midsection. Hardy fights back with a headscissors takedown and clothesline. Hardy sends Daniels into the corner and hits a running clothesline, but Daniels moves out of the way of the dropkick. Daniels rolls back in then throws Hardy to the floor. Kazarian gets in the ring and raises Daniels’ hand in the air as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

Daniels drops Hardy with a clothesline as we come back from break. Daniels covers Hardy for a 2-count as we see clips of Kazarian attacking Hardy during the commercial break. Daniels climbs over Hardy and drives the point of his elbow in Hardy’s eye. Daniels with a back suplex followed by a running clothesline for 2. Daniels goes into the full mount and repeatedly strikes Hardy. Daniels continues stomping the fallen Hardy around the ring. Daniels headbutts Hardy then bows for the Impact Zone. Daniels keeps the pressure on and drives Hardy to the mat for another two. Half-nelson/chinlock from Daniels to wear the champion down. Hardy gets to his feet and elbows out but Daniels drives Hardy down hair-first when he tries to escape.

Daniels continues the stomping assault but Hardy hits a short-arm clothesline out of nowhere. Hardy and Daniels trade rights, and Hardy wins the shootout before hitting a running clothesline followed by a between the legs legdrop/basement dropkick combo. Hardy hits a mule kick for a 2-count. Daniels reverse an Irish whip but runs into Hardy’s boots. Hardy heads to the second rope and hits a splash for 2. Hardy tries to float over in the corner but Daniels catches him with a Death Valley Driver for 2. Daniels locks on the Koji Clutch. Daniels places Hardy on the top turnbuckle and connects with a right hand. Daniels goes to the top but Hardy connects with a top rope front-face suplex for the 1…2…Daniels gets his foot on the rope.

Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate but Daniels breaks out and connects with the Angel’s Wings for the 1…2…KICK OUT. Daniels puts Hardy in position and signals for the BME. Hardy moves but Daniels lands on his feet. Hardy attempts the Whisper in the Wind, but Daniels side steps and goes for the pin. 1…2…KICK OUT AGAIN. Hardy counters Daniels’ suplex and sends him flying into Kazarian. Hardy connects with the Twist of Fate then scales to the top. Hardy connects with the Swanton for the 1…2…3!

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion [via Pinfall]: Jeff Hardy (14:12)

  • Match Thoughts: A very good television main event and defense by Hardy. Really good action, a fast pace, and both men made each other look damn good. There were a few moments I got hopeful that Daniels was going to pull it out but, sadly, since the internet didn’t go nuts spoiling it over the past week I knew better. Still a damn good match though. Overall a good in-ring night for TNA.

—–
Post-Match: Taz grabs a live mic and heads to the ring for an interview with Hardy. Taz asks Hardy what he’s going to do when the Aces and 8’s take over. One of the members sneaks up from behind and smashes the back of his knee before making his escape. Taz says he forgot to tell Hardy to watch his back. The officials tend to Hardy as we fade to logo.

  • Thoughts: I guess that’s how they’ll explain Hardy’s absence from the U.K. Tour. I hope they film a lot of vignettes to add into the show, otherwise the World Champ will be completely absence for four weeks of TV. Also to be honest that was a weak way to take Hardy down; the guy jumps from ridiculous heights but a hammer to the knee takes him down? That’s like slipping on a bar of soap.

*****

Overall Show Thoughts:

  • I enjoyed this week’s episode; each match was given a decent length of time and mattered for one reason or another, and the rest of the time was spent progressing storylines. I think they’ve found a good rhythm between their segments and their matches; but if you hate the storylines they’re pushing through this is probably hell for you to watch.

—–

When not watching/defending TNA every Thursday on 411Mania, Jon can be found recapping other wrestling shows on his own site The Pro Wrestling Nerd as well as incoherently rambling in 140 characters or less on Twitter.

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Jonathan Sullivan

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