TNA Impact TV results
October 25, 2012
Live in Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor


This week's live Impact started with a video package on top storylines, including the budding Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries rivalry, Championship Thursday tonight, and the latest from Aces & Eights.

Backstage, Hulk Hogan was with Jeff Hardy. Hogan said he wants to make Hardy's first TNA Title defense hard on him so that he can prove he's the best. Hardy confirmed that he's ready. He said Bound for Glory changed him when he won the title from Aries. Hogan then thanked him for what he's done for TNA.

Hardy was then shown walking down the hallway in slow-motion sizing up his four potential opponents tonight - Mr. Anderson, James Storm, Bully Ray, and Kurt Angle. Hardy even narrated his thoughts as he walked past each one. Very odd.

At the announce table, Jeremy Borash was joined by a new guy, identified as Todd Keneley. JB said they will call the first hour and Tenay and Taz will call the second hour.

1 -- X Division champion ROB VAN DAM vs. ZEMA ION -- X Division Title match

Quick pace early on as RVD played confident veteran against the less-experienced former X champ. RVD proceeded to execute high-flying offense before posing for the crowd. Ion used that to his advantage to take control of the action on the outside. Back in the ring, Ion nailed a springboard DDT for a close two count. Ion then airballed a corkscrew splash, which led to a full comeback by RVD. The champ then went up-top and nailed a Five-Star Frogsplash for the win.

WINNER: RVD at 4:35 to retain the X Division Title.

Post-match: Matt Morgan immediately hit the ring and dropped RVD with a Carbon Footprint. Joey Ryan brought up the rear, grabbing the X Title from RVD. Morgan then got on the mic and slowly spelled it out to Hulk Hogan that he created a monster that Hogan can't handle.

Backstage: Austin Aries was eavesdropping outside Hogan's office. Austin mocked the four wrestlers having to kiss up to Hogan for a title shot, while he has a guaranteed re-match.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2] Impact Zone: Former TNA tag champs Daniels and Kazarian came to the ring dressed in street clothes and not in a good mode. Of note, Daniels had a clipboard. Kaz claimed they are victims of a conspiracy, then blamed Hogan for screwing up his travel last week. He paused for a "You Suck" chant. Kaz continued that their Tag Titles were illegally taken from them at Bound for Glory by people who are probably illegal. The croowd oohed. Daniels grabbed the mic and told Kaz to slow down. He then cried about not receiving their Tag Title re-match tonight on Championship Thursday. Daniels said Chavo mentions every member of his family to get a reaction, then claimed Dixie Carter is so desperate to appeal to the Hispanic audience that they might as well wear sombreros and drink tequila. Daniels said Chavo & Hernandez Should be called Dos Stereotypos. Daniels vowed to get the audience to sign their petition for a title match, but Chavo's music interrupted to bring out Chavo and Hernandez. Chavo mocked the former tag champs's plight and offered a Tag Title re-match. He said nothing would make them happier than a re-match so they can shove the Tag Titles down their throats. Chavo cut off an attack attempt, then Daniels and Kaz ran out of the ring. Chavo said their re-match is right here anyplace, anytime.

Hogan's Office: Hogan told Mr. Anderson that he doesn't have a fire in him, so he's gone from consideration. On the way out of Hogan's office, Anderson was greeted by Aries, who cut down Anderson and mocked him. Anderson had enough and they scrapped in the hallway. Anderson pounded on Aries before starting to leave the scene of the beat down. But, Aries challenged him to a match. Suddenly, a voice called, "Cut," exposing the segment as a put-on. TNA suddenly cut to a shot of Hogan and Hardy before suddenly cutting to commercial. Embarrassing editing.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3] Video: Devon told the other A&E members never to remove their masks because that is their identity. Devon vowed to take someone out tonight. He then reviewed a corkboard with photos of each TNA roster member. He threw a dart at who their victim will be tonight.

2 -- TV champion SAMOA JOE vs. ROB TERRY (w/Robbie E.) -- TV Title match

It's a re-match from last week, except this time it's Joe vs. Terry instead of Robbie. Terry no-sold some early chops to the chest before taking control of the action. Joe came back with slaps, but ran into a spin kick, which the announcers stressed as impressive for a man of Terry's size. Joe tried the rear-naked choke twice, then three times, then a fourth time and finally got the submission win.

WINNER: Joe via submission at 2:18 to retain the TV Title.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: TNA documented the Knockouts Title feud between Tara and Miss Tessmacher.

Hogan's Office: Kurt Angle said Bully Ray is too focused on Devon to be focused on a TNA Title match tonight. Hogan seemed to agree. Ray said if he doesn't get a title shot, then he will confront Devon tonight. Hogan agreed and cut Ray from title contention, leaving Angle and Storm.

Backstage: Anderson screamed at a random stagehand that he wants Aries tonight.

[Q4] [Commercial Break]

3 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. AUSTIN ARIES

JB confirmed that Aries will receive his TNA Title re-match at Turning Point in November. Anderson took control, so Aries rolled to the outside for a break. Anderson then randomly reached into his trunks and pulled out brass knucks. Anderson contemplated whether to use them, so Aries stole them, then took control and dumped Anderson to the floor. Aries nailed a suicide dive, then Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break just before the top of the hour, Aries was still in control.

[Q5 -- second hour] Anderson made a comeback, then removed his elbow pad to sell determination and rage. Anderson delivered a kick to the head, then Aries bailed to the outside. Anderson dragged him back into the ring, where Aries pulled down the ref. The knucks came into play again. What resulted was the knucks ended up with Anderson, the ref took them away, Aries KO'ed Anderson with another object, Anderson fell into Aries's arms, and then his dead weight fell on top of Aries for a two count. Aries complained to a confused ref, then Aries applied Last Chancery for the KO win, with Anderson deemed unconscious. Not the smoothest finish ever.

WINNER: Aries via KO at 12:54.

Backstage: Tara and Jesse complained to Brooke Hogan about ODB bothering them. Brooke told Tara to get focused on Tessmacher, then Tara stomped off. Brooke stopped Jesse and told him that ODB has her eyes on him.

Announcers: Tenay and Taz were shown at the announce table for a odd hand-off from JB and the new guy. Awkward fist-pumping and half-jokes included.

4 -- Knockouts champion TARA (w/Jesse) vs. MISS TESSMACHER -- Knockouts Title match -- Taryn Terrell referee

Tessmacher, angered, blasted Tara to start the match while Tara was still focused on Jesse. Tara then took control and gloated to the crowd. Tess made a comeback, but was victimized by outside interference from Jesse, who tried to act innocent when Taryn questioned his involvement. This set up Tara for Widow's Peak for the win.

WINNER: Tara at 4:15 to retain the KO Title.

Post-match: Brooke Hogan came out on-stage and reprimanded Tara. She then noted next week is Open fight Night and ODB wants to challenge...Jesse.

Backstage: Bully Ray was shown walking down the hallway.

[Q6...] [Commercial Break]

[...Q6] Hogan's Office: Joseph Park barged in and demanded a match against someone from Aces & Eights after they kidnapped, but Hogan didn't want to give Park a match. Park then handed over a piece of paper removing TNA, Dixie Carter, Hulk Hogan, and any related parties from liability if he fights. Park told Hogan to think about it.

Impact Zone: Bully Ray marched to the ring and shouted out to Sting before calling out Devon. Ray said he wants to hear from Devon why he did what he did turning his back on TNA and him. Out came Devon, another A&E member, and a cameraman in the camera shot. Other A&E members then joined Devon in the ring to face off with Ray. Devon said he doesn't owe Ray an explanation for anything. He said this whole thing has to do with Hogan. He said Hogan, Dixie, and TNA did nothing to help him, but Aces & Eights picked him up. He said when it's all said and done, they will tear this company apart. Devon told Ray he's not even a threat anymore.

Ray replied that it's not over until he says it's over. Ray then went back to two years ago when Chris Sabin kicked out of their 3D finisher for the first time ever because Devon didn't get the job done. He said they were supposed to retire on top that night. But, afterwards in the locker room when Ray was dejected, Devon walked in and told him that it doesn't matter because they're rich and screw the fans. The crowd oooed and booed. Devon didn't deny it, which drew boos. Ray then told him to fight right now. Devon smiled and told him no because it's on his time. Devon said he will let Ray know when the time is right. They bailed from the ring, which Ray called typical of Devon. He called him ball-less, then noted it's Open Fight Night next week and challenged him to a fight. Tenay noted Devon must accept on OFN.

[Q7] [Commercial Break]

Backstage: Joey Ryan and Matt Morgan were shown backstage. Joey said RVD doesn't scare him and said he wants the X Division Title. Morgan then looked into the camera and quietly, but firmly told Hogan that he's going to do what he wants when he wants. "I dare you to stop me," he said.

Gut Check: Christian York gets another shot. They showed Wednesday Night PPV footage of York teaming with Joey Mercury in TNA years ago. Now, he gets his last chance after 16 years in wrestling.

Backstage: Hogan picked Angle to face Hardy. He told Storm that they need to talk because he has something huge for him. Angle then made his way to the ring for the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Impact Zone: Jeff Hardy made his way out with both title belts. Christy Hemme handled formal ring intros before the bell sounded.

5 -- TNA World champion JEFF HARDY vs. KURT ANGLE -- TNA Title match

Basic feeling out to start the action.

(Q8) Angle took control as the crowd picked up a dueling chant. Angle then crotched Hardy on the top rope and dumped him clear down to the floor. Angle was in control heading to break at 3:20.

[Commercial Break]

The main event returned with Angle in control of the action. Hardy made a comeback with high-flying offense before knocking Angle to the outside and splashing him on the floor. Back in the ring, Hardy nailed Whisper in the Wind for a close two count. Angle came back with three German Suplexes for a two count only. They teased finishers, then Angle hit a powerbomb into the Anklelock, but Hardy escaped. Hardy airballed a Twist of Fate, then Angle scored a nearfall on an Angle Slam.

At 12:30, Hardy nailed consecutive Twists, then a top-rope Swanton Bomb, but Angle escaped a pin attempt. Angle then chucked Hardy to the floor and spit up blood from the Swanton. Back in the ring, Angle wanted an Angle Slam, but Hardy rolled trough into a pinning predicament, trapping Angle's shoulders to the mat for a three count.

WINNER: Hardy at 14:01 to retain the TNA Title. Excellent TV main event. Angle delivers again and Hardy had a strong, motivated showing, as well.

Post-match, Aries jumped into the ring and laid out Hardy in the ring. Aries mocked Hardy not sensing his presence despite having another set of eyes drawn on his eyelids, then announced that his title re-match will take place at No Surrender. Aries sarcastically said he was taking the TNA Title belt as safe-keeping until the PPV. Suddenly, there was something going on backstage...

Backstage: Angle was taking a beating from Devon and Aces & Eights. Unfortunately, the camera zoomed in on Devon's "punches" missing Angle's midsection by a country mile. So, the cameraman pulled up to focus on Devon's facial expressions. The unidentified Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff then hit the scene to send Aces & Eights scurrying. Wes checked on Angle and unintentionally-comedically shouted, "Where's the doc?" over and over as Impact went off the air.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The stories are good for the most part, but there were production issues left and right. The announcing format needs some work, also. It's a good concept for a three-hour Raw, but it's not necessary for a two-hour show, especially if the transition is going to be awkward and forced each week.

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