TNA Impact Results
September 12, 2013
Tape Delayed in St. Louis, Mo.
Episode #37 of 2013
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Earlier Today: A.J. Styles, Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, and Magnus were shown arriving in the building ahead of their BFG Series Final Four competition tonight. A video package then documented how these four men arrived at the Finals. Next was a video documenting how TNA arrived at Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson for the TNA World Title tonight.

Live inside the arena, Aces & Eights's music played, subduing the crowd. Mike Tenay set the stage for the show as TNA World champion Bully Ray walked out to the ring with Brooke Tessmacher. Once in the ring, Ray paced the ring and said he is in a very bad mood. So, it's in every one's best interest not to upset him tonight.

Ray said things within his family haven't exactly gone according to plan as of late. Ray became angered by a "You Suck" chant, then said he's willing to forgive Mr. Anderson because their common enemy is "that piece of crap Hulk Hogan." This drew out a "Hogan, Hogan" chant. Ray paused to acknowledge, then Hogan's music played.

Hogan came out on-stage mock crying about Ray's problems before posing for the crowd. "Whaa whaa whaa," Hogan said. He asked if "some idiot out here" mentioned his name before he welcomed everyone to No Surrender, shouted out to Spike TV, and said he's glad to be in St. Louis.

Hogan continued that Ray should be worried about defending his World Title against one of his brothers, not about him. Ray replied that Ray is the reason why there are problems in Aces & Eights, and he knows that Anderson will do the right thing. Hogan repeated himself that Ray should be worried about his Anderson. Ray answered that he wants to hear from Anderson face-to-face.

Aces & Eights's music played again and Anderson sauntered out on-stage. Hogan extended his hand, but Anderson walked by him and kept marching to the ring. Anderson hit the ring and Ray noted that Anderson turned his back on Hulk because their colors are stronger than Hogan ever will be. Ray told Anderson to apologize. "I just gotta apologize?" Anderson asked. Anderson said Ray is right that he was out of line. And he can't wait to get out of line again tonight! Anderson punched Ray in the face, then shouted that there will be a new World Hvt. champion. "Mister Anderson...wait for it...Anderson!"

From the stage, Hogan told Ray good luck tonight, then added a stipulation that the TNA World Title match tonight is now Last Man Standing. Taz said this whole thing is wrong.

Announcers: Tenay and Taz were shown on commentary to discuss A&E appearing to be falling apart. Taz ripped Anderson for being ungrateful, then Tenay plugged the BFG Series Final Four coming up tonight. First up, it will be A.J. Styles vs. Austin Aries.

In-ring: Austin Aries's music played to bring out Aries first. Aries did his signature poses, then A.J. Styles's new, sad music played to bring out Styles in his hood and dark colors. Styles stopped half-way down the ramp, then "transformed" back into the old A.J. Styles before entering the ring. Tenay said they will return with the match next.

[Commercial Break at 9:12]

[Q2]

1 -- AUSTIN ARIES vs. A.J. STYLES -- BFG Series Final Four match

The bell sounded back from break with Styles and Aries dancing around the ring before locking up and setting the tone for an evenly-matched match with plenty of counters, reversals, and defensive blocks. The two men came to a stalemate 4:00 in, so TNA cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:20]

Back from break, there were more counters, reversals, and defensive blocks. Taz noted they are so evenly matched in the ring that it makes it interesting to see who will get the upper-hand. Styles teased a Clash at 9:40, but Aries reached the ropes while hanging upside down. Styles then knocked Aries to the outside before slingshot splashing Aries on the floor.

Back in the ring, Aries shoved Styles off the ropes face-first into the ring apron, sending Styles reeling to the floor. Aries couldn't follow up, though, giving Styles control again back in the ring. Styles again tried the Clash, but Aries countered with a snap huracanrana to break free. More counters and defensive blocks, then Aries tried a Brainbuster, tried again, and connected, but it was only good for a two count.

[Q3] Aries followed with the Last Chancery at 13:00, but Styles escaped the submission. Aries tried to follow with a top rope move, but Styles moved and Aries landed on his feet. Aries then tried to nail a corner attack, but Styles ducked and nailed a Pele Kick. As Aries hung upside down in the corner, Styles grappled him for a Super Styles Clash, which was good for the three count and the win.

WINNER: Styles at 14:37 to advance to the BFG Series Finals. Not 100 percent smooth throughout and the casual crowd needed some time to warm up to both wrestlers, but a good story centered on counters and reversal that led to the final sequence. And A.J. Styles's journey continues.

Main Event Mafia Office: Sting gave Magnus a pep-talk about his BFG Series match tonight. Sting said Magnus is two wins away from getting the gold around his waist, then Magnus stood up and interrupted him. Magnus quietly said he is sick and tired of being the future. "Tonight, the future is now," Magnus said before shaking Sting's hand. In the background, Samoa Joe leaned back in his lounge chair and said that sounds good.

On commentary, Tenay noted Main Event Mafia member Rampage Jackson and Aces & Eights member Tito Ortiz have not been spotted tonight. Tenay then noted Magnus vs. Bobby Roode is up next.

[Commercial Break at 9:33]

Back live, Bobby Roode was already ringside yelling at Tenay and Taz. Roode demanded that Magnus get out here right now. On cue, Magnus's music played to bring out the Mafia's representative in the BFG Series. Ringside, members of the St. Louis Rams NFL team were shown sitting ringside. No James Laurinaitis in the crew.

2 -- BOBBY ROODE vs. MAGNUS -- BFG Series Final Four match

Magnus quickly knocked Roode to the outside, forcing Roode to regroup. On the floor, Roode ran over Magnus with a big clothesline. Roode continued to be aggressive back in the ring, snapping off consecutive power moves, but he was unable to get a three count. Magnus made his comeback as the announcers hyped Missouri's Harley Race, who helped train Magnus in the U.S.

At 5:00, Magnus and Roode battled on the top turnbuckle. Magnus got the best of the exchange, but Roode came back with the Cross-face submission. But, Magnus countered into the Texas Cloverleaf. Roode fought the hold and teased tapping out, but managed to grab the bottom rope for a break.

Roode tried to respond with a Fisherman Suplex, but Magnus blocked and jack-knife pinned Roode for a three count. Post-match, Roode flipped out as Magnus celebrated on the entrance ramp. Magnus then hit the back to get ready for the BFG Series Finals later in the show.

WINNER: Magnus at 6:55. Roode showed great ring presence, while Magnus isn't quite there as a top-level guy. It seems like Magnus knows how to carry himself like a top star, but it isn't 100 percent natural. He's going to be held to a higher standard if TNA plans to position him as a top-line star. Overall, a solid seven-minute match.

[Q4] BFG Series Finals tonight: Styles vs. Magnus.

[Commercial Break at 9:46]

Backstage: Bobby Roode was shown sitting down in a chair, angry. Roode then jumped out of his chair and started destroying furniture. Christopher Daniels and Kazarian jumped into the camera shot to try to calm down Roode, who vowed to destroy the BFG Series if he's not in the finals.

Hogan's Office: Hulk Hogan was shown sitting down with T.J. Perkins half-dressed as Manik. Hogan hyped Perkins being "on fire" right now when he puts on the mask, then Perkins asked for a match with Jeff Hardy. Hogan booked it.

Dixie Carter then walked in and sat down with Hogan after booting Perkins from the room. Dixie mumbled something about the folks at Bellator MMA not being happy with what's happened with Tito Ortiz and Rampage Jackson. The audio from the boom mic was so low that it was difficult to hear what Dixie said. But, Hogan was fine with Bellator's decision. Apparently Rampage and Tito are off the show until their November 2 fight?

A&E Holding Area: Bully Ray spoke to the remaining A&E members about needing to get this club back on-track. Bully then went face-to-face with Wes Brisco, Garett Bischoff, and Knox to make sure they're on the same page with him.

[Commercial Break at 9:54. During a cut-in, Mr. Anderson was shown walking down the hallway. The TNA Title match is next.]

Video Package: TNA documented the issues between Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson leading to their confrontation over the TNA Title tonight.

[Q5 -- second hour]

In-ring: Christy Hemme was standing by to introduce the TNA Title match. Aces & Eights's music played to bring out Anderson first to a good reaction. Not a great reaction since the crowd is still waiting to see if this A&E riff is a ruse. Anderson, fired up, marched down to the ring and sold great anticipation for this match. The A&E music kept rolling to bring out Bully Ray, along with Brooke Tessmacher. Anderson then charged down the entrance ramp to attack Ray. It's Last Man Standing, so the ref called for the bell.

3 -- TNA World Hvt. champion BULLY RAY (w/Brooke Tessmacher) vs. MR. ANDERSON -- TNA World Title match -- Last Man Standing match

Anderson beat Ray back into the ring, then beat Ray to the outside. On the outside, Ray grabbed Hemme to use as a shield to block a "crazed Anderson," as described by Taz. Anderson continued to beat up Ray, who eventually used a distraction from anything he could find to rake Anderson in the eyes. Bully inflicted some offense, but Anderson stole a chair and popped Ray over the back with the chair. "What is wrong with you?!" Taz shouted on commentary.

Anderson eventually rolled Ray back inside the ring and brought the chair with him. Ray cut off Anderson, though, only to take a low blow. Anderson followed with a Green Bay Plunge before shouting out that he's going to grab a table. Anderson retrieved a table from under the ring, slid it into the ring, and walked right into a big boot from Ray. Ray calmed things down and began setting up the table before Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:09]

Impact returned from break with Bully still in control of the action. Ray popped Anderson across the back with a chair, then shouted at referee Earl Hebner. Ref shouted back in Bully's face, then randomly turned his back on Ray, allowing Ray to shove Hebner face-first into the corner turnbuckle, KO'ing Earl.

The chaos allowed Anderson to recover, then plant Ray face-first into a steel chair with Mic Check. The ref was down, so no count was applied as Ray remained face-first on the chair. Anderson tried to revive Earl as Ray remained out cold. Anderson slowly picked up Ray to follow up, but Ray blocked and hit an Ace Crusher. Actually, Ray took the blow landing on the chair.

[Q6] With both men down, Aces & Eights members Brisco, Bischoff, and Knox walked out on-stage. The B-Team stalked Anderson, then Brooke snuck into the ring to low-blow Anderson. Ray then called out instructions for Knox to attempt a powerbomb. Anderson tried to fight it off, but Knox executed. Ref Hebner woke up and began counting Anderson, but Anderson reached his feet in-time, freaking out Ray.

Ray slowly walked over to Anderson and shouted in his face, so Anderson fought back with right hand strikes. But, Ray smashed Anderson with a big clothesline to end Anderson's comeback. Ray then pulled out a big chain, wrapped it around his fist, and smashed Anderson in the face with the chain. Ray stalked Ref Hebner, then demanded that Hebner start counting. As Hebner counted, the ref showed Anderson bleeding heavily from the forehead. Anderson fought to his feet and made it back to his feet at nine.

At 17:00, Ray tried to figure out what to do next, then saw Anderson standing in front of a table propped up in the corner. So, Ray speared Anderson right through the table. Ref Hebner began counting, then hit 10 to give Ray the win. Anderson slumped down in the corner as Ray and Brooke celebrated in the ring.

After the match, two guys in polo shirts hit the ring. Apparently they were medics. They weren't very good "medics," as they dragged Anderson out of the corner by his "injured neck" before placing him on a backbrace. The two guys then rolled Anderson out of the ring, but Ray scared them off before dumping Anderson off the stretcher. Ray took away Anderson's jacket, then whipped him with it. Ray followed with a piledriver on the ramp that KO'ed Anderson. "Do you know who I am?" Bully whispered down at Anderson. "I'm the World Hvt. champion. And I'm the guy who just took you out." Ray then took his TNA Title belt and stood over Anderson before Impact cut to break.

WINNER: Ray at 17:27 to retain the TNA World Title. Very good, intense brawl. This actually made A&E seem relevant with Ray continuing to be the best heel in wrestling and Anderson showing fire that has been missing for a few years. The memorable, hot post-match segment reinforced Ray as a vicious heel heading into Bound for Glory.

[Commercial Break at 10:24. Mid-break, James Storm's music played. Tenay said the Tag Champs will be on the mic next.]

Next Week: Mickie James vs. ODB for the Knockouts Title.

Backstage: ODB sat down to talk about her title quest. ODB said she even thought about giving up drinking to prepare for this match.

[Q7] In-ring: TNA tag champs GunStorm were in the ring. James Storm surveyed the crowd before noting it appears they're in the right place tonight. Storm got down to business that they were planning to sit back and watch the BFG Series tonight, but they decided they want to fight. Storm said they just need some opponents - Bro-Man's, E.G.O., or the Aces & Idiots. Storm sent a message to the back to man up, drink up, or shut up.

Instead, Chavo Guerrero's music played to bring out Chavo and Hernandez. Chavo took exception to not being included in Storm's list. Chavo offered some back-handed compliments to Storm, then Gunner. Chavo continued that the tag champs have been on a bit of a losing streak, which he thinks will continue if they have a tag match against each other.

Gunner took the mic from Storm and growled that he likes to fight. He then challenged them to a match next week. If Chavo & Hernandez win, then maybe they get a Tag Title shot. Finally, Gunner vowed to bash their skulls in if they interrupt their business again.

Up Next: Styles vs. Magnus in the Finals of the BFG Series. Both men were shown walking down the hallway heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:34]

Back live, Mike Tenay plugged the BFG PPV pre-show on October 20. Tenay noted that highlights from Kurt Angle's TNA Hall of Fame induction over BFG Weekend will be included.

Earlier Tonight: Bully Ray beat Mr. Anderson to retain the TNA Title, then took out Anderson on the stage. Taz admitted that perhaps Ray went a bit far.

In-ring: Magnus, then A.J. Styles were introduced for the main event BFG Series Finals match. In the ring, Jeremy Borash handled formal ring introductions. Tenay said this is three months in the making getting to the BFG Series Finals.

4 -- A.J. STYLES vs. MAGNUS -- BFG Series Finals -- winner receives TNA Title shot at Bound for Glory PPV

As the bell sounded, Taz played up Styles working with a sore back and Magnus battling a a sore shoulder following their Semi-Final matches earlier in the night. "Both these guys are banged up," Taz said, hyping their injuries. Styles and Magnus felt each other out early on as the crowd picked their favorite in the match.

[Q8] Both men sold being worn out as they traded control of the match. Neither man could connect with an elbow drop, then Styles tried to end it with a small package, but Magnus escaped. Suddenly, Kaz and Daniels hit the ring to attack Styles and Magnus. Roode then dropped Magnus with a spinebuster. Daniels followed with Angel's Wings to Styles. Refs spilled out to try to restore order, but they were ineffective. Roode eventually just led the troops out of the ring. Tenay shouted that they will find a BFG Series winner tonight as Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:48]

Impact returned eight minutes before the top of the hour with Styles and Magnus now on their feet exchanging blows. Both men sold being physically spent as TNA replayed E.G.O.'s interference before the break. Tenay said this match is too important for them to interfere.

At 10:00, Magnus stalked Styles for a strike, but Styles blocked and delivered a flurry of offense. Styles tried to follow with a springboard smash, but Magnus intercepted with a forearm strike to the face. Magnus followed with a sit-out slam for a close two count. He tried to follow with a Texas Cloverleaf, but Styles blocked with a mat-based submission of his own. Magnus escaped, then Styles nailed the Pele Kick for a close two count.

The crowd buzzed as Styles and Magnus reset. Styles slapped on the Calf-Killer submission as the crowd roared, but Magnus reached the bottom rope for a break. Both men to their feet, where Magnus delivered a powerful slam for a two count. Magnus tried to follow up with a top-rope suplex, but Styles blocked. They battled up-top and Styles knocked Magnus down to the mat. Styles stood up, the crowd came to their feet, and Styles nailed Spiral Tap. Styles pinned Magnus and it was good for the win.

Post-match: Taz said he'll put aside the Aces & Eights vs. Main Event Mafia business to say that was a heck of a match in the spirit of competition. As Styles celebrated his victory in the ring, Magnus sat dejected in a corner of the ring.

WINNER: Styles at 15:08 to win the BFG Series and earn a TNA Title shot at the BFG PPV. Very good second-half to the match following the E.G.O. run-in. The crowd was hot for the high-stakes match and both men rose to the occasion salvaging a poor BFG Series "regular season" before a strong Final Four tonight. Also, props to Mike Tenay for his passion on commentary tonight. I'm sure it was refreshing having some wrestling that counted to call tonight.

[Q9 -- over-run] Styles took the mic and said he did what he said he would do. He added that he couldn't have done it without the fans in the crowd. Styles noted that he got a lot of response for what he said a couple weeks ago, but he didn't get a call, text, or even a tweet from Dixie Carter. And they know how Dixie likes to tweet.

Styles told "Carter" to get her little secretary or apprentice to make her an appointment next week because he's about to point out Dixie's biggest mistake. "Dixie Carter, this is your wake-up call for next week," Styles said. Styles dropped the mic and his music played to close Impact one minute past the top of the hour. No mention of going after Bully's TNA Title.

FINAL THOUGHTS: One of the better Impact episodes this year. The three high-stakes BFG Series Final Four matches delivered, the TNA Title match was a very good brawl, and TNA got out of the way (for the most part) to let the wrestlers tell their stories. I don't sense a lot of initial juice for Bully vs. Styles at the BFG PPV, though, especially after Styles's big post-BFG Series victory promo contained nothing about his TNA Title opponent, Bully Ray. That's a major red flag coming out of this show.

Alert: We're looking for your 0-10 score and comments on this show for an "Impact Reax" feature on PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Impact, email to pwtorch@gmail.com.

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