TNA Impact on Spike TV
Live from Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

[Q1] The show opened with a video recap of the TNA Lockdown pay-per-view and focussed on Eric Bischoff helping Hulk Hogan during the Lethal Lockdown match... The show is called "What We All Fight For"... The opening video aired... The pyro went off on the stage while Mike Tenay and Taz introduced the show...

A.J. Styles headed to the ring wearing a suit and had the TNA Title belt draped over his shoulder. Once inside the ring, Styles listened to the fans and then told them to "Shut up for a second." Styles boasted about his victory party and said Ric Flair would join him later. He claimed he proved at Lockdown that he is the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world.

Powell's POV: No, A.J., you're the best wrestler in the world or at least you should call yourself that while you're carrying the TNA Title. Skip the pound-for-pound part.

Styles said "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero is one of the best wrestlers in the world. He said he was good, but not good enough. He said Pope joins the list with Kurt Angle, Sting, and others of wrestlers he's defeated. "I'm the best looking, I am the best athlete, I am the workhorse of TNA," Styles said.

Rob Van Dam's entrance music interrupted Styles's promo. Van Dam played to the crowd as he walked to the ring to confront Styles. Once in the ring, Van Dam shot a look at Styles and held it for a moment before looking back to the live crowd, which was chanting "RVD" loudly.

"That might confuse you, A.J., but that's called a crowd reaction," Van Dam said. RVD said Styles considers himself the best wrestler. "Not so," Van Dam added. He said there may have been a time when that was true, "but times have changed." RVD said Styles is upset because he's used to getting all the attention. Van Dam said Styles is a very good wrestler, "but I've never been quite as impressed with you as everyone else has." Van Dam other wrestlers such as himself deserve to be known as the top wrestler.

Jeff Hardy's music played and he headed to the ring to a big pop. Once in the ring, he slapped Van Dam's hand. "You've got a little head to be so big headed," Hardy said to Styles. "I have a huge head, but at least I'm modest." Hardy said the movement has begun. He said he's in TNA to continue his collection of World Titles and A.J.'s belt is next.

Hulk Hogan's music played and he headed to the ring. Hogan said it's all about the TNA Title. He said all the wrestlers in the back need to up their games "because we're raising the bar here."

[Q2] Hogan said that when you're the World Champion, you're the best at what you do. Hulk said doors open up and things happen that you never dreamed of when you're the champion. He said it's about leer jets, limos, and fat paychecks. Hogan said that's why everyone wants the TNA Title. Hogan said his own life changed when he won a World Title.

Hogan said there's a target on the back of the champion every night. He said leaving an opponent lying in the ring ups the ante for the champion. "I'm going to cut the crap right now," Hogan said. Hulk asked how bad Hardy and Van Dam really want it. He asked if they were willing to find out who is the best between the two of them.

Hardy and Van Dam slapped hands and went to opposite corners of the ring where they stood on the ropes and played to the live crowd. Hogan said he wants Hardy and Van Dam to come out and "tear the building down" while the fans chant "TNA." Styles stood in the corner and mocked Hogan. Hulk said that the winner of the Hardy vs. RVD match will get a shot at the TNA Title.

Styles protested. He said Hogan didn't consult with him about this. "I won't be ready at our next pay-per-view Sacrifice," Styles said. Hogan said he already made the match and he never said anything about the Sacrifice pay-per-view. Hogan said that the person who wins the match will get a shot at the TNA Title later tonight on Impact.

A shot aired of Ric Flair arriving backstage. Someone asked if he knew Hogan was going to book Styles in a title match. Flair said no and told the person to get out of his way as the show went to break... [C]

Powell's POV: We're off to a good start with an excellent opening segment. Styles delivered his promo with confidence and had strong heat from the live crowd, which was chanting "A.J. sucks" throughout most of his promo. The line from Van Dam about the crowd reaction may annoy some fans, but I didn't take it as an insult, especially since Styles was getting a great heel reaction tonight. Styles and the TNA Title got some much needed rub from Hardy, Van Dam, and Hogan.

Back from the break, the announcers recapped the opening segment and put over the RVD vs. Jeff Hardy match, and that the winner will challenge A.J. Styles for the TNA Title later in the show. They also stated that Ric Flair is banned from ringside during the TNA Title match...

1. Velvet Sky and Lacey Von Erich (w/Madison Rayne) defeated Daffney and ODB for the TNA Knockouts Tag Title in 2:45. Taz announced that Dixie Carter informed him that Sean Waltman had Dixie Carter's permission to miss the Lockdown pay-per-view. During the match, a graphic appeared on the screen and ran through the results of the Lockdown pay-per-view.

Velvet handled the bulk of the in-ring work for her team. She got the better of Daffney. ODB tagged in and hit her signature spots. ODB rolled up Velvet, but the referee was distracted by Madison Rayne, who was standing on the apron. ODB gave up the pin and walked toward the ropes for no particular reason only to be sprayed in the face by Lacey Von Erich. Velvet rolled up ODB for the pin...

Powell's POV: This was the only match that TNA advertised in advance. They played it up as Daffney would challenge for the titles with a partner of her choosing, but they didn't really hype that element tonight. The finish was clunky with ODB just walking toward Lacey to take the spray. I like the touch of delivering the pay-per-view results at the bottom of the screen.

[Q3] Backstage, Jeremy Borash and a cameraman spied on a conversation that A.J. Styles and Ric Flair were having in a room backstage. Styles bitched about Hogan being disrespectful to him. Flair said that's not the vision they had. "I don't like it and I won't let it go on much longer," Flair said.

Flair added that he wanted a rematch between Team Hogan and Team Flair. Borash entered the room at that point. Flair said Team Hogan had five minutes to accept the match, and he was claiming victory by forfeit until then... [C]

Powell's POV: Wow, that was not Flair's best mic work. He seemed to lose track of what he was talking about. Meanwhile, Borash appears to be out to prove he's a bigger stalker than WWE announcer Josh Matthews.

After the break, Abyss was in the ring and was quickly joined by Jeff Jarrett. Abyss said he heard about Flair's challenge, but he said the war between Team Hogan and Team Flair ended at Lockdown. Flair came out with Sting, Beer Money, and Desmond Wolfe. He told Abyss to kiss his ass.

The heels headed to the ring and attacked the babyfaces while Flair watched on. Rob Terry came out and stormed right past Flair, who gave him the bug-eyed look. Terry entered the ring and cleared Beer Money to ringside. He struggled to pick up Desmond Wolfe for a press-slam, but kinda got him up on the second try. He also kicked Sting with a big boot and fell over backwards in the process.

Flair threw a fit with the heels while Terry, Jarrett, and Abyss stood tall in the ring. Eric Bischoff walked onto the stage and said he thought Flair learned his lesson last night. Bischoff announced that Sting, Wolfe, and Beer Money would face Terry, Abyss, and Jarrett later in the show. He added that he had a guy backstage who was anxious to join the babyface team... [C]

Powell's POV: Wow, Rob Terry sucks. I'm sure he'll improve, but I'm just not sure what TNA sees in the guy beyond the build. Maybe they like his bad haircut or something.

The commercial cut-in showed Hardy warming up for his match. Taz said it was coming up after the break...

Backstage, Matt Morgan approached Shannon Moore, who was reading the Book of Dilligaf. Morgan tried in his own way to put over Moore while saying "we" need a partner for a TNA Tag Title match. Moore said he'd be too busy preparing for his X Division Title match. He said Morgan can kiss his tattooed ass and then walked away. "Big mistake," said a seething Morgan...

[Q4] The announcers spoke about Hardy vs. RVD, and how the winner would challenge Styles in the main event of the show... Backstage, Hogan told Bischoff that he'll never doubt him again after what he did at the pay-per-view. Bischoff praised Hogan for the main event.

Hogan asked if "he" will be here. Bischoff said he would be there and would be intense. Hogan asked Bischoff what happened to the ranking system that he teased a while back. He said he got distracted and will introduce it next week. Bischoff called for Ms. Teschmacher and told her to get the ranking file. She played dumb and wasn't sure whether it was in the "brown thingy or the green thingy." After she walked away, Bischoff told Hogan that she takes great dictation...

Backstage, Rob Van Dam talked to the camera while taping his wrist. He said he and Hardy don't have to hate each other. He said they're after the same thing and he's there to show that he's the Whole F'n Show... [C]

Powell's POV: Bischoff is in nice guy mode, but still has the hot secretary. Now that Hogan said he'll never doubt Bischoff again, I don't think we've seen the last of the heel Bischoff character. The RVD clip was brief, but effective. Nicely done.

2. Rob Van Dam pinned Jeff Hardy to earn a shot at the TNA Title in 13:25. They cut to break just over a minute into the match. Neither wrestler had the advantage at that point.

Powell's POV: Yeah, it's annoying when they cut to commercial so early in a match, but it's a wise move to get this match started before Raw goes on the air. If this match doesn't retain Impact viewers, then nothing will. The show has been entertaining thus far, but it would have been nice to see more in-ring action during the first hour.

They returned to the match briefly during the commercial cut-in. After the break, Van Dam was bleeding from the forehead. It looked like the cut he opened at the pay-per-view opened up again. Van Dam hit a slingshot legdrop and was in control of the match when Raw was scheduled to go on the air at the top of the hour.

[Q5] Hardy fired back and scored a near fall on RVD. Van Dam went for a monkey flip at 8:45, but Hardy spotted it and sat down on him in a cool pinning situation for a near fall. Taz did a good job of talking about how wrestlers who are friends know what the other is going to do, which explained all the countering the wrestlers were doing.

At 9:30, Van Dam placed Hardy on the middle of the top rope and then left off the corner and caught him with a kick to the head. Van Dam hit the split-legged moonsault at 11:15 for another good near fall. Hardy came back a short time later and went up top for his finisher, but RVD popped up and caught him a kick.

Van Dam went for a superplex at 13:00, but Hardy blocked and knocked RVD down to the mat. Hardy went for a quick Swanton, but RVD moved. Van Dam followed up with a Five Star Frogsplash and got the pin. "One great match down, one great match to go," Tenay exclaimed... [C]

Powell's POV: Cool match. It wasn't a masterpiece that people will be raving about months from now, but it was a lot of fun to see these two face off in a match that concluded with a clean finish. I like the idea of going with RVD vs. Styles on free television, as they would be wise to save Hardy vs. Styles for the future, assuming they are confident that Hardy's legal issues won't prevent that match from happening.

Backstage, Christy Hemme interviewed Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy. Van Dam said the match doesn't change anything between them. Hardy agreed. Van Dam thanked Hardy for the match and shoot his hands. Highlights of the match were shown on a monitor behind them. Van Dam and Hardy narrated highlights of the match, shook hands, and hugged. RVD said he's focussed now on Styles...

Powell's POV: Not the best mic work from RVD and Hardy, but it felt legit and unlike a typical wrestling promo. I dug it.

[Q6] Backstage, Abyss hyped up Rob Terry and Jeff Jarrett about their match against Team Flair. Abyss said he has a feeling that their final partner is going to be a bombshell...

Sting came to the ring for the match. Highlights were shown of his feud with Jeff Jarrett. Tenay ran through the rules of the match. He said Sting and Jarrett will start and then the others will come out every two minutes. It will be tag match rules once everyone is in the ring. Oh, and there's no sign of the Lockdown cage structure. Jeff Jarrett came out and Sting bailed. Tenay said they'd start the match after the break... [C]

3. Jeff Jarrett, Abyss, Rob Terry, and Samoa Joe beat Sting, Beer Money, and Desmond Wolfe in 16:00. After the break, Sting and Jarrett were fighting in the crowd. Sting was dominating the fight as they fought into the bleachers. Jarrett fired back and slammed a chair over Sting's back twice. "Come on, Sting," Jarrett said. "I'm going to find out why one way or another."

Sting fought back and knocked down Jarrett. He let out one of his classic squeals, which didn't strike me as heelish. They finally rolled inside the ring with one minute left in the five-minute portion of their match. Desmond Wolfe was the next entrant and he was accompanied to ringside by Chelsea. I'm not sure if they ever bothered to explain how the heels had the man advantage this time around.

With Wolfe in the match, Sting went to his corner, as it's now under tag team rules. Rob Terry was out next for his team. He went to work on Wolfe and Sting. Orlando Jordan walked onto the stage and watched the match once Terry joined in.

[Q7] [C] Abyss and Robert Roode had joined the match during the break. Abyss dominated Roode as the clock counted down for James Storm, who nearly tripped on the stage. He took a shot at Abyss, which enabled Roode to hit a neckbreaker off the ropes. The announcers hyped that there were roughly 90 seconds until the mystery man was revealed.

When the clock counted down, Samoa Joe came to the ring. He tagged Jarrett and entered the match. Joe had his old school look. He destroyed the heels and hit the Muscle Buster on Roode for the win. After the match, Joe immediately headed backstage.

Ric Flair came out and said he had something to say. He was cut off by the commercial break... [C]

Powell's POV: A nice return for Joe. The live crowd didn't pop huge for it because I think they were hoping for a debuting wrestler, but they still seemed happy to see Joe. It was cool to see the old ass kicking Joe rather than the guy with all the silly outfits, Rambo knives, etc. By the way, Dot Net Members found out before anyone else that Joe was returning to TNA Impact tonight.

After the break, the screen was black for a moment, but the crowd could be heard. They had a long shot of the building and the announcers finally acknowledged they were back. They aired a recap from during the break of Ric Flair challenging Abyss to a match where the winner gets the two Hall of Fame rings...

Powell's POV: I wonder how many people will cheer for Flair, since I don't think too many people will want to see Abyss win his WWE Hall of Fame ring.

[Q8] Ring introductions for the main event took place. Tenay said it was thanks to Hulk Hogan that we didn't have to wait until Sacrifice to see RVD vs. Styles...

4. Rob Van Dam defeated A.J. Styles to win the TNA Title in 10:10. Hogan previously banned Ric Flair from ringside for the match. Styles removed his robe and threw it over Van Dam's face and then took cheap shots at him to start the match, which was quickly interrupted by another commercial break. [C]

Styles was still controlling the match after the break. He nailed him with a nice dropkick, which Taz put over as "one of the little nuances that makes A.J. the champion." A crawler started to tease the TNA website live show, but they switched cameras and the graphic disappeared. Oops.

Van Dam caught Styles with a kick to the head around 7:00. Taz said it looked like it could be the turning point of the match. Styles and Van Dam traded blows. Van Dam punched, while Styles dished out chops. Van Dam got the better of the exchange. RVD monkey flipped Styles and followed up with Rolling Thunder.

Styles came back with a figure four, but RVD reached the ropes to break the hold at 9:00. Styles went for the move again, but Van Dam caught him in a small package. Taz had a brief flashback to WWE, as he credited Styles for having "no wasted motion." Styles hit the Pele Kick, which Van Dam sold brilliantly.

Styles performed a springboard move, but Van Dam caught him and turned it into a powerbomb. Van Dam followed up quickly with a Five Star Frogsplash and scored the 1-2-3 to win the TNA Title. A massive amount of confetti fell from the ceiling after the match.

Jeff Hardy came out and was the first to congratulate RVD. Hulk Hogan came out and helped Dixie Carter get on the entrance ramp. They headed to the ring to congratulate RVD. Abyss, Eric Bischoff, Rob Terry, Team 3D, and other babyfaces headed to the ring and celebrated with RVD. Team 3D hoisted him up on their shoudlers, where he raised the belt high in the air.

Powell's POV: RVD vs. Styles entertained me more than Hardy vs. RVD. A really hot television main event and a cool moment with RVD winning the title. They did a nice job of putting over the importance of the TNA Title and made Styles seem strong even before he lost the belt. Joe's return fell flat because they gave it so much hype that I think the majority of the fans thought they would see a big name debut. However, the Hardy vs. RVD match, and the big title change were very cool moments. This was hands down the best show of the new era for TNA. A huge step in the right direction. Here's hoping this is a sign of things to come from the company.

Dot Net Members will be listening to my audio review of the show later tonight. They also found out about Samoa Joe's return to Impact before anyone else. You can get the first look at news, access to all Dot Net Audio and the ad-free version of the website for only $5 per month via the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.

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