TNA 2024: We are Back!!!

[kanegan]

 

 

---

Bound for Glory on October 21 at Cicero Stadium in Chicago capped off a successful year for IMPACT Wrestling in terms of delivering PPV's with a combined buyrate (streaming + traditional) of approx. 7500, which was the best buyrate for IMPACT since 2021 Rebellion which had around 10000 buys where Kenny Omega defeated Rich Swann to win both the AEW and IMPACT World Championships.

From top to bottom, this was a brilliant card which saw:

 - Chris Sabin defeating KENTA to extend his iconic 10th X-Division title reign

- ABC reclaiming their tag titles against Rascals after months of chasing them

- Trinity defending her Knockouts title against IMPACT legend Mickie James and solidifying her reign

- Jordynne Grace creating history by becoming the first woman to win the Call Your Shot Gauntlet and then immediately called her shot for the Knockouts Championship at Hard to Kill.

- Will Ospreay besting Mike Bailey in what was now TNA/IMPACT's first 5 star rated match by Dave Meltzer in 18 years ever since the AJ Styles/Samoa Joe/Christopher Daniels Triple Threat in Unbreakable 2005.

- Alex Shelley pulling off a huge upset and beating Josh Alexander to retain the IMPACT world title where everyone expected him to lose. So, Motor City Machine guns were standing tall by the end of PPV.

 

But the main talking point came after the main event. With the Shelley Alexander match ending early, everybody expected a new challenger to step up and confront Shelley and number of names were thrown around but what they got was something else:

 

 

TNA was coming back. Yes, IMPACT branding will cease to exist and TNA will be officially back come Hard to Kill 2024. This became the most watched segment in the promotion's twitter handle as it generated 3.1 million views.

With momentum firmly in the side of the promotion who had been dividing opinions of the IWC for the last 2 decades, this was a chance to swing back to big leagues and stake claim as the true alternative to WWE, a place that is all too familiar for them.

Edited January 26 by kanegan

[kanegan]

 

Fetching info...

 

---

Right on the heels of the BFG 2023 success and the buzz that they had generated with the announced return of TNA. IMPACT toured UK, their 1st UK tour in 8 years and announced three live dates for wrestling with October 27 show held in Walker Dome at Newcastle being the Turning Point, the 16th edition of the event.

 

Turning Point saw a lot of good to great matches with IMPACT talent mixing up with local UK wrestlers to create a memorable event.

 

Josh Alexander and Eric Young teamed up to successfully fight off the former IMPACT tag team champions, Subculture, and teased a possible reformation of Team Canada. Eric Young got the loudest pop from the crowd, a testament to his work over the years in UK wrestling. 

 

Leon Slater defeated Mark Haskins for his North title and more good news would come for the Youngest in Charge after the event. Joe Hendry who had defeated Frankie Kazarian in the previous night to win the inaugural Glasgow Cup took on Simon Miller of Whatculture in a fun culmination of a mini feud that started during Simon Miller's appearance at Joe Hendry's Food Fight.

 

 

Gisele Shaw and Alex Windsor rekindled their rivalry and in a hard-hitting match Gisele was about to come up top. With TNA about to return and the IMPACT/TNA universe having a good look at Windsor, hopefully, a contract is on offer soon. There were plenty of Knockouts match and another one was Jordynne Grace defeating Dani Luna in another wild brawl. But the semi-main took all the attention as it was Trinity vs Deonna III for the Knockouts World title.

 

 

This was Deonna's last chance to get back the Knockouts World title and become 4x champion. She had tapped out to Trinity on 2 previous occasions and the presence of Gail Kim as special guest referee added more drama to this match. A loss would mean Deonna would not get a shot till Trinity remains champion.

At one point, it appeared as though Purrazzo would win the match and title. Instead, she let the frustration surrounding her inability to beat Trinity with the Queen's Gambit distract her. After a verbal confrontation with special guest referee Gail Kim, Purrazzo found herself trapped in Starstruck and left with no choice but to tap out, the third such instance for the Virtuosa. Feeling completely dejected and frustrated, Deonna got into another confrontation with Gail Kim and then slapped her hard which led to Gail Kim hitting the Eat Defeat.

 

The seeds were firmly planted on this show for a Deonna Gail match which fans hoped they would see soon.

 

Will Ospreay made a memorable debut in IMPACT as he delivered the promotion's first 5-star rated match (by Dave Meltzer, a shock really!!!) in 18 years when he defeated Mike Bailey. He took on Eddie Edwards in another stellar main event.

Edwards threw everything he had at his opponent, overpowering him and utilizing his striking advantage against the smaller, more athletic and high-flying opponent. Ospreay, though, caught him mid-Boston Knee Party and unleashed a barrage before pinning him with the Stormbreaker for the win.

 

 

Afterwards, he addressed the crowd and professed his love for TNA, how the former TNA alumnus like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe inspired him to become a wrestler, and how he was an out-and-out TNA Kid and he hoped whatever happens in February, all the current young people should tune into TNA and become the next generation of TNA Kids.

Was Ospreay playing everyone or was there a genuine chance that he would call TNA home come February?? Only time will tell.

 

Edited December 27, 2023 by kanegan

[kanegan]

 

 

---

 

Following the conclusion of the UK tour, IMPACT announced a host of signees who would be the first signings for the new TNA rebrand:

 

 

The Youngest in Charge, Leon Slater who had been wowing the crowds in UK with PROGRESS, TNT and North Wrestling finally signed a long term contract with IMPACT/TNA making him the latest in the long line of wrestlers from UK who had been plying their trade in the promotion.

 

The former IMPACT World Tag Team Champions, Subculture who had been having visa issues which restricted them to wrestle for the promotion outside UK or Canada sorted them out which meant that they were now able to sign full time with the promotion.

 

And finally, the third cog in the Rascalz wheel, Myron Reed who had been a free agent since the last two months was officially a TNA talent as it was confirmed on social media that Reed had indeed signed a long term contract, thus completing the Rascals. 

 

 

We also got official confirmation on two big matches at Hard To Kill. Jordynne Grace and Moose called their respective shots, Grace winning the Call your Shot Gauntlet at BFG while Moose winning the World Title Shot briefcase in the Feast or Fired match on IMPACT 1000th epsiode.

 

With still a month and a half to go for the rebrand, all eyes were on the promotion as to what other signings or matches are announced. 

Edited November 26, 2023 by kanegan

[kanegan]

 

---

 

An interesting week just passed and it was a WTF moment for all IMPACT/TNA fans not once but twice. Ever since the BFG announcement, there had been a positive wave amongst wrestlers who had started viewing TNA as a solid career option and TNA was also offering big-money deals to the biggest free agents out there. 

But the shock came afterwards.

 

 

Will Ospreay, one of the best in the world and the man who had been putting over TNA in the past few weeks, shocked TNA faithful as Tony Khan revealed Will Ospreay to be the latest signing at AEW Full Gear on 18th November 2023. Will had seemingly signed a multi-year deal that would let him finish his dates with NJPW and will also let him stay in UK.

 

 

Another of the self-proclaimed Best in the World and the most controversial wrestling figures, CM Punk did the unthinkable by returning to WWE at the end of Survivor Series on November 25th after being fired by Tony Khan for being a threat in September.

 

 

Two world-renowned major free agents and TNA lost the chance to sign either of them. They had been offered sizeable deals but still they chose the rivals. With time running out and roughly a month and a half remained for the TNA relaunch, IMPACT wrestling announced a break as they would run down the year with special episodes like Thanksgiving, IPWF etc before capping off the year with the last event under IMPACT brand, the Final Resolution.

 

Time was running out, TNA needed a major figure. Who would it be???

 

[Wrestling Machine]

Time was running out, TNA needed a major figure. Who would it be??? "The Show Stealer" Nick Nemeth 😁 maybe he still can draw some money. And talking about money, another huge sign will be Mercedes Moné imho.

Edited December 2, 2023 by Wrestling Machine

[kanegan]

---

Josh Alexander had a great match against Will Ospreay in an Impact wrestling episode on the 2nd week of November and they tore the house down. Will had now had three spectacular matches back to back in IMPACT and many expected Ospreay Alexander II at Hard to Kill but Ospreay ditched IMPACT to sign with AEW and that dream was over.

Bully Ray had been feuding with Maclin for the last month and it all started when Bully eliminated Maclin from the Call Your Shot Gauntlet. Backstage attacks, face-offs and many such moments later, these two faced off in an episode of IMPACT on AXStv and when it almost fell like Maclin would take this, two masked men hit the ring and started assaulting Steve. These would continue for another couple of weeks before to everyone's surprise, it was Josh Alexander who came to Maclin's rescue. After refusing to acknowledge him for a while, finally he accepted when he returned the favour after saving Josh from masked men's backstage attack and then they hugged out, finally cementing Maclin's face turn. Two of the biggest stars of IMPACT had come together to save the company from the monster called Bully Ray.

Bully Ray also announced that he is resurrecting the Aces & Eights and the masked men were the first recruits in that direction. He challenged Josh and Maclin to a trios match if they can find anyone to tag with.

 

 

Moose had already cashed his world title shot briefcase against Alex Shelley at Hard to Kill and their feud started off intensely. Soon, both their tag partners got involved and even Kushida interfered from time to time. The dynamics changed when Matt Cardona came back again, this time on a permanent basis and joined hands with Myers and Moose, thus resurrecting the Major Empire.

 

 

MK Ultra had been a dominant Knockouts Tag Team Champion for quite some time taking on all comers and defeating them easily. Without any team to challenge them, Masha and Kelly would cut scary promos every week until they got interfered by one of the returning tag teams who took the fight to them. It was the Hex, Allysin Kay and Marti Belle who would challenge MK Ultra after Allysin defeated Kelly to earn the shot.

 

 

ABC and Rascals feud over tag titles reached a new dimension when Myron Reed joined his brethren. Subculture announced their long term signing defeating both Chris Bey and Trey Miguel to throw their names at reclaiming the title again.

 

 

Edited December 7, 2023 by kanegan

[kanegan]

---

 

The Knockouts division is clearly seeing a big divide between the faces and heels. With Trinity and Grace heading for showdown at Hard to Kill and being the two premier faces has huge targets painted on their back. While Deonna and Tasha Steelz failed to win the tag titles or the world title, they decided to keep their alliance and target both Grace and Trinity. Shawtourage and Mickie James joined the war on either side while Gail Kim who was slapped by Deonna during her guest referee stint at No Surrender showed her support by hitting Eat Defeat on both Tasha and Deonna. The battle lines were drawn and after Impact 1000th episode, Gail Kim was making her first appearance in a PPV/PLE/Monthly Special since her defeat against Tessa Blanchard in Rebellion 2019.

 

 

Eric Young and Josh Alexander teased the formation of Team Canada 2.0 but then went their separate ways. While Eric Young always held the idea close to his heart, he was constantly beaten backstage by his former VBD disciples, now going by the name of Design and led by Deaner. Soon, they gained another member when Jake Crist joined Deaner and Kon to complete the trifecta once again but Young's dreams soon came to fruition as Mike Bailey and a returning El Phantasmo joined Eric to reform Team Canada 2.0

 

 

---

 

 

IMPACT Digital Media Championship: Tommy Dreamer (c) vs Alan Angels

International Showcase: Leon Slater/Joe Hendry/Grado vs Samuray del Sol/Laredo Kid/Black Taurus

IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (c) vs Hex

IMPACT World Tag Team Championship Full Metal Mayhem Match: ABC (c) vs Subculture vs Rascals

Knockouts 8 Woman Tag Match: Trinity/Jordynne Grace/Mickie James/Gail Kim vs Gisele Shaw/Savannah Evans/Deonna Purazzo/Tasha Steelz

Six Man Tag Toronto Deathmatch: Team Canada 2.0 (Eric Young/El Phantasmo/Mike Bailey) vs Design (Deaner/Kon/Jake Crist)

Six Man Tag: Bully Ray & Masked Men vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin/???

Six Man Tag: Major Empire (Moose/Matt Cardona/Brian Myers) vs Time Machine (Alex Shelley/Chris Sabin/KUSHIDA)

Edited December 17, 2023 by kanegan

[Wrestling Machine]

IMPACT Digital Media Championship: Tommy Dreamer (c) vs Alan Angels

International Showcase: Leon Slater/Joe Hendry/Grado vs Samuray del Sol/Laredo Kid/Black Taurus

IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (c) vs Hex

IMPACT World Tag Team Championship Full Metal Mayhem Match: ABC (c) vs Subculture vs Rascals

Knockouts 8 Woman Tag Match: Trinity/Jordynne Grace/Mickie James/Gail Kim vs Gisele Shaw/Savannah Evans/Deonna Purazzo/Tasha Steelz

Six Man Tag Toronto Deathmatch: Team Canada 2.0 (Eric Young/El Phantasmo/Mike Bailey) vs Design (Deaner/Kon/Jake Crist)

Six Man Tag: Bully Ray & Masked Men vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin/???

Six Man Tag: Major Empire (Moose/Matt Cardona/Brian Myers) vs Time Machine (Alex Shelley/Chris Sabin/KUSHIDA)

[kanegan]

IMPACT! Final Resolution - December 16th, 2023
Attendance: 1100 (Sold Out) at Ted Reeve Arena (Toronto, Canada)
Commentary Team: Matt Rehwoldt & Tom Hannifan

 

IMPACT Digital Media Title: Tommy Dreamer (c) vs Alan Angels

 

Tommy Dreamer had fans even in Canada and in 2023!!! Shocking!!! Alan Angels tried his best to carry Dreamer to a serviceable match but when you are a quick gasser and lump of mass like Dreamer, it becomes very difficult. Dreamer though waited for the right moment and struck by hitting the Dreamer Driver but before going for the cover, he rested on the ropes but right then

 

 

 

 

 

Crazzy Steve!!!

 

Steve stabs Dreamer in the forehead with a fork!!! Dreamer goes down catching his face. Angels had recovered by then and saw an opening. He hit the 27 Club.

1........

2.......

3........

Alan Angels is the new champion!!!

 

WINNER: Alan Angels (new champion!!!)
Grade: 40

 

 

After the match, Steve comes out from under the ring and goes full-on berserk stabbing Dreamer everywhere on the arms, face, chest and blood started flowing everywhere. Security rushed in the ring to restrain Steve but not before he gave a wicked smile before screaming that the sacrifice has started and this was just the start. The herald of doom is coming and it will be beautiful.

 

 

Leon Slater/Joe Hendry/Grado vs Samuray del Sol/Laredo Kid/Black Taurus

 

This was a fantastic match which was contested under tornado tag rules so no tagging was necessary. Everybody got highlighted with Grado bringing his comic act and both him and Hendry had a sing-along to Joe Hendry's catchy I Believe theme song.  In the end, Joe Hendry pinned Samuray del Sol with the Freak of Nature to win this for Team UK.

 

 WINNER: Team UK
Grade: 52

 

 

IMPACT Knockouts World Tag Team Title:  MK Ultra (c) vs The Hex

 

MK Ultra had been a dominating champion so far, defeating all comers in the promotion. Hex returned to the promotion this month and picked up some strong victories to get to this match. It was an intense brawl between the four ladies and the crowd was treated to a violent duel. While Kay and Belle had some pretty strong moments in the match, it was Masha who was the game changer as her powerful slams and suplexes and finished the match with a Snowplow on Belle to get another defense.

 

WINNER: MK Ultra (defense #9)
Grade: 51

 

While MK Ultra were celebrating and almost flipping off the crowd, suddenly we saw two figures armed with baseball bats rushing to the ring and blasts the champions as they go down. They continue hitting them with baseball bats as the champions retreat. As the ring clears, we see the face,

Maki Itoh & Miyu Yamashita!!! Team 1 to 1 Million!!. This year's TJPW Max Heart tournament winner!! What were they doing here in IMPACT??

 

 

Trinity/Jordynne Grace/Gail Kim/Mickie James vs Tasha Steelz/Deonna Purrazzo/Gisele Shaw/Savannah Evans

 

 

Another match that highlighted the core of the Knockouts division. There were a few burning questions out of this match, whether Jordynne and Trinity can co-exist, whether Gail Kim can have another go in the ring after the scare on IMPACT 1000 and whether Deonna and Tasha could put aside their differences. The answers were all positive as Trinity and Jordynne not only fought together, they functioned like a well-oiled team tagging in and out frequently and keeping opponents guessing which even Tasha and Deonna managed to do. The main feud that was in the spotlight was Gail Kim and Deonna, which got kickstarted in Turning Point and the ending also came from these two as Deonna hit the Queen's Gambit on Kim for the win.

 

WINNER: Tasha Steelz/Deonna Purrazzo/Gisele Shaw/Savannah Evans
Grade: 45

 

 

Six Man Tag Tornado Deathmatch: Team Canada 2.0 (Eric Young/Mike Bailey/El Phantasmo) vs The Design (Deaner/Jake Crist/Kon)

 

Both the stables were transforming and with the history between the leaders, we got an intense blood-filled deathmatch.  Kon struggled the most but his short quick bursts of show of strength were the highlights. Bailey and Crist took some insane bumps. Deaner dominated Young for most of the time, bloodying him from head to toe but Young had the last laugh, hitting the elbow drop before the piledriver to win.

 

WINNER: Team Canada 2.0
Grade: 39

 

 

IMPACT World Tag Team Titles Full Metal Mayhem match: ABC (c) vs Rascals vs Subculture

 

One of the best tag title matches of the year. All these three teams have been instrumental in raising the prestige of the tag titles this year.  Rascals started the highlight reel using the ladders to churn out some impressive moves. While Reed and Luna were running constant interference, everyone did their part in the ring to elevate the match. The finishing moments saw Miguel and Austin both climbing up the ladder with Reed and Luna preventing others from entering but then

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KENTA!!!!!

 

Kenta arrives from the back and start hitting GTS everywhere, GTS to Reed and Luna first and then in the ring, he dragged Trey down and hit a G2S to him as well. Ace had a clear passage to the top and he retrieved the belt.

 

WINNER: ABC (defense #4)
Grade: 63

 

 

Six Man Tag: Major Empire (Moose/Matt Cardona/Brian Myers) vs Time Machine (Alex Shelley/Chris Sabin/KUSHIDA)

 

Sabin and Myers started the match with a brief exchange, then both tagged out. KUSHIDA and Sabin got some tandem tag offense on Myers before he managed to tag in Cardona while KUSHIDA tagged in Shelley. A huge Motor City and Major Players duelling chat echoed through the arena and we got some signature offenses from both teams. Shelley showed why he is called a master technician manipulating the joints in the hands and legs of Cardona and even instigating Moose while doing so.

While MCMG were dominating, Myers hit a Roster Cut lariat out of nowhere to Sabin and almost won the match but KUSHIDA broke up the pin and Myers got a window to tag in Moose. He came in like a house of fire, handing pumphandle slam to KUSHIDA, a big boot to Sabin before coming face to face with Shelley. An interesting back and forth continued before Moose hit the Spear and followed up with the Jackhammer and others cleared the ring for Moose to pin the champion Alex Shelley clean in the ring.

Can he repeat this feat at Hard to Kill???

WINNER: Major Empire
Grade: 55

 

 

Six Man Tag: Bully Ray & Masked Men vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin/Jake Something

 

It was Jake Something who was tagging with Josh and Steve. A face Steve Maclin was a different beast altogether and his partnership with Josh already sounded a formidable one but when you add the raw power of Jake and this was a powerhouse trio and Bully and his men felt the wrath when these three took apart Bully in succession. Maclin also hitting the Caught in Crosshairs to both the masked competitors after hanging them in Tree of Woe position on either side. But the real WTF moment came when Josh went for the Ankle Lock to the Blue Masked Men but he reversed it into an ankle lock of his own and the precision with which he manipulated the joints surprised many and their fight reached in the stands

While Bully and Maclin took their fight in the stands, it was the White Masked Man who lifted Something to hit a Snap Inverted DDT and the force of it surprised many. He pinned Something to send the arena into shock.

WINNER: Bully Ray & Masked Men
Grade: 50

 

Bully Ray and the White Mask had also gotten better of their opponents and made it to the center of the ring. Bully Ray had a wide grin on his face as he grabbed the mic.

"You know i have been thinking this a long time, planning this for even more than that because my child, my baby, the greatest stable in the TNA/IMPACT history did not had to go down like this. It shouldn't have went in flames due to incompetent A**holes and good for nothing nepo kids who stunk up the place. It should have been forever a power player, the biggest and the most dangerous people coming together to whip people's asses and set the bar high. This was the plan all along. Last time i failed, this time i will not. No more weak puny dipshits, no more nepo kids, from now only the best get in and to really get your slow brains to understand what exactly are you expecting, let me ask my good friends to unmask and reveal themselves to the world"

 

 

 

 

LANCE ARCHER AND DAVEY BOY SMITH JR. !!!! THE KILLER ELITE SQUAD!!!!

 

"Aces and Eights are back baby and you can't do a f**king thing about it."

 

 

SHOW RATING

Edited December 22, 2023 by kanegan

[kanegan]

PREDICTIONS

Wrestling Machine - 5/8

 

 

 

[Mammoth]

I recently did a blue version of TNA's signing image for Paige Turner in the Custom Graphics Request Thread and I saw this thread and figured you could maybe make use of the actual red one? If so, you can find a PSD of it by clicking the following link: Click Here.

[dstephe4]

@kanegan! Count me in!

[kanegan]

7 hours ago, Mammoth said:

I recently did a blue version of TNA's signing image for Paige Turner in the Custom Graphics Request Thread and I saw this thread and figured you could maybe make use of the actual red one? If so, you can find a PSD of it by clicking the following link: Click Here.

Thanks man. Much appreciated although I am very poor at GIMP/Photoshop but will try for the future signees.

[ElectricX]

Excited to see where you go with this. It has been a fun read so far!

[Vandal]

Forgot to get predictions in, oops!

Really good first show! Looking forward to more!

[kanegan]

 

---

As we bid adieu to the blockbuster year of wrestling that was 2023, it's time to look at the annual TEW awards:

 

Wrestler of the Year: Cody Rhodes (WWE)

Tag Team of the Year: Judgement Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) (WWE)

Young Wrestler of the Year: Mascara Dorada (CMLL)

Veteran Wrestler of the Year: Sheamus (WWE)

Female Wrestler of the Year: Asuka (WWE)

Indie Wrestler of the Year: Syuri (STARDOM)

Company of the Year: WWE (4x)

Match of the Year: Seth Rollins def. Cody Rhodes at WWE Raw to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Title - 99

Card of the Year: CMLL International Women's Grand Prix 2023 - 82

Manager of the Year: Gedo (NJPW)

Announcer of the Year: Tony Schiavone (AEW)

Color Commentator of the Year: Milano Collection A.T (NJPW)

Referee of the Year: Bryce Remsburg (AEW)

 

Top 5 Companies heading into 2024

 

#1

WWE World Heavyweight - Seth Rollins

WWE Universal - Roman Reigns (2x)

WWE Unified World Tag Team: Judgement Day (Finn Balor/Damian Priest)

WWE United States: Rey Mysterio (3x)

WWE Intercontinental: Gunther

WWE Raw Women's : Rhea Ripley

WWE Smackdown Women's World: Iyo Sky

Men's Royal Rumble: Cody Rhodes

Women's Royal Rumble: Rhea Rhipley

Men's Money in the Bank: Damian Priest

Women's Money in the Bank: Iyo Sky

 

 

#2

AEW World - MJF

AEW Women's World - Saraya

AEW World Tag Team: FTR (2x)

AEW World Trios: Billy Gunn & Acclaimed

AEW International: Rey Fenix

AEW TBS: Kris Statlander

AEW TNT: Christian Cage

FTW World: Hook (2x)

Full Gear World Title Eliminator: Jon Moxley

Owen Hart Cup: Ricky Starks

Owen Hart Women's Cup: Willow Nightingale

 

 

#3

IWGP World Heavyweight - SANADA

IWGP World Junior Heavyweight - El Desperado (3x)

IWGP US Heavyweight: Will Ospreay (2x)

NEVER Openweight: David Finlay

NJPW King of Pro Wrestling: Jeff Cobb

IWGP World Junior Heavyweight Tag Team - Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors/Drilla Moloney)

IWGP World Tag Team: Guerillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga/Tanga Loa) (8x)

NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team: Kazuchika Okada/Tomohiro Ishii/Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan Cup: SANADA

G1 Climax: Tetsuya Naito (3x)

Best of Super Juniors: Master Wato

NJPW World Tag League: United Empire (Jeff Cobb/Great-O-Khan)

NJPW Super Junior Tag League: YOH/Ren Narita

 

 

#4

NXT - Ilja Dragunov

NXT North American - Trick Williams

NXT Tag Team - The Family (Channing Lorenzo/Tony D'Angelo)

NXT Women's - Tatum Paxley

NXT Heritage Cup - Noam Dar (3x)

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic: Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed/Julius Creed)

 

 

#5

IMPACT World - Alex Shelley

IMPACT X-Division - Chris Sabin (10x)

IMPACT Digital Media - Alan Angels

IMPACT Knockouts World - Trinity

IMPACT World Tag Team - ABC (Ace Austin/Chris Bey) (2x)

IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team - MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich/Killer Kelly)

Call Your Shot Gauntlet - Jordynne Grace

 

Alliance

(AEW/NJPW/NJOA/IMPACT/CMLL/MLW/RevPro/STARDOM/ROH)

 

NJPW Strong Openweight - Kazuchika Okada

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team - Bullet Club War Dogs (Alex Coughlin/Gabriel Kidd)

NJPW World Television - Ephesto

IWGP Women's - Mayu Iwatani

NJPW Strong Women's - Skye Blue

 

 

 

[kanegan]

---

ROAD TO HARD TO KILL

With the Final Resolution out of the way and IMPACT clearly into the new TNA era now, the plans for Hard to Kill started taking shape. The war between Moose and Alex Shelley intensified as both of their stable mates joined in on the war. They also got support in the form of the new Aces and Eights who joined Major Players and the trio of Josh Alexander, Jake Something a newly turned face Steve Maclin who joined Time Machine. They fought in a couple of multi-man matches and in between Moose convinced the GM Santino Marella to ask Alex Shelly to defend his world title on the last IMPACT on AXStv of 2023 in a bid to soften him up and he did so against Eric Young, a celebration of the two longest serving members of the TNA roster.

 

Speaking of Eric Young, his newly reformed Team Canada 2.0 was dealt a big blow as El Phantasmo suffered a long-term injury during NJPW World Tag League and he would be out for the entire year. He also lost the chance to win the IMPACT World title and also suffered a niggle which would keep him out of Hard to Kill. The Design would lurk close ready to pounce and they did with the trio of Kon, Jake Crist and Deaner posing problems for Young and Mike Bailey at every turn. Finally, the GM made a match to settle the nerves as the only fit member of Team Canada 2.0, Mike Bailey would face Jake Crist at Hard to Kill.

 

The battle between the new Aces and Eights and Josh, Maclin and Something would gain steam as Lance Archer and Harry Smith would torment their opponents and they seriously injured Steve Maclin when he was thrown on a bed of wooden crates and then from the elevated ramp but the Mayhem Man would not go down so easily as in the go-home show, he returned and hit K.I.A on both Archer and Smith before challenging them to a tag match with him and Josh Alexander.

 

The tag titles had been mainly focused on the Rascalz and ABC for a couple of months now and the addition of Myron Reed and KENTA to either side spiced it up even more. KENTA threw the big missile when he announced that he and ABC would be forming the Total Bullet Club, TNA's version of the iconic group that has versions in NJPW and AEW currently running around. For the final time they meet, ABC and Rascalz, this time in a cage match and the loser would not get their hands at the titles until the other holds it.

 

 

Other updates to follow!!!

Edited December 29, 2023 by kanegan

[kanegan]

---

ROAD TO HARD TO KILL PART 2

 

With several contenders for Sabin's X-Division title and no clear-cut #1, management decided to hold a 4-way contender's match between Mark Andrews, Laredo Kid, Frankie Kazarian and a returning Lio Rush who finished up his NJPW commitments and shook off minor injuries to come back to TNA and what a return it was as he punched his ticket at Hard to Kill 2024 by winning the match. So, we would be getting Rush-Sabin III.

 

 

The Knockouts division had a lot of storylines going on. Apart from the usual Trinity Grace respectful rivalry, the newest tag team in TNA, Team 1 to 1 Million, Maki Itoh and Miyu Yamashita who debuted at the Final Resolution made life hell for the KO tag champions, MK Ultra. They led unprecedented attacks, drenched Kelly and Masha in water, and created a total nuisance which the champs were fed up with but it got the Joshi team what they wished for, a title match.

 

Gail Kim and Deonna's feud took a nasty turn when Deonna pinned Kim in a massive 8 KO tag team match at Final Resolution. After that, Virtuosa was bizarrely fixated on ending Kim's time in the company as she seriously injured Kim in a nasty backstage attack. While Kim was not cleared to compete in a ring, she promised to take revenge as she had personally signed a big free agent who would be the latest Knockout and will face Deonna.

 

 

---

 

 

 

Before The Impact @ 21st December 2023

1.  IMPACT Digital Media Title: Alan Angels def. Black Taurus (defense #1)

 

 

IMPACT on AXStv @ 21st December 2023

1.  Maki Itoh def. Courtney Rush

2. Steve Maclin def. Champagne Singh

3. Major Players def. Heath & Rhino

4. Tasha Steelz and Deonna Purazzo def. The Coven

5. Eddie Edwards def, Jonathan Gresham

 

 

Before The Impact @ 28th December 2023

1.  Jody Threat def. JesSICKa

 

IMPACT on AXStv @ 28th December 2023

1.  Miyu Yamashita def. Dani Luna

2. Rascals def. The Good Hands

3. Josh Alexander and Jake Something def. Jake Crist and Kon

4. Non-Title: Trinity def. Savannah Evans

5. IMPACT X-Division Title: Chris Sabin def. KENTA after Reed's interference (defense #3)

6. IMPACT World Title: Alex Shelley def. Eric Young (defense #4)

 

 

 

Before The Impact @ 4th January 2024

1.  Joe Hendry def. Dirty Dango

2.  IMPACT Digital Media Title: Alan Angels def. Bhupinder Gujjar (defense #2)

 

IMPACT on AXStv @ 4th January 2024

1.  Killer Elite Squad def. Local Talent

2. IMPACT KO Tag Title: MK Ultra def. The Hex (defense #7)

3. Crazzy Steve def. Champagne Singh

4. Deonna Purazzo def. JesSICKa

5. Jordynne Grace def. Kilynn King

6. Josh Alexander, Steve Maclin and Motor City Machine Guns def. Bully Ray, Moose and Major Players

 

 

 

Before The Impact @ 11th January 2024

1.  Dani Luna def. Jody Threat

2.  Kenny King and Sheldon Jean def. Heath & Rhino

 

IMPACT on AXStv @ 11th January 2024

1.  X-Division #1 Contender: Lio Rush def. Frankie Kazarian, Mark Andrews and Laredo Kid

2. Eddie Edwards def. Rich Swann

3. Crazzy Steve def. Champagne Singh

4. Rascalz def. Joe Hendry and Leon Slater

5. Deonna Purazzo def. Courtney Rush

6. KUSHIDA, Chris Sabin, Josh Alexander, Steve Maclin def. Killer Elite Squad and Major Players

Edited December 19, 2023 by kanegan

[kanegan]

PREVIEW

---

Apart from the Knockout which Gail Kim is expected to reveal in the show itself, another new tag team makes their debut at the Countdown pre-show.

 

COUNTDOWN TO HTK

1.  ??? vs Subculture

2. Digital Media Title: Alan Angels (c) vs Joe Hendry

HARD TO KILL

1.  TNA Knockouts World Tag Title: MK Ultra (c) vs Team 1 to 1 Million

2. Mike Bailey vs Jake Crist 

3. TNA World Tag Title Cage Match: ABC (c) vs Rascals

4. TNA X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs Lio Rush

5. ??? vs Deonna Purazzo

6. TNA Knockouts World Title: Trinity (c) vs Jordynne Grace

7. Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer/Harry Smith) vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin

8. TNA World Title: Alex Shelley (c) vs Moose

BONUS QUESTION 1: Who is the debuting tag team??

BONUS QUESTION 2: Who is the debuting Knockout??

 

 

Edited December 31, 2023 by kanegan

[JaCeLo3]

COUNTDOWN TO HTK

1.  ??? vs Subculture

2. Digital Media Title: Alan Angels (c) vs Joe Hendry

HARD TO KILL

1.  TNA Knockouts World Tag Title: MK Ultra (c) vs Team 1 to 1 Million

2. Mike Bailey vs Jake Crist 

3. TNA World Tag Title Cage Match: ABC (c) vs Rascals

4. TNA X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs Lio Rush

5. ??? vs Deonna Purazzo

6. TNA Knockouts World Title: Trinity (c) vs Jordynne Grace

7. Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer/Harry Smith) vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin

8. TNA World Title: Alex Shelley (c) vs Moose

BONUS QUESTION 1: Who is the debuting tag team?? The Von Erichs

BONUS QUESTION 2: Who is the debuting Knockout?? Sasha Banks

[Wrestling Machine]

COUNTDOWN TO HTK

1.  ??? vs Subculture

2. Digital Media Title: Alan Angels (c) vs Joe Hendry

 

HARD TO KILL

1.  TNA Knockouts World Tag Title: MK Ultra (c) vs Team 1 to 1 Million

2. Mike Bailey vs Jake Crist 

3. TNA World Tag Title Cage Match: ABC (c) vs Rascals

4. TNA X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs Lio Rush

5. ??? vs Deonna Purazzo

6. TNA Knockouts World Title: Trinity (c) vs Jordynne Grace

7. Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer/Harry Smith) vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin

8. TNA World Title: Alex Shelley (c) vs Moose

BONUS QUESTION 1: Who is the debuting tag team?? NGL as soon as I saw JaCeLo3's pick something clicked! The Von Erichs

BONUS QUESTION 2: Who is the debuting Knockout? Mercedes Moné

[Vandal]

COUNTDOWN TO HTK

1.  ??? vs Subculture

2. Digital Media Title: Alan Angels (c) vs Joe Hendry

HARD TO KILL

1.  TNA Knockouts World Tag Title: MK Ultra (c) vs Team 1 to 1 Million

2. Mike Bailey vs Jake Crist 

3. TNA World Tag Title Cage Match: ABC (c) vs Rascals

4. TNA X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs Lio Rush

5. ??? vs Deonna Purazzo

6. TNA Knockouts World Title: Trinity (c) vs Jordynne Grace

7. Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer/Harry Smith) vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin

8. TNA World Title: Alex Shelley (c) vs Moose

BONUS QUESTION 1: Who is the debuting tag team?? Grizzled Young Veterans

BONUS QUESTION 2: Who is the debuting Knockout??  Mercedes Moné

 

[Dawn]

???
Joe Hendry
MK Ultra
Mike Bailey
ABC
Chris Sabin
???
Jordynne Grace
Killer Elite Squad
Moose

Sure, Grizzled Young Veterans
Tenille Dashwood

[CactusHack]

COUNTDOWN TO HTK

1.  ??? vs Subculture

2. Digital Media Title: Alan Angels (c) vs Joe Hendry

HARD TO KILL

1.  TNA Knockouts World Tag Title: MK Ultra (c) vs Team 1 to 1 Million

2. Mike Bailey vs Jake Crist 

3. TNA World Tag Title Cage Match: ABC (c) vs Rascals

4. TNA X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs Lio Rush

5. ??? vs Deonna Purazzo

6. TNA Knockouts World Title: Trinity (c) vs Jordynne Grace

7. Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer/Harry Smith) vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin

8. TNA World Title: Alex Shelley (c) vs Moose

BONUS QUESTION 1: Who is the debuting tag team?? Grizzled Young Veterans

BONUS QUESTION 2: Who is the debuting Knockout?? Mercedes Mone

[kanegan]

TNA Hard To Kill 2024 - January 13th, 2024
Attendance: 1500 (Sold Out) at Metroplex (Dallas, USA)
Commentary Team: Matt Rehwoldt & Tom Hannifan

 

COUNTDOWN TO HARD TO KILL

Grizzled Young Veterans vs Subculture

 

It was Grizzled Young Veterans, James Drake and Zack Gibson who made their debut at Hard to Kill. So, it was England vs Wales. Both of them had a wonderful match and the TNA crowd got a good look at GYV.  Zack Gibson picked up the first win for GYV in TNA when he submitted Morgan Webster with the Shankly Gates.

WINNER: Grizzled Young Veterans
Grade: 45

 

 

TNA Digital Media Title: Alan Angels (c) vs Joe Hendry

 

After that whirlwind opener, it was time for the Digital Media title match. Angels was about to face his biggest challenge, in former champion, Joe Hendry. The two locked up and started with a bit of chain wrestling before Hendry was caught and hit in the gut with a spin kick but Joe turned the tables with a hip toss and a clothesline on Angels.

Angels got a two-count off a sweep kick and DDT. Joe avoided a moonsault and rallied with punches but Angels came back with a Gamengiri. Hendry caught Angels in mid-air with a cutter. As he was picking up Angels for the Freak of Nature........

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Crazzy Steve again!!!

 

Steve stabs Hendry first and then Angels both in the forehead with that damn fork!!! Referee had no choice but to ring the bell and end the match. Joe tries to fight him but gets another stabbing in the waist for his troubles and he rolls out of the ring wincing in pain. Angels was all alone and Steve grabbed a chair and then slammed on Angels face busting him open. 

He then rubs the blood all over his face which makes for a horrific sight. He then screams that the Herald is coming and the Cult will rise and the beginning of the end starts now:

 

 

Just then, a masked man wearing a blood-red mask arrives and the entire arena goes silent. Steve laughs in joy and bows down as if his god has come. He hails him as The Herald of Doom and the man signals Steve to pick up Angels. The lights go out and when they come back, Herald, Steve and Angels is nowhere to be seen.

 

WINNER: No contest due to double DQ

 

 

 

MAIN SHOW

 

TNA Knockouts Tag Title: MK Ultra (c) vs Team 1 to 1 Million

 

Killer Kelly and Itoh start off with lots of fun counters that eventually lead to Itoh hitting her falling headbutt. Kelly takes over and dominates with some mean offense. Itoh is just beaten for a good portion of this match, as both Kelly and Masha have the strength to overwhelm. Yamashita though gets the hot tag and enters and shines when she and Itoh hit their signature tandem moves.

She faces Masha, and though MK Ultra dominates the most, and in desperation, Itoh headbutts Yamashita to power up.  Kelly goes for the Superkick but Yamashita blocks it and hits a discuss lariat before hitting the Skull Kick and gets the 1......2......3. 

We have new champions!!!

 

 WINNER: Team 1 to 1 Million (new champions)
Grade: 53

 

 

Mike Bailey vs Jake Crist

 

Bailey started with some hard chops but Crist fired back with a tornado DDT. He hit a top-rope crossbody block for a near fall, then a sitdown powerbomb for another near fall. Frustrated, he goes for a Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring but Bailey reaches the ropes, frustrating Crist even more. Bailey hit his speedball kicks to the ribs. Bailey hit a shotgun dropkick, then a series of kicks and a corkscrew senton for a near fall. Bailey hit his corner moonsault to the floor. They fought on the ring apron, where Bailey missed his 450 knee drop. Crist shoved Bailey off the apron and he crashed into the ramp. They fought on the floor, and over the guardrail, into the crowd. Bailey climbed onto the top and did a moonsault to the floor.

Crist hit a stunner and got a backslide but it did not yield any result as Bailey kicked out at one and then after a back-and-forth, he hit the Ultima Weapon for the win.

 

WINNER: Mike Bailey
Grade: 50

 

 

 

TNA X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs Lio Rush

Lio used his quickness to elude and cheap shot Sabin, before giving the boots to the head and a suicide dive. These were the same moves that had concussed Sabin at Slammiversary last year. Rush went to the top rope and gloated. The referee went to check on Sabin. Sabin rolled up Rush for a two-count. Sabin then hit Rush with a basement dropkick, before hitting Rush with a stiff lariat. Sabin hit Rush with ten punches in the corner and a chop before putting Rush in a modified Surfboard. Rush tripped up Sabin and gave him mounted punches and then put Sabin in a sleeper. Sabin got to his feet and broke the hold. Rush continued keeping Sabin grounded with a Rear Naked Choke.

Sabin escaped with a stunner and then hit a slingshot dropkick. Rush raked the eyes to prevent a cradle shock. Sabin rolled to ringside. Rush caught Sabin with an Asai moonsault and then gave Sabin a Suplex on the ramp. He rolled Sabin in the ring and then connected with a spinning roundhouse. Rush and Sabin brawled to the top rope. Sabin hit Rush with a superplex and followed up with a Power Bomb for a near fall. Sabin hit Rush with a Clothesline from Hells Michigan and then hits the Cradle Shock.

1............

2...........

KICK OUT!!!!!

Sabin dragged Rush to the top rope. He went for a super Cradle Shock, but Rush raked Sabin’s eyes. Rush hits Sabin with the Final Hour.

1............

2...........

KICK OUT!!!!!

This time Sabin kicks out.  Rush gave Sabin angry punches while dragging him by the hair. Sabin came back with aggressive punches and then hit Rush with a Tanaka Punch, Superkick, Shell Shock, and Cradle Shock for the win finally.

 

WINNER: Chris Sabin (defense #4)
Grade: 52

 

 

Our resident interviewer, Gia Miller catches up with Gail Kim as she asks her about the mystery opponent for Deonna.

 

Gail Kim: You see Gia, I respect Deonna Purazzo as a competitor, as a wrestler. She is one of the absolute best in the industry today and a 3 times Knockouts World champion no less, but the Virtuosa can get carried away with emotions sometimes, and at Turning Point, she crossed the line.

Gia: How is your leg holding up Kim?? What are the doctors saying?

Gail Kim: Well you know the problem Gia. Virtuosa went berserk on me injuring my leg and damaging it big time. I may never return to the ring even once during my remaining lifetime and this pains me, this hurts me the most. How can you take the career or the joy of a wrestler to satisfy your cravings? Deonna may be one of the best wrestlers but she is a sociopath, a dangerous person to society and i have been able to convince a wrestler who can dish the sweet revenge on Deonna.

Gia: Can you elaborate?? Who is she and when will we see her?

Gail Kim:  She is a former World champion, has headlined multiple PPVs for her previous company and is one of the best all-round wrestlers going around today.

 

 

 

Kamille vs Deonna Purazzo

 

It was Kamille!!! The longest reigning NWA Women's Champion!!!! She was here in TNA and was the new signing that Gail Kim was talking about. Deonna looked surprised. They had locked up 2 years before in the XPW Women's Championship tournament where Kamille had been victorious.

That played into Deonna's mind as the two started with a show of strength which Kamille won as she pushed Deonna to the turnbuckles and then choked her throat with Kamille's big boots. Deonna quickly attempted to attack Kamille’s knee, but Kamille threw her across the ring. Kamille taunted Deonna, but Deonna responded with a driving head-scissors takedown.

Kamille rolled outside the ring. Deonna goes for a baseball slide but Kamille caught her and threw her head-first into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Kamille cinched in a chin lock before punishing her with kicks and strikes. Deonna surprised Kamille and cinched in the Fujiwara armbar, but Kamille powered up with a backbreaker. Deonna tried to create separation with open hand strikes right on Kamille's chest but Kamille propped her on the top rope. Kamille scaled the ropes, but Deonna hit a German suplex from the top. She continued to hit a series of suplexes.

She attacked Kamille’s arm and clinched in the Fujiwara armbar again. Kamille somehow made it to the ropes and both wrestlers stood. Kamille hit a running kick followed by a modified powerbomb for a two-count. They traded strikes on the ground. Deonna rallied again and hit a running lariat for a two-count. Deonna cinched in the armbar again but this time Kamille spiked Deonna, broke from the hold and then hit the spear for the win.

 

 

WINNER: Kamille
Grade: 53

 

After the match, Gail Kim walks down to the ramp and applauds Kamille and give a wide grin to Deonna as she leaves the ring. She hands over the contract to Kamille who is all smiles as she signs on the dotted line.

 

Gail Kim: There you have it Dallas. TNA's newest Knockout, Kamille. You witnessed the power of her game today and you will witness her for many years to come. But i have another very big news to share with you.

 

There is a visible commotion throughout the arena with everyone speculating what the news can be all about?? Is it a second signing? Is it the venue announcement for Rebellion? Is it something else?

 

Gail Kim: The Knockouts will have a new home in TNA starting 2024. When we return to programming, TNA Explosion show is coming back as a Knockouts-exclusive show. Witness us live on TNA+ app or on Pop TV every Saturday. We are once again making herstory!!! 

 

There were huge cheers in the crowd. A Knockouts exclusive show in TNA!!! This is big indeed.

 

 

 

TNA Knockouts World Title: Trinity (c) vs Jordynne Grace

 

Trinity goes for a standing armbar, Grace goes for a slam, Trinity slips out and goes for a rollup, but Grace is too strong for that. Some shoving and some trash-talking between the wrestlers occur as Grace shrugs Trinity off, who responds with several slaps. One slap from Jordynne sends the champ down. Trinity hits some wild kicks and then a Thesz Press off the ropes.

A side slam by Grace gets a two-count. Trinity goes down in the corner and Jordynne introduces her face to the top turnbuckle a few times. Grace misses the double knees in the corner. Trinity goes up top, and Jordynne follows her up there but she gets pushed off. Trinity pulls off the most amazing-looking split-legged drop from the top yielding a two count. Trinity tries to go for the Starstruck but Grace blocks it and hits a fallaway side slam.

She follows up with chops in the corner and then a spinebuster for two. Grace goes for her Driver, but Trinity fights it off. Jordynne with a big kick, then a straitjacket powerbomb and finally standing clotheslines to Trinity's front and back, one to the back of the neck rocks her. Grace goes for a piledriver, Trinity head scissors her way out of it and that gets a two count. She kicks Jordynne down, who keeps sitting up, and takes Trinity into the corner. She gets her up but Trinity reverses a muscle buster into a sunset flip for a two-count but then she locks in the Starstruck. While Jordynne would not tap out, she was losing a lot of energy and Trinity then picked her up and Rear View hits.

1...........

2..........

3..........

She has done it!!! She has overcome her biggest challenge!!!!!

 

WINNER: Trinity (defense #6)
Grade: 44

 

 

Killer Elite Squad vs Josh Alexander/Steve Maclin

 

This was a wild brawl as we got four meaty men slapping meat. 

While Smith and Alexander traded submission moves and indulged in mat-based technical wrestling, Josh broke the deadlock with an array of german suplexes, 5 in a row that brought huge cheers and gave him the upper hand. He hits the Chaos Theory to Smith and then the Car Crash crossbody but Smith kicked out at two. 

Steve Maclin on the other hand unleashed everything at Archer, paying him back for the injury he imparted a couple of weeks ago and hits most of his signature moves. The turning point came when Maclin lodged Archer in a Tree of Woe position for his explosive Caught in Crosshairs running shoulder block but Archer manages to sit up as Maclin was charging sending him crashing into the turnbuckles. Josh Alexander comes rushing in the ring right after that but Harry Smith was not far behind and they traded blows before Alexander hits the C4 spike on Smith but turns around to eat the Texas Tower Bomb from Archer as both Smith and Alexander rolled out of the ring.

Archer picks up Maclin and after absorbing a couple of meaty blows to forehead, he manages to hit the Texas Tornado, a fallaway slam and finally the Blackout for the win.

 

WINNER: Killer Elite Squad
Grade: 59

 

 

TNA World Tag Team Titles Cage match: ABC (c) vs Rascals 

 

Once again, it was left to these four men to have the best match of the night. ABC and Rascals are the backbone of the tag team division and their feud with each other has elevated them all to just below main event status. With the addition of the cage match stipulation, we expected another banger from these two and we got them.

The match started with a bit of showboating and a face-off but soon it descended into chaos and we got the all-familiar tandem moves that both these teams were known for. Rascals gained the upper hand when Trey hit a rolling german suplex and then the poison rana on Ace for a 2.9. Wentz and Bey were squaring off on the ropes and bashing each other's head against the cage wall which Bey won after he hit a leaping cutter off the ropes. He gets a near fall as well.

The stalemate continues with the crowd going ballistic for both the teams and chants of TNA!!!! echoing through the crowd. The big moment came in the dying moments of the match as ABC gets the upper hand. Chris Bey hits the Art of Finesse on Wentz. They got the one. Ace Austin followed up with the Fold. They got the two. Ace pinned Wentz and the crowd started the countdown.

1.........

2.........

But wait!!! There was no ref as he was seen arguing with Myron Reed!!!!! The third Rascal was trying to break the door from outside.

Ace and Bey were pissed. They grabbed Reed through the cage wall and slammed him repeatedly on the wall busting him open and sending him tumbling outside. Wentz had recovered and he and Trey were ready but they were called out by somebody on the other side. 

It was KENTA!!!! He had made his way to the other side.

Trey and Wentz tried to shoo him away but they were attacked by the spray paint!!!! KENTA had used their tactic against them. They screamed in discomfort and Ace and Bey turned around to see the same.

Once again they hit the One/Two (Art of Finesse/Fold) on Wentz to get the three count and register a successful defense.

Rascals would not be able to challenge for the tag title till ABC remains champion!!! They were screwed by KENTA with their own spray paint can!!!

 

WINNER: ABC (defense #5)
Grade: 66

 

 

TNA World Heavyweight Title: Alex Shelley (c) vs Moose

 

Moose slapped Shelley before the match. Shelley didn’t enjoy that so he landed a few right hands. Moose nailed him with a shoulder block but Shelley almost surprised him with a roll up. Shelley embarrassed Moose with a spank to the ass. Moose put Shelley in a side headlock. Both men clashed with a few shoulder tackles before Shelley tripped up Moose.

Both men traded fighting spirit slaps before Shelley put Moose in a deep arm drag. Shelley rolled around into a rollup pin for a two count and Moose retaliated with a Pump Kick but took too long to follow up so Shelley tossed him into the steel ring post. Back in the ring, Shelley nailed a duo of forearms in the corner. Moose then pushes him and hits a running big boot before hitting a clothesline from the middle rope.  A nice quick sequence of arm drags and DDTs from Shelley put him in an advantageous position but Moose stopped the halt with a Spear.

He took too long for the pin and thus Shelley was able to kick out. Moose looked for another Spear but Shelley had scouted it well as he tripped Moose. He then hit a Hidden Blade on the back of Moose which created a very hard impact. Shellshock connected as Alex, against all odds, had retained.

 

WINNER: Alex Shelley (defense #5)
Grade: 52

 

 

 

Chris Sabin joined his best friend at the ring with his X-Division title on his shoulders. They both hugged each other, raising their respective titles. TNA was in a new era with their most impactful tag team in the company's history, Motor City Machine Guns at the top holding the two most important singles titles of the promotion. The MCMG theme song was blasting out of the speakers in full force when all of a sudden, the music stopped.

"The Cowboy" James Storm had just walked in and the crowd went nuts. 

"Hello Dallas, good to see you all, and congratulations are in order Machine Guns. You have been carrying this company for the past 20 years and tonight when we walk into the new TNA era, it is the MCMG who are standing at the top. The most impactful tag teams in the history of the company. So, congratulations to you two"

Shelley and Sabin acknowledge him as the crowd keeps shouting the name of "The Cowboy"

"But one thing irks me the most. It is that the team that came second in the polls did not get as much love from people as you two. You know, it makes more than two to tango and to establish a division over so many years, one MCMG is not enough, you need others."

Everybody could sense where this was going and the noise became louder.

"And even though they might have their differences over the years, including beating the shit out of each other, in the end, real friends always reconcile. And so, MCMG if you think that walking into the new TNA era with none of your greatest foes challenging your thrones would be the dream that you would thrive on, you are sorely mistaken.

Because all bad phases come to an end and real friends are for life."

The crowd was ripe with expectations. Everyone sincerely prayed that their wishes come true.

"Also, sorry about your damn luck!!!!"

 

Bobby Roode just walked in and the arena goes ballistic!!!!

 

BEER MONEY had re-united!!! The second-best tag team in the history of TNA was back and looked to challenge The Guns.

 

Beer Money vs Motor City Machine Guns!!! in TNA!!! in 2023!!!! Nobody believed their eyes as the show drew close.

 

 

SHOW RATING

Edited January 30 by kanegan