TNA Impact Results
June 26, 2014
Taped 6/19 in Bethlehem, Pa.
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

TNA Impact opened with a video package on Bobby Lashley capturing the TNA World Title from Eric Young last week on Impact.

Backstage: MVP, Kenny King, and Bobby Lashley were shown walking in suits. MVP told Lashley that it's his time tonight. No words from Bobby, who walked into a side room, followed by MVP and King.

Suddenly, the Beautiful People's music played in the arena to begin Impact with a Knockouts tag match. Out came KO champion Angelina Love and Velvet Sky, then Taryn Terrell's music brought out Taryn and Gail as the face opposition.

1 -- KO tag champion ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY vs. GAIL KIM & TARYN TERRELL

The story early on was whether former rivals Gail and Taryn could work together effectively against the veteran BP tag team. Of note, Brian Hebner was assigned this match, as opposed to the BP's personal referee Stiffler. In the ring, the BP took control, which led into the other story of Taryn having ring rust after being out of the ring for about a year. Gail eventually took a hot tag and cleaned house until all four KOs found themselves in the ring. After things settled down and Stiffler was not there to be distracted, Gail lined up Angelina for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Gail & Taryn at 6:45. Basic set-up for Gail getting another shot at the KO Title by pinning the champ in a tag match.

Backstage: MVP led new TNA champ Lashley and Kenny King down the hallway. They're in the ring next.

[Commercial Break at 9:11]

[Q2] Announcement: TNA is going to Japan for Bound for Glory in October. In a voice-over, Mike Tenay added color to the BFG announcement.

Backstage: A roving cameraman found Dixie Carter in a happy mood walking down the hallway. She teased a favorable announcement later in the show.

In-ring: MVP's music played to bring out MVP and Kenny King accompanied by two models. In the ring, MVP said he would like to introduce the new TNA World Hvt. champion, Lashley. Lashley was also accompanied by a model on the way down to the ring flashing his TNA Title belt to the crowd. Once Lashley entered the ring, MVP said it's official that he has regained his power in TNA because Lashley is the champion. And, well, Kenny King has some ladies.

MVP said their plan did not come together as quickly or precisely as he planned, but at the end of the day, they conquered. MVP then noted they have to deal with some other business, starting with Eric Young asking for his release.

EY's music interrupted to bring out Young on-stage with his arm in a sling. Young said he's not going anywhere, then vowed to tear down MVP. Young removed his sling and hit the ring, where he took a beating after being outnumbered. Suddenly, a "suspended" Bobby Roode came through the crowd and yanked MVP's crutch away from him. Roode cleared the ring of heels, then checked on EY as Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:23]

Back from break, the "suspended" Roode had a live mic. Roode said he's known EY for 20 years and they've had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, they share a common bond. One is they signed their TNA contracts on the same day over a decade ago. He said they built the company from the ground up. And the other bond is they love pro wrestling. Roode said MVP took his passion and love away from him seven weeks with his b.s. suspension.

[Q3] Roode said Eric Young came out here for two months fighting for respect and honor to restore TNA until MVP ruined it. He said the games are over and it's time for take the company back. For each and every wrestling fan. And he does it for every wrestler in the back who loves pro wrestling. Roode told MVP that he can fire him, but be a man and do it to his face.

MVP, having waited out Roode's speech, said Roode truly loves working here, so he will talk to him in the ring like a civilized man. MVP entered the ring with his crutches and said that speech was absolutely riveting. But, he made a big mistake and then repeated it this week. MVP said he is still Director of Wrestling Operations for TNA and in his capacity, Roode is officially ---

Suddenly, a random man walked out on-stage in a suit. He said his name is Earl Sullivan Armstrong and he represents TNA's Board of Directors. And, as of this very moment, MVP is no longer the Director of Wrestling Operations. MVP shouted that he cannot do that and he doesn't even know he is. The BOD rep said MVP's replacement will be announced later tonight. Roode confirmed that MVP no longer has authority, then punched MVP in the face. MVP rolled out of the ring to be helped out by King and Lashley.

Backstage: Knux was on the phone discussing a lack of funds with someone on the other end as The Menagerie waited for the word. Apparently Menagerie has not sent enough cash back home to re-start the carnival. Knux told Crazzy Steve that he needs to win the X Division Title, because titles mean cash. Bro-Mans interrupted, then Manik to jockey for position to get an X Title shot.

[Commercial Break at 9:37]

Moments Ago: A lawyer relieved MVP of his duties as Director of Wrestling Operations.

Dixie's Office: Rockstar Spud talked to Dixie Carter about the good news about MVP. Dixie said she knew she was good at the Board meeting, but she didn't know she was that good. Dixie thought she would get complete control of the company again, then sent Spud away to get a bottle of champagne.

In-ring: Now for something different, a smiling X Division champion Sanada walked down to the ring displaying his X Title. Manik, Crazzy Steve, and D.J. Zema stood in the ring anticipating a title shot, then Sanada asked each one of they want a title match. All three wanted one, so he announced, "You all get title match."

[Q4]

2 -- X Division champion SANADA vs. MANIK vs. CRAZZY STEVE vs. D.J. ZEMA -- four-way match for X Division Title

On commentary, Taz talked about the pressure put on Sanada by Great Muta to be a successful champion. D.J. cleared the ring early on, but missed on an attack aimed for Manik. Manik then cleared the ring and delivered a splash down onto the three opponents. Back in the ring, the challengers took their eyes off Sanada, who grappled D.J. from behind for a suplex and bridge pin for the win. Tenay and Taz said Muta must be so proud.

WINNER: Sanada at 4:22 to retain the X Division Title.

Up Next: Dixie Carter finds out if she's the new Director.

[Commercial Break at 9:50]

MVP's Office: Kenny King tried to figure out what's going on, then MVP said Dixie is not going to take his job. MVP vowed to get his job back while Silent Bobby stood by with a belt hanging over his shoulder.

Backstage: Magnus and Crazy Bram stood by ahead of their Monster's Ball match. Magnus said he's prepared for a fight while Bram did various facial expressions capturing his craziness. Will they eventually reveal that Bram is a figment of Magnus's imagination?

In-ring: Rockstar Spud escorted Dixie Carter to the prom down the entrance ramp. In the ring, Dixie excitedly greeted the crowd, thinking it's her night. She told everyone to understand the historical significance of what's about to happen. Suddenly, TNA cut to a fan on the front row, who was given full audio to shout: "No one cares! You suck!"

Dixie recapped all of the people who have taken her money, turned on her, and ruined her company. Dixie 2.0 then vowed to give the people what they want in wrestling: a whole bunch more of her. Dixie welcomed out the Board's representative to make it official, but he noted there has been a bit of a misunderstanding.

[Q5 -- second hour] The Board's representative said Dixie is not the new Director of Wrestling Operations, prompting a spittake of champagne from Spud. He delayed the identity reveal until later in the show, then Dixie threw champagne in the Board rep's face. Dixie said this is her ring and she owns everything in here. And she will be in complete control over her dead body.

On cue, Bully Ray's music interrupted to bring out Bully to address the magic words. As Dixie cowered in the corner hiding behind Spud, Bully explained what's about to happen. The crowd chanted, "Table, table," then Bully vowed to kick Spud in the face, drink the remaining champagne, and put someone through a table.

Dixie pleaded with Bully to listen to her. "Listen!" she shouted over and over, then presented a financial offer. Dixie lowballed Bully: $50,000? Okay, how about $200,000? Ray asked Dixie if she really just offered him $200,000, then paused to contemplate the figure. "Let's see: take your money or put you through a table?" Ray led the crowd in chanting for tables, but Spud called out for Ethan Carter III, who provided a distraction. But, Ray cleared him, then Spud.

Dixie, now alone in the ring, walked up to Bully to tease a slap, but Bully grabbed her and hoisted her over his shoulder. Ray prepared to put Dixie through a table, but took his sweet time, allowing Spud to re-enter the ring and move the table out of the way. ECIII and Spud then grabbed Dixie and dragged her out of the ring to save her from taking a table.

[Commercial Break at 10:05]

Backstage: Dixie Carter and Rockstar Spud were shown trying to high-tail it out of the building, ignoring ECIII's status.

Elsewhere: Bully Ray said he was "this close" to making good on his promise to putting Dixie through a table. He said he will not rest until he makes good on his promise.

In-ring: James Storm was introduced for the next match. Storm marched down to the ring sporting a wide-brim hat to go with his full-length jacket. Mr. Anderson was then introduced as his opponent in a Slammiversary re-match.

3 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. JAMES STORM

Storm picked up a clean win over Anderson with a Last Call Superkick out of the corner, sending Anderson down to the mat like a tree falling down in the forrest. Storm then posed in the corner following his win.

WINNER: Storm at 2:42. Not much done to protect Anderson, who continues to float aimlessly, moving from a looney-bin feud with Sam Shaw to a drinking contest with Storm.

[Q6] Backstage: The ol' black limo pulled up backstage. Tenay and Taz said the new Director of Operations will be revealed later in the show.

[Commercial Break at 10:18]

Video: Speaking of Sam Shaw, TNA showed Gunner approaching Shaw in his padded room. Gunner said Shaw's doctors have allowed him to leave the mental institution, but only under his care and supervision. Shaw said that's good for him.

Backstage: James Storm mockingly applauded Sanada after their paths randomly crossed. Storm asked Sanada about becoming TNA World champion if he cashes in his X Title, but what would happen if he lost? Sanada made a move toward Storm, who said Sanada does understand what he's saying. Storm yelled in Sanada's face, then whispered in his ear not to choke.

Backstage: Ethan Carter III was on the phone. ECIII shouted for Dixie to come back and get him, then a man in a jacket attacked ECIII. The man was identified as Tommy Dreamer, who jumped Carter and beat him. But, ECIII punched Dreamer in the gut and rattled his love handles before walking away. That allowed Dreamer to recover before lightly tossing ECIII through a curtain into the arena area.

In the arena, ECIII recovered and knocked down Dreamer on the floor. Carter then removed the ring padding as Dreamer sold immense pain. Carter tried to put Dreamer into the exposed floor, but Dreamer blocked and suplexed ECIII onto the exposed padding. Dreamer turned his back to the camera, exposing his bald spot and love handles, then Carter reversed a whip that sent Dreamer careening into the ring steps.

The fight continued ringside, where Dreamer reversed a whip and sent ECIII knees-first into the ring steps. Taz said Dreamer lives for fighting outside the ring. Dreamer tried to keep the fight on the outside, but ECIII rolled Dreamer into the ring. Dreamer stumbled around the ring, then covered up in the corner. ECIII whipped Dreamer across the ring, but Dreamer responded with a clothesline. Dreamer put everything he had behind some punches, but referees hit the ring. Al Snow, playing the role of an agent, also hit the ring, prompting a "Head, Head" chant from the vocal portion of the crowd, disinvesting from the exchange. Refs and Snow eventually pulled Dreamer away from ECIII.

Backstage: Abyss and Willow/Jeff Hardy talked themselves up. ... Elsewhere: MVP hobbled down a back hallway with King and Lashley.

[Q7] [Commercial Break at 10:30]

Parking Garage: MVP, King, and Lashley approached the limo. They banged on the door, then dragged out a man, who failed to provide pertinent information on the new Director. Lashley silently discarded the individual, then the trio went on their way.

In-ring: Tenay announced the following match as the main event. Out came Magnus, followed by Bram. Willow's music then brought out Jeff Hardy twirling an umbrella and Abyss. The two teams met on the outside and the ref decided to call for the bell before anyone entered the ring.

4 -- WILLOW/JEFF HARDY & ABYSS vs. MAGNUS & BRAM -- Monster's Ball Match

Lots of weapon shots early on as the announcers hyped the Director announcement on the other side of this match. Hardy/Willow initiated Bram with trashcan shots to the face, but missed a top-rope Swanton Bomb on Magnus. Bram then came up bleeding from the forehead simultaneous to Abyss introducing his Janice barbed wire board. But, Bram ducked a board shot and got sent to the floor.

On the outside, Bram hit Abyss in the face with a trashcan lid. Bram then handcuffed Abyss to the guardrail and kind of stumbled around the ringside area selling not being in complete control of his body. Hardy, alone with Magnus and Bram, writhed in pain on the mat. TNA then cut to Abyss, who broke free of the cuff when the camera was on him. Abyss re-entered the ring to make the save, allowing Hardy to make a comeback and start throwing Twists of Fates.

[Q8] Hardy wanted a top-rope Swanton, but Magnus chucked a chair at Hardy, who fell off the top rope through a barbed wire board down below on the floor. Hardy writhed in pain on the floor, then Abyss opted not to check on Hardy and instead brought a bag of thumbtacks into the ring. Abyss spread the tacks across the ring, shook off a low kick from Magnus, and chokeslammed him into the tacks. Magnus rolled around the ring wincing and holding his back, but Bram got revenge with a low shot to Abyss using Janice. Bram covered a trembling Abyss for the win.

WINNERS: Magnus & Bram at 9:02. The typical Abyss no-sell stuntbrawl that refreshingly went away for a while.

Up Next: TNA filmed the bottom of a man's shoes as he walked up some steps. Tenay wondered if this man is the new Director of Wrestling Operations.

[Commercial Break at 10:48]

Back from break, the Board representative walked out on-stage. The man said the new Director of Wrestling Operations is "Olympic Gold Medalist and TNA Hall of Famer Kurt Angle." Angle's music played to bring out Angle on-stage dressed in a suit.

Angle took a victory lap around ringside in his home-state, then entered the ring to address the audience. "Guess who's in charge," he said. "It's about time this company got its heads out of their asses." Angle said TNA has made a lot of mistakes, then tried to swing it to a storyline context by focusing on heels Dixie Carter and MVP.

Angle said he is motive-free and has accomplished everything he wanted in wrestling. Angle said his goal is to give back to the locker room and the fans. But, if anyone tries him, it's about to become real. Damn real.

Lashley's music interrupted to bring out the TNA champ. But, he was joined by King and MVP, who did the talking. MVP couldn't believe that Angle is his replacement. King held the mic for MVP, who hobbled down to the ring demanding to talk to Angle man-to-man and face-to-face. MVP eventually made it into the ring with King while Lashley hung around in the background.

MVP said he knew he had to watch out for Dixie Carter, but he didn't think Angle would go to the Board whining and crying. MVP offered a low tone asking Angle if he has come to terms with his personal problems. He then told Angle that he's about to face the three biggest problems of his career. MVP said Angle might have some authority, but they have the power. And they should use that power to end Angle's reign before it begins.

Angle asked if this is really what they want. He vowed to fire all three of them right now if they lay a finger on him. "You know?! Because I'm the friggin boss!" he shouted. Angle calmed down and told Lashley he's going to defend that TNA Title next week against the man who got screwed out of the title, Eric Young. Young walked out on-stage with his arm in a sling again.

Back to Angle, who said he just re-instated this guy. Out came Bobby Roode to stand next to EY. Young and Roode charged the ring and a fight was on. Tenay hyped Lashley vs. Young for the TNA Title next week as Impact signed off.

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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