By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

KELLER'S TNA IMPACT WRESTLING REPORT
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
TAPED IN ORLANDO, FLA.
AIRED ON SPIKE TV

[Q1]

-A video package aired hyping the Sting-Hulk Hogan feud. Well produced, although if I never hear the word "cancer" associated with a wrestling storyline again, it'd be nice.

-Sting's full ring entrance took place as Mike Tenay and Taz introduced the show. He entered the ring wearing jeans and his t-shirt available at merchandise stands. He said it was a great night and he was pumped up. He bragged about beating Ric Flair last week, opening the door for him to face Hulk Hogan at Bound for Glory. He said everyone said it was impossible and it would not happen. He asked the crowd to start a Hogan chant. A few seconds later Hogan's music played and he walked out.

Hogan entered the ring and said he's delusional and it won't happen because he's not medically cleared. Sting dropped to the mat and said he must be kidding. Then he threw to footage of Hogan bashing him with a chair and choking him, evidence Hogan looks fine to fight. Hogan said he runs the show and he didn't clear the footage and that's not funny. Sting said he's still got it, so he looks forward to their match at BFG. Hogan said it's time for Sting to quit playing this game. He said he's been playing this game his whole career and he hasn't quite caught up to Hulkamania. He said he workings behind the scenes now, and "this is not going to happen."

Sting suggested they fight right then and there rather than wait for BFG. Hogan begged off as Sting made a move toward him. Then Eric Bischoff's music played briefly and marched to the ring. He asked Sting "who in the hell do you think you are?" He said he's talking to Hogan, the very reason he even has a job and the reason this industry even exists. Sting asked Bischoff if he said something, then he punched him. Hogan kicked the bottom rope in frustration and then pretended to be hurt. Sting mocked him, then got in Hogan's face and said the match is going to happen.

(WK Reax: Just watching Hogan wobble to the ring makes me increasingly concerned about this match actually taking place. I know there's many bells and whistles and bag-o-tricks techniques they can use to cover up Hogan's broken down body, but it's going to be tough. I know Hogan's a heel and Bischoff is spewing the b.s., but the talk over the years that Hogan is the "reason the industry exists" is so flawed and baseless, it's difficult to hear repeated without rebuttal. Otherwise, though a good by-the-numbers segment booking-wise with the heel acting scared of the babyface and reluctant to get inside the ring with him.)

-Backstage Karen Jarrett, with Traci Brooks's boobs next to her, instructed Miss Tessmacher and Mickie James that the winner will face Velvet Sky and Winter at BFG. She told them to go out and may the best woman win. She then warned Tessmacher not to do any strip-tease behavior. Karen then told Traci to cover up. "Does this look like a brothel to you? Or maybe that's too big of a word for you. Does it look like I'm running a whore house." Kaz came into the room and told Karen she looks like she's dressed like a madame and told her he hopes Jeff Jeff isn't paying more than 50 cents an hour because that's all she's worth. Karen immediately called Jeff and told on Kaz. Apparently Jeff picks up the phone when he's called even before the first ring as she began whining to him within a split-second of hitting the button on her phone to speed dial him. [c]

[Q2]

-A commercial aired hyping a cruise you can take with Impact Wrestling talent including Jeff Jarrett. Tickets start at $379.

-Jeff Hardy arrived backstage. Tenay said you have to give credit to him for being determined to regain the respect of the locker room.

1 -- MICKIE JAMES vs. MISS TESSMACHER

When Tessmacher engaged in "strip-tease behavior," Tenay wondered if Karen would disqualify her. Taz said he was ready to hand her the Knockouts Title. Mickie won clean with a DDT. They hugged afterward.

WINNER: Mickie in 3:00 with a DDT.

-They cut to the parking lot where Mexican America were creating ruckus and talking about tattoos. [c]

-Impact Wrestling agent Al Snow told Hardy he respects that he came back looking for forgiveness. He said everyone makes mistakes, but he respects that he's willing to try to make amends. He told him to not make the same mistake again. He told him to begin at the top.

2 -- AUSTIN ARIES vs. JESSE SORRENSEN -- X Division Title Match

They showed Twitter messages during the match from fans talking about the X Division. Aries mocked Sorrensen by running around ringside with his football in hand. Sorrensen slidekicked him and then dove onto him at ringside at 2:00. Kid Kash then walked to ringside.

[Q3]

Aries went for a superplex, but Sorrensen shoved hi to the mat and then hit a top rope crossbody block for a near fall. Kash shoved the football into the chest of Sorrensen. Sorrensen whipped the ball at Kash. Kash jumped onto the ring apron, but the ref blocked him. Aries then dropkicked Sorrensen from behind for the win.

WINNER: Aries in 5:00 to retain the X Division Title.

(WK Reax: Good action in the match, and the finish sets up a Sorrensen vs. Kash feud, a rare case of TV time being given to an X Division feud that doesn't involve the X Title itself.)

-Mr. Anderson and Rob Van Dam talked about their match later and at BFG. RVD said he can't wait to get in the ring with Lynn, and he's glad he doesn't have to wait until BFG. Anderson said he feels the same way about facing Bully Ray later. [c]

-Mexican America were backstage. Anarquia prepared himself for a new tattoo and asked the women to get him tequila. The tattoo artist who prepped him said she had another appointment so she needed to leave, but a different artist would replace her. Anarquia then asked Hernandez to pray with him because he's scared of tattoos. Then Ink Inc. attacked them. Jesse Neal said he's back. Hernandez made a comeback and rammed Neal into the table. Neal came back by slamming Hernandez through a folding table. Neal said, "It's been four months; who's your bitch now." Meanwhile, Shannon Moore fought Anarquia in the lobby. Ink Inc. the gave Anarquia a tattoo against his will, but Neal pushed the camera away before they used the needle, so all we heard were cries of agony.

-Hardy approached Matt Morgan in his trailer. Morgan criticized him for showing up the way he did as World Champion earlier this year on pay-per-view. He said it was a slap in his face. He said he'd make a much better champion than him. He said, however, he'd be a hypocrite not to give him another chance because he is a painkiller addict who has been clean for four years. He told Hardy he has one chance and the first millisecond he considers regressing, he'll hunt his ass down. He told him he has a great opportunity to flipflop his storyline and be one of the best role models ever. He asked if they have an understanding. Hardy respectfully and submissively said yes.

[Q4] [c]

-Backstage someone off camera found RVD beaten down and lying among chairs. This mystery person yelled for trainers to come check on him. Tenay said they'd try to find out who was responsible with all the passion and emotion of a bored office worker reading a corporate report to disinterested coworkers in a meeting no one wants to attend.

-Hardy walked up to Kurt Angle backstage. Awwwwk-warrrrrd! Hardy told Angle he talked to a lot of people and it's not looking good. Angle said he doesn't want him there and nobody wants him there. He said he needs to leave for good. Hardy said he can deal with A.J. Styles, Devon, and Al Snow talking to him because they're sincere. "Who are you to judge me, bro?" Hardy asked. Angle said: "Who am I? Is that what you just said? Let me introduce myself to you." He listed his resume bullet points and told him to get the hell away from him. Hardy grabbed him and told him, "Maybe you don't want me here, Kurt, because you know I'm your biggest threat." Angle said nobody's a threat to him.

-Angle walked to the ring in jeans and a t-shirt with his TNA World Hvt. Title belt over his shoulder. He said before he begins a speech, he'd like to invite the no. 1 contender, Robert Roode, to the ring right now. Roode made his ring entrance, to the "Beer Money" music. They cut to a break before Roode got to the ring.

(WK Reax: At what point do they get him "singles wrestler" music? It would be a stronger signal that he's a legit threat to Angle.) [c]

-Back from the break, Angle congratulated Roode for beating Kazarian last week. He said it was a hell of a match. He said this week he has to face Christopher Daniels, a man who took advantage of his friend to win a couple weeks ago. He said Daniels may or may not cheat to win. Roode asked if he really thinks his games are going to work. The fans chanted "Bobby! Bobby!" He said for the last 13 years of his life he's given everything to the wrestling business. He said he has sacrificed everything for this one opportunity and he knows without a shadow of a doubt, Angle is the greatest wrestler to ever live, but one thing he needs to know about him is that come BFG on Oct. 16th nothing and nobody is going to prevent him from walking out with the World Hvt. Title. Angle said there is one man standing in his way and he may be the best friend he has in the business. Beer Money's theme played again and out walked James Storm.

[Q5]

Angle gave Storm a knowing thumbs up as he walked to the ring. Storm got in Roode's face. Roode looked nervous. Storm asked Roode if he thinks Immortal bought him out. Roode shook his head and said that better not have happened. Storm said he knows him well and he's not there to get into it with him. He turned and said he's there to get into it with Angle. Storm told Angle if he claims to have so much stroke, how about he get on his knees and stroke his bottle, which Storm had placed, shall we say, near his belt buckle. He said he hopes he's a better beer drinker than a match-maker. He suggested Angle book them to wrestle each other tonight. Angle, in a bit of a rage, said he must be out of his mind if he thinks he can show him up and get away with it. Storm said he's not there to show him up, he's going to earn his respect. He said he and Bobby built the company, so it's time for them to get their justice. He told him to get his stuff on and he'd see him later tonight. He stood behind Angle and said, "Oh, one more thing, Kurt. Sorry about your damn luck."

(WK Reax: From a pure size standpoint, it works to Roode's advantage that Angle is among the shorter top tier stars of the last ten years, and Roode is noticeably taller than him. Good overall segment. Storm is so good on the mic, and Roode is carrying himself like he belongs opposite of Angle in a one-on-one situation.) [c]

3 -- BULLY RAY & JERRY LYNN vs. MR. ANDERSON

RVD was unable to wrestle due to the backstage attack, so this become a two-on-one match. Ray at ringside shoved Anderson off the top rope at 1:00, then Lynn tagged in Ray legally with Anderson down. Lynn whipped Ray toward Anderson at 3:00, but Anderson moved and Ray went chest-first into the turnbuckles.

[Q6]

Anderson countered a Bubba Bomb attempt hit the Mic Check, but Lynn yanked Anderson out of the ring. Anderson whipped Lynn into the ringside steps, then nailed Ray with a flip senton off the top rope. When he made the cover, Lynn climbed to the top rope and dove off toward Anderson. Anderson moved, Lynn hit Ray. Anderson then recovered Ray for a two count. Anderson knocked Lynn off the ring apron, then charged Ray who met him with an elbow. Anderson then lifted Ray onto his shoulders, but Lynn dropkicked him. As the ref ordered Lynn out of the ring, Ray clotheslined Anderson with the chain. Tenay said if it wasn't enough that it's two-on-one, now Ray is using a chain. Tenay stressed Anderson gets a one-on-one match at BFG.

WINNER: Ray & Lynn in 6:00. Well booked two-on-one match in terms of putting heat on the heels and showing Anderson had good fighting spirit. [c]

-Backstage Storm told the roving camera that since everybody always asks him, of course he's happy for Bobby Roode. He added: "Just because ol' James Storm didn't win the Bound for Glory Series doesn't mean I'm not going to stir up a little trouble because I'm the beer-drinking, moonshine sipping, Johnny Cash loving, deer skinning son of a bitch in TNA." He told Angle he's the big fish, so "get out of my pond, boy."

-Daniels walked out and talked about the plan Angle concocted. He said he hates to throw a monkey wrench into his plans, but he won't be wrestling Bobby Roode tonight. He said it's not because they're both members of Fortune. He said it'd be a great match, ratings draw, and show stealer, but he said he has nothing left to prove. He said three weeks ago he defeated "The Phenomenal" A.J. Styles, and while Roode is a good wrestler, Styles is a grand slam winner including being a former world champ. He said why even both wrestling Roode after he beat someone with Styles's resume. Tenay asked what the deal was with Daniels. Taz said Daniels is proud of himself. Shouldn't Tenay counter that there's nothing about the way Daniels won that he should be proud of. Instead, Tenay talked about it like it was a legit victory, and instead focused on it being "just one victory."

Styles came out and asked Daniels, "Is this an ongoing joke? Is the joke on me?" Daniels told Styles not to get bent out of shape. He told him over time he will accept the fact that he beat him. Styles said it's not the first time he lost a match, and it won't be the last. Daniels said he proved he's the better man. Styles told him to keep living in that wrestling bubble of his. He told him if he keeps bringing his name up, maybe they'll have another match. Daniels said, "No, A.J., we said that'll be the last time, and besides, I've already beaten you." Styles slapped the mic out of his hand and then had some stern words for Daniels off-mic. Daniels grabbed the mic said, "I didn't know you were a sore loser and a bitch." Styles attacked Daniels. They brawled. Security separated them. The crowd chanted, "Let them fight!" Styles broke free and dove onto Daniels. They cut to an abrupt commercial.

[Q7] [c]

-Daniels and Styles continued to brawl after the break. They brawled over to a Direct Insurance area with four tables and sales people trying to tell people insurance on location. Styles got the better of Daniels. When Daniels tried to get away, Styles chased him down and back into the ring. Kaz came out and separated them, then asked what was wrong with them. The crowd again chanted, "Let them fight!" Daniels kicked Styles between his legs and then left. Kaz looked outraged. Tenay gasped. Styles winced and coughed.

-Angle said he's been training his ass off to remain champion. Scott Steiner stood next to him. Angle said Steiner trains him. Steiner yelled that Angle is an Olympic Champion for a reason. He told Storm he's going to kick his ass. Angle said that's what he's been hearing for the last six weeks. [c]

-They showed Kaz backstage trying to get an explanation from Daniels and told him to settle down. Kaz said: "This isn't pro wrestling bullsh--. This is family." Kaz said he knows where he's coming from because he's been kicked out of the company twice, but Styles isn't the enemy. He said he's not his plus-one, he's not in his shadow. He told Kaz to go talk to Styles and talk some sense into him. So Kaz caught up to Styles who was still trying to recover from the kick. Styles said as soon as Daniels thinks he's somebody he loses his mind. "You know what he and Lisa have been through the last three years," Kaz said. Styles said his problems aren't his fault. Styles said, "I slipped on a banana peel and now he's Superman?" Kaz told him he has to be the bigger man at this point. Styles said he already was. Styles continued to dry heave into a trash bag, which we were fortunate enough to get a close-up of. Kaz said things are imploding in front of their eyes.

-Bischoff told Hogan there has to be something they can do to get out of this. Hogan said he has a plan and he's going to drop a bombshell on the company that will change things forever.

[Q8]

4 -- KURT ANGLE vs. "COWBOY" JAMES STORM

Jeremy Borash handled the formal ring introductions. He's still the best in the business at that. After a headlock by Storm, he backdropped a charging Angle over the top rope to the floor. He followed him to the floor, but Angle threw him head-first into the ring steps. Taz said that Angle was now "literally in the driver's seat." Angle applied a side headlock. Storm elbowed out of it, but Angle kneed him coming off the ropes to retain control. Angle went on to apply the anklelock at 7:00, but Storm rolled through and scored a leverage two count. Storm them side-stepped a charging Angle, who went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Storm scored another two count on a schoolboy. Storm set up his signature superkick, but Angle blocked it and went into his unreleased German suplex series. The crowd chanted "Angle sucks!" After a third suplex, Angle scored a near fall. Storm blocked a top rope suplex attempt by Angle, then landed an elbow off the top rope for a near fall. Storm then lifted Angle for an Eye of the Storm (Razor's Edge), at which point Gunner ran out. Angle gave a distracted Storm an Angle Slam for a believable near fall. "Can you believe it?" exclaimed Tenay. Storm went for a superkick, but Angle moved and the ref took the kick. Storm then superkicked Angle. The fans counted well past three. Another ref slid in to make the count, but Gunner yanked him to the floor. Gunner than hit Storm with Angle's championship belt. As Kaz punched away at Storm, Roode ran out and made the save. With Storm, Angle, and the ref all down, Roode picked up the world championship belt and looked at it longingly. He held it in the air in front of Angle. The Beer Money music played as Roode delicately placed the belt down in front of Angle.

WINNER: No contest in 12:00.

STAR RATING: **3/4

(WK Reax: It's always annoying when they don't bother to announce the formal result of the match. The match itself was very good, with dramatic near falls and solid pacing throughout. The booking of the heels running out to save Angle when he was in trouble solidified that Angle is aligned with people who resort to those tactics to help him keep his title without honor.

FINAL THOUGHTS: All in all, another good episode of Impact Wrestling. The smuttiness is gone, for the most part. The Styles-Daniels storyline has developed very nicely, in great part due to Styles and Daniels playing their roles superbly. Storm, Roode, and Angle are also doing a great job building up their match. Hogan, Sting, and Bischoff aren't sucking the oxygen out of the room anymore, either. They're a prominent part of the show, but not all over it. So if you've been skipping this show lately, it might be a good time to give it another try with some of the positives steps they've taken.

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