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http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-nonstop-analysis-tna-lockdown-32015/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-nonstop-analysis-tna-lockdown-32015/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2015 03:17:41 +0000 Cassidy Haynes Other Reviews Reviews Angelina Love Austin Aries Awesome Kong BDC Beat Down Clan Bobby Lashley Bram Bro Mans Davey Richards DJ Z DJ Zema Earl Hebner Eddie Edwards Gail Kim Great Sanada Impact James Storm Jesse Godderz Kurt Angle Low Ki Magnus Manik Matt Hardy Rockstar Spud Samoa Joe Taryn Terrell Taz The Revolution The Wolves TNA wrestling Zema Ion http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=10580 Total Nonstop Analysis TNA Lockdown 3/20/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty It's a beautiful Saturday morning here in Long Beach, and the sun is just now starting to peak through the hazy daze of Southern California. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty and I'm in a fantastic mood this weekend because I'm just a few […]

Total Nonstop Analysis
TNA Lockdown 3/20/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

It's a beautiful Saturday morning here in Long Beach, and the sun is just now starting to peak through the hazy daze of Southern California. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty and I'm in a fantastic mood this weekend because I'm just a few hours away from launching the very first episode of my new podcast, "The B+ Players," right here at Cheap-Heat.com. I'm back with you once again to offer the most concise coverage of TNA Impact you're bound to find anywhere on the world wide web. This week's show wasn't as intense as its blood-spattered predecessor, but still kept me on the edge of my seat from the first segment through the main event.

The show opens with a video package describing Bobby Lashley's title defense against Kurt Angle as "the match you've all been waiting for." The action kicks off in the Wembley Arena for the second time in as many weeks with tag team competition. The Wolves make their way to ringside as they prepare to defend their tag team titles in a triple threat Ultimate X match with DJ Z and Jesse Goddard of the Bro Mans as well as Manik and Sanada of the Revolution. The Wolves are in control from the moment the bell sounds, and almost toss the Bro Mans to the side so that they may concentrate on the Revolution. The Great Sanada is on the receiving end of an enormity of offensive attacks via Richards and Edwards, as is Jesse Goddard who hopelessly tries to reenter the equation. The Wolves howl into the air and run off in an attempt to hit their patented double suicide dive, when Angelina Love climbs onto the apron and causes them to stop dead in their tracks. DJ Zema Ion tried to take advantage of the distraction but was launched over the top rope onto his own teammates by the Wolves. The Wolves maintained their edge until a drop kick courtesy of Jesse Goddard grounded Eddie Edwards, and gave both opposing teams the opening for success. Manik and Goddard worked in tandem to take down the tag team champions, until all four heels enjoyed a distinct advantage over Davey Richards. Goddard held Richards with his arms behind his back as Manik climbed the aerial ropes and worked his way to the title belts hanging above the ring. Goddard finally realized the error of his ways and unleashed another high-angle drop kick to Manik who was hanging above. DJ Z joins the action and the Bro Mans try to piggy back off one another to avoid climbing the ropes. DJ Z climbs onto Jesse's shoulders and reaches for the belts, but is soon met by Manik who is sitting on the shoulders of the Great Sanada. The game of chicken commences until the Wolves enter the fray and knock everybody down and out of the ring. The Wolves are back in control again as the audience begins to chant "this is awesome." DJ Z is still trying to climb the ropes but is sent headfirst into the steel structure surrounding the ring. Everybody is down once again, allowing Jesse Goddard and Sanada the opportunity to battle it out above the six-sided ring. They hammer one another into the steel structure in the corner until Sanada is able to blind Goddard with the trademark Muta mist. Sanada is inches away from reaching the belts, but is thwarted by Eddie Edwards who performs a top-rope hurricanrana, sending Sanada flying into the center of the ring. Davey Richards then capitalized with a double foot stomp to seal the deal. The Wolves climbed the cable from opposite ends and met in the middle where they retained their world tag team titles.

Austin Aries enters the arena with a microphone, but without his prestigious "Feast or Fired" briefcase. "For the last two weeks I've been out of commission because our good friends, the BDC, put me through a table." Austin tells the audienceone thing missing from TNA television has been the "world's greatest fans chanting for the world's greatest man that ever lived." He immediately gets down to brass tax: "I'm going to make this real short and simple; I want my property back and I'm not leaving this ring until I get it. So Low-Ki, Samoa Joe—you put me through a table? You stole my briefcase? I'm not going to come and jump you from behind, I'm going to stand in this ring like a man and tell you to come out here and bring me my briefcase back!" Ask and you shall receive, at least according to Taz. The BDC's music plays and Samoa Joe leads the deadly duo comprising both he and the X-Division Champion to the ring. Low-Ki carries the Halliburton briefcase and smiles at the former X-Division title holder who dares address the Beat Down Clan. "Austin," Ki began with a wide smile, "Let me get this straight: you believe that WE have something that belongs to you." Low-Ki held the briefcase up in the air, and Austin responded by saying it's not a belief, "it's a fact, jack." Low-Ki falls back on the ol' "possession is nine tenths of the law," excuse. "As long as the BDC has this, Austin Aries can't play his games of �will I, or won't I go after the world title.'" Austin had enough of the games being played and gave the Beat Down Clan two very good reasons why they should return his property. "One—you're not Austin Aries. You're not the man that makes history, you're not the man that cashes in opportunities for world championships." The crowd erupted. "Number two—you're not Austin Aries. Which means that briefcase legally has no value to you, because you can't do a damn thing with it. But I'll tell you what, I've got a way that we can remedy this. You see, I just came out for my briefcase—that I've earned. But you stole something else from me Low-Ki; you stole my X-Division championship. You and the BDC. So I've got a proposition for you, you're a gambling man? I say right here, right now: winner takes all. My briefcase for the world championship—my X Division Championship you STOLE ? Put your money where your mouth is, winner takes all. Right here, right now." The fans inside Wembley went wild as they waited for Low-Ki's reply. "Fair enough, Austin. But you simply don't deserve a shot at my X-Division title." Before the words could come out of Ki's mouth, Austin Aries was blindsided by the brutal Samoan Submission Machine. "But if you really want it that bad," Low-Ki continued, "You're just gonna have to go through Joe."

Away to commercial and once we return, the action is underway with Senior Official Earl Hebner calling the match. Joe is dominant from the early going as his peripheral attack on the former world champion earned him a decided advantage over Aries, who is unable to stand on his own two feet. Joe chops away at Aries with thunderous right arms, and continues with a corner-based striking frenzy, grounding Aries in the BDC corner. Low-Ki is walking around ring-side, in an attempt to scout the action as best he can. "Austin Aries" resonates throughout the arena, and the 2-time Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Champion gains his second wind and starts to take the fight to Joe. A leapfrog over the big man in the corner, and Aries is ready to start in on the offensive. He attempts his signature Brainbuster vertical suplex, but is unable to lift the 300+ pounder. Samoa Joe gains the upper hand and tosses Aries out of the ring and down to where Low-Ki can get involved. Ki runs his mouth from a few feet away, careful not to get his BDC bandmate disqualified in the process. Joe joins the two and mounts a diabolical assault on Aries with striking right elbows to the sensitive trapezius muscle of Austin Aries. Back inside the squared—or six-sided—circle, Austin tries to settle the score but is consistently caught off-guard by Samoa Joe. He locks Aries in a cross-face variation to wear him down and follows up with a full body attack and a brisk kick to the back of the head. Despite his heelish tendencies and BDC affiliation, Joe receives a warm reception from the United Kingdom crowd; "Joe is gonna kill you" echoes throughout the arena as the superheavyweight judoka continues with reckless abandon, managing to thwart each of Austin's offensive attempts. When Austin finally gained the upper hand, he mounted Samoa Joe in the corner and proceeded to deliver ten right hands as the crowd counted along. Joe tossed him over the top rope, but Aries landed on the apron. He hit Joe with a neck breaker, using the rope to his advantage, and capitalizing with a big drop kick. Once again, Austin Aries went for his Brainbuster vertical suplex, but was dragged down to the ground by the submission specialist, who proceeded to wrench down on the arm of Aries. In control once again, Samoa Joe lifted Aries onto the top rope and set to deliver his signature Muscle Buster. Austin Aries powered out and finally knocked Joe down to his back with a spear-like suicide dive to the outside. With Joe flat on his back, Austin Aries played to the audience, ready to wrap this up once and for all. But that's when Low-Ki became involved, striking Aries from the back, causing Earl Hebner to call for the bell. Both Beat Down Clan members brought Austin back into the ring and did just as their name would suggest—they beat him down. Samoa Joe held Austin Aries as Low-Ki prepared to strike with the solid steel briefcase. Aries then slipped out of Joe's grasp, causing Ki to hit Joe instead. Austin hit Low-Ki and requisitioned his briefcase, leaving the ring as both BDC members struggled to stand. While one number one contender was on his way out of the arena, another was just making his way down the aisle. Rockstar Spud—who is in possession of the X-Division briefcase—runs down to ringside as Low-Ki is still dazed from the effects of Austin's assault. His head is bandaged from the effects of last week's Hair vs. Hair match, but hands the briefcase to Earl Hebner nonetheless. The bell rings and Spud hits the "underdog" on Low-Ki; after a quick 1-2-3, Rockstar Spud is your NEW X-Division champion in less than 8 seconds.

Before anything else goes down inside the ring, camera's catch up to Bram and Magnus who are halfway into what seems to be a serious street fight in the parking garage. Magnus is in firm control as he beats Bram through a set of double doors asking, "Where you going?" Magnus puts Bram on a rolling equipment cart and sends him careening into a set of red and yellow garbage cans that look like giant ketchup and mustard containers. This is the first time since Bram attacked Magnus in New York City that the former world champion is able to get this much offense without worrying about any defense. Bram struggles to get away from Magnus, who is throwing heavy boxes of who-knows-what while dragging him through the darkened halls of Wembley Arena. Josh Matthews reminds us that Magnus promised to spill Bram's blood on the "hallowed grounds of London," and this could be his last chance as TNA is close to returning to America. Magnus knocks Bram through the curtain and into the arena; Bram trips and stumbles down the aisle toward the ring where Magnus goes absolutely crazy. Magnus leaves Bram between the six sides and grabs a steel chair from the ringside area. He returns to Bram and unleashes a fury of heinous shots to Bram's back. He turns his former best friend over and prepares to drill the business-end of the chair directly into Bram's sternum, but is stopped by referees Brian Stiffler and Brian Hebner. Magnus broke through the line of defense and clotheslined Bram, taking the microphone and warning, "You just took a match and burned your hopes and dreams to the ground!" More officials and members of security hit the ring and separated them further, until Magnus's wife Mickie James appeared and started attacking Bram as well. The referees kept both Mickie and Magnus at bay long enough for Bram to retreat up the ramp-way, but Magnus still wasn't finished. He followed behind Bram, stalking him like an animal, and delivered a crippling snap-power bomb to Bram on the crux of the entryway.

The TNA Knockouts are next with the title on the line. The first to appear under Impact's beautiful big screen "TNA-tron" is the former Knockout Champion Awesome Kong, who saunters to ringside to the beat of her menacing entrance tune. Gail Kim is the second to arrive, running down the aisle slapping hands with the UK crowd, wearing a black cut-off t-shirt that says "London." The TNA Knockouts Champion Taryn Terrell doesn't receive the same ovation as Gail Kim, but is most certainly favored over the depraved Kong. Both babyfaces set to work together and team against the monstrous Kong, who thwarts their advances with little-to-no effort of her own. Gail kicks Kong in the stomach, but Kong is quick enough to send the charging former champion speeding head first into the current title holder. Kong conquers them with an avalanche splash in the corner and capitalizes with a powerful sleeper hold slam. Neither Taryn nor Gail can gain any momentum as Awesome Kong continues to throw them around the ring by their hair, keeping them separated and thus unable to form a lasting alliance. Awesome Kong hits Gail Kim with a hard spike to the back, as Taryn Terrell ascends the ropes behind the Amazon's back. Taryn jumps but is clotheslined in mid-air by Awesome Kong, who then sets her sights on Kim once again. Kong lifted Gail Kim into the air for a powerbomb, but was stopped by Taryn who rolled them both up in a very innovative pin-attempt. Taryn hits the ropes and jumps from the second story onto Awesome Kong with a drop kick, sending Kong reeling back toward the center of the ring. Taryn hits the ropes one more time and jumps from the top with a cross body onto Kong, nearly earning a pinfall then and there. Awesome Kong came back with a quick burst of energy, but Taryn Terrell countered with a devastating Diamond Cutter. Kong vacated the ring in an attempt to regroup, and both Taryn and Gail sought to capitalize from the top rope. The two women tried to climb from the same corner and instead of focusing on Awesome Kong, Gail Kim and Taryn Terrell began mixing it up with one another. Taryn fell to the canvas, and Gail Kim flew to the floor, landing cross body on Kong and earning a raucous reception from the audience. Kim then hit Taryn with a sunset flip into a powerbomb out of the corner, but was unable to achieve victory. She shoved the sole of her shoe into Taryn's throat and attempted the "Eat Defeat," but was rolled up by the champion for a successful 1-2-3 combination. As Taryn stood tall in the ring with her belt in hand, she looked off into the distance at Awesome Kong, almost on the brink of tears and unware of what might await her next week.

The Revolution almost ended the career of Jeff Hardy in an instant when James Storm knocked him out on top of the steel cage at Lockdown, sending him plummeting to the steel steps below. Since then there's been more than bad blood between Jeff's brother Matt and the leader of the Revolution. Two weeks ago Bram went one-on-one with Matt Hardy and was asked by the Cowboy to "take him out." Hardy is still in service however, and about to go head-to-head with James Storm in a no holds barred match. Storm heads down the entryway with every member of the Revolution in tow—the odds will most certainly be in the Cowboy's favor this evening. Matt Hardy is happy to take the challenge and is cheered by the overwhelmingly positive response from the live audience. Storm meets Hardy halfway down the ramp and the match finally begins when Hardy rolls the Cowboy into the ring. Matt gets to work supplying their match by going deep under the ring and tossing an array of chairs and trash cans toward Storm. Manik grabs Hardy by the leg as he tries to enter the ring, which gives the Cowboy an opening to start things off in his favor. Hardy comes back with the trash can and he and Storm trade blows with the can and its lid. Hardy knocks James Storm flat on his back and exits the ring once more, climbing the ropes where he is tripped up by both the Great Sanada and Manik. James Storm readies two chairs in close proximity to one another and delivers a vertical suplex to Matt Hardy from the top rope and through the steel. Abyss is on the outside and raises his scarlet satin sack of thumbtacks—try saying that three times fast—and hands them to his �fearless' leader. The Cowboy litters the canvas with a line of golden tacks and attempts to plant Hardy directly in their path. Matt however has plans of his own and throws the Cowboy into the tacks instead, following up with a big elbow drop for a near-fall. The Revolution drags referee Brian Stiffler out of the ring before he can count three, and the match turns into a 5-on-1 assault. All of the Cowboy's allies equip themselves with weaponry; Khoya lifts a non-folding chair above his head, and Josh Matthews asks, "What kind of chair does Khoya have–?!" Funniest line of the night. Hardy retrieved the mysterious chair that Matthews was unfamiliar with and hit the Indian athlete in the back, leading Taz to exclaim, "Oh! That un-folding chair!" Matt did away with the distractions, finishing off Manik with a Twist of Fate, and reentered the ring hoping to end things with the Cowboy as well. Storm had Matt Hardy well scouted however and used his momentum to send him head-first into a steel chair propped in the corner. With both men reeling, it was anybody's match; Matt Hardy leaned over the top rope and for the second time tonight, the Muta mist came into play thanks to the Great Sanada. Hardy was blinded and tripped directly into Storm's Last Call Superkick. Matt Hardy was on spaghetti legs from the initial shot when the "Cowboy" sent him spilling over with a second—far more devastating superkick. James Storm and Revolution are victorious, but that's not enough as the sadistic Storm seeks to removed BOTH Hardy brothers from TNA Impact. They held Hardy by the arms on the lip of the apron, while James Storm berating him from behind: "Matt Hardy! I am the reason your brother is out of professional wrestling! And now you can visit your brother—in the hospital!" Storm swung his cowbell bull rope and struck Hardy in the small of the back in what amounted to a pretty anti-climactic end to an enjoyable match.

The theme of the entire night has been the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match between Kurt Angle and the current title holder, Bobby Lashley. The show has been filled with interviews, promos, vignettes, and all sorts of propaganda hyping this as a "dream match" in TNA. I'm not going to argue that because it's certainly going to be an interesting bout for the most prestigious prize on Impact. But a dream match—I'm not sure about that. Kurt Angle's music hits as he walks out of his dressing room in the back, just like Goldberg during the good old days of WCW. He walks briskly down the dark hall and through catering, arriving at the shadowy Gorilla position, where he waited for the beat to drop and the Trademarc lyrics to hit. The challenger makes his way down the ramp as Josh Matthews starts to recite each of Angle's accolades including but not limited to his success as an Olympian, as well as his run with the WWE. The beginning of Bobby Lashley's music begins to play on repeat just as Angle's did, skipping until the Destroyer is ready to enter the arena. He hits himself in the face and jumps in one spot—kind of like the current WWE World Champion—and finally makes his way through the curtain. According to Josh Matthews, this is Bobby Lashley's 72nd day as World Champion, which might not sound like much—but it's pretty long considering he won the belt during the reboot of Impact back in January. The bell rings and Jeremy Borash introduces the champion and challenger, and referee Brian Hebner allows both men the chance to check out what they're fighting for. A brief commercial break occurs before the match might get underway, and we return to the action just as the bell sounds. They circle one another and prepare to lock up, but back away for a moment until Lashley is the first to attack. He goes for Angle's leg and is unable to drop the Olympic Gold Medalist to the ground. They slink away from one another again, and Lashley comes back with a more calculated take-down, knocking Kurt off his feet, if only for a moment. The action doesn't truly get underway until either man is done feeling out his opponent. They enter into a mat-based amateur style that allows for Kurt to hit Bobby Lashley with four consecutive Suplexes. Lashley finds himself on the wrong side of the Ankle Lock, but gains leverage when he makes it to the ropes, forcing a break by Brian Hebner. Lashley begins retreating from the match, dropping in and out of the ring to catch his breath. Angle chases the champion and reaches him just in time to drop head first on the steel barricade. Lashley is in control now, and uses his power advantage over the venerable ring general. Lashley seems to be losing support from the crowd, and was even booed during his cowardly escape from Angle just a moment ago. He punishes Angle in the center of the ring with both a powerful Suplex and an unnerving bow and arrow submission, while the audience chants in favor of the challenger. Kurt starts to mount a comeback beginning with a leap from the middle rope, and this match turns into a donnybrook where left and right hands reign supreme. Another German suplex by the "Wrestling Machine"—and then another, and another. Kurt Angle is laying into Bobby Lashley the same as Brock Lesnar did to John Cena at Summerslam 2014. The straps come down and Kurt Angle means business when he prepares to apply the Ankle Lock. Lashley kicks him away and capitalizes with a running powerslam, but is unable to achieve victory. Another commercial break and once we return, Kurt Angle is in command and turning Bobby Lashley over by his ankle. They're separated by another rope break, and Lashley comes back with an attempted Spear. Kurt Angle hits Lashley in the face with a big boot and follows up with an Olympic Slam for a near three count on the champion. "This is awesome," is all anyone can hear as this match winds down to the final few moments. Bobby Lashley hits Kurt Angle with a sadistic Spear, and is shocked when the former champion answers the call before the three count. Bobby is out of ideas and resorts to the top rope—a place that he's considerably unfamiliar with. He jumps across the ring where nobody is home; Kurt Angle ascends the same ropes and hits the Destroyer with a cross body. Lashley used Angle's momentum to flip them both over and applied an Ankle Lock of his own, directly in the center of the ring. Angle screamed in pain, unable to reach the ropes as he struggled to find a way out. Finally he made it to the edge of the ring where Lashley was forced to relinquish the hold. Kurt hit Bobby with a surprising Olympic Slam for a 2-and-three quarters count. The Destroyer took advantage of the noticeably exhausted veteran Angle by applying a cross arm bar, using his legs for leverage. Angle summoned nothing but sheer power and determination to remove himself from hold, and once again locked the champion in his signature Ankle submission. The crowd went crazy, stomping the floor and shaking the camera as Kurt dropped to the ground and grapevined the champion's leg. Bobby cried in agony as he reached for the ropes, but was unable to find the same strength that Kurt did just a moment ago. Perhaps thinking of his MMA career, the Destroyer Bobby Lashley had no choice but to slap the mat in submission. Your winner and TNA World Heavyweight Champion for the sixth time—the only Olympic Gold Medalist in Professional Wrestling, Kurt Angle.

This was the second in a series of two very strong weeks for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Last week I stated—following the BLOODBATH between Carter and Spud—that I only hope Impact might be able to keep up its forward momentum. I'm not keen on Kurt Angle winning the world title, as I think there are far more deserving wrestlers on the roster that aren't 46-years old. But who can argue with Kurt's one-of-a-kind career? Next week's episode of Impact returns stateside and features the return of Jeff Hardy in a "revenge" match inside the six sides of steel with the Cowboy James Storm. Until then, this has been Mark Adam Haggerty reminding you to keep checking out Cheap-Heat, follow me on Facebook by LIKING "The B+ Players," and be sure to look for my upcoming podcast by the same name.

http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-non-stop-analysis-tna-impact-11315/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-non-stop-analysis-tna-impact-11315/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2015 05:30:59 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews Angelina Love Beat Down Clan Bobby Roode Bram Brooke Tessmacher Dixie Carter DJ Z DJ Zema Drew Galloway EC3 Eric Young Ethan Carther III EY Impact Jesse Godderz Kenny King Low Ki Magnus Mickie James Mr. Anderson MVP Robbie E. Rockstar Spud TNA Tyrus wrestling http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=10420 Total Non-Stop Analysis TNA Impact 3/13/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty It's another Saturday afternoon here in the United States of Destination America, and the sun is just now starting to set on the West Coast. After much procrastination I finally sat down to watch last night's episode of TNA Impact, and have returned here—to […]

Total Non-Stop Analysis
TNA Impact 3/13/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

It's another Saturday afternoon here in the United States of Destination America, and the sun is just now starting to set on the West Coast. After much procrastination I finally sat down to watch last night's episode of TNA Impact, and have returned here—to CHEAP-HEAT.com—to spit the 411 with my most recent edition of "Total Nonstop Analysis." My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, and for the next few paragraphs, I'll be your tour guide through the confusing world of "Dixieland."

The show begins just as any other episode of Impact with a shadowy vignette connecting several programs together through a common thread. Tonight's episode revolves around three friendships that have been "shattered"—Eric Young and Bobby Roode, Magnus and Bram, and EC3 and Rockstar Spud. I'm happy the narrator didn't say, "Good Friends, Better Enemies." Instead, he ended the shot with "Once friends, now the fiercest of foes." That's pretty good alliteration, and anybody that knows my work, knows I love to pass alliteration off as good writing. The crowd is excited inside the Wembley Arena, as TNA continues its tour of the UK in London, England.

The opening match is a "Last Man Standing" bout between former best friends "Showtime" Eric Young and the "It Factor" Bobby Roode. Young appears before the British audience wearing his now-trademark green vest. He's still rocking the "Taxi Driver" cut, with the Mohawk extending all the way around the back, as the rest of the fuzz fades in. His opponent Bobby Roode appears to a raucous ovation—once again, I don't really get it. I think Bobby Roode is a fine competitor, but he's very generic. Both men go hard at one another as EY starts strong, fighting Bobby into the corner. Roode gets the advantage and starts punishing Eric with a series of dirty maneuvers such as back rakes and closed-fist punches. Not that those illegal or anything. Bobby cleans Young's clock from pillar to post, until the wily EY could turn the tables and slam his former best friend into the steel barricade. The crowd chants "you sold out, you sold out," which is fast becoming the most clichéd chant in all of wrestling. Eric and Bobby fight up the ramp where EY tries for a vertical suplex, which is reversed by Roode, sending Eric Young up toward the locker room area. Young makes it to his feet, allowing Roode an opportunity to blindside the eccentric Eric with a vicious lariat. Roode walks back toward the ring and pulls a table out from underneath, setting it up in preparation of finishing Young for the night. EY is back on his feet however, and stops Roode in his tracks before he can deliver the crippling blow. Away to commercial and back again, Eric Young is in control, using the ring as a tag team partner by hitting Bobby Roode with various knee and elbow drops on the lip of the apron. EY hits Roode with a precision-based neck breaker, playing his insanity to the crowd as the referee counts Roode down for the count. Back on his feet by six, and Bobby Roode summons an inordinate amount of energy to take on EY, but is immediately thrown into the steel steps. Bobby Roode is down once again as the referee counts. Eric Young lifted Bobby by the five count and slammed his face into the steel steps. He prepared to piledrive Roode on the steps, but was countered off and onto the floor. Roode collapsed out of exhaustion and the referee started counting both Eric and Bobby. The audience chanted "TNA, TNA, TNA," as both men struggled to regain their vertical based. Eric Young drags a steel chair out from underneath the ring, while Bobby Roode does the same from the ringside area. They collide as steel meets steel, sending them on a reverb run around the ring until both were down. Bobby Roode and Eric Young now slid into the ring, and Roode started to "Hulk Up," pulling on the ropes like the Ultimate Warrior and meeting EY in the center of the ring with Rock-like right hands. I write these reviews as I watch the action unfold in the side screen of my computer and I can honestly say that while I couldn't see the value in Bobby Roode just fifteen minutes ago, I'm starting to dig his appeal by the end of this match. Roode falls victim to Young's lunacy once more, taking a steel chair to the gut and the back before hitting the ground. EY was nearing victory until he shoved the referee, thus interrupting the count on Bobby Roode. Roode stood and hit EY with a piledriver on the steel chair, grounding EY yet again until the count of 9. When he stood, Bobby was ready with a "Roode Bomb," but EY countered with a suplex attempt to the outside. Both men ended up on the lip of the apron, and Eric Young signaled for the piledriver, but was countered by the "Roode Bomb" off the apron and through the table. Eric twitched in pain as Bobby showed no signs of life. The referee counted Eric Young out at 10 just as Bobby Roode made it to his feet at 9. This was a hell of a match.

Drew Galloway hits the arena with a microphone in hand, dressed for combat as he's wearing his ring gear rather than jeans and a t-shirt. "I feel the passion from all of you," he began. "I feel the passion from real fans of professional wrestling." Drew talks about how he use to come to Wembley Arena as a kid and wants to "feel the passion" from the crowd. He heads into the audience and stands on a chair in the first row. "This feels a little better." He says that he use to re-watch the shows at Wembley so that he could spot himself in the crowd and invites nearby fans to gather in for a "group photo." Drew begins with what he refers to as "Story time with Drew Galloway." He talks about how the fans use to have a voice in professional wrestling, but MVP and the Beat Down Clan like to play god, which hinders that voice. Before he can continue his gibberish about "real wrestling fans," MVP appears dressed to fight Drew Galloway. MVP tells Drew that he isn't "playing god—he IS god." MVP starts running down Drew's history as the "Chosen One," and says the biggest defect with Drew's act has been his lack of a brain. "You been chosen alright," MVP yelled over the deafening roar of the audience, "You been chosen by the Beat Down Clan." MVP orders his colleagues to step to the backstage area so that he can "have Drew Galloway all to himself." Away to the commercial and once we return, Senior Official Earl Hebner is the third man in the ring amongst a brawl between Drew Galloway and Montel Vontavious Porter. MVP is the first to get any sort of advantage, hitting Drew with an impressive barrage of landing drop kicks, axe handles, and questionable tactics bordering on the illegal. He choked Drew in the ropes, and slammed his face into the turnbuckle before setting up his trademark big boot. Galloway ducked the boot, and suddenly the Scotsman was on fire and in control of the match. Galloway signaled for the "Future Shock DDT," and prepared to put things away, when the rest of the BDC arrived and engaged in a three-on-one assault. The bell rings and the match will go to Drew Galloway by disqualification, but the end of the match won't stop Kenny King, Low-Ki and MVP from taking turns on attacking Galloway. They tossed him out of the ring and into the steel post where MVP and King held him in place, as �Ki prepared a running kick. Low-Ki set to strike but Samoa Joe stopped him—only to hand him the same steel pipe with which Galloway debuted last month. Low-Ki smashed him over the head as retribution, dropping him to the floor. The BDC held Drew Galloway before the television camera as blood poured from his forehead, and MVP shouted, "Welcome to Impact Drew!"

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After entirely too many vignettes and promos for the upcoming "Hair vs. Hair" match, we're finally back in the arena as Bram is on his way to the ring. Magnus enters down the ramp and invites his former-best buddy to meet him in the entryway. They engage one another and Magnus proceeds to subject Bram to the sights of the ringside area including but not limited to the steel steps and concrete floor. Every time Magnus brings the bout back inside the ring, Bram is able to take advantage. Bram tosses Magnus's skull into the canvas, effectively confusing the former TNA champion in the process. Bram pulls Magnus head-first toward the outside of the ring and continues the assault on his cranium, this time using the edge of the apron to his advantage. Back in the ring, Bram delivers a series of beautiful neck breakers on the already-injured neck of Magus until a powerslam attempt breaks the monotony. Magnus held his shoulder tight, signalling some discomfort, but still pressed on against Bram who leveled his opponent with a modified sit-down powerbomb. Bram remained in control, and upon attempting another neck breaker, was reversed into a short arm clothesline by Magnus. Bram ducked, and Magnus ran into the corner, but returned with a shot putting both participants on their backs. Both Magnus and Bram lie on the canvas, unable to move, when Mickie James runs down to ringside after being told not to interfere. She starts pounding on the canvas with her big fat arms, and gets her husband back to his feet. The brutal Brits traded shots back and forth until Magnus's technical prowess was able to best the brawling aspects of Bram's repertoire. Magus flew from the top rope with a flying elbow; just as things began to come to a close, Bram hit Magnus below the belt, ending this match by DQ. This is the second match of the night—in a row—to end by disqualification, and the third of Bram's bouts in as many weeks. Of course the bells in TNA mean just as much as the points on "Whose Line is It Anyway," so the action will of course commence with Bram tying Magnus to the rope and striking him with an inexplicable cue ball. With Magnus tied to the rope, Bram grabbed Mickie and a microphone, "I will take away everything that you love!" Bram tells Magnus that he'll only let his wife go if he kisses his boot. Magnus contemplates the consequences and agrees, although Mickie tells him not to. They reach for one another and hold hands just before Magnus makes the decision to kiss the boot of Bram. After the deed is done, Bram lets Mickie loose and leaves the ring with Magnus still tied to the rope.

The next match is an inter gender match with Brooke and Robbie E. During a time when the WWE has decided to hold back on all man-on-woman violence, it's peculiar how much it's happening in other promotions such as TNA and Lucha Underground. I really like Robbie E—he has a great personality and character, plus I think he's rather talented between the ropes. I understand why he's paired with Brooke in this program coming off of their time together on the "Amazing Race," but I really can't stand Brooke, especially in a company filled with really hard-working female wrestlers. I don't think there's any place for her. DJ Zema Ion introduces Robbie E as being from New Jersey, which earns the Bromans a ton of heat from the English audience. He also says that Robbie is undefeated against his opponent tonight, both in the ring, as well as "during their heated arguments." Robbie enters the arena with the "eye of the tiger," wearing a hood and shadow-boxing in preparation for his battle against Brooke. She comes out moving way too fast to a poorly choreographed dance routine that ends with a big wave to the audience. Nobody cares about this match, and I'm not just talking about myself, I'm referring the fans in attendance at the Wembley arena. Robbie takes a seat in the corner on a number of occasions, just as any boxer would, taking a drink of water and toweling off courtesy of Jesse Goddard and Angelina Love. When Brooke inevitably gets the upper hand, she uses her time in the spotlight to sit in Robbie's corner and drink his water. Robbie doesn't care for this course of events and hits back with a series of underhanded sneak attacks. Brooke attempts a cross-body on Robbie, but is caught in midair. With the referee distracted by DJ Z, Jesse Goddard entered the match and tried for a drop kick on Brooke, but hit his tag team partner instead. Brooke gets the win and walks out of Wembley th a victory over her ex-boyfriend.

The main event of TNA Impact tonight is the "Hair versus Hair" contest between Rockstar Spud and Ethan Carter III. Spud receives a "Rockstar" reaction from his fellow countrymen and women. TNA heads away to commercial break. Back again and Spud is in "trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble"—EC3 slowly saunters down to ringside to his rogue scoundrel theme song. He takes his time but by the moment he gets to the six-sided ring, Spud is ready to attack before the lights can ever come up. Spud is in complete control of this match, beating Carter within an inch of his life, and even biting the "third generation" Carter square in the center of his face. Spud continued the hardcore onslaught until Carter could muster a slight advantage, only to have Spud return by biting Carter's hand. EC3 and Rockstar Spud trade lefts and rights before Carter comes off with a flattening clothesline. The show goes to commercial again, but upon returning, we are met with a warning in regards to the content we're about to see. Back in the ring with Carter choking Spud on the middle rope with referee Brian Hebner ordering the break. Spud was able to separate himself from Carter with the referee in between, and used this time to build some momentum, which allowed for him to make his comeback. Spud sent Carter flying from the ring apron, and capitalized with a somersault over the top rope onto EC3. Carter climbed back into the ring and proceeded to distract the official; before Spud could reenter the ring, Tyrus appeared at ringside and power bombed Spud on the outside. Carter tried for a pin, but was unable to use Tyrus to his advantage. This kept the former Funkasaurus interested in the action, and he began to pace around in front of the ring. Mr. Anderson—close friend to Rockstar Spud—emerged from the locker room to even the odds against Tyrus and Carter. Rockstar Spud and Ethan Carter III were now one-on-one once again, as blood began to pour from the skull of Spud courtesy of EC3. His face was a "crimson mask"—to borrow a line from Gordon Solie—and when Spud fell over, his face spread a thick layer of blood across the chest of Ethan Carter. Jeremy Borash looked on from ringside, astonished at what was happening to his friend. The crowd started to chant, "you can't wrestle," which I hope was directed toward Jeremy Borash as both Ethan Carter and Spud are highly capable in-ring performers. Borash grew sick of the scene playing out before his eyes and decided to take matters into his own hands—LITERALLY. He stormed the ring behind Brian Hebner's back and delivered a debilitating low-blow to Ethan Carter. Spud sought to capitalize with a stunner of sorts for a 2 and ¾'s count. Rockstar Spud is now bleeding so heavily that Destination America is forced to turn the screen black-and-white whenever Spud is featured—I guess that accounts for the aforementioned "warning," huh? Ethan Carter is sitting in the corner, looking severely panicked, although I'm not sure if it's because he almost lost or because Spud looks like he's going to die. Ethan Carter stumbles out of the corner and hits Spud with a fireman's carry variation, dropping the dainty-yet-deadly Rockstar Spud to the canvas below. Carter proceeded to HAMMER Spud's bloody face into the canvas, leaving a visible trail of human DNA scattered about the ring. But Spud would not quit. He fought back from the ground-up until Carter was down to one knee; he hit him with kicks and clotheslines and punches and cross body's and finally grounded the silver-spoon-sucking Ethan Carter III. Spud pranced around the ring, hitting the ropes ala the Warrior, eager to kick victory's door down. Finally, Ethan was able to lock Spud in a front headlock, leaving Rockstar Spud completely vulnerable to Carter's finishing maneuver, the "One Percenter" headlock driver. Brian Hebner counted one… two… and three so that Ethan Carter III may go undefeated in both TNA wrestling, as well as Luchas de Apuestas—that's hair versus hair stuff.

As blood poured from Spud's face and dripped off of Ethan's head and neck, EC3 refused the congratulatory arm-raise by the referee, instead choosing to stare blankly ahead at the fallen Rockstar Spud. He picked up the microphone before heading to the clippers: "Rockstar Spud—without a shadow of a doubt, you have the most heart and determination I've ever seen in a professional wrestler." The crowd went wild as Spud backed into the opposite corner. "Look—I've done some heinous things to you, I've attacked you're friends. It was misguided, it was severe—I was just trying to make a statement. But there was a time when we were best friends, and I ruined that. I ruined that. Spud—in front of your home people, your mom, and your dad, you proved you belong in Impact Wrestling." Once again the United Kingdom crowd erupted, both for their local hero Rockstar Spud, as well as the otherwise genuine heel that's opted to put him over. "You proved that despite your size, your heart weighs more. You proved, there's a chance one day, you could be a world heavyweight champion. You have the intangibles, you have �IT'—I'm not going to shave your head tonight, I'm not going to embarrass you in front of your people." Spud looked on in questionable relief, as nobody believed Impact would end without somebody getting a little "something off the sides." Carter swore he was serious, "No! He doesn't deserve to have his head shaved. He belongs. He's proved he's one of you! He's proved he's a fighter! He's proved he's a tiger, a gazelle, and DAMN IT, you proved you were a man!" Carter told Spud that he knows that they can't go back to how they were, but will offer his hand nonetheless to end this on good terms. Spud walked forward and they spoke quietly to one another until Spud finally reached out and shook hands with Ethan Carter. They stood side by side with their hands held high in comradery, soaking in the shared adoration of the audience. Ethan continued with the cordial attitude, holding the ropes for Spud so that they could each exit the ring. As Spud stepped down, Carter grabbed him by the hair and dropped him in the center of the ring. "Spud! Spud! It's time to pay! Time to pay!" Carter was in fact just as disingenuous as anyone would have guessed. Josh Matthews was so angry about this, and called Carter an "S.O.B." Ethan Carter beat Spud into the "tree of woe" against the turnbuckle and proceeded to get down in his face, "Where's your mom? Where's your high school girlfriend? Where's your dad?" Ethan Carter III laughed as he shaved Spud's head with no remorse, blending the falling hair with his bloody face, giving Destination America another reason to change the color of the broadcast. "Take notice," Carter continued, "Take notice! This ring, this company, this industry, and this world—it's mine now!

This was an exceptional night for in-ring action on TNA Impact, and was paced similar to a pay-per-view with very little talking mixed in with the matches. I thought this week's episode was a step forward compared to last week, but I'd really like to start judging wrestling shows for how good they are, instead how bad they aren't. If that makes sense. Hopefully this upward momentum can continue next week, instead of tapering off as we've seen in the past. Next week's show will feature the world heavyweight championship match between Bobby Lashley and Kurt Angle. Until then, this has been Mark Adam Haggerty with "Total Nonstop Analysis," inviting you to keep checking out Cheap-Heat and to follow me on Facebook by LIKING "Mark Haggety's Pro Wrestling."

http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-nonstop-analysis-tna-lockdown-21315/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-nonstop-analysis-tna-lockdown-21315/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:53:24 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Blogs Other Blogs Other Reviews Reviews Al Snow Austin Aries Awesome Kong BDC Beat Down Clan Bobby Lashley Bobby Roode Bram Crazy Steve Davey Richards Dixie Carter EC3 Eddie Edwards Eric Young Ethan Carter III Grado Gunner Impact James Storm Jeff Hardy Josh Mathews Ken Anderson Kenny King Kurt Angle Low Ki Madison Rayne Magnus Mark Andrews Matt Hardy Mr. Anderson MVP Rockstar Spud Taz Team Angle The American Wolves The Revolution The Wolves TNA Total Nonstop Action Tyrus wrestling http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9720 Total Nonstop Analysis TNA Lockdown 2/13/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty Welcome to another exciting column chronicling the carnage taking place on a weekly basis inside the six-sided ring. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, with you as always to discuss what went down on this week’s episode of TNA Impact. The events of Lockdown […]

Total Nonstop Analysis
TNA Lockdown 2/13/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

Welcome to another exciting column chronicling the carnage taking place on a weekly basis inside the six-sided ring. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty, with you as always to discuss what went down on this week’s episode of TNA Impact. The events of Lockdown are still fresh in the minds of the fans, as well as the Beat Down Clan who suffered a momentous loss at the hands of Team Angle and the TNA world heavyweight champion Bobby Lashley. Impact has been running the Manhattan Center since its reboot earlier this year but this week the men and women of TNA have sold out the Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. What might we expect out of a highly volatile locker room and what is in store for the current champion as a number one contender is soon to be named? Another awesome two-hours of action courtesy of Impact Wrestling and Destination America, but don’t take my word for it. Let’s break down the good and bad in this week’s edition of “Total Nonstop Analysis.”

The show opens on MVP and the members of the Beat Down Clan exiting a chauffeured minivan outside of the arena. They stand in a circle, wearing identical black and red tracksuits, and MVP explains that they're going to forget about last week because it didn't matter. Samoa Joe chimes in by telling his comrades that "those cats" on Team Angle took out a debt that the BDC is ready to collect. The Hydro is sold out with hundreds—if not THOUSANDS of fans on their feet as Impact is ready to go live—well, as live as Impact ever is. The entrance way is much more elaborate than the past month's set of shows at the Manhattan Center, complete with an enormous video screen belonging to the arena, the size of which would rival the Titantron. Kurt Angle's music is the first to play and the first-ever TNA champion is met with a standing ovation from the Scottish fans. He tells them that the Beat Down Clan wants to control the world title belt, but as far as Kurt is concerned, the best wrestler in the world should be the man to control the TNA championship. The 13-time world heavyweight champion asks Bobby Lashley to join him inside the ring so that they can debrief after last week's battle with the BDC.

Bobby Lashley is happy to enter the six-sided ring across from Kurt, and proceeds to shake hands with the man who helped him defeat Montel Vontavious Porter at Lockdown. Lashley is proud to work alongside an athlete as renowned as Kurt Angle but warned the former champion that he didn't join his team to help him, he did it to protect his title and get his hands on "that dirty piece of trash MVP." Kurt laughs because just the same as Bobby, he too had an ulterior motive behind forming an alliance. "You think I really invited you down here so that I could thank you," Kurt asks arrogantly? "No. It is now time for Kurt Angle to be the TNA champion again.”  As Angle prepared to issue his challenge, the familiar music of the BDC played and the entire group appeared on the stage.  MVP argued that since Lashley was not sanctioned in last week's match, he never actually earned the pinfall, therefore the match didn't count and Team Angle didn't win. He goes on to spout the same rhetoric as weeks past, arguing that the TNA title belongs to the BDC, and asks whom of Angle or Lashley would like to have his ass kicked first. Lashley is of course in no way afraid of MVP and tells the BDC that he'll fight any two of them in a tag team match tonight with Kurt Angle as his partner. Angle accepts, and the BDC retreats to form a strategy going in to tonight's main event.

Back from the break and Bobby Roode is in the backstage area getting ready for his matchup with Austin Aries. "A-Double" turns the corner with his "Feast of Fired" briefcase and the two babyfaces set-to-square-off exchange pleasantries and words of respect. Bobby Roode mentions the history between he and Aries, specifically in the United Kingdom, where more than once they've stood side by side as team mates. "But tonight's not about being on the same side," said Roode, "Good luck." Austin stood back as Roode walked off into the Gorilla position, held his briefcase high and said, "Right back at you."

Ethan Carter III and Tyrus are also on hand to challenge the threesome of Rockstar Spud, Mark Andrews, and announcer Jeremy Borash to a 3-on-2 handicap tag match later in the night. EC3 says that patience is not a virtue which he possesses and wants to shave someone's head TONIGHT. “I get what I want and what I want," he said, "What I want? What I WANT is to shave Rockstar Spud’s head! I want to scalp him! I want to scalp him good.” Carter's plans were thwarted last week when Jeremy Borash unplugged the electric clippers as Carter prepared to "scalp" Mark Andrews, which is why EC3 wants Borash inside the ring tonight on Impact.

Austin Aries and Bobby Roode are set to go one-on-one in what will become the match of the night. Both individuals respect one another and begin their altercation on the best of terms. For most of the first half of the match, the action is akin to a see-saw with a series of string wrestling maneuvers, arm drags and innovative submissions. Both former champions attempt to utilize their signature holds as early on as two minutes into the bout, but are oftentimes thwarted by an opponent who knows the other all too well. Back and forth until the action spills onto the outside, where instead of capitalizing on an obvious advantage, Austin Aries tossed Roode back into the ring where the match would continue. An aerial offensive move gone wrong resulted in Bobby Roode dropkicking an air-bound Aries, evening the odds for the "It Factor." The contest slowed by this point, and each wrestler was afforded a moment of breathing time amidst a chain of rest holds. Roode set Aries up for his patented Roode Bomb but was countered into the corner where Roode again reversed the situation into an attempted suplex. Aries reversed Roode's offense and sent him flying into the center of the ring, capitalizing with a picture-perfect Missile Dropkick. Each competitor could feel the pace of the match quicken, as could the audience in Glasgow and around the world. Bobby Roode made one last ditch effort and locked Austin Aries into a textbook Cross-face submission hold. Within a matter of seconds, Aries tapped and Bobby Roode had his hand raised. After the bell rang Bobby acquired a microphone and told the fans inside the Hydro, "Now that is pro wrestling. And you Austin Aries, are one of the greatest professional wrestlers I've ever had the chance to share this ring with." After Aries left the ringside area, Roode once again addressed the current title situation. He spoke into the camera but was talking directly to Bobby Lashley: "You know that Roode/Lashley III never happened and I deserve a rematch." That's when Eric Young appeared out of the audience and attacked Bobby Roode, drilling him hard into the canvas with a spike piledriver, and spitting on his fallen body. Security and referees helped the "It Factor" back to the locker room, but not before EY could once again interrupt, delivering another piledriver, this time on the concrete floor.

Back from the commercial and who do we see in the ring but Al Snow! While Americans might get a kick out of this living legend appearing on our TV screens, the fans on the "other side of the pond," know Al Snow as the relentless trainer on "British Bootcamp" who belittles their national wrestling heroes on a weekly basis. He reminds me of Terry Funk back in the mid-to-late 90s when he was past his prime but certainly still capable of providing one hell of a show. He talks about working in the ring, and about how proud he is to be a trainer. "You can't do what I do," he tells the fans. "You know how I know that? Because you're sitting out there and I'm standing in here." He explains his recent run in with Scotland's own independent sensation Grado, telling us that he doesn't think the young man has what it takes to be a professional wrestler and insists that he gives it up. Al Snow tells Grado and the audience in Glasgow that he'll be happy to let him off the hook if he just quits the business, otherwise Snow is set to teach him a lesson next week on Impact. Grado comes out and I'm not sure if it's a cultural barrier I'm stuck behind, but I can't see the upside to this pudgy, blonde butterball. He's got the dumbest tattoos and wears a run-of-the-mill singlet that might as well say "Generic" across the back. Al Snow continued to berate the young independent wrestler until he had enough. “Shut your mouth," he said with an accent I could barely understand but loved nonetheless. "I don’t think you understand just where you are! You’re right here in Glasgow! And we don’t take any crap!” Snow forcefully took the mic away and said he doesn’t care what they take . “Your family’s here aren’t they?" Snow hopped through the ropes and strolled over to a fiery middle aged bird wearing a black t-shirt that said, "Am Grados Maw!" Snow gets in her face and tells her that she should be embarrassed for having a son such as Grado—and that she needs to tell him to walk away. Not another word out of his mouth and "Maw Grado" slapped Snow several times, leading him to get defensive which sent Grado spiraling into a protective rage in honor of his mother. Al Snow escaped Grado's wrath, and stumbled up to the stage screaming, “You want me? You got me! You beat me and I’ll shake your hand!” Regardless of what I might think of Grado and his mom appearance-wise , the UK fans are some of the brightest on the planet and if they believe in this guy, I'm ready to give him a chance.

Two weeks ago Bram and Magnus met in a New York City pub where they discussed the results of "Feast or Fired." Before they had their brawl in the bowels of the building, Magnus joked, "You're my partner, who else am I going to pick? Crazy Steve?" Well—this week it's Bram versus Crazy Steve! Before the match can get underway, we get a ton of exposition courtesy of Taz and Josh Matthews, inside their "safe-room" far away in TNA's world headquarters. I wouldn't usually reference this, except to say they need to be at ringside, or at least pretend they're at ringside. But this week I brought it up because as the cameras switched over to their studio, Taz was standing behind his chair instead of sitting next to Josh. It was just very strange; I'd like the cameras to switch over once and have them eating Chinese food. Or playing cards. The match between Bram and Crazy Steve is in no way meant to help elevate the "Modern-Day Doink." Instead, Bram uses this exhibition as a platform to challenge his former best friend Magnus to a fight. He starts to squash Steve early on but descends the steel steps to acquire a microphone. He beckons his fellow Brit to show his face, all the while continuing to kick Crazy Steve down into the mat. He did this for a few moments until putting the clown away with an Impaler DDT. He left the ring by once again challenging Magnus, saying, "Find me, Magnus!" What's sad is that this was most likely recorded before Bray Wyatt asked the Undertaker to find him , but the current TV schedule once again keeps TNA from getting the upper hand on progressive storytelling.

Mark Andrews and Rockstar Spud are both backstage talking Jeremy Borash into the handicap tag match with EC3 and Tyrus. "I'm not so sure I want to get beat up again," Borash says, to which Spud insists he has some sort of back up. "Back up?" "Yes back up. It's a British thing, Mark gets it."

In another corner of the locker room Kurt Angle is sitting by himself getting ready for his main match against the BDC. Gunner, who was a member of Team Angle at Lockdown, sits down with the Gold Medalist and thanks him for what he did last week. He appreciates Kurt for waking him up and believing in him even though he wasn’t at 100%. "We both want the same thing," said Gunner, "We both want the world title. But Kurt, do you think teaming with Lashley is really such a good idea?" Kurt thanked Gunner for his support, but said, “Lashley and I? We’re gonna fight one day. It’s gonna be sooner than later and I want him at his best. Because I’m going to beat him for that world title.”

It's time for the handicap tag match and Ethan Carter is on his way to the ring, flanked by his personal security guard Tyrus. Carter disrobes to reveal a protective sleeve on his left arm. Josh Matthews tells the audience at home that Carter explicitly instructed him not to acknowledge the sleeve during commentary. The match is incredibly one-sided and follows the same basic pattern from bell-to-bell. Tyrus demolished both Mandrews and Spud, allowing EC3 the opportunity to tag in and take advantage. Once the action got heavy, Carter would tag out and wait for Tyrus to get things under control once more. When Jeremy Borash tagged in however, Carter wasted no time in entering the match against the everyday ring announcer. Back and forth, Carter and Tyrus traded places in the match against an exhausted trio of undersized competitors. But just as hope seemed all but lost, the most unlikely candidate volunteered to take to the skies—Jeremy Borash flew from the top rope to the outside, achieving incredibly hang time as he crash landed down onto Tyrus. It was at this moment though that Carter was able capitalize on the understandable distraction, turning it into a "One Percenter" inverted DDT on Spud. Learning from his mistakes, Ethan Carter and Tyrus are now in possession of wireless clippers, ready to shave the lovely locks of Rockstar Spud. Carter trapped Spud in a camel clutch and slowly edged the vibrating blade closer to Spud's hair—when the lights went out! They returned and Ken Anderson stood between Carter and Tyrus, jokingly pretending to be on their team and then blindsiding them with a combination of low-blows and eye-gauges.

Gunner is speaking with a camera man about how close he was to winning the TNA world title this time last year, but predicts victory going into next week's 20-man gauntlet to decide the number one contender. He says he's not worried about the BDC, but if they get in his way he'll deal with them. Kenny King walks into camera-view with a smirk. "The BDC—everyone is saying our names," exclaimed Kenny. "You know we're like Candy Man, right? You keep saying our name and we're going to show up." With that, Gunner was under attack, the victim of a double team assault thanks to Kenny King and the X Division Champion Low-Ki. They stomped him into the cold, hard floor and walked away gloating: "Come on Gunner! No bullets soldier! No bullets!"

I really hate Madison Rayne's music, but being that I've spent more than enough time on that in previous articles, I'll instead move along to discuss why she's making her way to the ring. Madison says that she's only there to make one thing abundantly clear: "I am one title win away from being the most decorated TNA Knockout—EVER." As she spoke, a glitch in the audio equipment sent a dose of unwanted reverb across the Hydro Arena. "Okay that was kind of rude," Madison said, continuing to boast her personal value until once again being interrupted by a "musical mishap." She yelled at referee Earl Hebner, and insisted that the audio engineer do something. Once again the building was rocked with an unknown sound, this time evolving into the full score of Awesome Kong's theme music. The former TNA Knockout champion strutted with swag as she stared daggers through Madison Rayne, standing in the ring almost shaking with fear. Outside of the cage match between Havok and Kong at Lockdown, this might be the first singles match the Knockouts have had since TNA rebooted in January. I anticipated this match being far less one-sided than it was and hoped to see more rule-breaking out of Rayne. But within two minutes the bout had concluded as Kong conquered Madison Rayne with her dreaded finishing maneuver, the Implant Buster.

Backstage Austin Aries is relaxing until Kurt Angle informs him that he’s in his seat. Although Aries says he doesn’t see his name on it, he decides to get up instead of engaging in a fight over a chair. Kurt attempted to provoke Aries after his loss earlier in the evening: “I heard you tapped out to Bobby Roode.”  But A-Double wasn't going to let the words of a 46-year old man get the better of him, as he quickly responded, “Yeah I tapped out to Bobby Roode, it’s called live to fight another day.” He stood up from his new seat, "And I can't do that with one arm."

The fans are again out of control for one-half of one of the most decorated teams in wrestling history; Matt Hardy is on hand to give the world an update as to the condition of his brother, Jeff. “Man it is great to be back in Scotland. I missed you guys!" Matt was clearly excited to see so many screaming fans but his demeanor soon shifted to one of sadness. "But I really wish my brother Jeff could be here to share this extraordinary evening with me.” For fans that aren't aware, Jeff's long history of substance abuse and trouble with the law has hindered his ability to travel abroad, therefore he is unable to appear before some of the most-lively wrestling crowds in the world. Matt tells the audience that no matter what Jeff has been through before, he's always managed to give a "thumbs-up" to let Matt know that he's okay. "But last week I didn't get a thumbs up. That's the first time I ever saw a broken Jeff Hardy," Matt continued, "Congratulations James Storm! You were able to do what no other wrestler on this Earth has been able to do!” As emotion ran wild inside of Matt Hardy, the familiar whistle of the "Cowboy's" music echoed across the arena, and the Revolution arrived in the Hydro. James Storm led his stable to ringside, wearing a really stylish vest featuring a woman salivating on the back. Storm then gave what was undoubtedly the promo of the evening, agreeing with Matt that he did the impossible: "I did what Edge and Christian couldn't do! I did what Team 3D couldn't do! I did what Bobby Lashley couldn't do," Storm named a handful of industry icons, "Hell, even the UNDERTAKER couldn't do what I did. I cut down Jeff Hardy!" James Storm leaned in to Matt Hardy, and gave him the option of ending this peacefully. But the "Cowboy" warned the Carolina-native that if he should engage the Revolution, they wouldn't hesitate to put him in a bed next to his brother in the hospital. It didn't take long before "Version 1.0" chose the "road less-traveled," sarcastically telling Storm that his brother has a nice hospital bed, before letting off a series of rights and lefts. Hardy's offense would be short lived however as the entire Revolution teamed up to save their leader, with Manik subduing Hardy on the canvas with a Fujiwara Arm Bar. The punishment wasn't through, but before the Revolution could take it to the next level, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards arrived to save the day. The American Wolves—or �Wolves as they're known in TNA, showed up just in time to chase the heelish tag team champions and the rest of the Revolution away.

Just before the main event, a producer asked Austin Aries if he had a time table established for when he wanted to cash-in on his contract. Aries had no intention of sharing such private information, and instead told him it’s going to be "somewhere in between half past a monkey’s ass and a quarter to his little monkey balls." The smile soon faded and Austin Aries was done playing games relating to the TNA world title: “The only timeframe I’m concerned with is my timeframe.” Once again Kenny King appeared to distract Aries as Low Ki advanced from behind. Unlike Gunner however, Austin had no trouble in fighting the duo until the numbers increased and all four members of the Beat Down Clan kicked Aries and his briefcase out of the building.

The main event pitting Kurt Angle and Bobby Lashley against the Beat Down Clan begins as the Olympian Kurt Angle makes his way to ringside, joined by the "Destroyer" and TNA world heavyweight champion Bobby Lashley. The �Clan comes out as a group per usual, but it becomes clear that MVP and Samoa Joe will be doing the heavy lifting during tonight's contest. Both Low-Ki and Kenny King stand at ringside, once again shifting the advantage toward the BDC. MVP and Samoa Joe maintain control throughout the majority of the first part of the match as announcers speculate that Austin Aries will not be making an appearance because the Beat Down Clan "threw him out the door of the arena." I find that sort of strange as it was clearly snowing in Scotland and he's a world-famous athlete who's schedule to be in the building. I'm pretty certain if he had to get back inside he could find a way. But that's breaking Kayfabe, and that's not what I'm here to do. The BDC used the strength in their numbers to run roughshod over the champion and Kurt Angle for a long period of time, every now and then met with resistance, but not having any real trouble in managing match. Angle and Lashley rope-a-doped their opponents into a dizzying haze until the bout began to go back-and-forth with both teams earning considerable offense until all four men were inside the ring. The champion, obviously no stranger to success, saw victory in his sights and prepared to Spear Samoa Joe. He positioned himself, but stopped midway as Kurt Angle dragged Joe to the mat with the Ankle Lock submission. The divide between the two created a rift so catastrophic that MVP was able to take advantage, earning the pinfall on Lashley with a roll-up and a handful of tights. Now having suffered a loss, the two stood toe-to-toe inside the six-sided ring. Just as Kurt Angle and Bobby Lashley were about to come to blows, the screen went black and we were privy to a preview for next week.

I think Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and Impact on Friday nights is really coming into its own as a viable professional wrestling product. It still suffers from much of the same stigma established through years of questionable booking, but the men and women featured on Destination America could finally be finding their "sweet spot" in terms of industry appeal. Next week's show will also emanate from Glasgow, headlined by the 20-Man Number One Contender's Gauntlet. On a scale from one to ten—one being December to Dismember and ten being Wrestle Kingdom 9—I'd give this episode of TNA Impact a 6 for above average performances, but not nearly as much wrestling as I'd like to see on a show called "IMPACT WRESTLING." Until next time my name is Mark Adam Haggerty and this has been "Total Nonstop Analysis."

http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-nonstop-analysis-tna-lockdown-2615/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-nonstop-analysis-tna-lockdown-2615/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2015 03:35:24 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Blogs Other Blogs Other Reviews Reviews Abyss Angelina Love Austin Aries Awesome Kong BDC Bobby Lashley Bobby Roode Eric Young EY Gunner Havok James Storm Jeff Hardy Jessicka Havok Kenny King Kharma Kurt Angle Lethal Lockdown Lockdown Low Ki Mark Andrews Matt Hardy MVP NWA Rick Rude Rockstar Spud Samoa Joe The Beat Down Clan The Hardy Boyz TNA Tyrus Velvet Sky WCW WWE http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9580 Total Nonstop Analysis TNA Lockdown 2/6/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty When Total Nonstop Action Wrestling began airing their pay-per-view events free-of-charge on cable television, many industry insiders predicted the beginning of the end for the barely thirteen-year-old company. And while TNA has undoubtedly had its struggles since the beginning of 2014, the personalities on […]

Total Nonstop Analysis
TNA Lockdown 2/6/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

When Total Nonstop Action Wrestling began airing their pay-per-view events free-of-charge on cable television, many industry insiders predicted the beginning of the end for the barely thirteen-year-old company. And while TNA has undoubtedly had its struggles since the beginning of 2014, the personalities on Impact are well along the road to recovery and dare I say there is light at the end of the tunnel? These "free-per-views" have been highly enjoyable, but none so much as this evening's Lockdown, filmed just a few weeks ago at the Manhattan Center in New York City. Lockdown is generally the best-selling PPV of the year, and this year's broadcast on Destination America gave a wider audience than ever a chance to see why. From the opening tag team battle to the main event, TNA appears to be working within their wheelhouse again. Let's kick things off with the TNA Tag Team Championship.

TNA Tag Team Championship
Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm & Abyss (c)
I've been highly critical of both Matt and Jeff Hardy in recent years; Jeff has embarrassed himself on several occasions inside the ring and Matt has always been the other Hardy, for lack of a better word. But this match and their series of in-ring encounters as of late have been nothing short of the Hardy Boyz I knew during the Attitude Era. This match saw the brothers from Cameron, North Carolina challenging Abyss and the leader of the Revolution, James Storm for the TNA world tag team titles. The match is off and running and the Hardy brothers make quick work in proving why it is they defined an era in high risk competition. Before long, fellow Revolution member Manik enters the fray in an effort to aid his fledgling leader James Storm, who's having more than his share of trouble in fending off the tenacious Hardy Boyz. The Hardy's outsmart the Revolution by handcuffing Manik to the cage before he can become too much of a burden and continue to run rough shod over James Storm and Abyss. Jeff pulls off an impressive Whisper in the Wind, followed by a Twist of Fate by Matt on both the Cowboy and the Monster. The Hardys go for a double cover, to which the referee responds with a two-handed double-count, but both members of the Revolution kick out just in time. The action intensifies, and it's around this time that I begin to notice the gaping holes around the cage. I imagine they're for camera operators to get a clear shot of the ring, but then Khoya of the Revolution pulled Matt Hardy through it and to the outside. I guess that's why those holes are there. Matt was on the outside but didn't win as the rules specifically stated the winner must go through the door or over the top. Jeff was now alone inside the ring and climbed to the top of the cage; by the time Jeff reached the top, the Great Sanada was on hand to blind Hardy with a powerful blue mist. Hardy fell back into the cage and back into the lion's den where Storm was waiting with the Last Call Superkick. 1-2-3 and the Revolution retains the TNA tag team titles.

The Revolution got to work assembling a table on the outside of the ring, which stood only a moment before Matt Hardy was power bombed through the wood at the hands of the monstrous Khoya. Another table was draw from under the ring, but by now Jeff was on his feet inside the ring fighting back against the relentless Revolution. The Charismatic Enigma climbed to the top of the cage but was knocked off and crotched on top of the steel door. The Cowboy James Storm ascended the Cage himself and struck Jeff right in the skull with the cowbell he carried into the contest, knocking Jeff off the door, sending him several feet to the ground—landing hard on the steel steps below. The paramedics retrieved Jeff's �broken' body as the fans inside the Manhattan Center cheered him on, chanting: "TNA! TNA! TNA!"

For some strange reason the Beat Down Clan—or rather, TNA management decided that now was a good time for an in-ring promo by MVP and his goons. The segment worked for the better however, as the BDC used their presence in the ring as bait to lure Team Angle out from hiding. Once they had Angle's team mates within their sights, the BDC set to work dismantling their opponents, paying special attention to Gunner. When the dust had cleared, questions arose as to whether Gunner would be cleared to compete in Lethal Lockdown. With hope all but lost, Kurt Angle went to go find Bobby Lashley.

Havok vs. Awesome Kong
For fans of ladies wrestling this match was a dream contest in TNA, and was contested inside the six sides of steel! That's unprecedented! The match began with quite a bit of brawling on the outside—in fact several minutes went by before either behemoth even entered the cage. Kong controlled Havok for the first few moments, walking with swag between strikes and slams. Havok is no pushover, as Taz made mention this contest was talked about before Kong even returned to TNA when Havok first made her presence felt back on Spike TV. Finally the two enter the ring and continue their brawl where both individuals display their respective strengths. Amidst a "Better than Diva's" chant, Josh Matthews broke the fourth wall of wrestling and made mention that Awesome Kong was once a WWE Superstar known as Karma. This goes along with TNA's newfound sense of where they exist in the wrestling food-chain, no longer seeking to compete and rather speaking positively about the entertainment superpower. Kong and Havok exchange chops inside the ring, and each "goozle" one another, hoping for a choke slam to end the bout. But it is the returning Kong that gets the better of Jessicka Havok with a powerful choke slam followed by a powerbomb off the top rope. To add insult to injury, the �Amazing' Amazon finished off the defeated Havok with a big splash from the top, earning the pin fall and reigning supreme in the "Land of the Knockouts."

We see a video recording from two weeks ago featuring Velvet Sky after just receiving her pink slip courtesy of "Feast or Fired." She hugs Angelina Love and explains the situation, apologizing for ruining the Beautiful People, and telling her how awful she feels. Love offers sympathy to her best friend, but smiles when her back is turned as that is one fewer female to stir things up in the Knockout locker room. This was a well-conceived segment, but if it was recorded two weeks ago, why save it for Lockdown—a show that needs to be less about the sizzle, and more about the STEAK ! An ill-timed three minutes in my opinion.

Kurt Angle is looking for the TNA world heavyweight champion Bobby Lashley. Kurt is now desperate as he is still without a fourth member of Team Angle in what is now the eleventh hour. A camera man tells Bobby that Kurt's looking for him; Lashley smiles and says, "I'm not that hard to find."

Eric Young vs. Bobby Roode
The most personal encounter on the card pits "Showtime" Eric Young against the man he cost the TNA world heavyweight title, Bobby Roode. Roode basically demolishes EY for the better part of the match with Eric coming back for a few heel spots before finally succumbing to the punishment. Of the half-dozen matches at Lockdown, this made the best use of the cage itself as Bobby Roode was in no way shy about tossing Young into it without remorse. Finally EY gets the upper hand and uses the cage to his advantage, trapping Roode between the ropes and the steel, and delivering a heinous cross body momentarily crippling the "It Factor" in the process. With the odds turning to either side at the drop of a hat, the leader of the BDC entered the equation and once again used the large holes in the cage—this time to hand EY a steel chair. EY controlled the pace of the match until Roode powered out and called an audible by sling-shotting Young head-first into the cage. As he struggled to his feet, the audience could see the blood flowing from EY's skull. Bobby Roode attempted to end it with a Roode Bomb off the top but to no avail; EY pushed Roode off the top rope and capitalized with a flying elbow drop. By this point Eric Young's face was covered in blood, and referee Earl Hebner wasn't reaching for a latex glove but continuing to call the action. Eric dropped the steel chair on Roode's broken body and climbed the ropes to finish him once and for all. Regardless of whether it was a clever game of possum or the wherewithal to succeed, Bobby Roode rose to his feet and tossed the chair at Young, dazing him for a moment. Once again he used the chair to his advantage, striking his fellow former Team Canada member. Finally, Bobby Roode lifted Eric Young into the air and dropped him on his neck performing a picture-perfect Roode Bomb, earning Bobby Roode a hard-fought victory.

Backstage Bobby Lashley and Kurt Angle have come face to face, but Bobby wants no part of what Kurt has to pitch. "You need us and we need you," Kurt yelled in the champions face, getting physical in the process. "Wake your ass up! Come on Bobby!"

Mark Andrews & Rockstar Spud vs. Tyrus
Mark Andrews AKA "Mandrews" and Rockstar Spud are set to take on Ethan Carter's personal bodyguard Tyrus in a 2-on-1 handicap match, which seems easy enough—except for the imposing nature of Tyrus. The former bodyguard of Snoop Dogg is escorted to the ring by Ethan Carter, debonair as always as he carries the same set of electric clippers that claimed the cowlick of Jeremy Borash just one month ago. Tyrus has the upper hand, dominating the much smaller athletes with a series of clothes lines and body slams, as well as big splashes both on the mat and in the corner turnbuckle. Josh Matthews keeps calling the duo of Spud and Mandrews "Spandrews," which Taz takes issue with by the second time he says it. Spud's ingenuity would save him time and again during the match, but never more so than when he would fight out of a powerbomb and use the opportunity to scale the cage. Now at the top of the six sides of steel, the young cruiserweight from the United Kingdom stared around the arena at the TNA fans in New York City. I couldn't help but recall JR's famous line as Jeff Hardy climbed the ladder in his match with the Undertaker: "Go ahead kid! Make yourself famous!" Spud saw his chance to make history and descended the steel in a fiery blaze, somersaulting into a leg drop over Tyrus' back. The crowd went wild, but before Spud could capitalize, EC3 pulled Mandrews from the match and held him ransom at ringside. Spud went after EC3 in an attempt to save his friend, but his compassion would cost him when Tyrus came out of nowhere with the Asiatic Spike for the win. When the bell sounded, Borash climbed into the ring and let everyone know that it was "scalping time!" He plugged the electric sheers into the broadcast desk and proceeded to go after Spud and Mandrews. However before EC3 could have his fun, Jeremy Borash unplugged the clippers—foiling Ethan Carter's master plan!

Bobby Roode is on hand to give a post-match interview regarding his encounter with Eric Young earlier in the evening. Roode says that it's time to move past his predicament with EY, and it's time to focus on once again becoming the TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

Lethal Lockdown
Team Angle vs. The Beat Down Clan
Lethal Lockdown is an interesting concept not unlike War Games in the NWA/WCW. Two men enter and a coin toss determines the order in which each team sends additional support, thus giving the early advantage to one team. Nobody may win until all eight participants have entered the match, and that is when Lethal Lockdown begins. The first entry is Kenny King, which means the Beat Down Clan will get the early advantage of 2-on-1, 3-on-2, and so forth. His opponent is a wildcard entry in Gunner, who suffered an injury to his arm earlier on the show at the hands of the BDC. I predicted we'd see Gunner lead Team Angle as it makes sense to stack the deck against the babyfaces, and what better way to do that than to feature a handicapped performed in a handicapped situation? Gunner quickly attempts to even the odds and make up for his disadvantage by making early use of the weapons hanging around the cage. By two minutes however, he is at a severe detriment when Low Ki enters at number two for the BDC. Low Ki and King team up on Gunner who has trouble fending off his formidable opponents. I noticed that Kenny King has tights with the New York Skyline and a crown over the Empire State Building. I hope his moniker the "King of New York" is a Manhattan Center-only gimmick. That leads me to wonder if he'll have different tights for other cities that he works? Does he have a pair for his hometown Las Vegas, or how about the return to the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida? Kenny King could be a modern day "Ravishing" Rick Rude if he keeps his tights game on point. Back to the action: evening the odds for Team Angle is Austin Aries who makes it a tag team situation, followed by the third member of the BDC, Samoa Joe. Joe is the only member of the Beat Down Clan that comes out to his own music. Each new entrant in the match makes a statement by attacking the opposition and quickly retreating into the background so as to allow the next performer the chance to shine. Kurt Angle is the third and possibly last member of his team, and MVP is the fourth and final member of the BDC.

Lethal Lockdown had officially begun as all of the announced participants are now locked inside the six sides of steel. The battle wages back and forth with both teams having equal opportunity at walking away victorious. But the numbers game soon catches up to Team Angle, and the BDC is able to mount a sizeable offense. Each member of Team Angle lay crippled at the hands of the BDC while MVP walked across the canvas with a smile on his face—until the wailing siren of the Destroyer's anthem began to blare. The music hit and the fans inside the Manhattan Center knew that the TNA world heavyweight champion was in the building. But to quote Bobby the "Brain" Heenan at Bash at the Beach 1996: "Yeah, but whose side is he on?" The Destroyer walked to the ring and entered the cage as if a regularly scheduled entrant. He smiled at the BDC, and at his former friend Montel Vontavious Porter. The champion held his hand out to MVP, and they shook. But Bobby didn't let go. He tightened his grip on MVP's hand and the match itself. Soon Team Angle was back in control. Austin Aries, Kurt Angle, and Gunner held Kenny King, Samoa Joe, and Low Ki down in their respective submissions as Lashley turned MVP upside-down and inside-out with his championship Spear. The Destroyer came and concurred on behalf of Team Angle.

Don't take my word for it as my command of the English language is no match for the TNA wrestlers and Knockouts and their ability to shine inside the six sides of steel. I was particularly fond of the grudge match between Bobby Roode and his one-time best friend Eric Young, but if I had to pick a match of the night it'd be tough to choose anything other than Lethal Lockdown. An incredible night with twists and turns; a preview of what's to come in the new TNA maybe? Apparently there was something between Brooke and her former beau Robbie E, but I didn't get that on my DVR—even after rewinding and watching again. So maybe it was cut for time in some markets, if not all of them. Next week TNA promises to answer several questions plaguing the TNA fan community, including: "Where does Lashley stand?" Until next time ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mark Adam Haggerty and this has been "Total Nonstop Analysis."

http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-non-stop-analysis-tna-impact-11615/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-non-stop-analysis-tna-impact-11615/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2015 17:24:32 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews Austin Aries BDC Bobby Lashley Bobby Roode DJ Z EC3 Eric Young Ethan Carter III EY Havok Hoya Impact James Storm Jeff Hardy John Gaburick Josh Mathews Kenny King Kurt Angle Low Ki Mike Tenay MVP nWo Ring Ka King Robbie E. Samoa Joe Taz Tazz The Beat Down Clan The Beautiful People The Clan TNA Tyrus wrestling http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9028 Total Non-Stop Analysis TNA Impact 1/16/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty The cat is out of the bag and if you aren't yet aware that TNA Impact is on Destination America, then your cat is DEAD! Suffocated by sheer lack of knowledge and not knowing that Dixie Carter and her merry band of B-level bandits […]

Total Non-Stop Analysis
TNA Impact 1/16/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

The cat is out of the bag and if you aren't yet aware that TNA Impact is on Destination America, then your cat is DEAD! Suffocated by sheer lack of knowledge and not knowing that Dixie Carter and her merry band of B-level bandits have moved to Friday Nights on Destination America. After last week's abysmal performance in the ratings, one might assume the second show in the reboot might fare better now that fans are hip to when it's on. Oh but that's just the thing, they don't know when to watch it because last weeks "preview" edition was on Wednesday and this week's "official debut" is on Friday night. All jokes aside I have to give credit to the Discovery Channel and its enormous network of channels for proving good on their word and promoting their new product just as well as they do Shark Week. I got to this week's episode of Impact about twelve hours after the internet, and by the time I did I heard everything from good to bad to absolutely atrocious! When I sat down to watch it I thought it was a bit heavy on the promos, and there were a few key moments I couldn't get passed but it wasn't terrible. It was far better than what was being produced for Spike TV this time last year, so in that regard it was another step in the right direction for a company with plenty of competition nipping of their heels.

The festivities kicked off with a vignette highlighting the events of last week accompanied by more Trademarc music, and then we're introduced to Josh Matthews and Tazz in—well they aren't in New York City. They're in the TNA World Headquarters in Nashville; Tazz is wearing an inordinately large winter coat, and Josh is displaying a fist full of rings, and a sleeve of tattoos. Much different than the button-up play-by-play announcer we knew in WWE. They throw the action immediately the ring where MVP enters the Manhattan Center alongside his yet-to-be-named posse of Kenny King, Samoa Joe and Low-Ki. The fans go wild with disgust for MVP and his allies, most notably Samoa Joe and Low-Ki. "Jah can't keep a good man down," MVP erupts onto the microphone with another explosive promo beginning with a �Rastafarian-themed' singsong introduction. Kenny King is on hand wearing a long red scarf looking more like a beatnik than the "King of Las Vegas" or whatever he claims to be. MVP wastes little time in naming his group of wayward wanderers, all oppressed talent without any hope of survival except to ban together. He calls them, "The Beat Down—Clan." Or the CLAN for short. Aside from the obvious Wu Tang references implied throughout the night, when was a clan ever a popular club to be a part of? Clan is right up there with "Adolf" as far as cringe-worthy words. And I know my discomfort is more with the word "Klan," but every woman who hates the "C-word" would have just as much trouble with the "k-word," so I stand by my critique: Beat Down Clan is a dreadful name that needs to go yesterday.

MVP introduces a man who is apparently not a member of the �Clan, but an associate and the man who cost Bobby Roode the title last week on Impact—"Showtime" Eric Young. Young is met with "you sold out" chants from the hostile crowd, to which EY responds, "Just to be super clear, your opinion doesn't matter." Eric Young is a far better heel than a face, whether he's the weasely underdog we saw with Team Canada or the dominant aggressor we'll see later tonight. EY is much more believable in the villainous role, and paired with MVP and the BDC makes for a partnership similar to Owen Hart and the Nation of Domination during the Attitude Era. MVP requests the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Lashley's presence but more Trademarc music plays and we get the TNA Director of Broken Friggin Necks, Kurt Angle. Angle tells the Beat Down Clan that everybody wants to see Kurt and Joe, and that Joe wants Kurt. Angle challenges Samoa Joe to a match—tonight! Incredible, right? Well, hang on. We head into a commercial break and when we return, Kurt Angle is in a painfully outdated red, white, and blue leotard, locked up with Samoa Joe. Kurt Angle is returning to regular competition against his long-time nemesis and they started the match during the commercial? They started the match during the commercial on a taped show, and then proceeded to show clips from during the break. I'm not sure if Joe was just playing nice to protect Kurt during his recovery, but the entire match was slow and lacked any kind of climax. And then, during the match, cameras went backstage to a producer banging on Bobby Lashley's door. Is the NWO back there? Kurt hooked in the ankle lock for what seemed like an eternity and all I could think was, "there's that guy who goes to IHOP with his daughter and posts about it every Sunday." Social media has ruined Kayfabe, but that's another argument for another day. When the match ended, it was Samoa Joe whose hand was raised after making Kurt tap to a rear naked choke. The Beat Down Clan put the boots to the Director of Instagram once more, before Bobby Roode tore into the ring like a bolt of lightning across the sky, brandishing a steel chair and saving Angle.

Back from break once more and Bobby Roode is pacing around the ring until he finally delivers another excellent promo beginning with expressing his enormous level of frustration based on what happened last week. He singles out Eric Young, his former best friend and Team Canada member, "Every word that spewed out of your [Young] mouth was a bunch of BULLSHIT!" He went on to tell the New York City faithful that tonight is not about professional wrestling, a sport that both he and Eric love. No, tonight is about payback and tonight is the night that Bobby Roode will seek his revenge on the treacherous Eric Young. Back in the Nashville studios, Josh and Tazz are on hand once again to plug Saturday's debut edition of "Impact: Unlocked." Similar to last week, we get an inside look at what we might expect from this new series starring "The Professor" Mike Tenay, as this week he speaks to Magnus about his status as an "independent contractor." The backstage shenanigans continue with Rockstar Spud apologizing to Jeremy Borash for the impromptu haircut he received at the hands of Ethan Carter III last week on Impact. Rather than backing down, JB instead told Spud that his hair would grow back and EC3 was going to get what was coming to him. Back in the Manhattan Center, James Storm arrived with the Revolution and stood in the balcony under a spotlight through the entire match. The match was simplistic and predictable for a long while until about three before it came to an end. Maybe I've been watching too many junior heavyweight tag matches, but I don't get excited watching Jeff Hardy huff-and-puff as he tries to run along the top ropes. It also appeared everyone was in action for the entire match. Where was the tagging in this tag team contest? In the end the Wolves do the job to the Hardy's as anyone might expect in front of the mainstream New York City audience. Lurking backstage, Ethan Carter and Tyrus interrupt John Gaburick who's busy working in the Gorilla Position. They convince him to take a break so that they can gain control of the Impact camera operators. EC3 sets his sights on ring announcer Jeremy Borash who's now without a hat on his bald head and sitting ringside. Ethan Carter challenges JB to a match next week, and gives him a half hour to decide. Instead of talking about it later, fast forward thirty minutes and Jeremy reluctantly accepts.

It's time for the no holds barred throw-down between former champion Bobby Roode and "Showtime" Eric Young. This match was a one-sided surprise with Eric Young achieving much of the offense throughout the fight, earning a concise 1-2-3 victory in the end. What struck me was the ferocity in "Showtime" as he systematically dismantled his former best friend from start to finish. After Bobby Roode's insignificant title run, this virtual squash match to a cruiserweight-sized competitor makes me think the plan was to push EY all along. After dragging the fallen champion around the ring and introducing his skull to some of its finer points, Eric Young delivered an expert piledriver to Bobby Roode atop a steel chair for the win. MVP once again made his presence known, this time to say, "Maybe someone will take you to the hospital, but maybe not. Because you damn sure didn't visit EY when he was in the hospital." Next is Brooke, a TNA Knockout for whom I formed no opinion until she said the words, "only a classless Jersey douchebag," regarding the Kayfabe comments made by Robbie E. I was raised in the beautiful Blueberry State and I take offense to some glorified stripper running her mouth. I didn't pay any attention to the match because I was busy tweeting. The Beautiful People picked up the win and the auditorium went black, signifying the arrival of Awesome Kong. After Kong dismantle the Beautiful People and DJ Z, the music hit and Havok arrived. The stare down was imminent lasting but seconds until the animosity gave way to violence and security was forced to step in. Backstage James Storm introduces audiences to "Hoya." Storm says "Hoya" means "Lost" in Hindi. I'm not saying Google is smarter than James Storm, but the translator told me "Kho gaya" is "Lost." I hope this Hoya character improved since his days with Ring Ka King in India, because he was pretty gosh darn terrible. The match of the night was without question the X-Division championship match between defending champion Austin Aries and Beat Down Clan member Low-Ki. An awesome match with minimal interference from BDC members stationed around the ring, but interference nonetheless throughout the contest. The most prominent instance of �Clan involvement was when Kenny King served to trip an offensive Aries while climbing the ropes. This misstep caused Austin to fall onto Low Ki's shoulders where the former champion would deliver a devastating "Ki-Crusher" to win his fourth X-Division Championship.

I enjoy Montel Vontavious Porter just as much as anyone. But do I need to hear MVP talk this much over the course of one broadcast? He's by far the most talented talker in the promotion, one of the best in the world, but that doesn't mean a wrestling company needs to constantly hang its hat on talking. But sure enough the show ends with another promo by the leader of the Beat Down Clan, coming to once again beckon the TNA World Champion Bobby Lashley, whom we now know is in the building. Lashley emerges with the title, a belt MVP says belongs to the Beat Down Clan. He proceeds to list the ways in which �Clan members helped Lashley in securing the title just one week ago. Lashley tells MVP, "That's what you're about. I'm not about that." Just as things begin to heat up between two supposed friends, Bobby called MVP "Hassan," leading MVP to utter, "Oh you called me my government, huh?" Then in a surprising move to all, MVP embraced Lashey, telling him that it's okay. He then kissed the champion on the cheek and the entire BDC attacked Bobby Lashley. I mean with wrestling offense, not with kisses. To be honest, the "Kiss of Death" gimmick is cool and all, but it looked weird and didn't come off the way I assume they wanted it to. The show closed on MVP and his �Clan laying into Bobby Lashley. My biggest takeaway from the formation of the Beat Down Clan is—what the hell is Samoa Joe doing? Or rather, what is TNA doing with Samoa Joe? Joe is a former world champion surrounded by midcarders, and remains a skilled wrestler in a wrestling company that needs to refocus on wrestling. I'm hoping he continues whatever that creative curveball with Kurt Angle was, although I'd like to see the entire match sans commercials and with a better conditioned Kurt Angle this time. Once the final segment had already concluded, Josh Matthews said, "What else is going to happen?" I'm just saying, don't say that if nothing else is going to happen. On his way out the door, MVP stole the title belt from Bobby Lashley in a move ImpactWrestling.com is referring to as a "hijacking!"

In case you couldn't tell, I tried to go into this episode of TNA Impact with a good sense of humor. There were only four matches on a 2-hour card that featured three in-arena promos by MVP. It's hard to walk away with much positive to say about that, but I will try and give Dixie Carter the benefit of the doubt this week. John Gaburick and Josh Matthews aren't morons and if they're involved in the production process I'm optimistic that this initial mess of hazy booking might be leading somewhere. Maybe the combination of MVP, Low-Ki and Samoa Joe with a title they all feel justified in carrying could lead to new concepts in storytelling. Impact closed with a preview of next week's show featuring a literal street fight on the gritty asphalt of Manhattan. Also next week is the annual "Feast or Fired" tradition, so I'll be looking forward to what I'm cautiously hopeful might be a good show. Until then this is Mark Adam Haggerty reminding you to check out TNA Impact on Friday nights exclusively on Destination America.

http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-non-stop-analysis-tna-impact-1715/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/total-non-stop-analysis-tna-impact-1715/#comments Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:50:25 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews Abyss Angelina Love Austin Aries Awesome Kong AXS Bobby Lashley Chris Candido Davey Richards Destination America DJ Z EC3 Eddie Edwards Eric Young Ethan Carter III Gail Kim Havok Impact Impact Wrestling James Storm Jeff Hardy Jeremy Borash Jessicka Havok John Cena John Gaburick Josh Mathews Knockout's Kong Kurt Angle Low Ki Manik Marc Predka Matt Hardy Mike Tenay MVP New Japan Pro Wrestling NJPW Ring of Honor Robbie E. Rockstar Spud ROH Samoa Joe Sanada Seiya Sanada Taryn Terrell Taz The American Wolves The BroMans The Great Sanada The Revolution The Wolves TNA Tyrus Unlocked Velvet Sky Verne Gagne wrestling WWE X-Division http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=8683 Total Non-Stop Analysis TNA Impact 1/7/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty I think it's safe to say that 2014 was a turbulent time for the second most visible wrestling company in America as they struggled to find a home without losing the one million viewers they had already worked thirteen years to win. Everyone knows […]

Total Non-Stop Analysis
TNA Impact 1/7/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

I think it's safe to say that 2014 was a turbulent time for the second most visible wrestling company in America as they struggled to find a home without losing the one million viewers they had already worked thirteen years to win. Everyone knows by now that Impact did in fact find a new home on Destination America, and things seem to be off to a good start. I didn't hear any direct mention of T-N-A except when referring to the championship titles, and that's only because they're each embroidered with three enormous diamond-studded letters, glistening under the hot lights of the Manhattan Center. Instead the product appears to now be known simply as "Impact Wrestling," a superior name as far as I'm concerned because Impact Wrestling doesn't mean, "boobs" and "butts"—uh, I like to keep things clean around here. This was a really great episode and a spectacular way to reboot the program on a brand new network. While there were a few moments when I had to rewind and say to myself, "Wait—WWE just did that," this show was well-constructed and all-together entertaining. Let's quit with the introductions and get right down to the random thoughts running �round my head in this week's edition of "Total Non-Stop Analysis."

Worried at first as to how the show would lead off, my fears rapidly retreated into my brain when Impact Wrestling began with a very well-produced montage of wrestlers preparing for the big return to television. Included therein was Bobby Lashley, Gail Kim, Samoa Joe and several others depicted in their hotel rooms just prior to the TNA Reboot at the Manhattan Center. Overtop the behind-the-scenes footage played what I believe was John Cena's rapping cousin Tha Trademarc, although I could be wrong. But given his past relationship with TNA, even performing Kurt Angle's entrance theme, I'm willing to bet that was none other than good old Marc Predka. As wrestlers arrived at the Manhattan Center a literal street fight broke out between every member of the roster including all main event talent, the Knockouts, and even Rockstar Spud! The carnage spilled inside where the live audience was excited to see a video-game style wrestling brawl come to life; more than twenty-five men and women picking their spots and opening Impact in a huge way. As security started to get a handle on the action, Executive Director Kurt Angle made his entrance asking, "Security—what do you think you're doing?" After he laid down the law declaring all TNA championships will be defended this evening, MVP wanted to know whether or not Kurt was "going to announce how he assaulted" MVP the last time they saw each other. He even went on to say, "The Kurt Angle of 1996 was an Olympic Gold Medalist. The Kurt Angle of 2015 wears a suit and tie and has no balls. Professional wrestler? Kurt—you're done." Kurt responded the only way he knew how; the first match for The New Impact of 2015 would see Kurt Angle battle MVP dressed in street clothes, in what would prove to be a thrilling contest of catch-wrestling regardless of attire. I have to give credit where it's due and congratulate MVP for training so feverishly in recent years, because the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo are beginning to pay off in regard to the former United States champion's repertoire. Kurt looked phenomenal as always despite being shelved for the better part of the last year, utilizing a litany of his own signature maneuvers such as The Hat Trick and even his Olympic Slam. The fans in New York City were really getting into this bout as they chanted, "M-V-Penis," toward the ring for a good three or four minutes. Of course Kurt Angle would come out on top but I'll venture a guess that 2015 could be the year we see Montel Vontavious Porter in possession of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

Until now we've only heard his voice but it's time to put a face to Taz's new broadcast colleague, Josh Matthews. Matthews gives a basic introduction and introduces Taz as, "a former three time world champion." Uh—okay, I guess ECW still counts. They run down the changes we the viewer might expect going forward, including a new hidden camera-feature displaying heels and heroes intermingling backstage. Matthews says they're going to pull the curtain back like never before; I guess just because something didn't work for the XFL, doesn't mean there's no hope for Impact. I give it two months before they abandon all of the "behind-the-scenes" garbage in favor of a standard broadcast, because that's what the fans have been clamoring for. In addition to seeing The Broman's paling around with Samoa Joe in the locker room, the camera gave us an unprecedented look at John Gaburick producing the show from the "Gorilla Position." Following an awesome EC3 promo we're back in instructional mode, but that's okay because this time we've got The Professor Mike Tenay telling us all about, "Impact: Unlocked." �Unlocked will be a new program on Destination America each week similar to other sports highlight shows including news, stats, opinions and interviews. Tenay gives us a sneak peak of what to expect when he sits down in an empty arena to discuss the formation of The Revolution with James Storm.

Following the prerecorded conversation between The Professor and The Cowboy, James Storm and Abyss emerged from the back to defend their tag titles against The American Wolves. I find it kind of quirky how Storm carries both belts for he and his partner Abyss, what an original concept that I don't think I've ever seen before. I'm sorry, that's rude. I don't like writing sarcastically because it doesn't translate very well to the reader, but come on! I find James Storm far more favorable-a-performer than The Miz, but the facts are clear and I'm pretty sure I saw Mike Mizanin performing this shtick starting several months back. Not a huge deal when you take into account the quality of workrate on Impact versus the more mainstream alternative. In fact if The Revolution falls flat, The Wolves are always enough to make me forget about the sad state of the WWE Tag Division. Before the bell could sound both Matt and Jeff Hardy wandered out from the locker room, presumably to scout the champions or perhaps to gain a better vantage point of Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards. The Wolves appear to have gotten some new ink since last we saw them in the six-sided ring, but the added sizzle has done nothing to hinder the flavor of the steak. I guess maybe four consecutive suicide dives performed by both Edwards and Richards was a bit much, but who's to even make that decision when the name of the game on the indie level is, "Can You Top That?" The match was on fire which is pretty cool considering the advanced ages of both Abyss and Storm when contrasted with their much younger opponents. But age isn't any more than a number, especially in the world of professional wrestling—just ask Shawn Michaels who was widely considered better in his 40's than he ever was in his 20's. That's a pretty sweet (chin music) segue into the final moment of the match—a Superkick! "The Last Call" is my favorite superkick in wrestling, and yes I'm including The Young Bucks and Adam Cole in the conversation. I just don't think anyone hits the move with more fluidity while maintaining a perfectly straight leg the way Cowboy James Storm does. A hard-contested war between the reprehensible Revolution and the former tag title holders, The American Wolves.

Ethan Carter III and his staunch sense of entitlement have returned for the year 2015, wearing the shiniest mafia suit you've ever seen in your life. I think EC3 gives what is probably the best promo in all of TNA. He's a far cry from the best wrestler on the roster, but what Carter lacks in ring presence he makes up for with cunning ingenuity. Aside from the standard retort, "No, I'm very good," every time the crowd would chant, "You suck," Ethan Carter invited the New York City fans to join him in celebrating as, "2015 is the year of our wrestling lord, EC3." I question the use of saying "fact" after every sentence because once again, I'm fairly certain somebody else has already cornered that market of the industry. But all things considered I really enjoy Ethan Carter whenever he's in possession of a microphone, so I'm inclined to ignore that. His back and forth with Jeremy Borash and Rockstar Spud was well-received, I just wish the camera didn't fail to pick up the slap from JB to EC3. I find head-shaving and hair-cutting to be a little too �rasslin' for my modern day taste but the uneven crewcut given to Jeremy Borash was quick and concise enough to ensure I didn't lose interest in an otherwise very stimulating story. I've never been a fan of Jeremy Borash and might even go as far as to say I don't like him. But given his thirteen year commitment to TNA, there are few tenured employees as beloved as Jeremy thus making him the perfect ponzi for EC3 to target.

While everything inside me says to declare Austin Aries versus Low-Ki match of the night, I'm less inclined to do so as I've seen far too much of these wrestlers in recent months. The X-Division is becoming a two-to-three man show with Samoa Joe still not cleared to compete, and I don't think the title is done any justice when it's tossed around between the same wrestlers on a semi-monthly basis. That being said you can't take anything away from either Low-Ki or Aries in the performance department. I noticed that Josh Matthews appeared very keen on getting historical statistics correct, several times referencing WWE and Ring of Honor, even referring to Austin Aries as a 3-time world champion—just like Taz, I guess. It's weird whenever I see Austin Aries in the six-sided ring because perhaps more than anyone else on the roster, I'm used to seeing him wrestle independently inside the standard squared circle. Despite an earnest effort and a highly effective "Bite of the Dragon," Low-Ki was bested by one of the greatest wrestlers on earth. Following a debilitating Brain Buster, it was only a matter of time before A-Double picked up his sixth X-Division title win.

Then there was a Knockouts Battle Royal. I don't want to be labeled a sexist but I can't stand the Knockouts Division and if being honest means being called prejudice, then I guess I'll have to make due. This isn't a discussion comparing Knockouts to Divas, this is about looking at the storylines the women in TNA are subjected to. This was a seven-woman battle royal for the Knockouts Title which in itself should be insulting, not only to the champion Taryn Terrell but to proven women's competitors such as Gail Kim and Jessicka Havok. Even the Beautiful People deserved more than they received on this landmark broadcast which brings me to another point. Why was this the designated moment to reintroduce Robbie E? I'm originally from the Great Garden State with a special place in my heart for Guido's, but I don't get the logic in allowing the Bromans to cut a promo directly before a Knockout's Title Match? Is the creative team in TNA so uncomfortable with women's wrestling that they opted to lead in with Robbie E? Nonetheless the match was terrible and paced even worse with pockets of inaction spread across the ring. It's not the women or their abilities that I loathe, but the obvious second-string approach Gaburick and his team take to some of the best wrestlers in the world. Luckily all was not lost thanks to a moment which might go down as the coolest Knockout spot in history. When Havok failed to conquer Taryn Terrell, she went wild and attacked anybody in her path—that is until the lights went out and the Manhattan Center was greeted by an unfriendly yet very familiar face. It was Awesome Kong! Returning to do damage and reclaim her Knockout Title, Kong made quick work of Havok to set up one of the biggest dream matches in women's wrestling. It was very cool to see Kia Stevens back in TNA as Kong was one of the only reasons the Knockout Division was so fun to watch.

Kurt Angle and Josh Matthews each dedicated time to declaring tonight's main event a potential Match of the Year contender—before it even happened, mind you. I didn't think that was true, in fact I had very little hope that this match would be anything more than a five minute brawl complete with inconsistent selling and outside interference from MVP. While we did see our share of Montel and his faction of masked marauders, the actual match surprised the heck out of me. Last week I released my Top Fourteen Wrestlers of 2014 and came very close to adding Bobby Lashey's name to my list. Lashley has come an exceptionally long way since his days of defending Donald Trump's head of hair from Vince McMahon, even employing what I consider the deadliest Spear in all of professional wrestling. Bobby Roode is a classic wrestler's wrestler who could be dropped down into any decade and still have an amazing career whether battling it out with Verne Gagne or Chris Candido. Roode seems to have a far superior understanding of ring psychology than does the rest of the TNA Roster. I have nothing but respect and admiration for both Bobby's but it's when their conflicting styles collide that I begin to worry as to the outcome. Bobby Lashley looks utterly ridiculous when relegated to running the ropes and selling moves such as Suplexes. All the while Roode lacks the ability and body type necessary to sell Lashley's power holds. I thought Lashley/Roode Number One sucked; I thought Lashley/Roode Number Two was a letdown; when it came time for their third encounter I had no hopes higher than what their previous bouts allowed me to expect. Once things got underway many of my fears were realized, however I was happy to see both men adapt greatly to the others' style and strength, making this a much more enjoyable match within the first few moments.

The technical end of things caught me by surprise as I didn't see this match breaking down to the mat, but that is where they stayed until the cavalry arrived around the ring. MVP returned to the Manhattan Center alongside Kenny King and two masked men that weren't going to let security stop them from entering the arena. Back in the ring Lashley's face is leaking blood from inside his mouth as he engages in battle with Bobby Roode. Once the masked men made their way onto the apron, they were revealed as Samoa Joe and Low-Ki, here to ensure Lashley walks away with the title around his waist. Just as soon as they arrived however, MVP's band of baddies was seemingly scared away by the former TNA World Champion Eric Young who came to his best friend's aid swinging a steel chair.

But this wouldn't be wrestling if everybody got along; after faking out the NYC crowd as well as Roode himself, Eric Young drilled the edge of the steel chair deep into Bobby Roode's ribs, then to his back. As EY vacated the ring, leaving MVP and his minions scattered around watching the action unfold, Bobby Lashley came to his senses and delivered the most impressive Spear you've ever seen. The referee counted one, two, three and The Destroyer Bobby Lashley is once again the TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

About halfway through the broadcast I sent a text to one of my Cheap-Heat colleagues insisting that he check out the "New TNA." His response was something to the effect of: "I just can't with TNA anymore, they've been doing the same storylines for five years." While I want my friend to give the show a chance regardless of his preconceived conceptions, I can't help but wonder how many hundreds—or even THOUSANDS of former fans feel the same way. Impact is going to have to pull out all the stops without, "jumping any sharks" if they want to survive in the most competitive wrestling environment since The Attitude Era. Nobody is going to unseat the reigning King Vince McMahon, but everyone else including Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor, and NJPW on AXS stands the same chance of stealing Impact's spot and becoming the official number two show in the country. Remember starting next week Impact Wrestling will begin airing in its normal timeslot, Friday Nights at 9PM EST on Destination America. I think the original plan was to remain on Wednesdays but now that NXT is moving to Wednesday in response to Smackdown moving to Thursday, it appears Impact went the safer route by booking on a night devoid of any in-ring competition. Wait—that means there's a new wrestling show on Monday through Friday every single week? The dream. Ladies and gentlemen as always it has been my pleasure spending some time with you here in cyberspace. My name is Mark Haggerty and I hope you'll join me again next week for another entertaining edition of Total Non-Stop Analysis.

http://www.cheap-heat.com/bwfs-tna-impact-wrestling-review-for-november-5th-2014/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/bwfs-tna-impact-wrestling-review-for-november-5th-2014/#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2014 03:37:36 +0000 bored wrestling fan Other Reviews Abyss Bobby Lashley Bobby Roode Bored Wrestling Fan Bram Brittany BWF Davey Richards EC3 ECIII ECW Eddie Edwards Ethan Carter III Gail Kim Gunner Havok Impact James Storm Jeff Hardy Jeremy Borash Jessicka Havok Kurt Angle Low Ki Magnus Mahabali Shera Manik Matt Hardy MVP Rebel Rockstar Spud Sam Shaw Samoa Joe Samuel Shaw Spud The Hardy's The Wolves TNA Tommy Dreamer Tyrus wrestling http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=6162 This article can be seen originally here, at the home site of our podcast partners @ BoredWrestlingFan.com. I'm watching at one in the morning, because I put this off as much as possible. Kurt Angle starts the show and brings out Bobby Roode right away. He says wrestlers all over the world dream of being […]

This article can be seen originally here , at the home site of our podcast partners @ BoredWrestlingFan.com.

I'm watching at one in the morning, because I put this off as much as possible.

Kurt Angle starts the show and brings out Bobby Roode right away. He says wrestlers all over the world dream of being world champion, and professional wrestling is all he's got. Pro wrestling is all he thinks about and it's all he's wanted to do. He wanted to be the best and being the champ means he is the best. He says he's proud to share the moment with Kurt Angle and that Angle is the best wrestler ever. He's proud to be the TNA heavyweight world champion, and that's when Bobby Lashley's music hits and he comes out with the full crew.

MVP calls Roode a sorry excuse for a competitor and says the fans are too scared to even look Lashley in the eye. He doesn't get why they boo Lashley, but cheer Roode after he cheated the system and conspired with a crooked authority figure. He asks who the cheaters really are says Roode knows he can't beat Lashley without help. MVP then says he's the one who deserves the title shot because Lashley stepped up because he couldn't and that with how much MVP was blamed for Roode not being champ, he wants to be the real reason. Angle asks Roode if he accepts and Roode does. Lashley looks pretty pissed at this turn of events and glares at MVP as he walks off.

Low Ki and Joe are in the back. Mini promo about the tag team tournament final.

Low Ki and Samoa Joe vs the Hardys
Jeff and Low Ki start things off and split the crowd down the middle. The Hardys control Low Ki until Joe comes in and lays waste. Joe-Ki actually do some good tag team wrestling including double team moves. It's a good match but I'm pretty tired. Joe takes control of Jeff Hardy as they cut to break. Everything goes to hell when they come back and Low Ki hits the Warriors Way on Matt, but Jeff makes the save. Jeff goes for the Poetry in Motion but Joe grabs him and Low Ki gets a two count on Matt. Matt hits the Twist of Fate, but Joe breaks up the pin and takes out Jeff. Joe reverses the Twist of Fate into the Facelock which Jeff breaks up with the swanton. Pretty cool sequence there. Got my attention at least. Jeff hits the Poetry in Motion and the Swanton, and Matt finishes with a moonsault for the win. Wolves vs Hardys is coming soon.

James Storm is in the back, trying to recruit the Wolf again, and says he has a week to say yes. Roode is in the locker room and talks about how MVP sent him home and he came back and took out every obstacle in his way. He won't hide from MVP like MVP hid from him. MVP took pro wrestling from him so now he has to die. There was a good line when Roode said he would prove he's more of an MVP to TNA than MVP will ever be.

Some Sam Shaw video airs, detailing Gunner saving him and the Shaw betrayal. Shaw comes out to the ring with Brittany doing her best Rebel impression. Shaw says he turned his back on Gunner because Brittany showed him that Gunner thought he was a charity case. Brittany says Gunner was never his friend, and Christy Hemme could never him like she can. They can't do for him what Brittany can. Brittany licks his face…and makes out with him. The in ring sex celebration is interrupted by Gunner.

Gunner says they're making him sick and says Shaw was his friend, and that Shaw's problem was he wanted to be Gunner, rather than just like him. Gunner says that they're a pair of creepy bastards and Shaw flips, telling him not to call them that. Gunner calls him Sammy and Samantha before calling him a creepy bastard again and they brawl. Gunner chokes Sammy with his shirt, gets fired, and returns a few months later. Brittany jumps on Gunner and Shaw low blows him before taking him out. Brittany hands Sam his gloves and Sam puts them on to choke out Gunner. Gunner drops like a little bitch. Shaw and Brittany go back to making out and leave Gunner's corpse alone.

There's a video package on an Indian wrestler who wants to come into Impact. Good luck with that mate, Impact is on the way out. This guy looked pretty great though so it'll be a shame if he doesn't get a chance because TNA fucked up. The video ends with the voiceover saying they're proud to welcome Mahabali Shera to the roster, so here's hoping.

Kurt Angle is backstage and MVP comes up to him. He thanks Angle for making it so easy for him and says Angle thinks it's all about him, but it's all about MVP.

Bram and Magnus vs Tommy Dreamer and Abyss in a Hardcore Match
Hardcore match. Nuff said. Violence, weapons and EC-Dub chants abound. Don't forget a healthy dose of cookie sheets and a ring filled with weapons spot. Good match for what it's worth though. Even if it did shave a few more years off poor Tommy Dreamer's life. I have no idea how this man is still wrestling. Devon hits one of those super cool triple superplex spots when Bragnus try to double team Dreamer. Devon sets a table up on the outside and Bram goes through it. Magnus takes revenge with a singapore cane. Dreamer sends Magnus into a trashcan in the corner and hits the spike DDT for the win. Oh boy the feud lives on because it has to end with Bragnus winning.

Gail Kim is backstage and cuts a promo about her title match tonight. Then the thing we all want; Rockstar Spud segment. Spud comes out and joins Jeremy Borasch in the ring. His suit has clouds on it today. Awesome. Borasch asks him for his thoughts on the past few weeks and Spud says he doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for him and admits he was a dick at first. He came to the country with nothing and Dixie took him in. He would have done anything for Dixie and for Ethan, and then Ethan turned into a "complete and utter wanker". That he did folks. He defends his suits and says he's not changing for anyone, especially Ethan. Spud says he's the 99% and calls Ethan a douchebag. I fucking loved this. Borasch says Spud won British Boot Camp because he won everyone over, and it's happening here now. He says he's with Spud and pats him on the back, and Ethan Carter's music hits.

EC3 comes out with Tyrus while the crowd chant "He's a wanker". Take it you yanks, and use it well. Ethan says it's the most pathetic display he's ever seen and calls the audience losers. Rockstar Spud is the new fearless leader of the losers. He tells Borasch off for participating in this, saying he and Spud owe everything to the Carters. Ethan gives Spud the chance to apologise as he and Tyrus close in. Spud won't aplogise and he's taken roughly from behind by Tyrus (COCK TALK!). Ethan demands an apology and Spud says he's sorry Ethan is a big nosed douchebag. Jeremy puts his hands on EC3 and gets knocked the fuck out, and Spud attacks Ethan and does his best to fight off both Ethan and Tyrus before Eric Young runs out for the save.

Gail Kim vs Havok for the Knockouts Title
Gail tries to jump Havok before the bell and dies. Hard. Harder than Bruce Willis. Havok drags Gail up the ramp by her hair and then throws her off the ramp. The match never starts and technically never ends as the ref throws the X and an army of refs and medics try to resucitate Gail. They cut to break teasing no match, and come back to Borasch about to announce the match won't take place when Gail grabs the mic and says the match is on. She runs in the ring and dies. Harder than Bruce Willis. Again.

Gail gets the occasional hope spot just to get cripped more. She even gets dropped face first on to the steel steps. The ref counts nine and Havok breaks the count to break Gail some more. She throws her back in the ring and tries to finish Gail off. Gail manages to lock in an Octopus submission but Havok drops her and slams her. Kim hits a Cross Body for a two and then Havok gets a two of her own. Gail reverses a Chokeslam into Eat De-feet for a 2. Havok finally manages to hit the Choke Slam for the win, keeping the title. Good match, but I never expected Gail to win so never got into it.

The Indian wrestler from earlier is shown in catering. Manik comes up to him and hugs him, and sits with him. Manik offers him his soda and they have a nice chat with Manik trying to get friendly with him. Lashley is backstage packing his bags and MVP is upset that Lashley is upset. Lashley walks out and leaves MVP on his own.

MVP vs Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
They put on a pretty good match but really, what did you expect? The fight spills outside the ring and Roode eats guard rail and steel steps. MVP takes control of the match and gets a 2 count with a bridging suplex. Roode fights back with a Spinebuster and Superplex for a 2. Roode hits the Roode Bomb for the three count. The match was a bit short for my tastes. Post match Lashley runs into the ring and Spears Roode. He passes MVP by and leaves him high and dry in the ring and walks out on his own to end the show.

Decent and solid show, it really was, but I'm having a hard time getting into TNA right now knowing the show could be over completely in two weeks.

http://www.cheap-heat.com/results-house-of-glory-wrestling-fight-or-flight-11114-jamaica-ny/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/results-house-of-glory-wrestling-fight-or-flight-11114-jamaica-ny/#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:02:43 +0000 Cassidy Haynes Indy/Puro/Lucha Alex Mason Amazing Red Anthony Gangone Bobby C. Dinero Bones Brian XL CA$HFLOW INC Crimson Draconis Eric Craven EYFBO Fight or Flight Good Hank Flanders Highspot Heroes HoG House of Glory Joey Janella Larry Dallas Low Ki Matthew Ryan Shapiro Piece O. Mind Red Rembrandt Louis Ricochet Sara Amato Style & Finesse The Batiri The Beast The Disrespectfuls Vinny the Voice http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=5831 House of Glory Wrestling Fight or Flight Nov 01, 2014 Jamaica, NY     VIP Pre-Show experience – The Beast defeats the now formerly undefeated The Disrespectfuls with Matthew Ryan Shapiro Eric Craven and Bobby C. Dinero in a handicapped match with a jackhammer pin – Fatal Four Way: Joey Janella wins with a BT […]

House of Glory Wrestling Fight or Flight
Nov 01, 2014
Jamaica, NY

VIP Pre-Show experience

– The Beast defeats the now formerly undefeated The Disrespectfuls with Matthew Ryan Shapiro Eric Craven and Bobby C. Dinero in a handicapped match with a jackhammer pin

– Fatal Four Way: Joey Janella wins with a BT Bomb pinning Bones. Also in match Rembrandt Louis and Draconis

Main show

– Ten bell salute for Vinny the Voice

– Style & Finesse cheat their way to a win over EYFBO with the faking an injury. Match got over well. Kids are into it.

– Good Hank Flanders with one arm tied behind his back gets the hand untied for a brainbster while the ref is down and pins Nick

– Highspot Heroes over The Batiri with a super sliced bread powerbomb

– Brian XL defeats Anthony Gangone in a street fight choking him out with a chain. Went all over. Fans were into this match.

– House of Glory Tag Team Championship Red and Crimson def Safari Zone with a Lo Down spine buster and Red Frog Splash

– Alex Mason beat four dudes before ex gf Piece O. Mind low blowed and pinned him in a gauntlet match with CA$HFLOW INC and Larry Dallas

– Ricochet retains the House of Glory Title over Low Ki with the Benadryller followed by the 630

– Low Ki puts Ricochet over as fans chant for over more match

http://www.cheap-heat.com/press-release-house-of-glory-presents-fight-or-flight-on-november-1st-2014-from-queens-ny/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/press-release-house-of-glory-presents-fight-or-flight-on-november-1st-2014-from-queens-ny/#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2014 03:42:39 +0000 Cassidy Haynes Indy/Puro/Lucha Crimson Fight or Flight HoG House of Glory Low Ki Ricochet Safari Zone The Amazing Red The Batiri http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=5541 House of Glory returns on November 1st for a live House of Glory event. Due to an increasing number of fans supporting our product, we were forced to relocate to a new venue. We have found ourselves our new home at the "NYC Arena", located at 91-12 144th Place, Queens, NY 11435. Come check out […]

House of Glory returns on November 1st for a live House of Glory event. Due to an increasing number of fans supporting our product, we were forced to relocate to a new venue. We have found ourselves our new home at the "NYC Arena", located at 91-12 144th Place, Queens, NY 11435. Come check out Fight or Flight live, in what will be our biggest show to date. 350 tickets have already been sold, so don't miss out on this epic show!

On this night we will be holding a double main event:

One main event that will headline our show will be for the House of Glory Heavyweight Championship. For the first time ever one on one, "The King of Flight" Ricochet will defend his championship against "The World Warrior" Low Ki.

Our co-main event is also a first time ever, one on one match and over one year in the making when "The Rogue" Anthony Gangone will face Brian XL in a Non-Sactioned County of King's Street fight. The House of Glory management is rewarding the winner of this match with a contract to receive a Heavyweight Championship match any time, any place for up to one year. These two men absolutely despise one another and will do anything to win this fight because this will not just be a typical wrestling match. Check out this sit down interview with both men, you can feel the animosity between these two men. http://youtu.be/vlagzeVRjX0?list=UUWPcFD1zqjzc8T8TW5wpRPA THIS. WILL. BE. A. FIGHT!

Also in action, our House of Glory tag team champions The Amazing Red & Crimson will defend the titles when they face off against the beloved Safari Zone!

Rematch from "The Movement" Style and Finesse vs. EYFBO

Fatal Four Way Match "The Bad Boy" Joey Janella vs. "The Undead Warrior" Bonez vs. Rembrandt Lewis (with Jimi Blaze) vs. Draconis (with Romeo Romano)

The Hightspot Heroes vs. The Batiri

Ca$h Flow Inc. Gauntlet Match Alex Mason Vs Ca$h Flow Inc.

One Arm Tied Behind Good Hank Flanders Back Match Good Hank Flanders Vs Nick

All those matches plus more.

If you purchase a VIP EXPERIENCE ticket, you will gain access to pre-show bonus matches, as well as a FREE 8X10 autograph from "The World Warrior" Low Ki. You will also get a free meet and greet with the other talented stars of House of Glory.

Be sure to get your VIP EXPERIENCE TICKET NOW!
http://houseofgloryonline.com/store/products/fight-flight-vip-ticket/

For all information check out: www.HouseofGloryonline.com

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