TNA Impact Results
July 10, 2014
Taped 6/20 in Bethlehem, Pa.
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

TNA authority figure Kurt Angle walked out to start the show and announce his booking plans for the night. Angle said tonight is TNA's "Champions Showcase," which means all matches will have title ramifications.

Angle pulled out his booking sheets to announce The Wolves against Magnus & Bram for the Tag Titles. Plus, Gail Kim against Brittany, Madison Rayne, and Angelina Love for the Knockouts Title. And, Sanada vs. Austin Aries for the X Division Title. (TNA post-produced action graphics of each wrestler over Angle's announcements.) Finally, the main event, a 20-man battle royal to determine the #1 contender to the TNA World Title. Angle said the winner gets a title shot next week in New York City.

Angle had one final piece of business to attend to - Willow, the alter-ego of Jeff Hardy. Willow took a long time entering the ring, then Angle addressed what's going on here. He said Dixie Carter took advantage of Jeff Hardy, so Willow was born. Angle said Dixie and MVP are no longer in the picture, just him, and he's trustworthy. So, what he needs tonight is Jeff Hardy. Angle said everyone wants to see Jeff Hardy. Willow/Hardy wasn't so sure. Angle said he is not asking for Willow to leave forever, just for tonight. Willow/Hardy shook Angle's hand without committing, then Angle's music played to wrap the segment.

Backstage: A roving cameraman approached Austin Aries about his X Title re-match against Sanada tonight. Aries said some guys will be a 20-man battle royal, while he will just beat one guy, Sanada, to get his TNA Title shot via Option C. Aries walked off towards a room that looked like catering, where random people were hanging out looking at their phones.

In-ring: Magnus's music played to bring out Magnus and Bram challenging for the Tag Titles. Bram sold having stomach issues heaving back and forth on the way to the ring. Something at catering? Magnus and Bram posed while the announcers failed to discuss why Magnus & Bram would get another title shot when Bram got them intentionally DQ'ed in the same title match one month ago. In any event, The Wolves were introduced for their latest title defense against this team heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:11]

[Q2]

1 -- TNA tag champions THE WOLVES (DAVEY RICHARDS & EDDIE EDWARDS) vs. MAGNUS & BRAM -- TNA Tag Title match

Early on, The Wolves double-teamed Bram with rapid-fire kicks that drove Bram to a corner. Bram grunted with each kick, then found a kick to the face. But, Magnus cut off Davey from the ring apron behind the ref's back. The ref was Stiffler, who was been identified as a crooked ref, yet Angle's character allowed him to officiate this match. Magnus then walked around ringside to yank Eddie off the ring apron, which Taz called a smart move and prevented Davey from tagging in Eddie. No rebuttal from Tenay on it not being legal and the ref missing it. Rules don't seem to matter in TNA, so you can't get heat on anyone.

Davey finally made the tag to a recovered Eddie, who chopped Bram over and over. Bram stumbled across the ring after missing with a clothesline as Eddie made his comeback. As Taz evaluated the match instead of reinforcing face/heel roles, the Wolves gathered themselves to double splash the challengers on the outside. Back in the ring, Davey escaped a gutbuster attempt by Bram, then Eddie slipped into the ring to roll up Bram for a surprise three count.

Post-match: Magnus and Bram attacked the champs immediately after losing. The bell sounded to no avail as the sore losers continued to beat up the champs. Taz surmised that Bram did not care about losing the match, which was evident when Bram got them DQ'ed in the same Tag Title match one month ago.

WINNERS: Wolves at 7:13 to retain the Tag Titles. This was just mindless, amateur booking starting with Magnus & Bram getting a second Tag Title shot without explanation, the crooked ref allowed to officiate this match under the supervision of new babyface authority figure Angle, Taz slipping into an undefined role evaluating the match instead of reinforcing face/heel points, and Tenay rattling off the scripted talking points instead of defending the faces and calling out the heels for their tactics to get people to emotionally react to/invest in what's happening. It's just on to the next item on the list...

Backstage: Bobby Roode was shown walking down the hallway. He said he wants a piece of MVP tonight.

[Commercial Break at 9:24]

Roode-MVP

In-ring: Bobby Roode hit the ring to ask the crowd if they have ever wanted something so bad that they would do anything in their power to get it. Roode said that's how he was with the TNA World Title. But, he was suspended and sent home by MVP to think about things.

[Q3] Roode told MVP that he sees him as a threat. But, guess what? He's here tonight and his threat is standing here in the middle of the ring. Roode said the thing is he doesn't care about MVP's doctor note, so he's going to give MVP until the count of ten to get out here. And if he doesn't come out by ten, he's going to go backstage and find him. Roode started counting until MVP's music interrupted at five.

MVP wheeled himself out on-stage in a wheelchair, then ran down Roode from a distance. MVP complained about his knee being worse than before to the point if it being so swollen that he can't even get an MRI to check on it. Roode said he doesn't care whether MVP can stand or not because he's going to kick his ass. MVP feigned being in a terrible state, drawing in Roode, who ducked a sneak attack from Kenny King. Roode discarded King, then grabbed MVP and wheeled him down the entrance ramp to ringside.

Suddenly, Kenny King smacked Roode from behind with a chair. MVP hobbled to his feet to land a right hand on Roode, but Eric Young's music interrupted to bring out EY dressed to wrestle. Young lit up King, then stalked MVP. But, Bobby Lashley hit the ring with his face covered by a cap. Lashley ran over Young, clearing Young from the ring, then Lashley crouched down and his face was covered by the cap and a ring rope. Lashley and MVP recovered in the ring before TNA cut backstage.

Backstage: Bobby Roode whispered in Sanada's ear about not disappointing Great Muta. Roode told Sanada that Muta is controlling him, but what happens if he loses the X Division Title? He said he likes what he sees from Sanada, then wished him good luck. Sanada tried to stand up, but Storm sat him down and told him not to choke.

[Commercial Break at 9:36]

Earlier Tonight: Kurt Angle told Willow that he needs Jeff Hardy in the #1 contender battle royal tonight.

Backstage: Kurt Angle talked into a camera that he thinks they will see Hardy in the battle royal tonight.

In-ring: Austin Aries was introduced first for the X Division Title match.

[Q4]

2 -- X Division champion SANADA vs. AUSTIN ARIES -- X Division Title match

Nice back and forth to begin the match, then Aries slapped on the Last Chancery. But, Sanada grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Aries continued to punish Sanada before they went into a rolling pin situation that resulted in a two count for Sanada. Sanada clotheslined Aries over the top rope, but Aries pushed Sanada off the top rope down to the floor in response.

Back in the ring, Aries delivered running elbow smashes, then tried a top rope move, but Sanada blocked with a glancing blow via dropkick. Aries came to his feet, then promptly took a back-elbow smash from the champion. Sanada followed with a springboard chop to the head for a two count, then a corner boot. Sanada tried to follow with a top-rope moonsault, but Aries blocked and nailed a corner dropkick.

Aries wanted to follow with a Brainbuster suplex, but Sanada blocked and nailed a Tiger Suplex with a bridge pin for a close two count. Sanada showed frustration, then he nailed a top-rope moonsault, but Aries kicked out. Sanada showed even more frustration, then he tried another top-rope moonsault, but Aries moved. Aries nailed a discus forearm, then a corner dropkick. Brainbuster suplex followed, but Sanada kicked out just before three.

Aries regrouped, climbed to the top rope, and nailed a 450 splash. It was good for the pin and the win. Post-match, Aries took the X Title and thought about his Option C opportunity at Destination X. After a look at Aries celebrating, TNA replayed the high points of the match.

WINNER: Aries at 8:20 to capture the X Division Title. Nice match all the way around, including Sanada showing uncharacteristic frustration from the nearfalls after Storm got in his ear about disappointing Muta to set up the next chapter. (**1/2)

Up Next: Bully Ray talks Rhino.

[Commercial Break at 9:54]

Last Thursday: An excitable man named Rhino appeared on Impact to help a man dressed in a colorful polka-dot jacket take out Bully Ray.

[Q5 -- second hour] Moments Ago: Bully Ray talked to the roving cameraman about Rhino deciding to stand opposite him at this moment in time. Ray said he's going to talk to Rhino face-to-face right now.

Somewhere else: Ethan Carter III and Rhino talked to another camera about Bully Ray. ECIII said Rhino has a lot to say about Bully.

In-ring: Bully Ray walked to the ring to tell a story. Ray mentioned Bam Bam Bigelow giving him advice early in his career about being able to count on your hand the number of true friends you find in the wrestling business. He thought Rhino was one of those guys, but obviously he was wrong. Ray said he deserves an answer and he wants it right now.

ECIII's music played to bring out Carter, Rhino, and Rockstar Spud on-stage. Taz tried to figure out why Rhino is running with this crew as the trio entered the ring. Bully said he should beat the crap out of Rhino right now, but he just wants to know why Rhino did what he did. Rhino said the first thing is Ray should shut his mouth.

Rhino told Ray that it's about the two of them because when he was sitting at home watching the "Hall of Fame thing," he realized that Bully is a conman. Because Devon isn't standing out here right now since Bully is only out for his own career. He said Bully conned Paul E. Heyman and Dixie Carter. Bully told Rhino that he sold out to the Carters, then called this jealousy. Rhino and Ray shouted over each other, then Ray told Rhino he's the reason why he got fired from WWE and TNA. He said it's not his fault that he was hardcore at one time, but now he's a b-----.

ECIII said Bully called Rhino a friend, but he doesn't sound like Rhino's friend. He said Rhino and his family need money and a hot meal back in Detroit, so his family paid Rhino and they will continue to pay Rhino to take out Bully. Bully replied that he's going to take him out, but Rhino gored Ray. Suddenly, a man in jeans and a black shirt hit the ring with his back to the camera. It was Tommy Dreamer slipping into the ring with a weapon to clear the heels from the ring. Dreamer checked on Ray as the heels retreated.

[ JC's Reax: That sounded like a mid-2000s TNA promo when "WWE" and wrestlers/people in other companies were name-dropped to appear relevant when TNA was insecure about its position in the industry. Desperate-sounding promo exchange revisiting past storylines. ]

Backstage: Angelina Love and Velvet Sky complained about all of their work on ref Stiffler and Kurt Angle not working out, then Love complained about not getting a one-on-one title re-match against Gail Kim tonight. Love vowed to not only beat Gail Kim, but also show Madison and Brittany what's up. Angelina told Velvet they need to get her title back.

[Commercial Break at 10:10]

[Q6] Still to come: 20-man #1 contender battle royal.

Backstage: Knux tried to talk up The Menagerie about overcoming their shortcomings as wrestlers. Knux noted they're all in the battle royal and just need to toss people over the top rope. Rebel said all they have to do is win tonight to get a big payday.

3 -- TNA KO champion GAIL KIM vs. ANGELINA LOVE (w/Velvet Sky) vs. MADISON RAYNE vs. BRITTANY -- four-way Knockouts Title match

he Beautiful People were introduced first for the Knockouts Title match. Madison Rayne was out next, but Brittany attacked her from behind. The BPs joined in the beating and the bell suddenly sounded despite the match not in the ring and the champion not even introduced. Gail then came out to try to defend Madison and get the match in the ring.

Once the match started, Brittany turned into a monster going after Madison, then ending her heel partnership with Angelina to attack her. Madison then took out Brittany before Gail dropped Angelina with Eat Defeat. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Gail at 5:32 to retain the KO Title.

Up Next: 20-man battle royal for a TNA Title shot next week.

Backstage: Willow's mask was shown twirling around in the light.

[Commercial Break at 10:23]

Backstage: New X Division champion Austin Aries talked in a tight camera shot about this X Title being the key to a TNA Title shot. He said he's not predictable, though, so the only thing people need to know right now is that the X Division is once again relevant and great.

July 31: "Destination X" Impact.

Backstage: Bobby Roode was shown walking down the hallway dressed to wrestle. Roode disappeared into a dark light washing out his face as he talked about needing to beat 19 other guys to get his TNA Title shot. Roode added a parting shot toward MVP that their business is just getting started.

[Q7] Video: MVP spoke into a tight camera shot while Bobby Lashley worked out in the background. MVP said this man has his back, then TNA went through clips of Lashley working out while wearing the TNA Title belt around his waist.

In-ring: Eric Young was introduced first for the #1 contender battle royal, followed by Ethan Carter III and Rockstar Spud. Bobby Roode was introduced fourth before Impact cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:34]

In-ring: Back from break, TNA found 14 more men on the roster to make it 18 of 20 participants in the ring. Bully Ray made it 19 before Jeff Hardy's music played to bring out Hardy now sporting crazy facepaint a la Willow. Hardy still did his crazy victory lap before entering the ring to start the match.

4 -- 20-MAN BATTLE ROYAL -- Winner gets TNA Hvt. Title shot next week

Bodies started flying early on, clearing out The Menagerie to put a damper on Knux's strategy. Knux tried to fight alone, but he awkwardly crotched himself on the top rope before Magnus and Bram kicked him to the floor for an elimination. Tigre Uno and Sanada were eliminated next. Then, Tenay suddenly got excited voicing-over an announcement that James Storm just eliminated Mr. Anderson. Storm then eliminated Gunner. Meanwhile, Hardy eliminated Bram, who freaked out ringside.

[Q8] Suddenly, Abyss's music played. Abyss stumbled down to ringside to pick a fight with Bram, taking him away from ringside. Back in the ring, Manik was eliminated to take care of the X Division's representatives. Impact cut to break with the field cut in half.

[Commercial Break at 10:47]

Back from break, Roode dumped Storm over the top rope without a struggle. Bully then cornered Rockstar Spud and grabbed him by the crotch in a threatening manner. ECIII cut off Ray, though, and waited for Spud to recover to work on Bully. But, Bully recovered and press-slammed Spud clear over the top rope. Ray then eliminated ECIII and himself with an over-aggressive clothesline. Taz said he doesn't think Bully cares. Then, why did he enter the match?

Kenny King took center stage working on Roode with right hands. Roode came back with a spinebuster, but MVP smacked Roode with his crutch from the outside. That allowed King to eliminate Roode. But, EY dumped King over the top rope. So, it came down to EY and JEff Hardy, who started doing wild gyrations and moves as if he were half-Willow, half-Hardy.

Young and Hardy shook hands to have a clean fight to the finish. They battled before Young found himself on the ring apron. Young did a Flair Strut, avoided an elimination, and tried to make a comeback, but Hardy eliminated him to win the match and get a title shot next week. Afterward, Hardy shook hands with EY, who handed back the top babyface challenger spot to Hardy.

WINNER: Hardy at 16:02 to earn a TNA Title shot next week.

Post-match: Jeremy Borash entered the ring to talk to Jeff Hardy about his victory. Hardy said he is your next TNA World champion. He said Bobby Lashley is extremely tough, but he can go to the extreme to recapture the title. Hardy called for his creatures. Suddenly, Lashley walked out on-stage to give Hardy a look at what he's up against next week.

Lashley slowly entered the ring as Hardy continued to catch his breath following the battle royal. Lashley came face-to-face with Hardy, then held up the TNA Title belt in Hardy's face. Taz told Hardy to bring his A-Game next week. Tenay offered final hype for Lashley vs. Hardy next week from New York City as Impact signed off with a close-up on Lashley and Hardy in the ring.

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