By Talon
May 2, 2013
Indiana, PA
May 2, 2013
Indiana, PA
What better way to kick off Thursday Night IMPACT than with Hulk Hogan heading to the ring. Hulk Hogan said after last week, he and Sting almost came to blows. He called out Sting to see what was up. The Icon obliged by immediately making his way ringside. Hogan said the issues between them was out in the open. Hogan said they almost came to blows. He said when it came to right and wrong, he ran off the Stinger. He apologized to Sting saying he made a huge mistake by pushing him away.
Hogan said they should have been working together to handle the Aces and 8s. Sting said right now they are together. Its water under the bridge. Sting wanted a six-man tag next week with his team against the Aces and 8s. Hogan gave him the match but said he had to determine a #1 Contender for the World Title at Slammiversary.
At that moment, Matt Morgan interrupted. Morgan checked his crystal ball saying this is where Hogan hands Sting another World Title shot. Hogan said Morgan's problem is his mouth. Hogan said there will be no more handouts around here. Hogan then announced that at Slammiversary, will be the winner of Sting vs Matt Morgan.
Reaction: While part of me wishes TNA went in a unique direction with Sting, his character would be the forgiving type. Sting and Matt Morgan are the two most likely challengers since they haven't fallen to the Aces and 8s. It should be an interesting main event.
BTW, TNA has new match graphics. As a presentation guy, I really like them. I wish they would use the graphics on the big screen as opposed to the blue flame one.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Backstage, stood Kurt Angle. Kurt said tonight, he issued a challenge to any member of the Aces and Eights. He said you can beat him but you can't stop him. Good promo.
Sonjay Dutt vs Zema Ion vs Chris Sabin
Sabin came out with new theme music. Sabin showed ring rust against Sonjay Dutt.. He fired off a quick Enziguri. We got a cool Sunset Flip/German Suplex spot by the three. Todd Kenely announced that Suicide won the Draft War Room with 69% of the vote. Dutt and Sabin double teamed Sabin in the ring. Dutt with a huge tornado DDT and then a Standing Star Press.
Sabin with a huge clothesline and then a powerbomb attempt into a Death Valley Driver. Sabin connected with a Cradle Driver (what might be the Future Shock) on Zema. Sabin with the victory in an impressive return. Sabin joins Petey Williams and Kenny King in the X Title Match.
Reaction: Its too early to tell what limitations Sabin will have but he showed some good power. He also looked for the Hesitation Dropkick at one point. He looked good tonight. I'm glad to have him back.
Robbie E and Jessie discussed strategy against Rob Terry. Jessie said he had someone to watch their back. He showed a picture of Joey Ryan. It will be 3 on 1 tonight.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Bully Ray yelled at the Aces and Eights. He thought Sting was mocking him. He said he isn't worried about Slammiversary because he will get the job done. Tonight he is worried about Kurt Angle. Tonight he wants Angle taken out. Wes Brisco and Garett wanted Kurt tonight but D'Lo Brown stepped up. Bully made D'Lo swear his colors on getting the job tonight.
Rob Terry vs Robbie E, Jessie Godderz and Joey Ryan
Handicap Match
Jessie and Robbie let Joey Ryan start it off with Terry. The heels outnumbered Terry early on giving them the advantage. Joey stole a tag but ran into a big slam. All three heels pounced on Terry but Terry plowed through them with clubs. He hit a back suplex on both Robbie and Jessie. Terry connected with the Beast Bomb on Joey to pick up the win. Jessie and Robbie scooted up the ramp on their asses.
Reaction: Terry is getting a good push but I don't know if he has the ring skills to make it. He showed some good power in the match but where does he go after guys like Robbie, Jessie and Joey?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Bobby Rode and Austin Aries headed to the ring. Next week is a #1 Contender's Match against Bad Influence. Roode addressed Bad Influence. Roode said last week they played their mind games and they got to him. They talked about reforming Fortune but clearly that was never their intent. Aries said not for a second did he believe Bad Influence. He said he and Bobby aren't best friends, as they barely like each other. They respect each other enough to win tag team titles. They are a team of World Champions, something Bad Influence will know nothing about.
Bad Influence seriously walked to the ring. Daniels said it was about the tag team titles. Daniels made a boner joke. Daniels said they were the next tag team champions. Roode said he shattered a beer bottle over his best friend's head to win the World Title. Kazarian claimed that Roode and Aries tried to out "us" them and called them Bad Influence-lite.
Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez interrupted. Daniels asked if they could get through one of these without being interrupted. Chavo announced that Hulk Hogan announced a special referee match. When Aries asked which of them was referee, Chavo revealed it to be James Storm instead. He handed Hernandez and Chavo a beer.
Reaction: Anytime Bad Influence and the Dirty Heels are cutting a promo, its gold. While I love seeing these two teams, I wish the tag team scene would get a few new faces. Some of these matchups are getting increasingly stale.
Sting walked into a room where Kurt Angle was getting ready. Sting asked Kurt if he had a minute. Kurt said he did and Sting closed the door on the camera man. We couldn't hear the conversation.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Tara complained about Taryn Terrell backstage to Gail Kim. Gail laughed that Taryn thought she was better than her. She is all over the Knockout website. After Tara walked away, Gail said she would make sure that she got the victory.
We got comments from Chris Sabin, who spoke about his return and his injury.
D'Lo Brown made his way to the ring in preparation for his match. Kurt Angle then made his way to the ring as well. That match is up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
D'Lo had a microphone. He said he promised he would beat him in the middle of the ring. D'Lo said he needed to humiliate him. D'Lo then said he would beat him in an I Quit Match. After Angle accepted, D'Lo whacked him with the microphone.
D'Lo Brown vs Kurt Angle
I Quit Match
Angle locked D'Lo in an STF but D'Lo refused to quit. Members of the Aces and Eights appeared ringside, which distracted Angle long enough for D'Lo to get the advantage. D'Lo rammed Kurt into the turnbuckle post. He went to hit Kurt with a ring hammer but Kurt ducked. D'Lo continued working the arm of Angle. D'Lo with a beautiful Calf Kick. He locked in a Cross Armbreaker but Angle refused to quit.
Angle ran into a hard clothesline by D'Lo. D'Lo with a modified Cobra Clutch on Angle. D'Lo yelled for Angle to quit. Angle fought out and hit D'Lo with a series of German Suplexes. Angle hit six Germans in a row. Angle locked in the Ankle Lock but D'Lo escaped. D'Lo with a High Impact Samoan Drop. Angle countered a Powerbomb into another Ankle Lock. He grapevined the leg. D'Lo tapped but then vocally quit giving Kurt Angle the win. Mr. Anderson and the others looked on in disappointment.
Reaction: I wonder if this means D'Lo is out of the Aces and Eights? He lost cleanly tonight to Angle. The match was solid but nothing special. D'Lo has definitely looked in better shape but he did well enough here. There was a few good back and forth moments.
After the match, Christy Hemme got a word with Kurt Angle. Kurt called out AJ Styles, telling him to get to the ring.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Angle continued calling out AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One eventually answered and came to the ring. Angle said AJ doesn't look the same. Kurt said AJ joined the A&E would be the easy way out. Angle said AJ was the reason he came to IMPACT Wrestling. Angle said next week they were taking the war to A&E next week. If he was with them, it was cool but if not they would have problems. Next week, the choice is his.
Reaction: The TNA heroes need to work on their social skills. Why would AJ join any of them when they are throwing out ultimatums left and right?
Matt Morgan angrily talked to a cameraman. He said he was pissed off about waiting for Hogan to give him his shot. He is no longer waiting for the ball but taking it. He will cut through Sting, then Bully and then become the World Champion.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Tara and Gail Kim vs Taryn Terrell and Mickie James
ODB was once again the referee for the match. Taryn went right after the heels. With Mickie's help, the two had meeting of the minds between Tara and Gail. Taz continued to be an idiot on commentary. Mickie James tagged in an hit a nice Enziguri to Gail. Tara tried to attack Mickie on the apron but Mickie countered. Gail used the distraction to gain the upper hand.
Tara locked Mickie James in a Bridging Deathlock on Mickie. Mickie fought back though. Both Mickie and Gail Kim went for a Flying Crossbody but collided in the ring. Taryn with a hot tag and the Hot Mess is a house afire. Flying Crossbody pin is broken up by Gail. Moments later however Taryn was able to roll up Tara for the victory.
After the match, Tara and Gail went after the girls. Mickie turned things around and brawled with Tara on the walkway. In the ring, Gail beat on Taryn. She connected with Eat Defeat on Terrell. She locked in a Figure Four on Terrell around the ring post. ODB eventually broke things up. Terrell cried in pain as Gail was escorted to the back.
Reaction: I'm liking the Terrell push. It looks as if the Gail vs Taryn feud will continue following tonight's post-match attack by Gail.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Bully Ray spoke with the Aces and 8s backstage. He kept talking about D'Lo Brown quitting. Anderson and Bischoff sold D'Lo down the creek. Bully said he would deal with D'Lo next week. Bully then announced it would be him, Devon and Mr. Anderson facing Sting's team next week.
It will be the aforementioned six man tag match next week as well as a #1 Contender's match pitting Bad Influence vs Roode and Aries with James Storm as special referee.
Sting vs Matt Morgan
#1 Contender's Match
Matt Morgan powered through Sting in the opening moments. Sting tried fighting back but was hit with a huge Chokeslam for a close nearfall.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Back from break, Matt Morgan was still in control over the Stinger. Morgan went for a big leg drop on the apron but missed. Sting fought back on the outside but ran into a big side slam in the ring. Morgan worked the back and mocked the Icon. Morgan hit his back elbow but Sting fired up. He went for the Stinger Splash but barreled right into the Carbon Footprint for a VERY close nearfall.
Sting targeted the knee and then locked in the Scorpion Death Lock. Morgan eventually made it to the ropes. Sting pulled him out into the center of the ring and locked the Scorpion on again. Morgan lost consciousness and the referee called for the bell. Sting is the #1 Contender and will get a shot at Bully Ray at Slammiversary.
After the match, Bully Ray and the Aces and Eights came out. They stood on the apron and jaw-jacked with Sting. This is how the show came to a close.
Reaction: Slow, plodding match. TNA protected Morgan by having him pass out. Sting makes sense as the challenger for Bully because of how Bully used Sting to get close to Hulk. I predict will fail at Slammiversary which will leave Hogan to turn to someone else.
