June 16th edition of TNA IMPACT! [83%]
Live from Orangeburg, South Carolina
Attendance: 11,041
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!! A huge explosion of fireworks goes off as the IMPACT theme plays in the background. The camera pans around, showing the packed arena, before going to the commentary booth which, as always, has Joey Styles and Mike Tenay seated at it.
Mike Tenay: “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for choosing the best way to spend a Friday night, watching TNA IMPACT! We are here LIVE from Orangeburg, South Carolina and we are only 2 days away from Slammiversary!”
Styles: “That’s right Mike but the PPV isn’t the only thing we are focusing on as we are all set to have some great wrestling tonight. Tonight, Bryan Danielson is scheduled to face Jeff Jarrett’s undefeated protégé, Chris Hero. Hero has managed to stay undefeated for over 6 months now but his streak could come to an end tonight at the hands of the American Dragon.”
Tenay: “Also, scheduled for tonight is a public contract signing between CM Punk and Steve Corino in order to confirm their match at Slammiversary. Punk requested this contract signing himself. Punk is a very methodical and sneaky individual, Joey. The question has to be asked, what does Punk have planned for tonight?”
Styles: “I don’t know Mike. What I do know is that our main event of the evening will see the team of AJ Styles, Ron ‘The Truth’ Killings, and #1 contender to the NWA World Championship, Jeff Hardy, take on the New Flock. This match is very important in terms of gaining some essential momentum going into the PPV this Sunday.”
Tenay: “Coming up right now, however, is a singles match between one-half of the NWA Tag Champs, Trent Acid, taking on one-half of The Naturals, Chase Stevens. Let’s go to the ring!”
Segment 1
Chase Stevens V. Trent Acid
Our opening match is a preview of sorts for the NWA Tag Team Championship match at Slammiversary. At Slammiversary, It will be The Backseat Boys, Johnny Kashmere and Trent Acid, defending their titles against the Naturals, Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens. Last week, Douglas managed to defeat Kashmere in a singles match. This week, Stevens looks to continue his team’s good fortunes as of late.
This looks to be a clean, fair match…oh wait, I forgot that Trent Acid in this match and his goal is to fight any way but fairly. This is demonstrated by the fact that he jumps Chase Stevens from behind as Stevens is making his way down to the ring! Acid stomps a mud hole in Stevens before throwing him hard into the ringside barricade. Acid then throws Stevens into the ring so that the ref can, begrudgingly, ring the bell and start the official match.
Acid, taking full advantage of the pre-match assault, is able to control the majority of this match. Unlike his partner last week, Acid is fully focused at the task at hand and actually puts his talent to good use by not giving Stevens a chance to recover. Stevens tries to make a few comebacks but every time, he starts feeling the effects of the pre-match beat down again and Acid is able to regain control. Stevens seems like he is favoring his ribs, in particular.
Somehow, however, Stevens is still able to kick out of multiple pin attempts by Acid just before 3.
Eventually, Acid begins to get frustrated with the fact that he can’t put Stevens away. In his frustration, he makes a mistake when he blindly attempts to hit Stevens with a clothesline when he is in the corner. Stevens is able to move out of the way and Acid hits nothing but turnbuckle. Stevens is then able to hit a schoolboy roll up on Acid but it only gets two. When both men get back up to their feet, Stevens hits a series of small clotheslines on Acid, with Acid getting back up after each one, before hitting Acid with a crossbody! He makes a pin but again, only gets 2.
Stevens begins to make a big comeback, hitting Acid with several big moves, including a moonsault of the top rope. Every pin attempt he makes, however, only gets a 2 count. Finally, Stevens signals that he is going for his Death Valley Driver finsher. When he goes to lift Acid up, however, his ribs once again cause him pain and he has to drop Acid mid-move. Acid takes advantage of the situation by kneeing Stevens HARD in his ribs then bouncing off the ropes and connecting with a Yakuza Kick! Acid makes the cover.
“1…2…3” Acid has avenged his partners loss and won the match! The crowd boos Acid as he rolls out of the ring, and celebrates his victory as he goes up the ramp. Acid is victorious tonight but will his team victorious come Slammiversary?
[***1/4]
Segment 2
After a commercial break, we go to the announce booth.
Tenay: “Ladies and Gentleman, this past Tuesday, we showed you footage of the brawl between Samoa Joe and Edge after they abandoned their tag match on the last episode of IMPACT. As you saw in the video, the two brawled all over the lobby before Edge nearly…well, he nearly committed an unspeakable act before security finally pulled the two apart. “
Styles: “We now have an update on the status of both men after the brawl. First of all, both men have been medically cleared to compete this Sunday. Edge only suffered minor cuts and bruises and he is here tonight. In fact, he is scheduled to face Kip James tonight. Samoa Joe, on the other hand, suffered more severe injuries, particularly some severe cuts in the face and a concussion.
Even though Joe is cleared to compete this Sunday, TNA management insisted that he not show up tonight in order to ensure that he will be 100% for the PPV this Sunday. Earlier today, we received this footage of Samoa Joe training in his homeland on the Isle of Samoa.”
The screen cuts to a video package. It appears to be taking place in a gym that has a ring in it. The video shows several highlights of Samoa Joe in the ring with several unnamed wrestlers. In one clip, Joe is stomping a guy in the corner until he is slumped against the bottom turnbuckle. Joe then bounces off the ropes and hits a sick-sounding running face wash! In another clip, a poor fellow gets his chest turned beat red from a series of chops from Joe. Another clip is shown, this time showing Joe hitting someone with his signature Muscle Buster. One last clip in the montage shows Joe making some unfortunate soul tap out with the Coquina Clutch. Finally, the video cuts to Samoa Joe sitting on a bench inside the gym with a towel draped around his neck. He takes a drink from his water bottle before speaking.
Joe: “You know Edge, when I first started my crusade against you, my goal was simple. Beat the crap out of you and send your ass back to Stamford. Maybe I would break a bone or four but otherwise, you would still be able to wrestle and make a living. My goal was to show you that TNA is and always will be the house of Samoa Joe and that you have no right to just waltz up here and take up TV time, take recognition that should be given to me. But that all changed last Friday. In that backstage brawl, you attempted to end not just my career but also my life. A part of me actually wants to congratulate you. Congratulate you for finally growing a set of balls and attempting to end me. The rest of me, however, is screaming that you made the biggest mistake of your life. When you picked up that shard of glass and you attempted to end my career, you went past the line of no return. You crossed the Rubicon so to speak. Because at that moment, this was no longer of a case of ‘you don’t deserve to be here.’ It became a case ‘You no longer deserve the ability to breathe without the help of machines’.
Let me ask you something Edge. Do you want to know why fans chant ‘Joe’s gonna kill you!’ every time I’m in the ring? It isn’t just because it’s a catchy thing to chant. It damn sure isn’t because I told them to. They chant because they see the hate and determination in my eyes every time I step into the ring. They chant it because they understand that when I step into the ring, I don’t put the fear of God in my opponent. I put the fear of JOE in them. They chant it because they know that whether or not my opponent will be able to walk out of the ring under their own power depends on how generous I’m feeling that day. They chant it because they know what I truly am. I am called many things. A man, a son, a Samoan, a pro-wrestler…but these titles don’t define what I am at my core. At my core, quite simply…I’m a goddamn killer!
Edge, when you picked up that shard of glass, you basically said that you don’t want Samoa Joe, the wrestler. You don’t want Samoa Joe, the warrior. No…you basically said that you wanted Samoa Joe, the KILLER! Pretty soon, ‘Joe’s gonna kill you’ isn’t just going to be a chant. For you Edge, it’s going to become a reality real soon.”
[79%]
Segment 3
Alex Shelly (w/Alicia Webb & Matt Bentley) V. Ruckus
Up next is a match that promises to be fast paced as a member of Alicia Webb’s harem, Alex Shelly, takes on #1 contender to the X-Division title, Ruckus. Last week, Ruckus defeated Shelly, Petey Williams, and Sabu in a 4 way dance to gain the right to challenge Sean Waltman for the X-Division championship at Slammiversary. Alex Shelly requested this match in order to prove that Ruckus’ win last week was a fluke and his request was granted. An interesting tidbit is that Petey Williams is not seen accompanying Shelly down to the ring along with Webb and Bentley. Perhaps this is due to the miscommunications he has had with the group recently?
Anyway, the opening moments of this match are very fast paced. Shelly is quick but Ruckus is quicker and thus, manages to stay one step ahead of Shelly. Even constant attempts at interference from Shelly’s group are thwarted because Ruckus moves too fast to get caught by it. Eventually, Ruckus hits Shelly with a dropkick that sends him to the outside. When he lands outside, Webb and Bentley go to check up on him. Ruckus takes this opportunity to gain some momentum by bouncing off the ropes and to jump over the ropes to dive onto all 3 of them. After basking in the admiration of the crowd, who by now are chanting his name, he throws Shelly into the ring and makes a cover but he only gets 2.
Ruckus stays in control for the next couple of minutes until Shelly is able to counter a Corkscrew Neck breaker attempt from Ruckus into a double knee backbreaker! Shelly makes a cover but only gets 2. From this point onward, Shelly is able to use his technical ability to keep Ruckus on the ground and to not allow him to go flying. He uses various submission holds to wear Ruckus down and even gets a couple of near falls on Ruckus. Whenever it looks like Ruckus is about to overcome Shelly’s great ground game, interference from Bentley or Webb puts him right back on the ground in another Shelly hold. Eventually, Shelly attempts to lock in a Figure 4 Leg Lock but as Shelly is grabbing Ruckus’ leg, Ruckus is able to use the ropes as leverage to get to his feet and hit Shelly with an enzugri! Ruckus then heads up top and hits a moonsault! He makes a cover.
“1…2…” Alicia puts Shelly’s foot on the rope without the ref seeing it! Ruckus gets up and begins to argue with Webb.
As Webb is arguing with Ruckus, she sees something out of the corner of her eye that causes her to stop. She sees Petey Williams slowly making his way down to the ring. Immediately, Webb goes up the ramp and confronts Petey, screaming “I told you to stay in the back!” Petey and Webb begin to argue on the ramp way and Bentley goes up to them to try and diffuse the situation. Meanwhile, in the ring, Shelly and Ruckus are matching each other move for move. Eventually, Shelly tries to hit Ruckus with the Shellshock (Swinging Reverse STO) but Ruckus is able to counter it, lift Shelly up and hit The Hate Crime (Sitout Suplex Slam)! He makes the cover and gets the 3 count! Ruckus has gained a big win just a couple of days before his PPV showdown with Sean Waltman!
Webb and Williams are still arguing on the ramp when they hear the bell ringing, signifying the end of the match. When Webb looks in the ring and sees that Shelly has lost, she absolutely loses it and begins screaming at the top of her lungs. She looks at Williams and says, “This is all your fault!” Williams responds, “How is it my fault? Alex was the one that got pinned?” Webb snaps back, “Because we just cannot WIN when you are around!” Williams tries to say otherwise but Webb is not hearing it. She and Bentley help Shelly get out of the ring and go to the back. All the while, Williams tries to explain that this was not his fault but Webb tells Williams “Just get away from us right now” and goes to the back with Bentley and Shelly, leaving Williams alone on the ramp. Williams stands there for a minute before putting his head down and dragging his feet to the back. Is this the end of Williams in Webb’s Harem?
[***3/4]
Segment 4
Jack Evans V. Kid Kash
After another commercial break, we come to our 3rd match of the evening which sees the veteran Kid Kash take on the ‘Prince of Parkland’ Jack Evans. Kid Kash is currently embroiled in a feud with Jerry Lynn and is scheduled to face in 2 days at Slammiversary. Last week, Kash gained a victory of Lynn in tag team action, albeit through illegal means. On the other hand, Jack Evans has just returned from a ‘personal leave of absence’ and is trying to reestablish a prominent position here in TNA.
Evans is arguably the most athletically gifted wrestler on the TNA roster but things such as athleticism don’t really concern men like Kash, who has no problem whatsoever bending the rules so that he can come out on top. Kash does just that and uses dirty tactics from the get-go in order to neutralize Evans’ athletic ability. Every time Evans tries to string together some offense, Kash uses another dirty trick to maintain control of the match. On top of his dirty tricks, Kash uses stiff slaps and kicks to just punish Evans while talking down to him. Kash tries to pin Evans multiple times while in control but every time, Evans manages to get his shoulder up before 3. Every time Evans kicks out, Kash becomes more and more frustrated and hits Evans with even more stiff strikes (and the occasional thumb to the eye just to be a jerk).
After damn near 10 minutes of Kash controlling the match, but still unable to get the win, Kash tries to finish the match with his ‘Money Maker’ Piledriver. Evans, while being lifted up for the move, somehow manages to wrap his legs around Kash’s head and hit him with a hurricarana! He is unable to keep his legs hooked for a pin but he is able to toss Kash to the other side of the ring. When Kash gets up, he runs toward Evans with the intention of hitting him with a clothesline. Evans, however, is able to bridge under it as if this was the matrix. Kash is momentarily shocked at the incredible flexibility of Evans before he rushes to try to hit Evans with a clothesline once again. Again, Evans dodges with a matrix-style bridge! Finally, Kash tries to clean Evans’ clock with a punch but Evans again dodges it matrix style! This time, however, when Evans comes back up, he trips Kash up so that he lands back first on the mat. Evans then bounces of the ropes and hit a running 450 splash! He makes a cover but only gets 2. Evans then goes to the apron of the ring and waits for Kash to get back up. When he does, he hits him with a Springboard Tornado Kick!!! Evans makes the cover but again only gets 2.
Evans uses this spur of offense to turn the match into his favor and continues to dazzle the crowd by using his high flying ability to take it to Kash. He makes a couple more pin attempts during this time but doesn’t manage to get the 3 count. After running wild on Kash for a few minutes, Evans heads to the top rope and attempts to hit Kash with his signature 630 splash. Unfortunately, he only hits knees as the wily veteran is able to counter the move. Kash then picks Evans and once again, puts him in position for the ‘Money Maker’. This time, however, he stops himself from hitting the move once he sees Jerry Lynn at the top of the ramp. Kash looks at Lynn and yells “Take a close look because this is exactly what is going to happen to you in 2 days!” This pause, however, gives Evans time to roll Kash up!
“1…2…3!” Evans picks up a HUGE upset here thanks to a distraction caused by Jerry Lynn! Kash is shocked that he just lost to a relative newbie! Kash tries to get revenge and attack Evans after the match but Evans wisely bails from the ring before Kash gets a chance. As Evans is retreating up the ramp way, he meets up with Lynn, who congratulates him on his victory. Meanwhile, Kash looks furious as he throws a temper tantrum in the ring, kicking the ropes and demanding a rematch (the ref refuses to give him one). Lynn has managed to get one over on his rival tonight but will be able to do it again at Slammiversary?
[****1/4]
Segment 5
Edge V. Kip James
Our next match up will see a bruised Edge take on ‘The One’ Kip James. Over the past few weeks, Kip has requested some “quality singles completion” while his partner, BG James, is dealing with personal issues. So far, he has bitten off more than he can chew as 2 weeks ago, he got destroyed by Raven and last week, he suffered a swift defeat at the hands of AJ Styles. With Edge still somewhat feeling the effects of his brawl with Samoa Joe, however, will tonight be the night that ‘The One’ picks up a victory?
In a word, no. Despite still being beat up from his brawl last week, Edge pretty much dominates this match. To his credit, Kip does manage to get in an offensive move here and there but this match never truly leaves Edge’s control. Edge seems to wrestling more viciously tonight, seemingly taking pleasure in beating Kip down. Eventually, Edge is able to doge a clothesline attempt by Kip, bounce off the ropes, and hit a Spear! Edge doesn’t go for the cover though. Instead, he waits for Kip to get back up so that he can hit him with another Spear! Again, Edge doesn’t for a cover and waits for Kip to get back up so that he can with a third Spear! Finally, he goes for the cover and gets the academic 3 count.
After the match, Edge gets a mic.
Edge: “Joe, I heard what you said in your little video. I just want to let you know…you’re right. Last Friday, this beef between you and me got taken to a whole new level. In 2 days, We’re not going to have a match. Quite simply, it will be a war. One of us will spend the week after the PPV in a hospital bed. And Joe…that person damn sure isn’t going to be me.”
[*3/4] (OOC: Boy, did this match suck. I wasn’t expecting much but damn.)
Segment 6
After a commercial break, we go back to the ring where Randy Orton is now standing with a microphone in hand and a ref standing beside him. He appears to be dressed to wrestle tonight. Orton is scheduled to face Raven at Slammiversary. Orton has claimed that he is going to “kill the legend of Raven” at Slammiversary but Raven wants to prove otherwise. Right now, let’s see what Orton has to say.
Orton: “Last week, I was in this ring, gracing the crowd with my presence and just trying to hype my match with Raven. (“He was calling Raven a has been and saying that his career was mediocre at best!” screams Joey Styles into his headset) All of a sudden, Raven, being the insecure and petty man that he is, tried to attack me from behind. Luckily, I was able to avoid his sneak attack with my cat-like reflexes. As I was making sure that I was not harmed by that thug Raven, he had the nerve to call me a coward. ME, A COWARD! Can you believe it?! Now, Randy Orton is a lot of things. I’m good looking, a third generation superstar, an idol to millions around the world, and a FANTASTIC way to spend a night under the sheets…ladies.” Orton stops and winks at the camera.
Tenay (sarcastically): “Oh, he’s so humble. “
Orton: “But, if there is one thing I am not, it’s a coward. Now, my original intent for tonight was to invite Raven down to this ring for a fair fight so that I could beat the hell out of him and show him just how much of a coward I am. As it turns out, however, Raven is not here tonight, claiming that he had a ‘family emergency’ to attend to. I guess we know who the real coward is, huh Raven? You’re willing to use the fact that your twice removed cousin got a stubbed toe as a reason to not be in the same ring as me.”
Styles: “A member of Raven’s immediate family was in a serious car accident and he was unable to make it to the show here tonight because he had to visit them in the hospital. Orton knows that and he is making a damn mockery of it!”
Orton: “Well, I don’t get dressed to wrestle for nothing. In order to show everyone, including Raven, that I am not a coward, I am issuing an open challenge tonight to anyone in the back. Come on, anybody who wants to make yourself famous by facing the Pinnacle of Perfection, come on down.”
A minute or so passes but no one comes down. Orton smirks at this.
Orton: “Well, I guess no one in the back has the balls to face me. Well, I guess I’ll just go backstage and get out of my ge…”
Orton is cut off as someone does come from the back and walk towards the ring. That person is Sabu. The crowd pops huge at the sight of the Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal Manic as he makes a beeline to the ring! Orton, upon seeing that someone is actually accepting his open challenge, bails from the ring just as Sabu enters it. Sabu simply looks at Orton and makes a “bring it on” signal with his hand. Orton hesitantly tells the bell keeper to ring the bell and just like that, we have an impromptu match underway.
[63%] (OOC: OUCH!)
Segment 7
Randy Orton V. Sabu
Despite asking for the bell to be rung, Orton remains on the outside. He stalls for a few minutes, teasing several times that he is going to enter the ring but never actually doing it. After Orton does this several times, Sabu grows tired of his games and decides to go get Orton. He exits the ring and chase Orton around the ringside area. After a couple of laps around the ring, Orton runs into the ring. Sabu tries to follow him in but Orton cuts him off and begins to stomp away at him as he is entering the ring. This shady tactic allows Orton to control the majority of this match. Orton uses his natural ability to ground the ECW veteran and he doesn’t give Sabu any chances to catch his breath. Sabu tries to make a comeback here and there but every time, Orton is able to use ability to stay in control.
Fortunately, Sabu catches a break when he is able to fight his way out of a superplex attempt and manages to turn it into a tornado DDT off the top rope! He makes a cover but only gets 2. Sabu uses a hybrid style of high-flying and brawling to gain control of the match. He beats Orton inside and outside the ring, coming close to getting disqualified on a few occasions. He manages to hit several of his signature moves and even manages to hit a Frankensteiner off the top rope! He makes a cover.
“1…2…” NO! Orton kicks out. Sabu maintains control for the next couple of minutes but he makes a crucial mistake that ends up costing him the match. After throwing Orton to the outside, Sabu bounces off the ropes and attempts to hit a suicide dive through the ropes. Right before Bu’ goes flying through the ropes; however, Orton manages to catch him with a European uppercut! The uppercut stuns Sabu and causes him to lean on ropes. This causes Orton to get an idea. He grabs Sabu and pulls him through the ropes. He balances Sabu’s legs on the ring apron and delivers a DDT on the outside, driving Sabu’s head onto the protective mats with a sickening thud! Orton then tosses Sabu, who is pretty much dead weight after the DDT, back into the ring and covers him for the 3 count.
After the match, Orton celebrates his victory much to the crowd’s displeasure. Sabu, on the other hand, doesn’t move at all. In fact, he hasn’t moved an inch since the DDT to the floor. Shortly after the match is over, medical staff has swarmed into the ring and are checking on Sabu. Apparently, Sabu is in bad enough shape that the medical crew gets a stretcher for him. The crowd and the announcers are dead silent as Sabu is loaded onto a stretcher and taken to the back. One person who isn’t silent, however, is Randy Orton, who actually spits on Sabu’s body as he is being loaded onto the stretcher! The crowd rains boos down upon Orton for this disgraceful action. Orton has sent a message to Raven through Sabu tonight and proved that he is very capable of putting someone’s career in jeopardy. Will he prove that he can end Raven’s career at Slammiversary?
[***1/2]
Segment 8
Abyss & Rhino (w/ James Mitchell) V. The Bleeding Red Harts
Our next match sees the relatively new team of Abyss and Rhino taking on the Bleeding Red Harts, Teddy Hart and The Amazing Red.
Two weeks ago, James Mitchell insisted that Abyss & Rhino team up so that Abyss could relight a flame in Rhino. Last week, the two tore through the Wizards of Odd but just when it looked Rhino was going to get the win, Mitchell demanded that Abyss tag in Rhino and let him get the win. Tonight, they face a more experienced, albeit smaller, team in the Bleeding Red Harts.
The match starts out with a game of cat(s) and mouse(s) as Hart and Red uses their incredible speed to run circles around their much larger opponents and not let them touch them. The BHR make quick tags, not allowing one member of the team to get tired and they pick their spots, allowing their opponents to make a mistake before attacking. This strategy works out well for them until a flying crossbody attempt by Teddy Hart is met by a big boot from Abyss! He goes for a pin but Hart is barely able to get the shoulder up at 2.
After this, the monsters take control of the match, cutting the ring in half and not allowing Hart to tag out to his partner. Despite controlling the match, Abyss and Rhino do not act like they are tag partners. At one point, Rhino flat out refuses to tag out to Abyss until James Mitchell specifically tells him to. This tension between the two eventually leads to a serious miscommunication when Mitchell tells Rhino to hold Hart so that Abyss can hit him with a clothesline. After Rhino grabs Hart, Abyss runs and hits the clothesline…but not on Hart, as he managed to escape from Rhino’s clutches. The clothesline instead hits Rhino! The force of the clothesline causes him to roll to the outside. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Hart manages to make the hot tag Red!
Red begins to run wild on Abyss, hitting him with several kicks to the legs and ducking under Abyss’ arms anytime he tries to grab him. When Abyss finally does get his hands on Red and it looks like he is going to hit the smaller man with a choke slam, Teddy Hart gets back into the mix and connects with a superkick to the jaw of Abyss! Both men take advantage of Abyss’ stunned state and hit him with a series of kicks, concluding with both men hitting a superkick on the Monster at the same time! Red gets on top of Abyss and goes for a cover.
“1…2…” Abyss TOSSES Red off him! Both men, not wanting to give Abyss a chance to recover, take it to the big man, hitting him with tag team maneuvers that almost keep the big man down for 3. The BHR momentum is stopped, however, when Teddy Hart tries to bounce off the ropes only for Rhino, who has been on the outside since the clothesline from Abyss, to grab his foot and drag him to the outside. Rhino lifts Hart up and hits him with a spine buster on the outside! Inside the ring, Red is trying to stay on the offensive. He kicks a standing Abyss a couple of times but Abyss don’t go down. Red then bounces off the ropes only to be met by a thunderous Black Hole Slam from Abyss! Abyss makes the cover and gets the 3 count! Abyss and Rhino win it!
After the match, James Mitchell enters the ring and congratulates Abyss. When Rhino reenters the ring, even he receives a “Job well done!” from Mitchell. Rhino seems pleased at the compliment. Mitchell exits the ring followed by Abyss and Rhino. Before Rhino exits the ring, however, he stops and glares at Abyss. It seems that Rhino has not forgotten that Abyss hit him during the match, accident or not. How long will these two be able to coexist?
[****]
Segment 9
Chris Hero V. Bryan Danielson
After a short commercial break, we return for our next match which sees “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson taking on Jeff Jarrett’s protégé, Chris Hero. Danielson has been feuding with Jarrett over the past couple of months. Last week, Danielson teamed up with Steve Corino to take on the Dudleys, Jarrett’s security guards. Danielson and Corino lost, however, due to Jarrett and Chris Hero’s interference and after the match, they were left beaten and bloodied by Jarrett’s gang. Danielson requested this match with Hero earlier in the week and his request was granted.
Hero actually made his way down to the ring with Jarrett and the Dudleys by his side. Before the match starts, however, the ref evicts Jarrett and the Dudleys from ringside, not wanting any shenanigans from the group. Of course, all four men protest this decision and claim that it is unfair. Eventually, Jarrett and his boys go to the back, leaving Hero alone in the ring with Danielson. Once Hero is through complaining about the decision to the ref, he turns to face Danielson only to be met by a tackle from the American Dragon! Danielson rains down punches The ref calls for the bell to be rung so that the match can officially start.
Hero is caught off guard by Danielson aggressive offense before the match starts and as such Danielson is able to control the majority of this match. Danielson uses stiff kicks and elbows to dominate Hero. He also slaps on several submissions, most of which cause Hero to scramble to the ropes just so that he can get out of the hold. Hero tries to use talent on loan from God to get gain control of the match but every time Hero tries to turn the tide, Danielson uses his own amazing technical ability to keep the match in his favor. Finally, Hero resorts to the age-old tactic of cheating to gain control of the match. Hero is able to get several near falls on Danielson thanks to his ability (and his willingness to cheat) but he is unable to put Danielson down for the 3 count. After multiple pin attempts only result in 2 counts, Hero puts Danielson in position for his Hero’s Welcome finisher. Danielson, however, is able to get out of the move and connects with a HARD kick to the side of Hero’s head. Hero immediately goes down like a sack of potatoes!
Before Danielson can capitalize on the kick, however, he sees Jeff Jarrett and The Dudleys running down the ramp way. It looks like they are coming down to attack Danielson! Danielson beats them to it, however, as he picks Hero up and throws him through the ropes and onto the oncoming group of men. The men catch Hero but they aren’t in the clear yet. After tossing Hero, Danielson bounces of the opposite sets and dives through the ropes onto all 4 men! The crowd goes wild as they cheer for the display of testicular fortitude from Danielson. As the heap of bodies on the ground outside begins to stir, Danielson is the first one up. Danielson grabs a chair from the ringside area and nails Hero in the head with it! Immediately, the ref calls for the bell to award the disqualification victory to Hero! Danielson doesn’t seem to care though. The Dudley and Jarrett get up to see their fellow cohort bleeding on the ground from the chair shot. They look like they are going to rush Danielson but Danielson just lifts up the chair in his hand and tells them to “Bring it on!” Jarrett and his men wisely decide to just grab Hero and get the hell out of dodge. Danielson was prepared for Jarrett’s crew tonight but will be able to defeat Jarrett this Sunday?
[***1/2]
Segment 10
After a quick ad for Slammiversary (which is LIVE in Nashville, TN in 2 days, in case you didn’t know), we come back to the ring, which now has a table set up in it with two chairs set up on either side of the table. Also, inside the ring is Commissioner Mick Foley, who is holding a contract in one hand and a mic in the other. It looks like it’s time for the public contract signing that was requested by CM Punk.
First out for the contract signing is Steve Corino. Ever since losing in his World Title match against Christopher Daniels at Sacrifice in May, Corino’s confidence in himself has dwindled. In an attempt to regain his confidence, he accepted a challenge from Punk for a match at Slammiversary. The match was originally for Punk’s personal championship but Mick Foley outlawed it. Last week, in an attempt to prepare himself for his match with Punk, he teamed up with Bryan Danielson to take on the Dudleys. Despite seemingly gaining back some of his confidence during the match, at the end of the day, Corino only received a beating for his troubles and ended up taking the fall in that match. Corino, dressed in street clothes, comes out for the signing looking weathered. He slowly drags his feet down to the ring, looking very depressed. He looks as if he hasn’t showered or shaved in days. He finally makes his way into the ring and seats himself in one of the chairs.
Out next is the other participant in this contract signing, CM Punk. Punk is dressed in a rather expensive looking suit. As always, Punk has his friend Colt Cabana, who is also dressed in a suit albeit with a whacky looking bowtie, by his side and a mass of distorted pixels, which the live crowd recognizes as the ROH World Championship, around his waist. Punk requested this public contract signing so that he could, in his words, “make sure that my match with Steve won’t have any hidden surprises that work out in the favor of certain suit wearing and/or flannel wearing idealists.” Punk appears to be the opposite of Corino as he and Cabana saunter their way down to the ring with smirks on their face. The two enter the ring and Punk takes a seat in the unoccupied chair, handing the ROH title to Cabana so that he can hold it.
Foley: “First, I would like to thank both of you for coming out for this contract signing. Now, personally, I have never been one to be fancy with things like this so let me just explain the rules now. By signing this contract, both of you are agreeing to compete in a match against each other at Slammiversary. If you sign this contract and you do not compete in that match for any other reason besides not being medically cleared to do so, you are liable to some form of punishment from TNA management. Also, I would like to make it clear that this match will not feature ANY championships on the line and will simply be an exhibition match.” Foley stops and looks at Punk, who just smiles back at him.
Foley: “With all of that said, I would like for both men to sign the contract. Mr. Corino, would you please sign first?”
Foley pushes the contract towards Corino. Corino hesitates for a minute but eventually signs the contract.
Foley: “Mr. Punk, I now ask that you also put your signature on the contract.”
Punk signs the contract with no hesitation.
Foley: “Very well then, the match is now set for Slammiversary. Before I conclude this signing, I would like to give both men a chance to make any last minute remarks to each other. Which one of you would like to go first?”
Immediately, Punk raises his hand saying, “Oh, Ooh, pick me, pick me!”
Foley: “Why am I not surprised? Very well then, you have the floor, Mr. Punk.” Foley hands the microphone to Punk
Punk: “Well, gee, thanks Mickey. I mean, I know how much you are endangering this company’s proud image by just handing me a mic. After all, who wants to be in a company that actually tells the truth? Who wants to be in a company that doesn’t treat guys who should their top stars like complete and utter trash? Who wants to be in a company that doesn’t act as if their fans are morons? Morons that just blindly listen to whatever TNA management say and believe whatever TNA Management wants them to believe.”
Cabana (off camera): “You would think we are in a stable filled with horses, considering we are surrounded by a bunch of NAYsayers!”
Foley: “Punk, you are starting to cross a line now…”
Punk: “Am I really, Commissioner? Or have you crossed a line? Hell, this whole damn company has crossed the line of reality if they honestly think that by slapping on some censors on the most prestigious championship in this industry that it no longer exists. That it no longer is the holy grail of wrestling. That these fans no longer understand the fact they should be paying 10x whatever they are paying just to see a champion of my caliber. A couple of weeks ago, you introduced a new concept. What was it called, ‘Defy or Deny’? A concept that promoted the idea of people getting a chance. Well, let me ask you this Mick, where is Cabana and I’s fair chance? When do we get a fair shake? When do we get to sit in the front of the bus? WHEN DO WE FINALLY GET WHAT WE DESERVE?! WHEN DO WE GET THE PERKS THAT WE HAVE BUSTED OUR ASSES FOR?!”
Foley: “Mr. Punk, this is neither the time nor the place for this discussion! Now, either make your final statements towards Mr. Corino or I will have security escort you and Mr. Cabana out of this building!”
Punk: “Psstt, of course you don’t want to deal with the truth. Alright, Corino, I’m gonna make this short and sweet. My original intent when I challenged you to this match was to use it as a means so that me and Cabana could get some respect around here. Thanks to a CERTAIN one eared, flannel wearing buffoon who will bend over backwards to please TNA management, that can’t happen. So now, you are no good to me. So at Slammiversary, you and I are going to walk down to the ring. I’m going to embarrass you in front of thousands of people and then I’m going to move on in my quest to force TNA Management to make sure that Cabana and I are treated like the wrestling gods we are while you go back to wallowing in your own filth and disgrace.” With that, Punk slams the mic on the table.
Foley: “Well, now that Mr. Punk has gotten his outburst out of the way, do you have anything to say Mr. Corino?”
Corino picks the mic up.
Corino: “I do. You know, Punk, ever since Daniels beat me at Sacrifice, I’ve been wondering, ‘where do I go from here?’ What is my purpose as a wrestler? If I can’t be the top guy in this company, what is there left for me to do? Hell, when I accepted your challenge, it was just me trying to relight the fuse inside myself. But, even knowing that I was going to be facing one of the best wrestlers in the world wasn’t enough to relight it. I became more and more depressed. Hell, as you can tell, I haven’t shaved in a week. Your little speech, however, just made me realize what my new goal is. What my purpose is. My new goal…is to make you two shut the hell up!
Seriously Punk, do you honestly think that you and Cabana are the only wrestlers in the history of this business to have not have been given a fair shake? You’re not. There have been extremely talented guys who have spent their whole careers in the minor leagues. There have been guys who looked to have their whole careers ahead of them only to have it snatched from them due some unfortunate accident. Punk, you are literally one of the most naturally gifted wrestlers I have ever seen. You are being featured on national television, each and every week. You have gone from wrestling in backyards to being among the top young stars in this industry. Do you thank as many people as you can for the opportunities that you have been given? Are you grateful? No, all you do bitch and moan and bitch and moan. This company has given you numerous opportunities to showcase your ability. Hell, you were the first TV Champion! Still, what do you do? Continue bitching!
You wanna know why my new goal is to shut you two up? I am going to do it in order to prove that I am not you two. I was given a fair shot at the NWA World Championship and I lost, fair and square. Instead of just admitting that I screwed up, I got down on myself. I had a great opportunity and when I didn’t take advantage of it, I just complained about it. I was basically like you. Your speech made me realize that I don’t want to be like you. I don’t want to be a spoiled little brat that complains every time he doesn’t get his way. So, you know what? I’m done complaining. It’s time for me to dig my di** out of the dirt and prove that I can be the top dog in this company. I’m Steve Corino, the King of Old School. I am the FU**ING GOD of professional wrestling! And there is no better way for me to begin my climb back to the top then by beating you, fair and square. See you Sunday, Punk.” And with that, Corino drops the mic, gets out of his chair and exits the ring. Punk and Cabana just look at each other in shock of Corino’s monologue. Punk and Corino will face this Sunday. Who will be victorious?
[97%]
Segment 11
AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy & Ron Killings V. The New Flock (Christopher Daniels, Sean Waltman, & Austin Aries)
Now, it’s time for our MAIN EVENT! This match features some of the key competitors at Slammiversary. Jeff Hardy is scheduled to take on Christopher Daniels for the NWA Unified World Championship at Slammiversary. Over the past couple of weeks, he has gotten the best of Daniels. Also, at Slammiversary, Television Champ AJ Styles is scheduled to defend against Austin Aries. Aries defeated Hardy’s partner, Ron Killings, last week in order to earn the match. Killings fills out the ranks for Team Hardy due to the fact that he is Hardy’s partner and he has beef with the New Flock too after Aries screwed him out of a Slammiversary match last week. Sean Waltman is scheduled to defend his X Division Championship against Ruckus.
The opening minutes of this match are fast paced as both teams make quick tags and everyone gets a chance to shine. It’s worth noting that at one point, it looked as if Daniels and Hardy were gonna square off. Before the encounter happened, however, Daniels tagged out to Aries. It appears the NWA World Champion wants no piece of Hardy!
Eventually, control of the match shifts over to the New Flock when a missed dive to the outside leaves Hardy hurting. Aries, the legal man at the time, tosses him back into the ring. He tries to pin Hardy but Hardy is able to kick out. From there, the New Flock work Hardy over, making quick tags between themselves but not allowing Hardy to tag out. It seems like they are trying to soften him up before Sunday’s PPV. Hardy, to his credit, tries to fight back but every time, he is cut off by a member of the Flock and is unable to make a comeback. The Flock continually tries to pin Hardy but they are unable to keep the Charismatic Enigma down. After a long period of getting worked over by the Flock, Hardy is able to wiggle his way out of an Aries Brainbuster attempt and connect with the Twist of Fate! Hardy is too tired to make a cover, however, so he drags himself over to his team’s corner so that he can tag himself out. Ron
Killings is in the corner, waiting to get tagged in and run wild on the dastardly Flock. He doesn’t get the chance, however, due to the fact that Hardy tags in AJ Styles instead of him!
Styles gets in the ring and runs wild on the Flock, managing to avoid or counter any double team attempts. Eventually, it comes down to Styles and Daniels being the two legal men in the match. The two trade blows in the middle of the ring until Styles is able to duck under a Daniels clothesline attempt and hit the Pele kick! He goes for the cover.
“1…2…” Aries breaks it up! This causes Ron Killings to run in and tackle Aries. Waltman comes in to help his partner. This causes Hardy to come in and help his partner. The match breaks down into a huge melee that the ref has no control over. After a few minutes of insanity, Ron Killings is able to hit Waltman with the Truth Conviction (Sitout inverted suplex slam) in the middle of the ring! Truth gets up only to be hit by a running kick to the back of the head from Aries. As Truth rolls out of the ring, Aries is turned around and hit with the Twist of Fate again! After hitting the move, Hardy poses to the crowd. What he doesn’t see is Daniels standing behind him. Daniels turns Hardy around and hits him with the Angel Wings! Daniels gets back up only to be kicked in the stomach by Styles! ‘The Phenomenal One’ puts Daniels in position for the Styles Clash. Unfortunately for Styles, Daniels is able to get out of it and put Styles in position for the Angels Wings. He would have it were it not for Truth getting back in the ring and hitting him with a corkscrew kick to the jaw! The kick stuns Daniels long enough that Styles is able to get out of the Angels Wings and hit Daniels with the Styles Clash! He rolls Daniels over and makes the cover.
“1…2…3!” The TV Champion has pinned the World Champion! This has to give Styles and Hardy some HUGE momentum going into their respective title matches! It also has be a confidence killer for Daniels, who got pinned just days before his huge World Title defense! The show ends with Hardy, Styles and Truth all celebrating in the ring as the crowd cheers them on.
[***3/4]
I finally managed to get this show done. As always, feedback on the show is much appreciated.