My TNA Final Resolution 2012 Recap

Daniels applies the match-winning Styles Clash. Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

James Storm asked that Bobby Roode come on out to get his comeuppance after clearly paying Aces & 8s on last weeks Impact to attack both him and Hardy in the ring. But instead Kazarian joined 'The Cowboy' and accused him of being the biggest whiner in the company after AJ Styles and an alcoholic. Storm retorted by mocking Kaz a bit and then challenging him to a fight right there and then, so a referee made his way out and a brawl began. It was a fun start to the show, with the crowd eating up every word Storm had to say.

James Storm defeated Kazarian in a decent enough encounter. The action was solid for the most part, my only issue was the time allocated and the lack of it. I feel these two deserved a bit more to really deliver a more memorable match up.

Rob Van Dam (c) beat Kenny King to retain the X Division Title in a match that ranged from fair to average. Unfortunately too many sloppy moments spoilt the contest for me a bit, there were a few nice sequences between the two but it wasn't anything special. Leading into it I was actually expecting more, which is rare for me with a Van Dam match nowadays. At least the crowd in attendance seemed to like it with scattered chants of "This is awesome!" Easily pleased fans I guess.

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez (c) won via DQ versus Matt Morgan and Joey Ryan, thereby retaining the TNA Tag Team Championship. The bout was largely passable, with solid enough wrestling but nothing that inspiring. Chavo and Hernandez gave the top displays here. The disqualification came after Morgan dragged the referee from out of the ring after Chavo had applied a Frog Splash to Ryan.

Austin Aries bested Bully Ray in a highly enjoyable contest. Both men gave terrific efforts here and clearly wanted to steal the show, especially Bully who gave one of his finest performances I've ever seen in a singles match. For the finish Hulk Hogan had to drag away daughter Brooke, who'd ran down to check on a bloodied Bully, which then gave Aries a chance to low blow Ray and grab the one-two-three. I have a feeling that AA and Brooke are having a fling and secretly plotting against Hogan and Bully here, just a theory.

Tara (c) beat Mickie James to retain the TNA Knockouts Championship in a worthy effort by both women. As expected with these two the action was above average from what you get from most female wrestlers nowadays in the US, as they actually take real pride in their craft and have worked hard on it over the years. Next up for Tara is the makeup covered Velvet Sky, so expect the quality to drop.

Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff beat Aces & 8s (Devon, Doc and two unknown members) in an eight-man tag match that didn't really get going until later on. For the majority it was a pretty lacklustre outing, with disappointing action that wasn't particularly engaging at all.

It wasn't until Joe made a hot tag to Angle that things livened up and all eight men scrambled in the ring, applying their respective signature maneuvers. As Doc then went for Angle with a hammer Garett jumped in to stop him, and Wes then clumsily speared a masked gang member out of the ring, which I'm sure will turn out to be a save as surely Wes is a member of the Aces & 8s too.

Christopher Daniels defeated AJ Styles in a terrific back and fourth match of the night. As standard with these two the action was technically faultless, with great sequences and drama to be had. Unfortunately my only gripe was the slight lack of intensity and heat, which I can only put down to the sheer number of times we've seen these two face each other.

I'm not having a go at either man, their matches have always been entertaining, but there's only so much of a good thing that you can take before you start to loose interest, and the lack of enthusiasm from the fans in attendance was also proof of that here. That could also be down to the fact that it's hard to believe that this really is their final ever encounter, I mean, we've heard that before. Daniels gained the victory by applying Styles' own finisher the Styles Clash after AJ took a dangerous fall from the top rope. 

Jeff Hardy (c) bested Bobby Roode to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in an intense and enjoyable main event. Both wrestlers worked hard and it certainly paid off as they delivered a worthy World title match, battling back and fourth with effective near falls and an excited crowd. While the build up wasn't anything outstanding I predicted that it'd be a good contest at least, which it was. During the bout Aces & 8s made their way out, but just stood there. After the bell rang they then proceeded to take out Hardy and an infuriated Roode, who had presumedly paid them off to help him win the strap.

Overall Final Resolution was a successful event, with a few match ups that were really memorable but most that I could give or take. The main event, Daniels vs Styles and Bully Ray vs Aries were the highlights for me, providing high quality bouts that you've come to expect from TNA pay-per-views over the last few months. The rest of the card was still decent enough and I couldn't call one match bad, so I can't complain. 

My Impact Wrestling, 13th September 2012 Recap

TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries started the show off by explaining just how important his World title was, and how it's significance is why he was targeted by Aces & Eights recently. He added that although they came after him he managed to take out one of their members at No Surrender. He then called out his opponent at Bound for Glory, Jeff Hardy. AA first congratulated his future opponent for getting through both Samoa Joe and Bully Ray in one night, and with a storyline shoulder injury.

Bully Ray shortly interrupted Aries and called both men lucky. AA because he won't have to face him at BFG and Hardy because he supposedly only won because Bully felt sorry for him. The World Champion decided to make Ray put his money where his mouth is and challenged him to face Hardy that night, but Bully backed out.

Zema Ion (c) defeated Sonjay Dutt to retain the X Division title in an enjoyable enough bout. Dutt was once again on solid form with his crisp and impressive maneuvers, unfortunately Ion looked quite average again. I was hoping Ion would grow into the role of the X strap holder and up his game when given the chance, but it just hasn't really happened. I hope I'm proven wrong and that he does improve in the future, he has shown glimpses of becoming more engrossing. Zema retained after grabbing the ropes for a cheeky pinfall win.     

Bobby Roode came out and explained that he smashed a beer bottle over Storm's head at No Surrender (thereby costing him the match in the BFG Series) because he felt that 'The Cowboy', who he accused of riding his coattails when they were a tag team, didn't deserve a chance at the World title that he'd once held. James Storm inevitably came out and the two once again began brawling, with Storm gaining the upper hand and dragging Roode outside.   

AJ Styles beat Kazarian in an decent, if a little disjointed at times match up. While the action came fast and for the most part well, there were a few little mistakes here and there. But like I said they were only little and it failed to really spoil the contest. The crowd were also really into and thoroughly behind the face Styles. As per the stipulation put in by Hulk Hogan, AJ and Kurt Angle will receive a shot at the TNA Tag Team titles sometime in the future as a result of Style's win.  

Joseph Parks informed Hulk Hogan in his office that he was very close to "one key piece of evidence" regarding the Aces & Eights case that will be revealed on next weeks Impact. I'm liking Parks in this role, he suits it.

Bully Ray challenged Hardy backstage to put his spot as number one contender at BFG on the line in their match later on, claiming that he didn't have the "balls" to do it. Hardy accepted, as all good guys should.

Hogan stated that the Impact Zone would always be in lockdown mode from here on out  to help capture Aces & Eights. Right on cue members of the gang itself appeared on the big screen and warned Hogan that he'd now locked in all the members with him and he has no way of knowing who they are backstage. 'The Hulkster' looked rather concerned at his plan backfiring.   

Chavo Guerrero defeated Christopher Daniels in a great contest. In Chavo's best match since joining TNA so far both men went back and fourth with perfectly executed moves and at a nice pace. For the finish Guerrero managed to avoid an attempt from Daniels to strike him with his title belt and applied his signature Three Amigos and Frog Splash to have his hand raised.

Tara wanted to officially congratulate her good friend Brooke Tessmacher on toppling her last Sunday and offered to present the Knockouts Championship to her to signify that she was now the top woman in TNA. The divvy Taz piped in with an inappropriate "What are we watching Oprah here?" Granted it maybe was a little too sweet for pro wrestling but he should've just kept quiet, like most of the time. After wrapping the belt on the champ, Tara predictably turned on her and took her out with a Widows Peak. The attack pleased the crowd. It was just a bit too obvious, I personally think the heel turn should've happened slowly in the build up to BFG and then occurred there.

Jeff Hardy beat Bully Ray in an intense main event to retain his place as number one contender. In a bout superior to their outing last Sunday, both men gave a solid effort to be proud of and had an electric crowd behind them. It was an enjoyable match from start to finish and a good way to end the show. Although I'm not sure where any of this leaves Bully as far as BFG goes?

Overall it was a solid show with matches that were at the worst decent, which is always a good sign. The advancements in the storylines also made sense (still feel Tara's heel turn was a little early but still) and didn't feel rushed or over the top. TNA is on form right now, I recommend checking it out if you don't normally.

My TNA No Surrender 2012 Recap

Jeff Hardy defeated Samoa Joe to advance in the Bound For Glory Series Final in a solid opener to the show. The pace of the match varied as Samoa Joe would control Hardy slowly in the first half and quicken as there were nice near falls and submission attempts towards the end, and it worked with these two contrasting wrestlers. The quality of the bout was hardly surprising considering the two talents involved, smart choice to start the show and get the crowd going too.  

Bully Ray beat James Storm to advance to the BFG Series Final in a fair match up that was unfortunately tarnished a bit by unnecessary 90s-esque referee bumps. The contest started off fairly uneventful, with Bully building heat by leaving the ring and complaining to the ref constantly. It then hit it's stride as both men went back and fourth and became enjoyable.

Unfortunately we then witnesses three referee bumps in the space of five minutes, which was just overkill and unneeded as Bobby Roode then made his return and cracked a beer bottle over Storm's head and covered him with Bully for the finish. I can obviously understand one referee KO was needed but not three, it just ruined the match a bit for me.   

Brooke Tessmacher (c) defeated Tara to retain the TNA Knockouts title in a largely pedestrian outing. The action wasn't bad, but it did often feel like it was dragging a bit and I don't believe it should have been allocated so much time. It probably would've benefitted more from keeping the decent bits of wrestling condensed. Tara was angered after Brooke caught her with a roll up pin for the victory and abruptly left without congratulating her former student. I'm guessing we'll be seeing a rematch of some kind at Bound for Glory. 

Backstage we had a nice brawl between an arrested Roode and Storm until Hulk Hogan split them up along with more members of security. More pull apart fights should be like this in pro wrestling, where you can really believe in the hatred and heat between the two foes. 

Before his following match Austin Aries explained that there would be no referee and no rules, just a straight up fight between him and the Aces & Eights member who broke his arm. The member eventually arrived and the two began exchanging blows. After a bit of a tedious period in which the Aces & Eights member controlled Aries, the World Champion managed to make a comeback by pouring white powder into the goon's face and upped the pace and managed the gain back the crowd's interest.   

As AA was about to unmask his adversary other gang members made their way out which led to another brawl between both them and members of the TNA roster, who eventually chased off Aces & Eights. Hogan joined everyone and ordered the building to be locked down so they couldn't get away. Bully Ray also informed him that Hardy had been attacked and was badly hurt.

Zema Ion (c) defeated Sonjay Dutt to retain the X Division Championship in a very enjoyable contest once it got going. The action started to really flow in the final third with nice near falls and exciting moves, unfortunately the crowd weren't particularly responsive. I guess they were going to struggle to be after the gang fight and BFG Series matches they've just witnessed.

The only downfall of the match for me was that it really highlighted the champ's shortcomings compared to a superior talent in Dutt. Not that Ion's bad but as X Division Champion (especially following Aries) he needs to just up his game that bit more.  

Out in the parking lot we witnessed Hogan ridiculously ordering around the cops that had arrived at the arena. Even demanding that they bring more. Sorry, are we honestly expected to believe that the police force would have this situation on such high priority that they'd send out this many cops because a retired pro wrestler told them to? Who exactly does Hogan think he is? Even for a storyline it just came off as moronic.  

Rob Van Dam beat Magnus in a passable, if quite pedestrian bout. It was watchable, I just never felt myself getting engaged much at any point. RVD did his usual TNA routine while Magnus looked decent enough, not terrible but quite uneventful overall. 

Before their title defense Daniels and Kazarian gave an enjoyable promo about the hardships that Hogan as GM has thrown their way and how they deserve better treatment. At least TNA have these two keeping the tag team division relevant. Obviously nothing against the superb talents that are Angle and Styles but they're not exactly a regular solidified team. 

Christopher Daniels and Kazarian (c) defeated AJ Styles and Kurt Angle to retain the TNA Tag Team titles in a terrific match up. For the majority it was a thoroughly enjoyable match with blistering action and effective near falls. All four men gave a display to be very proud of. If I had one little niggle (and it's only a minor one) it's that the bout didn't maybe have to be quite so long. There were a few periods where the fans were loosing a bit of interest while the pace slowed down which was a shame, but otherwise it's well worth checking out if you weren't going planning to watch the PPV.  

Before the BFG Series Final Bully Ray gave a nice speech on the events of the evening and his rise in the singles division over the last year and a half. He went on to claim that while others were "Bound for Glory. I am destined for greatness." And stated that while you may not like him, you have to respect the transition he's made in his career. Which I very much agree with. I'll admit that I never thought his singles career would amount to very much, maybe mid card at the most. But he's become one of my favourite acts in pro wrestling today and a superb singles heel.   

As Bully awaited the injured Jeff Hardy, Hogan instead joined him and asked that if Bully Ray really feels as strongly as he states then he should wait until the next Impact when Hardy's in better condition. This idea understandable irked the fans in attendance who wanted a BFG Series Final match as advertised. Hardy's music then hit once again and he made his way out, clearly still feeling the effects of his attack. 

Jeff Hardy beat Bully Ray in a fair match to win the BFG Series Final. Unfortunately the main event was unable to live up to some of the previous bouts of the night but it was still decent enough and had a surprise win that I imagined pleased a lot of fans. Although I was personally rooting for Bully, thought it'd make a lot more sense. Hardy fought back through his shoulder injury like a true heroic face and managed to get through Bully's offense and hit the Swanton Bomb for the one-two-three. The crowd in attendance were very happy with the result.

Overall No Surrender was yet another largely enjoyable and solid pay-per-view from TNA. With engaging matches and relevant story line advancements. And next up is the biggest event for the company of the year, Bound for Glory. If the last few PPV's are anything to go by then it should be a fantastic event.

My Impact Wrestling, 6th September 2012 Recap

Jeff Hardy defeated Samoa Joe in a solid Bound for Glory Series match up. While it wasn't either man's top performance it was a very enjoyable contest with the crowd understandable electrified throughout. Both men gave a display to be proud of. Hardy surprisingly won by forcing Joe to tap out to a headlock/armlock submission hold.

As Joe was being interviewed about the loss after, his former tag partner Magnus interrupted and forgave Joe for his ego and selfishness during their time as a team. He then also attacked Joe's damaged arm from behind after he'd went to walk away. I'm guessing these two could very well battle at Bound for Glory then.

Tara beat Gail Kim in a fair Knockouts bout. Both women provided decent action, especially the almost always on form Kim. It was also more engaging then the lacklustre matches we normally receive from the Divas in WWE right now, and to think these were both former talents there. 

Al Snow called out former Gut Check contender Joey Ryan to the ring and offered him one last shot at getting a TNA contract after months of interrupting the shows as a member of the crowd (with a megaphone, throwing water and punching the Gut Check judges). Snow explained to Ryan that he would have to beat him in a match to earn the contract and slapped him, a shocked Ryan abruptly left the ring and threatened to sue. 

Bully Ray defeated Rob Van Dam in a BFG Series match to qualify for the final four at No Surrender. It was a enjoyable enough outing once it got going. The start was a little drab but both men pulled it out for the final third where the pace and action went up a notch  Bully applied his signature Bubba Cutter as RVD came down for the Five Star Frog Splash to gain the one-two-three. 

As Austin Aries was interrogating an Aces & Eights member backstage, Hulk Hogan (who'd given him permission to do so) received a call from the gang's leader and settled a deal where they would return the member in exchange for a match at No Surrender between Aries and the man who broke his hand. The gang leader agreed to the terms. 

James Storm came to the ring and spoke about his return to TNA after a brief hiatus a few months ago and his quest to reclaim the TNA World title in the BFG Series. He went on to also call out his three possible opponents for the final of the series at No Surrender (as the wrestler who finished first he has the pick of opponent). He chose Bully Ray to face on Sunday (leaving Samoa Joe versus Hardy in the other semi final) after his accusations of 'The Cowboy' being a member of Aces & Eights and after he beat him in last years BFG Series. No Surrender should be a decent event I reckon.

After a series of backstage eliminations, Hogan chose the team of Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez to fight for the TNA Tag Team titles on the show. It's not a good sign for the once flourishing tag team division of TNA when all three of the teams up for contention have barely ever teamed together. 

Christopher Daniels and Kazarian (c) defeated Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero to retain the TNA Tag Team Championship. While the first half was quite mediocre, the second managed to pick up the excitement and quality and provide a decent enough ending to the title bout. Unfortunately a big let down were the number of sloppy or just strange moments throughout. There were times when Hernandez and Chavo didn't even look like they knew what they were doing next, not exactly the team to be challenging for the titles eh?  

Hogan announced afterwards that at No Surrender Daniels and Kaz would be defending the titles against AJ Styles and Kurt Angle. I know we've already had this bout before but I'm certainly not complaining, should be very good.

Aries dragged his Aces & Eights captive to the ring and called out the gang to come and collect him. After they no showed he began threatening the member again and as he was about to talk Arie's proposed opponent came out and they began brawling as the show went off the air. 

Overall it was an okay Impact, not as entertaining as the last two weeks for me but not a bad show. Quite looking forward to No Surrender on Sunday, if the card and the last two PPV's they've put on are anything to go by then it should be worth watching.

My Impact Wrestling, February 2nd 2012 Recap

Impact Wrestling, taped for the first time in Wembley Arena kicked off with Bully Ray and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Ray first informed the fans in London that Jeff Hardy would not be there that night because him and Roode on the previous weeks Impact had "made sure you wouldn't see Jeff Hardy tonight!" Bit mean, eh? Roode also went on to mistake England for Ireland and added that they weren't completely finished by just taking out just Hardy, so he called out James Storm. Who sure enough made his way out, along with Sting. 'The Stinger' announced a Fatal Four Way for the Against All Odds pay-per-view between Storm, Roode, Ray and Jeff Hardy for the World Title. He also added that James Storm would get to face both Roode and Bully Ray on that very Impact.

Before we had the Buckingham Brawl (I have no idea either) match up between Samoa Joe and Magnus (who understandably got a great ovation on the way out) versus Crimson and Matt Morgan, there was a coin toss to determine which team would get a one man advantage in the ring all the time (like a handicap match basically) which Joe and Magnus won. 

Samoa Joe and Magnus defeated Matt Morgan and Crimson in a pretty average contest. Although the crowd were superb during it, thoroughly behind fellow countryman Magnus and partner Joe. 

Eric Bischoff entered the ring and called out his son Garrett, who he said needed a "good shot of reality." Garrett sure enough joined his Dad, who warned him that his new mystery trainer is a poor choice and will never be there for him. Garrett told his Dad that he should take it up with him, which Bischoff scoffed at and claimed that he would never come all the way to England for him. Garrett had to then stop his Dad for a moment as he answered his phone, it was the trainer calling him to let him know that he was in the building and would like to see Eric later on that night.  

Austin Aries defeated hometown prospect Mark Haskins in an enjoyable and fast paced X Division bout. Both wrestlers put in a good effort and the action never really let up, which included a dangerous Shooting Star Press from Haskins where he seemed to land a little awkwardly on his head. As usual, X Division Champion Aries was on great technical form.

Bobby Roode defeated James Storm in an intense match that gained momentum towards the final third of it. It began a little slow but once the signature moves and near falls began commencing the crowd were loving it, as was I. Bobby Roode pinned Storm with a Spear after Bully Ray had snuck to ringside and pulled on Storm's foot as he was preparing for a Last Call Superkick. Afterwards Bully Ray slammed Storm onto the World Title belt, with Sting racing in to 'The Cowboy's' aid.

Tara defeated Knockout Champion Gail Kim in a bout that started off slightly disappointingly and sloppy but at least picked up in terms of the quality of the action towards the end. For the finish Madison Rayne ran in to help the champ but accidentally struck her in the head instead, so Tara threw her out and applied the Widows Peak to Kim for the one-two-three.  

Garrett Bischoff thanked the fans for their support and was about to introduce his mystery trainer until his Dad, accompanied by Gunner interrupted him. Eric tried to convince him to give it up, but then the trainer was revealed, Hulk Hogan. Shocker, right? Together him and Garrett took out Gunner, and were about to do the same to Bischoff until he was saved by Gunner.       

James Storm defeated Bully Ray in a solid enough main event, though not as entertaining as the previous Roode versus Storm match from earlier on the show. Bully dominated the 'injured' Storm for the majority of the match until 'The Cowboy' made a valiant comeback and eventually pinned Ray after a Last Call. 

My Impact Wrestling, January 26th 2012 Recap

We kicked off Impact with Jeff Hardy and Bully Ray brawling with each other backstage. The Bully Ray and Hardy fight felt a little too fake and lacked intensity for my liking. It then carried on to the outside where TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode jumped out of his car and helped Ray take out Hardy. James Storm then came to Hardy's aid, but this was short lived as he was also taken out by the duo. But never fear as Sting then jumped in and chased off Bully and Roode, baseball bat in hand. 
Tara defeated Velvet Sky and Mickie James in a Triple Threat Match to determine the number one contender to Gail Kim's Knockout Championship at Against All Odds. The bout itself was rather sloppy, and at times almost looked like they weren't sure what they were supposed to do next. Disappointing, considering the high standard of Knockout matches we've had recently.
In the ring 'The Stinger', accompanied by Hardy and Storm, called out Roode and Bully Ray. The brawling continued briefly as they arrived but was halted by Sting. After a suggestion from 'The Cowboy', Sting decided to book a tag team Tables match between the four that night.
Alex Shelley defeated Zema Ion in a solid and thoroughly enjoyable X Division bout. It's certainly nice to see the talent of Shelley back, not just to freshen up the X Division but for Impact Wrestling in general. As per the agreement with X Division Champ Austin Aries last week this also means that Shelley will face Aries for the title at Against All Odds, which should be a superb encounter.  
We were then shown footage of Eric Bischoff paying a visit to his son Garrett Bischoff's regular gym where he trains to discover who his secret trainer is. But as a shocked Eric discovered who it was, he forced the cameras away so we couldn't see. Drat! 
ODB and Eric Young defeated Winter and Angelina Love in an average comedy tag bout.
Matt Morgan defeated Samoa Joe in an entertaining match up. Fortunately for our sakes, Morgan's offence was limited and the superior Joe lead the bout. Afterwards a sour Magnus and Samoa Joe once again took out Crimson and Morgan.
AJ Styles came to the ring and voiced his confusion over the hold that Christopher Daniels has over Kazarian. Kaz and ''The Fallen Angle' then joined Styles and Kazarian was about to talk, but was ordered by Daniels to hand over the mic. Daniels lectured AJ on once again coming to the ring and "complaining" about something. He also explained that "Frankie Kazarian doesn't owe you a damned thing." Styles asked Kazarian to come into the ring and shake his hand all all will be forgotten. But Daniels refused Kaz permission to do so and then proposed a match for Against All Odds between AJ Styles and Kazarian, ordering Kaz to ask Sting for the match. To be honest I'm growing a little tired of this storyline, I'm hoping they end it quite soon and move on.     
James Storm and Jeff Hardy defeated Bobby Roode and Bully Ray in a solid and worthy main event tag team Tables match. The sprawling action was well executed and nicely paced. The finish came when Storm elbow dropped Roode through a table in the ring. 
Afterwards Bully Ray brought in a steel chair and continued the assault on Storm and Hardy. He then powerbombed Jeff into a table from the top rope for a nice finish to the show.