TNA

[cardsflyinhigh]

Yeah, full disclosure about Petey and Lethal, I booked Lethal to win the match, but didnt specify how, so it gave me a countout victory. But I ran with it and tried to make the most out of it. Thought that ending was a little better, then him just grabbing the belt and leaving.

[JoshiQ]

Matches like King of the Mountain can be fun, but pretty difficult to write and watch if the rules aren't clear. Completely stunned that Booker T took the strap. Figured it was going to be Joe's for awhile longer. Don't know where you go from here but I will be reading.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (June 12, 2008)

The show opened up with Jim Cornette in the ring holding the TNA World Title belt. Before getting to business, Cornette said this was a historic night for TNA. He first announced that tonight, TNA says goodbye to one of the all-time greats. Although we're not sure who that's going to be. The main event tonight was going to be one to settle old scores once and for all. Two legends meeting for the final time, it will be Sting vs. Kevin Nash. Both have agreed, that the loser, will leave TNA.

He then said, tonight they crown a new champion, another true legend in this business. He called out the new champion Booker T to present him with the title.

Booker came out and graciously accepted the title from Cornette and vowed to carry the belt with integrity and to be a true fighting champion.

Maybe it was that last line, but a host of challengers then came out to state their case for a title shot. First out was Booker’s close friend Kaz.

Kaz first congratulated Booker, but then asked if he felt it was right, that he won the title at his expense. Kaz stated the two of them were supposed to be friends, but when Kaz was inches away from living his dream and becoming world champion, Booker took that away from him. Was that something a friend does?

Booker replied that the match was every man for himself. Outside of that match, they are friends, but in that kind of match, there are no friends and its every man for himself. But because they were friends, and Kaz has had his back in the past, and Kaz has earned one, Booker has no problem giving him a title shot down the line.

Kaz seemed pleased and shook Booker’s hand, but then the music of the Olympic Gold Medalist played, as Kurt Angle came out to make his weekly claim at a title shot. Soon after Angle made his case, the former champ Samoa Joe came to join the party.

Joe pointed out that he was never pinned for the title, and also mentioned that he owes Kurt Angle a beating.

Cornette then spoke up said he was tired of listening to everyone bitch and moan. Next week he said it will be Joe vs. Angle vs. Kaz, winner gets a title shot at Victory Road.

Gail Kim pinned Madison Rayne with the Arm Trap Neckbreaker in 0:07:25.
Rating: ** 1/4

The knockouts had the first match of the night. Gail Kim finally got Madison Rayne alone in the ring for the first time since Rayne betrayed her and joined the Beautiful People a few weeks back.

The veteran Kim was too much for the rookie Rayne, and scored an easy victory. Angelina Love and Velvet Sky tried to run in after the match, but Kim was able to sneak out before being attacked.

Backstage interview with Jay Lethal

Jeremy Borash was speaking with Black Machismo after not winning the X Division title at Slammiversary. Lethal kept referring to Williams and “The Mountie” and said he can run all he wants, but Lethal’s going to keep chasing, and sooner or later, he will win the X Division title back.

Jay Lethal defeated Sonjay Dutt by disqualification in 0:00:27.
Rating: *
[Petey Williams interfered against Jay Lethal.]

Lethal then went to the ring for a match against Sonjay Dutt, and it didn’t take long for Williams to run in and attack Lethal, apparently not too happy with the comments Lethal made.

He nailed Lethal in the back with his title belt, then gave him a Canadian Destroyer. Williams then stood over Lethal holding the title belt screaming at him that he had his chance, and he will never get another shot at the belt.

Backstage interview with Kevin Nash

JB spoke with Kevin Nash, who tonight will face Sting. Nash gave a little history lesson of his past with Sting and after all these years. He said it’s time to put this to rest once and for all.

Nash said there was going to be no Steiner, no Alliance, nobody but him. He wants Sting all by himself and was going to finish this.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated
The Rock 'n Rave Infection (Lance Hoyt and Jimmy Rave) when C. Sabin defeated L. Hoyt by countout in 0:06:33.
Rating: **

The Machine Guns picked up an easy win over the Rock n Rave Infection, then after the match turned their attention to the Naturals saying it wasn’t over between them. The Guns are as fired up as they ever have been, and can’t wait to get a shot at them in the ring.

Backstage with Eric Young and Awesome Kong

Young was walking in the back when he was confronted by Awesome Kong and Raiesha Saeed. Saeed pointed out the Young was in charge of the TNA Knockouts, and his job was to find the best competition possible for Kong.

Kong has marched through the entire TNA roster without breaking a sweat. Young needed to get a worthy challenge here for Kong.

Young said he’ll do what he can, but she’s already beaten everybody. Kong them moved in on Young who cowered back up against a wall. Young, speaking now in fear, said he promised he’ll find someone new for Kong to face.

Saeed and Kong seem satisfied at this promise and left Young alone and walked away. As soon as they left, Young saw Petey Williams walk by and stopped him. Young asked Petey what’s been going on with him lately. Williams said he’s acting like a champion. Young said it seems more like he’s acting like a jerk. To that point, Williams then sucker punched Young and pounced on him until others finally arrived to pull him off.

Matt Morgan pinned Rhino with the Hellevator in 0:09:19.
Rating: **

Matt Morgan has been running through opponents lately, which drew the attention of Scott Steiner. Steiner called out Morgan after he beat Rhino saying he may call himself the Blueprint, but he's nothing more than a joke.

Morgan offered Steiner a chance to come into the ring to back up his words, but Steiner simply headed to the back saying now’s not the time. But it will be soon.

Backstage with Eric Young and Jim Cornette

Eric Young came into Jim Cornette’s office to ask him a favor. He knows he’s part of management now, but wants a match next week against Petey Williams.

Cornette said he’s noticed Williams acting like lunatic lately and someone has to shut him up, so if Young thinks he can do it, he’ll grant the match, as long as it doesn’t interfere with his duties heading the Knockouts.

Backstage interview with Sting

Sting gave a promo right before his match against Nash saying Nash has been a thorn in his side for years. Now, he can finally put an end to this. This was going to be for all the sneak attacks, all the times he had his boys do his dirty work for him. It’s going to be one final ass kicking for old time sake It’s Showtime!

Sting pinned Kevin Nash with the Scorpion Death Drop in 0:09:23.
Rating: *

Nash kept his vow that this match was going to be just the two of them. But as it turned out, Sting proved himself to be the better man. Sting avoided a powerbomb by sliding down Nash’s back for a sunset flip.

Sting got the win, with a Stinger Splash and Scorpion Death Drop.

After the match, Nash stood up to Sting, and shook his hand in a show of respect. Sting left the ring as Nash stayed and took a mic. He said he thanked the fans of TNA for making the last couple years here a great time. He said he knows he's not a high flying X Division guy, and the fans wouldn't chant "That was Awesome" to any Kevin Nash move. But he said while he was here he poured his heart and sole into TNA and he hoped it was appreciated.

A "Thank you Kevin" chant broke out in the crowd.

Nash closed by saying maybe in the future the doors to the Impact Zone will open for him again, but for now, it's time for him to move on. He put over the talent in the locker room and said now it's there time to pick up the ball and run with it. He thanked the fans one final time, flashed his Wolfpack hand sign, then left the ring to a standing ovation.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (June 19, 2008)

At the beginning of the show footage was shown of Eric Young standing outside the building as people were walking by holding a cardboard sign that said “Anyone wanna wrestle Kong?”

As people walked by, Young asked random women if they wanted to wrestle Awesome Kong for the Knockouts title but was getting no takers.

Hernandez pinned James Storm with the Border Toss in 0:10:42.
Rating: ***

Before James Storm and his partner Robert Roode get their title shot at LAX at Victory road, Storm got a 1-on-1 match with Hernandez. Roode and Homocide were both at ringside, and Homocide made sure Roode didn’t interfere.

At one point, Roode jumped up on the apron, but Homocide pulled him down and hit him with a Gringo Cutter. In the ring, Hernandez hit Storm with the Border Toss to get the win.

Backstage with Awesome Kong and Eric Young

Kong was getting busy punching a wall in the locker room when Young ran up to her announcing that he found her an opponent for tonight. Raesha Saeed was standing by and asked who the opponent was. Young said he didn’t know.

Saeed asked what that meant. Young said, he found some girl walking around outside who said she wanted to take the match. All he knows is her name’s Taylor. And the match was next. Young then had to go, he had his own match to get ready for.

Taylor Wilde pinned Awesome Kong after rollup in 0:09:41.
Rating: ** 1/2
(Taylor Wilde won the TNA KNOCKOUTS TITLE.)

The girl Eric Young found to face Kong was named Taylor Wilde. She showed no fear stepping into the ring against Kong and took the offense right to her in the early going. Kong had to retreat to the floor with a shocked look on her face as Wilde knocked her down with a series of dropkicks.

That only seemed to anger Kong, and an angry Kong is bad news for anyone. From then on, Kong dominated Wilde, but could never put her away. Yet Kong kept on the offense, but then refused to go for a pin, content to simply enflict as much punishment as possible.

At one point, Traci Brooks came down to ringside and started yelling at Kong that it was enough. She said just pin her before someone gets seriously hurt.

Kong walked to the corner and yelled at Brooks to back off. This was none of her business. But as Kong was yelling at Brooks, Wilde came from behind, dropkicked Kong in the corner, then rolled her up and got the pin!

Kong and Saeed were stunned. Wilde slid out of the ring, Brooks came over hugged her, and presented her with the Knockouts title belt!

Petey Williams pinned Eric Young with the Canadian Destroyer in 0:12:43.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Petey Williams retained the TNA X DIVISION TITLE.)

Eric Young got his match with Williams, but wasn’t successful in putting a stop to him. Williams picked up the win with the Candadian Destroyer. But after the match, Jay Lethal came to ringside and asked once again for a title shot.

Williams again refused, but Young took a mic of his own and reminded Petey that as a member of TNA management, he had power now. He announced that he cleared it with Jim Cornette earlier, Williams will face Lethal at Victory Road for the X Division title. And if Williams wanted to run out of the ring, it would be fine, because it will be a ladder match.

Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Angelina Love defeated
Gail Kim, ODB and Roxxi Laveaux when Love pinned ODB after
a flying cross body press in 0:15:44.
Rating: ** 3/4

Gail Kim recruited ODB and Roxxi Leveaux to team with her against the Beautiful People. However, the Beautiful People still managed to get the upper hand as Angelina Love scored a pin over ODB.

After Love hit a cross body, Velvet sky ducked to the floor and held down ODB’s feet where the ref couldn’t see.

Backstage interview with Abyss

Abyss came out and made a challenge to Team 3D. After he took out Rhino at Slammiversary, they were next on his hit list. He didn’t care if he had to fight both of them at once. He was going to take them out.

Tomko and Scott Steiner defeated Matt Morgan and Sting when S. Steiner made Morgan pass out in the Steiner Recliner in 0:15:47.
Rating: ** 1/2

Steiner came to the ring with Tomko by his side, and called down Matt Morgan and said if Morgan wants to prove that he’s the biggest and baddest in TNA, come to the ring right now, and bring anyone you want.

Morgan responded by bringing Sting down with him.

Sting and Tomko fought down on the floor and as the referee was trying to break them up, Steiner hit Morgan in the back with a lead pipe. Morgan was out cold and Steiner locked in the Steiner Recliner. The ref came back to see an unconscious Morgan in the hold and called an end to the match.

Triangle Match:
Kurt Angle defeated Samoa Joe and Kaz when K. Angle pinned Kaz after The Angle Slam in 0:19:33.
Rating: **** 1/2

Angle, Joe and Kaz all put on a great match which should be expected with so much on the line. Booker T was even ringside joining Mike Tenay and Don West on commentary.

Joe knocked himself out when he tried a suicide dive at Angle on the floor, only to have him sidestep out of the way and Joe crashed into the guardrail. Angle walked over to the broadcast table, took a drink from a bottle of water, then spit it in Booker’s face.

Angle ran back into the ring where Kaz was, but Booker T was enraged, leaving to booth to follow Angle into the ring. He tried to go for a scissors kick, but Angle ducked and Booker caught Kaz.

Angle clotheslined Booker out of the ring, then hit the Angle Slam on Kaz to get the win, and the world title shot at Victory Road.

[JoshiQ]

Poor Young. Don't think he's getting anyone to wrestle Kong that way.

Good win for Hernandez. I want to see more of Beer Money in tag team action.

Wow. Did not see Kong dropping the title. Makes sense that it happened after a rollup as there and "interference" by Brooks since there is no way she was dropping the title cleanly.

Uh-oh. Booker T cost his friend a title shot. Don't think that is going to go over well. Angle may have had a ton of shots against Joe, but I don't mind him getting this one against Booker. I was simply tired of Joe/Angle. Booker/Angle is a fresh match.

[snabbit888]

6/12:

Wow... Sting or Nash gone? Wonder if it's angle or you're really getting rid of one of them.

Booker has no shortage of potential challengers.

Kim gets a little revenge, but her issues with Rayne and the Beautiful People are far from over.

More Petey vs. Lethal, please.

Don't know if I can believe Nash that he'll do it alone.

Good win for the Guns. Next.

Not a good night for Eric Young. Poor dude.

Morgan vs. Steiner should be fun. Steiner makes me giggle.

Petey vs. Young! Yes!

Sting finally beats Nash, and sends him packing at the same time. As of now, looks like this is legit.

6/19:

Ha... funny bit with Young to start the show.

Hernandez pins Storm mostly clean. Roode probably beats Homicide at some point to even that out.

Liked your debut of Taylor Wilde. I'm a big fan of her, and this came off well. Though Kong may murder her now.

Petey predictably beats Young, but Young gets a little revenge by setting up the ladder match.

You'll need to do better than that, Kim!

Ugh. Abyss.

Well, a lead pipe is going to do you in every time, even if you are as big as Matt Morgan.

Though the match was great and Angle/Booker should be good as well, man, Angle in the title picture is getting to be a bit much for me right now.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (June 26, 2008)

Team 3D came to the ring to open the show, responding to what Abyss said last week. They brought attention to the part where Abyss said if he had to fight them both at the same time he would. Well they were going to take him up on that offer right now.

Abyss stormed to the ring for an impromptu match.

Handicap-Match:
Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) defeated Abyss when Devon pinned Abyss after the 3D in 0:09:50.
Rating: ** 1/2

Abyss held his own, but the numbers game was just too much for him to fight off, especially two guys the caliber of Team 3D. They won the match clean, finishing off the monster with a 3D.

After the match, Brother Ray took a mic and said as much fun as they have beating Abyss down together, next week he’ll give Abyss a 1-on-1 match against him, so he can prove to everyone, that Abyss wasn’t a monster. Just another man who couldn’t stack up to Team 3D.

Backstage with Booker T and Kaz

Kaz confronted Booker T about the ending of last week’s No. 1 contenders match when Booker aciddentally kicked Kaz instead of Angle.

Kaz pointed out that first Booker cost him the belt at Slammiversary, then he cost him a title shot. He asked Booker if he was scared of him and trying to take him out of the picture.

Booker though admitted to making a mistake, and he would much rather give a deserving guy like Kaz a shot as opposed to someone who always takes the shortcuts like Angle.

Booker then made Kaz a promise, that after Booker beats Angle at Victory Road, the next title shot will go Kaz, no doubt.

Kaz was pleased to hear this and shook Booker’s hand before leaving.

Elix Skipper and Petey Williams defeated Jay Lethal and Eric Young when Williams pinned E. Young after the Canadian Destroyer in 0:14:12.
Rating: *** 1/4

Williams teamed with Elix Skipper to go against Lethal and Young. Though Williams seemed to do all he could to avoid facing off against Lethal. Every time Lethal came in, a tag went right to Skipper. But eventually, Lethal caught up with him and was able to hit a nice series of moves till Williams tagged out.

Williams though got the last laugh hitting the Canadian Destroyer on Young for the win.

In-ring promo with Kurt Angle

Angle came to the ring and said he found it humorous that Booker T is running around granting title shots to people, when he’s only going to hold the belt a few more weeks.

Angle then made his own promise to Kaz. When Angle wins the belt, he promises to not let Kaz anywhere near his world title.

Samoa Joe’s music then played as the former world champ made his way to the ring.

Joe said as much as he hates Angle, he’s right about one thing. It won’t be Kaz getting a shot after Victory Road. Because whether it's Angle or Booker as champ, they're going to give Joe a shot at the title he never lost.

The two trashed talked each other a bit about their past before deciding to settle things in the ring in tonight’s main event.

The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens), James Storm and Robert Roode defeated The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and Latin American X-Change (Homicide and Hernandez) when R. Roode pinned Homicide with the Payoff in 0:16:59.
Rating: *** 3/4

Roode and Storm may have given themselves an egde heading into their tag title match against LAX at Victory Road. While chaos was ensuing in the 8-man tag match and the ref was occupied trying to separate the Guns and Naturals, Storm snuck in a beer bottle and smashed it over Homocide’s head. Roode then hit the payoff, the ref came back in and counted 1-2-3.

The challengers celebrated heading to the back as Homocide was left a bloody mess.

Backstage with Eric Young and Awesome Kong

Eric Young was still trying to recover from his match, when Awesome Kong approached him in the back. Kong spoke no words, but her presence was intimidating enough that Young offered her a rematch for the Knockouts title tonight.

Kong then left still without even saying a word.

AJ Styles pinned Tomko after a spiral tap in 0:14:20.
Rating: ***

A.J. got on the mic and said he found it interesting about how all these people are talking about who get the next title shot a month down the road. Cause while they’re talking, he is going to be busy wrestling. His actions speak louder than his words. He said stated his case to being at the top in the ring and if anyone else wants to try to back up their talk in the ring, he’ll beat them all.

Awesome Kong pinned Taylor Wilde with the Awesome Bomb in 0:11:21.
Rating: * 1/2
(Awesome Kong won the TNA KNOCKOUTS TITLE.)

Awesome Kong regained the Knockouts title in a rematch with Taylor Wilde. Kong showed to be the dominant force we’ve known her to become, although Wilde did show more offense than even in her title win last week. Kong caught her though with an Awesome Bomb to win the title back.

Kong though kept up the attack after the match with a few more Awesome Bombs on Wilde. Traci Brooks finally came down to make the save.

Samoa Joe defeated Kurt Angle when Kurt Angle passed out in the Coquina Clutch in 0:12:38.
Rating: *** ¼

Joe and Angle put on another classic wrestling match like only the two of them can do, but instead of a clean ending, we got interference from Kaz.

Kaz apparently didn’t take kindly to Angle’s words about him earlier in the night as he ran down and pulled the ref out of the ring, when it looked like Angle might have Joe pinned after an Angle Slam.

The referee slid back in the ring and had some words with Joe, who protested that he didn’t have Kaz come out there. Meanwhile, Angle was hanging out of the ring trying to get his hands on Kaz, when Kaz reached for a chair and clocked Angle with it.

Joe came back over not seeing what happened and put and unconscious Angle in the Coquina Clutch.

After Joe got the win, the show ended with Kaz walking back up the ramp.

[LillaThrilla]

I just started reading this circuit recently. Some interesting stuff.

[JoshiQ]

That's a tough loss for Abyss. I don't know how he's going to get past 3D unless he finds a partner.

Kaz is acting shady.

I got a chuckle out of Angle saying he wouldn't let Kaz anywhere near his World Title.

Makes sense that Kong would regain the title when she wasn't caught off-guard. As long as it isn't done often, I don't mind a one week title reign.

I can see why Kaz would interfere in the title match between Booker/Angle, but not so certain as to why he would do it in a match with Joe/Angle. I get that he was upset Angle won't give him a shot, but he kind of revealed his cards too early. Angle needs to pick up some wins going into his match with Booker.

[snabbit888]

The more Abyss gets beat up, the happier I am.

Kaz turning heel? It looks like the seeds are being planted for it.

You can't run from Lethal forever, Petey!

Ha. I liked that promo from Angle. And though I'm sure Angle/Joe will be great again, they need to be away from each other for awhile.

I like how you called him "Homocide" twice. Freudian slip? Beer Money for champs!

Smart move, EY.

Styles throws his name in the hat for a title shot too.

Well, it was fun while it lasted, Wilde.

Glad Kaz got in Angle's face a bit in this match. He's not quite a main event talent yet, so he needs to be perceived as being on the same level. This helped.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (July 3, 2008)

With Impact airing the day before Independence Day, the show opened with a singing of God Bless America performed by a local high school choir from the Orlando area. After that, Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA played over the PA as Eric Young marched to the ring wearing an Uncle Sam costume carrying a birthday cake.

Young said that tonight was a birthday party for the USA and everyone in the crowd was going to get free cake. He said even though he’s Canadian, he’s grown to love this country that he lives and works in. Also, he said nothing says America, like two hot chicks fighting with each other. So as head of the knockout division, he was making a match, Traci Brooks vs. former Knockout champ Taylor Wilde.

After that though, O’ Canada started to play as Petey Williams made his way to the ring waving a Canadian Flag. He called Young an embarrassment and Young of all people should know that Canada is by far a superior country. Williams went on to have harsh words to say about America in general, and his opponent at Victory Road, Jay Lethal. Young though stood up for America and Williams said he might need to beat a reminder into him about how great Canada is.

Petey Williams pinned Eric Young with the Canadian Destroyer in 0:05:38.
Rating: ** 3/4

Williams ended up winning fairly easily with the Canadian Destroyer. He didn’t let up after the match either, smacking Young in the back with the Canadian flag. He brought the cake into the ring that Young had brought out and was readying to bury Young’s face in it when Lethal ran to the ring to make the save.

Williams tried to catch him coming into the ring, but Lethal got the upper hand and delivered a bulldog on Williams right into the cake.

Backstage interview with Samoa Joe

Joe gave an interview saying it’s a damn shame everything was already signed, sealed and delivered for Victory Road between Booker T and Kurt Angle, because him choking out Angle last week, once again proves that he deserves a shot at the title he never lost.

His interview though was interrupted by Kaz saying that he didn’t know if Joe saw it last week, but he was the one that knocked out Kurt Angle. He then pointed out the promise Booker made to him, that after Victory Road, he was next in line for a title match, not Joe.

Joe said he was going to make Kaz a promise too. That if he stands in the way of Joe and the title, Joe was going to kill him.

In-ring promo by Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle claimed last week’s loss to Samoa Joe was a travesty of justice. Even as great as he is, Kurt Angle has a tough time when it’s two against one. (Yes, he did refer to himself in the third person).

He then said he needed to get back on the winning track before Victory Road and challenged any member of the TNA roster to a match in tonight’s main event.

It didn’t take long for A.J. Styles to come out and accept the challenge. Styles said that he doesn’t care if Angle got a title shot or not, cause he said beating Angle tonight will put him at the top of the list for whoever comes out of Victory Road as champion.

James Storm and Robert Roode defeated Shark Boy and Curry Man when J. Storm pinned Curry Man with the Last Call in 0:11:17.
Rating: ** 3/4

Storm and Roode had a successful tune up match a few weeks before challenging for the world tag team titles. They took care of Shark Boy and Curry Man with relative ease, the made the “belt around their waist” motion after the match was over.

In-ring promo by Scott Steiner

Steiner came to the ring carrying his trusty lead pipe and said two weeks ago, he revealed Matt Morgan to be a fraud. Morgan wasn’t half the man that Steiner is.

This of course brought out Morgan saying Steiner wasn’t a man at all if he didn’t have that pipe with him. Steiner said he doesn’t need it to kick his ass, and the threw the pipe out of the ring and waved in Morgan, leading to an impromptu match between the two.

Scott Steiner defeated Matt Morgan by countout in 0:12:23.
Rating: *
[Tomko interfered against Matt Morgan.]

Steiner had one more trick up his sleeve though. When it looked like Morgan had the match going in his favor, Steiner low blowed him, then threw him out of the ring.

As the ref questioned Steiner about the low blow, he didn’t see Tomko running to ringside, grab the lead pipe Steiner threw down earlier, and clock Morgan in the back with it.

Morgan laid out cold on the floor and got counted out.

After the match was final, Tomko rolled Morgan back into the ring and him and Steiner began stomping away, until Sting ran down to make the save, chasing Steiner and Tomko away.

Abyss defeated Brother Ray by disqualification in 0:05:42.
Rating: **

Maybe Brother Ray didn’t get the message that this was just going to be a normal match, or maybe he just didn’t care. But as soon as Abyss started to take control with his size and strength, Brother Ray went right for a chair leading to a disqualification.

Ray continued with a few chair shots. Devon ran down, and the two tried to set up a table, but as they were getting it ready, Abyss recovered and clotheslined both out of the ring. They then decided to just let things go and went to the back.

Traci Brooks pinned Taylor Wilde with the Diving Facebuster in 0:08:00.
Rating: * 1/2

Wilde continues to show progress in the ring, but tonight was not up to the task of taking down the veteran Traci Brooks. After the match, Brooks congratulated the rookie on her effort and the two hugged in the middle of the ring.

Kurt Angle defeated AJ Styles with a small package in 0:15:34

Angle got what we wanted as he picked up a win after AJ answered his open challenge. Although a great match between the two ended in cheap fashion as Angle rolled up Styles when he was going for the Styles Clash. A grab of the tights let Angle get the pin.

Angle celebrated after the match like he had already won the world title. He yelled into the camera “Booker, I’m ready for you”

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (July 10, 2008)

Samoa Joe opened up the show coming to the ring. He says it doesn’t matter what happens in three days at Victory Road. He’ll be waiting on the other side for whoever comes out with the title belt. He stated that it was his title belt and there was nothing that was going to stop him from getting it back.

Joe pointed out that everyone seems to think they’re entitled to a title shot, that one should just be given to them. But Joe said he learned a long time ago, that nothing is or should be handed to you. You need to earn your spot.

At the sound of this A.J. Styles’ music played as he came to join Joe in the ring. He said he actually agrees with Joe. People need to earn their spots. But he asked why Joe wasn’t following his own rules. He shouldn’t just become next in line for a title shot because he was a former champion. He should have to work his way back up the ladder.

But then AJ offered Joe a chance to prove he belonged at the top of the ladder by facing him tonight. Joe accepted the match, but then gave AJ a warning, not to stand in his way.

Abyss pinned Brother Devon with the Black Hole Slam in 0:05:46.
Rating: *** 1/4

One week after facing Brother Ray 1-on-1, Abyss faced Devon 1-on-1. This time, there was no chance for a run-in or a DQ as Abyss put Devon away pretty early with a Black Hole Slam.

Brother Ray tried to run down after but Abyss caught him and gave him a Black Hole Slam of his own.

Abyss then took a mic and said he was ready to end this at Victory Road. He told 3D he made some calls, and found someone to be his partner. Someone both of them are quite familiar with, and someone who enjoys beating 3D’s ass.

Abyss then left as Ray was screaming after him “Who?”

Jay Lethal pinned Elix Skipper with the Flying Elbowdrop in 0:16:33.
Rating: ****

Jay Lethal earned a big victory just a few days before he was scheduled to challenge Petey Williams for the X Division title in a ladder match.

Before the match, Skipper gave a brief interview saying how this match was going to be payback four months in the making from when Lethal was responsible for Skipper being stripped of the X Division title.

Skipper tried to get his revenge and the two had a great match, but Lethal came out on top and is now riding a wave of momentum into Victory Road.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and Hernandez defeated James Storm, Robert Roode and Chase Stevens when A. Shelley pinned Stevens after an Asai moonsault in 0:14:54.
Rating: *** 1/2

With Homocide still recovering from the Beer bottle shot he took from James Storm a few weeks ago, Hernandez teamed with the Motor City Machine Guns in a 6-man match against Storm, Roode and Chase Stevens of the Naturals.

Hernandez helped set up his team for the win. Storm and Roode were double teaming Chris Sabin on the floor until Hernandez flew over the top hitting a double clothesline on both.

While everyone was down outside, Alex Shelley hit a moonsault on Stevens to win the match.

Backstage with Booker T and Kaz

Booker T met Kaz backstage and asked him what’s been going on lately with him and Joe. Kaz said he was just looking out for Booker, saying he should be focused on Kurt Angle and not having to worry about all these other guys thinking they deserve a shot at him.

Kaz then asked Booker if he was ready for Angle, which Booker said he was, and made reference to the fact that Victory Road was taking place in his hometown of Houston, Texas. Booker also said that he was supposed to see Angle in the ring tonight for a face-to-face interview.

Kaz then asked Booker about the promise he made to him that he would get the next title shot. Booker said they’ve been through a lot together and Kaz always had his back. He owes him a shot and will make sure he gets it.

Kaz told Booker not to worry about tonight, or Sunday. He’ll have Booker’s back if Angle tries anything sneaky.

[youtube]Taylor Wilde, Traci Brooks, ODB and Gail Kim defeated
Awesome Kong, Angelina Love, Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky when Taylor pinned Kong after a DDT in 0:14:37.
Rating: ** 1/4[/youtube]

Awesome Kong might never get confused for, or become a member of, The Beautiful People. But tonight, she was their partner against all of their rivals.

However, the three actual members of The Beautiful People seemed more concerned with keeping each other out of harms way then actually winning the match.

Kong spent a lot of time in the match, but her size and strength advantage looked like it might carry her to a win. However, she got caught with a DDT from Taylor Wilde and got pinned by Wilde for the second time in a month.

After the match was over, Traci and Taylor were backstage celebrating when Eric Young came up to them. Eric asked Traci wasn’t it awesome seeing Taylor pin Kong and Traci replied saying yes, and went on to say she thinks Taylor’s got what it takes to win that title back someday.

Eric took that as meaning, lets add Taylor to the Knockouts title match at Victory Road, now making it a 3-way, Kong defending against Traci and Taylor.

Matt Morgan pinned Tomko after the Carbon Footprint in 0:09:45.
Rating: ** 1/4

Morgan wanted revenge on Tomko and he got it, scoring an impressive victory over Scott Steiner’s partner in crime. Morgan then made it clear that at Victory Road, he’s coming for Steiner. Pipes or no pipes.

AJ Styles and Samoa Joe battled to a double disqualification in 0:15:39.
Rating: *** 3/4
[Kaz interfered against Samoa Joe.]

Styles and Joe put on a great match as would be expected from them. The only bad part is that we never got an ending. Both men were down on the floor, Joe had just executed a suicide dive on AJ through the ropes.

As Joe was trying to recover, Kaz ran down and started attacking Joe. AJ then got in Kaz’s face asking what he was doing. Those two had some words, then the two of them started going at it.

All three kept brawling with each other till security came down to separate them. Jim Cornette had to come down there to try to help keep the piece. He made the announcement that if the three of them wanted to tear each other apart. They could do it at Victory Road in a 3-way match.

In-ring promo with Booker T and Kurt Angle

Jeremy Borash moderated a face-to-face interview with Angle and Booker T. Booker said he’s been working too hard to get this belt to let it go so quickly. The only way Angle was going to take it from him was over his dead body.

Angle countered by saying that can easily be arranged. Angle said Booker has been off his game for quite a while. Meanwhile, he’s been at the top fighting off the Joe’s, the Christian’s, the Sting’s of the world. Booker got one lucky night and won the belt. But climbing a ladder is one thing, beating Kurt Angle in the ring is something else.

The two kept exchanging words before the show closed with the two in each others’ faces with Booker holding up the title belt.


Final Card for Victory Road
World Heavyweight Championship
Booker T (c) vs. Kurt Angle

World Tag Team Titles
LAX (c) vs. Beer Money

X Division Title
Ladder Match
Petey Williams (c) vs. Jay Lethal

Knockouts Title
Awesome Kong (c) vs. Traci Brooks vs. Taylor Wilde

Street Fight
Team 3D vs. Abyss & A Mystery Partner

Samoa Joe vs. A.J. Styles vs. Kaz

Matt Morgan vs. Scott Steiner

Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Naturals

[cardsflyinhigh]

VICTORY ROAD (July 13, 2008)

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens) when C. Sabin pinned A. Douglas with the Cradle Shock in 0:17:29.
Rating: *** 1/4

In the culmination of their long feud with the Naturals, the Motor City Machine Guns walked out with the upper hand. No cheap shots, no interference, just two teams giving it their best against each other.

Andy Douglas was on the top rope set to dive off, but Alex Shelley came from behind and pushed him off where Chris Sabin was waiting to catch him. He turned it into the Cradle Shock and got the pin.

Ladder Match:
Jay Lethal defeated Petey Williams in 0:15:37.
Rating: ***
(Jay Lethal won the TNA X DIVISION TITLE.)

It’s been a long road for him, but Jay Lethal has finally recaptured the X Division championship.

Petey was on his way up the ladder, when Lethal came up behind him to try to stop his climb. Williams hit some shots to gain an advantage, then looked like he was going to try to hit the Canadian Destroyer off the ladder. Instead, Lethal backdropped him all the way to the canvas.

Lethal started to make a climb, but was wary of Williams still sitting in the ring, so Lethal flew off the ladder and connected with a flying elbow. Williams rolled out of the ring, and Lethal made his way up the ladder to take down the title.

No-Countout-No-DQ-Match:
Abyss and New Jack defeated Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) when Abyss pinned Devon with the Black Hole Slam in 0:18:24.
Rating: ***

Team 3D hit the ring first, followed by Abyss by himself. 3D was yelling fro the ring who his partner was going to be. Then “Natural Born Killaz” began to play and out came former ECW tag team champion New Jack, wheeling a shopping cart full of weapons.

Nearly every weapon imaginable was used at one point in this match. All four men were bloody by the end. New Jack dumped Brother Ray into the empty shopping cart and wheeled him around ringside before finally slamming him into the guardrail.

In the ring, Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam on Devon to score the win.

Matt Morgan pinned Scott Steiner after a powerslam in 0:21:46.
Rating: **

Morgan got his revenge on Scott Steiner for his recent attacks with a clean victory. No lead pipe could help Steiner this time around.

At one point, Steiner had Morgan in the Steiner Recliner, only to have Morgan power out of it, standing up with Steiner on his back, then proceeding to ram him into the corner.

Steiner though tried to turn the match back in his favor and even at one point decided to go to the top rope. However, Morgan caught him as he flew off in a powerslam that led to the pin.

Triangle Match:
Taylor Wilde defeated Awesome Kong and Traci Brooks when Taylor pinned Traci with the Missile Dropkick in 0:10:43.
Rating: * 1/4
(Taylor Wilde won the TNA KNOCKOUTS TITLE.)

She’s only been in TNA a month, but she’s now a two-time Knockouts Champion. Taylor Wilde scored the victory in the 3-way title match by pinning Traci Brooks.

Kong knocked Brooks down with a spinning backfist, then went to charge at Wilde who was leaning against the ropes. Wilde though ducked down and Kong flew over the top crashing down to the floor.

Wilde went up top coming off with a missile dropkick on Brooks who was trying to get to her feet. That led to a pin and new champion.

Kong was fuming on the outside over the decision and the fact that she has lost her title belt.

Beer Money (James Storm and Robert Roode) defeated
Latin American X-Change (Homicide and Hernandez) when J. Storm pinned Homocidez with the Last Call in 0:14:22.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Beer Money won the TNA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES.)

The third title change of the evening, James Storm and Robert Roode ended LAX’s five month tag title reign. Homicide made his return to the ring following the beer bottle shot to the head he took from Storm a few weeks back. He seemed to want to make up for lost time in a hurry, coming out like a house on fire.

Storm and Roode headed out to the floor to regroup, only to have Hernandez come diving over the top rope with a double clothesline. Then Homicide flew off the top rope splashing down on everyone on the floor.

Storm and Roode though picked up the advantage. Homicide tried another dive off the apron onto Roode on the floor, but this time Roode caught him and tossed Homicide head first into the ring post. Meanwhile, Storm whipped Hernandez into the ring steps.

The action settled down in the ring with control of the match switching hands a couple of times. Hernandez tried to make another dive out of the ring, but this time, Roode was able to sidestep and Hernandez crashed into the guardrail.

Roode then grabbed a beer bottle and looked to give it another smash over Homicide’s head, but Homicide caught him before he could get into the ring, dropkicking him off the apron.

But when he turned around, Storm was waiting with a Last Call kick that led to a pin and new champs.

Triangle Match:
AJ Styles defeated Kaz and Samoa Joe when Styles pinned Joe with the Styles Clash in 0:23:23.
Rating: ****

There was no official designation of this being a No. 1 contenders match, but all three certainly acted like the winner would be next in line for a title shot.

All three put their bodies on the line, flying all over the ring, hitting all sorts of high flying moves. After knocking AJ Styles outside, Kaz tried to fly off the top rope at Joe, but Joe caught him with a kick, sending him flying to the floor on top of AJ. This was followed by Joe diving through the ropes onto both.

Later in the match, AJ and Kaz were fighting on the edge of the apron outside the ropes when AJ caught Kaz and hit him with a DDT. He then jumped back on the ropes, springboarding off into the ring catching Joe with a flying forearm.

Kaz was still down when Joe caught AJ with a kick to turn things around. He set AJ up for the Muscle Buster, only to have AJ slide down his back for a sunset flip attempt, Joe rolled through and charged back at AJ who caught him though with a kick to the stomach. This set up the Styles Clash and a pin.

As AJ celebrated in the ring, Kaz walked to the back yelling towards AJ that it doesn’t matter, he’s promised a title shot.

Booker T pinned Kurt Angle with the Book End in 0:23:55.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Booker T retained the TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE.)

Booker T is still the champ, but under questionable circumstances. The ref took a bump when Angle tried to go for the Ankle Lock on Booker, only to have Booker kick off Angle, who flew back colliding with the referee.

Booker went for s scissors kick, but Angle caught him and this time locked in the Ankle lock. Booker fought towards and grabbed the ropes, but with the ref still down, Angle refused to break the hold. Kaz ran into the ring and hit Angle from behind with a chair. Booker was in pain holding on to the ropes and never saw Kaz’s attack. He slipped back out of the ring without Booker ever seeing him.

Booker got back to his feet while Angle was struggling to regain his senses. Booker then hit the Book End on Angle. Kaz shook the referee to wake him up and rolled him over where the ref counted the 1-2-3.

Kaz came into the ring to celebrate with Booker as the show ended.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (July 17, 2008)

The show opened up with Kaz coming to the ring. He said the world watched last Sunday at Victory Road, as his good buddy Booker T overcame adversity and defeated Kurt Angle to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. And now that Angle is out of the way, he was ready to accept the title shot that Booker had previously promised him.

Jim Cornette then made his way to the ring to address the situation. Cornette said while it’s true, the champion does have the right to award title shots to those who he feels are deserving, Cornette said all booking decisions have to go through him first.

He went on to say that while might’ve been inclined to let Booker give Kaz a match, the fact that Kaz knocked Kurt Angle out with a chair complicates things. Kaz might one day get a title shot, but as far as Cornette’s concerned there’s still a long list of people ahead of him. Cornette then asked Kaz why he feels he deserves a shot, when he didn't even win his match at Victory Road, AJ Styles did. So at the very least, Kaz should find himself beneath AJ on the ladder.

First and foremost though, since Kaz felt the need to stick his nose where it didn’t belong at Victory Road and we never really got to see who the better man was, Kurt Angle will get another shot at Booker T, and he will get that shot tonight!!

Kaz was furious, protesting that he was supposed to be next, but Cornette didn’t want to hear any of it and left the ring.

In-ring promo with Eric Young

Eric Young came to the ring wearing his tuxedo t-shirt and blue jeans. He said he had important matters to deal with regarding the Knockouts title. Because Awesome Kong was never pinned for her title, and because she scares the bejesus out of him, Young said she was giving Kong a rematch tonight against the new champ Taylor Wilde.

Young was then interrupted by Petey Williams. Williams said he was holding Young personally responsible for him losing the X Division title, since he was the one that forced him into that ladder match. Williams said he wanted a match with Young right now.

Young said he wasn’t ready for a fight. He came out here on business. He’s wearing his finest suit, not his wrestling gear. Williams wasn’t going to take no for an answer, he went right up to Young and ripped his tuxedo shirt off.

This enraged Young, who went right after the former X Champ.

Eric Young pinned Petey Williams with the Young Blood Neckbreaker in 0:11:17.
Rating: ***

Williams took a few cheap shots to gain an advantage, but Young was able to turn things around. Williams was ready to go for the Canadian Destroyer, when Young pulled his legs out, flipped him around and hit his Youngblood Neckbreaker to get a pin.

Backstage with Booker T and Kaz

Kaz went into Booker T’s locker room and told the champ he can’t let Jim Cornette get away with this, once again pointing out that Booker promised Kaz a shot.

Booker said there was nothing he could do, he has to do what Jim Cornette says and that means fighting Kurt Angle. Kaz once again said he was supposed to get the next shot, not Kurt Angle once again. Booker said not to worry, let him take care of Angle tonight, then he can get a shot.

Kaz asked Booker if that’s the way it was going to be? Was he going to break his promise and fix it by making another promise he’ll probably break? He asked Booker who else he’s going to push ahead of him. Is AJ going to get a shot now before him cause of Cornette? Kaz them stormed off as Booker looked conflicted.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated
Black Reign and Rellik when A. Shelley pinned Rellik with the Sliced Bread #2
in 0:10:43.
Rating: **** 1/4

The Motor City Machine Guns built off the momentum of beating the Naturals at Victory Road by scoring another victory, this time over Black Reign and Rellik.

After the match, they got on the mic and stated their goal to come after the world tag team titles.

Backstage with Beer Money

James Storm and Robert Roode were walking and laughing having just heard the Guns say they’re coming after the tag titles. Storm said that now that they’re the champions, it’s going to be the start of a new era of tag team wrestling. As champions, they got everything the need. They got money, and they got beer and now they have the TNA World Tag Team titles.

As they were walking along, they came across LAX next to one of the catering tables. Storm said, oh good, he could sure go for some Taco Bell, and tried to order a quesadilla.

Homicide wasn’t amused and picked up some food and threw it at Storm. This set off a brawl between the two teams. Roode hit Hernandez with a low blow, then helped Storm against Homicide. The two picked him up and slammed him head first into the wall.

Security cleared away the champs as doctors came over to check on Homicide.

Taylor Wilde defeated Awesome Kong by disqualification in 0:01:42.
Rating: * 1/2
(Taylor Wilde retained the TNA KNOCKOUTS TITLE.)

Awesome Kong was enraged Sunday after losing her title in a 3-way match and apparently she hasn’t calmed down in the days since. She got a chance to win her title back, but was more concerned with taking out her aggression on the new champ.

The match barely got underway when Kong threw Wilde to the floor where Kong continued her assault. She pulled out a table and gave Wilde an Awesome Bomb through the table causing a DQ.

Samoa Joe beat AJ Syles by countout in 0:08:49.
Rating: ** 1/4

AJ Styles and Samoa Joe were prepared to give us another classic, but Kaz didn’t let that happen. In the middle of the match, Kaz came to the ring with a mic in hand and started talking trash to AJ.

Kaz said he’s sick and tired of getting leapfrogged when it comes to title shots. Someone’s still going to pay for Kurt Angle getting a shot tonight instead of him, and he’ll be damned if he’s going to let AJ jump ahead of him too.

Kaz then continued to trash talk AJ, questioning his manhood saying that AJ can never be half the man Kaz is, and if TNA management can’t see that, maybe AJ’s wife will. This caused AJ to leave the ring to chase Kaz up the entrance ramp all the way to the back. All this time, the match was still going on in the ring. Joe just sat back and let AJ leave, claiming the countout victory.

Backstage interview with Kurt Angle

Jeremy Borash was interviewing Kurt Angle about getting another shot at Booker T coming up next. Angle said for once Jim Cornette did the right thing. He would’ve been champion last night if it wasn’t for Kaz.

He said he heard what Kaz just said about making someone pay, then offered him a warning to stay away from the ring. If Kaz got involved again, Angle was going to make him pay.

Kurt Angle pinned Booker T after the Angle Slam in 0:20:59.
Rating: **** 1/4
(Kurt Angle won the TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE.)

It turns out it wasn’t Kurt Angle who Kaz said he was going to make pay, it was Booker T.

Much like last night, the referee was knocked down again and Kaz came running to the ring with a chair. This time though, instead of attacking Angle with it, he smashed it over Booker’s head.

As Booker lay on the mat, Kaz started yelling down at him that he was supposed to be his friend, but he was nothing but a liar. Kaz yelled to Booker that he broke his promise, so he didn’t deserve to be called a champion anymore. He hit him with the chair a few more times yelling out “Liar” with each shot.

Meanwhile Angle was watching this all transpire in shock. Kaz then threw the chair down and left the ring. The referee was just starting to come to. Angle picked up an unconscious Booker and hit the Angle Slam. The ref groggily counted the 1-2-3 and Kurt Angle once again became TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

[rey619]

I must be honest, you're pushing out so many cards I can only follow the Knockouts division, hope that's ok

I love Eric Young's role. Giving Awesome Kong a rematch because she scares the bejesus out of him was just priceless. As was going outside to recruit challengers.

There was some hotshotting of the title, but I liked all the booking decisions you made, even the Traci-win over Taylor which allowed the match at Victory Road to be a 3-way. Taylor pinning Traci is a great way to continue the feud with Kong, and the DQ finish for the re-match was also good. It's not easy to book a monster like Kong in a promotion where it's basically not much of a competition. You could consider pushing Roxxi Laveux though, she is taller and stronger than most of the others (besides Kong of course), or debut Raisha Saeed's alter ego - Cheerleader Melissa / Alissa Flash.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (July 24, 2008)

Kurt Angle came to the ring with the TNA title belt around his waist. He called this a great day in TNA history. The world title is back where it belongs. Angle then spent a few minutes boasting how he was the greatest champion is wrestling’s history and this will be the start of a long title reign.

His celebration was cut short as Kaz came out applauding. From the top of the ramp, Kaz spoke saying it’s nice to finally have an honorable man as champion. Someone who will stay true to their word. Someone who will give a title shot to those who are deserving of them.

At that moment, Booker T ran out from behind and clobbered Kaz, knocking him all the way down to the ringside area, where Angle just stood looking rather amused. Kaz tried to run away from Booker, sliding in and out of the ring before taking off back up the ramp.

However, there waiting for him was AJ Styles, who was still trying to get his hands on Kaz for his comments last week. AJ caught Kaz with a few shots before he was able to slip away and run to the back.

After things were calmed down, Mike Tenay announced that he got word from TNA management that tonight’s main event will be a 3-way No. 1 contenders match between AJ Styles, Kaz and Booker T.

Four Corners Match:
Curry Man defeated Consequences Creed, Elix Skipper and Johnny Devine whenCurry Man pinned Creed after a vertical facebuster in 0:12:04.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Sonjay Dutt no-showed.)

Four X Division stars were looking to climb the ladder, including two former champs in Johnny Devine and Elix Skipper. But coming out on top was the masked man from the Orient, Curry Man, who after winning the match, did a little dance and gestured around his waist signaling he was coming after the X Division Title.

Hernandez pinned Robert Roode with the Border Toss in 0:06:39.
Rating: ***

With Homicide still hurt, Hernandez tried to get some revenge himself on Beer Money, and it did manage to get a little bit of payback beating Robert Roode 1-on-1.

However after the match it turned to a 2-on-1 as James Storm ran in and the tag team champs took it to Super Mex. Homicide wasn’t around to help his partner, but fortunately, the Motor City Machine Guns came to make the save.

Beer Money retreated up the ramp, saying they were gonna pay for sticking their noses where they didn’t belong.

Backstage with Jay Lethal and Eric Young

Black Machismo was talking to Eric Young thanking him for using his managerial pull with Jack Tunney to make sure he got a fair shot at winning back his X Division title. Lethal also said he was glad to see Young beat “The Mountie” last week and that he reminds him of a young Mr. Perfect.

He wanted to thank Young for all he’s done by offering him an X Division title shot. Young graciously accepted the offer and said he’ll book it with management. If that Tunney guys not here he’ll talk to Jim Cornette.

Samoa Joe made Rhino submit to the Coquina Clutch in 0:07:52.
Rating: *** 1/4

Samoa Joe didn’t take kindly to not being included in tonight’s No. 1 contenders match. He has vowed to be on a path of destruction until he gets another shot at the world title. His first victim was Rhino but even after the match, Joe kept assaulting Rhino and even security couldn't stop Joe's onslaught.

What did stop his onslaught was 7-feet of The Blueprint Matt Morgan. Morgan finally chased Joe off and told him, that he has to make way. He called Joe a hypocrite. Before he won the title, he talked about the veterans holding down the young stars. Now Joe’s in the same spot as those he criticized. He had his chance, now it's time for the next dominant force to climb to the top of TNA.

Angelina Love pinned Christy Hemme after a flying cross body press in 0:03:41.
Rating: 3/4*

This match turned out to be nothing more than a showcase for the Beautiful People to strut their stuff. Angelina Love easily picked apart Christy Hemme, then spent several minutes in the ring posing with Velvet Skye and Madison Rayne.

Love spoke after the match saying that everyone was looking at the hottest thing in wrestling. She said there have been too many ugly people fighting for the Knockouts title. Sooner or later the Knockouts title is going to come home to the Beautiful People.

Backstage interview with Team 3D.

Jeremy Borash was backstage interviewing Team 3D. All Brother Ray could say at first was “New Jack? He got New Jack?” Pretty soon he gathered himself and made a challenge to Abyss and New Jack, saying that now that they know what they’re up against, he wants one more shot. Next week on Impact, a tables match.

Sting pinned Scott Steiner after a crucifix in 0:04:16.
Rating: **

Sting scored a victory over Scott Steiner, catching him with a crucifix, but after the match, Tomko ran into the ring to help Steiner double team Sting. The two decimated the Icon, leaving him laying in the ring as they celebrated.

Triangle Match:
Booker T defeated AJ Styles and Kaz when Booker pinned Kaz with the Book End in 0:15:34.
Rating: *** 3/4

Booker T earned the right to fight for the world title belt he lost like week. He will meet Kurt Angle at Hard Justice after beating Kaz and AJ Styles in a 3-way match.

Both Booker and AJ took turns going after Kaz, as both had scores to settle with him. But soon, the match evolved into every man for himself.

At the end, Booker was down in a corner, and AJ was perched across the ring on the top rope, ready to fly off at Kaz, Kaz though caught him on the way down with a dropkick knocking AJ out of the ring. Kaz though took it upon himself to celebrate that move, and not see Booker T come behind him and hit him with the Book End as he turned around. Booker got the 1-2-3 and will face Kurt Angle at Hard Justice.

[snabbit888]

7/3:

If there's a cake in wrestling, someone is going into it. Petey winning is good, as is Lethal giving him the cake treatment.

Joe and Kaz tension... hrm...

Though they've wrestled a large amount of matches, Angle and Styles always deliver.

Beer Money probably won't win the tag titles yet, but it's clearly in the cards.

Steiner's pipe is the best weapon in sports! This is just going to rile Morgan up even more.

Please end Abyss, Team 3D.

Well, Wilde's push is dwindling in a hurry.

No match rating for the main event? Angle wins as expected.

7/10:

Joe/Angle should be great. I agree with Styles' point, but it's not like he's currently the barometer for title shots right now.

Hopefully this ends at Victory Road. I hope whoever is Abyss' partner ends up beating down Abyss too.

Nice try, Elix, but you're a couple pegs down in the X-Division now.

More MCMG. I hope they get pushed toward the top sooner here than they did in real life.

Weird Kaz bringing up the title shot... may he be planning something crazy?

Missing match result for the Knockouts match. 3-way at Victory Road might be the best chance of keeping the gold off Kong for awhile.

See, Morgan is pissed. You're in trouble, Steiner.

Though it has kind of come together last minute, Styles/Kaz/Joe has the potential to be amazing.

No brawl? Boo. Not sure who wins this... want to say Booker though as he just won the title.

...more feedback to come! Slowly trying to get caught up.

[JoshiQ]

Pretty surprised you already had Booker pin Kaz. Figured that would be an angle with some legs. The feud surely isn't over, but didn't expect to see them clashing so soon.

[snabbit888]

7/13:

MCMG win the feud, which is good. Now let's see if they can work their way up to a title shot.

Good story for the X Title. Glad to see Lethal back up top.

Oh no... I somehow hate New Jack even more than Abyss.

Glad Morgan won, as it's the right call for now. But cannot believe that match got 21 minutes.

Wilde wins again, but pinned Traci this time to do it. That's going to piss Kong off even more. I'd hate to be Wilde right now.

Beer Money are the champs! Now we're talking.

Good triangle match, and really helps get Styles going again.

Like Booker winning, don't like the screwjob. What's Kaz up to?

[snabbit888]

7/17:

Makes sense why Kaz got involved at Victory Road, but glad to see him get put in place by Cornette. I imagine there will be some backlash to this though.

Let that be a lesson to you, Petey. Never touch a man's tuxedo shirt. Never!

Kaz costing Booker the title later?

Not surprised MCMG won. Was surprised that Black Reign and Rellik still have jobs.

Not a shock that LAX want a rematch. First match was good, so the rematch should be as well.

So Kong demands a title match, and then gets herself DQ'ed instantly? She is not smart.

Well Kaz is sure making a lot of enemies in a hurry.

Add Booker to that list officially. New World champion. Wow.

7/24:

Hot opening. The 3-way should be good, though really, I would think Booker just deserves a rematch. Match will rock though.

Curry Man is such a goofy gimmick. Anything Daniels does is gold though, so all for it.

3-way coming up for the tag titles?

Lethal and Young should hang out all the time.

A Joe/Morgan feud has me interested.

Wish I cared more about the Beautiful People right now. Hopefully they really get some momentum going.

Hate New Jack, but the thought of him going through a table is fun.

Sting still seems to just be floating right now. Want to see him get some direction.

Like Josh said, surprised to see Booker already get a clean pinfall on Kaz. Not sure if I like that, but there's obviously a lot more story to go here.

[cardsflyinhigh]

Yeah, in retrospect, I probably could've done that differently instead of letting Kaz take the pin. But knowing how it all plays out over the next couple months, Im happy with the path for the story.

And sorry about New Jack. He literally was like my fifth choice for Abyss' partner, but everyone else kept turning me down. Don't worry. His TNA stay won't be a long one.

I'll have the next Impact up later tonight.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (July 31, 2008)

Table Match:
Abyss and New Jack defeated Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) when Abyss defeated BRD by putting him through a table in 0:11:12.
Rating: ** 1/2

Impact opened with the tag team tables match, first person to put a member of the opposing team through a table wins. Tables were set up around the ring, and more were left laying in and around the ring for people to use.

New Jack brought his shopping cart of weapons with him to the ring. The opening stages of the match were full of everybody using weapons on everybody.

3D gain a momentary advantage and handcuffed Abyss to the guardrail outside as they worked on New Jack. In the ring Rey held New Jack’s legs as Devon climbed to the top set up for his diving head butt. However, Abyss was strong enough to break the handcuffs and catch Devon with a chair, sending him flying off the other direction onto the floor.

Abyss then went into the ring and hit Ray with a black hole slam. New Jack got a few shots in on Ray as Abyss went outside and spread thumbtacks over one of the tables. He then rolled Ray ontop of the tacks, not slamming him through, but just setting him on top of them.

New Jack then grabbed a chair and headed to the top rope. He flew off, diving onto Brother Ray with the chair, smashing down through the table to get the win.

In-ring promo with Kaz

Kaz came to the ring saying he was sick and tired of everyone screwing him over. First Booker T goes back on his promise about giving him a title shot. Next and most recently, A.J. Styles cost him the number one contender match last week. Something has to be done to right these injustices.

A.J. then comes out to respond, saying when he went back and watched last week’s tape, it was Kaz getting pinned, so he has nothing to cry about. And if he thinks something has to be done, then do it tonight. He challenged him to a match, and Kaz enthusiastically accepted.

Backstage with Jay Lethal and Eric Young

Eric Young came to Jay Lethal and said he talked to management and they said because Young was only in charge of the knockouts, they let him have the match at Hard Justice for the title.

Curry Man appeared, not speaking the best of English, but said, he won match last week. He want belt shot. Lethal praised “Jushin Liger” and said he’ll see what he can do.

Petey Williams joined the party next, saying as former champion, he was entitled to a rematch. So he should get a shot before anyone else.

Young was actually the one to play peacemaker, saying the only way to make everyone happy was to put everyone in the match. This seemed to satisfy everyone except Jay Lethal who was left speechless.

Curry Man then said he must go fight match now.

Curry Man pinned Sonjay Dutt after a crucifix in 0:07:33.
Rating: ***

Curry Man built on his win from last week by defeating Sonjay Dutt. But after the match, Petey Williams ran in and hit Curry Man with a Canadian Destroyer. He shouted at him that if he stands between him and his title, this is what happens.

Backstage with Abyss

Abyss was with trainers getting a cut on his head bandaged that he suffered in the tables match. Sting then showed up and asked to speak with him.

Sting said he needed a partner to fight Tomko and Steiner and wanted to find the most bad ass person in the company. He couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather kick some ass with then Abyss.

Abyss replied that in the past, Sting has been there for him. If Sting needs him, he’ll do the same. He’ll be his partner. The two then shook hands.

Matt Morgan pinned Rellik after a power bomb in 0:03:58.
Rating: ** 3/4

After Morgan’s match, Samoa Joe showed up with a mic at the top of the ramp saying Morgan’s going to have to pay for sticking his nose in his business. He couldn’t help but notice since Morgan started in TNA, he hasn’t lost a singles match. That’s impressive, but not as impressive of the streak Joe had when started in TNA.

Joe then said, he’s not going to let Morgan get anywhere near Joe’s mark. Joe said he’ll face him at Hard Justice and personally bring an end to Morgan’s streak.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens) when C. Sabin pinned A. Douglas after the Spin Doctor in 0:14:45.
Rating: *** 1/2

Beer Money came out to scout the Machine Guns during their match against The Naturals. They brought lawn chairs and sat at the top of the ramp drinking beer and watched the match.

They never interfered but at times the Guns lost focus in the match. However, they were able to overcome the distraction and scored the victory.

After the match the Guns signaled that they were coming after the belts, which in turn Beer Money held up to drive home the point they were the champs. However, from behind Beer Money ran LAX attacking the champs. They had a nice fight going, but the Guns ran down to join in.

Later in the show, it was announced that a 3-way title match between the teams had been made for Hard Justice.

Awesome Kong defeated Traci Brooks when Traci Brooks passed out in the torture rack in 0:04:17.
Rating: ** ¼

Kong continued her path of rage since losing the Knockouts title. Beating Traci Brooks wasn’t enough for her as he refused to release Brooks from her Torture Rack even after she submitted.

She finally dropped her when she caught eyes of Taylor Wilde running to the ring to make the save. Kong met Wilde in the ring and the two started exchanging shots.

Wilde ducked a Kong spinning back fist, then caught her with a drop kick that knocked her out of the ring.

Wilde took a mic and said she’s not going to wait for a challenger to come to her. She’s making a challenge to Kong, to face her at Hard Justice for the Knockouts title. And this time, do it with no disqualifications. All Kong did in response was slide her thumb across her throat.

AJ Styles defeated Kaz by disqualification in 0:10:44.
Rating: ***

If there was any question, there's not anymore. Kaz has officially snapped. While the action was taking place, Kaz and AJ put on a really good match, but after AJ hit Kaz with a springboard forearm, Kaz slid out of the ring, only to come back in with a chair which he used to smash AJ across the head.

He repeatedly continued the attack, pummeling AJ with the chair, until Booker T ran down to make the save. This in turn, brought down Kurt Angle after Booker. AJ made a recovery to help out Booker and all four men continued brawling as the cameras faded out.

[snabbit888]

Apr 24, 2013 15:02:10 GMT -5 cardsflyinhigh said:

Yeah, in retrospect, I probably could've done that differently instead of letting Kaz take the pin. But knowing how it all plays out over the next couple months, Im happy with the path for the story.

And sorry about New Jack. He literally was like my fifth choice for Abyss' partner, but everyone else kept turning me down. Don't worry. His TNA stay won't be a long one.

I'll have the next Impact up later tonight.

It's easy to rebook in hindsight. I've made plenty of mistakes too where I look back and go, 'Why the hell did I do THAT!?" I think we all have. It's one of those things that makes running circuits really fun to me. No everything you do is going to be a hit. If it was, it would end up getting boring.

[snabbit888]

Given the nature of the feud and the match, Abyss/New Jack have to win, but ugh.

Kaz can get back in the right direction if he beats AJ tonight.

Not the best shenanigans possible with this cast of characters, but a 4-way for the X Title should be good.

Spicy, spicy!

My thoughts on Abyss are well known, but glad to see him getting into a different story.

Morgan vs. Joe will be fun. Don't know if the undefeated streak is going to end though.

Man, TNA sure does love multi-man matches! Luckily, the X Title and tag title matches look great on paper.

Brave, Taylor, but Kong is going to kill you.

Kaz is crazy. Should be an interesting ride.

[cardsflyinhigh]

IMPACT (August 7, 2008)

TNA World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle came to the ring to open the show. He said he’s glad that Booker T appears to be so concerned about what Kaz is doing. The more time Booker spends worrying about Kaz, the less he’s concentrating on facing Angle for the world title at Hard Justice.

He said that’s the biggest difference between him and Booker. He has more focus. He has never taken his sights of the world title, and that’s what allowed him to take the title from Booker in the first place.

Booker T’s music then played as he came down to join Angle in the ring. He told Angle not to worry. Come Hard Justice, he will 100 percent be ready, willing and able to win back the world title. He then called Kaz a little whiny punk, who’s been on a temper tantrum cause he hasn’t been able to get the job done. Kaz was the one that cost him the world title, and he needs to make sure it’s not going to happen again.

Kaz’s music was next as he stepped out onto the stage. He accused Booker of trying to hold him back. Pretending to be his friend, while using his friendship to screw him out of the world title. He said Booker has been scared of him and what will happen once he’s given a chance. It’s the same with A.J. Styles. A.J. is supposed to be the face of this company, the man who they call TNA’s “franchise.” But A.J. knows, Jim Cornette knows and Dixie Carter knows that Kaz is the future. Not A.J.

A.J was the next one out, but there was no talking from him. He just went straight after Kaz with an attack that drove him down towards the ring, where a repeat of last week’s brawl commenced. A.J. and Booker were able to clear the ring of Angle and Kaz, then challenged the two for a tag match in tonight’s main event, which was accepted.

Triangle Match:
Curry Man defeated Eric Young and Petey Williams when Curry Man defeated P. Williams by disqualification in 0:06:18.
Rating: **

The night’s first match saw the three men who will challenge Jay Lethal for the X Division title at Hard Justice, facing each other. It wasn’t too long into the match before Williams had enough.

It was clear that both Young and Curry Man were more focused on trying to take out Williams, as opposed to each other. So Williams ducked out of the ring, and then came back in with a fire extinguisher which he sprayed in the faces of Curry Man and Young. He then clocked Curry Man with it, then hit Young with the Canadian Destroyer, then left the ring.

Backstage with Traci Brooks and the Beautiful People

Angelina Love, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne were walking backstage when they came across Traci Brooks.

The Beautiful People starting mocking Brooks for the way she was screaming last week when Kong had her in the torture rack.

Brooks took exception to this and got right up in Angelina Love’s face, saying if she wants, she’ll show her what it looks like to be in pain.

Love just laughed it off saying Brooks wasn’t in her league and she wasn’t going to waste her time fighting someone beneath her. But if she wanted, she could wrestle Velvet tonight, and if Brooks happened to win, then maybe she’d consider wrestling her.

Triangle Match:
Hernandez defeated Alex Shelley and Robert Roode when Hernandez pinned R. Roode with the Border Toss in 0:13:59.
Rating: *** ½

In a preview of the world tag title match at Hard Justice, Hernandez, Booby Roode and Chris Sabin met in a three-way singles match. Hernandez got the best of things on this night, pinning Robert Roode and giving LAX some momentum heading into Hard Justice.

Velvet Sky defeated Traci Brooks by countout in 0:00:58.
Rating: DUD

The match never really even started. After the introductions, Velvet went over to the referee and began flirting with him. While this was going on, Angelina Love and Madison Rayne pulled Traci out of the ring and began attacking her on the floor. He tossed her into the guardrail and into the steel ring steps.

After they were done, Velvet stopped her flirting and all the ref saw was Traci on the outside. He counted her out and gave Velvet the win.

Samoa Joe pinned Lance Hoyt after a dragon suplex in 0:09:15.
Rating: *** 1/2

After a couple weeks of Matt Morgan looking impressive in a series of matches, Joe took his turn dominating Lance Hoyt. After the match, Joe said to the camera “The bigger they are, the harder they fall. That was him, and that’s going to be you Morgan.”

Abyss defeated Scott Steiner by countout in 0:07:59.
Rating: ** 1/4

After agreeing to be Sting’s partner at Hard Justice, Abyss was put in a 1-on-1 match against Scott Steiner.

Steiner seemed to be caught off guard by the strength of Abyss, to the point where midway through the match he just left. As he was getting counted out, walking back up the ramp, he yelled at Abyss “Nows not the time. I’ll see you at Hard Justice.”

AJ Styles and Booker T defeated Kurt Angle and Kaz when Booker pinned K. Angle after a small package in 0:16:33.
Rating: **** 1/2

After a great back-and-forth tag team match, Booker T picked up a momentum boost heading into Hard Justice by pinning world champion Kurt Angle.

A.J. had taken Kaz out, as well as himself, with a flying splash onto the floor. In the ring, Angle tried hit Booker with an Angle Slam, only to have Booker turn it into a small package and the win.

Booker celebrated in the ring after as Angle grabbed his title belt, clutching it tightly as we walked to the back.


Final Card for Hard Justice
World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle (c) vs Booker T

World Tag Team Titles
Beer Money (c) vs. LAX vs. Motor City Machine Guns

X Division Title
Jay Lethal (c) vs. Petey Williams vs. Eric Young vs. Curry Man

Knockouts Title
Taylor Wilde (c) vs. Awesome Kong

A.J. Styles vs. Kaz

Matt Morgan vs. Samoa Joe

Sting & Abyss vs. Scott Steiner and Tomko