By Jason Powell

TNA Impact on Spike TV
Taped at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

[Q1] The show opened with a recap of the TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view... The show is called "Anderson's Agenda"...

Powell's POV: We're getting some severe storms in my area, so if I stop updating, that means the power went out or I'm taking an unplanned trip to Oz (no, not the prison).

A shot aired of Eric Bischoff seated backstage in his office with the TNA Tag Title belts in front of him. He announced that The Band is stripped of the TNA Tag Titles "due to personal issues involving Scott Hall." He wished Hall the best in the future and said he could be back in TNA. Bischoff announced that a tag title tournament was beginning...

Powell's POV: Bischoff played it straight, which is the norm for his character these days. They did not specify what Hall did or why the other members of The Band were stripped of the titles.

Mike Tenay and Taz checked in on commentary as Kevin Nash and Eric Young came to the ring for the opening match. Taz said he'd be angry if he were Nash and Young...

1. Ink Inc. defeated Kevin Nash and Eric Young in a tag title series match in 6:10. Tenay said the main event of the show is Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss vs. Mr. Anderson. Taz announced that Beer Money would face Team 3D in a tournament match.

Young did the bulk of the selling for his team. Late in the match, Nash was setting up Shannon Moore for the Jacknife, but Jesse Neal cut him off with a spear. Neal and Moore hit a double team move on Young and scored the pin...

The announcers recapped Slammiversary and noted that Tommy Dreamer showed up. Tenay said the TNA Championship committee of Hulk Hogan, Dixie Carter, and Eric Bischoff could not agree on the top three rankings slots, thus the need for the main event...

Ric Flair's music played. Tenay questioned whether it was Flair or Jay Lethal. Flair walked onto the stage with A.J. Styles, Beer Money, Desmond Wolfe, and Kazarian. Flair said he was going to make an announcement that would change wrestling. He told viewers to stay tuned because when he talks the world listens. The group headed to the ring as the show cut to break... [C]

Powell's POV: Very nice tease heading into the commercial break. The opening match was solid. The winner of the tournament will face the Motor City Machine Guns at the Victory Road pay-per-view to determine the new tag champs. The idea is that the Guns won a No. 1 contenders match, so they have an automatic entry into the finals.

[Q2] A backstage camera showed Chelsea pleading with Abyss to let her stay with him. She said he has no idea how bad it is with Desmond Wolfe. Abyss told her tonight isn't the night. He said she should go back to Desmond. He grabbed her and said, "Trust me, you're not going to want to be with me after tonight"...

Powell's POV: Abyss rejecting Chelsea? I can suspend my disbelief for a lot of things, but this might be the most far fetched thing I've ever seen in all my years of watching pro wrestling.

In the ring, Flair said they are going to reform the Four Horseman. "Only, we're going to call this new group Fortune," Flair said. He said Fortune will change the destiny of the business going forward and will change the direction of TNA forever. Flair turned to Styles and said Arn Anderson wouldn't look at him that way. He said he'd bring a skinny kid in the ring and stomp his face.

Flair also mentioned Barry Windham, Tully Blanchard, and Ole Anderson while talking with the other members. He said Desmond Wolfe is the Lex Luger of the group in that he thinks he was a big time player. "You were never nothing," Flair said. "Now let's see what you got." Flair said it's time for a change.

Flair told Styles it was suicide to lose to Jay Lethal. He continued to talk to Styles until Jay Lethal came out to his own music wearing a suit. Lethal broke into a Flair impersonation while talking about the Four Horsemen. "It looks like the Horsemen were here, they took a dump in the ring, and they left that," Lethal said.

Flair, who was sweating bullets, referred to Lethal as a pissant. He whipped his jacket off. On the stage, Lethal continued to impersonate Flair by throwing his own jacket down and dropping an elbow on it. "You can't be me," Flair yelled. Flair and Lethal exchanged "Woooos." Flair said he could kiss any woman, "even that fat one," and make her cry.

Desmond Wolfe told Lethal to shut his mouth. Lethal remained in Flair mode while taking a jab about Desmond over something he claimed Chelsea told him. Flair got pissed a Lethal for stealing one of his lines and then a "That's my line" verbal exchange broke out. Flair told Wolfe to take care of Lethal. He said if he did, he'd make him the first member of Fortune. If not, he's done forever...

A backstage shot aired of a topless Lacey Von Erich getting a massage. She was lying on her stomach, so the goods were covered...

Powell's POV: New Horsemen my ass. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of a Horsemen-like faction, but it's hard to take the group seriously when Flair introduces them as the new Horsemen while tearing them down at the same time. The "woooo" exchange was comical, but it's the wrong night. If you want people to take the new faction seriously, they shouldn't be shown up by a comedy figure seconds after they were introduced. And then Flair tells Wolfe he's in the group only if he wins. Odd. Again, though, the Lethal and Flair exchange was very funny.

[Q3] [C] Backstage, an unseen man asked Mr. Anderson if he was ready for the three-way main event and whether we'd see "the real Mr. Anderson tonight." Anderson replied, "Well, I guess that depends on who you think the real Mr. Anderson is"...

2. Samoa Joe defeated Hernandez in 3:00. The announcers noted before the match that Matt Morgan walked away from the fight at Slammiversary. Tenay announced Morgan vs. Hernandez in a cage for Victory Road. Late in the match, Hernandez hit a shoulder block that took Joe off his feet.

Joe rolled to ringside. As the ref was checking on him, Morgan came out and low-blowed Hernandez. Joe recovered and hit a t-bone suplex on Hernandez for the win while Morgan hit at ringside and mugged for the camera.

After the match, Morgan entered the ring after Joe left and called him to the ring. Joe came back and charged at Morgan just as Hernandez was going at Morgan from behind. Morgan fled...

Powell's POV: Logical finish to set up the pay-per-view. Morgan is comical to those who like heels and obnoxiously annoying to heel haters. It looks like they are teasing Joe vs. Morgan while building toward Hernandez vs. Morgan at the PPV.

Backstage, A.J. Styles walked in as Desmond Wolfe was getting ready. Wolfe told him to make it snappy because he was about to do what Styles could not. Styles mocked him over Chelsea not wanting to be with him anymore. Styles condescendingly wished him luck against Lethal and reminded him that Flair said he was out of the group if he lost... [C]

Powell's POV: Once they settle in on Flair's faction, they need to have them be on the same page for a while and actually get some heat. It's hard to care about a faction that bickers like old ladies and gets dressed down by their leader Flair.

[Q4] Hervey-Cam interviewed Jeff Hardy backstage. He was talking about his three-way match when Anderson came in and said may the best man win. As Anderson was walking away, Hardy called him an asshole under his breath. "Yes, I am," Anderson yelled from the hallway...

X Division Champion Douglas Williams cut a promo in the ring. He boasted about how one high flying move at the pay-per-view rendered all the high flying X Division moves useless...

3. Douglas Williams beat Max Buck in a non-title match in 3:00. Buck scored a nice near fall late, but Williams came back and used the same move off the ropes that got him the win at the pay-per-view. Williams worked over Buck after the match, but Brian Kendrick ran out and applied a rear choke hold that Williams tapped for...

Powell's POV: Williams continues to grow on me as the X Division Champion. He stands out from the rest of the division similar to the way Dean Malenko stood out in WCW. I'm still not crazy about Kendrick as a babyface. He can play the role well, but I really dig his heel persona. The match was a throwback with the unheralded babyface getting a nice hope spot against the champ. Still, I wish they'd do more with Generation Me.

A video hyped the Jeff Jarrett and Sting feud. Tenay noted that Jarrett will call out Sting later in the show... [C]

A video recapped the unveiling of the new TNA action figures...

Angelina Love stood in the ring and delivered a promo. She said she's been on the sideline with an injury, which made her realize that every time the wrestlers step in the ring it could be their last time. "And I'm not going to waste another second," she said. Love said she's wrestling Lacey tonight, Velvet Sky next week, and taking the TNA Knockouts Title back from Madison Rayne at the pay-per-view...

[Q5] 4. Lacey Von Erich beat Angelina Love by DQ in 2:45. Taz explained that Love could pick apart the Beautiful People one girl at a time. Love controlled the match and showed a vicious streak. She went to ringside and grabbed a chair and then flashed a sinister smile at the referee. Love DDT'd Lacey on the chair for the DQ...

Powell's POV: My guess is that Love beats all three members of the Beautiful People (in her own vicious way) and then reclaims her spot as the leader. By the way, Lacey should never wear that outfit again. Lelani Kai called and wants her gear back.

Backstage, the Hervey-Cam caught Jay Lethal talking with Hulk Hogan, who said he should hang on for the ride now that the heat is on. Hogan joked that he'd like to see Lethal do a Hogan impersonation...

Tenay and Taz hyped the three-way main event to determine the No. 1 contenders slot... [C]

Backstage, Christy Hemme interviewed Jeff Hardy about the three-way main event. Hardy said he'd love nothing more than to mix it up with Rob Van Dam, but it's all about tonight.

Mr. Anderson interrupted Hardy's promo. He said people were trying to stir the pot. Anderson asked how many times him and his brother argued when they were kids and had a fist fight. Hardy said all the time. Anderson said this is no different. He said that they are both there to be champion, and at the end of the night they'll be able to look at each other as men. They bumped fists...

Powell's POV: Nice job by Anderson. I like they way they are keeping the mystery of when/if Anderson will turn on Hardy.

Team 3D came to the ring for their match. Halfway to the ring, Brother Ray asked if Devon was going to stay mad at him forever. He said they have to focus on the tag titles. Devon still didn't look happy, but he eventually nodded...

[Q6] 5. Beer Money beat Team 3D in a tag title series match in 4:15. Shannon Moore and Jesse Neal came out and joined the announcers on commentary. Actually, Moore sat down, while Neal just stood behind them. Shannon said it doesn't matter who they face next week, but they would like a piece of Bubba.

Late in the match, Team 3D was setting up for their finisher. Brother Ray noticed Ink Inc. and ended up going after Moore and Neal on the stage. Meanwhile, James Storm spat beer in Devon's eyes, which led to Beer Money getting the win...

Powell's POV: The Four Horsemen talk earlier and now Moore used "Bubba." I'm guessing TNA can look forward to a couple of legal letters from WWE. My guess is TNA officials crumple them up and throw them in the usual basket. The match was a throwaway. The focus was on the Team 3D vs. Ink Inc. feud when you'd think they'd spotlight the members of the new faction. They got the win, but this match wasn't about Beer Money.

Backstage, Desmond scolded Chelsea for the pay-per-view finish. He said she has a chance to redeem herself. "Is that clear?" he barked... [C]

Powell's POV: Chelsea pleading with Abyss earlier brought back memories of the sister-in-law Alice in "Step Brothers" seducing Dale (John C. Reilly's character). Somehow, I don't think that's what TNA was going for.

6. Jay Lethal pined Desmond Wolfe (w/Chelsea) in 2:20. As Lethal was posing on the ropes, Desmond ran over and threw him off. Moments later, Tommy Dreamer walked in through the crowd. Wolfe continued to yell at Chelsea rather than focus on Lethal. Dreamer sat in the crowd and watched the match.

Meanwhile, Chelsea started to storm off, but she tripped on the stage. Lethal grabbed Wolfe from behind and threw him back in the ring. Lethal threw Wolfe into the air and caught him with a neckbreaker in the ring for the clean pin. Afterward, Dreamer was shown clapping in the crowd.

After the match, Wolfe attacked Lethal from behind. He flashed an angry face at the camera and then threw Lethal back inside the ring. Flair walked out and chopped Lethal while Wolfe held him in place. Dreamer continued to watch the action. Hulk Hogan's music played.

[Q7] Hulk Hogan came to the ring and ran off the heels. Hogan raised Lethal's hand after the match while the crowd cheered. Hogan said guys like Lethal are the reason TNA is on fire right now. Hogan called Flair back because he had a big announcement to make.

Flair obliged. Hogan said Flair has been a thorn in Lethal's side all along and he's trying to hold him down. Hogan said Flair will face Lethal at the Victory Road pay-per-view. Flair wasn't happy...

Powell's POV: There was too much going on during that match with Wolfe bickering with Chelsea, and Dreamer walking out. Dreamer was essentially forgotten once Hogan came out. Good use of Hogan, though, by having him endorse Lethal.

A shot aired of Sting walking backstage... [C]

The new top 10 rankings (from 10-4): Angle, Wolfe, The Pope, Lethal, Samoa Joe, Sting, Styles. The top three will be determined via the main event...

Jeff Jarrett stood in the ring and called out Sting. Jarrett said he wanted to look Sting in the eyes so he knows that he feels what he's saying. Sting took off his shades and was not wearing makeup. Jarrett said he was the person who called Sting when he started the company. He said he wanted him in TNA for his professionalism and iconic status.

Jarrett said he didn't want Sting to work for him. "I wanted you to work with me," Jarrett said. The crowd started cheering for God knows what reason. Jarrett said they've given everything they could for TNA. The fans changed TNA. Jarrett said that even though they haven't always been on the same side of the fence, they've always treated each other with dignity, respect, and honor.

Jarrett said all that ended at TNA Sacrifice. "That wasn't a wrestling match," Jarrett said. "No, you were hellbent on ending my career." Jarrett said the demons inside Sting were hellbent on destroying his livelihood, everything he's about, and how he provides for his family. "But Steve Borden, I'm going to tell you one thing and make it plain and simple, you made one mistake, you left me standing."

Sting laughed. Jarrett asked if he thinks it's funny. He said it won't be a laughing matter when they have their rematch next week. Jarrett said he knows what it's all about. "You're dead wrong," Jarrett said. "You're 100 percent wrong about both of them."

Jarrett said that every minute of every hour, "those two guys have been here." Jarrett said Hulk has even given his body, and added that that's probably too much to ask of him at this stage of his career. Jarrett said he won't be fighting for his family. He said he's going to be fighting for Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, and the most important ingredient of all, the TNA fans. Jarrett walked away and left Sting standing in the ring...

Powell's POV: Very nice promo. My only complaint is that Jarrett's feud with Bischoff has been completely forgotten. I know Bischoff is a babyface now, but too much went down for Jarrett to forgive and forget so quickly.

[Q8] [C] 7. Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson vs. Abyss in a three-way match to determine the No. 1 contender to the TNA Title ended in a triple countout in 3:50. Dreamer was still seated in the crowd for the match. Taz said he hasn't been able to talk to him because Dreamer isn't returning his calls or texts.

Abyss was cleared from the ring early. Anderson snuck up behind Hardy and teased hitting him, only to slide kick Abyss on the floor. Nice tease. They all fought at ringside and the referee counted them out. Weak.

Abyss continued to rough up both opponents as the announcers questioned whether he heard the bell or not. They kept trying to come up with excuses, but Tenay finally acknowledged that Abyss had a sadistic side that he hasn't seen for years. Abyss was hitting Hardy with a kendo stick, which is pretty much par for the course for Abyss aside from the fact that he was hitting a babyface with it.

Abyss emptied a bag of glass in the ring. He slammed the kendo stick over Anderson repeatedly. Tenay again said he's seen this side of Abyss in the past, but it was years ago. Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam on Anderson onto the glass. Anderson screamed in pain.

[Overrun] With Anderson lying in the ring, Abyss walked up the ramp and past Hardy. He turned around and was greeted with punches from Hardy. Abyss recovered and knocked Hardy down. Trainers were shown tending to Anderson in the ring. Abyss chokeslammed Hardy off the stage and through a platform below. Abyss raised his hands as the crowd booed.

Hulk Hogan walked onto the stage without music. Hogan pointed down at Hardy and asked Abyss: "What was that? What are you doing? What is wrong with you? What is going on? What is that all about?" Abyss pointed at Hogan and yelled, "You!" to close the show...

Powell's POV: The finish of the match was really lame, but I'm thrilled that they're ditching the Hogan-loving Abyss character. This was long overdue and I look forward to seeing him work as a heel, whereas I cringed whenever I saw the babyface version of the character over the last few months (and that's being kind).

Overall, I enjoyed the show. I didn't care much for the pay-per-view, but I've enjoyed the last three weeks of Impact. I'll have more to say about the show in Friday's TNA Impact Hitlist. Thanks for watching along with me tonight (or checking in during the NBA game).

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