1/10 TNA Impact Box Score

- Match Times: 25:11 total wrestling (33:43 last week).

- Title Implications: Kenny King beat Zema Ion in an X Division tournament match to advance to the tournament finals at Genesis.

- Results: (1) Kenny King beat Zema Ion in an X Division tournament semi-final match. ... (2) Rob Terry (w/Robbie E.) & Miss Tessmacher beat Knockouts champion Tara & Jessie in a mixed tag match. ... (3) Jay Bradley beat Brian Cage in a Gut Check challenge match. ... (4) TNA World Hvt. champion Jeff Hardy & James Storm beat Austin Aries & Bobby Roode via DQ. ... (5) Sting beat Mike Knox.

***

TNA Impact Results
January 10, 2013
Live in Orlando, Fla.
Episode #2 of 2013
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's TNA Impact opened with a video package documenting recent events, including Bully Ray "suspended indefinitely" by Hulk Hogan, Sting returning, and Kurt Angle unmasking Mike Knox. Mike Tenay's description of Knox as "Mike Knox from the WWE" was edited down to only "Mike Knox.

Impact Zone: Sting's music played to begin the show. Out came Sting, Samoa Joe, and Kurt Angle methodically marching to the ring standing tall after a series of victory over A&E on last week's show.

In the ring, Sting said he's got D.O.C. Sunday at Genesis, but he's feeling a little frisky tonight. Sting noted he has his good friends Big Black Bat, Shooter (Angle), and Killer (Joe). Sting called them out for a fight tonight. Joe then shouted into the mic that he's putting A&E on notice that when they get in the ring with him, "Joe is going to beat you down, and Joe is going to choke you out."

Angle stepped up next and said he made a promise for 2013 that all of the masks are coming off. And they're going to expose A&E for the cowards they really are. Tonight, he wants to expose someone else. He noted this man was standing outside the cage doing absolutely nothing during the fight. Angle said he wants to know where this man stands. He told Mr. Anderson to come on down and explain which side he's on.

Anderson's music played and he emerged through the standard TNA ring entrance. Anderson then kind of sauntered down to ringside and stopped. Anderson smiled and said this is rich. He asked where they were a few months ago when he was getting his teeth kicked in by A&E. Anderson asked where they were to come to his rescue. In fact, he was on his way to the ring to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Sting. "And you just freakin' left me back there," Anderson said. He said they replaced him right away with ol' Bully Ray. Awkward silence throughout this here. Anderson then asked Angle what his problem is. Angle said he doesn't have a problem, so Anderson is either with them, or they're going to fight.

Anderson then made his way up the ring steps before entering the ring and standing a few feet away from Angle. Angle then closed the distance as they locked eyes. Anderson blinked a few times before saying he never did like Angle. Angle replied that the feeling is mutual, then he punched Anderson in the face. Anderson rolled out of the ring, losing his cap in the process. Angle told him to get back in the ring to fight, but Anderson simply turned his back and left. "This is not over!" Angle shouted from inside the ring.

Announcers: Todd Keneley, Mike Tenay, and Taz recapped what just happened and suggested it will be Angle vs. Anderson tonight. Plus, Aries & Roode vs. Hardy & Storm tonight. And, the return of TNA Gut Check with two contestants competing.

Gut Check Video Package: Jay Bradley. Bradley talked about his background and said his opportunity has finally come. Bradley said into the camera that his opponent tonight, Brian Cage, needs to realize that it's his night.

Parking Garage: Brooke Hogan was shown golf-carted to the building. Brooke said she's going to talk to Hulk Hogan, then air their dirty laundry on national TV again. *sigh* Brooke finished her phone call, then walked into the building.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2] Impact Zone: The X Division tournament continues. Already in the ring was Zema Ion, then Kenny King was introduced. As King came out, Tenay noted the winner advances to Genesis to face Christian York in a #1 contender match; the winner faces RVD for the X Title later in the night.

1 -- KENNY KING vs. ZEMA ION -- X Division tournament match

King knocked Ion to the outside early on, then tried a big splash, but Ion moved. Ion then surprised King with a flip dive of his own. Meanwhile, the announcers discussed today's big TNA news of the company cutting back to four PPV events in 2013. The announcers hyped it as four "massive events" this year. Tenay then confirmed Angle vs. Anderson tonight.

In the ring, Ion delivered a snap DDT for a close two count. Another nearfall following a cradle pin attempt. Ion then tried a 450 top-rope splash, but King moved. This gave King his opening to make a comeback into Royal Flush for the pin and the win.

WINNER: King at 3:06 to advance to Genesis.

Post-match: Tenay started to recap the King-RVD feud, but King interrupted by grabbing the mic from Christy Hemme. King said Hemme will be announcing him as the new X Division champion on Sunday.

Backstage: Robbie E. was shown talking to someone while Rob Terry was standing next to him. Robbie said he's booked in a mixed tag match tonight, and he needs this person's help. The camera pulled back to reveal Miss Tessmacher, who said Robbie disgusts her. Robbie, desperate, said he will do anything. Tessmacher said she'll team with the winner (Terry). She stomped off, then Robbie tried to figure out what Tess meant.

[Commercial Break]

Parking Garage: Joseph Park was shown arriving at the building. Park said he's excited to greet Hulk Hogan tonight not as an attorney, but as a wrestler. Park turned to open the door, but it was locked. Still got a lot to learn, young Park.

2 -- KO champion TARA & JESSIE vs. ROB TERRY (w/Robbie E.) & MISS TESSMACHER -- mixed tag match -- Taryn Terrell special referee

Back in the Impact Zone, Tara and Jessie were already in the ring. Robbie's music then played to bring out the trio. TNA cut to a replay of Rob Terry winning the Bro-Off a few weeks ago. Before the bell sounded, Jessie tried to attack Terry from behind, but Terry shook him off. Jessie made a desperation tag to Tara, which meant Tessmacher had to enter for her team. Tessmacher quickly went for revenge on her former bff until Tara tagged in Jessie, which meant Terry had to re-enter. Terry quickly delivered a super powerbomb and it was good for the win.

WINNERS: Terry & Tessmacher at 1:46.

[Q3] Post-match: Robbie, Terry, and Tessmacher celebrated in the ring before dancing music played. Terry then got the crowd warmed up before doing a dance number that brought Tess and Robbie into the mix. Terry then lifted Tess into the air, drawing a Dirty Dancing reference from Taz. "Don't put whatever her name is in the corner," Taz said. On that note...

Gut Check Video Package: Brian Cage from California. Cage talked about pro wrestling being his lifestyle and passion. Cage said he and Jay Bradley are going one-on-one, and he will make sure he wins the contract tonight. "There is no other way," he said.

Backstage: Cage and Bradley were shown warming up. Two enter, one gets a contract. It's next.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- JAY BRADLEY vs. BRIAN CAGE -- Gut Check qualifying match

Back from break, Jeremy Borash was in the ring with Jay Bradley and Brian Cage, who was introduced first. Big, tall Jay Bradley was introduced next. Keneley noted the two wrestlers will be evaluated next week to determine who gets the contract; the announcers continue to tap-dance around the idea that winning the match has no bearing on who gets the contract, which is unfortunate.

Early on, the two contestants traded control as Keneley added color to Cage's background from California. The crowd seemed to favor Cage over the heelish-looking Bradley, who lost control of the match. Cage then suplexed Bradley before climbing to the top rope. Cage came off the top with a big diving elbow, but it was good for a two count only. Cage freaked out, then went for a rolling elbow, but Bradley ducked and nailed a huge lariat. It was good for the win, which the crowd booed. Taz said they'll see what happens with the voting next week after a "great outing" by both men.

WINNER: Bradley at 3:21. Cage looked more TV-ready, but Bradley has good size that will go a long way for him. He's like "1995 JBL" as Justin Hawk in WWF - raw potential and good size that needs to be molded into a marketable character.

A&E Clubhouse: Mr. Anderson barged in to interrupt their beer-drinking and shenanigans. Anderson said there's a time and a place to have a good time, but now is not it. Anderson noted something has to be done about Kurt Angle tonight. The masked spokesman said tonight is not about personal matters, but business. Devon then led the group out one room into another room for a meeting. The spokesman reprimanded Mike Knox for losing his mask, then noted D.O.C. earned his spot back at the table after losing his mask, so Knox needs to make things right tonight.

Backstage: Joseph Park was shown hyper-ventilating as he talked to himself about calling out Hulk Hogan for a conversation next.

[Q4] [Commercial Break]

Tonight: Aries & Roode vs. Hardy & Storm. No real focus on the TNA Title match at Genesis on Sunday thus far.

Impact Zone: Joseph Park was standing by in the ring. Park noted he's back from wrestling camp, and in one piece. Park then respectfully requested the presence of Mr. Hulk Hogan. Hogan's music played to bring out Hulk, who did not appear to be in a good mood. Once in the ring, Hogan took a mic and told Park to stop. He congratulated Park on his short stint at wrestling school, but asked what the point is. Park said he just wants to thank Hogan for giving him the motivation and inspiration to be trained professionally. Park thanked OVW for providing him with a solid foundation.

Park said he realizes he's still a "green horn...et" at this whole thing, but he's begging Hulk for an opportunity to prove he's a wrestler, not a lawyer. "Joseph, please!" Hogan said. He said it took him two years with Matsuda getting his brains beat in. Park replied that he did everything Hulk asked him to do, and he wants that match with Aces & Eights. Hulk finally had enough and told Park he can have the match. "Yes!" Park said, before hugging him. "I won't let you down." [JC Thought: What if Park is the A&E leader?]

Park scurried out of the ring as Hogan just threw his hands in the air. Suddenly, Brooke Hogan appeared on the video screen. She said they are handling this business right now. Back in the ring, Hulk offered sort of an annoyed head-cock and shifted his eyebrows that showed more emotional range than he's possibly ever shown on wrestling TV.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Hulk Hogan was still in the ring two minutes before the top of the hour. Brooke Hogan's music then played to bring out daughter Brooke. In the ring, Brooke repeated herself that Hulk won't answer her calls or text messages. She said she has a question for Daddy Hulk, and his answer will determine their relationship for a very long time. Hulk told Brooke to go ahead and ask the question. "Are you going to re-instate Mark?" Brooke asked. "Who's Mark?" 95 percent of the audience asked. Hulk then said he's not going to re-instate "Bully." He then slammed down the mic and left the ring as Brooke sold tears in the ring. Hulk kept on walking as Brooke held her head, torn up about things.

[Q5 -- second hour] Backstage: Aries and Roode were shown debating their ShopTNA merchandise. They continued to play One-Up about what they're going to wear to the ring for the tag match tonight, then decided not to tell each other anything. Aries said they can agree on taking out Jeff Hardy and James Storm tonight. Roode then called Aries a "fluke" after Aries slipped in a dig. Aries said they need to be professionals, take care of their common problem, and deal with their problems. "You have a problem with me?!" Roode shouted. They continued to debate robes before making their way to the entrance.

Before the Bell video: Aries said he gives the TNA Title a rub and can only be prestigious when he holds it. Aries said he will be TNA champ again, and this time, he will only be worried about himself, not fighting Hulk Hogan's battles.

Impact Zone: Christy Hemme introduced Bobby Roode for the top-of-the-hour main event. After a robed Roode slowly made his way to the ring, Aries was introduced. The caped Aries then bounced out to the ring and flashed his t-shirt to the ringside camera. In the ring, Roode yelled at Aries for his ring gear selection. James Storm was then introduced first for the face duo. TNA champ Jeff Hardy was out second to a strong reaction, painted in SuperSonics green and yellow colors tonight.

4 -- TNA World Hvt. champion JEFF HARDY & JAMES STORM vs. BOBBY ROODE & AUSTIN ARIES

Tenay offered WWE references in the early-going, noting Hardy's top title background in the other company. Hardy and Aries battled early on before Roode tried to get a piece of Hardy, only to eat a double-team elbow with Storm. Storm and Hardy continued the assault on the heels, who then argued on the floor. Roode had enough and teased bailing from the match, but returned to ringside to scream at Aries. As the faces watched in the ring, Roode and Aries pushed and shoved each other before Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, the faces were still in control. Hardy then shoved Aries to the outside, but Roode came up from behind and smacked the ropes to crotch Hardy on the top turnbuckle. Roode landed offense on Hardy, then Aries slap-tagged himself into the match. More yelling and screaming from the heels before they began working on Hardy.

[Q6] At 7:20, Aries put Hardy on the mat and blocked out "Aries Sucks" chants. Roode then demanded a tag and nearly walked into a quick pin from Hardy, but Roode kicked out in-time. Roode knocked down Hardy, then brought in Aries again. Aries told Roode to watch him on offense, then he hopped to the second rope and delivered a corkscrew elbow to the chest for a two count. The heels continued to play One-Up before it finally allowed Hardy to make the face corner to tag in Storm.

Storm entered at 11:40 and cleaned house on the heels. Storm had offense for both men before attempting a pin on Roode, but Roode kicked out. Aries then took Closing Time from Storm, who decided it was time to tune up the jukebox. Suddenly, Christopher Daniels hit the ring apron to distract Storm. Kaz then yanked Storm to the outside, but Storm threw him into the ring steps.

Back in the ring, Hardy dropped Aries with Twist of Fate. Hardy wanted a second Twist, but Aries re-entered the ring with a belt shot to the head, causing a DQ. Roode then continued the assault on Hardy to the tune of "Aries Sucks" chants. As Hardy sold on the mat, Roode held up one of Hardy's title belt and Aries held up the other. They then fought over the TNA Title belt.

WINNERS: Hardy & Storm via DQ at 13:31. Fine battle between the heels to set the table for the three-way title match on Sunday, but this came across too much like slapstick. It's just not an angle that is going to marginally increase PPV sales. Plus, Aries and Roode still feel too similar to where they cancel each other out.

Backstage: Brooke Hogan was on the phone telling "babe" that Hulk Hogan is being difficult because he's a dad. Brooke told "Mark" not to come here, but apparently "Mark" insisted.

[Commercial Break]

Trailer: Joey Ryan and Matt Morgan were standing by. Joey spoke as Matt flexed and was so tall next to Ryan that his head was out of frame. Morgan began to speak, but then spotted Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez entering the trailer. A mini-fight broke out before Chavo held back Hernandez and told him to save it for Sunday.

Announcers: The trio broke down the Genesis PPV line-up, including announcing Gail Kim vs. ODB vs. Tessmacher vs. Mickie James vs. Velvet Sky in a #1 contender Knockouts gauntlet match. Also announced is Joseph Park vs. Devon from Aces & Eights.

Before the Bell video: Jeff Hardy. Hardy said he challenged both Roode and Aries to a TNA Title match because he likes to face fear head-on. He predicted that he will retain the title and he will be World champion for as long as he can in TNA. Hardy noted he's willing to hurt himself and do whatever it takes to remain champ.

Angle vs. Anderson teaser

[Q7] Impact Zone: Mr. Anderson's music played. No mic-drop from Anderson, who slowly walked down to the ring while staring down each section of the ringside fans. Very slow walk to the ring. Nice change of pace for the character. Anderson then entered the ring, wiped his face, posed center-ring, and accepted the mic drop. Anderson waited out boos and "A-hole" chants before slowly introducing himself as an "absolutely astonishing 225 pounds." In-between cat-calls and people trying to get themselves over in the crowd, Anderson introduced himself twice.

Kurt Angle's music then played to bring out Angle dressed in a strange shirt that was cut down the middle to look like a vest and rested loosely over his singlet. In the ring, Angle and Anderson squared off ready to fight as ref Earl Hebner kind of stood there. Anderson then bailed from the ring to avoid locking up with Angle. Angle took the mic and asked Anderson when he turned into a b---- before telling him to get in the ring so they can do this right now.

Suddenly, Mike Knox snuck into the ring and nailed Angle in the neck with the Aces & Eights hammer. This brought Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff running into the ring to scare Knox out of the ring. Samoa Joe was out next to back up Angle as Knox stood next to other A&E members on the outside. A TNA medic then hit the ring to check on Angle, who sold a neck injury with twitching and shaking. EMTs then hit the ring to check on Angle. The announcers sold concern before replaying Knox bouncing a rubber hammer on Angle's shoulder. Back live, medics helped Angle onto a stretcher as Knox gloated from the other side of ringside about Angle being carried out.

As Angle was being wheeled away, Sting's music played. Sting checked on Angle, then told Wes and Garett to go with Angle. Sting stayed ringside with Samoa Joe, then entered the ring and said he wants a piece of Knox right now. Sting slammed his Big Black Bat on the top turnbuckle before staring down Knox. Devon gave Knox some instructions before Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

5 -- STING vs. KNOX

Before facing D.O.C. on Sunday, Sting began his march through A&E henchmen by knocking away Knox's toy hammer. Ref Hebner then took away Sting's toy bat and called for the bell. Knox used the battle over toys to blindside Sting and began working on him.

[Q8] One minute in, Knox delivered a butt splash to Sting's head, which sent Sting rolling out of the ring to the floor. On the outside, Sting reversed control by whipping Knox into the ring steps. And a second ring steps attack. Next was a guardrail attack into a Stinger Splash. Sting then tossed Knox back inside the ring. Inside, Sting kicked Knox in the gut before teasing the Scorpion Deathlock, but Knox flung him away. Sting no-sold, then delivered a Stinger Splash. Scorpion Deathdrop followed for the pin and decisive win.

WINNER: Sting at 3:27. The A&E henchmen carry zero credibility in the ring by constantly losing. And, since they're the only unmasked members of the group, it renders the entire group ineffective.

Post-match: Sting took Knox's hammer and smashed Knox with it. Sting wanted a second hammer shot, but Devon interrupted. Devon showed up with possession of Brooke Hogan, who was being held by other A&E members. Brooke pretended to fight their grip as Devon told Sting to be careful or he won't recognize her the next time he sees her. Devon said 2013 will be A&E's year and they will reign supreme. Suddenly, Bully Ray showed up with chain in-hand. Ray knocked down one A&E member, then quickly freed Brooke. A&E can't even execute a proper hostage situation. Unless it's a set-up involving Ray in the group, but A&E still looked weak there. On-stage, Hulk Hogan walked out and stroked his beard. TNA cut to break with Hogan contemplating matters.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Hulk Hogan was in the ring with Sting, Ray, and Brooke. Hulk said apparently he's supposed to thank Ray for putting his daughter in harm's way. He said he doesn't buy Bully and he doesn't see him as the man for his daughter. Ray told Sting to convince Hogan, sending this story back to 2012. Ray said he's been in wrestling for 20 years and the only thing he ever cared about was becoming as good as Sting or as great as Hulk. Ray said he never thought he would ever love anything more than pro wrestling, and then Brooke came into his life. Ray grabbed Brooke's hand and said the crazy thing is she came into his life because she was apologizing for Hulk being a jerk to him.

Ray said he's so wound up right now that he's almost at a loss for words. Ray said this has happened entirely too quick, then Hulk dropped his mic and was ready to fight. Ray said he can throw down a mic, too. Ray said this has happened really quick, then Ray brought in Brooke and said he's not real good at this emotion and stuff. "I'm a hardass and I know I'm a hardass, but when I'm with you, things are different," Ray said. Hulk continued to flash a mean face before Ray dropped down to one knee, which drew shock from Hulk. Ray then placed a ring on Brooke's finger as Hulk breathed heavily. Ray said all he knows is this: "I love you."

Ray said he knows their entire relationship has played out in front of the world, but he wants everyone to know how much he loves her and he wants Brooke to marry him. Brooke nodded "Yes" over and over as Hogan freaked out. Bully and Brooke kissed, then Bully said he wants the wedding next week right here in front of everyone. Hulk pointed his finger at Sting, who tried processing this. Hulk then did his unintentionally-comedic mad-face facial reaction and stomped out of the ring. Back in the ring, Ray and Brooke kissed and played happy couple. They hugged as Ray looked into the in-ring camera with a look. Keneley plugged the wedding next week and Bellator 360 up next. And, nothing about a PPV on Sunday.

FINAL THOUGHT: Shocking. TNA just cut to four PPVs this year and they barely put forth effort to promote Sunday's event. In the back of my mind, one of my concerns when TNA announced the move to four PPVs per year was it would give TNA powerbrokers who are ashamed to be in the wrestling business the opening to create a product that does nothing to sell tickets and PPVs by turning the weekly Impact show into a personal Creative outlet because they only have to worry about four PPVs getting in their way each year. There's also the idea of appeasing Spike TV after hitting a six-year TV ratings low in 2012 by trying to create "TV-friendly/non-wrestling stories" without having to worry about eight PPVs that take up TV time to promote.

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