By Jason Powell

TNA Impact on Spike TV
Taped on Feb. 24 in Fayetteville, N.C.

[Q1] The show opened with Dixie Carter's entrance. There were three video screens and the middle screen raised and Dixie walked underneath it and into the building. Mike Tenay and Taz checked in on commentary as she headed to the ring. Dixie was emotional as she thanked the fans for their support.

She said she was there to share the details of the court hearing that went down earlier in the day. She said things didn't go like she'd hoped. She was about to promise the fans something when the Immortal music interrupted her. Eric Bischoff led Ric Flair, Matt Hardy, Rob Terry, Gunner, and Murphy to the ring.

The announcers assumed the court ruling went against Carter. Bischoff condescendingly said he respects Carter and has learned a lot from her. Bischoff said she's a woman in a man's world, but she has one big set of balls. Ric Flair asked if she could bell by the vibration that they were in Flair Country.

Flair eventually introduced Hulk Hogan as "the legend, the man who makes Immortal." Hogan played to the crowd and posed on the stage as they cheered. Once in the ring, Hogan said he thinks it's safe to say that he controls 100 percent of TNA. "It's all mine," Hogan gloated. He said he makes all the decisions. "You're just unemployed," Hogan said.

Hogan accused Dixie of becoming delusional. Hogan said people talk about him being an egomaniac, but no one believes their own hype more than Carter. "We used you, Dixie," Hogan said. "We used you to get right back on top of the wrestling business." He said her job is to supply the money, period.

"We used you, Dixie, because you're a weak woman," Hogan said. "We used you and your whole family." He said the only thing she has left is her dignity. "As they say in Nashville, we're fixing to take that away too," Hogan added.

Fortune's music played and they walked onto the stage and made their hand symbol. A.J. Styles said they could do it the easy way or they could do it the hard way. He said they prefer to do it the hard way. Styles said there's a woman in the ring. Kazarian grabbed the mic and said, "And by woman, he's not talking about you, Bischoff."

Styles said they care deeply about Dixie Carter. He said she gave them all an opportunity and brought them all to Fayetteville. Styles told Dixie to get out of the ring and she complied. Robert Roode too the mic and said he can't believe Hogan is the reason he became a pro wrestler.

Flair interrupted for Hogan and said Roode was now talking to God. Flair told Roode to kiss his ass and keep walking. Roode said that rather than kiss his ass, they were going to kick it. Fortune headed toward the ring, but lame ass TNA security intervened...

Powell's POV: The set looks great and it's refreshing to see TNA outside the Impact Zone. The Dixie and Hogan drama is just campy and doesn't make sense. Why judge would give control of the company to Hogan when Carter had video evidence that she was conned into signing a document? Why would Dixie fund the company she can't control? Why does Immortal open every show? Why does Fortune suddenly respect Carter so much now when they were just aligned with Immortal? On the positive side, Fortune is definitely clicking as a babyface act.

[Q2] Backstage, New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott shook hands and hugged the various members of Immortal. Hogan said he felt like Scott had been with him all along. Matt Hardy walked off with Scott to break him in. They ran into Dixie, Styles, and Kazarian. Styles told Dixie to leave, and she ran off.

Hardy and Styles fought, and Kazarian fought with Scott. TNA security intervened (yes, again). Meanwhile, Jeff and Karen Jarrett arrived. They were all smiles and walked through all of the commotion... A video recapped the Jarretts and Kurt Angle family drama... Tenay plugged the wedding vow renewal for later in the show... [C]

Powell's POV: The video included a shot of Angle's boots in the ring after his loss to Jarrett at the last pay-per-view, and video footage of him saying that he had to think about whether he wanted to go on. So they are going back to the latest retirement tease even though he's been on television ever since then. Can we get a match now?

Backstage, Bischoff complained to Hulk Hogan that a network executive told him that Jeff Hardy would be defending his title tonight. Bischoff said the network wouldn't tell him who the opponent was...

Powell's POV: I realize the network thing sounds like a ripoff of the ECW angle with Cyrus (Don Callis), but as I initially wrote, I think the idea is to use the network to explain why the Immortal wrestlers are forced to wrestle certain matches. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense if Jeff Hardy was forced to defend the title against legit contenders.

1. Beer Money defeated Gunner and Murphy to retain the TNA Tag Titles in 3:05. The challengers jumped the champs as they entered the ring, and James Storm was roughed up. He made the hot tag to Roode, who got a big pop. Roode was dominant and hit his signature spots.

[Q3] Gunner and Murphy made a brief comeback, but Roode avoided a move and Storm recovered. Beer Money eventually hit the DWI and scored the clean pin to a great reaction from the crowd.

After the match, Ink Inc. came out. North Carolina's own Shannon Moore played to the crowd and had them fill in the final word of DILLIGAF. Moore challenged Beer Money to a tag title match at the pay-per-view. Beer Money accepted the match... [C]

Powell's POV: Roode was great and the crowd was really into his offense. He didn't do anything too out of the ordinary as far as the move set goes, but he showed great fire and the crowd responded accordingly. They absolutely have to find ways to take the show on the road more often.

Backstage, Jeff and Karen Jarrett were still in giddy mode. Eric Young got their attention from another room and made a pitch to be in the wedding. Jarrett blew him off initially, but finally gave in and said he would let him be the ring bearer...

Angelina of "Jersey Shore" fame was shown arriving at the building... Taz hyped the wedding vows would be renewed, and Tenay plugged the Hardy vs. the mystery man main event... [C] Kurt Angle was shown walking backstage with his son...

2. Velvet Sky (w/Angelina Love) defeated Sarita (w/Rosita) in 2:00. Velvet's career was on the line in the match. The announcers said it could be the last time we see the hottest entrance in wrestling. We never saw it. Sarita interfered early, but Angelina jumped in and stopped her. Referee Earl Hebner ordered them both to the back. In the end, Velvet hit a DDT and got the pin.

After the match, The Shore music played. Robbie E, Cookie, and Angelina of "Jersey Shore" walked onto the stage. Cookie cut a promo as the trio walked to the ring. Robbie E slipped awkwardly. Cookie told him to get it together. Cookie said Angelina had a message to pass along to JWoww and her "fun bags."

Angelina said it takes a slut to know a slut. Angelina said she wants JWoww to show up next week and meet her in a match "Jersey Shore style." Velvet said she should tell JWoww to her face.

[Q4] Sky started to leave the ring, but Angelina kicked her on her backside. Velvet went after Angelina, and Love went after Cookie. Sarita helped the heels and The Beautiful People were left lying. Love took the mic and called them "stupid bitches." Love challenged them to a "six-way" for next week... The announcers hyped the main event... [C]

Powell's POV: There was zero drama when it came to Sky's career being on the line. They didn't even try to build up to moments in the short match where the fans would be concerned that she was going to lose. The Jersey Shore stuff does nothing for me, but TNA is getting their brand name out there via TMZ, so I guess that counts for something.

Backstage, Mr. Anderson assumed he was getting a title shot this week. He said RVD got his recently, and now he's going to get his because the network knows where the ratings are. He said nice guys finish last and sometimes good things happen to assholes...

Eric Young said he'll be the ring bearer, and told Orlando Jordan that he'll be the flower girl. Young lost the rings. He eventually found them in his own shoe...

In another part of the backstage area, Jeff Jarrett boasted to Ric Flair that he was taking the family to the front of the line at Universal Studios for a honeymoon. Flair asked him if he was serious and gave him other ideas. Jarrett said Flair doesn't understand what the relationship is about...

Backstage, Kurt was talking with his son. An assistant entered the room and said he'd watch Angle's son. Tenay noted that Angle was taping his fists even though he was merely supposed to walk Karen down the aisle... [C]

Powell's POV: The lack of in-ring action in the first hour has been disappointing. No, I don't want two hours of wrestling, but I also think that they would be wise to take advantage of being in a different venue rather than airing a bunch of skits that could have just as easily been shot at the Impact Zone. Hopefully the second hour will better in that regard.

Backstage, Hulk Hogan was on the phone with the network. He said he doesn't agree that surprises equal ratings. He said you hit the fans with a surprise, not the people you're in business with. He didn't get the answer he was looking for...

Powell's POV: The whole thing feels like one big inside joke. Hogan telling Dixie her role is to fund the company, and now crapping all over surprises and working people you're in business with. Wow.

[Q5] Wedding time. Eric Young came out wearing a tuxedo t-shirt and held the rings on the pillow. He was accompanied by Orlando Jordan, who was the flower girl. The crowd didn't seem to care, although the cheesy grin on Young's face was funny. Jeff Jarrett walked out and the crowd booked.

Kurt Angle attacked Jeff from behind. Jeff nearly tumbled into the wedding cake on the stage a couple of times. Jarrett fired back, but Angle clotheslined him. Kurt pointed at the wedding cake. Karen came out and threw a hissy fit. She slapped Kurt, who slammed her face into the cake...

Powell's POV: The teases of Jeff going into the cake were fun given that anyone who has ever watched a pro wrestling wedding knows what's going to happen with a cake. I was told by a correspondent that Karen botched the cake bump, but it looked fine on television. Quick and painless.

Backstage, Hulk Hogan spoke with Jeff Hardy. Hogan said he and Eric talked about giving Hardy a vacation, but the company is on a roll. Hogan said he couldn't get the network to tell him who he would be wrestling. Hogan said the network smells blood. "For some reason, they think a big surprise is going to put this thing over the top," Hogan said.

Hardy protested Hogan expecting him to face an unknown opponent. Hogan said Hardy is their leader. He said he did what he could to find out, but was unsuccessful. Hogan told him to bring his A-game because they need him to handle this. Hogan said Hardy is their guy and they are behind him all the way... [C]

The announcers narrated highlights of the cake spot... Backstage, Karen and Jeff threw a fit. Bischoff told her to take a shower and do her makeup. He said the right thing will happen. Hulk Hogan entered the room and spoke with Bischoff and Flair. Hogan asked Bischoff if he thought the network was sending the person he thinks they are sending. Bischoff sent Flair to deal with Jeff and Karen...

3. Scott Steiner beat Rob Terry in 3:20. Not much reaction for Terry, but the fans popped for Steiner's entrance. Steiner was dominant to start, but Terry got the better of him when the match spilled to the floor.

[Q6] Steiner came back with his usual offense and then hit a fallaway slam off the second rope. Steiner locked in the Steiner Recliner and got the submission win...

Powell's POV: So much better than I ever expected a match between these two would be. Steiner was over and his big suplexes and power moves were the reason the match was entertaining.

Backstage, Ric Flair introduced Kurt Angle to Bart Scott. Flair said Steiner likes white meat, and in this case that would be Angle. Flair implied that Scott would take out Angle if he got involved in the wedding. Eventually, Scott got in Angle's face and told him that he's a lot smaller in person... [C]

The announcers were joined by Joe Warren, a former amateur wrestler, who plugged Bellator MMA for MTV2...

4. Matt Morgan beat Hernandez an apparent DQ at 4:30. The announcers recapped highlights of Hernandez's attack on Morgan at the last pay-per-view. Warren remained on commentary for the match. Morgan went after Hernandez aggressively to start the match.

At one point, Hernandez begged off and offered Morgan his hand. Morgan looked to the crowd and kicked Hernandez in the face. A "Morgan" chant broke out just as Herandnez made his comeback and went for his stupid t-shirt toss. Morgan blocked the stupid t-shirt toss, picked it up, and hit the stupid t-shirt toss on Hernandez, who took a rough bump near the ropes.

Later, Hernandez begged off on the floor. This time, he pulled Morgan into the ring steps and then slammed his head off of them a couple of times. The referee eventually called for the bell. Morgan bled from the forehead...

Powell's POV: Tenay said it had to be a disqualification even though it could have just as easily been a double countout. Hernandez gets more heat on Morgan to keep their feud going.

[Q7] Backstage, Hogan told a source at the network to find out who Hardy's opponent was. Hogan called for Mr. Anderson and they said they hated each other. Anderson threw a fit when Hulk Hogan told him that he wasn't getting the title match tonight. Hogan sat down and said he was doing so before he put his fist through Anderson's face.

Anderson dared him to do it. Hogan held up a back brace and said the thing with him and Anderson wasn't going down tonight. Anderson said he never thought he'd say it, but Hogan disgusts him. After Anderson stormed away, Hogan told him to let him know the next time he slams a 700-pound giant... The announcers questioned who the mystery man was and then teased the wedding part two... [C]

Powell's POV: Good intensity from Anderson. I know the Hogan back surgery has received TMZ and other love, but I wonder how many viewers are wondering what the hell the back brace was all about. I'm still disappointed by the lack of wrestling on the show tonight.

A preview aired from Roy Meets Girl, which is a new show that airs after TNA Impact...

The wedding take two started. Rinse and repeat with Eric Young flashing the intentionally dorky smile as the ring bearer, and Jordan as the flower girl. Jeff Jarrett made his walk down the aisle minus his tuxedo jacket. Karen was escorted down the aisle by a smiling Kurt Angle. Karen had icing all over her face and hair. At least I hope that's icing.

Taz pointed out that pro wrestling weddings never go well. The minister asked whether there was any reason they shouldn't be married. The fans booed. Kurt was all smiles as Karen and Jeff went through the usual wedding "to have and to hold" stuff. A graphic was shown to remind viewers that Jeff Hardy would face a mystery man coming up next.

Jeff read his vows from a piece of paper. He said Karen is now married to a real man, not a "harmless, gutless, excuse of a man." Kurt continued to smile. Jeff said Karen was a victim and under appreciated by a man who didn't deserve to have her. "All the gold medals in the world could never symbolize my love for you," Jeff continued. You truly are the wind beneath my wings."

[Q8] Karen took the mic and the crowd chanted that she sucks. Karen said Jeff is a real man who made her his first priority, unlike another man. Kurt kept smiling. Karen said her "Big Daddy" makes sure his princess goes to bed happy. Karen said Jeff is an amazing father and completes her. Kurt was sill smiling.

It was time for the ring ceremony. Eric pulled the rings out of his shoes. The minister finally pronounced them husband and wife and said Jeff could kiss the bride. Big kiss and Kurt was still smiling. Kurt leaned in and asked if they were done. He said they were. Kurt said thank you.

Kurt dumped the podium over and pulled an axe out from underneath is. Yes, really. Jeff, Karen, and everyone else fled the ring. Kurt destroyed the wedding set with the axe. He held the axe above his head and smiled again as the not-so-happy couple watched from the stage.

Eric Bischoff and Bart Scott came out. Bischoff pointed Scott to the ring. Scott entered the ring and jawed at Angle, who had dropped the axe. Scott shoved Angle and continued to talk smack. Scott pushed him a second time. Angle kept his cool amazingly well for a guy who had just pulled out an axe.

Scott pie-faced Angle, who pushed him over and put him in the ankle lock. Scott tapped immediately. TNA security hit the ring and immediately pulled Angle off Scott. Tenay said the Jets have been tapping out since 1969. Scott limped toward the back with help from security...

Powell's POV: An f'ing axe? What the hell? I actually got a kick out of it initially, but it became repetitive quickly. Do they really want the mainstream media that writes about this segment to talk about the axe-wielding wrestler who was pissed off at his ex-wife and her new husband? The Bart Scott "contract breaking" drama was comical. The backstage stuff was more than I expected, but the in-ring ankle lock was nothing. Taz's jab at Tenay about the Jets choking might be comical if I wasn't a Vikings fan.

A pre-taped Jeff Hardy promo aired. He said he was in his home state. He said he walked in the World Champion and would leave as the World Champion... Outside the building, a limo drive opened the door of the car and a man with black boots emerged... [C]

Tenay hyped that it was time for the TNA Title match... Jeremy Borash introduced Jeff Hardy, who received a strong reaction (sounded like a mix of cheers and boos). Hardy took a lap around the ring and ignored the fans before entering the ring. He went to the ropes and then Borash said it was time to introduce his opponent.

The 3-3-11 graphic appeared and music played. Lighting flashed on the video wall and along with a light show. Sting's music played and a new Sting graphic appeared on the video wall. Sting wore a red and gold jacket and had red in his facepaint. He gave an old school yell to the cheering fans and headed to the ring...

[Overrun] Hardy took a powder as Sting played to the live crowd

5. Sting defeated Jeff Hardy to win the TNA Title in 6:15. Hardy went on the offensive early, but Sting came back with the Scorpion Death Lock. Hardy reached the ropes to break the hold. They went to ringside and Hardy got the better of the exchange before taking it back inside the ring.

Sting avoided the Twist of Hate. Hardy threw punches at Sting, who no-sold. Sting pounded his chest and then fired away with punches on Hardy. Sting hit the Scorpion Death Drop and went for a cover, but Hardy kicked out for a really good near fall.

Sting went for the Stinger Splash and missed. Hardy went to the ropes, but Sting caught him and hit the Scorpion Death Drop off the second rope. Sting hit another Scorpion Death Drop again and scored the clean pin to win the TNA Title. The crowd popped huge for the title change. Hardy crawled on the floor around ringside. Sting held up the title belt and posed for the crowd to end the show...

Powell's POV: A cool moment with a hot crowd. Sure, I would have enjoyed seeing Sting in WWE too after all these years, but you can't hold that against TNA. I think it was wise of TNA to avoid playing the 3-3-11 video throughout the show because it received an overwhelmingly negative reaction from fans. It's a shame that they booked the back and forth title bit with Hardy and Anderson or this would have felt more meaningful.

Overall, the show was too light on wrestling and didn't make full use of the impressive looking crowd. Why bother taking the show on the road if you're going to have so much stuff going on backstage? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy they got out of the Impact Zone and the atmosphere was a million times better, but the show simply needed more in-ring action. No, the wedding doesn't count.

I'll have more to say in the TNA Impact Hitlist and Dot Net Audio on Friday. Thanks for watching along with me tonight. Don't forget to check out Will Pruett's report on the main page to see what our newest staff member thought of the show.

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