TNA Impact Wrestling Results
October 13, 2011
Taped 9/28 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

[Q1] Coming off last week's lowest-rated Impact of the year, this week's show opened with a video package recapping Hulk Hogan's teased "retirement" last week that Sting exposed. Plus, the build-up to "that cool dude" Robert Roode vs. Kurt Angle at the PPV.

Earlier Today: Hulk Hogan arrived at the building. Sting also arrived, dressed in Hogan's TNA clothing line.

Arena: Kurt Angle's music played to bring out the TNA World Hvt. champion sporting jeans and a tucked-in black dress shirt. The TNA Title belt was slung over Angle's shoulder as he slowly made his way to the ring staring down the crowd. In the ring, Angle addressed Roode. He asked for one last talk before their showdown in the main event at Bound for Glory.

Cue up Beer Money's theme music to bring out Roode, who stood on the stage to stare into the ring before slowly walking to the ring. Once in the ring, Roode was greeted by a "Next World champ" chant. Angle noted Roode passed his test, even if he helped him out last week. He said he's not Kaz, Styles, or James Storm, though, but Kurt freakin' Angle. Angle said what Roode thought he did to Fortune was impressive, but their accomplishments don't match up to his. Piped-in boos here. Angle promised "all these idiots" and Roode that he will prove on Sunday that he is the greatest wrestler of all-time. No vow to actually win the match, of note.

Angle asked for a handshake and Roode thought about it before brushing it off. Roode took a mic and said they both know what it takes to be champion. He said it takes heart. Roode said they can go to BFG and wrestle 30, 40, or 60 minutes, but at the end of the day, the man with the bigger heart will survive. Roode told Angle he had the heart to win an Olympic gold medal and he's a freaking machine, but at Bound for Glory, all he wants to know who has the bigger heart to take this wrestling company to the next level. Oh, they were right on track before that "next level" line. Roode said there's no frills, no Fortune, no Immortal; just Roode vs. Angle man-on-man. Roode said they'll find out who the better wrestler is on that night.

Angle sighed and said what Roode wants, he gets. He extended his hand and Roode shook this time. Angle slipped out of the ring as Mike Tenay set the stage for the title match on Sunday. Half-way down the ringside area, Angle said he forgot something. He said Hogan and Bischoff have booked Roode in another tune-up match tonight. Angle thought about Roode's opponent and announced Gunner. And another thing. He'll also be facing Jeff Hardy in a handicap match. Angle smiled as Roode faced the ring and Tenay stacked the deck against Roode.

Backstage: A fight broke out in the backstage area. Jerry Lynn and Daniels were getting the best of RVD and A.J. Styles in the scrap leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2] They returned from break with a basic commercial promoting Bound for Glory... Back to live action, the pre-commercial brawl spilled out to the arena, where Styles was isolated by Daniels and Lynn. So, ref Earl Hebner did the only illogical thing he could think to do: call for the bell despite an unfair advantage and no separation for a clean start.

1 -- A.J. STYLES & ROB VAN DAM vs. DANIELS & JERRY LYNN

RVD ran to the ring shortly after the bell sounded to help even out the heels's unfair advantage. The heels eventually cheated to re-take the advantage and begin working on Van Dam. Styles took a hot tag at 3:30 and delivered trademark offense, but Daniels countered the trademark reverse DDT and tagged in Lynn. Styles simply delivered a trademark dropkick to Lynn before the action broke down. The action then moved to the floor, so Styles splashed everyone with a flip dive on the outside. Back in the ring, Styles dropped Daniels with a springboard forearm smash. Lynn then took a Pele kick. He wanted the Clash on Lynn and Daniels bailed from the ring as Styles delivered. Styles then made the cover as he stared down Daniels to set up their match on Sunday.

WINNERS: Styles & RVD at 5:49. Strong build-up to Styles-Daniels; not so much for Lynn-RVD, which is supposed to be a grudge feud after Lynn screwed Van Dam out of the Bound for Glory Series, but RVD's character was booked like it was another day at the office despite having an opportunity to really get his hands on Lynn before the PPV. (*3/4)

Still to come: Sting-Hogan contract signing with the "future of the company at stake." Also still to come: Steiner vs. Anderson with Bully Ray as special enforcer and Joe vs. Morgan.

[Commercial Break]

Arena: Samoa Joe was introduced first, followed by Matt Morgan to a stronger reaction. Tenay recapped the Joe-Morgan feud as Morgan made his ring entrance. Joe tried to jump Morgan before the bell, but Morgan intercepted with a right hand and the ref called for the bell.

2 -- SAMOA JOE vs. MATT MORGAN

Morgan dropped Joe face-first into the turnbuckle before delivering his trademark rapid-fire elbows in the corner. Morgan tried to follow with charging offense, but Joe delivered a drop toehold into the turnbuckle. Joe then went to work on Morgan as a giant ticket graphic for TNA's upcoming live events blocked the action. Morgan showed agility leap-frogging Joe from the top turnbuckle and rolling up Joe from behind for a quick three count.

WINNER: Morgan at 2:07.

[Q3] Post-match: Joe clipped Morgan from behind, targeting the knee. Joe slapped on a submission hold and Morgan tapped as Joe tried to injure his opponent on Sunday. Crimson, in street clothes and limping from last week, made the save with chair in-hand. On the stage, Joe took the mic and said he figured this out: it's an old-fashioned game of King of the Jungle. Joe said he sees two beta males who are afraid to face each other, so they're getting together to go after the Alpha ass-kicker. Joe booked the triple threat match for the PPV and told them they can either be the Alpha or be friends. Nice psychology from Joe setting up the three-way.

Still to come: Roode in a handicap match vs. Immortal and the Sting-Hogan contract signing.

[Commercial Break]

Arena: Back live, the United Familia Mexican America was in the ring. Hernandez said they seem to have two wannabee tough guys on their hands, Inc, Inc. Hernandez told them to hit the ring so they can do this Mexican prison style. Out came Ink, Inc. to answer the challenge. Jesse Neal, sporting a giant red Mohawk, talked up the feud and noted Mexican America lives in the U.S. Shannon Moore talked next. He sarcastically told Neal to show some respect since these guys are tag champions. Shannon said the wheels are turning in his head and he thinks they should "get the hell out." So, a xenophobic babyface team? A brawl broke out before Christina Von Eerie (not identified by name) made her Impact debut to make the save. Once the heels were cleared from the ring, Neal took the mic and told "ese" Hernandez they have their own back-up for the Tag Title match on Sunday.

[Commercial [Q4] Break]

Arena: Back live, random men were in the ring bouncing around. Christy Hemme introduced them as Jesse Sorensen and Brian Kendrick. Hemme then introduced X Division champion Austin Aries and Kid Kash as the opposition. Tenay noted Aries defends the X Title against Kendrick on Sunday as the heels took their time coming to the ring. So, the faces jumped the heels on the outside. Of course, this being TNA, the bell was called for despite no one in the ring.

3 -- X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES & KID KASH vs. JESSE SORENSEN & BRIAN KENDRICK

Once the action actually entered the ring, Sorensen was quickly isolated by the heels. Sorensen eventually tagged in Kendrick and the action broke down. In the confusion, Aries tried a belt shot, but Kendrick ducked and nailed Sliced Bread #2. Kendrick with the pin for the win. "Kendrick just pinned the champion," Tenay declared before Kendrick picked up the title belt and danced around with it. Kendrick then dropped the belt on Aries's chest.

WINNERS: Kendrick & Sorensen at 4:28. A rushed, basic match to set up Kendrick-Aries at the PPV.

Backstage: Karen Angle and Traci Brooks were shown walking down the hallway for the next segment.

[Commercial Break]

Arena: Just before the top of the hour, Velvet Sky made her ring entrance, followed by Mickie James.

[Q5 -- second hour] Eventually, virtually the entire Knockouts roster was assembled in the ring before "VP of the Knockouts" Karen Jarrett, flanked by Traci Brooks, ran them down with a promo. This led to a brawl, Karen reprimanded Traci for letting things get out of control, and TNA completed the hype for the four-way KO Title match between Winter, Mickie, Velvet, and Madison Rayne at the PPV.

Backstage: Bully Ray was interviewed backstage and taunted Mr. Anderson not to screw up tonight. Ray told Anderson not to mess with the "special enforcer" tonight or he might not make it to Bound for Glory.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Styles was shown ranting and raving about Daniels. He said their wives and kids won't talk and play with each other, respectively, because Daniels just has to have one more match. Styles told Daniels to ask Tommy Dreamer what happens when he messes with him. Daniels then jumped Styles from behind in the parking lot and screamed at Styles to say I Quit right now. Daniels let up and told Styles he wants the world to hear him quit on Sunday.

Arena: Immortal's theme music brought out Bully Ray and Scott Steiner for the next match on the show. Anderson was out next and introduced himself on-stage via the house mic. Anderson then slowly made his way to the ring, eying his BFG opponent, Ray, who told him it's only three days until he gets a whipping.

[Q6]

4 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. SCOTT STEINER -- Bully Ray ringside enforcer

The bell sounded with two men squaring off inside the ring. Refreshing. Anderson then distracted himself with Ray ringside, allowing Steiner to attack Anderson and begin working him over. Steiner mixed in some push-ups and cut off Anderson as he tried to nip at his heels. Steiner then ripped off some chops and Steiner paused to tell the crowd to shut up as they whoo'ed. Amazing timing. "Three days!" Ray shouted toward Anderson from ringside. Steiner went back to work on Anderson, who came back with a neckbreaker for a two count. Anderson then slipped to the outside and punched Ray in the face.

Back in the ring, Steiner low-blowed Anderson right in front of the ref, who just let it go. Has to be at least one instance of referee incompetence per match in TNA. Suddenly, Abyss came to ringside and wrapped a chain around his fist. He measured Anderson for a blow, but Anderson ducked and Steiner took the chain shot. Anderson discarded Abyss, then pinned Steiner for the win.

WINNER: Anderson at 4:03. Was this a double-secret No DQ match?

Post-match: Anderson smiled toward Ray as he bailed from ringside. Back in the ring, Ray screamed at Abyss before Gunner and Jeff Jarrett hit the ring. Jarrett shoved Abyss and asked him what's wrong with him. Jarrett talked trash and Ray told him to stop screwing up. Abyss took his bullying from Bully Ray in-stride before having enough and grabbing Ray around the throat. Immortal beat down Abyss, though, before Abyss could inflict any damage. They dismantled Abyss before Ray brought a table into the ring. Anderson stormed the ring to make the save, but Immortal beat him down and Ray put Anderson through the table. "Three days!" Ray shouted toward Anderson as the cameras picked up on the carnage in the ring with Anderson and Abyss KO'ed in the ring.

Up next: Jarrett & Gunner vs. Roode in a handicap match.

[Commercial Break]

Locker Room: Angle walked in to Beer Money's dressing room to talk to James Storm. Angle told Storm he had all week long to think about how he almost beat Roode. Storm shouted at Angle that he's playing little games. He said he already talked to Roode and Roode knew nothing about Angle's interference in their match last week. Storm said the only reason why he's not destroying Angle right now is because he respects Roode and Roode is going to take care of him on Sunday. Angle said that's great and slowly backed away, trying to act innocent of stirring things up between Roode and Storm.

Backstage: Jarrett did the talking and Gunner did the standing as they talked up their match still to come against Roode.

[Q7] Announcers: Tenay and Taz were shown on-camera to break down the Bound for Glory PPV line-up. They're selling Sting-Hogan as a "Battle for Control of the Company" in a fight. Angle-Roode was given final billing.

Video package: The final hype video for Robert Roode ahead of his title challenge. Roode said he feels like a lot of people can identity with him as a hard-working guy who wants to make things better. The video showed Nash, Booker, and Foley as big-names who used to be in TNA to join the likes of Hogan, Flair, and Sting who are still here. Roode said it's time to move on from the past with him at the forefront. Angle talked in a sit-down, documentary-style setting about defending the title and wanting to hang on to the title. He said Roode hasn't been to the top of the mountain and has all the pressure on him. Angle said he's already proven what Roode has to prove on Sunday. More training footage of Roode preparing for the match. Back to Angle, who arrogantly said if they wrestled 100 times, Roode might win one of those, but Roode is only getting one shot.

Arena: Back to live action with Jeff Jarrett, along with Karen Jarrett, coming to the ring with Gunner for the handicap match. Tenay sent the show to break, with full intros on the other side.

[Commercial Break]

Arena: Beer Money's music played again to bring out Robert Roode for the default main event of the show. Tenay recapped the situation with Angle, Bischoff, and Hogan forcing Roode into a handicap situation three days before the PPV. No formal intros, as Roode smelled out the Immortal trap and grabbed a chair. Roode then led Jarrett and Gunner on a chase before the bell sounded.

5 -- ROBERT ROODE vs. JEFF JARRETT (w/Karen Jarrett) & GUNNER -- handicap match

In the ring, Roode took apart Gunner before Jarrett tripped Roode from behind on the floor. The distraction allowed the heels to deliver a two-on-one beating. Apparently no tags are required here. The most heat was on Karen ringside as Gunner and Jarrett wore down Roode in the ring. Jarrett then mocked the Beer...Money chant, which led to Roode popping up from behind. Roode, infuriated, shot a double bird, before delivering big clotheslines. Roode then clotheslined Gunner over the top rope to the floor. Jarrett tried The Stroke, but Roode blocked and nailed a Double R spinebuster. Roode followed with a Crossface right in front of Karen. Gunner broke it up, though, so Roode slapped the Crossface on Gunner. Gunner tapped after a few moments, giving Roode another win.

[Q8] Post-match: Roode smashed Jarrett with right hands after Jarrett tried to attack Roode. Ray then stormed the ring to low-blow Roode. Steiner followed with an attack on Roode. James Storm then hit the ring to make the save for Roode. However, the numbers advantage gave Immortal control again. Angle then slowly made his way to the ring as the heels held up Roode for Angle to deliver a KO blow.

However, Jeff Hardy's music hit and he stormed the ring to clean house. Hardy stomped and kicked the crap out of Ray before dropping Double J with the Twist of Fate. Hardy stood tall in the ring as Beer Money recovered and Immortal retreated on the floor. Once the dust settled, Storm took exception to Hardy's involvement. Roode was more understanding, though. Storm cut off a handshake, but Roode accepted. Hardy then tried to leave the ring, but Storm cut him off. Storm frowned at Hardy, but then joined Roode in holding up Hardy's hand. They hugged it out before Hardy posed in the ring, with the spotlight on him. Roode got a brief camera shot before TNA cut backstage.

WINNER: Roode at 3:58. So, is it Hardy vs. Angle at the PPV? Not in favor of adding this many players to the mix after the solid work in the opening segment to hype Angle vs. Roode and getting over Roode's toughness in this match. This is a flashback to TNA's past when they would add one (or ten) too many ingredients to the mix and ruin the stew.

Backstage split-screen: Sting and Hogan making their way to the ring for the contract signing in the main event segment.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Jeff Hardy explained his actions as of late, including taking out Bischoff last week and saving the next World champ this week. Jeff Jarrett barged in and said this isn't about Victory Road, but their friendship dating back to when Hardy debuted in this business. Jeff said, as a friend, he's telling Jeff he's out of chances. Jeff said three days from now, the company he founded has its biggest show of the year and Hardy better not be there. Hardy tried to walk away, but Jarrett yanked him back. Hardy said he's trying to buy his ticket to Philadelphia, hinting he will be at the PPV.

Arena: Five minutes before the top of the hour, Jeremy Borash stood behind a contract table in the ring to set the stage for the contract signing. Out first was Hulk Hogan, who simply stood on-stage with his arms folded before slowly making his way to the ring while selling disgust. Hogan eventually made his way into the ring before JB introduced Sting. Sting, wearing Hogan's t-shirt, slowly made his way out while soaking in the crowd response and atmosphere.

Once everyone was assembled at the contract table, JB noted both parties have agreed to the terms of the contract. JB asked Hogan to make it official, but Hogan sat still. Sting signed first and Taz noted 50 percent of this fight is official. Hogan sold disgust for the piece of paper in front of him before looking around the arena. Hogan eventually flipped through the paperwork and signed the document to a "Hogan sucks" chant.

[Q9 -- over-run] JB proclaimed that with those signatures, Hogan vs. Sting is official for Bound for Glory. JB asked for final words before Sunday. Sting said he has nothing. Hogan stood up, slowly flipped over the flimsy table, and told "Mr. Borash" that he does have something to say. Hogan said he's watched Sting dance around Hulk Hogan for over 30 years. He said they had a brief encounter a while ago, but Sting was happy when that was over. But, for Sting to come here to TNA in the twilight of his (Hogan's) career when he was here to help this company, it shows Sting is the kind of man who dug down as low as he could before - in the eleventh hour - he dropped his down card. Hogan told Sting if he wanted the real Hulk Hogan, he's got him now. Hogan acknowledged that's all Sting ever wanted, but he should have been careful what he wished for. Hogan noted his wrestling career is over, but for Sting to insult and embarrass him, he wants Sting to know this is going to be the fight of Sting's life. No games played. No interference. No pieces of the puzzle Sting can't figure out. It's man on man. One walks out and one doesn't. Hogan extended his hand and Sting laughed. Sting then shook and pulled in Hogan tight. Hogan told Sting he hopes he's ready.

Suddenly, Eric Bischoff emerged on-stage. He said Sting laid his hands on him two weeks ago and if there's anything left over after Hogan gets him, he's going to kick Sting's ass. The distraction allowed Hogan to pop Sting across the back with a chair, revealing Hogan's "true colors." Hogan then landed right hand blows before choking Sting in the corner. Hogan delivered a boot to the throat as Tenay said Sting fights Hogan this Sunday at Bound for Glory. They signed off four minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: "Eh" final hype for Bound for Glory. It exposed the problems with a double TV taping format, as TNA couldn't take the time to evaluate the first TV taping, then take a breath before the follow-up, e.g. the tone of the Hogan-Sting segment didn't match the tone at the end of last week's Impact. Also, this show felt too jam-packed trying to hype everything for Bound for Glory, and the addition of Hardy to Roode's World Title quest story was unnecessary interference after TNA got 95 percent of the way to making people want to see Angle-Roode. Instead, it felt like TNA tripped over the finish line hyping a big PPV title match.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for an "Impact Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Impact, click here.

We suggest these recent related articles...

MCMAHON'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 9/30: Final hype for Bound for Glory, Ciampa also wrestles on Impact, Dollhouse vs. BP, more; Overall Reax

MCMAHON'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 9/23: ECIII defends TNA Title, #1 contender match, Hardy "quits" servanthood, two more title matches, more; Overall Reax

MCMAHON'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 9/16: Team TNA vs. Team GFW for control of TNA, new Knockouts champion, more; Overall Reax