Alex Hammerstone says he got the feeling he wasn’t a top priority in TNA Wrestling.
Hammerstone returned to Major League Wrestling on Saturday at Battle Riot VII. He had announced his departure from TNA in February, after signing with the company in March 2024. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Hammerstone said he believes TNA stopped caring about him.
“At a certain point, perception is reality,” Hammerstone said. “So I’m sitting there and from my perception, I felt like the company stopped caring about me and maybe I needed to do something in a different way. Maybe they were looking for something that I wasn’t giving them. But also that was never a conversation that was had. I’d be very happy to be sat down and told, ‘Hey, creatively, this is what we want to do. So we need to see more of this out of you.’ And I never got that. It was just like, hey, where are we going creatively? And a lot of times it’s like, well, you know what you’re doing with this guy. You know what you’re doing with that guy, so why don’t you know what you’re doing with me?”
When he signed with TNA last year, he felt the company had offered him the best deal.
“There’s been subtle discussions at every point with every company at the time last year,” Hammerstone said. “When I was in free agency like that, that TNA deal seemed like the best — the best offer for me at the time. I understand that sometimes people get lost in the shuffle, but with the size of the TNA product at the time, I thought that was a good opportunity to stand out. I was very happy with the match they gave me at Hard to Kill. So, that just seemed like the most logical choice at the time.”
During his time in TNA, Hammerstone lost a Last Man Standing match to Josh Alexander at Rebellion 2024, wrestled in an Ultimate X match at Emergence 2024, and closed out his run with a TNA World Championship loss to Joe Hendry at the February 21 tapings at Full Sail University. He also wrestled twice in NXT last September, losing to Oba Femi and defeating Tony D’Angelo via count out.
In MLW, Hammerstone is a former World and National Openweight Champion.
Alex Hammerstone’s TNA Wrestling run has come to an end after a year with the company.
In a social media post on Friday, the 34-year-old Hammerstone announced that he finished up with TNA last month. He’s grateful for the opportunities the promotion gave him and is now looking forward to what’s next.
“I wrestled my last match for TNA at the February tapings and am no longer under contract with the company,” he tweeted. “Grateful for the opportunities that came my way and excited for what’s next. For business inquires email [email protected]”
Hammerstone debuted for TNA at Hard to Kill 2024, and it was announced in February 2024 that he had signed with the company. He was a World Champion and National Openweight Champion for MLW before joining TNA.
He underwent a minor knee procedure in December of last year but returned to action this February at a show for indie promotion Destiny Wrestling.
During his TNA run, Hammerstone made a couple of NXT appearances last year as part of the WWE-TNA relationship, including losing a match against Oba Femi.
The most detailed look at the updated Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE. We look at the new claims, the arguments in favor of the case not going to arbitration as McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE have argued, who is the most in jeopardy, lots of notes on the legal strategy from both sides, more text messages released as well.
Tons of records set at the 2025 Royal Rumble, the direction going into WrestleMania, the fake record John Cena may break and who has always been planned to break it later, Dwayne Johnson, Jey Uso, Alexa Bliss, business records including a very noteworthy record set by the show. We have an apples-to-apples comparison between Rumble viewers on Netflix and Raw viewers which is very interesting.
The ringboys lawsuit goes forward against Vince & Linda McMahon and WWE, details of what the issues that put it on hold were as well as a very important note about the suit that hasn’t gotten much talk.
The most detailed look at TV ratings and streaming numbers for pro wrestling programming in the U.S., including segment-by-segment numbers, what countries Raw is strongest in, competition and more.
Unique tournament this month in Mexico City
A look at major international matches over the past week
Stardom PPV notes
Tag champ brothers release a new album and music video.
New Beginning in Osaka and Fantastica Mania upcoming shows.
Young Bucks talk their return to Japan
Why Hiroshi Tanahashi was in tears after Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
Hall of Famer says his son has recently got a WWE offer
Ed Wiskowski’s time in Australia.
Lots of news on Grand Slam Australia.
International TV numbers and streaming numbers
Ticket sales to all the major upcoming WWE & AEW shows including WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, Revolution and All In.
Jericho Cruise notes
Merch sale leaders from WWE & AEW
Story on the retirement of Dominick Cruz and his legacy in UFC
One of the key people in the pro wrestling business and the most important person in the MMA business are rumored to be working together to start a new sports franchise
How is ESPN+ doing
Another world champion wants release from his promotion.
All the craziness of the Canelo negotiations
TKO stock reaching record highs
Lots of news on Mania week
More on cancellation of Cena TV show
More on new Evolve TV show
Another lawsuit with Nick Khan’s name in it
How much WWE stock does Dwayne Johnson now own?
Lots of contract news
WWE & AEW injury stats – which company, on average, has more serious injuries.
This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue
Never say never. I feel like a pink title would totally fit Tiffany Stratton, and it would just embody everything ‘Tiffy Time’ is. So you’ll have to wait and see, guys.
Harley Cameron debuted a new rap/promo on Mercedes Mone last night to promote their TBS Championship match at Grand Slam Australia.
During a social media Q&A, Mone responded to a fan who asked which wrestlers she wants to recruit to AEW: “If I listed the people I wanted in AEW The other place would sign them [teacup emoji] #aewceo #AEWGrandSlam”
Peacock released a teaser trailer for Twisted Metal season two, which features Samoa Joe as Sweet Tooth. The new season will premiere in summer 2025.
The trio of Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Hook are now known as “The Opps” in AEW. It’s a term that means opposition.
Following his release from WWE, Karl Anderson has filed trademarks for “Automatic” and “AKA.” The filings were made on February 12.
The Owen Hart Foundation made a social media post noting that Dr. Martha Hart and Oje Hart recently met up with Ann Callis, the attorney for Vince McMahon’s accuser Janel Grant:
The OHF crew sat down again with another NYC based production company to chat about the OHF’s 25th anniversary and the backstory that lead to its creation, which will air in the Fall so watch for it. We also had the pleasure of meeting up with lovely attorney Ann Callis, a former chief judge of Illinois’s Third Judicial Circuit and the current lead council for Janel Grant who is based in St. [Louis] MO and we wish them much luck in their quest for justice.
After undergoing a minor knee procedure in December 2024, TNA wrestler Hammerstone is scheduled to return to the ring this Sunday (February 16), facing Donovan Dijak in a match for indie promotion Destiny Wrestling in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Hammerstone is defending his Destiny World Championship in the match.
Hammerstone shared the following update on how his recovery in the gym is going: “Training legs is still super frustrating. The amount of pain in my knee that I just have to accept and fight through is indescribable… but I refuse to let it stop me: 7 weeks post surgery. 4 plate hack”
Steph De Lander posted an update on her recovery from neck surgery: “My surgeon told me I have an ‘unprecedented rate of new bone growth’ and am healing way ahead of schedule. So I am basically John Cena”
TNA wrestler Alex Hammerstone is beginning the recovery process following surgery.
After being forced out of action with a knee injury, Hammerstone shared an update on Monday revealing that he’s had successful surgery. Hammerstone later posted that he’s home from the hospital and is already starting to rehab his knee.
The injury forced Hammerstone to be pulled from TNA Final Resolution on December 13, where he was scheduled to team with Jake Something against The Rascalz and Sami Callihan & PCO.
“Hopefully, optimistically, it’s looking like it’s going to be a pretty minor procedure,” Hammerstone said before surgery. “And I should be back to the ring in not much longer than a couple weeks. Let’s hope that stays true. It’s sucks that I’ve missed the time that I have. It sucks that I’m going to miss some more. But I’m going to do everything I can to recover as fast as I can and get back to the ring.”
This is the first time the 33-year-old Hammerstone has needed to have surgery in his wrestling career. Over the weekend, he tweeted that he had terrible anxiety heading into surgery but was determined to get back to action.
Hammerstone, who is a former World Champion for MLW, signed with TNA Wrestling this February.
TNA Wrestling announced at Final Resolution on Friday that Hammerstone is dealing with a knee injury and was not cleared for the show. He was originally scheduled to team with Jake Something against Sami Callihan and PCO and the Rascalz in a three-way tag.
Hammerstone later posted to social media that his injury requires surgery. However, he’s hopeful to return to the ring in a few weeks.
Hammerstone said:
“Unfortunately, I suffered a knee injury. That’s why I’ve been out for a couple of weeks, and I’m going to be out for some more because, for the first time in my wrestling career, I have to go get surgery, which really sucks, but I think I’ve been blessed to be able to do it this long and avoid it.”
“Hopefully, optimistically, it’s looking like it’s going to be a pretty minor procedure, and I should be back to the ring in not much longer than a couple of weeks. Let’s hope that stays true.”
Hammerstone is believed to have suffered the injury during the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl match at Turning Point on November 29, 2024. He hasn’t wrestled since.
Joe Hendry will get another shot at the TNA World title
Hendry won a four-way no. 1 contender’s match Friday to earn a title shot against reigning champion Nic Nemeth at January’s Genesis pay-per-view, set for Sunday, January 19th.
Hendry won after pinning Josh Alexander following a Standing Ovation. Alexander had taken out Steve Maclin while the fourth participant, Mike Santana, was zip tied to a ringside barricade.
Hendry was unable to unseat Nemeth when they wrestled at October’s Bound for Glory. It will be his third-ever opportunity at the company’s top prize.
The company will build the rest of the card for the PPV at Saturday’s TV taping in Atlanta. With five weeks of shows to produce, it’s expected they will air several “Best of” episodes as they have done in the past.
.@joehendry is the #1 Contender for the TNA World Championship!
Alexander Hammerstone was set to compete alongside Jake Something in a three team tag match, but on the pre-show, they announced he would be unable to compete due to injury. Something decided to compete on his own, eventually getting defeated after The Rascalz hit their finisher on him to pick up the win.
The specifics on the injury are unknown at this point. He had to miss this past May’s Under Siege due to not being cleared to compete and was out for three months. He was last in the ring at Turning Point on November 29th.
********** All four title defenses saw the champions walk away still champions.
Joining the aforementioned Nemeth is Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich after she defended against Tasha Steelz in a falls count anywhere match; Moose retaining the X-Division title over KUSHIDA; and The Hardyz holding onto the Tag Team titles in a tables match against Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers.
The end of the year is closing in quickly for TNA and tonight’s Impact is the final stop before Friday’s Final Resolution streaming special.
In the headliner, TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth teams with Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich and Joe Hendry against AJ Francis, KC Navarro and Tasha Steelz. Nemeth defends against Francis and Slamovich will defend against Steelz on Friday.
In a clash of all heavyweights, Jake Something and Hammerstone will battle PCO and Sami Callihan.
Ahead of her match with Jordynne Grace Friday, Rosemary goes one-on-one with Xia Brookside.
Former TNA Tag Team Champions The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) take on Laredo Kid and Leon Slater.
In the latest chapter in their respective teams’ feuds, Heather by Elegance will face Dani Luna.
********** After a video package recapping recent action heading into TNA Final Resolution airs, we shoot inside the Impact Zone for the final episode of the show before Friday night’s special event.
Moose defeated Cody Deaner to retain the TNA X-Division Championship
The awesome entrance tune for Moose hits and out comes The System leader with his TNA X-Division Championship around his waist. He settles inside the squared circle and gets on the microphone to start off this week’s show.
Moose talks about the title he has being one he will make sure is viewed as the top championship and most important in the company. He talks about Nic Nemeth having the TNA Championship, but it not having as much prestige as his title.
He talks about the legendary duo of The Hardys holding the TNA Tag-Team Championships and how they too aren’t getting as much attention as his title. He says fans are too busy chanting his name. The live crowd in attendance boos instead.
He says he doesn’t need any stupid people chanting his name. He doesn’t need their respect. When it is all said-and-done, he is going down as the best X-Division Champion in TNA history. The theme for Cody Deaner cuts him off.
Deaner says he was listening in the back “and with all due respect, you need to shut your damn mouth.” He talks about losing his way and losing his love for pro wrestling. He put his career fate in the hands of the people. Since he did that, it’s been the most fun he’s ever had in the business.
Moose points out that Deaner may have been having fun, but he hasn’t won a match since then. Deaner says he’s right but he thinks with the people behind him, he can win a match. If he has the people in North Carolina in attendance tonight behind him, he can beat Moose for the TNA X-Division Championship.
Moose says this is the easiest decision ever. He teases saying something else, but instead catches Deaner off-guard with a big boot to the chops. “Bring me a damn ref!” He says he’s going to give Deaner a shot at his title right now. He demands the bell be rung, and it is. A referee slides in the ring as Moose puts Deaner down with another big boot.
He gets back on the mic and says he wants to hear the fans chant “Cody! Cody!” They do — kind of — as Moose continues to beat him down. Moose says he’s got dinner plans, so it’s time to bring this show home. He goes for a spear, but Deaner side-steps him and sends him sailing through the ropes and out to the floor. Deaner splashes on him from the ring and sends him into the steps.
Back in the ring, Deaner tries leaping off the top, but Moose catches him. Deaner escapes and sends Moose into the corner, before rolling him up for a two-count. He hits a back-slide for another two-count. Moose goes for a suplex, but Deaner counters with a roll-up for yet another two-count.
Moose puts Deaner down with a big boot. Moose goes for another big move, but again Deaner surprises him but countering his way out of it. Deaner hits a big Sliced Bread for a super close two-count. He calls for a DDT, but Moose counters. Moose runs through Deaner with a spear for the pinfall to retain.
Gia Miller Interviews First Class & Tasha Steelz
Backstage, Gia Miller is standing by with First Class duo AJ Francis and KC Navarro, as well as Tasha Steelz. She brings up Francis having a TNA title shot against Nic Nemeth, and Steelz having one against Masha Slamovich at TNA Final Resolution.
They talk about how tonight is only a small taste of what they are going to do on Friday night when they each win the top titles in their respective divisions. Francis calls this week the culmination of his entire career’s worth. He vows to chokeslam Nemeth a bunch and take his title. The show heads to a commercial break.
Rosemary defeated Xia Brookside
When the show returns, Mike Santana is shown backstage talking, when he is approached by Josh Alexander and The Northern Armory. “The Walking Weapon” makes it clear he’s out for him in the number one contender match at TNA Final Resolution on Friday night.
Back inside the Impact Zone, Rosemary makes her way to the ring for the second match of the evening. After she settles inside the squared circle, the American Pie soundtrack-sounding theme for her opponent hits, and out comes Xia Brookside.
The bell sounds to get things started, and the two quickly hit the mat for some amateur-style chain wrestling and submission attempts. Brookside controls the early offense, but upon restarting on their feet, Rosemary suplexes Brookside down and begins shifting the momentum in her favor.
Brookside takes over a few moments later and hits Broken Wings in the corner. After the double knees, she hits a Russian leg-sweep into a pin attempt, but only gets two. She applies a cross-face onto Rosemary and cranks away, but Rosemary hangs on. Rosemary ties her legs around Brookside and leans over the ring ropes.
Brookside rolls up an unsuspecting Rosemary, who kicks out at two. Rosemary runs into a back-elbow from Brookside in the corner. Brookside goes for a unique bridge-type pin attempt, but Rosemary counters into a sleeper-hold. She hits her finisher seconds later for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Rosemary continues to attack Brookside until we hear the familiar sounds of Jordynne Grace’s theme song. “The Juggernaut” sprints down to the ring in street clothes to run off Rosemary, making the save for Brookside. She checks on Brookside in the ring to end the post-match scene. The show heads into another commercial break.
The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel) defeated Leon Slater & Laredo Kid
When the show returns, Gia Miller is shown approaching Trent Seven backstage. She informs him that he will be facing Ace Austin at TNA Final Resolution on Friday night.
Seven says he already beat Austin and The Hardys at TNA Turning Point. Austin comes up and brings up his partner’s injuries and how he’s going to make sure Seven learns how the alphabet goes tomorrow night.
Back inside the Impact Zone, the theme for Leon Slater hits and he makes his way to the ring for scheduled tag-team action. His partner Laredo Kid makes his way out next to join him.
After they settle inside the squared circle, the entrance tune for their opposition hits and The Rascalz duo of Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel make their way out. Slater and Wentz kick things off after the bell sounds.
Following a big four-way stalemate spot, the two teams stare each other down as the crowd roars with approval in the background. On that note, the show heads into a mid-match commercial as Laredo and Miguel continue the action as the legal men in the ring for their respective teams.
When the show returns, Wentz is shown cranking away on the softened-up left arm of Slater in the middle of the ring. As things continue, The Rascalz hit a double-dive at the same time from the ring to the floor for a big pop.
Never one to be out-done in the high spot department, Slater hit a wild turning splash off the top of the ring post to the floor for an even bigger pop. Wentz gets a close two-count broken up by Kid after he and Miguel hit a double-team high spot on Slater.
Slater looked for a swanton 450 off the top, but was met with a super kick upon landing. The Rascalz follow up with their double-team finisher after that for the pinfall victory. Excellent match. Afterwards, the show heads into another commercial time out.
Sami Callihan & PCO defeated Jake Something & Hammerstone via Disqualification
When the show returns, The System are shown backstage for a quick promo segment. After Alisha Edwards’ annoying “Do you wanna know something?” intro, each member takes turns promoting their various matches at TNA Final Resolution on Friday night.
Inside the Impact Zone, Jake Something makes his way out, followed by his partner for this scheduled tag-team contest, Hammerstone. Sami Callihan’s heavy metal theme hits next and “The Death Machine” emerges. PCO’s entrance tune plays next and “The French-Canadian Frankenstein” makes his way out.
Callihan and Something kick things off for their respective teams upon the sound of the bell. Callihan gets Something down early and yells out to ask the crowd if they want to see him break his fingers. Of course the fans do, so Callihan cranks away at his digits as he writhes in pain.
PCO and Hammerstone tags in, however it is Hammerstone and Something who hit double-team offense to shift the momentum of the match in their favor for the first time. They begin utilizing frequent tags to keep a fresh man on PCO at all times, all-the-while keeping PCO isolated on their side of the ring.
After this continues for a couple of minutes, PCO hits a big dive to Something on the floor. PCO comes up bleeding. Callihan blasts Hammerstone in the ring. Callihan tags PCO and looks to help him with a double-team spot until Hammerstone uses a chair. The referee calls for the bell, giving Callihan and PCO the win via disqualification.
Cryptic “23” Returns For Second Week
After the match ruling, Hammerstone and Something are headed to the back when the cryptic 23 flashes on the screens. The lights in the building flicker on-and-off.
A unique voice is heard saying, “23 is just a number.” Callihan and PCO look confused when the lights come back on. On that note, the show abruptly heads into another commercial break.
Dani Luna defeated Heather By Elegance
As the show returns, one-half of the TNA Knockouts Tag-Team Champions, Spitfire, makes her way out, as Dani Luna heads to the ring for the next match of the evening.
After she settles inside the squared circle, her music is cut off by the annoying voice of George Iceman. Iceman trashes the local crowd and then introduces Heather by Elegance, who comes out accompanied by Ash By Elegance.
Luna takes the initial offensive lead after jumping ahead at the sound of the bell. This continues until Iceman and Ash continue to get involved at ringside. The referee ejects Iceman from the ringside area upon getting caught.
Ash gets involved again, shifting the momentum back into Heather’s favor. After she gets involved again, Luna hits a big dive from the ring to the floor onto Ash. Back in the ring, she finishes Heather off for the win to tie up the series between Spitfire and the “by Elegance” duo. After the match, the show heads into another commercial break.
Nic Nemeth, Joe Hendry & Masha Slamovich defeated AJ Francis, KC Navarro & Tasha Steelz
It’s main event time!
When the show returns, Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt run down the updated lineup for Friday night’s year-end TNA Final Resolution 2024 special event from Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. After they finish up, Tasha Steelz’ theme hits inside the Impact Zone.
Out comes “The Boricua Badass” for the final match of the evening. After she settles inside the squared circle, the First Class entrance tune hits to bring out her tag-team partners, the duo of AJ Francis and KC Navarro.
From there, as always, if you say his name … he appears. Someone must’ve said Joe Hendry, because the wildly popular TNA Wrestling star emerges to a rock star reception from the live crowd. He heats to the ring as the viral sensation, “I Believe in Joe Hendry” hits the house speakers.
Hendry leads the fans in the wave, per the song lyrics demands, and then does the dramatic soap opera turn and cheesy smile to complete the full ring entrance routine. His music fades down and the theme for his first partner hits.
TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich emerges and looks ready to rock and roll. She heads to the ring as the commentators plug her title defense against Steelz at Friday night’s show. Finally, the suggestive female sound byte hits to bring out “The Wanted Man” Nic Nemeth.
As the TNA World Champion heads to the ring, Hannifan and Rehwoldt talk among themselves about Nemeth’s title defense against the man who talked himself into the opportunity, First Class’ AJ Francis. He settles in the ring as the show cuts to one more pre-match commercial break.
When the show returns, Hendry and Navarro kick things off for their respective teams at the sound of the bell. Hendry settles into the early offensive driver’s seat. The fans roar with approval as he takes it to one-half of First Class.
He scoops Navarro up for a stalled-suplex, turning and showing him to each side of the crowd before dropping him back on his dome. Nemeth tags in and takes over for a bit before bringing in the Knockouts champ.
Steelz is hesitant to enter the ring, but she does, and Slamovich turns her inside-out with a clothesline for a two-count. Navarro blasts Slamovich with a knee to the back upon her being whipped into the ropes. The crowd boos and Steelz takes over control of the offense from that point on.
On that note, the show heads into a mid-match commercial break as the six-person tag-team main event continues. When the show returns, Steelz tags in Navarro. He stops Slamovich from making the much-needed tag. He slaps a front facelock on her, but she kicks her way free and tags in Nemeth.
“The Wanted Man” fires up the fans in the Impact Zone as he shifts the offensive momentum in his team’s favor with a big fired-up comeback. The TNA World Champion hits a big neckbreaker and then the Jerry Lawler heart-attack special repeated elbow drop routine.
Steelz ties up the referee, which allows Francis to yank Nemeth down by his hair from the ring apron. Francis tags in from there and chokes Nemeth throat-first over the middle rope. Hendry ends up helping his team take over, as the crowd goes wild.
Hendry hits an impressive fall-away slam on the massive Francis. He leads the fans in a “We Will Rock You” stomp-stomp-clap sequence. One-by-one, we see bodies flying from the ring to the floor, with Hendry remaining in control of the offense in the ring.
He hits an Attitude Adjustment on Navarro and tags in Nemeth. Nemeth hits a follow-up Fame-Asser on Navarro. He goes for the cover, but Navarro breaks it up. Slamovich hits the ring, builds up a full head of steam and dives onto Steelz on the floor. Nemeth hits Danger Zone on Navarro seconds later for the win.
After the match, the action continues, as First Class attacks. Francis dumps Nemeth on his back with his finisher and takes a good, long look at the TNA World Championship laying in the ring. He picks a lifeless Nemeth up and hits another big colossal chokeslam.
He puts his foot on a fallen Nemeth’s unconscious chest and raises the TNA World Championship high over his head as First Class’ theme hits again to end the TNA Final Resolution 2024 “go-home” show. That’s how this week’s show goes off the air.
For the first time since this past January, former AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo will be in action on this Thursday’s edition of TNA Impact.
Vikingo fell in defeat to X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey at Saturday’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view. This will be his first TNA TV match since a six-way in January, but his opponent has yet to be named.
In what promises to be a hard-hitting tag team match, Hammerstone & Jake Something will battle former TNA World Champion Sami Callihan & PCO. Hammerstone, Something and Callihan were all involved in the Call Your Shot gauntlet match Saturday while PCO defended his Digital Media and International titles against Matt Cardona in a Monster’s Ball match.
In another tag team match, First Class’ AJ Francis & KC Navarro will take on former TNA Tag Team Champions The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz). All four men were part of the gauntlet match as well.
Here’s the current lineup being taped Sunday in Detroit:
El Hijo Del Vikingo in action
First Class (AJ Francis & KC Navarro) vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
Hammerstone & Jake Something vs. Sami Callihan & PCO
Another TNA star made a surprise appearance on Tuesday’s NXT.
Hammerstone came out to challenge Oba Femi in a match, with the storyline being that Tony D’Angelo paid him to face off against the NXT North American Champion. Despite this, Femi was able to defeat Hammerstone following a powerbomb.
Hammerstone is best known for his run in MLW, where he was a former World Champion in the company. After leaving MLW earlier this year, he joined TNA, where he feuded with Josh Alexander. Most recently, he participated in a TNA X Divison title Ultimate X match, which was won by Zachary Wentz, who has also been making appearances lately on NXT.
Another TNA star, Jordynne Grace, appeared on Tuesday and wrestled Sol Ruca in an open challenge match for the TNA Knockouts title. That match was interrupted by Rosemary and Wendy Choo, who attacked the champion.
Friday’s TNA Under Siege only had three title matches on the card, one of which saw a title change with another one announced due to necessity.
The Knockouts Tag Team Championship is now owned by Masha Slamovich & Alisha Edwards after their victory over Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat).
It’s the fifth title change for these belts this year alone and Slamovich’s third overall. Her prior two were with Killer Kelly who is currently taking some time off from the promotion. It’s Edwards’ first title reign of any kind in TNA.
The win ends the two-month run for Spitfire who had just one successful title defense in that time.
**********
The other title bouts saw X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali successfully retain his gold by besting former champion Ace Austin, while Digital Media Champion Laredo Kid defeated KC Navarro.
**********
The card saw several matches change from the originally announced lineup.
Alexander Hammerstone was set to face Jake Something, but Hammerstone was “not medically cleared” to wrestle and thus was pulled. It’s unknown what the injury is as both Hammerstone and TNA had posted on social media about the match just hours before the show started.
As a result of that change, Something was then booked against Rich Swann. Swann had been set to face Digital Media Champion Laredo Kid in a non-title match.
Kid then was signed to the aforementioned title defense against KC Navarro who hadn’t been announced for the show.
**********
After an extended absence, a new deal with the company and vignettes heralding his return under unique circumstances, Jonathan Gresham introduced his new look which includes wrestling under a mask in addition to trunks.
Friday’s TNA Under Siege streaming special from Albany, New York, will see the promotional in-ring return of “Broken” Matt Hardy for the first time since 2017.
After making his surprise return at last month’s Rebellion, Hardy will team with “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Trent Seven against The System’s Moose, Bryan Myers & Eddie Edwards.
The night will feature two title matches as Knockouts Tag Team Champions Spitfire (Jody Threat & Dani Luna) defend against Alisha Edwards & Masha Slamovich while X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali defends against Ace Austin.
Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace will team with PCO against Steph De Lander & Kon while Jonathan Gresham will make his return to in-ring action as he faces KUSHIDA.
Former TNA World Champions Josh Alexander & Eric Young will team against Frankie Kazarian & Steve Maclin while Hammerstone takes on Jake Something.
Other matches include Laredo Kid vs. Rich Swann; Joe Hendry vs. Zachary Wentz, and two pre-show matches.
**********
Rhino defeated VSK
Rhino took control of the match after a few chops. The action spilled to the floor. Rhino slammed VSK on the apron. VSK made a comeback as the action returned to the ring. Tom Hannifan noted that there were changes to the card. VSK missed a splash off the top rope. Rhino suplexed VSK and followed with the Gore for the pin. A crowd pleaser to open the Countdown show.
– Gia Miller interviewed Ace Austin about his X Division Title match later tonight. Ace discussed that he and Chris Bey have had some disagreements recently, but he agreed that they are both talented enough to team up and pursue singles success. He said he was no stranger to beating the odds and he made his own luck. He predicted a win. He said that even though Bey wasn’t there, he wouldn’t have trouble finding someone to celebrate with tonight.
The FBI (Zack Clayton & Ray Jaz) (w/Guido) defeated The Batiri
The Batiri had green and black facepaint. Zack Clayton used power moves to keep the advantage. Ray Jaz landed a legdrop on his opponent. The Batiri gained the advantage briefly but the FBI quickly made a comeback. Jaz hit an elbow drop and Clayton got the pin.
– Frankie Kazarian and Steve Maclin agreed to team up and take care of business tonight.
Laredo Kid defeated KC Navarro to retain the TNA Digital Media Title
Kid landed a moonsault from the top rope to the floor on KC. Back in the ring, Kid chopped KC hard. They exchanged moves back and forth. KC dropkicked Kid. The action went to the floor briefly with KC getting the upper hand. Kid gave KC a series of clotheslines.
Kid gave KC a senton and an elbow drop for a two count. Kid missed a moonsault and KC gave him a superkick. KC gave Kid a DDT for a two count. Kid kicked KC and gave him a Spanish Fly from the top rope for the pin. This match was all action. A solid win to continue Kid’s title reign.
Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt ran down the card for the evening and pitched to the main show. They noted that Hammerstone is not medically cleared and will be replaced by Rich Swann in the match against Jake Something.
Eric Young & Josh Alexander defeated Frankie Kazarian & Steve Maclin
Alexander gave Young headgear to wear to protect his taped up ear. Young went right after Kazarian, who immediately tagged out. Young dropkicked Maclin. Alexander armdragged Kazarian. Alexander gave Kazarian a rolling senton. Alexander chopped Maclin. Alexander knocked Maclin off the apron, but Maclin tripped Alexander. Kazarian chopped Alexander and gave him a Russian leg sweep for a two count. Maclin gave Alexander a backbreaker.
Kazarian gave Alexander a backstabber. Kazarian got a two count after a suplex. Kazarian leveled Alexander with a back elbow. Maclin drop a knee on Alexander’s back. Alexander threw Kazarian to the outside. Young chased Kazarian around the ring, but Maclin decked Young. Alexander gave Kazarian a belly to belly suplex off the top rope and finally made the hot tag to Young, who cleaned house on Maclin. Young finally got to Kazarian and choked him, but Kazarian escaped.
Alexander gave Maclin a series of German suplexes. Kazarian legdropped Alexander and gave him a DDT. All four wrestlers exchanged moves. Maclin knocked Young off the top rope and gave him Caught in the Crosshairs for a two count. Alexander gave Maclin a backbreaker for a two count. Maclin slammed Alexander and Young gave Maclin a flying elbow drop to break up the pin attempt. Young and Kazarian faced off. Young attacked Kazarian with punches. Alexander decked Kazarian with a forearm shot.
Maclin clotheslined Alexander over the top rope. Maclin accidentally gave Kazarian a running knee. Alexander gave Maclin a crossbody block on the apron. Young gave Kazarian a piledriver and got the pin.
A really good tag team match to kick off the evening. Young got a bit of revenge, but I’m sure there will be more chapters to his feud with Kazarian.
Ash By Elegance (w/ The Personal Concierge) defeated Havok (w/ Rosemary)
The Concierge said that he received a blessing and holy water to purify the ring and get rid of the evil spirits, then brought Ash to the ring. Ash wore a necklace of garlic during her entrance. Havok powered Ash to the mat. Ash regrouped on the outside. Ash evaded Havok and posed. Ash slapped Havok. Havok grabbed Ash and slapped her. Havok rag dolled Ash. Ash rolled to the outside and consulted with the Concierge.
Havok pulled Ash back into the ring. Ash went to slap Havok again but Havok gave her a headbutt and launched Ash. The Concierge threw the holy water into Havok’s eyes. Ash powerbombed Havok to the mat. The Concierge tried to throw holy water on Rosemary, but she drank it and chased him up the ramp. Havok went for a suplex, but Ash was able to roll her up for the pin.
After the match, Ash choked Havok with the garlic necklace. Ash attacked Havok with a chair and gave her the Rarified Air with a chair on top of Havok. Ash taunted Havok on the ramp and gave her a DDT. Someone in the crowd yelled “She has a family!”
This was entertaining for what it was and could lead to an interesting feud. I’m just glad the Ash vs. Xia Brookside feud is apparently over.
– Gia Miller interviewed “Broken” Matt Hardy and Speedball Mountain. Mike Bailey said he feels a bit broken. Trent Seven told Bailey to pull himself together because they’ve reached the main event and are now House Hardy. Matt said The System was under siege. He said he is with family. He gave them “coats of arms” to keep them safe tonight.
Joe Hendry defeated Zachary Wentz
The announcers speculated about why Trey Miguel wasn’t with Wentz. They also touted the success of Hendry’s recently released song. Hendry did mic work before the match and said the wrestling business is all about “Who have you beaten?” He noted that wrestlers in the back have beaten some big names such as Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, and Bushwhacker Luke. He asked if fans have heard of Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, or Post Malone. He said that he had beaten them all on the UK music charts and was now number six. Fans chanted “Number Six!” Hendry said the entire world was saying “We believe.”
Wentz charged Hendry at the bell and went on the attack. Wentz did a dive on Hendry on the ramp. Wentz got a two count on Hendry. Wentz gave Hendry a series of kicks. Wentz attempted a dive on the outside, but Hendry caught him and threw him back into the ring. Hendry followed with a clothesline and overhead slam.
Wentz gave Hendry more kicks and a swanton bomb for a two count. Hendry threw Wentz to the mat and gave him the Standing Ovation chokeslam for the pin. Decent match. Hendry’s mic work was almost as long as the match. This seemed almost more of a match to promote Hendry’s music success than anything.
Alisha Edwards & Masha Slamovich defeated Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (w/ Lars Frederiksen) to win the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles
Lars joined Hannifan and Rehwoldt on commentary. He said that Spitfire was working on being a more cohesive team and learning to thwart tactics from wrestlers like Masha and Alisha. Lars noted that he made songs about destroying the system. Spitfire double teamed Masha early, including giving her a delayed suplex. Alisha turned the tide by snapping Dani’s neck over the top rope. Alisha talked trash to Dani, but Dani fought back until Masha cut her off.
Masha and Alisha double teamed Dani. Masha threw Dani out of the ring. Alisha hit Jody Threat with a kendo stick behind the referee’s back. Masha powerbombed Jody. Then gave her a front piledriver for the pin. The System came out to celebrate.
– AJ Francis and Rich Swann promo. AJ talked about moving on from Joe Hendry’s apology. He said that Rich Swann would have beat Laredo Kid in his scheduled non-title match but now he would beat Jake Something.
Rich Swann (w/ AJ Francis) defeated Jake Something
AJ interfered while Jake was on the floor. Back in the ring, Swann kicked Jake numerous times. Jake finally fired up but Swann raked his eyes. Swann choked Jake on the second rope as AJ cheered him on. AJ attacked Jake again while the referee wasn’t looking. Swann raked Jake’s eyes again to cut off a rally. Swann got a two count after more kicks.
Swann clotheslined Jake, but he no-sold it and returned a clothesline of his own. Swann sidestepped Jake and kicked him in the head. Jake made a comeback. Swann escaped Into the Void and kicked Jake. Jake caught Swann with a punch as he was coming off the ropes. AJ pulled down the top rope so that Jake fell out of the ring. The referee saw AJ about to attack Jake.
Cody Deaner walked to the stage. He stopped the referee from stopping the match and said that Santino Marella was going to leave it to the people to decide if the match would end in a DQ or if he should come to the ring and “chop down that Dolla Tree.” Fans chanted “Dolla Tree.” Cody said the fans have spoken and he attacked AJ. AJ chokeslammed Cody on the apron,. Jake did a dive on AJ. Swann followed with a dive on Jake. Swann gave Jake a cutter in the ring and a frog splash for the pin.
The match was okay, but there was way too much interference. Surprise result with Swann pinning Jake.
Jonathan Gresham defeated KUSHIDA
Gresham wore a black octopus mask to the ring and wrestled in a black mask. Gresham coughed loudly after the first lock up and continued to cough. Kushida put Gresham in a surfboard submission on the mat. They traded chops. Gresham bit Kushida’s arm and the announcers noted how that is uncharacteristic of him. Gresham aggressively stomped Kushida. Gresham put Kushida in a Boston Crab. Kushida reached the ropes to break the hold; Gresham wouldn’t release the hold until the count of four. Kushida went after Gresham’s left knee. Kushida connected with the palm strike.
Gresham rolled up Kushida using the tights for a two count. Kushida went after Gresham’s right arm. They had a quick sequence of moves and both collapsed to the mat. After they got to their feet, they traded punches. Gresham had a black substance like ink all over his hands. He was spitting it out and put it in Kushida’s mouth, leading to Gresham getting the pin. Kushida started coughing after the match and security helped him to the back.
The match itself was good, but the new mysterious presentation of Gresham and the black substance was the bigger story coming out of the match. It will be intriguing to see where this will lead.
Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace & PCO defeated Steph De Lander & Kon
Grace “re-animated” PCO during his entrance. Grace and Kon battled to start the match. Grace gave Kon several forearm shots. Kon shoulderblocked Grace to the mat. Steph tagged in and chopped Grace. Steph suplexed Grace for a two count. Grace backdropped Steph. PCO and Kon faced off and traded strikes. PCO clotheslined Kon and gave him an elbow drop. PCO gave Kon the PCOsault but Steph broke up the pin.
Kon and Steph tagged in and out to keep the advantage. Kon and PCO clotheslined each other. Grace made the hot tag and hit a series of moves on Steph. Steph put the referee between her and Grace and used the distraction to get the upper hand. PCO went to chokeslam Steph but she tried to flirt with him to get out of it.
PCO dipped her and was going to kiss her but he got attacked and chokeslammed by Kon. Grace hit Kon low and gave him a Death Valley Driver. PCO did a dive through the ropes and onto Kon on the floor. Grace powebombed Steph, followed by the backfist, and Juggernaut Driver for the pin.
A fun match that was a nice change of pace. Grace’s power was highlighted and the crowd was really into it. If the Kon and PCO feud is never going to end, then was a fresh way of keeping it going.
Mustafa Ali defeated Ace Austin to retain the TNA X Division Title
Hannifan noted again that Chris Bey was unable to be with Ace tonight. After some initial action, Ali gave Ace a flying tornado DDT on the floor. Fans chanted “This is awesome!” Ali choked Ace with the ring apron. Ali gave Ace a kick and followed with a neckbreaker for a two count.
Ace caught Ali with a clothesline. Ace DDT’d Ali for a two count. Ali chopped Ace, but Ace came back with a legdrop. Ali threw Ace into the post and Ace sold his arm. Ali wrapped Ace’s arm around the post and put him in a version of the STF. Back in the ring, Ali taunted Ace and slammed him. Ace came back and slammed Ali and followed with a kick.
Ace threw Ali’s arm into the turnbuckle, then gave him a legdrop for a two count. Ali pulled Ace down and gave him a German suplex on the outside, prompting a “Holy s***!” chant from the fans, Back in the ring, Ace was able to suplex Ali into the corner. Fans chanted “This is awesome!” again.
Ace tried to pop his shoulder back into place. They exchanged strikes. Ace kicked Ali in the head and he fell out of the ring. Ace kicked Ali was he was on the apron, Ali pulled Ace off the apron and threw him back in the ring. Ali put Ace in the sharpshooter. Ace pulled Ali to break the hold. Ace kicked Ali and powerbombed him for a two count. Ali’s Secret Service guys got on the apron, but Ali knocked them off.
Ace hit The Fold on Ali, but one of Ali’s security members pulled him out of the ring. Ace knocked out a security member on the ramp. Ace rolled up Ali for a two count. Ali kicked Ace off the ropes. Ace feel onto the X Division Title belt that Ali had just brought in the ring, Ali hit the 450 splash for the pin.
Easily the match of the night. These two worked so well together and the fans ate it up. Ali’s streak of impressive matches continues, as well as the storyline of ABC coming up short in singles matches.
The System (TNA World Champion Moose & Tag Team Champions Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defeated “Broken” Matt Hardy & Speedball Mountain (Mike Bailey & Trent Seven)
Speedball Mountain came out in coats like Hardy and did the “Delete” gesture. Rehwoldt said they look stupid. Brian Myers and Hardy started the match, but Hardy said he wanted Moose. Moose tagged in but said “That’s not how The System works” and tagged out to Eddie Edwards. Hardy bit Eddie’s hand. Eddie gave Hardy a thumb to the eye. Hardy catapulted Eddie into the ropes. Speedball Mountain double teamed Eddie. Fans chanted “Delete!” Mike Bailey avoided Myers and chopped him. Hardy’s team triple teamed Myers.
Bailey gave Myers a series of punches. Bailey missed a standing moonsault. Moose slammed Bailey and got a two count. Fans chanted “Ball of Speed.” Eddie clotheslined Bailey and scored a two count. Myers put Bailey in a chinlock and gave him a back elbow. Rehwoldt called Myers the “Wrestler of Great Profession.” Moose stomped on Bailey’s ankle. Moose’s team kept the advantage on Bailey.
Moose knocked Hardy off the apron. Bailey finally made the tag to Trent Seven and ran wild on The System. Seven jumped off the ropes but Moose moved. Eddie gave Seven a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Fans chanted “Trent the Seven.” Eddie charged Seven but missed and fell to the outside. Seven tried to make the tag, but Eddie and Myers pulled down Hardy and Bailey at the exact moment. Seven clotheslined Myers and made the tag to Hardy.
Hardy punched and clotheslined Eddie, then took down Eddie and Myers with a clothesline. Hardy drove Eddie and Myers’ heads into the turnbuckles. Hardy gave Eddie a Side Effect for a two count. Eddie escaped the Twist of Fate. Moose stepped in the ring and faced Hardy. They traded punches. Moose booted Hardy. Hardy caught Moose with a cutter when he came off the top rope for a dramatic two count. Fans chanted “Holy s***!”
Hardy gave Moose an elbow drop for another two count. Hardy called for the Twist of Fate. Eddie broke it up. Bailey tagged in and dropkicked Myers from the top rope. Bailey gave Myers a tornado kick. Myers gave Bailey a spear, but Seven and Myers broke up the pin. Fans chanted “This is awesome!” The System went for a triple piledriver but Hardy’s team escaped and turned it into a tripe Twist of Fate. Seven tagged in.
Moose knocked Hardy out of the ring. Speedball Mountain did a moonsault and dive on Myers and Eddie. Everyone brawled on the floor. Moose powerbombed Seven on the apron. Hardy escaped a Moose powerbomb and bit Moose. Hardy gave Moose a Twist of Fate on the floor. Hardy put Moose on a table at ringside. Hardy climbed to the top rope and legdropped Moose through the table. Back in the ring, Speedball Mountain fought Eddie and Myers.
Bailey did an Ultima Weapon on Myers on the apron. Seven gave Eddie a burning hammer, but Alisha broke up the pin. Bailey confronted Alisha, but Myers gave Bailey a Roster Cut on the floor. In the ring, Eddie kicked Seven low and gave him a boot to the face, followed by a backpack stunner. Myers immediately gave Seven an elbow drop and Eddie pinned Seven.
A spirited main event, which the crowd was invested in. The fans were really into Hardy’s act, as well as Speedball Mountain. The System continues to dominate and has even added gold. Despite The System winning, this could still set up a Hardy vs. Moose title match.
Nic Nemeth will look to add another title to his waist as he challenges Moose for the TNA World Championship in the main event of tonight’s Rebellion pay-per-view from Las Vegas.
In a Knockouts title match, Jordynne Grace will defend against Steph De Lander.
TNA Tag Team Champions The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defend against Speedball Mountain (Trent Seven & Mike Bailey) while X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali defends against Jake Something.
In their trilogy bout, Hammerstone will take on Josh Alexander in a Last Man Standing match while veterans Eric Young and Frankie Kazarian attempt to settle their differences in a Full Metal Mayhem match.
The promotion is also teasing a “lights out” surprise at some point during the show in addition to former Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry against former World Champion Rich Swann.
The countdown show will see three bouts including a Knockouts Tag Team title defense, a Digital Media title defense, and a trios match.
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Leon Slater & ABC defeated The Rascalz
Trey and Slater started fast, Ace tagged in and pretty much immediately got taken down and double teamed by Trey and Wentz. Reed did a really nice Guillotine Legdrop to Ace when he was splayed on the middle rope. Slater tagged in and looked good until he got cut off and triple teamed with a series of fantastic moves. Slater made the hot tag to Bey and the expected 6-way broke out. ABC used the move formerly known as Chasing The Dragon on Reed for a 2 count and Reed hit a running flip dive over the post to ABC. Slater, not wanting to be shown up, did the exact same thing, which was much more spectacular, to all 3 Rascalz outside the ring. Reed ran across the ring, leaped over the top rope and gave Slater, who was on the apron, a Cutter to ABC, who were both on the floor. After more spectacular moves than I could keep track of, Slater pinned Reed with a 450 Splash. A really good and definitely fun match to kick the show off.
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-Gia Miller interviewed AJ Francis and Rich Swann aka First Class about Swann’s match with Joe Hendry. Francis introduced the Man Boy Mafia, which included Shauniee Stylez, Tyrone, Block Boy JB and a woman whose name I didn’t get. Swann said they are about that flash and will kick Joe Hendry’s ass, with the closing line if you’re not First Class, you’re last.
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Laredo Kid pinned Crazzy Steve to win the Digital Media Championship
Another fast paced match to start the pre-show. The late-arriving crowd chanted for Steve until he began going for Laredo’s mask. After dropping to the floor when he was doing a headscissors hanging over the top floor, Steve was the victim of a nice Asai Moonsault. Back in the ring, Steve went for a cannonball in the corner, but Kid, who was hanging upside down, did a sit-up to avoid it. Steve did a superplex where he landed high, so he stayed down to sell his head and neck for a minute. Steve went to the top rope, Laredo followed him up and Steve went for the mask again, so Laredo bit him, hit the Spanish Fly (called the Laredo Fly) for the pin and the championship. Not a bad match at all, I always underestimate Crazzy Steve, possibly due to the wacky gimmick.
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-Gia Miller interviewed Steph De Lander about her match with Jordynne Grace. They mention Matt Cardona’s injury, saying he won’t be here tonight. De Lander said she will walk out tonight with the title. She doesn’t like or trust Jordynne, so she hired some help…The Good Hands. Hotch and Skylar said they’re still pulling for Mustafa Ali tonight, but they are here to support De Lander.
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Knockouts Tag Team Champions Spitfire w/Lars Frederiksen defeated Decay
Yes, this is the actual Lars Frederiksen of Rancid and not a random person using the name.
I love me some Rosemary and the crowd was with me, as they chanted for the Demon Assassin. Lars tried to get Rosemary to give up on the same hanging head scissors Crazzy Steve used and Rosemary backed him down before continuing the match. Threat and Luna worked over Rosemary for a few minutes until she tagged out to Havoc. Havoc dared Luna to run off the ropes and collide, but Luna was briefly smarter than that, as she grabbed a headlock. When that didn’t work, she tried running off the ropes, but ran right into a headbutt that was heard in Reno. Luna did a great job chopping down Havoc and eventually made the hot tag to Threat. Threat ran wild and while the crowd was chanting for Rosemary earlier, they popped big for Threat’s offense. Both Luna and Threat did Suicide Dives to Havoc, who was saved by the guardrail from going down and then Threat did a senton from the top rope to the floor. Threat went for another dive onto Rosemary, but she got cut off by Havoc, however the champs turned the table, carried Havoc from the middle rope across the ring and dropped her with a double powerbomb. Finally Luna pinned Rosemary after some kind of double team drop. The match was better than expected. Hopefully they can make their double team finish a little crisper because this was a little convoluted.
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-After the match, Masha Slammovich came out with her chain and was joined by Alisha Edwards and her kendo stick. Spitfire challenged them to get in the ring, but Masha and Alisha were happy to stand on the ramp and challenge.
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-Some of Mustafa Ali’s followers came out and said the match between Ali and Jake Something won’t be happening. The guy who had the microphone tripped over his feet getting into the ring and said Something doesn’t meet the qualifications for the X-Division. They sat in the ring for a protest. Cody Deaner stormed out to do what the three referees who came to the ring refused to do and that’s to get these guys out of the ring. Deaner said this was the people’s choice whether or not the match happened. Deaner asked the fans if he should let the guys sit in the ring and hold up the show or force them out of the ring so we can start the show. Shockingly they sided with violence. Deaner kicked one and gave the other a DDT into the crotch of the other one.
Onto the main show! They’re calling this a late-arriving crowd, but there are a lot of empty seats right on camera.
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-DJ Ashba played the national anthem on his electric guitar.
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X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali pinned Jake Something
Something is following in the steps of X-Division pioneers like Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash by being a heavyweight doing battle in the X-Division. Ali arrived at the arena in a private car and got a “Goldberg” entrance by being flanked by Secret Service. Just to be nitpicky, they showed the Secret Service following behind him through the backstage area and then, seconds later, when they came out, the Secret Service was in front of Ali.
Something used his immense size advantage to run over Ali and tackle the champ to the ground. Ali got a double thrust to the throat, but then got backdropped over the top rope to the floor. Ali discovered that the best offense was a good defense. First he moved out of Something’s way and Jake punched the ring steps. Then Ali ran and slid through the corner of the ring, Jake followed, but got caught and dropped with a DDT. Ali then got Something on the ramp and did a roll-through neckbreaker, which also sent some of the stage lighting crashing onto a staff member at ringside. The staff member was okay, but Ali was officially in control. I thought they messed up a swinging hurricarana, but instead it was Something blocking it, but rolling through and turning it into a sit-out powerbomb. Something paid tribute to another former X-Division Champion, Abyss, by hitting Shock Treatment for a near fall. They ended up in the corner, but Ali did a German Suplex to the ring apron. Suddenly the Secret Service interfered. One distracted the referee while the other three rolled Something into the ring and held them so Ali could hit a 450 Splash, but Something kicked out. Something began building momentum, so Ali scurried out of the ring, but Something did a tope, clear over the top rope to the pile. Something hit Into The Void inside the ring for a 2 count when Ali got his foot on the ropes. Finally Ali rolled up Something and grabbed the rope for assistance to get the pin.
A really great match to open the ppv.
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-Former Buffalo Bill and Los Angeles Charger Shawne Merriman was shown ringside.
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Rich Swann w/AJ Francis vs Joe Hendry
Hendry used AI to edit AJ and Swann into his opening video package. Legitimately I thought Swann and AJ had edited it to mess with Hendry and wouldn’t have known differently had Tom Hannifan not said how great it was. Hendry cut a promo saying that this proves Swann and Francis are fans and have come down with a severe case of Hendry Mania. When you come down with Hendry Mania, it causes fans to chant “We Believe”.
Swann took over quickly thanks to a Francis distraction and shoved Hendry’s eyeball into the corner of the ring steps. Tom brought up Seth Rollins doing that to Rey Mysterio, which he was in WWE during. The fans chanted “Dollar Tree” at AJ while Swann worked the eye. Gotta say I’ve never used that phrase while talking about wrestling before. He didn’t seem picky about which eye, as he kicked at both sides of the head. Hendry fought out of a Guillotine and turned it into a suplex. Francis jumped on the apron and got knocked right off of it before back dropping Swann, who took a 360 bump. Francis yanked down the apron and Hendry tumbled outside and then got a chain from Shauniee Stylez, who was also at ringside. However, Shawne Merriman grabbed it and then got in the ring, challenging AJ to follow. AJ joined him, but Shawne backed him down…before knocking Hendry down with a nasty clothesline. The referee was distracted yelling at Francis to get down and Swann won with a Frog Splash.
I never liked Shawne Merriman. He was on the Bills when we were awful. Anyway the rest of the Manboy Mafia got in the ring and the girl grinded on Hendry’s dead body before they all celebrated together. This was the weakest match so far, but still nothing bad at all.
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Frankie Kazarian defeated Eric Young in a Full Metal Mayhem Match
Full Metal Mayhem is essentially TNA’s version of TLC where all metal objects are legal, but since there were no titles involved, this was just a hardcore match. I would ask what the difference between this and Monster’s Ball or just a street fight would be, but there are too many examples of this in wrestling.
Kazarian tried to attack during EY’s entrance, but Young just cracked him with his hockey mask. Young suplexed a ladder onto Kazarian and then set up a ladder bridge, however Kaz turned the tables and sent Young face-first into it. A table got set up and both men teased giving the other a big move off the apron, but neither went through it. Kazarian yelled at the crowd to “Shut up and acknowledge me as your king”, which seems to be conflicting advice. Kazarian set Young on a ladder and went for a Springboard Legdrop, but Young moved out of the way. Young pulled out a baking tray and trash can lid, but then pulled out Abyss’ old nail covered board Janice. Both tried to shove each other’s face into the only weapon ever named after Dixie Carter’s Mom. Young did the Ric Flair flip over the top turnbuckle, but as he ran down the apron, Kazarian speared him through the ropes and through the table that had been set up previously. Back in the ring we got the “Yay”/”Boo” spot and then we had Dueling Baking Trays. Just gonna say this once, I am not a fan of people doing unprotected weapon shots to the head, even if it’s “just” a baking tray. Kazarian briefly wrapped a chain around Young’s neck and used a Crossface Chicken Wing, but Young broke free and used the chain to yank Kazarian off the top rope. Young put a metal trash can on Kazarian’s top half, did a few clotheslines and a top rope elbow and I gotta say they make aluminum trash cans sturdier than they used to because this one did not want to bend. Anyway, Kazarian used an Unprettier on a ladder and set up a table while the fans chanted for fire. Young blocked Kazarian from doing some kind of offensive maneuver and followed up to the top rope, but Kazarian blocked that and did a Flux Capacitor to Young for the pin. Unfortunately they didn’t get all the way over and Young crashed head-first through the edge of the table and was busted open hardway.
That was a really good match and different from everything we’ll see tonight.
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-Gia Miller interviewed Nic Nemeth about the match with Moose. Nemeth said his dad and family are in the crowd to see him. Nemeth said the roster, the crowd and the world is ready for him to become World Champion and plans to prove he is the best.
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-I mentioned the empty seats before, but it appears to be full now, so I guess it really was a late-arriving crowd.
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-Steve Maclin came out in his gear and had a copy of a new contract he got this morning. He said he got every demand he wanted in his contract. Good for him. However, there is one more demand he has, which is a match right here and now. Well, I mean he got everything else he wanted.
Santino Marella came out and said he has signed a brand new superstar, who is eager to get started and will make his debut right now against Maclin. Out came Mike Santana, who was in TNA as part of LAX 2.0 before AEW began. He was a former Impact Tag Team Champion with Ortiz and feuded with oVe, the original LAX and the Lucha Brothers during the dark period of Impact.
Mike Santana pinned Steve Maclin
This was such a surprise that they immediately put up a graphic for Mike Santana merchandise. Santana ran wild at the bell, including doing a tope where he nearly flew into the 2nd row, however Maclin posted him and dropped him on the ring apron to take over. In the ring, Santana was hung upside down in the corner, but sat up to avoid a charging Maclin and began his comeback with a rolling Cutter. Cutler hit the Busaiku Knee when Santana was going for Spin The Block, but Santana quickly cut him off again. Santana went for it again, but it got cut off again. Santana blocked KIA and finally hit Spin The Block for the win.
This was a big win for Santana, cleanly pinning a former World Champion in his first match. It would have been bigger had Maclin been protected more since losing the title, but it’s still a big win. The match itself was fine.
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-Gia Miller interviewed The System and started by asking Alisha if Masha is part of The System. Brian Myers was visibly frustrated that Gia immediately asked Alisha a question before their tag team title match. Anyway, Brian and Eddie vowed to beat Speedball Mountain. Then Moose had a spoiler alert for Nic Nemeth’s family…Moose will leave as World Champion. Plus he says he has a surprise for Nemeth and introduces The Predator John Abraham to be in his corner. Abraham played for the Jets, Cardinals and Falcons and had 133.5 sacks in his career. We are certainly full of non-wrestlers tonight.
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Tag Team Champions Brian Meyers & Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards defeated Speedball Mountain
The match started and Trent Seven was looking out at the crowd, so while Meyers beat on Mike Bailey, Edwards knocked Seven off the apron. The challengers teamed up to take turns chopping Eddie as Tom Hannifan listed great teams to be the TNA Tag Team Champions and mentioned America’s Most Wanted. I know I am nit-picking, but AMW were never TNA Champions, they were NWA Tag Team Champions. I’d have been less nitpicky if Tom hadn’t mentioned these belts were created in 2007. Anyway, while I was ranting, Eddie dropped Seven knee-first on the ring steps to take over. Seven was able to make the tag and Bailey’s feet ran wild on both heels. Seven came in and gave Meyers a superplex and Bailey used a Shooting Star Headbutt (because Meyers was a little too far away) for a 2 count. The challengers went for a double team, but Edwards tripped Bailey and dragged him out of the ring as Meyers cut off Seven. Edwards used a Tiger Driver and transitioned that into a single-leg crab. Bailey tried to crawl in for the save, but got momentarily caught in a Crossface. Bailey got out of it, but instead of breaking up the submission on his partner immediately, he slowly built up to the spot where he kicked Edwards repeatedly to eventually break it up. If I was Seven, I wouldn’t have been thrilled. Seven tried to pick Edwards up for a Burning Hammer, but his knee went out. The champs hit a double team backpack Stunner/Top Rope Elbow, but Seven kicked out. Seven finally hit the Burning Hammer and Bailey hit the Shooting Star Knees to Edwards’ back, but Meyers speared Bailey on top of the pile, breaking up Seven’s pinfall attempt. Bailey ran down the apron for a dive to Meyers, but Brian hit a Spear to cut him off. In the ring, Seven tried to hold his own, but got pinned after a Roster Cut and Boston Knee Party.
This match was pretty damn good.
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Josh Alexander defeated Hammerstone in a Last Man Standing Match
This is their 3rd match, having split their first two matches.
Hammerstone came out wearing Alexander’s headgear as an elbow pad. This was a hard hitting match from the opening bell. Hammerstone popped right up from a German Suplex and used a Belly to Belly overhead suplex that Alexander got right back up from. Josh ended up on the apron and blocked a running boot and dropped Hammerstone with a power slam on the ring apron, but the former MLW Champion got up at 6. Alexander went to the top, but he got press slammed off and onto the ring apron. Hammerstone used a delayed vertical suplex on the floor for another count of 6. Hammerstone yelled that Josh should have stayed down, so Josh slapped him and used a half-nelson suplex on the ring apron. That apron sure is the MVP of this match. Hammerstone sold his neck, but got up at 8. Alexander used the figure four around the ring post, but Hammerstone wasn’t able to reach Alexander’s leg, but thankfully Alexander didn’t take a nasty bump on the floor. In the ring Hammerstone cracked Alexander in the ear with the headgear, which led to his ear getting busted open. I imagine it was hardway, since I can’t believe someone would blade their ear. Tom Hannifan did a great job explaining that Alexander wears headgear because of an ear injury earlier in his career, which is literally the first time I ever heard anyone explain that. Hammerstone laid Alexander’s head against the ring post and went for a running boot. I started typing “but Alexander moved” and then Alexander never moved and Hammerstone booted his head against the post. However Alexander got up at 8 and did a fantastic job selling how discombobulated he was. Alexander barely beat the count on a Torture Rack Drop and hit a Pump Kick, but Alexander laughed, tripped up his larger for and locked on an Ankle Lock. Alexander just wrecked Hammerstone’s leg and midsection, but Hammerstone blocked the C4 Spike. That may have been a bad idea because Alexander responded by kicking Hammerstone’s head off. Alexander reached under the ring and got a black bag, which was full of thumbtacks. At this point I am just waiting for Abyss to come out after all these references to him tonight. They fought on the middle rope, with Hammerstone doing a headbutt to the ear and bringing Alexander down with a Nightmare Pendulum into the thumbtacks. Honestly Hammerstone may have gotten the worst of them, as he had a bunch of tacks in his thighs, while Alexander seemed to have a lot fewer. Anyway, Josh got to his feet at 9 and Hammerstone grabbed the headgear as they fought to the ramp. Alexander hit a few blows to the head and a C4 Spike on the ramp for the win as Hammerstone’s last gasp led to him falling flat on his face. Alexander grabbed his headgear before walking off.
This was a fantastic match and, in my opinion, the best match of a very good show so far.
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-We got a video of Jonathan Grisham, which started with him in a board room and then he began talking about himself in the third person about how when he puts on a mask he becomes his true self. He began choking up ink before showing him in a mask on the other side of the room. This was weird, but kinda cool.
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Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace defeated Steph De Lander w/The Good Hands
Before the match began, George Iceman was in a skybox and introduced Ash By Elegance, who appeared to watch from the skybox.
De Lander bullied Grace into the corner to start the match, since she is 8 inches taller, but Grace got out of it. They were on different pages early and Grace did a Suicide Dive where she pretty much landed on her head. From the apron, De Lander used a TKO that Grace went throat-first onto the top rope to take over. It settled down from here. Grace punched De Lander in the stomach and she responded by yelling at Grace to do it again. However, when Grace did it, she didn’t seem happy. Oh well, some people can’t be satisfied. Every time Grace would string together a few blows, De Lander would just knock her right down. Grace got on a rear naked choke and De Lander used up all her energy to try to stop her. De Lander’s hand dropped 3 times, but one of the Good Hands hopped on the apron to distract the referee. The other one threw the title belt to De Lander, but Grace ducked it, however Grace took out the referee with a spinning back fist. De Lander took out Grace with the title belt and one of the Good Hands took the referee’s shirt off, put it on and went for the cover, but the lights went out! When they came back on…PCO was in the ring and took out both Good Hands. I may have been disappointed in the lights out surprise, but the fans weren’t. They popped for it. De Lander tried to rub PCO’s chest, but PCO grabbed her throat for a chokeslam. Out ran Big Kon, who took out PCO when Grace got to her feet and got face-to-belly button with him. He shoved Grace down, so Grace punched him low. Kon, on his knees, was almost as tall as Grace. She picked Kon up for a Juggernaut Driver, but was cut off by Hotch and Skylar. Kon went to snap Grace’s neck, when the lights went out again and when they came back on, Sami Callihan was here! Callihan is back and he took out Kon and both Good Hands by himself. Callihan gave Hotch Cactus Driver 97. Callihan threw De Lander in the ring, where she got dropped by a Juggernaut Driver and a 2nd referee ran down for the 3 count. Where the Hell was this referee during the last 5 minutes?
Matthew Rehwaldt said the last 5 minutes were a fever dream and I would agree with him. This was definitely a different title match than we’ve been used to.
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-TNA Slammiversary was announced for July 20 in Montreal at Verdun Auditorium.
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World Champion Moose defeated Nic Nemeth
Nic’s father Don and brother Ryan were shown in the crowd. He said his entire family was here and I am not going to judge him, but after seeing Mark Briscoe’s entire family, I was expecting more than 2 people.
Nemeth used his speed early, which is weird because Moose is deceptively fast, but that’s what we’re going with. Nemeth threw Moose out of the ring and went for a dive, but he got caught and dropped outside the ring. Inside the ring, Nemeth is doing a great job selling, but throws Moose to the ramp. Moose went for a powerbomb, but Nemeth turned it into a hurricarana where Moose rolled into the ring. Nemeth went for a superkick, but Alisha grabbed his foot. The referee, who didn’t see her do it, just threw Alisha, Eddie and Meyers out of the ringside area. With the distraction, Nemeth hit a superkick for a near fall. Nemeth locks on a sleeper and covers Moose’s eye to the point where when Moose tried to climb to the middle rope, it took him 3 tries because he couldn’t see the rope and kept slipping on it. Eventually he got his foot to the middle rope and fell backwards, dropping Nemeth to the mat. They end up outside the ring where Nemeth does a Famouser off the ramp to the floor and then has to break land speed records to jump into the ring and break up the count, which was at 9. Speaking of 9, back in the ring, Nemeth hit 9 successive elbow drops, but Moose rolled to the floor to avoid the 10th. However Moose wasn’t too smart about it, as he rolled outside to lay on the ground, so Nemeth hit the 10th by diving off the ring apron. Moose hit a headbutt in the ring, called Nemeth a son of a bitch and then yanked Nemeth off the middle rope with a ring rocking Sky-High (sit out spinebuster). A series of reversals ended with a Moose power bomb in the ring and then he finally hit the power bomb on the ramp, which somehow took out not only the same lights Ali took out earlier, but also the video for a second. Nemeth barely dragged himself into the ring before the count of 10. Moose went for a moonsault that Nemeth side-stepped and used a leg lariat for a 2 count. They went into the “Yay”/”Boo” spot that evolved into dueling kicks to the head. Moose went head over heels on a clothesline that I don’t think he was supposed to do and Nemeth hit his own version of the Spear for a 2 count. Moose side stepped another superkick and hit his own version of the spear to retain the title. I think Moose may have hurt himself on that flip bump because the match got a little wonky towards the end.
This was a very good match, but not nearly as good as the Alex Shelley match in January. As The System came out to celebrate, the lights went out again and this time when they came back on, it was Broken Matt Hardy, making his return to TNA. This was unexpected, as he laid out Moose with a Twist Of Fate and led the crowd in chants of DELETE as the show faded to black.
Poor Moose, we’re currently 2-for-2 in 2024 with Moose’s ppv main event victories being interrupted by debuting stars.
-Thank you all for reading, if you enjoyed, please check out the Something Else Podcast Network, available on (almost) all your favorite streaming platforms where I (mostly) review classic wrestling!
In what could be their final match in the promotion, The Motor City Machine Guns will challenge The System for the TNA Tag Team titles on tonight’s edition of Impact: the final one before Saturday’s Rebellion pay-per-view.
Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin will be looking for their fourth reign as champions while Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards are trying for their first defense. The Machine Guns became free agents after this set of TV tapings with their future still unknown.
The champions after tonight will defend against Speedball Mountain (Mike Bailey & Trent Seven) on Saturday.
Nic Nemeth will be on hand to give some thoughts ahead of his challenge of TNA World Champion Moose Saturday.
Ahead of his Last Man Standing trilogy match with Josh Alexander Saturday, Hammerstone will face Guido of The FBI.
In a preview of Saturday’s Knockouts Tag Team title match, Spitfire’s Jody Threat will face Decay’s Rosemary.
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The Hammerstone-Alexander brawl leading to Dreamer getting beaten down gets recapped alongside the Jordynne Grace-Steph De Lander contract signing and ensuing beatdown of Grace by SDL. Josh Alexander walked out to do commentary for Guido vs. Hammerstone.
Hammerstone defeated Little Guido
Guido is a perfect opponent for Hammerstone because he’s a naturally lanky guy and he makes Hammerstone look even more gigantic. Hammerstone started off with a shove into the corner before a corner-to-corner shoulder charge and a Biel throw out of the corner. Hammerstone landed a corner lariat, but ate a chop before landing a big backbreaker and a squatting fallaway slam.
Zack Clayton shoves Hammerstone out and the ref rightfully kicks Clayton out. Hammerstone came in, but ate hammerfists and a basement dropkick for 2. Hammerstone put the headgear onto Guide and the torture rack ended it. Ash By Elegance’s concierge told us all that she will at ringside at Rebellion to face the winner of the Knockouts Title match. Xia Brookside hopped into frame to let her know that they’ll have a match next week – presumably for the top contender spot.
SDL’s beating of Grace last week is shown in more detail before we see Jordynne Grace at the airport saying that Cardona won’t be at Rebellion because of his surgery and that should make it a fair fight – but she knows she’ll have something up her sleeve. LSG struts out looking like a star in this match with Joe Hendry where he doesn’t even get announced beforehand – which is smart. He gave off a smug aura, which is a lot better than nothing when you’re in an enhancement match. Hendry got a giant “we believe!” chant before cutting a promo on AJ Francis and Swann flying high with what he buys at the Top Dolla store.
Joe Hendry defeated LSG
LSG wanted an armbar, but Hendry rolled around the ring ala Austin Street to avoid it. Hendry turned a fallaway slam into a gorilla press slam before landing a gigantic Standing Ovation uranage. Both men looked great here. Shockingly, Hendry wasn’t beaten down after this match by the heels he’s feuding with. Time Machine’s issues dating back to the No Surrender match are recapped to set up the MCMG’s match tonight with The System for the tag titles. Ali is out and feels like the biggest act in the company presentation-wise. Deaner wants Rhino to be their partner and Rehwoldt said he didn’t know who this “Rhi-guy” is but he clearly hears no on this chant – okay that was fantastic.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) and Mustafa Ali defeated Jake Something, Cody Deaner & Rhino
Something slammed Gibson before Rhino tagged in to chop away before Deaner worked over the arm of Zack Gibson for a bit. Ali tagged in to mudhole stomp a weakened Deaner before Drake tagged into wear down Deaner before tagging in Ali once again. Rehwoldt demanded the formation of an appellate court so Ali can file a formal complaint about having to face Something at Rebellion. Drake prevented a tag to Rhino before Gibson came in to further take Deaner down a peg. But he got the tag anyway and Rhino ran wild!
Corner gore to Gibson before a gore met a kick to the jaw, but he fell into a tag from Something! Something charged through the GYV’s attempt at a double clothesline and then again with one of his own. Rocket launcher crossbody of Deaner got 2! Ali walked back into Something and almost ate a slam, but the GYV saved and dove into Something on the floor!
Deaner, a valiant babyface, wants a fight with all three men and they just dogpiled him in the corner. Gore to Drake and Deaner landed a knee to Gibson! Ali landed a corner high kick and a sunset bomb out of the corner before the 450 beats Deaner. As per TNA tradition, a post-match beating is teased but actually avoided as Ali just left. Steve Maclin talked about starting off the new era in TNA win its first win and no matter what the marquee says on a show, it’s always time for him to tag ’em and bag ’em.
Eric Young met with his World Class Maniac persona backstage to unleash his dark side. So now even Eric Young has a Demon version of himself and he’ll baptize Frankie Kazarian at Rebellion. Rosemary came down and Hannifan talked about the team of supernatural demons using their contractual rematch clause at Rebellion before Threat ran down.
Rosemary defeated Jody Threat
Rosemary got a reverse bearhug to start before eating a clothesline and a powerslam for 2. Rosemary got a single leg dropkick before biting Threat in the corner and locking on a hanging neck choke for a four count, breaking right before five. Rosemary got two off a German suplex and a Muta lock to Threat was ended by a rope break. Threat got a German and a clothesline for two before Rosemary landed a run-up forearm for two before a spear ended it.
Jonathan Gresham’s therapy session has him feel like he’s unheard and that’s why he wears a mask. Life is a costume party and he’s been vulnerable – but it will end soon enough. So Eric Young has the World Class Maniac persona and Gresham has The Octopus – everyone gets an alter-ego! The Guns came out before The System emerged with their titles and Edwards did bicep curls with his belt.
TNA Tag Team Champions The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defeated The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) to retain
The Guns got a quick edge before an ad break. Edwards chopped away on Shelley before Sabin hit a dragon screw on the right leg and Shelley landed one on the left one back to back, giving Shelley an opening for a figure four leglock. Sabin locked one in on Myers before Edwards got to the rope. Alisha grabbed Shelley and he grabbed her before getting pie-faced by Eddie and then chopped hard.
Myers slowed things down with a chinlock before Shelley fired back briefly, but ate a back elbow. Edwards worked him over for a bit with a front chancery before Shelley escaped that – but Edwards knocked Sabin down before a tag could be made. Shelley got a hope spot off a corner flatliner before a combat roll into a tag and Sabin flew in with a dropkick!
Sabin hit a suicide dive through Shelley’s legs and tossed Edwards before setting Myers on top of Edwards for a double-team missile dropkick/flatliner for two. Sabin landed a helluva kick to Edwards before Myers blind tagged himself in. Backpack stunner from Edwards and the Myers elbow got 2.5! I like it – moves like that help them feel more like a cohesive team instead of a makeshift unit. Roster Cut is met with a crucifix and a Sabin cutter and vintage MCMG fast-break offense.
They were the first team on a national stage to really use the Dragon Gate style and in that time, they have become legends in TNA, with Shelley actually getting a World title run and Sabin being christened the great X Division champion of all time. Now, their story ended in TNA with a Roster Cut and a Boston Knee Party.
Nic Nemeth/Moose promo
Nic Nemeth came out and did the unwise move of running into the crowd resulting in him being impossible to see, but thankfully going back to the ring and being visible. He cut a nice promo about Vegas being special for him because it’s where he debuted in TNA before Moose interrupted. Moose insulted the fans and Nemeth said that the fans are behind him, management’s behind him and he’s here for TNA because that’s why he wore the TNA shirt in his debut.
Moose cut a boring promo about Nemeth being the problem not with a title win – but after. When he’s given the ball, he only runs a few yards and fumbles. There’s a lot missing from Moose’s presentation – on-paper, he’s got the suit, the belt, and the faction, but the passion doesn’t seem to be there. Moose wanting the title against Tessa and bringing in the fake TNA World Title to defend felt like a bigger deal than him being the actual TNA World Champion now. Nemeth tells Moose that he’s not facing Dolph Ziggler – he’s facing Nic Nemeth and the future of TNA. Nemeth should probably win the title at the PPV, but we’re only three months into Moose’s reign, so I can see them holding it off until Slammiversary.
Josh Alexander & Hammerstone will finish their trilogy at TNA Rebellion.
TNA officially announced Thursday that Alexander vs. Hammerstone 3 will take place at the Rebellion pay-per-view on Saturday, April 20.
Hammerstone made his return to TNA for the first time in six years in January at the Hard to Kill pay-per-view, losing to the veteran Alexander in his first match back. Hammerstone then took the victory in their second meeting in March at the Sacrifice event. The rubber match will now take place on April 20 at Rebellion in Las Vegas.
Six matches are now official for Rebellion set for Saturday, April 20. The event will air at 8 p.m. Eastern time on pay-per-view. The current lineup:
TNA World Champion Moose defends against Nic Nemeth
TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace defends against Steph De Lander
TNA X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali defends against Jake Something
TNA Tag Team Champions The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defend against Speedball Mountain (Mike Bailey & Trent Seven)
Eric Young vs. Frankie Kazarian in a Full Metal Mayhem match
