TNA Impact Results
January 23, 2014
Taped 1/26 in Huntsville, Ala.
Episode #4 of 2014
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Week Two of TNA's "Genesis" Impact special opened with Dixie Carter backstage with Rockstar Spud and a suit. TNA cut to another camera angle when World Hvt. champion Magnus walked in to shake hands with the suit. Carter said there is a serious situation and the suit said someone out there is setting up a secret take-over. The suit said he doesn't know all the specifics of the coup yet, but he will take care of it. Carter said the "take-over people" have asked for someone to be in Sting's corner for the TNA Title match tonight and they will play ball tonight to be fair.

Magnus said they will fight back with a No DQ, No Count-out stipulation. The suit said he can sell this. Magnus then said this is typical Sting. The suit said he doesn't care if it's Sting or someone else because it's an unknown investor. He told Magnus to stand down. Carter, selling exasperated, tried to calm down Magnus to just win tonight. Carter then wondered where Ethan Carter III is.

In-ring: There he is. Magnus's music brought out Magnus, Spud, and ECIII to the ring. Magnus complained into the hard camera about Sting playing games with him. He accused Sting of slithering around with the new mystery investor. "I thought you were a mannnnn," Magnus angrily said.

Sting's music responded, bringing out Sting on-stage. Sting sauntered down to the ring, then entered the ring. Sting brought up A.J. Styles, but Magnus said this isn't about Styles, but Sting paying an investor. Sting said he doesn't know about any investor; he just knows he can have anyone in his corner tonight. Magnus said he knows it's No DQ, No Count-out and Sting has to pin him or make him submit.

Magnus reminded Sting that he made him tap out at Bound for Glory. Sting said that's right, but he got back on his feet, dusted himself up, watched the tape of their match, and now he's prepared for their high-stakes match tonight. Sting said that's what separates real champions from paper champions. "You didn't earn anything, Magnus," he said. "You traded honor for greed." Sting told Magnus that he has lost everyone's respect. So, Magnus slapped him. Spud had a good laugh in the background, but Sting laughed, Magnus frowned, and Sting smashed Magnus with a right hand. Spud and ECIII took down Sting, so Samoa Joe's music brought out Joe to clear the ring. Joe was left alone in the ring with Sting, who recovered in the ring as the heels retreated on the outside. Sting then introduced Joe as the man who will stand in his corner tonight.

Announcers: Mike Tenay and Taz were shown on-camera setting the stage for tonight, specifically Sting vs. Magnus for the TNA Title. Plus, Bobby Roode vs. Kurt Angle in a steel cage. Up next, it's James Storm vs. Gunner with Gunner's TNA Title shot briefcase on the line.

Video Package: James Storm vs. Gunner situation.

In-ring: Christy Hemme introduced a briefcase on a pole match to begin the in-ring action. Loud crashing music brought out Gunner holding the TNA Title shot briefcase.

[Commercial Break at 9:13]

[Q2] Backstage: Rockstar Spud found Dixie Carter in the hallway. Another multi-camera shot captured Dixie and Spud trying to figure out what to do with Samoa Joe before the main event. Dixie told Spud that he will wrestle Joe tonight, which Spud wasn't sold on. Dixie told Spud to get his gear on, wow people, and show why she hand-picked him. Spud nervously walked off and Dixie said under her breath, "Please don't get killed."

Back in the ring, Gunner prepared to listen to James Storm's theme music, which brought out Storm after a pause.

1 -- GUNNER vs. JAMES STORM -- Gunner's TNA Title shot briefcase on the line

Lots of clubbing and brawling early on. Storm nailed a Backstabber, putting both men on the mat as Tenay revisited the "new investor" deal. Moments later, Storm had a clear path to climb the ropes to get the briefcase, but he opted for a superkick, which Gunner blocked and answered with an uranage. Gunner then climbed toward the case, but Storm cut him off. Storm then delivered sort of a rolling head scissors drop that took both men down.

At 5:00, Storm scaled the ropes and got his hands on the case. He removed it, but Gunner dropped him to the mat with an Electric Chair and Storm lost possession on the way down. Storm, stunned, didn't realize he lost the case as the announcers played it up like a fumble on the field. Storm woke up and reached for the case, but Gunner yanked him away and grabbed the case to retain possession. Post-match, Storm sold disbelief over his bad luck as Gunner clutched the case.

WINNER: Gunner at 5:40.

Tonight: Angle vs. Roode in a steel cage. Angle must win to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame.

[Commercial Break at 9:27]

[Q3] Backstage: Kurt Angle talked to himself about it being a rough four months, with Bobby Roode getting to him. Angle said if he can't beat Roode just once, then he doesn't deserve to be in the Hall of Fame or wrestling in TNA right now.

Last Thursday: Austin Aries proposed Velvet Sky be put ringside in a cage for his X Division Title match against Chris Sabin.

Earlier This Week: Velvet Sky, sans make-up, recorded a handheld video showing her opening a package sent from Sabin. Inside were objects that she was to use during the X Title match, including a lead pipe.

In-ring: Christy Hemme introduced the X Division Title match. Out first was Austin Aries, who pointed to the bird cage positioned ringside. Sabin then came out with Sky, who was holding the gift bag that Sabin sent her. Ringside, Sky entered the cage and ref Brian Hebner locked her inside.

[Commercial Break at 9:35]

2 -- X Division champion CHRIS SABIN vs. AUSTIN ARIES -- X Division Title match -- Velvet Sky ringside in a cage

The bell sounded back from break with the ringside fans taking photos of the valet inside a cage. The director got lost, too, early on. As for the match, Aries applied a bridging submission, but Sabin escaped. On commentary, Taz said he thinks Velvet will do what's right for Sabin when the time is right. "I feel she will help her man," Taz said. Back in the ring, Sabin delivered a baseball slide kick to Aries as he hung in the corner. Sabin followed with a suplex for a two count.

Aries came back with a running moonsault off the second rope for a two count. Aries wanted the Brainbuster, but Sabin blocked, so Aries adjusted and delivered a discus forearm shot. Aries followed with a corner dropkick, but Sabin cut him off. Sabin then left the ring to retrieve the bag of weapons from Sky, but the only thing in the bag was a teddy bear. Sabin freaked out, then took a double sledgehammer from Aries.

Back in the ring, Aries used the teddy bear to aid a missile dropkick to Sabin. Aries followed with another dropkick into the Brainbuster suplex. Aries pinned Sabin to re-re-re-capture the X Division Title. Afterward, Sky looked on approvingly from inside the cage as a fan grinned ominously in the background of the camera shot. Is he the investor?

WINNER: Aries at 5:10 to capture the X Division Title. And, hot potato with the belt must continue.

[Q4] Up Next: Angle vs. Roode in a steel cage match.

[Commercial Break at 9:46]

Tricked-Out Video Package: American Wolves. Eddie Edwards was shown saying "Dixie Carter" over and over. Davey Richards asked why Carter would ask them to dance for their meal when she knows what they are capable of. Davey said they don't dance; they dominate. Edwards, upside-down, said TNA's new investor knew to sign them. He said they are just the start of a change. Edwards said the investor will be revealed next week in Glasgow.

Announcers: Tenay and Taz reacted to the Wolves dropping news about the new investor revealed next week. Tenay then hyped Lockdown coming to Miami in MArch. Angle, Magnus, Roode, and Eric Young were shown in the accompanying graphic.

Standard Video Package: Roode vs. Angle feud.

In-ring: The cage was erected and Bobby Roode was introduced as the first competitor. Once in the cage, Roode shook the cage walls to pump himself up. Angle was then introduced as Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:55]

3 -- KURT ANGLE vs. BOBBY ROODE -- steel cage match -- Angle's TNA legacy on the line

Back from break, the action was set to begin, but there was no opening bell. So, if Angle loses, he has an "out" that the opening bell never sounded. And, if Roode loses, he has an "out" that Angle's victory doesn't count since the opening bell never sounded.

[Q5 -- second hour] Roode smashed Angle into the side of the cage early on, beginning to target Angle's head and neck area. Angle came back with German Suplexes, then wanted the Angle Slam, but Roode blocked and executed a spinebuster for a two count. Roode wanted the Roode Bomb, but Angle avoided and delivered an Angle Slam for a close two count.

At 5:00, Angle dropped the straps and applied the Anklelock, but Roode hopped onto one foot to deliver an enziguiri to escape. Roode then sold a left ankle injury, so he called for the door to look for an escape. Angle grabbed him, though, to keep Roode in the cage. So, Roode tried to climb over the top of the cage, but Angle hooked his leg to bring him back inside the cage.

Angle smashed Roode down to the mat before assessing the situation. Angle climbed up the cage and sat on top of the wall. But, instead of climbing out to win the match, Angle slid toward the corner of the cage. Angle then climbed onto the top of the cage, balanced himself, and went for a top-of-the-cage moonsault, but Roode moved and Angle crashed down to the mat. The announcers sold horror over this turn of events for Angle.

Reset at 8:40 with Roode selling an ankle injury as he climbed toward the cage door to escape. Roode slid out of the cage as if he were sliding out of bed on his belly, which allowed Angle to scamper over to the cage door to yank Roode back into the ring. Roode tried to escape again, but Angle once again grabbed him before Roode's feet touched the ground. Roode fought off an Anklelock, then nailed Angle with the Roode Bomb. But, a pin attempt only resulted in a two count.

Reset at 11:00 with the vocal portion of the crowd chanting for Angle. Roode ignored them and tried to climb over the cage, but Angle stopped him and delivered a top-rope Angle Slam. After a pause, Angle draped an arm over Roode's chest for a nearfall. Both men then sold the effects of the match for a few moments.

Reset at 13:00 with Angle trying to climb the cage again, but Roode blocked him with right hand strikes to the face. Angle responded with jabs to the gut that crotched Roode. Roode writhed in pain before Angle climbed up the cage wall, sat on top of the cage, swung his legs over the cage wall, and climbed down the cage wall just before Roode escaped through the door on a split screen.

Post-match: Angle got his hand raised as Roode sold frustration KO'ed on the floor. Angle then celebrated up the entrance ramp before TNA replayed high points from the match. Back to Impact, Angle caught his breath on-stage as Roode sold disbelief over the outcome with a far-away look in his eyes.

WINNER: Angle at 14:19. If you can look past how beat up Angle is physically, this was a strong cage match playing off months of issues between Angle and Roode. No commercial breaks also helped.

Still to come: Magnus vs. Sting.

[Q6] [Commercial Break at 10:14]

Backstage: Rockstar Spud was shown dressed in odd ring gear. Ethan Carter III then walked into the shot and gave Spud a pep talk based on his "British Bootcamp" performance. Spud perked up, wondering if he watched. "Five or ten minutes," ECIII said. And, in those five or ten minutes, he saw a star, fire, and blinding rage ready to be unleashed. Carter reminded Spud that they took out Samoa Joe's knee and Spud is massive. He asked Spud to roar like a lion. Spud and Carter yelled at each other, then Carter kissed him on the forehead and walked off with an "yeah, he has no chance" look on his face.

In-ring: TNA tag champs Robbie E. and Jessie were in the ring along with Zema Ion. Jessie hyped hash tags and social media, then Robbie took the mic and offered a guarantee that the Bro-Mans will run things in 2014. Zema followed up with more hype for the Tag Champs, then ran down Eric Young and Joseph Park.

The crowd sat quietly, then Eric Young's music played to bring out EY dressed to wrestle. Taz said he's actually happy to see this guy. EY charged the ring to deliver a dropkick as Tenay hyped a Tag Title match next week from Scotland. But, the numbers game caught up to EY, who took a beating.

But, Abyss's music played, freaking out the heels. "Well, not Joseph Park, but a monster named Abyss," Tenay said. Abyss hit the ring and started giving out finishers to the tag champs. D.J. Zema found himself alone to take Shock Treatment. Abyss then locked eyes with EY, who slowly approached his creation. But, Abyss grabbed him around the neck. EY tried to control him as an uncoordinated "No, No, No" broke out in the crowd. Abyss obliged and released EY before doing his Abyss pose.

Locker Room: Samoa Joe was asked about his knee. Joe looked into the camera that his knee has never been better. He called Magnus a sell-out and scumbag, which didn't surprise him after what he's been through in his career. Joe said tonight is about a new era and is his genesis, he seeks to send a message. Tonight, Rockstar Spud will bear his message of pain and the world will know who he is. Joe said his path of destruction starts with Spud.

[Commercial Break at 10:27]

[Q7] Moments Ago: Kurt Angle was shown talking about Sting. Meanwhile, a bell sounded in the background. Angle said if Sting loses tonight, then they might not see Sting in TNA again. Angle paused several times, allowing the sound of a wrestling match on the air in the background. The roving cameraman then asked Sting for a message to send to Sting. Angle looked into the camera, tried to gather his thoughts, and took a deep breath thinking about what would happen if they lose Sting as the background match continued. "Sting, I love you. All I can say is I wish you the best. I hope you win," Angle said. "If you don't, then good-bye."

Suddenly, Christy Hemme was in the ring to introduce the next match. Who won the match that was happening as Angle was talking? Rockstar Spud was out first, followed by Samoa Joe.

4 -- SAMOA JOE vs. ROCKSTAR SPUD

Spud acted full of bravado early on, so Joe turned his back for Spud to get in the first blow. Spud went for a waistlock, but Joe tossed him aside. Spud then tried a flurry of kicks, but Joe no-sold before chopping Spud across the chest. Spud then found an opening thumbing Joe in the eye to allow him to go after Joe's knee. This woke up Joe, who smashed Spud with a Musclebuster. Joe then slapped on the choke and Spud immediately tapped.

Post-match: Joe kept the hold on a few extra beats as Spud faded out. Joe then glared into the hard camera as Spud sold unconsciousness in the ring. Joe took the mic and shouted out toward Magnus. He then had a message for Dixie Carter, saying everyone has to go through him tonight.

WINNER: Joe via submission at 2:20.

Up Next: Sting vs. Magnus.

[Commercial Break at 10:37]

Back from break, Tenay hyped the main event as being more than for the TNA World Title because Sting's TNA contract is on the line. Sting was introduced first and greeted Samoa Joe, who was positioned ringside. Taz said this could be the last time they see Sting here in TNA. Magnus's music then played to bring out Magnus with a slow, methodical walk to the stage. Magnus held up the TNA Title belt, then marched down to the ring.

After Magnus completed his posing, Jeremy Borash handled formal ring introductions. Empty seats were visible in the background as JB went through introductions. After Magnus was introduced, TNA zoomed in on the "Magnus Wears Panties" sign facing the hard camera before the match started.

[Q8]

5 -- TNA World Hvt. champion MAGNUS vs. STING (w/Samoa Joe) -- TNA World Title match -- Sting's TNA career on the line -- No DQ, No Count-out

Sting out-smarted Magnus early on, so Magnus retreated to the ropes to get some space. Magnus then responded to "paper champion" chants by shouting that he's the real World champion. Reset, then a double clothesline put both men on the mat. This brought out Ethan Carter III as Dixie Carter watched from the stage. Samoa Joe then met ECIII on the ramp to see if Carter wanted to do something. Ethan thought better of crossing Joe and slowly backed away as Sting surveyed the events outside the ring.

[Commercial Break at 10:49]

Back from break, Sting teased the Scorpion Deathlock, but Bad Influence came down to ringside to isolate Joe, allowing ECIII to go after Sting. But, Joe entered the ring and cleared heels to the outside. Sting and Joe stood tall in the ring, then Joe delivered a flying elbow to the heels on the floor.

Back in the ring, Sting booted Magnus in the gut, then hit a Scorpion Deathdrop. Sting had the pin, but Zema Ion yanked the ref out of the ring. So, Joe smashed Ion. Robbie E. and Jessie then hit the ringside area to beat up Joe, trip over the ref, and send Joe into the ring steps.

At 10:00, the heels hit the ring to beat up Sting as Tenay called this ridiculous. Angle finally hit the ring to help out, knocking down Bro-Mans before snapping off German Suplexes and Angle Slams. Angle and Sting were then left alone in the ring with Magnus. Angle left to beat up some more heels ringside. Meanwhile, Sting superplexed Magnus back in the ring. But, there was no ref. Another ref hit the ring, but Magnus kicked out before three.

Sting then went for a Stinger Splash, but the ref ate it. Sting then applied the Scorpion Deathlock and Magnus tapped out, giving Sting his third visual fall of the match, but there was no ref. Bobby Roode then hit the ring and smashed Sting from behind to break up the hold. "You tapped out" chant from the crowd before Magnus hit a driver on Sting. Dixie Carter then showed up with her hostage, ref Earl Hebner. Dixie dragged Earl into the ring and Earl milked the moment counting one, pause, two, pause, and three.

Post-match: Dixie Carter entered the ring holding a piece of paper. Dixie helped up Magnus as ECIII hit the ring to join the celebration. Dixie did a weird dance, then held up Sting's contract for Magnus to hold over Sting. Magnus ripped up the contract over Sting's fallen body, then Magnus, ECIII, and Dixie stood tall in the ring. Taz said these three are driving the machine right now. Tenay called it the end of an era in TNA. Just before Impact signed off, Taz said in a quick voice-over that the investor will be exposed next week.

WINNER: Magnus at 13:25 to retain the TNA World Title. Another silly main event, which set the stage for another authority figure to be introduced next week.

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