3/15 TNA Destination X PPV Live Coverage: Sting vs. Kurt Angle for the TNA Title with Jeff Jarrett as special referee and Mick Foley as ringside enforcer, Ultimate X match, Samoa Joe vs. Scott Steiner, A.J. Styles vs. Booker T

Live from Orlando, Fla.
At Universal Studios

A correspondent in the building reports that there were no dark matches on the show. The building is packed with several hundred people waiting outside the building...

The show opened with a video regarding the tough economic times mixed with several black and white still shot photos of TNA wrestlers. The video turned to color when they focussed on the Sting vs. Kurt Angle feud... Hoobastank's "My Turn" played while an Ultimate X video aired...

James Earl Jones narrator guy introduced Destination X. Fireworks went off on the stage. Mike Tenay welcomed viewers to the show and they immediately cut to introductions for the first match...

1. Roxxi and Taylor Wilde and The Governor defeated Angelina Love and Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne in 4:50. Rayne was introduced as a member of The Beautiful People. Yes, The Governor wore his usual suit. Ugh. Tenay acknowledged Don West for the first time and asked him how the "flu bug" affected his performance on Thursday's Impact.

West said you don't just become a member of The Beautiful People. "The bottom line is that we like what we're seeing right now," West said regarding Rayne. Tenay questioned his use of the word "we." The heels took turns working over Roxxi and the referee missed it when she tagged out at 3:00.

Later, The Governor used one of her partners to springboard over the top rope onto Love and Sky at ringside. Meanwhile, Taylor scored the clean pin on Rayne inside the ring...

Powell's POV: The Governor character makes TNA look so low budget. My hatred of the character aside, this was a forgettable opening match.

Backstage, Lauren interviewed Jeff Jarrett and Mick Foley. Jeff said he was going to call the match right down the middle. Foley said that in order for Jeff to do that, he would have to make sure there are no Main Event Mafia members at ringside. A Brutus Magnus graphic popped up on the screen momentarily and then disappeared as Foley finished his promo...

Powell's POV: Lousy audio for the the backstage segment. I thought it was a pre-tape thing, but the audio for Tenay and West is also lousy.

Brutus Magnus came to the ring and said his "open challenge rages on." Ring announcer Dave Penzer introduced a U.S. soldier to server as the special guest ring announcer. The man introduced Eric Young as Magnus's opponent...

2. Brutus Magnus pinned Eric Young in 4:45. The first mistake of the match occurred roughly a minute in. Young leapt off the ropes and Magnus was supposed to catch him, but it looked like Magnus was out of position because he dropped Young. The live crowd let him have it. Late in the match, Magnus caught Young on the ropes and then hit the Tormentum finisher off the second rope for the clean pin...

Powell's POV: Nice to see a heel score a clean pin over an established TNA babyface. Unfortunately, Magnus is still very green. He's a project at this point.

The announcers ran through the pay-per-view lineup...

Sheik Abdul Bashir came to the ring. The announcers said he wasn't scheduled to be there. Bashir took the mic and questioned why he wasn't on the show. "Is it the color of my skin?" he asked. Bashir turned his attention to Barack Obama and said he promised hope. "For a man like me there is none," Bashir said. He complained that he is a victim and said he never did anything wrong.

Jim Cornette walked out and addressed Bashir. Cornette said there's a simple reason Bashir isn't on the show. He put over his background and said he's a great wrestler who has wrestled for every promotion around the world. However, he said Bashir isn't on the show because he doesn't like him. Corny said the wrestlers and the fans don't like Bashir and it has nothing to do his heritage.

Cornette said he wasn't going to fine or suspend Bashir. "I'm just going to tell you very simply, get the hell out of my building." Cornette invited the U.S. soldier (Officer Neal, I believe) to the ring. Cornette had Bashir sing "God Bless America" to give Bashir a "grand exit." Bashir walked out with his head down...

Powell's POV: Officer Neal shouldn't quit his day job. "That may not have been in key, but it was a beautiful rendition nonetheless," Tenay said. Funny. The Bashir character has really taken a hit over the last couple months. Here's hoping they do something to get him back on track.

Backstage, Kurt Angle complained to the other Mafia members (excluding Sting) about the three-on-one odds he was facing in the main event. Booker left to talk to Cornette. Scott Steiner complained that Joe was coming after him with a knife. He told Angle to take care of Sting on his own.

A laid back Kevin Nash told Angle to relax because Sting's not in bed with Jarrett and Foley. Nash told Angle to take responsibility for causing the problem. Angle blew up and said he doesn't want help from the other Mafia members. Angle said that Nash would see what side Sting is on by the end of the night...

A video showcased the Abyss vs. Matt Morgan feud...

3. Matt Morgan defeated Abyss in a 10,000 thumbtacks match in 8:50. There were thumbtacks placed on two big trays in front of the announcers' desk. Early in the match, Abyss carried both trays and placed them on a platform near the stage. He headed back to ringside and brawled with Morgan.

At 4:30, Morgan placed a pile of tacks near the ropes on the hard camera side of the ring. He moved Abyss's face near the tacks, but Abyss fought him off. Abyss retrieved a bag of tacks from a pole that was set up in one of the corners. He played to the crowd too long and caught a big boot to the face from Morgan.

Abyss poured a bag of glass over the tacks he had set up in the ring. Morgan tried to bail, but Abyss caught him and stopped him from leaving. Abyss tried to chokeslam Morgan onto the platform that contains the two trays of tacks, but Morgan kicked him low. Morgan followed up with a big boot to the face that knocked Abyss off the ramp and onto the two trays of tacks on the platform...

Powell's POV: Weak. They gave these two twice as much time last month when Morgan was working a bad shoulder.

Backstage, Booker T complained about having to face A.J. Styles. Sharmell hinted that Booker should say he signed under duress. Booker picked up on the hint, but Cornette blew off his attempt to get out of his match...


Powell's POV: This is the Jim Cornette Show so far.

A video recapped the "Win a Night with ODB" contest... In the ring, Borash introduced ODB, who came out wearing a blue dress and heels. "She cleans up pretty good," West remarked. Borash introduced ODB's drummer, who is now named "Crusty." Borash said ODB narrowed down the contestants to three finalists.

Borash introduced Cody Deaner as the first contestant. Shark Boy was the second contestant. A "mortgage broker" named Bernie Weber was the final contestant. ODB asked why they deserved a night with ODB. Deaner said he doesn't need a full night, he just needs 60 minutes. Shark said he could pull it off in 22 or 23 minutes, maybe even twice. Bernie Weber said he has cars, airplanes, and money.

ODB said she wanted to see a dance off between the contestants. Borash narrated the dance moves and had a couple of funny lines. Shark was the best. Deaner dedicated his dance number to Dale Earnhardt. The fans cheered loudest for Shark Boy when Borash polled them. ODB examined the three contestants and finally picked Deaner to end the misery...

Powell's POV: Deaner is an indy worker who has been under TNA contract for months. The redneck character he played in the contest is essentially the character he played on the indy scene. He wore a fanny pack, so you have to love that. Borash was in total game show host mode. We're bound to see him shilling on HSN or hosting a game show someday. By the way, we've had a "tribute" to Dale Earnhardt on this pay-per-view, but no mention of Andrew "Test" Martin unless I missed it.

Backstage, Lauren interviewed Beer Money. Roode called Lauren a "little bitch." Storm said they were going to take their place in history as the greatest team in TNA...

A video previewed the Awesome Kong vs. Sojourner Bolt match...

4. Awesome Kong (w/Raisha Saeed) pinned Sojourner Bolt for the TNA Knockouts Title in 4:15. Brutal spot 30 seconds in as Bolt got flustered while climbing the second rope. Kong chokeslammed Bolt and then placed her foot over her for a two-count. Kong went for a splash off the second rope and missed. In the end, Kong hit the Awesome Bomb and scored the clean pin...

Powell's POV: The live crowd cheered the finish. The heel champion Kong was more over than the babyface. Forgettable match and that's putting it nicely.

At ringside, the announcers discussed the show. West said he was impressed by Angle saying he'd take the three-on-one odds...

Powell's POV: West isn't as over the top tonight as he has been since he turned heel. He's defending the Mafia members more than anything. At least he's not acting drunk.

A video recapped the Samoa Joe vs. Scott Steiner feud...

5. Scott Steiner defeated Samoa Joe by DQ in 1:30. Joe is now wearing long pants to go along with his buzz cut and face paint. Joe attacked Steiner and opened a cut on his head almost immediately. Joe smothered Steiner and never let up. The referee tried to step in, but Joe tossed him aside for the DQ. Joe continued to attack Steiner after the match and dragged him outside the building. There were some scattered boos from the live crowd...

Powell's POV: A dating game skit that wouldn't end and only three minutes of Samoa Joe. Weak. This pay-per-view has been lousy so far.

Backstage, Lauren interviewed A.J. Styles, who said Booker would find out while they call him, "The one, the only, the original A.J. Styles"...

Powell's POV: Did that line make any sense?

A video recapped the Booker and Styles saga...

6. A.J. Styles defeated Booker T (w/Sharmell) to win the TNA Toy Belt (Legends Title) in 9:15. Dueling chants for the two wrestlers early. A.J. pleased the crowd by leaping off the ring apron and hitting Booker with a flying forearm at ringside. There was a cool spot at 5:00 with A.J. going for a Samoan Drop, but Booker holding onto a submission hold on his arm.

At 8:15, Styles went for a springboard move off the ropes, but Booker met him with a kick. Booker held his knee in pain, then performed the spinaroonie. Booker went for a couple of kicks, but A.J. caught him with the Pele kick and followed up with the Styles Clash for the win.

After the match, Styles headed into the crowd to celebrate with the fans. West said the Frontline hasn't had much direction lately (yes, he said it) so this was a big win for Styles and the Frontline...

Powell's POV: This was the first match they felt pay-per-view worthy. The live crowd was excited to see both wrestlers and they popped big for the finish. Best match of the night so far, but that's not saying anything.

Backstage, Lauren chased down Samoa Joe, who had his giant f'n Rambo knife again. Joe was covered in dirt and had blood on his knife. Lauren showed concern for Steiner's well being, so Joe held the knife to her throat before walking away. She pleaded for mercy as he told her to tell the Mafia that he is going to kill them one by one...

Powell's POV: The babyface carries the knife and now holds it to the throat of the female interviewer. Meanwhile, the female interviewer shows concern for the hated heel faction member. WTF?

A video recapped the Beer Money vs. Team 3D feud...

7. Team 3D defeated Beer Money via countout in an Off the Wagon Challenge for the TNA Tag Titles in 12:00. Before the match, West said Tenay had to acknowledge that Joe has taken it too far. Tenay said the Nation of Violence has been unleashed. Lots of clowning around early with comedy spots that the live crowd reacted well to. Storm worked the match with a t-shirt on and a wrap around his left thigh.

They did the big gay spot in the corner with Storm falling onto his knees and Roode falling to his knees behind him. The heels worked over Brother Ray while Devon sold an injury at ringside. Ray came back and hit a Bubba Bomb on Roode for a good near fall that the live crowd bought into.

At 9:00, Storm tried to spit beer at one of his opponents, but he ended up spitting into the eyes of Roode. Team 3D scored another good near fall on Roode. A short time later, Storm struck Ray with a chair. The referee called for the DQ. Beer Money started to leave, but Cornette cut them off and delivered a speech about how the fans paid to see a winner. He restarted the match and said it would now be a No DQ match.

Team 3D quickly hit 3D on Storm, but Roode pulled the referee out of the ring to break up the count. Roode placed Storm over his shoulder, West handed them the tag title belts, and Beer Money headed backstage. The referee counted them out. Team 3D headed to ringside. Tenay said they got screwed. West defended Beer Money. Team 3D threatened him, but eventually walked away...

Powell's POV: How ridiculous was that? Cornette will restart the match for a DQ, but he doesn't mind a countout? Only in TNA. You don't give the rah-rah speech and then deliver that crap.

Separate sitdown interviews aired with Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Consequences Creed, and Jay Lethal. Yes, Lethal still thinks he's Macho Man... A video featured the Ultimate X match...

Powell's POV: The last two matches need to deliver in a major way to save this show.

8. Suicide defeated Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin and Consequences Creed and Jay Lethal in an Ultimate X match to win the X Division Title in 14:15. Suicide performed his usual entrance and didn't get a strong reaction from the live crowd. The Guns worked together early. They posed and didn't get a great reaction either. Sabin made the first play for the belt hanging above the ring at 2:45, but Creed cut him off.

At 5:15, Suicide hoisted Creed onto his shoulders while standing on the ring apron. He rolled off the apron and used Creed as a battering ram when he dove onto the other three wrestlers on the floor. Cool spot. The live crowd chanted, "Suicidal." He made a play for the belt, but was cut off by a big drop kick thrown by Lethal.

At 6:45, Lethal gave Creed a boost to the belt, but Shelley used Sabin as a springboard to cut him off. "That was awesome," chanted the live crowd. Later, they set up for the tower of doom spot with Suicide at the top and Lethal at the bottom. Lethal flung two other wrestlers off the ropes, but Suicide grabbed the top rope. Lethal went up to the top rope and managed to hit a powerbomb on Suicide. Cool spot. Later, Sabin and Shelley teamed up for a powerbomb/sliced bread combo.

The match came down to Lethal, Sabin, and Shelley hanging from three wires near the belt. Suddenly, Suicide appeared on the top of one of the pillars in the corner. He made a suicide leap onto the center of the wires, which knocked the other wrestlers off the wire. Suicide pulled the title belt down and won the match...

Powell's POV: Good action throughout. It wasn't particularly memorable until the big spot at the end. Great, innovative finish with the suicide dive. That was a true instant classic, highlight reel spot.

Backstage, Borash interviewed Sting, who said the direction of the match was up to Angle. He said they could fight, wrestle, or even bring in the tables, ladders, and chairs. "Bring your A-game, because I'm bringing mine," Sting said. He added that Foley would insure that it was a one-on-one match, and Jarrett would simply count the pin when he beats Angle...

A video recapped the Sting vs. Kurt Angle feud...

The announcers ran through the tale of the tape and bullet points for the main event match...

Ring introductions for the main event took place. Jarrett came out first and brought his guitar to the ring with him. Foley came out next his his plaid vest, t-shirt, and sweat pants. A shot aired of Angle backstage psyching himself up. He left his locker room and the two Mafia security guards walked behind him. A video spotlighted Angle, who then made his entrance. A video spotlighted Sting. He came out afterward...

Borash handled the in-ring introductions for the TNA Title match...

Powell's POV: Yes, Borash mentioned that Jeff Jarrett is the founder of TNA.

9. Sting defeated Kurt Angle to retain the TNA Title in 13:45. Jeff Jarrett is the special referee, and Mick Foley is the special ringside enforcer. There were dueling "Let's go Angle" and "Let's go Sting" chants from the live crowd to start the match. Sting cleared Angle from the ring 90 seconds in. Angle pointed at Foley, who raised his arms and backed away.

Lots of punching and kicking for the first five minutes. Angle hit a belly-to-belly suplex (after stumbling). West, the heel commentator, gave Jarrett credit for counting evenly. Tenay mentioned that fans who know their wrestling history know it's not the first time Jarrett has worn a referee shirt. He said Jarrett worked as a referee before he started wrestling.

There was a lousy spot at 7:30, as Angle was ready to take a bump and Sting clearly didn't know he was supposed to hit Angle. They covered it enough that the live crowd didn't seem to notice. At 8:15, Sting powerbombed Angle for a near fall. Angle came right back with a series of suplexes on Sting for a near fall of his own. Sting went for the splash, but Angle avoided it and hit the Angle Slam for another near fall.

At 10:00, Angle hit a moonsault on Sting for another near fall. He came back with a suplex. He went for another, but Sting reversed it and hit the Scorpion Death Drop for a near fall. At 11:05, Angle went for a clothesline on Sting, who ducked, causing Angle to take out Jarrett.

Sting locked Angle in the Scorpion Leg Lock as Foley was checking on Jarrett. Angle tapped out, but Foley didn't notice. Sting released the hold to get Foley's attention. Angle hit his Slam for another near fall. Angle protested Foley's count and then kicked him low.

Angle headed to ringside and grabbed a chair. Foley cut him off. Sting held Angle and encouraged Foley to hit him. Foley swung and accidentally hit Sting with the chair. Angle covered Sting. Jarrett recovered and executed a slow two count for a really nice near fall.

A short time later, Angle was pissed and spat in Jarrett's face. Sting pounded his chest. Angle swung at Jarrett, who blocked it, and punched Angle, who stumbled into Sting's Scorpion Death Drop. Sting covered Angle and Jarrett counted the 1-2-3. Afterward, Jarrett backed up the ramp with Angle yelling at him. In the ring, Sting celebrated with the title belt to close the show...

Powell's POV: I liked the near fall after Foley hit Sting with the belt. The early part of the match felt really slow, but the false finishes at the end were decent. I'm not sure how they get to Sting vs. Foley at Lockdown from here, but I guess we'll find out on Impact this week. Overall, a missable pay-per-view. Ultimate X had it's moments, but that wasn't enough to save the show. The first-half of the pay-per-view was atrocious. I'll have much more to say about the show in tonight's Dot Net Member Exclusive audio recap. To gain instant access to the audio update and all the perks of membership for only $5 per month, visit the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.