On TNA Impact this week, a new title match for Rebellion will be confirmed.
TNA has announced that “Mustafa Ali’s Rebellion Referendum” will air on Impact this Thursday. It’s a multi-man number one contender’s match to determine who will challenge Ali for the X-Division Championship at next month’s Rebellion pay-per-view.
The participants for the match have not publicly been revealed. It was taped at TNA’s television tapings in Windsor, Ontario, Canada earlier this month. Spoilers from the taping can be found here.
In his debut match for TNA, Ali defeated Chris Sabin to win the X-Division Championship at No Surrender this February. Ali then retained against Sabin in a rematch on Impact last week.
Rebellion is taking place from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 20.
The updated lineup for this Thursday’s Impact episode is listed below:
TNA Impact (Thursday, March 21) —
Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace defends against Tasha Steelz
Time Splitters (Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA) vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake)
Digital Media Champion Crazzy Steve defends against PCO
TNA Sacrifice has come and gone which means it’s time for a reset episode of Impact which I recap on this week’s Big Vinny V Show.
On that note, we had an excellent main event pitting Nic Nemeth & “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Trent Seven against Steve Maclin & The Rascalz — a great TV match that wrapped up two feuds and set up new challengers for TNA World Champion Moose and TNA Tag Team Champions The System.
The opener was also tremendous with Mustafa Ali defending the X-Division title against Chris Sabin who has suddenly found himself and his Time Machine teammates embroiled in drama.
All this and more in a very quick edition of the Big Vinny V Show!
On Impact tonight, Chris Sabin gets his rematch for the TNA X-Division Championship.
Sabin is challenging Mustafa Ali for the X-Division title on tonight’s Impact. Ali made his TNA debut by winning the championship from Sabin in the main event of No Surrender this February.
Ali and Sabin were then on opposite sides of a six-man tag match at Sacrifice last Friday. Ali & The Grizzled Young Veterans defeated Sabin, Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA after a miscommunication between Motor City Machine Gun partners Sabin and Shelley.
The fallout from Sacrifice will be featured on tonight’s show. Nic Nemeth was victorious against Steve Maclin at the TNA+ special. Tonight, they face off again as Nemeth teams with Mike Bailey & Trent Seven against Maclin & The Rascalz.
We’ll hear from Josh Alexander following his loss to Alex Hammerstone at Sacrifice. Alexander and Hammerstone now have a 1-1 record against each other.
New Knockouts Tag Team Champions Dani Luna & Jody Threat will be in action tonight. Plus, Ace Austin vs. Frankie Kazarian and AJ Francis vs. Joe Hendry are set.
The post Sacrifice edition of TNA Impact wasted no time in Chris Sabin making his entrance to face Mustafa Ali for the X-Division Championship.
TNA X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali defeated Chris Sabin to retain
Good match, but the finish was weird. It does work if they are slowly teasing a Sabin heel turn, and given his heelish actions in this match, it would fit. It leaves a question about who the top babyfaces in the company would be though, as Alex Shelley was teasing a heel turn too on last week’s Impact.
Sabin started the match taking out Ali’s security and hitting a suicide dive on Ali. Sabin did the old Petey Williams “Oh Canada!” spot in the corner, dodged a dive from the middle turnbuckle, and locked on an arm submission. Ali made the ropes, and Sabin decided to just yank the hair of Ali. Ali rolled to the outside, cut of Sabin before a dive, hit a suicide dive of his own and then rolled into the ring and hit a neckbreaker after returning Sabin to the ring. That was cool.
Ali got the heat for the next few minutes, working Sabin over until he missed a 450 splash, and Sabin hit a kick to the face to drop Ali. Sabin and Ali exchanged superkicks after a blocked powerbomb and both went down. Sabin missed a corner charge, and Ali grabbed the X-Division title and brought it into the ring. As Ali charged for the belt shot, Sabin exploded from the corner and hit a lariat. Sabin grabbed the title and went to hit Ali with it, which was dumb, as he wouldn’t win the title, and Ali dodged, rolled him up, and got his feet on the top rope to chcceat to win.
–Mike Bailey, Trent Seven, and Nic Nemeth were with Gia Miller and cut an absolutely insane promo about how they were going to take the System to the danger zone. After saying they were the best trio in wrestling, they were after tag team gold, and Nemeth is after the world title. Bailey then did his karate bow, and Seven and Nemeth followed, along with Gia Miller, which was quite funny.
–Josh Alexander came down to the ring to address the fans after his loss to Hammerstone at TNA Sacrifice. Alexander said that last year he had given up the championship in Windsor, and in a response to a fan saying he’d win it back, Alexander agreed. He said every match he has had is a rung on the ladder, but Hammerstone actually beat him, though by cheating and then stealing his headgear. Alexander said that he wouldn’t stop fighting, and he will keep getting up, and for the first time in a long time, he’s focused on something other than titles, and is coming for Hammerstone.
Alpha Bravo and Oleg Prudius came out, and I predict that he is about to die. Bravo claimed that Dirty Dango softened him up. Dango attackced Alexander from behind, but got dumped over the ropes to the floor. To Dango’s credit, he took quite the bump to the floor, launching himself over the ropes. Prudius entered the ring and security ran down to separate the two. Santino’s music hit and he booked the match for right now.
Josh Alexander defeated Oleg Prudius
This did not last long, and the bookers were wise to keep it short, as we know Prudius is not a great worker, and now on the wrong side of 50, so he threw Alexander once, but Alexander took out the knee and locked on an ankle lock for the win.
–Crazzy Steve came out to the ramp and spoke a lot of nonsense to say that everyone who has come up against him realized that he wasn’t like the other wrestlers. He also said he was the only champion where if he stepped in the ring, the title was being defended. He said there wasn’t a wrestler alive that could handle that pressure, and the lights went out.
PCO came out to face off with Steve, which may be a very fun hardcore match in the near future. I’d put the Digital Media title on PCO. It’d be fun to see him with that.
–A video aired of ABC confronting Frankie Kazarian, saying that they were going to teach him respect since he doesn’t respect anyone after his interference in the main event, costing Eric Young the title.
Frankie Kazarian defeated Ace Austin (w/ Chris Bey)
This match was really fun. Ace Austin really had turned into an excellent worker, and seeing him in singles matches have shown that clearly. Kazarian, as always, is tremendous. Great heel work from Kazarian here.
A fan had a rather clever sign that said “Killer of Arrogant Zebras” for Kaz, as he has taken out a referee. We found the pro Kazarian section of the audience. Kazarian requested Jade Chung to announce him as the King of TNA. Austin rolled up Kazarian with a La Magistral cradle for a 2-count while he was distracted.
Kazarian locked up with Austin, put him on the top rope and broke clean before shoving Austin off the top rope to the floor for the heat. That was great. Kazarian draped Austin on the ropes and hit a knee lift that sent Austin to the floor. Kazarian taunted Chris Bey while choking Austin on the floor, but got into a shouting match that distracted him and allowed time to recover and hit a back body drop.
Austin hit an enziguri off the middle rope but missed The Fold. Kazarian went for Fade to Black, but Austin rolled out. Kazarian caught him with the chicken wing, but Austin rolled out. Kazarian hit an Ocean Cyclone Suplex for the 2-count, which is a fantastic move, though he did not do it as well as Manami Toyota (which, to be fair, no one can). Kazarian went for an Unprettier, but Austin fought out and dropkicked the knee. Austin tried to bridge backwards into a pinfall, but Kazarian caught him with the chicken wing as he did and got the submission.
–Kazarian continued beating down ABC after the match, but Eric Young ran down to make the save and Kazarian bailed to the floor.
–The System cut a promo about all the championships they have won in their career, from football, to WWE, to ROH, to NOAH, to TNA. This was good.
–Gia Miller walked up to Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and KUSHIDA and asked them what happened with them lately, but the Grizzled Young Vets walked up and said that they were the new top team in TNA. Shelley said that they could fight the top team in TNA, the Time Splitters, which is a noticeable exclusion of Chris Sabin. Shelley slow burn heel turn seems to be continuing.
–A video aired of AJ Francis joining a celebrity basketball game for charity, which was nice.
–Joe Hendry cut a promo about how he knew that Francis put on a tough exterior image, but that he was sensitive on the inside because he kept whining and crying all the time. Francis attacked Hendry from behind and the next match began.
AJ Francis defeated Joe Hendry
This was a good usage of Francis. He is not a great worker, but he only focused on doing simple things, and Hendry selling for him worked well.
Francis missed a corner charge and Hendry hit 10 punches in the corner. Hendry tried to suplex Francis, but Francis lifted Hendry up with ease and suplexed him. Francis hit a knee strike in the corner and rolled over the ropes to the floor. Francis keeping his offence basic and throwing people around works for him, and as he went for a chokeslam, Hendry slipped out and tried to slam him. Francis was too heavy, and he countered into a back suplex on Hendry.
Francis blocked a second slam attempt by falling on Hendry with his weight for a 2-count. Hendry hit a few clotheslines to try and drop Francis, but Francis responded with a shoulder tackle. Francis went for the chokeslam again, got Hendry up, but Hendry countered into a DDT. Hendry managed to bounce Francis off the ropes and hit a slam for a 2-count. The referee got bumped after Francis pulled the referee into the corner and Hendry hit a splash.
Francis grabbed a chair and tried to use it, but Hendry hit a dropkick to knock it out of his hands. Hendry and Francis went for the chair, but Rich Swann came down, stomped on the chair to stop either man from getting it, picked it up and then hit Joe Hendry to turn heel.
–Alan Angels did The Sound Check with Ash by Elegance and George Iceman, with Ash and George being disgusted at the lack of elegance on set, as it was just the production boxes. Ash had a huge announcement – that she would be having her 3rd match in TNA next week.
–Before the next match, Killer Kelley & Masha Slamovich came down to ringside to observer this match. Before the bell could ring, The Decay made their way down as well to view the new champions.
Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) defeated Beaa Moss & Vanna Black
Moss and Luna started the match, with Luna overpowering Moss early on. Threat and Luna showed some good double team offence, Moss and Black were thown around the ring, including Luna suplexing both Moss and Black at the same time. Threat put Black in position for a burning hammer, bud flipped Black over the shoulder of Luna who turned it into a powerbomb. That was cool!
–Tasha Steelz came down to ringside and said that Jordynne Grace beat Xia Brookside at Sacrifice, and did not pin Steelz. Steelz challenged Grace to a match for Impact next week for the title.
Speedball Mountian (Mike Bailey & Trent Seven) & Nic Nemeth defeated The Rascalz (Zachery Wentz & Trey Miguel) & Steve Maclin
The Old Bryan and Vinny theory of there never being a bad six-man main event on Raw from 2005 has extended to TNA for quite some time, and this was no exception. An excellent main event that saw everyone being given a chance to shine, but a clear direction for the winners, as they were attacked by the System after the match.
Nemeth and Wentz started the match, and Wentz made the mistake of trying to wrestle with Nemeth, who immediately went into his amateur background and rolled with him. Maclin tagged himself in immediately after Miguel tagged in, looking to take on Nemeth, but it did not go well for him or the Rascaalz as Trent Seven and Mike Bailey hit some hard strikes and chops on everyone.
Maclin helped his team take control after stopping a burning hammer, and started working over the knee of Seven. Seven almost made a hot tag to Bailey, but Maclin pulled Bailey from the top rope. Seven continued to fight though, hitting a superplex on Wentz. Seven made the hot tag to Nemeth, who hit an Olympic slam on Maclin and then dropkicks on The Rascalz. Nemeth hit a series of Stinger splashes in the corner, a series of neck breakers on everyone, and a series of elbows on Maclin but Miguel made the save.
Nemeth hit a spike DDT on Maclin, but Wentz hit a flatliner, Bailey hit a kick to Wentz, Miguel hit a handspring kick on Bailey, and Seven hit a seven star lariat before Maclin hit a knee on Seven. Nemeth missed a Fameaser and then hit a low pe on Miguel by accident. Wentz shoved Maclin, and their partnership seemed to end right there, as The Rascalz left and Maclin ate a double team move from Seven and Bailey and then the Danger Zone from Nemeth for the win.
–The System attacked after the match and laid out all 3 winners, with The System posing with all their titles after the match. The direction is clear now – Speedball Mountain vs. Myers and Edwards, and Nemeth vs. Moose. I suspect they will be the two big matches at TNA Rebellion, and the build to it has begun while tying the bow on Maclin/Nemeth and Speedball Mountian/The Rascalz. Well booked main event segment.
Final Thoughts
This felt like an episode of TNA Impact that actually had a direction for what was coming in the next few weeks, rather than rushing to another PPV. Good episode, and I’m looking forward to see how they can build around these two groups in the main event as we go forward.
TNA Impact – March 21, 2024
GYV vs. Time Splitters
TNA Digital Media Championship: Crazzy Steve (c) vs. PCO
Ash by Elegance in action
TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs. Tasha Steelz
TNA Wrestling has announced several matches for Thursday’s episode of Impact on AXS TV.
X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali is set to defend his title against former champion Chris Sabin on the show. Ali defeated Sabin for the belt at No Surrender last month.
Also announced for this week is a grudge match pitting the former Top Dolla, AJ Francis, against Joe Hendry.
Nic Nemeth will be in action as he teams with Mike Bailey and Trent Seven against Steve Maclin, Zachary Wentz, and Trey Miguel.
Ace Austin vs. Frankie Kazarian and a segment with Josh Alexander are also scheduled for the show.
Matches for this week’s episode were filmed on Saturday at St. Clair’s College in Windsor, ON, Canada. Spoilers from the show are available here.
TNA Impact announced lineup for Thursday, March 14, 2024 —
X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali defends against Chris Sabin
Nic Nemeth, Mike Bailey, and Trent Seven vs. Steve Maclin, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel
It’s the long-awaited review of Sacrifice, the latest PPV/PLE/app special from Total Nonstop Action.
The show had some good stuff—Nic Nemeth vs. Steve Maclin, Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards challenging the ABC for the tag titles, Mustafa Ali & the Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Time Machine, and Jordynne Grace defending the Knockouts title against Xia Brookside and Tasha Steelz.
But it also had some stuff that felt like it belonged on another show in another era—Kon vs. PCO, Josh Alexander vs. Hammerstone, and Moose defending the TNA title against Eric Young in the main event. And finally, it had the Knockouts tag division, which pretty much always sucks.
For more details, listen right away to the latest edition of The Big Vinny V Show!
The spoilers for Saturday’s TNA Impact TV taping have finally emerged, courtesy of TNA Asylum.
The following matches were taped at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and will encompass the next two weeks of TV featuring the fallout of Friday’s Sacrifice streaming special.
Rosemary defeated Masha Slamovich
X Division Champion Mustafa Ali defeated Chris Sabin to retain.
Josh Alexander defeated Oleg Prudius
PCO interrupted a live promo from Digital Media Champion Crazzy Steve
Frankie Kazarian defeated Ace Austin. After the match, Kazarian attacked Chris Bey which led to Eric Young making the save.
No result was listed for Joe Hendry vs. AJ Francis
Knockouts Tag Team Champions Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) defeated Beaa Moss & Vanna Black
There was an in-ring promo with The System and Nic Nemeth involved.
Jake Something defeated Jason Hotch, Kevin Knight, Alan Angels and Heath Slater to earn a future X-Division title shot.
Time Splitters (Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA) defeated Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson)
No result was listed for Digital Media Champion Crazzy Steve vs. PCO
Elegance by Ash defeated Seleziya Sparx. Xia Brookside ran off Ash after the match.
Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace defeated Tasha Steelz to retain
Nic Nemeth & Speedball Mountain (Mike Bailey & Trent Seven) defeated Steve Maclin & The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel)
TNA’s next set of tapings will take place on March 22nd and 23rd at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
One day before Sacrifice, a new episode of TNA Impact airs tonight.
X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali will be in non-title action against Kevin Knight. The two will also be on opposite sides of a six-man tag match at Sacrifice. Ali is teaming with The Good Hands against Chris Sabin, KUSHIDA & Knight at the TNA+ special.
The Good Hands recently helped Ali win the X-Division title from Sabin.
Moose is set to defend his TNA World Championship against Eric Young at Sacrifice. Tonight, we’ll hear from Young in advance of his title challenge.
Ash By Elegance, the former Dana Brooke, will wrestle her second TNA match tonight. She was victorious against Savannah Thorne in her TNA debut.
Ash By Elegance has her sights set on the Knockouts Championship. Jordynne Grace is defending the title against Tasha Steelz and Xia Brookside in a three-way match at Sacrifice.
Josh Alexander vs. Dirty Dango, PCO vs. Alan Angels, and Masha Slamovich vs. Dani Luna are also part of tonight’s lineup. Alexander is facing Alex Hammerstone at Sacrifice.
Mustafa Ali defeated Kevin Knight
Knight hit a great dropkick when Ali went for a leapfrog, followed by a splash for a two count. Ali dodged a corner charge and rolled into the ring from the apron into a neckbreaker on Knight. That was awesome. Ali hit a DDT on Knight for a two count. Ali went to the middle rope and got cut off by Knight, who jumped into the air and hit a hurricanrana. Ali managed to hit a backstabber for a two count.
Ali trash talked Knight, hitting some punches, but ate a clothesline from Knight. Ali bailed to the floor and Knight hit a dive onto Ali and all his security, while Knight got a two count after a dive. The Good Hands and Sabin and KUSHIDA started brawling on the floor and they all got into the ring and spilled out the other side. That should have been a DQ or No Contest, but the match continued.
The finish was chaotic as John Skylar tried to throw the X-Division title to Ali, but Sabin tried to stop him. Ali kicked Sabin and the belt ended up in the ring, and Ali took the belt and hit Knight to get the win.
–The fighting continued after the match with The Good Hands tying Knight up, and Ali hitting a 450 splash onto the arm of Kevin Knight. Alex Shelley came running out to make the save, holding a crutch for some reason, and he chased them away as KUSHIDA and Sabin checked on Knight.
–Xia Brookside, Tasha Steelz, and Jordynne Grace had a video air for their upcoming match, discussing how Steelz and Brookside were not sure Grace could beat the both of them.
–A doctor was checking on Kevin Knight, and the doctor refused to clear him. Alex Shelley offered to take his place, saying that he would be there for his friends, and Sabin wondered what he meant by that. Shelley said that Sabin wasn’t there to back him up at No Surrender, and he didn’t expect KUSHIDA to throw in the towel. Both KUSHIDA and Sabin were bothered by this, and Shelley said that he was going to go to Santino and get a Time Splitters reunion match against The Good Hands.
Ash by Elegance (w/ George Iceman) defeated Angel Blue
This was a basic match, ending with a senton bomb that Ash called “Rarified Air.” You know, not everything needs a ™ name for each wrestler. That said, Ash has looked perfectly fine in her first two matches in TNA.
–Steve Maclin was in his hotel room, clearly cutting this promo with his laptop. Maclin asked where Nic Nemeth was, and if Nemeth wasn’t going to show up, he wasn’t going to show up. Maclin was suddenly attacked and his stream froze, and it came back to see Maclin on the floor, and Nic Nemeth picked up the camara, looked into it, and then set it down next to Maclin’s unconscious body.
The Time Splitters (Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA) defeated The Good Hands (John Skyler & Jason Hotch)
I’m not sure if I want to see a Shelley heel turn now, but I know he is also an incredible heel. Good tag match though.
Shelley looked frustrated on his way down to the ring, but still did a fist bump with KUSHIDA and played to the crowd. KUSHIDA and Hotch started the match with some fun technical exchanges, with KUSHIDA showing how awesome he is. KUSHIDA and Shelley looked like they never stopped teaming before, with some incredibly smooth segments here against Hotch. The fans chanted “Break his arm!” as Shelley stomped on the elbow of Hotch.
Hotch misdirected KUSHIDA into Shelley and managed to tag out, and Hotch and Skylar got the heat on KUSHIDA for the next few minutes. Shelley made the hot tag after a handspring elbow from KUSHIDA, but was quickly cut off again by a shot from Hotch, who was on the apron. The Good Hands ended up having their own misdirection as Shelley sent them crashing into each other after a dropdown, and the The Time Splitters had a come back, but Skylar dodged a corner charge from KUSHIDA, and Shelley accidentally hit an enziguri on KUSHIDA in the corner for a near fall.
To make up for it, Shelley tripped up Skylar and KUSHIDA punted the arm on Skylar and locked on the Hoverboard Lock for the submission win.
–KUSHIDA and Shelley argued after the match about the accidental hitting of each other.
–Dirty Dango did a promo with Alpha Bravo (who he kept calling Johnny Bravo, breaking the kayfabe of the gimmick change, but it suits him). He also claimed he and Oleg Prudius would face the best tag teams in the world with one year or less experience. He then talked about how he was going to beat Josh Alexander.
–Mustafa Ali was backstage as the Good Hands were apologizing for losing to the Time Splitters. They said think of it as a fact finding mission to help identify the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. Ali thanked them for this and then told them they were being replaced by the Grizzled Young Vets at Sacrifice. Hotch was disappointed, John Skylar was in awe of Ali.
This was not long, but it was good. Slamovich and Luna worked very well together, hit hard, and kept up a very good pace. Really fun match.
Tom Hannifan noted that on Xplosion, Jody Threat beat Killer Kelly, and wondered if that would play into this match. Slamovich distracted the referee and Kelly choked Luna on the ropes, which allowed Slamovich to hit a PK to the back of Luna for a two count. Luna and Slamovich hit each other very hard over the next 2-3 minutes, and Luna won after a lariat and a fireman’s carry into a powerbomb for the win.
PCO defeated Alan Angels
PCO deaded him. With murder. I realize this is not proper grammar (using dead as a verb), but there is really no other way to describe this squash match, as PCO hits a chokeslam and a moonsault.
–PCO and Kon brawled after the match, with Kon snapping the neck of Angels and then PCO and Kon brawling backstage and swinging chairs at each other.
–A recap video aired of Crazzy Steve retaining the Digital Media Championship against Rhino on Xplosion. Steve claimed to be a teacher who specializes in misery. Steve said every time he is in the ring, the title would be defended, he was going to beat them all.
–Eric Young came out for a promo, wearing the least intimidating shirt I have ever seen, which appeared to be a skeletal hand holding a slice of pizza all over it. Young said that he would do everything in his life all over again if it meant him standing right there in a TNA ring, and he wanted the TNA title.
Moose came out and said that no matter how much passion Young has, the outcome would be the same – Moose retaining. Moose suggested he and Eric Young fight tonight in a street fight, and Young agreed, but Moose was simply baiting Young in, and Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards ran in and attacked Young, letting Moose spear Young. Moose was going to use a chain to spear Young like he did Shelley, but ABC r an down to make the save.
This was a very good main event. Dango had his best match in TNA, and Alexander continues to be awesome.
Alexander and Dango did grapple for a bit, but Alexander came out on top eventually and Dango rolled to the floor. Dango came back in and went after the arm of Alexander. It happened to be the arm that Alexander injured years ago. Dango shoved Alexander to the floor after a distraction from Alpha Bravo, causing Alexander to land awkwardly on his knee.
Dango hit a dragon screw on the floor, and slammed Alexander’s knee on the apron. Dango locked on a death lock on the knee of Alexander, but Alexander chopped his way out of it. Dango did not let that deter him though, as he slammed Alexander’s knee into the ring post repeatedly. Dango charged Alexander, and Alexander turned it into a rolling fireman’s carry. Alexander hit a flying knee off the middle rope for a 2-count.
Dango hit a slingshot leg drop on Alexander, who was propped in the corner, and followed with a falcon arrow. Alexander rolled away from the corner to avoid a guillotine leg drop from Dango, and as Dango went to drag him back, Alexander hit a few German suplexes, but was unable to keep the bridge due to knee. Alexander went to the top rope and Dango cut him off and went for a superplex. Alexander blocked it and Alley Ooped Dango over his head to the floor onto Alpha Bravo. Alexander then flipped off the top rope over the corner and onto everyone.
Alexander ate a tornado DDT in the ring, and Dango went for the guillotine leg drop, but Alexander slipped to the side to dodge it, caught the leg of Dango, and locked on the ankle lock for the submission win. Great match.
Final Thoughts
This was a better episode of Impact than recent weeks, though none of the matches were as good as Maclin and Mike Bailey from a few weeks ago. This PPV being so soon after the last one has not given them much time to build at all, so that has hurt some of it. That said, this was a decent episode, with a very fun main event.
TNA Sacrifice – March 8, 2024
Josh Alexander vs. Hammerstone
Nic Nemeth vs. Steve Maclin
PCO vs. Kon
Time Machine vs. Mustafa Ali & GYV
TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (c) vs. Dani Luna & Jody Threat
TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs. Xia Brookside vs. Tasha Steelz
TNA Wrestling has announced several matches for its show this Saturday.
One night after Sacrifice, TNA will present a TV taping at St. Clair’s College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali will defend his title against former champion Chris Sabin in a rematch from No Surrender on the show.
WINDSOR! These four HUGE MATCHES are coming your way THIS SATURDAY as #TNAiMPACT comes to St Clair College!
Sabin interrupted Ali’s X-Division Championship ceremony on last week’s episode.
The Grizzled Young Vets vs. The Time Splitters, Leon Slater vs. Sheldon Jean, and a trios match with Nic Nemeth, Mike Bailey & Trent Seven facing Steve Maclin and The Rascalz have been announced as well.
TNA Wrestling TV taping on March 9 announced lineup:
X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali defends against Chris Sabin
Leon Slater vs. Sheldon Jean
The Grizzled Young (James Drake & Zack Gibson) vs. The Time Splitters (KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley)
Nic Nemeth, Mike Bailey, & Trent Seven vs. Steve Maclin & The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel)
Before TNA gets to Windsor this weekend, a new episode is set to air on AXS TV tonight.
TNA Impact lineup for Thursday, March 7:
Mustafa Ali vs. Kevin Knight
Ash by Elegance vs. TBA
We’ll hear from Eric Young
Alan Angels vs. PCO
Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs. Masha Slamovich w/Killer Kelly
Sacrifice will then air on TNA+ tomorrow night.
TNA Wrestling Sacrifice lineup for Friday, March 8:
TNA World Champion Moose defends against Eric Young
TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace defends against Tasha Steelz and Xia Brookside in a triple threat match
TNA Tag Team Champions ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defend against Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers
Nic Nemeth vs. Steve Maclin
Josh Alexander vs. Alex Hammerstone
Mustafa Ali, John Skyler & Jason Hotch vs. Chris Sabin, KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight
It’s a weird episode of TNA Impact squeezed in between two PPVs.
What is the fallout after Mustafa Ali’s historic X Division Title win at No Surrender, and with a crowded field of challengers, what does the future hold for him at Sacrifice? And speaking of Sacrifce, Moose will defend the TNA championship against Eric Young, but it sure feels like Kazarian has been a bigger part of the show than either of them.
The Grizzled Young Veterans are conspicuous by their absence, IWGP Global Heavyweight champion Nic Nemeth is ready for Steve Maclin, and the Knockouts tag division is a complete disaster. All this and more on the Big Vinny V Show!
Mustafa Ali vs. Kevin Knight is one of four matches announced for the Thursday, March 7 TNA Impact.
After Knight, KUSHIDA, and Chris Sabin interrupted Ali’s X-Division Championship inauguration ceremony on this week’s Impact, a trios match with Ali, Jason Hotch & John Skyler vs. Knight, KUSHIDA & Sabin was made official for Sacrifice on March 8. Prior to the trios bout, Ali will go one-on-one with Knight on next week’s Impact.
Ash by Elegance also announced on Thursday’s show that she will have her second TNA match on next week’s Impact against an unannounced opponent.
Josh Alexander will face Dirty Dango on next week’s Impact in a tune-up match ahead of Sacrifice. Alexander is set to face new signee Alex Hammerstone at Sacrifice
Also announced for next week’s Impact, Knockouts Tag Team title holder Masha Slamovich will take on Dani Luna.
The announced card for the Thursday, March 7 Impact, the go-home show for the Friday, March 8 Sacrifice event:
On TNA Impact tonight, Mustafa Ali makes his first appearance as X-Division Champion.
The former WWE star won TNA’s X-Division title by defeating Chris Sabin at No Surrender last Friday. Tonight, Ali will hold his official X-Division Championship Inauguration Ceremony. We’ll see if a new challenger for Ali emerges.
We know that Moose’s next defense of the TNA World Championship will be against Eric Young at Sacrifice on Friday, March 8. Moose retained the title against Alex Shelley at No Surrender, while Young defeated Frankie Kazarian in a number one contender’s match.
Moose, Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers are facing Young, Ace Austin & Chris Bey in trios action tonight.
Mike Bailey vs. Steve Maclin, Tasha Steelz vs. Xia Brookside, AJ Francis & Deaner vs. Rich Swann & Joe Hendry, and Laredo Kid vs. Jake Something are also part of tonight’s lineup. The matches were taped in New Orleans the day after No Surrender.
Impact opened with a fantastic video package of what happened at TNA No Surrender, with some very high quality video (for the most part, minus one camera) for the videos. If the show looked like this all the time, it would be one of the best visually produced wrestling products on TV. Excellent video package.
Steve Maclin (w/ The Rascalz) defeated Mike Bailey (w/ Trent Seven)
The gave Bailey absolutely everything in this loss, including constant interference to stop him from keeping any of his momentum. This was an awesome match. Maclin looked like a monster, and Bailey looked like he could overcome the world with just a slightly different match.
Bailey was selling his knee a little bit on his entrance and when he launched himself over the ropes, he sold his knee a little bit. I liked that subtle touch, as Steve Maclin took out his knee with a chop block that allowed The Rascalz to get the win over Bailey and Seven at No Surrender. The Rascalz accompanied Maclin to the ring, and were dressed in camo pants they likely bought at a local mall, and toques (beanies for my American friends). They were quite hilarious here.
The Rascalz helped Maclin bail to the floor, but Bailey was not deterred and went to the floor and started chopping Maclin. Maclin, however, had the advantage soon thereafter thanks to the Rascalz, and Maclin took out the knee of Bailey and continued where he left off at the PPV. Bailey managed to hit a kick to the face of Maclin with his right leg on the apron, using the ropes for support, and then launched himself to the floor with a corkscrew moonsault on one leg. Impressive.
Bailey went for a moonsault onto double knees on the apron (while on one foot) to Maclin but Maclin moved and hit the ropes and speared Bailey off the apron to the floor. Maclin hit a Greetings from Asbury Park after a distraction from Miguel. Seven gave Bailey a chance at a tornado kick, but Maclin blocked it and went for a powerbomb, but Bailey turned it into a Poison Rana but missed Ultima Weapon and landed right on the injured knee. Maclin went for KIA, but Bailey countered into a Northern Lights suplex, but Maclin held onto the arms and rolled through into a KIA for the win.
–Steve Maclin claimed that he ran Nic Nemeth off, and that he was not there tonight. Nemeth came on screen and said the only reason he wasn’t there was because he was in NJPW winning the IWGP Global Championship, and he would face Maclin at TNA Sacrifice.
–Frankie Kazarian was seen trying to get past security, and he was informed by Gia Miller that Santino had suspended him for his attack of a referee after the match with Eric Young. Kazarian said that Santino should think very carefully about this being the right decision, which makes me things bad things are coming for Santino.
Jake Something defeated Laredo Kid
Jake Something caught Laredo Kid off a hurricanrana to the floor and picked him up into a powerbomb on the floor after rolling through it, which was incredible, but also probably very painful for Laredo Kid. Kid managed to hit a flipping DDT on Something, but Something kicked out at 1. Something hit Into the Void soon thereafter for the win.
–Kon was with Alan Angels for The Sound Check, and this was very bad. Kon said PCO was finally dead. The lights flickered and went black and white, and PCO appeared. PCO destroyed Alan Angels and then Kon and PCO threw punches and the cameras went off.
Joe Hendry & Rich Swann defeated AJ Francis & Deaner
Francis was not good in this match. He was far from the worst I have ever seen, but he definitely wasn’t good. However, working matches like this with a more comedy bent could be his future, and he could be fun in that role.
Joe Hendry cut a promo about the match, and talked about how AJ Francis’ family and friends were huddled around a TV excited for his debut, so he was asking the fans to not chant “AJ Sucks” which they responded by chanting exactly that. He then apologized to Francis. Francis tagged in immediately to go after Hendry, but Swann was the one who was legal, so Francis knocked Hendry off the apron and tagged back out to Deaner, who unfortunately got chopped by Swann.
Swann went for a dive, but Francis got in his way. Deaner got the heat on Hendry for a few minutes. Swann managed to hit a kick on Deaner and then tagged out to Hendry, who hit a stalling suplex on Deaner, including doing two squats while holding him up. Hendry then hit Francis and knocked him off the apron. Deaner responded by laying out the distracted Hendry and tagging in Francis.
Francis hit a knee strike that appeared to not hit Hendry at all before flipping over the top rope and landing on his feet on the floor. He needs to work on the delivery of the knee itself, but the ending of it looked nice. The fans chanted “Uncle Phil” at Francis, which is an insult to Uncle Phil. Francis missed a knee as Hendry was draped on the ropes. Francis went for a back suplex, but Hendry countered into a DDT. Swann knocked Fracnis to the floor and Hendry hit the Standing Ovation on Deaner for the win.
–The Decay cut a promo on MK Ultra, saying that they were patient, and that they made a deal that will only keep them away from the tag titles for a short time. I assume this was a deal with the Devil. Or James Mitchell. Whichever, in TNA’s canon.
–TNA announced that Alex Hammerstone had signed with TNA, and he would be facing Josh Alexander at TNA Sacrifice.
–Josh Alexander was with Gia Miller to talk about it, saying that it was going to be a hard match. Dango walked up and said that he was launching the Dirty Dango International Wrestling Academy of the Performing Sports Entertainment Arts, and they were only accepting payments via dubious means, and 1-year or less experience. He said that there was going to be an email at the bottom of the screen, but there was not, which was funny. Alexander said that Dango was looking for a match, which Dango denied vehemently. Alexander said it was no problem, and that they would have a match tonight after he cleared it with Santino. Dango looked very unhappy at this, as he knew he was going to die. I laughed at this.
–John Skylar and Jason Hotch were in the ring in suits, ready to celebrate with Mustafa Ali. Skylar got the state they were in wrong, for heat. Ali came out and gave a political speech about how “we have did it!” and that his campaign to be the X-Division champion was a success. Before he could release his first executive order, Chris Sabin came down to the ring. Ali came face to face with Sabin.
Sabin said that change was a common thing between him and Ali, and for Sabin that change is about being unselfish, making the future better for everyone in wrestling, which Ali however, believes it is manipulating people to get what he wants, with the Good Hands being a prime example.
Ali said that The Good Hands were not there because he paid them, but supported the campaign, and Sabin had no one to support him at TNA No Surrender. Some of the fans chanted for Ali here, and he smiled and pointed at them. Sabin said that he respected the fans that supported Ali, but that he was not a politician, and he was here to fight. Sabin attacked Ali, and The Good Hands jumped Sabin, but KUSHIDA and Kevin Knight made the save, as security shuffled an angry Ali away while his cronies got beat up by the babyfaces. This was a good segment. People may point out that Ali did not seem genuine in what he was saying, but that is actually the point of the character, and it worked very well here.
–George Iceman came out and announced that Ash by Elegance was here and was going to make a huge announcement. Iceman said that there was a huge announcement to make, and she would be having her second match in TNA next week.
–Mustafa Ali was backstage with his security, Hotch, and Skylar, and he was upset at Sabin, KUSHIDA, and Knight for ruining his inauguration, and that there were going to be consequences for their actions.
Xia Brookside & Tasha Steelz went to a double countout
This match was not good. I am not sure what happened here, as the other two were fine, but this was not. I saw the finish coming about part way through, but that is fine.
Steelz hit a pump kick after dodging a dropkick, and then hit a jackhammer for a 2-count. Brookside hit a dropkick and a crossbody for a 2-count, but Steelz attacked the eyes and hit a headbutt. Brookside managed to hit a head scissors and then went for the Brooksybomb but Steelz escaped to the floor. Brookside hit a running neckbreaker on the floor, and she initiated the WWE style of selling where you scream as loud as possible that they seem to teach people there. Hopefully she’ll do away with that in time. Steelz and Brookside brawled and got counted out.
–Jordynne Grace came out and said that both of them are getting a title shot at TNA Sacrifice.
–Rhino challenged Crazzy Steve to a No DQ match, which I assume is on Xplosion.
The System (Moose, Eddie Edwards, & Brian Myers) (w/ Alisha Edwards) defeated Eric Young & ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin)
This was a good main event, especially in the closing sequence, as TNA continues their trend of having excellent six-man tags on their shows. I am not sure if it is the right call to have Young in a match were he loses before challenging Moose, but since he didn’t take the pin, I suspect they are setting up Edwards and Myers challenging for the tag titles, so this is fine.
Young and Myers started the match, but it wasn’t long before the babyfaces were isolating Eddie Edwards as Alisa Edwards protested loudly with a Boston accent on the floor. A heel move if there ever was one. Edwards was able to cut off Bey with one hard chop and tagged out to Moose, who continued chopping.
Austin was able to tag in and ABC hit a double dropkick on Myers, but Myers rolled to the floor. Eddie Edwards and Moose were able to tag out Austin while the official was distracted. Myers hit a back suplex and the heat resumed on the babyfaces. Edwards tagged in and continued the assault on the babyfaces. The fans chanted a censored version of a chant, telling The System what to do, which was quite funny. The referee missed a tag due to Edwards and Myers distracting the referee, and as it always does, the fans were enraged and chanted at the referee.
Austin sent Myers crashing into Moose, hit a spin kick, and then tagged out to Eric Young. Young hit a big Death Valley Driver on Edwards, then dodged Myers trying to break the pinfall, hit a Death Valley Driver on Myers onto Edwards, and started a strike exchange. Both men went down with Moose and Bey then facing off. Bey went for a tope con giro to Moose, but Moose caught him and hit a powerbomb on the apron.
Ace Austin hit a kick, then Myers hit a spear, and Young hit a tope suicida to the floor on Myers. Bey and Moose were still not the legal men here, but were in the middle of the ring, and ABC hit some double team moves, including going for the Art of Finesse on Moose, but Edwards broke it up. Moose hit a pump kick on Austin, and a huge vertical dropkick Bey who was on the top rope. Edwards setup a backpack stunner on Bey, and Moose hit a pump kick on Bey, while Edwards hit the stunner, and Myers flew off the ropes with a top rope elbow for the win. Good finish and closing sequence.
Final Thoughts
Like a lot of the weekly TV lately, this was not a must see show, but it was still good. Maclin and Bailey was a great match, and the main event was also very good if you are looking for the best matches to watch. Coming back with TNA Sacrifice so soon after No Surrender makes it difficult to build anything at all, and I was hoping we would see less of this “two weeks between PPVs” that they have done in the past, as it make sit more difficult for them to actually build their stories heading into big shows.
TNA Impact – March 7, 2024
Mustafa Ali in action
Josh Alexander vs. Dirty Dango
Masha Slamovich vs. Dani Luna
Ash by Elegance in action
TNA Sacrifice – March 8, 2024
TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs. Tasha Steelz vs. Xia Brookside
Steve Maclin vs. Nic Nemeth
Chris Sabin & Intergalatic Jet Setters vs. Mustafa Ali & The Good Hands
A new segment has been announced for this week’s episode of TNA Impact.
A championship celebration for the new X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali is scheduled for the show. Ali defeated Chris Sabin at No Surrender to win the title.
With great pride, I invite you all to attend the X-Division Title Inauguration Ceremony, this Thursday 8/7c on AXIS TV. #InAliWeTrustpic.twitter.com/UNkNLnA5fe
The finish of Ali vs. Sabin on Friday saw Ali avoid Sabin’s Cradle Shock, hit a sunset bomb, and then land his 450 splash for the win. It was the 105th title change in the championship’s lineage and Ali is now the 52nd wrestler in history to win it.
The match was also Ali’s TNA in-ring debut.
Matches for this week’s episode of TNA Impact were filmed on Saturday at the Alario Center in Westwego, Louisiana. Spoilers from the show are available here.
TNA Wrestling Impact announced lineup for Thursday, February 29, 2024 —
Mustafa Ali’s X-Division Title Inauguration Ceremony
The System (Moose, Brian Myers, & Eddie Edwards) vs. Eric Young, Chris Bey, & Ace Austin
In his first night in the company, Mustafa Ali is leaving a champion after winning the X-Division title at TNA No Surrender in New Orleans.
Ali defeated Chris Sabin in the night’s main event — the first time an X-Division match has main evented one of their specials since 2005’s Unbreakable.
The end to the competitive match came when Ali avoided an avalanche Cradle Shock attempt, hitting a sunset bomb and a 450 splash to pick up the win.
This is Ali’s first singles title in a major promotion while the loss ends Sabin’s 10th run with the championship that started at last September’s Impact 1000 and saw three successful title defenses.
Ali will be sticking around TNA at least through late-March as part of five additional dates that includes March’s Sacrifice streaming special and several TV tapings.
He will take on Kevin Knight during Saturday’s TV taping in New Orleans,
Since his non-compete ended following his WWE release, the 37-year-old Ali has been busy, competing both domestically and abroad, making appearances for GCW, Defy, RevPro, PROGRESS and others. He will make his NJPW debut in April in a match against Hiroshi Takahashi.
Ali’s win was one of two on the night as MK Ultra regained the Knockouts Tag Team titles from Decay while all the other champions that defended retained.
TNA will hold their first streaming event in the post-Scott D’Amore era with tonight’s No Surrender, live from New Orleans, Louisiana, on TNA+.
The event is headlined by TNA World Champion Moose defending against Alex Shelley in a rematch from January’s Hard to Kill but under No Surrender rules where a cornerman must throw in the towel for the match to end.
Mustafa Ali will make his TNA debut as he challenges X-Division Champion Chris Sabin for the title.
Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace will defend against Gisele Shaw while the TNA Tag Team titles will be decided in the best-of-three finale between champions ABC and the Grizzled Young Veterans.
Josh Alexander will face Simon Gotch, and Eric Young will take on Frankie Kazarian to determine the next World title contender.
Other main card matches will see PCO vs. Kon, and Knockouts Tag Team Champions Decay defending against MK Ultra in a rematch.
The pre-show kicks off at 7:30 PM Eastern with two matches.
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The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) defeated Speedball Mountain (Mike Bailey & Trent Seven)
The heel Rascalz got a hot start with a double suicide dive to the floor before Wentz worked over the knee of Bailey on the ground. A missed Bailey split kick attempt led to him eating a flurry of kicks for 2. Bailey recovered enough to land a second-rope missile dropkick and got a hot tag into Seven, who landed a series of back to back dragon suplexes on the Rascalz for 2.
Bailey hit an orihara moonsault en route to Trent landing a superplex and a shooting star from Beily got 2 on Miguel. Bailey tagged back for a seven star lariat on Miguel for 2. Wentz prevented Ultima Weapon and landed a second rope double stomp on Bailey for 2. Miguel ate a superkick and the ref’s distracted before a Maclin chop block to a Bailey tapout off a kneebar.
The TNA World Title match is hyped with a recap video covering the different allies involved in the No Surrender match and the stipulation itself. Kazarian said that whoever wins in that match faces him at Sacrifice because he’s not in this for meaningless matches.
The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defeated Jet Setters (KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight
Knight started off strong taking both members of the System down before armdragging Edwards down. KUSHIDA is tagged in after a shoulder pumphandle, but ate a back elbow from Myers before Edwards came in. KUSHIDA landed a hiptoss to Edwards but can’t tag in Knight due to Knight being taken out on the apron. A punt to the right arm of Edwards led to a double-tag.
Knight came in and punched and kicked both guys before taking them down with a dive to put Myers up to land a flat-footed top rope rana from the corner for 2. KUSHIDA put Myers on his shoulders and Knight paid homage to Mark Jindrak with a dropkick to a man in that position for 2. Myers recovered briefly with a desperation impaler DDT. Edwards got a backpack stunner out of the corner before a Myers diving elbow got a fantastic 2.5 count. Knight got a schoolboy for 2 before a combination of the Roster Cut lariat and the Boston Knee Party took out Knight.
Eric Young defeated Frankie Kazarian to earn a future TNA World title match
Kazarian forced Jade Chung to remind the crowd that he is the King of TNA, ensuring that he got heat throughout the match. Kazarian ground away on the mat to start after winning a tie-up and a takedown. Kaz landed a nice back suplex before stomping away. Hannifan talks about how each man got a shot against Josh Alexander in 2022 and came up short.
Kazarian wanted the blind-dive springboard legdrop, but EY avoided it and landed a wonky Roode Bomb for 2. An EY diving elbow off the top got 2 before Kazarian got the Jerry Lynn-style slingshot apron legdrop for 2. Kazarian couldn’t get the chickenwing, but slung EY in after his apron bump for a cutter for 2. That was one of the most-impressive spots in the new TNA era. Kazarian landed a backstabber and Fade to Black for 2.9! Kazarian argued with the referee and an EY crucifix got the win!
After the match, Kazarian yelled at the ref and sent him down with a clothesline before landing a series of grounded kicks and grounded elbows and punches. Tom Hannifan is such a great babyface announcer being offended by all of this logically. Gia Miller chats with the Grizzled Young Veterans, who say that they are in fact Grizzled Young Veterans and they came to America for the TNA Tag Team Titles.
ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson) to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles
Gibson and Austin started off with GIbson going for the arm that was hurt in match two before Drake came in and ate a high/low and a Click Click Boom double team splash/legdrop for 2 from Bey. Bey ate a double-team stun gun – giving him a weakness alongside Bey’s left arm. Gibson landed an outside-in suplex for 2 before Drake worked over the throat of Bey more with a chinlock.
Bey landed a desperation missile dropkick and wanted a tag, but Drake sent Austin off the apron to prevent the tag before Drake choked out Bey with a scarf. These two teams have fantastic chemistry and you couldn’t really ask for a better set of teams to be the foundation of a modern-day TNA tag team division. Bey got a desperation neckbreaker and tagged in Ace Austin.
Austin ran wild until being double-teamed and fighting back with a double missile-dropkick! Massive moonsault from Austin gave the faces an edge for a bit before Bey tagged in and landed a frog splash. Bey landed a Yokasuka cutter before an Austin corkscrew senton, but the GYV locked on submissions right after with a rear naked choke on Bey and an armbar on Austin! Bey got 2 off a flip off on the RNC. The GYVs land a doomsday device suicide dive lariat onto Austin on the floor!
Bey stood alone against both members of the GYV and kicked away at both men to give himself a slight advantage until a run-up famouser on Gibson. Gibson trapped him in the corner for a draping lungblower and a Drake coast to coast dropkick got 2.9! 1-2- SWEET ENDS IT and the ABC retain the TNA World Tag Titles in the best of three series.
Backstage, the Rascalz are cocky jerks to Speedball Mountain. Kon came out for his match with PCO looking like the largest grunge bodyguard ever while PCO got a bit stretcher entrance.
PCO defeats Kon by DQ
PCO and Kon started off with clubbering and clotheslines after brawling on the ramp. PCO went for a suicide dive cannonball, but Kon avoided it and PCO went splat on the floor before taking an apron chokeslam. He recovered from that to post Kon and set him up for the draping Deanimator that missed! Kon grabbed a steel chair and he hit him and that’s a DQ. There are DQs in PCO matches!? PCO does the theatrical neck snap while someone rings the bell a thousand times. Do the neck snap on them! Well, he punched them and threw them down – so I’ll count that as close enough. PCO landed the suicide dive cannonball! PCO sent him down with a chairshot before eating a low blow and a chokeslam on the ramp. Kon zip tied PCO to the tunnel and does the neck snapper again…now with a chair to somehow do more damage. This was good before the weird finish.
Backstage, Shelley talks about how he doesn’t want Sabin out there because he’s in the main event. Sabin demands that the Jet Setters absolutely can’t throw the towel in and Shelley tells them to not throw it in no matter what.
MK Ultra (Killer Kelly & Masha Slamovich) defeated Decay (Rosemary & Havok to win the TNA Knockouts Tag Team titles
All four women brawled on the floor to start before Havok worked over Slamovich before landing a corner lariat. A Rosemary tag in led to an exploder for 2. Kelly tripped up Rosemary for 2. Slamovich earned her name slamming Kelly on Rosemary twice. A Kelly slap is countered into a Rosemary rainmaker for 2. Rosemary and Kelly went back and forth with creepy pin counters for 2 before Slamovich cane in. Rosemary got an edge-o-matic on Slamovich before a double tag. Havok landed a spinebuster to Kelly for 2. Rosemary wanted a spear but ate a Snow Plow for the win!
MK Ultra got a couple of cheap shots in after the match before Dani Luna and Jody Threat made the same. The System tells Moose that they saved him from the Border City Stretch last night, but they won’t throw in the towel. Rehwoldt talks up how deranged Gotch is and how bitter he became over seeing what kind of success Alexander has had.
Josh Alexander defeated Simon Gotch
Gotch and Alexander started off with strong, intense matwork before Gotch goes for finger manipulation to get an advantage. Gotch and Alexander exchange sick uppercuts and chops respectfully. One fantastic thing about this program for Gotch is that it’s giving him a chance to rewrite that name from being comedy into something more serious – it’s a shame that the Gotch name was used for comedy in that regard.
Gotch sent Alexander down on the apron before posing next to Rehwoldt and saying that THEY ARE MANLY! Gotch shot the half for 2 before locking on an armbar on the right arm before switching on the surgically-repaired left arm. Alexander landed rolling Germans and stopping at four before Gotch grabbed the rope and landed a back elbow and a kick to the ear of Alexander.
Both men exchange hard slaps to the jaw before Gotch nails him with a head-trapped knee to the face. A Gotch senton missed, but an Alexander splash to the back on the apron didn’t. They go for a fantastic near-countout barely making it in before 10 in a rare non-AEW example of a countout working well in North America. Back and forth forearm exchanges set up a giant Gotch boot before an Alexander one and they go even on lariats too. A running boot gives Alexander the edge and a “this is awesome” chant.
Alexander got 2 on an exploder and wanted a C4 Spike, but Gotch avoided it into a bulldog choke by moving the headgear around. Alexander used the headgear to slip out of the choke and got the ankle lock. Powerbomb backbreaker and the C4 Spike end it for Alexander!
0 AJ Francis meets with Rich Swann and tells him that it must be hard to see a former World Champion like Alexander succeeding while he’s losing on Xplosion. Francis says that just because they’re opponents on Thursday doesn’t mean they’re enemies. AJ Francis is doing the best work of his career in this TNA run.
Moose defeated Alex Shelley to retain the TNA World Title in a No Surrender Match
Shelley started off quickly with punches and diving forearms in the corner before he ground away on the left arm. Moose used the good arm for a snake eyes attempt that Shelley avoided and turned into an opening for a left-arm Fujiawara armbar. A Moose escape opened the door for a big boot on the floor and apron powerbomb before working Shelley over with a ringpost bow and arrow.
Moose wanted a slam through the announce table, but an eye rake prevented that and gave Shelley a chance to take Moose down on the floor. Shelley worked on the left knee on the floor until being kicked into the post. Shelley returned the favor and removed coverings on the turnbuckle to torture the fingers to try and get a win but to no avail.
Moose recovered well enough to use the good hand to slug away for a while before trapping Shelley’s hands in the turnbuckle for a chairshot. Shelley recovered and sent Moose into the ropes for a draping dragon screw to play off all the work on the leg on the floor earlier. Shelley used a kendo stick on the left leg in the corner before doing a golf club-style swing to it and using the kendo stick for the half-crab. Myers breaks that up by getting on the apron and Edwards gets the stick.
Moose landed a uranage before Myers tossed in a trash can that Moose set upright for a superplex! Shelley avoided that and sent Moose onto his own creation with a powerbomb. Shelley grounded him with a figure four that Moose escaped from using the kendo stick. Moose sent him down with a giant Gunther-esque chop before Moose charged in and was met with another Fujiwara armbar turned into a Border City Stretch!
Moose escaped that but fell to his own spear attempt through a table that sent him crashing through. Shelley grabbed a chain and put it through the mouth of Moose for the Stretch before the System tried to get involved before Knight dove onto them. Moose speared Shelley with KUSHIDA in the ring and KUSHIDA leaves before Moose landed a second spear. A third spear hits using the chain on his shoulder to do even more damage to KUSHIDA’s friend. The usage of the seconds and the towel is very much just TNA putting an official stipulation to the Survivor Series ’94 I Quit stipulation and that third spear was too much as KUSHIDA throws in the towel. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Sabin didn’t turn heel on this one and it set up KUSHIDA vs. Shelley at some point. Ash by Elegance and her personal concierge are out for the VIP treatment for the Knockouts Title match.
Jordynne Grace defeated Gisele Shaw to retain the TNA Knockouts Title
They start off with a cat and mouse game that Grace won briefly by smacking her into the apron, but Shaw sent her off the apron to the floor. Grace calls out Ash by Elegance, who looked on unamused before Shaw gained an edge and landed a tornado kick to the back of the head in the corner. Grace hopped out of the corner and landed a series of slams.
Shaw went for a sunset bomb on Grace on the floor, but had no leverage or power and Grace had her hands locked, so she just stomped her and hit a senton. Grace wanted a Juggernaut Driver to the floor off the apron, but Shaw countered into a Spanish Fly off the apron instead!
Shaw landed a knee strike for 2.5. This pisses Shaw off and they go back and forth with forearm exchanges before a Cody Cutter attempt by Shaw is met with a crucifix for 2. Backfist and the Juggernaut Driver end it – this was an excellent showing for both women. Shaw has never looked better in TNA and it was a fine showcase for Grace as a blend of speed and power.
Jake Something hypes up Ali vs. Sabin as the main event and says he’s coming for the gold. Sacrifice is hyped as the next premium live event for the company on March 8 before running through their taping schedule. Clips air of the legendary Unbreakable triple threat to set up this as the first X Title main event on PPV in 18 years. Ali has his faux-Secret Service and intense theme giving him a main event-level presentation on a global stage for the first time ever.
Mustafa Ali defeated Chris Sabin to win the TNA X-Division Title
They go back and forth with fast matwork to start before a standoff mid-ring after they each go for a dropkick at the same time. Sabin sent him down with a tackle and grounds him with a seated surfboard. A Sabin bow and arrow was turned into a pin for 2. A Sabin sleeper is turned into an Ali jawbreaker. Ali landed a slick 450 to the draped arm on the rope gives Ali an edge.
Ali locks on a crossface and uses the damaged arm as his base for the hold. Ali stomped the arm while saying that Sabin isn’t the champion they deserve. Sabin landed a tornado DDT for 2. A Sabin crucifix into a crossface shows a rare side of Sabin’s submission game before a massive “Ali” chant breaks out. Sabin works heel here with the ref while in the story, Ali should be the heel because he’s putting down the company loyalist.
Ali dropkicks Sabin on the floor and a 450 is avoided and Sabin sent him face-first into the buckle with a hard hammer throw. Sabin dives onto the Secret Service goons to save Ali. The Good Hands came down to distract Sabin, allowing Ali to get 2 off a schoolboy. Clothesline from Hell, Michigan hits hard and the Cradle Shock gets 2.5 when Ali just straight-up kicks out!
Sabin goes up for an avalanche Cradle Shock, but Ali avoids it and hits a sunset bomb before the 450 wins it! Mustafa Ali wins the X Title in his TNA Debut! This was a fantastic overall in-ring story with Sabin as the character babyface, but Ali as the more over man in the match.
Mustafa Ali’s TNA debut will be a big one as he will challenge current X-Division Champion Chris Sabin at this month’s No Surrender.
After an Ali vignette aired on the January 26th edition of TNA Impact, the former WWE wrestler posted a schedule that featured six TNA dates in February and March.
This will be their first-ever meeting.
After gaining his release in late-2023, Ali has kicked off an extensive run on the indies which has included stops in GCW, C4 and PROGRESS among others.
Sabin is in his tenth reign as X-Division Champion, kicking off this latest run at last September’s Impact 1000 when he defeated Lio Rush. He will be looking for his fourth defense.
Here’s the current lineup for the Friday, February 23rd streaming special from New Orleans, Louisiana:
TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace defends against Gisele Shaw
TNA World Champion Moose defends against Alex Shelley
X-Division Champion Chris Sabin defends against Mustafa Ali
