The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: TNA Impact Review For 9/30
Last week TNA put on a show that was ok. It wasn't great, but at the same time it wasn't the worst episode of Impact I have seen. So I was really curious how they would follow up last week with this week. I have to say that TNA really did a good job and stepped up their game.
They did a solid job building up the big matches at Bound For Glory. After seeing this week I can honestly say I'm stoked for the PPV. As always though; we would get a few hiccups that really kept the show from being over the top.
Ric flair really needs to go away. I don't care where he goes, but just get him out of the ring. I will go over the winners and losers once again in this week's "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly".
The Good
Beer Money vs. Rhino and Tommy Dreamer in a lumberjack match
Winner Dreamer and Rhino
This was surprisingly a decent match between these four. It was a good back and forth match that had your usual lumberjack shenanigans. While I have been very vocal about the fact that this EV 2.0 vs. Fortune feud is bad.I have to give credit where credit is due, this was entertaining.
Don't get me wrong. I am sick of the EV 2.O vs. Fortune feud, but from a match stand point I couldn't kill it. I hope they end this silliness very soon. I think it would be a lot more productive having some of the younger guys getting spots like this. They need it much more than the ECW wash-ups.
Inc Inc. vs. Generation Me
Winner Generation me
What a great site to see. A match between two of the hottest tag teams in wrestling today. This match was what the doctor ordered. Both teams worked really well together, and we got what we would expect in this bout. We saw lots of high flying non-stop action that left you wondering who would pull out the win.
The feud between Gen Me and the MCMGs is shaping up to be something special. TNA has taken the right route by building it up slowly. I'm sure when these two teams lock up at 10/10/10 we will be in for a treat. Let's just hope TNA doesn't take a bar of solid gold and dip it in silver when it comes to the payout.
TNA Advertising the X-Division Title swap
This was a smart idea on so many levels. When A title changes at house shows they are rarely recognized during the weekly TV show. So in away the fans that go to house shows are cheated out of something special. TNA not only recognized the swap, but they also incorporated it into their advertisement.
Brian Kendrick vs. AJ Styles for the TV Title
Winner AJ Styles
I think I almost had a heart attack when this match took place. We finally get to see the TV Title defended. TNA would even sweeten the pot by having him defend it against Brian Kendrick. I don't get why so many people like to slam Kendrick. He is one of the most underrated wrestlers on the roster in my opinion.
This could have been a real classic if they let them wrestle longer than 5 minutes. Even with the short finish, this match did more than good than bad. I hope they continue to push Kendrick and get him involved in the title picture. TNA got a real steal when they signed him. I really think this will be a break out year for Kendrick.
Kurt Angle vs. Abyss
Match ended in a no contest
I am not a big fan of Abyss when it comes to his ring work in general. That said when thrown in a steel cage or hardcore match he is a solid hand. It also helps when your in the ring with Kurt Angle. Let's face facts; even an aged beat up Angle is still good enough to carry a match.
This was a solid main event that I enjoyed a great deal. I could be wrong but I think Angle may have bladed himself a bit too deep. It seemed to me like he was bleeding a little too hard.
When I see that kind of stuff I have to question Angles sanity. Still, Angle trooped on as he always does and gave the fans a solid main event. When Abyss gave Angle his shock treatment midway, I thought he might have broken Angles body in half.
I even have to give props to Abyss for the 350 off the top rope. Angle is nuts, but he sure as heck can wrestle. After seeing this bout I cannot wait for Bound For Glory. Even with the no contest finish, I would still say this was an awesome match.
The Bad
Open of the the show
The show starts the show off with a promo. While Angle has never been the best mic worker,I usually enjoy his promos. Tonight was not one of them.
He starts of by wishing Hogan well while he is in the hospital. Then he discusses his opponents at Bound For Glory, but he first has some business to attend to.
He tells us all that tonight he is going to take Abyss out in a steel cage. This leads into a lame brawl with Abyss that goes on for a tad bit too long. It seems like just about every week we are treated to an Abyss backstage beat down.
I can't wait for 10/10/10, that way we can find out who "they" are. Maybe then all this backstage nonsense with Abyss can stop.
Mr. Anderson vs. Samoa Joe
Winner Mr. Anderson
I was kind of torn on this matchat first; in one hand you have a hot hand in Anderson. In the other hand, you have a guy like Samoa Joe his is in desperate need of a solid push. Unfortunately for me this would become a non-issue. The match started off with a lot of potential, but of course it would be ruined. TNA ended this bout just as it was getting good.
Then they decided to give the mic to the big Snooz, Sting, and the Pope. While I have no issue with a good Pope Promo, I do have a problem with cutting short a good match for it. Why TNA has decided to drag Joe and The pope into this garbage is beyond me.
It just seems that TNA is trying to constantly to push this crap down our throats. Let's just hope all this garbage ends at Bound For Glory.
The Ugly
Ric Flair beats up a book
In an awful segment between Foley and Flair, we got to see a couple of things. The first thing we saw was a match made for the debut of Impact live. The second thing we saw was a couple of grown men acting goofy. Ric Flair beat up a book, and Foley and Flair punched themselves until they bled.
What the point of all this nonsense was; I have no idea. All I know is that it was way too long and way too painful to watch. I am praying to all the gods in the sky that Foley doesn't win. The last thing I need is to see is Mick Foley's arse. Never mind seeing someone kissing it.
Match Results
Beer Money vs. Rhino and Tommy Dreamer in a lumberjack match
Winner Dreamer and Rhino
Inc Inc. vs. Generation Me
Winner Generation me
Mr. Anderson vs. Samoa Joe
Winner Mr. Anderson
Brian Kendrick vs. AJ Styles for the TV Title
Winner AJ Styles
Kurt Angle vs. Abyss
Match ended in a no contest