The Jobber Blogger #95 - TNA: LOCKDOWN - 9/3/14March 12, 2014 by

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Doesn't it feel like a long time since we saw a TNA PPV? I don't even remember when the last one was. I believe it was Genesis that ran for Two Weeks at the end of January. I suppose straight after that we were in the UK for a Month. Now, I did go on a bit about the UK Shows. See, I love the UK Shows! Sure the Audio is a bit iffy, the Camera's don't look quite so crisp, the stage sort of sucks. But the People turn up to watch, and that's amazing! It looks great because there is a huge crowd. This huge crown in turn is loud, which creates great atmosphere and the Wrestlers themselves up their games and feed off of this crowd, it works ever so well.

So it was Lockdown this past weekend (or right now in the UK) and it seems they took the name to literal, as they clearly didn't let everyone in the building.

Straight away TNA goes from looking like a Huge wrestling company, to being a slightly better attended basic Wrestling show in your local Leisure Centre. Albeit it with some pretty big names from the Business.

And that is the problem with Lockdown, it just doesn't "feel" good. It's hard to get excited when the crowd doesn't build that reaction. Things just sort of fly over-head. This in turn is a huge shame, because Lockdown was packed with awesomeness! How much awesomeness you ask... well let me tell you!


TNA: LOCKDOWN - 9/3/14


Bad Influence and Chris Sabin vs. Sanada, Yasu and The Great Muta

Should I skip over the part where I always believed the Great Muta to be a women's Wrestler?

I don't quite know what is going on, I like that TNA put some Japanese Wrestlers in the ring, but Sanada is the new X-Division Champion, I believe he is at least sticking around for a little while. Yasu seemed to be hated by his own team mates, and well The Great Muta had some chants and excitement. But I fully believe that is because people knew his name and wanted to see him in the ring.... rather than they have any idea of who he is. Though that could just be me?

I believe Kaz and Daniels rocked an early NWA - Great Muta attire for this match, but Daniels' X-Men logo on the side of his tights spoke louder to me than.... words, spoken really loudly.

Like getting a Karaoke machine but using it to just amplify Farts out of your window.... Of course I never did such a thing... o.O

Aside from the fact that Sanada just reminded me of the Japanese Gaming Market, he was actually rather good in-between those ropes! I look forward to him actually getting a "role" on the show as the X-Division Champion, and to see where that goes. The whole thing is weird though, now I knew Aries lost the belt, but Aries didn't even mention it, TNA didn't mention it. They made a point to tell you about the time-travelling Tag-Team Championship debacle, but Aries losing his Main Event - World Heavyweight Ticket? Nothing.

Muta sprayed the mist at Kaz, which is what led to the downfall of Team TNA, with Sanada's Moon Sault securing the victory. Muta seemed very angry, like you'd expect a Japanese Wrestling Veteran to be. He seemed to shove Yasu out of the way to get his Mist Pellets, and even at one point in the Match was kicking Yasu whilst he was on the floor. No respect for your Younger Generation quickly working their way to make you unemployed... bastards!


What started as clever Word-Play, turned into a rather Gay Personal Request

Samuel Shaw vs. Mr. Anderson

What can you say about this one? Shaw declares that Christy Hemme avoiding being at ring-side is not "keeping it professional". And so to one-up her, he threatens to Jump off the top of the Cage to the Floor. So now his character is not only perverted, but a perverted stalker, perverted stalker creep, perverted stalker creep with rage, but a perverted stalker creep with rage and suicidal tendencies..... bastard.


Is it bad I sort of liked that given the non "PC" nature of this Story / Character already, had Anderson come out and tell him that he should kill himself, by jumping off of something even higher. The whole thing is a little odd, and I sort of don't like it. But at the same time, I don't hate it either. In fact I actually like that Anderson has still got the crowd chanting "Creepy Bastard". I just want that to be a thing that sticks with him... always.

The main thing I wanted to get out of this match was to actually see Shaw perform. We've seen him a couple of times before via Gut Check, but this is the first time he actually got to be his new Character and have a full Match. And he didn't squander that opportunity, he and Anderson both matched up well, an awesome looking Back Suplex from the top rope and a rather nasty looking Mic Check into the second Turnbuckle. Whilst on the subject, Shaw sold the first Mic Check to the floor pretty damn good. It's such a stupid move, so props to Shaw on that one.

Though of course this is just getting started, and obviously it needed to come with as many "dumb" ideas as good ones. Like oh I dunno, Christy Hemme coming to ring-side in the first place, let alone cheering on Anderson, let alone standing next to the giant open hole and being pulled in the Ring by Shaw. I would imagine that most people would just "avoid" the situation.

For me though the dumbest part of all was Earl Hebner fumbling around to get the Cage Door open. He took his sweet time to climb the Ring Steps, then he had to find the right key on his Lanyard, then he was struggling to get it in the lock. Of course this was to fill time before Shaw ran into the Door knocking Hebner to the floor. But the fact that you're referee is so ill prepared to referee a match is ridiculous. It's as if he would put on Gloves, dust down the Canvas and place a Knee Support Pad to kneel on before Counting. Who does that?

I love the fact that this made TNA's official PPV - Photo's Page

Anderson escaped the cage, but with Shaw pulling Hemme back in the ring Anderson made his way back in the cage to save her. Shaw then choked him out and escaped just as Hebner came to, and Huzah! A Victory.

EC3 as the newly declared "American Icon" issued out an Open Challenge seeing as Kurt wasn't able to compete. And thankfully this segment was pretty damn good!

I don't know who I was expecting to accept, but I certainly wasn't expecting Bobby Lashley to return. Funny really, Lashley always looks too nice in the face to be as beefed up as he is. Not to mention his soft high pitched voice. It's comedy gold, and incredibly unfortunate. Not Brock Lesnar level of girly scream unfortunate, but still, unfortunate.

Lashley two face

Lashley though didn't Wrestle, he just Power-Slammed EC3 and then Speared him. The reason they didn't have the Match was because he "isn't on the Roster". Though reports claim that Lashley is sticking around, so expect to see him soon.

Manik vs. Tigre Uno

Uno has been plugged a few times of late, and someone I was most excited to see debut. Having him do battle with Manik is a great choice also. Whilst I don't think we've even started to scratch the surface of Tigre, his Debut was indeed impressive.

I actually didn't really make many notes, it's one of those matches you just need to Watch. He's got a lot of hype behind him, Manik is great to watch perform anyway. And the match was very good, Tigre hit his finisher the "Sabre Tooth Spalsh". Which is just as crazy as you would hope. Tenay said Uno is one of the best risk takers in the business, which I don't know if that's good or not? I guess so if you want to see crazy matches and moves, and then also maybe not? Either way, throw him in the X-Division, get Manik on screen, bring back Kenny King, Sanada, Aries, and you've got a pretty awesome mix!

James Storm vs. Gunner - Last Man Standing

This is probably my favourite match of the night. And that isn't selling the Main Event short, but the whole feel is just what reminds me of the Wrestling I love.

Straight away Storm walks out with a New Entrance theme, a bit of a more "edgier" look, though the recently died hair and beard wasn't really necessary. But I love that from PPV's, you want things to be different and to change. Gunner had new attire also, but still the same naff entrance theme.

Straight away is a brawl, and I love that. They turned it into a street fight straight away, which also added the weapons to the ring before they actually got in the Cage to start the match. Though I still don't they needed to be contained within the cage for a Last Man Standing match, though the added stipulation was a great bonus.

Yet again, it's not often you can get with tying people by their Necks to things, but that's what Storm did to Gunner, even if it didn't hold for long. Throw in some hard hitting intensity, then you pretty much cover why this match was great. Storm throwing the chair at Gunner mid air before his attempted Diving Head-butt and of course the Superplex through the set up Chairs to close out the match were the highlights.

Gunner took the Victory, which is another step in his development, and rightfully so, I am sold on Gunner. I want him to get a new Theme, and give him Room to develop and you've got an extremely credible Wrestler.

Gail Kim (w/Lei'D Tapa) vs. Madison Rayne - Knockouts Championship

It's weird to see the Knockouts in this type of environment, and in turn any time you see a more "crazy" match from Women's Wrestlers, you tend to automatically praise it.

A lot of that goes with the unusual nature of the environment, but Gail and Madison put on a great match. Is it better than Tara and Mickie, probably not. But it's the second best.

Taryn Terrell might be the Stunt Woman who doesn't mind taking some pretty big knocks, but Gail seems to have no problem with it either. Her cross body Dive into the Turnbuckle which she connected with all Cage was pretty intense. Her Top Rope Neck-breaker to Madison also ranked up on the danger metre. Not that I think Cage matches need to be "Dangerous" per se.

Lei'D Tapa had her moments of shouting and attempting to Climb the cage, but it was Madison's Top Rope Spear which won her the victory. Which is surprising, I actually thought Gail might win this one, I'm glad she didn't though. Madison is having a rather good Run currently as Knockouts Champion.

Samoa Joe vs. Magnus - World Heavyweight Championship - Joe's Rules

I don't know quite what to make of this one. It's border line of being quite irrelevant. I always think if your World Champion isn't closing the show, that something is wrong.

And I couldn't help but think that Magnus just doesn't feel like the Champion. I mean, I know he is, but there are so many more moving parts in TNA, especially with the "battle for power"... again. But Magnus doesn't seem all that relevant. I mean he was, when AJ was around. But you rewind a year to when Bully Ray took the Belt from Jeff, that meant something. Bully was the guy, though not as good as should have been. AJ was the guy, briefly. Hell, the World Championship hasn't felt as important since it left the waist of Bobby Roode.

So here's the problem, Joe is built up as being that unstoppable force, so now you need him to be stopped. Furthermore Magnus needs to still be relevant and also competent, surely?

Aside from some pretty good action in the ring, nothing really happened, yes Magnus got busted open, which you don't often see. To be fair I would quite like Magnus vs. Joe in a No Holds Barred match, let them get gritty and violent. Would certainly change Magnus' image, and he's clearly rather capable.

So Joe controls the match, Muscle Buster, Choke, victory? Then this is where it gets weird. We've all seen the hand come through the ring before, but given what the match was, it seemed so strange to taint it in the way they did. You can let weird things happen in weird Wrestling matches, but Samoa Joe vs. Magnus, it seemed almost cheap. Which is no doubt why the crowd responded with a slew of "Bullsh*t" chants.

Joe tried to battle his way back to the surface of the ring but Abyss... Joseph Park followed him (still unmasked) and Blackhole Slammed him down, with Magnus locking on Joe's submission Choke for the victory.

I doubt this is over, but the pairing of Magnus and Abyss is just as disappointing as how the match went down. I didn't expect Joe to win, but, I dunno, I at least expected Magnus to cheat-win, differently.

Maybe I just have my heart set on Abyss coming back with James Mitchell, and so this way, he's no different, just teamed with Magnus. Time will tell?

Team MVP vs. Team Dixie - Lethal Lockdown

Austin Aries and MVP kicked off the match which would be good, interesting, weird and out-there at the same time.

I mentioned last week, but giving Davey Richards the position they did, would instantly put him over Eddie, and with a new un-known team, that's pretty crazy to do so early. Let alone how good they are as a Team, they've already planted a pretty hefty divide. When Davey hit the ring he was met with "Fu*k em' Up, Davey, Fu*k em Up!" Chants. Where did that come from?

Dixie had been blabbing on all show about her "Secured Victory" from New York, and also how Jeff Hardy breached his contract when he walked out of TNA, so he was banned from the Building.

Obviously the final entrant was "Willow". Which makes little sense to me. I don't know what they were going for. Did Dixie sign "Willow" as a new Star? Did MVP have a hand in him joining. Why bother making him a "Character" like the video vignettes, which are pretty awesome, and then just have Jeff make his own entrance theme, which sounds exactly like you'd expect a Jeff Hardy entrance theme to sound like. Then he just looks like Jeff, Arm-Bands and everything, with his same move-set. So what's the idea? Having Jeff debut a new Character, that's cool, I get it, I'm on board. But when it's just Jeff, dressed different and squealing like a woman, I don't know what the goal to achieve was?

Either way, things got interesting when Dixie's Special Referee / Enforcer turned up in the form of Bully Ray. Who also wasted no time putting a Table in the match.

From a match stand-point, it was great. And for these reasons let alone the stipulations of the match, with the added bonus of Willow / Bully, would make it the best match on the card.

The Wolves went Double Coast to Coast on Jesse, inside a Bin, leaning against an Upside down Robbie E. Aries Brain-busted Davey on an opened out Chair. Aries missed his 450 Splash and landed on a Bin, being followed by an impressive Twist-of-Fate / Swanton Bomb.

But it was Bobby Roode looking to Roode Bomb.... someone through the Table when Bully Ray stopped him. Also Bully then knocking down Roode leading to MVP's Yakuza? kick for the Victory.

Seems fitting that twice in a row Bully has been the double crossing guy at Lockdown. We all knew he was turning Heel last year, but I toyed with the idea of him screwing Dixie out of her company, but wasn't entirely sure he would.

So the double screw job / backfire was a pretty decent way to close out Lockdown, not to mention what it means going forward with MVP taking over "Wrestling Operations".

Needless to say I look forward to the future of TNA, I hope they implement some great new Changes and shake it up.

Sucked the crowd wasn't "fuller" and more lively for the show, but overall Lockdown was just as successful an Event as you'd hope.


On to Impact, for the Aftermath!

Till then!

Dan Wilkinson

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The Jobber Blogger #94 - TNA: IMPACT WRESTLING - 6/3/14March 9, 2014 by

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I am Energised! And yes, let's hope that leads to some Star Trek references this week! But no, it's not Star Trek that energised me, it's not even that dream I had about Jeff Hardy which I no longer remember... or blanked from my mind. Rather, I have been stocking up full of that glorious thing we call Nostalgia! What is it about these things we loved as a Child that just tickle your excitement bones for remained of your life. I watched The Matrix when it first came out, and I love it to this day, but it's not something I find myself geeking out over. But from the ages of 10 and down things like Biker Mice from Mars, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the 90's Spider-man cartoon get me giddier than Miley Cyrus' next bright idea of being "controversial".

Miley Ness

I suppose I have that nostalgia with Wrestling too, but it's just not as strong. Sure the old school Hardy Boyz entrance theme still rattles my giblets, and just thinking of SummerSlam 2000 has my slobbering like Anderson in the midst of a Biker Gangs arrival.

Anderson Dog

I am so prepped and excited for Lockdown that if I watched this in this current mind set, I would no doubt give it a 10 out of Horse, which ironically is the new scale Tesco use to gauge how much "Beef" is in their Beef.... also horse.

.... Wrestling!

Impact Wrestling Logo





Though as a "Go Home" show, which I also shouted repeatedly whilst watching, TNA did however manage to keep up their streak of "Good Wrestling Television". As opposed to their up and down streak, and even a year or so ago their patented "Total Nonstop Promos" streak.



TNA come to the UK, a few days in the UK they go to America, The Wolves defeat The Bromans in America at a house show, they come back to the UK, a day later they are in Japan where The Bromans win the belts back... and now they're back in the UK.

Doc Brown

Was it really that important? What makes it crazier is that TNA planned this... this wasn't a random "you know, we should drop the belts, to give the House show audience something good, or even drop the belts in Japan". This was planned, Two Title changes that happened over a Month later than when they filmed these UK Shows. I get that they probably wanted some Titles to change hands in the Wrestle-1 event in Japan, and to do that, they obviously wanted the belts on The Bromans, so therefore they needed to lose them.

The Wolves are fantastic, and I don't by any means want them to have the Belts already, I barely know this team. They are impressive, and they are quickly becoming one of my favourite teams, and Davey Richards' recent talk of WWE/ROH and TNA gained him some huge respect in my eyes. But The Bromans have been building to this moment, not to mention Bad Influence, TNA teams, losing out to some new guys in a matter of weeks (days if you look at it in actuality). I think a Title Change after Lockdown makes sense, but right now, you've messed with my head and now my hair has no style.

Bad Hair Style

Aries interrupted Roode, in what is yet another great Austin Aries move, I've always said, I want him as slap bang in the middle of a Face/Heel you could get. The fabled "Over Heel". I made that up.

The crowd love him, even though he's not going to suck up to the good guys. Aries aligned himself with Roode, makes sense from a TNA point of view, MVP represents yet another "WWE guy" with some new talent, as at least Roode, Aries, Robbie E and Jesse are established TNA guys. Aries also wants a slice of Roode's 10% ownership, yet another reason why I love that Aries teamed with Roode. The Bromans were quick to jump on the ownership bandwagon also.

MPV with The Wolves (and yes, a cut down Entrance theme this time, it's like they read my blog last week and went back in time to correct it on a show they recorded a month ago...) Arghh!

Without any surprise really, MVP announced that Jeff Hardy will be joining his team at Lockdown. Which gives MVP a pretty big advantage.. even though Jeff is a "WWE" guy too, though I think you could make an argument for him being as much of a TNA guy now as he is a WWE guy.

The most intriguing part of this was Dixie saying she was in New York last week... also ironic given that this show was filmed right after last week's one... she's lying to us all! Unless she was just on the phone to New York for an hour before this segment filmed. Clearly mine and Magnus' warnings of London didn't ring true enough.

Regardless, she said, and I quote "I was in New York to secure my Victory for Lockdown". Not an exact quote, but when does that ever stop us journalists. What that means, I don't know. But it's exciting to think about.


Jeff escapes Roode


MVP and The Wolves vs. Robbie E, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode - Man Advantage for Lockdown

Yes, the winning team in this 6-Man Elimination Tag-Team match gets the "Man Advantage" for Lockdown. Oh how I love Elimination Matches, I want more of them. Maybe even one of those Timed matches where the final pinfall / submission winner before the clock runs out wins. Like the old Hardcore matches, but only with a significant belt.


In the end it came down to Roode and Aries against Davey Richards, but that was cut short when Aries went to town on Richards' shoulder with a Chair, getting himself DQ'd and the match thrown out.

Davey was then given an ultimatum, he had an hour to Rest Up and restart the match between himself and Bobby Roode, or forfeit the match to Roode - More on this later.


Samuel Shaw vs. Eric Young


To make it even better Anderson filled in for the role of Christy Hemme, everything from announcing himself as the Ring Announcer to announcing Sam Shaw as "Creepy Bastard" which was even more hilarious this week than last, to yet another Creepy Bastard chant (I hope this sticks around).

It's a little weird to have a guy Wrestling in the attire Shaw does, but I guess that does sell his character, plus he does have some rather crazy looking tattoos which don't fit quite as well, I wouldn't have thought.

Shaw brought a cup of Tea to the ringside with him, and yes, it's our Cat-Nip people, I crave it, like Miley Cyrus craving attention for being controversial.

Miley NessWhat?... Too many in one Post?



EC3 hit the ring to declare himself the "American Icon". Which I have no problem with.

Angle though confronted EC3 having taken a disliking to his "American Icon" moniker. EC3 left without confrontation, and then returned quickly to attack Angle, and also to attack Kurt's leg once more.

Though Angle was only Wrestling two days prior to this match, we all know his Leg is more banged up than TNA are trying to let on. It's rather obvious as Kurt doesn't look stable on his feet at all. So to know that, and then watch EC3 attack his leg again, it wasn't somewhat difficult to witness.

It now appears that the Kurt Angle vs. EC3 match at Lockdown has since been cancelled, maybe Kurt isn't 100%, maybe they want to sell the Storyline slightly longer and have Kurt and EC3 in a Cage next Month? Or even at Slammiversary. Or maybe they took JR's comment of Kurt Angle being booked in a Mid-Card match to heart and called it off.

Kenny King  - King of the Night.

I like that Kenny is coming back, he's awesome, though it's almost a re-branding with it saying "Coming Soon". He's been quite a few times before.

I hope this time he gets to stick around a little while longer, and actually make more of an Impact. He's got a lot of Talent, TNA need to use that.

Gail Kim, Lei'D Tapa and The Alpha Female vs. Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and ODB

And going from the talented Kenny King, we find this mess. See, I love, LOVE! That we have Lei'D Tapa and The Alpha Female in TNA, I want more fresh faces in the Knockouts. I'll say it again, I Want Angelina Love back and let's reform the Beautiful People.

But it just bugs me how much Tapa and Alpha suck, Velvet Sky... I'll say that again - Velvet Sky, defeated The Alpha Female.

How does this happen? How is it Lei'D Tapa isn't a Force to be reckoned with. Velvet isn't going to do anything to beat these two, it's not like it's even a struggle for her. She just wins, as if she's beating Madison. Least Gail Kim can sell Velvet's ability, and that's believable, put her up against these huge towering power-houses, and Velvet is still hitting them around like they're nothing.

Throw in Gail trying to help them to win... what kind of booking is that?


Samuel Odo Shaw finally tracked down the whereabouts of Christy Hemme, and blinded by.... something, he clearly couldn't tell that it was a Wig. Kudos to Anderson for selling the skit, despite how dumb it might have been.

Anderson Hemme



Gunner and Storm had their little last minute interaction before Lockdown, saying that Gunner is a different man when locked inside the cage. Gunner said that, not Storm... just to clarify. Instead of just being your usual Cage-Match, it's now a Last Man Standing - Cage Match. Which is awesome!

I'm hoping for good things from these two, I know they're capable of it. This whole journey was been to put Gunner on the map, and it's working. This is his chance to shine. If his bout with Magnus is anything to go by, then this could be fantastic.


Storm hit a cheap shot on Gunner, and finished him off with his Last Call - Superkick.


Bobby Roode vs. Davey Richards

That's the first time I've written Davey's name as a Match header. It is odd to think of them as Davey and Eddie. They don't sound like Wolves.

Roode tried to get a Count-Out Victory, but obviously Davey came to the ring to compete. MVP talked him round to fighting backstage, and Davey said some crap about MVP's speech in Japan (which hadn't happened at that time).


The whole thing sells Davey, which is a good sign, unless you want them to stick around as a Team. Already Davey is being played off as "The" guy from The Wolves. The second you plant that seed, Eddie loses his position. Furthermore it creates that "he's going to turn". Which is ridiculous to put in place this early. I don't expect anything to come from it. Other than Davey being a Team Player. I honestly hope to see The Wolves a Tag-Team.... always. At least for a good few years.

Roode then locked on the Arm-bar after the Bell Rang, and then made a run for it before MVP and Eddie got to the scene. So now, Davey is going in "injured" to Lockdown. I'm still unsure of who I want to win. Probably MVP with the idea of complete "Change". Though a Bobby Roode controlled TNA working with Dixie isn't a bad idea either. Win Win?

Team WinWin


Samoa Joe and Magnus had one last "Face Off" before Lockdown. And no, they didn't exchange Faces.

Typical last minutes intense speeches which will no doubt be added into the Video Promo. Magnus responded with a Joe like Head-Butt, though it wasn't enough. This encouraged Joe's wrath  and he beat down on Magnus and then made him Tap-Out.


Lockdown is Live Tonight if you're lucky enough to be in the US. If not, then it's up Tomorrow if you're cheeky enough to seek it out Online. And it will be airing on Wednesday here in the UK!

The Card is as follows!


Manik vs. Tigre Uno


Mr. Anderson vs. Samuel Shaw

Gunner vs. James Storm - Last Man Standing

Madison Rayne vs. Gail Kim

Team Roode - Bobby Roode, Austin Aries and The Bromans vs. Team MVP - MVP, The Wolves and Jeff Hardy - Lethal Lockdown

Magnus vs. Samoa Joe - World Heavyweight Championship - Joe's Rules - Knockout / Tap-Out



Till then, enjoy Lockdown!



Dan Wilkinson

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The Jobber Blogger #93 - TNA: IMPACT WRESTLING - 27/2/14March 4, 2014 by

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Oh yes indeedy, it's been a weird Week. It all started last Monday night when I awoke with bad stomach cramps and proceeded with Sickness and Diarrhoea the likes you dream about. Not that you spend your time dreaming about being ill, though in a similar related manor my dream last night was about IGN's own Colin Moriarty. For some reason I was on my way to visit him and he lived in these towering apartment bloks. He lived near the very top and the only way to get close was to use this elevator like a Window Cleaners moving platform to scale the building. Obviously and most conveniently this lift only went to about 3 levels below that of Colin's apartment, so to get any higher you needed to construct a Ladder which consisted of multiple little wooden blocks that screwed together. So having a dream where I'm climbing this flimsy wooden ladder up the side of this enormous building balancing on a window cleaners platform.... not fun.

What was rather fun was this week's TNA: Impact!


Impact Wrestling Logo


The last show of February, and I really can't wait to get back to the states. I know I mentioned how awesome the British crowds are, and they are. But after a while you feel like you're just stuck in this endless void of time. They were in the UK for a matter of days... why has it been over a Month and they're still showing this programming. I hate taped shows.

I believe there is one last show from the UK and then it's Lockdown, thank god! And then on to bigger and better things. Finding the enthusiasm for TNA at times can take more effort than to Write this blog.

MVP kicked off the show with a little nod to Gunner who will "get his title shot" as soon as MVP is in charge. But of course first things first is indeed the chocolate starfish, is my man Fred Durst. Magnus and Joe will Main Event Lockdown, and MVP had the contracts in hand to confirm it. No Magnus rules this time, no it's "Joe's Rules!" I want to ask my work if I can include a "Dan's Rules" in my new contract. I don't really have anything to request, I just like the mention of my name as it soothes my growing ego. Joe's Rules are Win only by Submission or Knock Out. No escaping the cage or Pin falls. Of course this already sets the stage for Lockdown and some phoney way of Joe being knocked out. The second they add a stipulation which gives leverage and wiggle room for a Heel win... you know who is going to win.

Speaking of winning though, Dixie apparently was winning this week, as she wasn't in attendance from London, quite simply Magnus just reminded her it was London, and she skipped the show. A Wise Woman. I remembered the show was from London and contemplated not watching.

So yes Joe Head-Butted Magnus ala Joe and Angle's face off, only much less meaningful and relevant... also Joe looked much more out of shape.  Like being head-butted by a Whale in Street Clothes... don't tell him I wrote that.


Bromans vs. Bad Influence vs. The Wolves

In spite of Dixie's absence, she gave Bobby Roode a hint of Power, and nope, not a Power Bar!

roode power bar 1

Old Habits

With Bad Influence and The Bromans begging to be placed on Team Roode at Lockdown, he gave them both a chance by competing in a Triple Threat Tag-Team Match with The Wolves.

The Wolves also wore the Belts to the ring, selling their recent victory on a house show... in America. So the physics of Time and Space were well and truly bent as TNA travelled back to America for a week, before coming back to the UK... no surprise people think they're bad with money.

Poor Robbie E and Jesse had to lose their belts before actually losing them. What?

The Wolves and Bad Influence controlled the majority of the Match, no bad thing given that having these teams go, is fantastic. Though yet again sells the legitimacy of Bad Influence short. Sure we have Taz talk them up on Commentary, but they are the team who lose, despite always being strong in story lines.

To make matters worse they never gave Robbie E or Jesse the chance to Tag in. Until the ending where Robbie E whom was in a different corner to that of his team, blind tagged his way in and won the match. Is it bad it bugs me was allowed the Tag, from the Wrong Corner? What is the point of Tag-Ropes if you don't need to use them?

Realism people! How am I supposed to believe these Wrestling Ref's are so far up their own arse's that they throw the Heels from Ring-Side, are stupidly blind to the Face's Tag-Team's, so strong ethic that they don't let the slightest thing slide for the Faces, but the Heels get away with the exact same tricks, every time! Then they can Tag from the wrong corner!!! And win!?Arghh!!! TNA! TNA! TNA!

Not only does that put the Bromans in Lethal Lockdown, but it puts Bad Influence out of the picture. This is bad because Roode is the captain.. having EGO in that match makes sense? They made it to the end of the Bound for Glory Series via teamwork. Why would Roode pick the team who lose, purely because they won with a fluke victory? Crazy people!


Ethan Carter the Third vs. Doug Williams

EC3 also had Power to once again chose his opponent. And to his credit he chose on the best Wrestlers there is. England's own Doug Williams. Still a little sore that TNA let him go in the first place. Having him Job to EC3 made it slightly worse. Doug didn't seem to be as "spot on" as he once was, but having EC3 get away with a Low blow in front of Hebner, and then hit the One Percenter and win was a little grim.

Least he didn't win cleanly. And it was nice seeing Doug back, albeit it briefly... once.

i doug it


The Cowboy James Storm didn't waste any time and called out Gunner. Which is awesome, I like it when we have Heels who don't just run and hide. Of course all of this boils back to when Gunner pushed Storm out of the way to climb over him and win the shot at the World Championship. They skimmed over the "saving him from Bobby Roode" towel throwing. Apparently Gunner handing him the Tag-Belts was the icing that broke the Camel's back.

Ice Camel

Storm threw a couple shots at Gunners background as a Marine "nobody would miss you" I guess we can't have a Heel turn without someone being spoiled and whining a little with name calling. More to the point why does Storm have to "explain" anything, he hates him, simple, kick his ass, fight!

A little later on in the show and Storm and Gunner broke out in a Parking Lot Brawl which of course was broken up by that pesky Al Snow who gets involved in everything. And now we have another match for Lockdown, which should be pretty good. Not to mention Storm makes a good Heel, one week in and he's the most exciting he's been for a long time.


Bad Bones vs. Samoa Joe

.....bitch please!


Kurt Angle - Hall of Fame

Yes, finally Angle is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Why this happened? Who knows. Well aside from TNA's bragging rights over WWE. At least with Sting they went to the effort of making it meaningful, giving him a Video Package, getting a room booked, getting Wrestlers to turn up and make speeches. Kurt, it's a story line, it sucked, he gets a crappy watch, rattles of a load of Crap I don't believe and limps away.

Hell, the highlight was that the TNA Hall of Fame logo was perfectly placed on JB's Crotch.

JB Hall of Fame

Angle said the same crap you'd expect him to say "The TNA hall of fame is about the fans" and he couldn't have done any of this without the fans, and TNA wouldn't exist without the fans. And blah blah blah. I found it a little disturbing to find out that Kurt's wife is his Rock.

Kurt wife rock

Unfortunately I didn't find it moving, or meaningful, TNA's World Championship isn't recognised as a World title, why would their Hall of Fame be any different, it's ridiculous enough as it is. Who is going to go in it next year.... Don West? Who else is there?

To make matters worse EC3 then crashed the segment, reading Angle's doctors note about his injury, and that EC3 ended Kurt's Career. Kurt did the scripted "No Tear!" in his knee speech and punched EC3. But after years of watching Kurt perform, I've never seen him in more pain than he was in this whole segment. He struggled to walk... Kurt Angle... struggling to walk. It was awkward to watch, punching EC3 seemed like a bad idea given his unstable position. But yet, Angle's next match will be at Lockdown. This could be like his match last year with Wes... so non eventful. Or he could do something crazy and injure himself even more. He's apparently already said he's not going to re-sign with TNA, and expects to be back in the WWE by the end of the year.


Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky vs. Lei'D Tapa and Alpha Female

I don't know if I am supposed to think The Beautiful People have reunited. Given their entrance together, but it's just not the same without Angelina.

I don't know what word describes this match better than "Disappointed". Lei'D Tapa still hasn't been let off the leash, and what we saw of the Alpha Female was a clear sign of she's where she is, because of her look. Coz she certainly didn't do anything well in the ring. Which is more annoying because Tapa quite clearly can Wrestle, and yet she's not allowed to do anything currently.

And what is worse than all of that, is that Gail helped Tapa win. Gail Kim.... helped the team of Lei'D Tapa and the Alpha Female win. They needed help?

What kind of crappy ass debut is it that this huge beast of a woman, teamed with this even huger beastier of a woman, can't defeat two little skinny blonde girls, one of which can't even run the ropes. Yet another wasted debut from a credible talent.

This also puts Gail vs. Madison at Lockdown, and yes, every match is contested in a Steel Cage again... about time.


Samuel Shaw hit the ring to show people that he's not creepy, and he is purely "misunderstood" and his Quote was quite fitting "To be great, is to be misunderstood". Works for me, clearly they're going for a more Dexter look, but I think he looks more like Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Odo Shaw

Not a bad casting, now they can make another addition to the TNA: Deluxe Impact wrestling figures, given they've already included Commander Riker from Next Generation.

Commander Riker

Shaw actually had some pretty decent music, so I hope his push continues to somewhere interesting. Anderson didn't waste much time before he confronted Odo, and quickly got the crowd chanting "Creepy Bastard" at Shaw.

Shaw called Christy Hemme "easy" which resulted in a good old fashioned slap in the face, and Anderson was in to save the day. Well, save by being locked in Shaw's pretty impressive looking submission hold. Given Anderson is a little more fuzzy in the face, they both dressed the same, looked the same, and from a Distance there was a typical "which one do I shoot?" moment?

Flexo shoot flexo


Bobby Roode vs. MVP - Austin Aries special Referee

Roode and MVP have been trying to recruit Aries to their Team, and so in the end given it's a game of Trust, Aries got MVP to make him special guest referee, to judge for himself as to which team he wants to represent.

Aries' novelty "No trousers" attire soon wore off and became uncomfortable to watch, which I am sure is exactly what he was going for.

However the ending was the selling point, MVP lining up Roode ran full force, as Aries connected with a Spinning Forearm taking down the Charging MVP. Roode hits the..... Roode Bomb... And bob's your neighbour, once removed, who got arrested for peeping at you through his curtains.

I am Team Roode. I'm also sick of all this Dixie nonsense, but Roode and Aries represent TNA, MVP doesn't. Makes sense.

James Storm could align with Roode, another TNA original. Samoa Joe, maybe not. But you never know.

Roode power bar 2

Die Hard


I have no idea if MVP will win or Roode will, but I am invested and interested  to find out. Quickly moving on to next week's show from London, then back to the states!

Huzah, Hurray, Hairy Man.


Till then,

Dan Wilkinson

TNR Cover 12 (w facebook address)

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The Jobber Blogger #92 - TNA: IMPACT WRESTLING - 20/2/14February 24, 2014 by

Jobber Blogger logo2

I did say last week that Manchester didn't disappoint, and last week's show was the best, till this weeks. Clearly those who attended the show had the best night on the Impact tour I'm sure. Of course that does sell London short... but then London sucks.

London sells itself short by being London, and trust me, I was there last year. The crowd wasn't nearly as good as Manchester, London isn't fun to be in, and I was attacked by Chavs trying to leave the horrible "capital" of this country.

I say attacked, one of them tried to command me as to which Turnstile to use, and when I proceeded to not see him as an "Authority" figure of the Tube Station, what with his trousers tucked into his socks and him spitting like a Camel in the middle of the desert. So therefore I just went to the turnstile furthest away from this foul creature and his slaggish looking friends, for him to follow me and push me through the Turnstile so he didn't need to pay... needless to say the whole thing was rather frightening in the early hours of the morning, but then he got jumped by security and I laughed a little inside. I've yet to take a trip to London and enjoy it thoroughly without scratching and crawling my way out as soon as physically possible. So yes.... Boo London!

I guess you could also say Boo with regards to the recent Passing of Nelson Frazier Jnr, though why he only just realised he probably lose some weight is beyond me. Too little too late.

He was always an odd one, not that I'm implying I'm glad he's dead, quite the opposite. But I never much cared for his characters... gimmicks.... attire o.O

I baffles me why he and Gangrel made a surprise return, and he got kept on and Gangrel was never seen again. Then they dressed him in Pyjama's and had him rubbing himself on people. Well done WWE, that certainly sucked.


Impact Wrestling Logo


I am writing this up on Monday morning, the very same Monday that Hulk Hogan makes his long-awaited Return to the WWE, along with the returning Undertaker, and if they've actually made a deal, then I would hazard a guess at Sting too.

Which excites me so much to read about the news stories tomorrow and try and find the effort to find the videos of those segments alone and watch them. God forbid I need to actually "watch" the show. With all this "WWE Network" news floating around, though we will have to wait a while before it hits the UK, I was even tempted looking into purchasing it. But then... I would only want to watch old footage, and probably a lot of WCW footage. And also it's not worth my money.

What is worth your money though is TNA, and Impact this week was yet another "Ball-In", and also out... and also running home. I don't understand sport.

It's like all the times I was mocked at school for liking Wrestling and not Football "eww, you like oily men hugging each other in their underwear!" said the football fans who clearly don't notice their idols hitting each other on the ass, taking their shirts off and hugging and then showering together....

Magnus called the shots to get Impact rolling, bringing out Dixie for him to make an announcement regarding MVP's challenge from last week. Which makes little sense as Magnus doesn't really seem all that bothered about Dixie's regime, or Spud or EC3, he just wants the belt. Which I guess in turn means he wants Dixie in power... but then isn't going to be associated with the Lethal Lockdown match...  so who cares?

A whole load of talking and some name calling later, Magnus and MVP get into trading blows.

Who knew telling someone you want to treat them, take them walks, rub their tummy and have them follow you around would lead to such violent outbursts.

Magnus MVP Bag

Spud did his best to keep the Wolves at bay backstage whilst EC3 joined in on the beat down of MVP, but it was Gunner who brought the fight to Magnus.

The Wolves eventually got through Spud and security and as Magnus and EC3 went to flee, Magnus pushed EC3 "to the Wolves" and made a run for it.


Samoa Joe vs. Bromans and Zema Ion - Handicap Match

To further Joe's recent rise of credibility, they had him take on and single handily defeat the TNA World Tag-Team Champions and Zema Ion in a 3 on 1 match.

Joe "wanting a fight" issued the challenge, and then asked for all of them to take him on. To be fair, normally something like this would make everyone else look weak, but with Joe's recent "return to form" I will let it slide. This is a side of Samoa Joe TNA hasn't let out in a long time. And it's fun to watch.

I'm glad he didn't just make quick work of them all and the Bromans with Zema actually controlled a good portion of the match - with a new 3 way running knee in the corner Team move.

Joe eventually got the upper hand and singled out Zema, a short muscle buster and submission hold later, Joe picked up the win. This not only gives him serious momentum but credibility heading into his Title match with Magnus. At this rate, Joe is going to seem unstoppable, if not for some shady shenanigans.

Which I am sure will lead to Joe's downfall.


A backstage segment I didn't expect to see this week was a depressed Bobby Roode seeking the advice of one James Storm. Roode's blow up last week has led him to have some "serious thinking" about where he is going to take his career next. All of that aside, it was great to see Roode and Storm together. I like that they played on the strain of the business, that makes sense. That competitiveness that is Professional Wrestling, that makes sense for Roode to sacrifice everything for that chance at the World Championship. I get that. Though so did James Storm, which is kind of funny given how annoyed he was at the time. It's wrestling though, people get over the most craziest of things to be friends once more. If the fans can change the Rock's opinions of Rikishi after he ran down Steve Austin with his car... then a beer bottle is nothing, right?


Gail Kim (w/ Lei'D Tapa) vs. Madison Rayne - Street Fight

This sort of came out of nowhere. Sure they had their issues, but after Madison won the title, we've barely seen anything of their feud. And now all of sudden it's at such a fever pitch they need to settle it in a Street Fight?

Better yet was the rather touching Video Package they ran before this match. All about the Wrestlers and their reactions to the UK Tour this year. With a new team like The Wolves who could have gone in a much different direction, but went with TNA, it was awesome to have them talk so highly of their run currently. However the video took a rather strange turn when it just said "not everyone got along" and then Madison and Gail were shown fighting, and so we have this match...

Madison Rayne also debuted new music, it's the same song, but a more Acoustic - light hearted feel no doubt to fit with her current change of heart.

I was a little surprised that Lei'D Tapa didn't play more of a role in this match than she did. Sure she attacked Madison a little. But given it's stipulation, I expected her to be more forceful. Gail took a dive face first into a Chair pushed between the ropes, and I believe Madison booted the Chair in Gail's face also. Tapa got involved however toward the end and acted as the distraction, Rayne taking wild swings at her with a chair, but Gail attacked Madison from behind with the Knockouts Championship and took the win.

Though she won, she was bleeding from the nose, so not sure if it was more serious, or just a nasty knock. But it's certainly weird to see it from a Women's match. Perhaps this Street Fight is paving the way for the returning crazy Taryn Terrell in the near future?


James Storm wasn't satisfied with just giving Roode a much needed Pep Talk. Instead he went to chat with Gunner. If the segment wasn't awkward enough with them both sitting around with just T-shirts on, but Storm's best attempts of a Pep talk, kind of sucked.

Gunner Storm pants

Gunner decided to give Storm the World Tag-Team Championship briefcase, for some reason. Something about when he's won the World Championship, they can then fight for the Tag Belts... which they could do if Gunner had the briefcase anyway.

Storm's attempts of prepping Gunner for the big leagues pretty much consisted of having him babble on about how he's been there, which is short lived in the first place. The best sentence was "and you're praying for... and just, holding that belt up high".

Bad things Sentence


Bobby Roode took to the ring to make a heartfelt speech, the type of speech that quickly turns him a face. "Proud to call Impact my home", that he can't put up with Dixie Carter anymore and to top it all off he thanks the crowd. And then just like that they forget he screwed over AJ Styles and Sting and helped Magnus every step of the way.

To be fair people love Roode regardless of if he is a Heel or not. He then claims this is his last night as a Pro Wrestler, before Dixie tells him he's under contract, and doesn't get to make those choices.

The actual interesting part aside from seeing a good guy out of Roode, is Dixie wants him to be the Captain of his team. See, initially I thought Dixie would bring him on board and he would screw her team over and give power to MVP to get back at her for not giving him the World Title shot despite his helping hand in putting over Magnus.

Now, Roode is her Team Captain, because if he beats MVP's team at Lockdown, he will get 10% of the company. And his lawyers get to draw up any type of contract and she will sign it no questions asked. So now, I am sort of hoping that Roode beats MVP's team. Clearly before it seemed like MVP would win so they could start "changing " things within TNA. But having Dixie in control, and Roode, I think would make a much more interesting angle.


The Online GutCheck winner - Bad Dog someone, a German guy, was being interviewed backstage, where Anderson and Christy Hemme were seen looking at Anderson's child photos. That's photo's of his recently born twins....

Earlier on in the night Samuel Shaw attacked some random British luggage guy or someone of a similar role "British Wrestler" no doubt. So Shaw attached Anderson and in the process knocked Hemme down also. He then carried her backstage whilst she was unconscious and stared at her... before she regained consciousness. No quite sure how far they are going to push this one. It's borderline now, there isn't many other places it could go before it gets rather dark.

Still, I like the idea of Shaw and Anderson feuding, though I do feel it's probably to put over Shaw more so. I guess this means Bully isn't coming back anytime soon after he barely fit into that coffin last week.


The Wolves vs. Bad Influence

With the likes of Hogan and Sting freeing up some contract money, we've seen TNA bring in a good few new faces. Even if they haven't made their debuts yet. The Wolves are leading the way, a fantastic team and a great asset.

They actually just won the Tag-Titles at a house show, no doubt that will be on next week's show... I don't know how this works, as it was taped ages ago, but airs next week, but this house show was the other night. So okay.

Who better for The Wolves to do battle against than Bad Influence, I want a best of Five Series this year. This match was pure awesome - that's all you need to know.

Oh and The Wolves won..


There was yet another Video Package for Jeff Hardy's "Willow" Character. See, I like the videos, they are done well and he carries a great eerie feel with them. How this will transfer onto Live Television, is a completely different matter entirely. I hope well....


Gunner vs. Magnus - World Heavyweight Championship - Magnus Rules

I still feel Gunner needs some new music if he's going to be pushed to the extent he currently is. But Gunner is awesome, his video package during the show about his time in the Marines and his lifelong passion for Wrestling really lets you in on his life. He's a guy we still don't really know. It wasn't until last year when he randomly teamed up with Storm that people really started to take notice of him.

He wore a new Red Ring Jacket to the Ring which also looked pretty awesome. So he's getting there in terms of being a force to be reckoned with.

The match was made a "Magnus Rules" match from the Bell, which is no DQ with a fancy name. Or like how a No DQ / Street Fight / Death Match are all the same thing.

Magnus quickly turned to calling out his backup, given a little blow-up earlier on in the night between he and EC3 for "throwing him to The Wolves", it was The Wolves and James Storm who came out instead.

Of course crazy booking took over, still don't know if Vince Russo is behind this or not, I certainly hope not. But needless to say EC3 - Bromans and Spud soon made their appearance.

The Wolves and Storm battled the Bromans and EC3 away from the ring side as Gunner dropped Magnus with an impressive Power-Bomb / top rope Head-butt but Spud put Magnus' foot on the rope.

Gunner distracted by Spud was hit from behind by Magnus and the World Championship, leading to only a Two-Count, but the fans went crazy!

When TNA ever do anything like that, usually the crowd is rather quiet, maybe because they know what's going to happen, but maybe not. Still, the atmosphere was fantastic, Storm came back out to get rid of Spud and Gunner went to the top rope once more, only this time Storm hit Gunner with The Last Call superkick on his way down, and Magnus took the Win.

We all knew it was coming sooner or later, and it was good when we finally got there. I'm excited to see Storm as a Heel once more, he's been dragging his feet for too long. Not to mention I'm sure a Gunner vs. Storm Cage-Match at Lockdown is happening, which would be a great match to boot.


I was actually surprised by how good this match was, sure it's riddled with run-ins, but I was expecting something good, but nothing special. To me, this match was Awesome, so was The Wolves vs. Bad Influence, and for that reason it puts this show above most in recent memory!

Next week - Bobby Roode takes on MVP and Kurt Angle goes into the TNA Hall of Fame for some reason!


Till then,

Dan Wilkinson

TNR Cover 12 (w facebook address)

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The Jobber Blogger #91 - TNA: IMPACT WRESTLING - 13/2/14February 17, 2014 by

Jobber Blogger logo2

Well isn't this fun! It's half-term! Bloody brilliant half term! My job is riddled with Kids Films and an endless sea of Children running around screaming dropping things and making a mess. In short, making my life miserable! I have to go to work most every day, and some of these days are Early! EARLY! 8:45am! I'm not used to these conditions, I went to University!

So yes, it means I have valid reasons for Writing this up slightly later than my normal "weekend" routine. Though it could also be called "laziness" but I resent that. Resent it, applaud it, condole it, embrace it, and really... Really!! You think I'm lazy, you know how hard I work every week to Write this blog! 2hours! 2 Whole hours a week!

Okay so I am joking, I spent a lot of time on my projects and I am immensely proud of The Jobber Blogger, up weekly on MyIGN Page, Cage Amateurs UK and now The Steel Chair, with support and promotions from Total Nonstop Rewind! You don't get that kind of Voluntary - nonpaid work by being lazy let me tell you!



Impact Wrestling Logo


Once again Manchester doesn't disappoint. Last year when I was privileged enough to attend the TNA Shows, Manchester was "by far!" the best Crowd. But seeing as though over a year later and a certain someone still hasn't paid me back from last year's tour, then funds are a little low to do it again. I doubt he will even read this!

Moving on!

Manchester was on fire all night.... not literally, that would have definitely given the show a different "atmosphere"

Manchester on fire

Fire-Boo!!! Also I forgot to put Sugar in my over-sized Tea Mug.... BRB!

BRB! Flipping be right back! As if I used to spend my days on MSN using such slang as BRB! What lame-o's. It's like these internet kids today with their "blogs".... idiots!

So anyway! Manchester certainly gave Impact that much needed "spidadil" that is a word... look it up.

Taz joined Tenay on the Commentary this week.. don't know why he wasn't on it the last two weeks. Yet again TNA didn't have an announce table, which to me really sucks.

It ruins the show when you're supposed to believe it's live and they care, yet it's taped weeks ago and then dubbed by Commentary.


As I most amazingly predicted last week, Dixie, Magnus and EC3 kicked off the show, and as I most amazingly predicted incorrectly was that the English fans would Cheer Magnus.... Nope.. they hated him.

Which means well done TNA, you turned him Heel successfully............ also Spud.


That MVP's recent actions and threats are just "words" that they don't care about. Funny thing, it feels like MVP has been around for a while now, yet this was actually his Second Day with TNA. It's crazy.

Anyway, MVP obviously came out with his "rebuttal".... it's a real word, look it up! Samoa Joe joined MVP by his side when he announced that Magnus and Joe will do battle in the Main Event of Lockdown for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

Which of course is when Gunner came out and through a.... briefcase...... in the plan of MVP's, by saying he is Cashing in - next week - on Magnus.

And this in turn led to Dixie putting Gunner in a match against EC3 with Gunner's Briefcase on the line, and MVP upped the stakes by putting EC3's World Tag-Team Title Shot Briefcase up for grabs also.



Gunner and James Storm vs. EC3 and Magnus - Winner Takes All


So far nothing but bad luck surrounds the recent "Feast of Fired" Winners, Zema cashed in last week and got his ass handed to him, EC3 did nothing and now loses his, Gunner has had to retain and defend his Briefcase so many times, and then of course there's Chavo... who didn't get a chance to do any of that.

Though I'm sure MVP will bring him back, much to my dismay.. unless of course he returns as "PONCHO GUERRERO!" The fire'iest, feistiest, fired up Mexican to ever be... fired?

Poncho G FiredProbably coming in the next Wave of TNA's Deluxe Impact - You're Fired - Range of Wrestling Figures


MVP is like the Hulk Hogan, TNA wanted Hulk Hogan to be like. I take back my thoughts and reservations of bringing MVP into TNA.... I love him. He is straight to the point, awesome on the mic, he makes you believe his words and he can get it done in the ring. Perfect choice.

EC3 actually had a rather good showing in this Match too, including an impressive Top-Rope Splash on Gunner on the Ladder, which at once got the Crowd going crazy... and then they realised who he was and Booed the hell out of him.



Now if he remains Champion, you could flip the Perk, he could Cash In his Case to NOT Defend the Title. I think that's awesome. Or, if he has a Number One Contender, he could cash his Title Defence whenever he wanted.


Also who else wanted Storm to turn on Gunner? It must be in the works, I think they made them both "Buddy Buddy" purely to try and throw people off the scent, but I'm sure it's coming. Maybe when Gunner has his Title Match? Maybe after. Maybe if he wins? Who knows.

Maybe never... I guess?



Bromans and DJ Zema Ion vs. The Wolves and Samoa Joe



What more can I say, I've been looking forward to seeing The Wolves in action since before they signed with TNA, lots of talk about the team. And they didn't disappoint. They have a great look, good attire, awesome music and they deliver in the ring, hey it sucks to lose Sting, but if we get more talent like this... when that's a good thing right?

Also not disappointing is Samoa Joe, who is always "over" no matter what Story they place him in. People love Joe. And for Joe to recently be taking a "Locker-room Leader" position, it makes sense for him to be out in the Spotlight. It's been a long time since he's been in the Main Event for any serious consideration. And Joe Thrives under that spotlight.






Abyss - Unmasked

I didn't expect him to walk to the Ring without his Mask on, but then I am glad he did. It's always weird seeing a Masked guy - Unmasked. Kane just hasn't been the same since he took it off, and yes he put it back on.. .but it's not the same. With Abyss though, I think they played it so well by having the Two Characters, we got to know Joseph Park before they connected the dots. Not to mention he is such a great Character Actor, always has been, but his work between both personalities is really incredible, especially for a Wrestling Show.


Abyss screams at EY "Who am I?!" and claims that he can't be Abyss anymore.

I get that the segment maybe went a little too long, but it was powerful stuff. I really liked it. I love Abyss, and I am enjoying watching this "change". I have a good feeling about where it's heading next.

As to end the segment he said "I need to go away and find someone who truly understands me".



Abyss Mitchel



Rockstar Spud vs. MVP

Spud and MVP with Dixie had a great segment backstage, though anything with Spud in it, is gold. Not only did he put Tape across the floor of Dixie and MVP's office, (giving Dixie more space and flowers) but Spud got in MVP's face about him being Washed up. Which of course led to MVP putting himself in a match with Spud.

It was only a short match, something to put MVP over in the ring, and Spud is an excellent worker. The Manchester crowd got behind his "Ball-in" elbow drop, and MVP's running Kick to the face of Spud led to the victory.

My only gripe is that I wish they cut MVP's theme down on the Entrance part, it's fine for his entrance, though he does seem to be walking to the ring before the actual Music starts. But when he ends a Promo with a snappy remark, or wins a Match, you want his Music to hit straight away, not the opening intro that takes far too long to get going in those circumstances.


Also on Impact was a Vignette for "Willow". I shall add it if I can find it. If you don't know, this is Jeff Hardy, probably rather obvious. Willow the Wisp is an old school Character of Jeff's which he used to use before he went to the WWF. It's something he messes around with if you watch "The Hardy Show" also of recent years.

How this makes sense... I don't know.

He is advertised to be coming back at Lockdown, as Jeff Hardy. Whether he is bringing in another character remains to be seen. If he is coming back as Willow the Wisp, that makes no sense. Jeff under the pressure of Dixie's reign quit.... but he then comes back and has apparently lost his mind.

I have a horrible feeling this is going to be awful, I love Jeff, I do my best to support him. He is very talented and very creative... the problem lay with he, himself, is not so good at doing the things he wants to be creative with. His promos usually suck. He doesn't always look "that good". His music is good... but perhaps not great. He's never been good at selling a "character" or a promo, so for him to be this weird thing on World Wide TV... It might just be really embarrassing. I hope he pulls it off. But I've seen him do this character before.... and it's just awkward, and embarrassing.

Though if it turns out to be Willow Smith, then by all means, let's all Whip Our Hair Back and Forth!



Velvet Sky vs. Chris Sabin

When Sabin is trying to be annoying and over the top... is when he is at his best. His "Twerk" on the Ropes to mock Velvet had me in hysterics.

Just like his "Will you get the hell out of my life!" from last week did.

And to further my evidence that Velvet, as lovely and great that she is... really does suck, she tried to Kick Sabin in the Groin... and hit his knee. Sabin started to sell before he realised she missed. So he asked "why did you kick me in the knee?" then she gets it right and hits him in the groin.


See I totally forgot she was debuting in TNA soon. I knew it was coming up, but I forgot, so it was a pleasant surprise. I do wish she didn't wear what she wore though. I hope she's a good addition, people in Manchester didn't know who she was. Though more additions to the Knockouts the better. However isn't ODB sort of like Alpha Female... and if Alpha Female wants to be a "Bigger" Knockout, then Lei'D Tapa has her beat there also. So she's a strange fit in a addition that has two superiors or either side of her gimmick.

I will be really annoyed if Alpha Female comes across more impressive than Tapa, because Tapa really hasn't had the chance to be "herself" yet.

Alpha Female TNA



Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson - Casket Match

Backstage Bully went through Andersons things and found his phone, calling the picture of his kids "cute" then rang his wife saying it's the phone call she's been dreading. It's tough stuff to watch, obviously we all know its Wrestling and therefore the Storyline isn't real. But, it's a real-life subject to be that brash and controversial about, kudos to Anderson for allowing it.

Bully wore a Liverpool Football Jersey to the ring just to provoke the fans more so... if I followed Football I might have understand the reference. (I got it... I was joking... though also Boo Football!) TNA certainly didn't let their budget run dry on this match, as the Casket looks terrible, the lid fell off, it broke trying to put it back on, naff construction. I hope they don't bury people in these things, it's a Wonder the body doesn't fall out the Bottom as it's being carried by the Paul Bearers.

Aside from your usual "cheesy" moments, like Anderson having a Test of Strength with Bully trying to lift the Coffin Lid, it was a good match. It must be a difficult match to keep entertaining, it's also a little bit stupid. Because it doesn't really do anything. I suppose it's not a nice thing to be put inside of. But then they can just get back out of it again really easy.


Bully tried to Pile-Drive Anderson in the Casket, but Anderson reversed into a Mic Check that sent Bully face first in the Coffin, he then got a nice "Pop" as he threw the Liverpool Jersey in also and Anderson picked up the Win... well as much as he could, as the Lid didn't fit back on the Coffin.


Dixie and MVP closed out the show once more, this time backstage as Dixie prepared a Contract to "Buy-Out" MVP's Shares.

MVP turned down the Deal and challenged her to a Lethal Lockdown Match - Team Dixie vs. Team MVP - Winner gets Full Control over the "Wrestling Operations" of TNA.

I am a little sick of seeing these types of Matches, it's always people battling to control something, usually TNA. But hey, I like this Story so far, and I look forward to see where it goes from here.




Can't wait for next week's show also from Manchester with Gunner and Magnus (I believe) for the World Championship.


Till Then,

Dan Wilkinson

TNR Cover 12 (w facebook address)

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