TNA Impact CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 2/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of London Night 1 - Captains Match, Angle returning from "injury," latest Lockdown PPV hype, more
Feb 27, 2014 - 10:00:35 PM
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TNA Impact Results
February 27, 2014
Taped 2/1 in London, England
Episode #5 of 6 from Europe
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
TNA Impact opened with a roving cameraman trying to catch up with Gunner backstage. Gunner finally stopped and said there will be hell to pay for James Storm when he shows up. "James!" he shouted down the hallway.
In the arena, Mike Tenay said Dixie Carter is not here tonight, so Bobby Roode, ECIII, and Rockstar Spud have control of the show. "Hm, I wonder where she is?" Taz wondered aloud. The opposing party, MVP, was then introduced to the ring to start the show. In the ring, MVP talked himself up and noted he is back in London.
MVP got down to business about James Storm's immature childishness last week. He noted Gunner will get another title shot when MVP takes control of TNA after Lockdown. MVP then hyped Samoa Joe - loud "Joe, Joe, Joe" chants sounding big-time - against Magnus for the TNA World Title at Lockdown. MVP then introduced Joe to a big reaction.
Joe entered the ring dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and zipper sweatshirt. Another loud "Joe" chant before MVP welcomed out TNA World champion Magnus to boos. Magnus came out to boos in his home country, then MVP taunted his look. Magnus, wearing a suit, said Dixie is not here tonight because this once great city is not what it used to be. Because London has broken down into crime, poverty, and debauchery. More importantly, Magnus said, when it comes to his career, the only person he needs is himself.
MVP backed up and stood in-between Magnus and Joe to request signatures from them for the TNA Title match at Lockdown. MVP said he's aware of how Magnus has defended the TNA Title the past few months, so at Lockdown, inside the cage, Magnus Rules will not be in effect. However, the Joe Rules will be in effect. What that means is the match can only be won by submission or tap out or knock out. MVP asked Magnus if he thinks he can really make Joe tap out, then said it doesn't matter because they'll find out inside the cage at Lockdown.
Joe signed the title match contract, then Magnus threw down the title belt, yanked the contract away from MVP, and said he has a ton of aces up his sleeve. Magnus said Joe is an unrefined, dangerous animal, which drew cheers. Which is why the audience uses dangerous, unrefined chants like "Joe's Gonna Kill You." The crowd took their cue and did the chant. Magnus vowed to put down a dangerous animal like Joe. Whereas, he is an articulate, refined, representative of the industry. Which is exactly why Joe will never again represent this company as World champion.
Magnus signed the contract, then handed it back to MVP. Joe got in Magnus's face for a staredown, so Magnus asked if he's going to do something about it. Joe headbutted Magnus, then pounded the champ into the corner. Refs eventually hit the ring to pull Joe away from Magnus. "Save it for the PPV! Save it for the cage!" MVP shouted toward Joe, but Joe chased down Magnus on the entrance ramp and beat him down. Agents eventually spilled out for their camera time to separate Joe.
Last Sunday: The Wolves captured the TNA Tag Titles from the Bro-Mans in West Virginia. Taz said history was made, and you never know what's going to happen at a TNA house show. TNA then cut to footage of the Bro-Mans trying to track down Bobby Roode to get on Team Roode to get revenge on the Wolves at Lockdown. Roode calmed them down, then noted here's what's going to happen - Bro-Mans vs. Bad Influence vs. The Wolves on Impact. Winning team on Team Roode at Lockdown, but if the Wolves win, the search continues.
[Q2] [Commercial Break at 9:15]
1 -- BRO-MANS (ROBBIE E. & JESSIE w/D.J. Zema) vs. THE WOLVES (EDDIE EDWARDS & DAVEY RICHARDS) vs. BAD INFLUENCE (CHRISTOPHER DANIELS & KAZARIAN) -- three-team tag match
Back from break, the bell sounded to begin this match. Smart editing not showing ring entrances, where the Bro-Mans were TNA tag champions and Wolves were not tag champs when this match was taped four weeks ago. Fast-paced start to the match before B.I. double-attacked Davey to take control of the match. Bro-Mans wanted into the match, but B.I. refused to tag them in. Eddie eventually got the tag and cleaned house.
Eddie tagged back to Davey, who came off the top with a big splash, but Robbie tagged himself in behind Davey's back. Bro-Mans cleared the Wolves from the ring, then Robbie made the pin for the win. TNA immediately announced that Bro-Mans have joined Bobby Roode in the Lethal Lockdown match.
WINNERS: Bro-Mans at 5:27.
Still to come: KO champ Madison Rayne & Velvet Sky against Lei'D Tapa & Alpha Female.
Backstage: The roving cameraman caught up with Ethan Carter III to get his plans for tonight. ECIII said he has picked a formidable opponent from London, then noted he plans to expose Kurt Angle tonight. ECIII vowed to become the new face of American wrestling.
[Commercial Break at 9:26]
Somewhere: Bobby Roode and Austin Aries were shown talking in the back of the arena. Roode said he knows that MVP offered him a spot in the Lethal Lockdown match, but Aries doesn't even know him. Aries responded with another question about whether he can trust Bobby. Roode told Aries to make the right decision because 10 percent of TNA wrestling operations is on the line.
[Q3] In-ring: Ethan Carter III was introduced for the next match. Once in the ring, ECIII introduced one of the U.K.'s own, Doug Williams. Williams came out to a strong reaction and loud "Doug, Doug" chants. ECIII said just like the U.S. will win the World Cup in "socccccccer," he will defeat Doug tonight. ECIII turned around, then turned back to take a well-timed right hand strike for the match to start.
2 -- ETHAN CARTER III vs. DOUG WILLIAMS
Doug dominated early on as the crowd reveled in Doug's offense a la William Regal wrestling in his home country. ECIII came back with a cheap-shot, then finished off Doug for the win. After the match, Carter put Doug in a submission hold trying to injure him as the ref tried to get him off Doug.
WINNER: ECIII at 1:21.
Backstage: A dark, sinister James Storm was shown arriving in the building. Storm marched through a side door toward the arena.
[Commercial Break at 9:36]
Back from break, James Storm was introduced to the ring to explain why he cost Gunner the TNA World Title last week. Storm, dressed in a black bandana and a black shirt, said this cowboy does not hide from anyone. He told Gunner to come find him. Loud, crashing noises then played to bring out Gunner dressed in a white tanktop undershirt and jeans.
Gunner got in Storm's face and vowed to bash his head in. Storm said he screwed Gunner out of the title last week and said it was pre-meditated because he wanted Gunner to feel what he felt when Gunner climbed over him to win the World Title briefcase shot. Storm said the final nail in the coffin was Gunner handing him the Tag Title briefcase as if it were dog scraps. Storm accused Gunner of living off his name and made himself on him, but he never heard "thank you."
Gunner said a "thank you" in the military is standing side-by-side with your friend. He said he served so Storm can drink a cold beer. Storm said nobody cares about his service. Gunner said his family, friends, and these people care. After the crowd cheered, Storm told Gunner that no one owes him anything. Gunner thought it over, then punched Storm in the face. The fight was on, spilling out of the ring to the floor. Storm and Gunner eventually found some space and squared off heading to break.
[Q4] [Commercial Break at 9:45]
Tomorrow: Rampage Jackson and King Mo fight on Bellator MMA.
Backstage: Gunner found a camera and sent a message to James Storm that he will find him.
Earlier Tonight: Samoa Joe and Magnus fought.
In-ring: Suddenly, Magnus was in the ring. Magnus, with a messed-up suit, said he found someone to fight Joe tonight. He said he went to Germany (boos) and found a natural-born killer, Bad Bones. Joe then stormed the ring ready to wrestle.
3 -- SAMOA JOE vs. BAD BONES (w/TNA World champion Magnus)
Joe beat down the Internet Gut Check winner from last year as Magnus tried to calm things down from the outside. But, Joe continued the assault to loud "Joe, Joe, Joe" chants. Joe then dropped Bad Bones with a Musclebuster before slapping on the rear-naked choke. Bones tapped, ending this quickly.
WINNER: Joe via submission at 1:18. Good squash match making it seem like Joe is a strong threat to Magnus's title in two Sundays.
Up Next: Kurt Angle Hall of Fame ceremony.
[Commercial Break at 9:52]
Backstage: Austin Aries was on the phone. MVP, dressed to wrestle, sat down to talk with Aries about Lockdown. Aries said he talked to Bobby Roode earlier, so he's on the fence right now. Aries noted both sides want to tell him what he wants to hear, and he can't trust anyone. MVP asked what he wants. Aries said he wants to be the best in the business and he wants to see if MVP has it in him. MVP returned by asking Aries why he should believe him. Aries said they're taking a chance on each other, then shook on Aries being ref for MVP vs. Roode in a Captains Match tonight.
Angle Induction Segment
Two minutes before the top of the hour, Jeremy Borash was in the ring to induct Kurt Angle into the TNA Hall of Fame. JB did a long introductory speech for Angle that spilled into the top of the hour.
[Q5 -- second hour] A video package on Kurt Angle's amateur wrestling and TNA career was shown. Included were soundbyte interviews from Taz and Jeff Hardy. Back in the ring, JB welcomed out Kurt Angle. Angle, not selling his injury from a few weeks ago, emerged on-stage dressed in a suit jacket and jeans.
Once Angle entered the ring, JB handed Angle a Rolex watch and welcomed him to the TNA Hall of Fame. Angle thanked the crowd for their response, then said the Hall of Fame isn't about him or TNA, but the fans. Angle said he was supposed to accept this award back in October, but he was not in a good place in his life at the time.
Angle went through his thank-yous. First, the Good Lord for giving him his ability, his wife for being his rock, his kids, the talent in the back, and each fan. "I just want to say this. It's a great night to be Kurt Angle!" he said in conclusion.
Suddenly, ECIII's music played. Carter mockingly said he was so touched by the tribute video that he has one of his own. The video was ECIII injuring Angle on Impact last months. Included were word bubbles from ECIII with his thoughts as he took out Angle. Back in the arena, Carter said Angle is depriving the fans of the Big News. Angle asked what the Big News is, then invited him into the ring.
Once in the ring, Carter took the Hall of Fame podium to deliver a proclamation. Carter said an unnamed source has stated and confirmed medical reports that Angle has a torn up knee and it's unclear if Angle will be able to wrestle again. ECIII said it's time for Angle to officially retire. "No!" shouts from the crowd. Angle then limped toward Carter and asked why he would get in the ring when he knows he can tear his throat out. Carter said because Angle has tears in his knee. This turned into a promo exchange about reports on Angle's knee condition. He said he has no MCL or ACL tear. He asked ECIII if he really wants to be in the ring with him right now. "I really don't," Carter muttered.
Angle calmly told Carter that he knows he's new here and wants to make a name for himself, but why would he pick Kurt Angle? Angle punched Carter in the mouth, sending ECIII reeling out of the ring. Taz said Carter needs better sources. Angle cut his music, then said the new investor has given him a little gift - a match at Lockdown. That's right, it's Angle vs. ECIII In a cage at Lockdown. ECIII flipped out ringside as Taz said Carter's in trouble at Lockdown in Miami.
[Q6] [Commercial Break at 10:15]
4 -- KO champion MADISON RAYNE & VELVET SKY vs. LEI'D TAPA & ALPHA FEMALE (w/Gail Kim and Chris Sabin)
Back from break, the former Beautiful People were making their ring entrance. Meanwhile, Sabin and Gail Kim were ringside arguing about match strategy or other topics of note. The former BPs found an opening to take control early on, but the much larger heel duo took control. Then, Tapa finished off Madison for a pinfall.
Afterward, the outside participants entered the ring and a brawl broke out. ODB then stormed the ring to assist the faces in clearing the heels from the ring. Velvet tried to get her hands on Alpha, but Sabin pulled his new female squeeze away from his ex-girlfriend.
WINNERS: Tapa & Alpha at 2:32.
Vignette: Tigre Uno is coming. At Lockdown.
Somewhere: Someone asked Samuel if last week was a mistake. The camera pulled back to show Sam Shaw saying that no one understands his love for Christy Hemme. He vowed to make everyone understand tonight.
[Commercial Break at 10:24]
Creepy Shaw Skit
In-ring: Samuel Shaw was introduced to the ring dressed in street clothes. Shaw walked by Christy Hemme, who was at the ring announce position selling being creeped out by Shaw.
Once in the ring, Shaw quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson that he is great, therefore he is misunderstood. Shaw said he believes Christy has misunderstood him, then invited her into the ring. Christy brushed off the request, but decided to enter the ring on Shaw's second request.
[Q7] Shaw told Hemme that he enjoyed their time together and he thinks Christy enjoyed it as well. He said he respects Christy's space, but there are certain men who are not respecting his wish - lusting after her. Shaw said he is here to protect here. "These men want one thing from you," he said. "I want more."
Mr. Anderson's music interrupted, bringing out the man who Shaw jumped last week. Anderson showed up with a black eye and quizzical look on his face. Anderson marched down to the ring as Shaw claimed that Anderson is one of those guys who wants that one thing. "You're lucky that I was there!" he said.
From ringside, Anderson told Shaw to simply shut up. Anderson called him a creepy bastard, then said in a little voice that Shaw's little relationship with her is "not real," drawing laughs from the crowd. Anderson asked the crowd if they would like to see a real ass whooping, then started to approach the ring. Shaw cut off Anderson, saying he is not creepy and he has never done anything to violate Christy. But, Christy is the type of woman who would like something like that to happen to her. Christy had enough and slapped Shaw across the face.
Shaw slowly absorbed the slap, then tried to go after Christy, but Anderson stormed the ring. Shaw fought off Anderson and slapped on his stalker sleeperhold. Shaw eventually put Anderson down to rest on the mat as Christy sold concern on the outside.
Vignette: Crazy Jeff Hardy as the Willow. Lots of bones and skulls from dead bodies in this vignette.
Backstage: James Storm was shown walking down the hallway. In a voice-over, Mike Tenay said the fight is on.
[Commercial Break at 10:36]
Parking Garage: Gunner and James Storm were fighting in the backstage area. The fight spilled into the back of a trailer, then to the side of a truck. Bleeping noises played. Gunner tossed Storm across the ground, then pounded him with right hand blows. Al Snow got more TV time showing up to break up the fight, but Gunner demanded they let him go. Storm then entered a caged structure to get away from Gunner, who vowed to get his hands on him.
Announcers: Tenay and Taz broke down the Lockdown PPV line-up in two weeks.
Backstage: A roving reporter asked Eric Young about Abyss. EY said he hasn't heard if Abyss has been "fixed," but he hopes the Abyss from a few weeks ago is not the same person he encountered.
[Q8] In-ring: Christy Hemme introduced Austin Aries as special referee for the main event. Aries came out dressed in a ref t-shirt and black underwear. Bobby Roode was then introduced as the first participant in the under-hyped main event. MVP was out next to face Roode. Tenay said the main event is next.
[Commercial Break at 10:47]
5 -- BOBBY ROODE vs. MVP -- Austin Aries special referee -- Lethal Lockdown Captains match
The bell sounded ten minutes before the top of the hour. Feeling-out process early on as Aries called it down the middle. MVP built sustained offense leading to a Ballin' Elbow drop and Fisherman Suplex for a two count. MVP wanted the Playmaker, but Roode blocked. Roode followed with a spinebuster for another two count. Roode didn't agree, but tried to remain calm.
The match continued with Roode stalking MVP for his fireman's carry finisher, but MVP elbowed out. MVP followed with an attempted Playmaker that required an edit. It was only good for a nearfall, in any event. Roode and MVP then traded bombs until MVP dropkicked Roode at the knees to cut him off. MVP wanted the Yakuza Kick, but Aries suddenly popped MVP. Roode then nailed his Roode Bomb on MVP for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Aries unflinchingly raised Roode's hand in victory. Aries then stooped down to check on MVP as Roode processed the events. Tenay wondered who MVP is going to find as his fourth man this close to Lockdown.
WINNER: Roode at 9:38.
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