By Talon
October 25th, 2012
Orlando, FL
Backstage, Hulk Hogan spoke with Jeff Hardy about his title defense tonight. Hardy held both of the World Heavyweight Championship belts. Hardy said whoever Hogan chooses, Hardy is prepared. Jeff walked out in the hallway and we got a voiceover from Hardy that described his three opponents.October 25th, 2012
Orlando, FL
Talon's Take: The voiceover was different but unique. TNA needs to start pushing boundaries if they want to grow and doing things like voiceovers is a way to do that.
Jeremy Borash was at the announce booth with a guy called Todd Keneley. JB and Keneley will be calling hour one while Mike Tenay and Taz will be calling hour two.
Talon's Take: The new announce team came out of nowhere. I have never heard of Kenely but from what I saw in the first match, he handled himself well. Maybe TNA are trying out different possibilities to see what combination does it best.
Rob Van Dam vs Zema Ion
X Division Championship
RVD and Zema chain wrestled early on. RVD connected with a Military Press followed by a standing moonsault (slightly missed) and a top rope moonsault. The two countered suicide dives to the outside. In the ring, RVD went for a crossbody but missed and was sent to the outside. Zema connected with a suicide dive of his own. He then connected with a Springboard DDT for a nearfall. Zema missed a Corkscrew Dive which allowed RVD to recover and connect with the 5 Star Frog Splash for the successful title defense.
After the match, as RVD was celebrated, he ran into a Carbon Footprint from Matt Morgan. Joey Ryan followed his partner and held up RVD's title. Matt Morgan addressed Hulk Hogan saying that if Hogan wanted a different side of Matt Morgan, then he was going to get it.
Talon's Take: I like the new attitude of Morgan. The attack on RVD sets up both a possible Morgan vs RVD Match or possibly a Joey Ryan vs RVD X Division Title Match. I don't know what the relationship between Morgan and Ryan is, but I am interested in it. On a side note, the X Division Championship Match was a fun affair to move RVD past Zema.
Backstage, Austin Aries was standing outside Hulk Hogan's office. He said there was alot of butt-kissing. Aries said he didn't have to do that because he has a rematch. Aries said he would get amusement when the guys are eliminated by "H Double."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Kazarian and Christopher Daniels came to the ring to new (and pretty unrecognizable) music. Kazarian said its fitting that Halloween is nearly here as Kazarian and Daniels have received alot of tricks but few treats. Kazarian accused Hulk Hogan of manipulating his travel arrangements so he couldn't be here last week and leaving Daniels at a severe disadvantage. Kazarian said their tag titles were taken by two men who are in this country illegally.
Daniels questioned why they weren't getting their rematch on Championship Thursday. Daniels called Chavo and Hernandez "liars and manipulators." Daniels said Chavo namedrops his family members to get a reaction. He said TNA is so desperate to cater to the Latino audience that Hernandez and Chavo stereotypically dress up to get a reaction. Daniels had a petition and had Kazarian go ringside to get signatures from their fans.
While Kazarian was doing this, Chavo and Hernandez made their way ringside. Chavo told Daniels and Kazarian that nothing would make them happier than to get them a rematch so they could take the tag titles and shove it down their throats.
Talon's Take: I don't know why we are supposed to like Chavo and Hernandez since Kazarian and Daniels were accurate with everything they said. I still question Daniels and Kazarian losing the Tag Team Titles as I don't think "Nacho Libre" is as over as them. Good segment setting up a likely Tag Title rematch at Turning Point.
Hogan was backstage with Mr. Anderson, Bully Ray, James Storm and Kurt Angle. Hogan wanted the wrestlers to tell them why they deserve a shot at the title. James Storm said Hogan saw what he did at BFG and believe its his time. Bully Ray said he was still steaming about what Devon. Kurt Angle said if he didn't get hurt he would still be World Champion. Mr. Anderson gave Hogan attitude so he eliminated him.
Outside in the hallway, Austin Aries ran down Anderson. Aries said he was a better dresser and a bigger asshole than Anderson. The two began to brawl after Aries threw water into the face of Anderson. Aries challenged Anderson to a match tonight. A camera man audibly called cut as we headed into the commercials.
Talon's Take: The production issues that TNA experiences constantly make them look low-rent. I liked the brawl and the edgier attitude of Anderson but we should never hear the production team call cut.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Devon was backstage with the Aces and 8s around a table. Devon said he spoke to the president himself. The president told Devon that under no means should the masks come off as its their identity. Devon joked around saying he had women for the guys. Devon then said they had to make a statement and take someone out. The masked VP grabbed a dart and threw it at a wall filled with pictures of TNA stars. The group laughed as we never saw who it landed on.
Talon's Take: I liked the segment even though Devon is trying too hard to be a cool badass heel. It should be interesting who is on the receiving end tonight. I like that Devon addressed the fact that the masks needed to stay on even though we, the viewers really want them to come off.
Samoa Joe vs Robbie T
Television Championship
This match is a result of last week's destruction of the Robbies by Samoa Joe. Terry hammered Joe early on but Joe fought back with a series of strikes. Robbie T hit a nice standing roundhouse kick. Joe fought back and attempted the Coquina Clutch multiple times but Terry got out. Joe attempted the move again, jumping on Terry's back. Terry dropped Joe down but got locked in the move once again. Robbie T ended up tapping out.
Talon's Take: Another decisive victory for Joe that makes him look like a badass. Keneley seems to be doing very well on commentary and he and JB are a refreshing change to the voice of TNA. Readers are saying that he worked in NWA Hollywood, which makes sense since Joey Ryan and a number of other NWA Hollywood stars have recently started popping up on TNA programming.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Miss Tessmacher spoke to the camera backstage. Tessmacher said she was happy that Jessie got manhandled by ODB last week.
Hulk Hogan met with the remaining three. Kurt Angle said Bully Ray wasn't focused on the World Title but on Devon. James Storm said he was stabbed in the back by his partner and he wasn't focused. Bully said maybe he wasn't focused but if he didn't get a World Title shot he would get the answer he wanted from Devon before the end of the night. Hogan told Bully to go get Devon, eliminating him from the running.
Talon's Take: It makes sense that Bully would be focused on Devon. I don't care much for a Devon vs Ray feud and would much rather see Ray in the running for the World Title.
Backstage, Mr. Anderson was talking to a production guy, yelling in his face. Anderson called Aries a "jagoff." Its Anderson vs Aries next!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Mr. Anderson vs Austin Aries
Aries and Anderson got into each other's faces when Anderson called Aries a bitch. JB mentioned on commentary that Aries would get his chance on November 11th (indicating Aries will be the challenger at Turning Point). Anderson went for the rolling Samoan but Aries got out of it. Anderson fired off some right hands, sending him ringside.
Anderson reached down into his trunks and pulled out a pair of brass knucks. It looked like Aries planted them on his opponent. The referee took them away allowing Aries to gain the advantage. Anderson fought back for a short period of time. Aries locked in a headlock and kept spinning. He sent Anderson outside and hit a suicide dive leading into commercials.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Aries was in control over Anderson. Aries hit a big knee drop on the back of the skull of Anderson. Aries and Anderson go back and forth when an Anderson clothesline sent Aries, inside-out. Anderson hit a Swinging Neckbreaker followed by an attempted rolling Samoan. He hit a front roundhouse kick. Aries countered the rolling Samoan yet again and pulled the referee into him.
Aries grabbed the knux from the referee and gave them to Anderson. He used another set of knux on Anderson and feigned like Anderson nearly had him pinned. Aries locked in the Last Chancery on an unconscious Mr. Anderson for the win.
Talon's Take: The match was sloppy at times but overall enjoyable. Aries is doing a good job as the heel who does anything to win, despite not needing to.
Tara and Jessie were complaining to Brooke Hogan about ODB. Brooke told Tara she should focus on Tessmacher tonight. Tara made some comment about Brooke being a reality star. After Hogan sent Tessmacher off, she told Jessie that she heard that ODB has her eye on Jessie.
Mike Tenay and Taz exchanged the commentary booth with Jeremy Borash and Todd Kenely. Tenay and Taz ran down the lineup for later tonight.
Talon's Take: I liked the fresh duo of Borash and Kenely so I am disappointed that they didn't get the entire show. Hopefully they are back next week.
Tara vs Miss Tessmacher
Knockout's Championship
Tara was accompanied to the ring by Jesse (Jessie Godderz). As Tara was kissing Jesse on the apron, Tessmacher dropkicked her to the outside. Tessmacher maintained the advantage when Jesse got on the apron and allowed Tara to attack Tessmacher from behind.
Tara and Jesse smooched on the apron before Tara missed a Flipping Leg Drop. Tessmacher hit a series of clotheslines and then Ass-Tastic. She then hit a face plant. As Tara distracted the referee, Jesse pulled the ropes down sending Tessmacher hard to the outside. Back in the ring, Tara hit the Widow's Peak for the successful title defense. Tara and Jesse made out after the match.
Brooke Hogan came out onto the stage. Brooke said she understand the way things work around here. Brooke said next week is "Open Fight Night." She just got off the phone with ODB and next week she wants to call out Jesse. Jesse freaked out to Tara.
Talon's Take: I like the Tara and Jesse act so I enjoyed this segment. The tease of ODB vs Jesse was a fun little twist since ODB has a "thing" for Jesse. Open Fight Night returns next week!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Joseph Park walked into Hulk Hogan's office. Park said he never got an answer about his match against Aces and 8s. Hogan told Park that the group is killers. Park asked Hogan if he was more concerned with his health or his liability. Park gave Hogan a "hold harmless" agreement. Park asked him to stand behind him or stay out of his way. Hogan said he would think about it.
Bully Ray came to the ring and thanked Sting for letting him be his partner at Bound For Glory. Ray said he was shocked about Devon joining the Aces and 8s at Bound For Glory. Ray said Devon said a whole lot of nothing last week. Ray called Devon out to address why he did what he did. His challenge was accepted as Devon made his way to the ringside with other members behind him.
Devon said he didn't owe Ray an explanation. He said he and Ray are nothing. He said it had nothing to do with Bully Ray; absolutely nothing. Devon said this whole thing had to do with Hogan. Devon said despite Hogan saying he wanted Devon back, he did nothing when he was down and out. The Aces and 8s had his back while TNA and Hogan did nothing. Devon promised that the group would take out everyone involved one by one. Devon said Ray wasn't a threat anymore.
Bully Ray said its over when he says its over. Ray called Devon a sack of crap. Bully Ray recapped Turning Point 2010 and how they were supposed to become World Tag Team Champions. The Motor City Machine Guns kicked out of their finisher. On that night, Devon asked him what the big deal was because they were rich and to screw the fans. He challenged Devon to deny it but he wouldn't. Ray told Devon to get rid of the other members and they would fight right now.
Devon told him no because its not on Ray's time but his. Devon said he would let Ray know when the time is right. The Aces and 8s bailed. Ray called Devon a coward who hid behind him. Ray said Devon had no balls and he still doesn't now. Ray said next week is Open Fight Night and he is challenging Devon. Ray said someone is going through a table.
Talon's Take: Good segment! Ray brought back their feud from 2010/2011 and recapped why they fought then. It doesn't make sense that Ray cares about the fans as he has played a heel for the past year. I hope he doesn't lose his edge following a face turn. We need progression on this Aces and 8s storyline and so far, we have no indication that we are getting it anytime soon.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Backstage, the camera man asked Joey Ryan and Matt Morgan why they attacked RVD. Joey Ryan said RVD doesn't scare him. Joey said maybe its time to put X Division gold around his week. Morgan told Hogan that he used excuses to bring him down. Morgan said from now on he does when he wants but where he wants.
Next week, the return of Gutcheck. Next week's participant is Christian York of ECW fame. Christian has been wrestling for fifteen years. He participated for TNA during the early years.
Talon's Take: York is a much older contestant with some experience and skills. This is what Gutcheck should be as talented wrestlers get opportunities. The wrestlers TNA should be targeting should be the ones who can help TNA in the future and don't need a crapload of work to be marketable.
Backstage, Hogan was with James Storm and Kurt Angle. He sent off Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff (who also was with them). He gave the title shot to Kurt Angle, telling James Storm he had something huge for him.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Jeff Hardy vs Kurt Angle
World Heavyweight Championship
Hardy had his title wrapped around his waist while the official World Heavyweight Title was slung over his shoulder. We got the main event introductions of Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy from Christy Hemme. The crowd was audibly split between Hardy and Angle in this one. Hardy with the upper hand early on hitting the Corner Dropkick on Angle followed by a Double Leg Dropkick to the midsection of Angle. Angle crotched Hardy into the ropes and then sent him tumbling outside to the ring.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Hardy was able to hit a clothesline off of the ring apron to the outside on Angle. He followed up with the Whisper in the Wind for a nearfall. A Twist of Fate was countered into a handful of German Suplexes from Angle. Hardy countered the Angle Slam into the Twist of Fate. He went up top but was caught with a Running Overhead Belly to Belly Suplex for two.
Angle with a hard powerbomb on Hardy. When Hardy kicked out, Angle used the momentum to lock Hardy into the Ankle Lock. Hardy missed a second Swanton Bomb allowing Angle to hit the Angle Slam for a close nearfall. Hardy hit two more Twists of Fate followed by the Swanton Bomb for another close nearfall.
There's a loud "This is Awesome" chant as Angle backdrops Hardy to the outside. Kurt was shown spitting up blood, likely due to the Swanton before. Hardy countered the Angle Slam into a rollup to retain his title.
After the match, Austin Aries attacked Jeff Hardy as he was celebrating. Aries said he would now announce when and where he will get his rematch. Aries announced at Turning Point, it would be those two one more time. After Turning Point, Hardy would go to the outhouse while he went to the penthouse. Aries said he was so confident that he would win that he would just take the official TNA World Heavyweight Title with him.
Talon's Take: Very good main event even though I don't like the amount of finishers being kicked out of. This match was good at establishing Hardy as champion, and using Angle to do it is a good choice. The Austin Aries promo after the match was also well done as the rematch between these two was common sense.
Backstage, Kurt Angle was getting his ass kicked by the Aces and 8s when Garett Bischoff and Wes Briscoe ran the group off. Wes called for the doctor as the episode came to a close.
FINAL TAKE
This show had a different pacing than what we have been getting the past few weeks. Shelbin described it as "Crash TV" but I wouldn't go that far. I definitely approve of the faster pace as TNA tried different things during this show. Clearly, I would like storyline progression but for a show without alot, I really thought this one was well done.
This show had a different pacing than what we have been getting the past few weeks. Shelbin described it as "Crash TV" but I wouldn't go that far. I definitely approve of the faster pace as TNA tried different things during this show. Clearly, I would like storyline progression but for a show without alot, I really thought this one was well done.
