TNA Impact Results
July 17, 2014
Taped 6/25 in New York City
Aired on Spike TV
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Impact opened with a video package hyping Bobby Lashley vs. Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Title in tonight's main event.

TNA went to crowd shots of the Manhattan Center in New York City as Kurt Angle's music was playing in the arena. Angle was standing by in the balcony to introduce the show and then point to the oddly-shaped six-sided ring down below. TNA cut to various camera shots, then Taz walked out on the opposite side of the balcony. Taz said he couldn't be happier to have Angle running this ship because he understands wrestling. Taz said he was fortunate enough many years ago to be part of the "greatest wrestling revolution of all-time." And during that time, he remembered when they were turning that corner. He said that locker room is filled with the same type of men and women wanting to do some big things. Taz shouted his catchphrase, then Bully Ray's music played.

Bully walked out on-stage next to Tommy Dreamer. Both were dressed to wrestle. As they walked to the ring, Mike Tenay revisited Bully's desire to put Dixie Carter through a table here in New York City.

In the ring, Bully said this is the greatest wrestling city on the planet. And, tonight, TNA and New York City will grab the wrestling world by the balls and rip them off. Bully then revisited his promise - a guarantee - that you want to see Dixie Carter through a table. Men and Women in the crowd were shown agreeing. Bully asked the crowd if they're sure they want tables, then told the crowd they will get them.

Tommy Dreamer took the mic to speak. Dreamer said he had a moment of reflection going back to 1997 about getting their first-ever national exposure in the same building. He said the fans have supported them for their entire careers and he is humbled by that. Dreamer said there are changes being made, but this feels like a new madhouse of extreme. And, there are men and women in the back who are willing to go balls to the wall for each and every one of them.

Suddenly, Ethan Carter III's music played to bring out ECIII and "that sell-out" Rhino. Carter said there will be no balls to the walls or tables because there is no way Bully is putting Aunt Dixie through a table. Carter reminded Bully of his failed attempts to put Dixie through a table. Then, Rhino shouted not to boo this man because he's a Carter. Carter ran down Dreamer and Bully, then answered "You Can't Wrestle" chants with "I disagree."

ECIII and Rhino eventually entered the ring. Dreamer told ECIII this isn't a "PG little product, kid," and the one thing he would like to see change in pro wrestling is more action and less talking. After 11 minutes of talking to start the show, Dreamer threw a punch at ECIII and a fight broke out leading to break.

[ JC's Reax: The same bad habits from the past 12 years repeated in one segment - another empty reset, living off past glories of other promotions, and speaking code about "the product" instead of just presenting a sound, consistent product without the dog-whistling to insider fans. It's like clockwork that every two years they chase their tail in a different direction. Four years ago, it was the EV2 deal. Two years ago, it was Hulk Hogan "taking TNA to the next level." This year, it's going back to the six-sided ring and another ECW call-back without the letters, logos, music, and wrestlers in their prime, and 15 years of distance between now and the peak of ECW. ]

[Commercial Break at 9:12]

[Q2]

1 -- BULLY RAY & TOMMY DREAMER vs. RHINO & ETHAN CARTER III

The match was joined in-progress with Tenay and Taz talking about ECW - the brand owned by WWE. Rockstar Spud suddenly emerged ringside to distract Dreamer, allowing Carter to cut off Dreamer from behind. Bully chased Spud around ringside, then Rhino and Carter isolated Dreamer. Carter lost focus when the crowd broke into a "You Can't Wrestle" chant, allowing Dreamer to tag in Bully. Chaos, then Dreamer got his hands on Spud and his bright orange suit. Dreamer lost focus, though, and Carter pulled Dreamer to the ground, got his shoulders to the mat, and scored a roll-up pin for the win. Post-match, Bully sold being stunned that he just lost in his home market.

WINNERS: ECIII & Rhino at 7:15.

Earlier Today: Bobby Lashley and Jeff Hardy were shown arriving in the building ahead of their title match.

Backstage: Kurt Angle found Austin Aries in the hallway. Angle said the crowd is ready for some X Division action. So, Aries has an eight-man X Division gauntlet match before he makes it to Destination X. Aries said some might think the deck is being stacked against him, but he sees it as an opportunity. Angle said he likes the sound of that, then booked him as the #1 entry in the gauntlet match.

[Commercial Break at 9:25]

[Q3] Backstage: James Storm stopped Sanada in his tracks. Storm said Sanada is smart, driven, strong, fast, and disciplined. So, he slapped him. Storm told Sanada that he wants to say something, but if he keeps listening to his mentor, Great Muta, he's going to end up a loser. Storm told Sanada to be careful who he listens to, then stretched the floorboards walking down the hallway.

In-ring: Austin Aries was introduced first for the X Division gauntlet match. TNA tag champion Eddie Edwards was introduced next as the second entrant in the match.

2 -- AUSTIN ARIES X DIVISION TITLE GAUNTLET

The crowd chanted "ROH" in the opening seconds to keep the theme going of referencing other promotions. After some early back and forth, Christy Hemme counted down to ten to bring out Manik. It's 1:30 intervals for this match. Davey Richards was out next to join his Wolves tag partner, Edwards, working together on Manik and Aries. Tenay brought up ECW again, then D.J. Zema was introduced next sporting a wild, colorful hair-do. Manik tried a huracanrana on D.J. Zema, but he eliminated Zema and himself over the top rope in the process. Aries, Eddie, and Davey were still alive heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:38]

Back from break, Crazzy Steve and Manik were now in the match. The next countdown expired to bring out the final entrant, Sanada. Sanada knocked down everyone, then Crazzy and Tigre Uno sort of ran around each other. Crazzy pulled out silly string, strung Tigre, and hip-tossed him over the top rope to the floor for an elimination. Eddie then took care of Steve by knocking him off the apron to the floor.

[Q4] The Final Four was Eddie, Davey, Aries, and Sanada, who quickly eliminated Eddie, and then Davey in short order. It was down to Aries and Sanada. Christy Hemme announced that this will now be contested as a one-fall match. Aries knocked Sanada to the floor, then smashed him with a hyper-speed suicide dive that sent Sanada into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Aries slapped on the Last Chancery submission, but Sanada lunged toward the bottom rope for a break.

Aries tried to follow with a suplex attempt, but Sanada blocked. And a second time. Sanada rocked Aries with right hands from the ring apron, then he nailed him with an overhand chop to the head. Sanada followed with a bridge pin for a close two count. He then pointed to the corner turnbuckle, but Aries cut him off before he could land any offense. Sanada blocked Aries's follow-up attempt, then nailed a Tiger Driver suplex for another close two count on a bridge pin.

At 16:00, Sanada tried to follow up with a top-rope moonsault, but Aries moved and nailed Sanada with a discus forearm, then another to the back of the head. Aries nailed a running kick to the head in the corner, then snapped off a Brainbuster Suplex for the pin and the win. Post-match, Aries approached Sanada for a handshake, which Sanada accepted after thinking it over.

WINNER: Aries at 16:44 to retain the X Division Title. Another good exchange between Aries and Sanada once the ring cleared out. They have nice chemistry in the ring.

Backstage: Eric Young and Bobby Roode were standing in the dark with a hazy blue light in the background. Roode told EY that they finally get their hands on MVP and Kenny King tonight.

Backstage: James Storm chanted "loser, loser" at Sanada when he walked back through the curtain. Storm had enough of the former X champ and punched him in the face. Storm told him to fight back, insulting his discipline and respect in the process, then shouted down at a fallen Sanada that he is a fraud, like Muta.

Backstage: Dixie Carter was shown arriving at the building flanked by two security guards.

[Commercial Break at 9:52]

Backstage: A roving cameraman asked Jeff Hardy why he decided to return to being Jeff Hardy. Hardy said it's because of Kurt Angle.

In-ring: MVP was standing in the ring dressed to wrestle, but on crutches. MVP heeled on New York City, then Kenny King said he could beat Eric Young by himself. MVP added that this match is being contested under protest. Bobby Roode's music played to bring out the face team. As Roode and EY entered the ring, Taz noted that all of his career losses were under protest. Tenay quipped back that most of the time he announces under protest. Taz had a good chuckle, then the bell sounded on the tag match.

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- BOBBY ROODE & ERIC YOUNG vs. MVP & KENNY KING

King started things off to keep MVP on the ring apron. King finally grounded Roode and MVP thought about tagging in, but he saw Roode recover, so he bailed to the floor. MVP thought about competing when he tagged in moments later, but King tagged himself in to battle EY. MVP got involved by cheap-shotting EY from behind, giving the heels the advantage. MVP limped into some offense on Young, then tagged in King to deliver a better attack.

Roode got a tag and immediately dropped King with a spinebuster. MVP tried to attack Roode from behind, but Roode put him in a cross-face. EY jumped into the ring, chaos broke out, MVP stole a crutch and popped Roode with it, drawing a DQ.

Post-match: MVP and King used crutches to blast Young and Roode. MVP limped toward King, then raised his arm in mock victory as the faces sold on the mat.

WINNERS: Young & Roode via DQ at 6:20.

[Commercial Break at 10:08]

Next Week: Great Muta returns to Impact TV next week.

Video Package: Bound for Glory goes to Japan in October.

In-ring: Brittany was standing by in the ring. Tenay said this is a No DQ, No Count-out match before Madison Rayne's music played.

4 -- MADISON RAYNE vs. BRITTANY -- No DQ match

The match started with an angry Rayne going after Brittany, who tried to fend off Rayne to slow her down. Brittany eventually used Rayne's over-aggressiveness against her to take control of the match.

[Q6] The match spilled to the outside, where Britt maintained control and sold being a bit looney. Back in the ring, Brittany scored close nearfalls, making her even crazier that she couldn't put away Rayne. Rayne then came back with a sit-out slam for the pin and the win. Post-match, Rayne sold relief getting the win over the crazed Brittany.

WINNER: Rayne at 6:15. Fine Knockouts match; it came across like a decisive end to the feud, but Brittany's character probably won't go away that easily.

Backstage: Bobby Lashley and Jeff Hardy were shown walking down the hallway in separate camera shots. The main event TNA Title match is next.

Backstage: A roving cameraman asked Dixie Carter about why she's here tonight. Dixie said she owns the company, then dismissed Bully Ray as a poodle who parks. She said Bully is all bark, while she is all bite. "No more stupid questions," she said before walking off.

[Commercial Break at 10:21]

Earlier Tonight: Kurt Angle caught up with Austin Aries after his X Division Title retention. Aries said he respects this X Division Title and he plans to kick through the door once again. Angle asked Aries if he's going to turn in the title for a TNA Title shot or remain X champ. Aries talked to himself that he has seven days to think about changing the world again.

In-ring: Christy Hemme was standing by to introduce the TNA World Title main event match. Out first was Jeff Hardy, who entered to purple theater lighting in the arena. Hardy took a pre-match victory lap around ringside, then Bobby Lashley was introduced to defend the TNA Title.

[Q7]

5 -- TNA World Hvt. champion BOBBY LASHLEY vs. JEFF HARDY -- TNA World Title match

Hardy used his speed to rock Lashley early on, then the match moved to the floor. On the outside, Lashley emphatically bounced Hardy shoulder-first across the ring steps, putting Hardy on the defensive heading to commercial.

[Commercial Break at 10:33]

Back from break, Lashley was still in control of the match. Lashley slowed the pace, but Hardy came back with a running strike to the face. Hardy mounted a comeback, including a top-rope leg smash, then nailed two Twists of Fate. Hardy removed his shirt, looked to the back, the camera pulled back to tease a run-in, Hardy climbed to the top rope, and he fell on Lashley with a Swanton Bomb. Hardy needed a second to regroup before covering the champ for a two count.

Lashley rolled to the floor, where Hardy bounced Lashley head-first off the ring steps. Hardy climbed to the top rope again, then tried a Swanton onto Lashley, but Lashley moved and Hardy crashed hard into the ring steps. A big thud. Back in the ring, Lashley capitalized with a running spear. Lashley covered for the three count and the win.

WINNER: Lashley at 12:51 to retain the TNA Title. Solid main event. Lashley isn't very fluid in the ring, but Hardy worked well with Lashley now that he's back to being Jeff Hardy and not crazy, out-of-control Willow. It was refreshing to see a clean finish in a TNA Title match, but Hardy wasn't protected as much as you would think in his first singles match since dropping the Willow act. It's apparent the goal is to build up Lashley as a huge deal, but he has yet to show difference-making ability to justify the investment. (**1/4)

Backstage: Kurt Angle grabbed Dixie Carter walking down the hallway. "Who are you, my father?" Dixie asked. Dixie told Kurt not to touch her, then ran down Bully Ray. She told Bully and Angle to both go jump off the Brooklyn Bridge.

[Q8] [Commercial Break at 10:45]

Locker Room: Kenny King and MVP talked up Bobby Lashley following his victory. Kurt Angle then angrily walked into their holding area to book MVP in a match against Bobby Roode next week. MVP complained about his knee, but Angle shouted that it's official. "And people thought I was abusive?!" MVP said.

In-ring: Rockstar Spud was standing in the ring to give a big heel introduction for Dixie Carter. Dixie then came out with Ethan Carter III and Rhino to address "her people." But, first, Dixie heeled on New York fans for the third promo of the night. Dixie said she had to wear extra sparkles tonight just to bring some shine and class to this place.

Dixie then ran down "little crybaby" Tommy Dreamer for telling Dixie to save wrestling "if you only change." Dixie feigned barfing, then said you don't change perfection. As for Bully Ray, she said she is embarrassed for these people to cheer him. Dixie said there is not one thing about this man that is a star. She called him irrelevant and a C-Rated star, her voice trailing off as the crowd drowned her out.

Dixie kept talking that she will continue to put Bully through table after table until he gets it through her head that she owns this -- Bully's music interrupted to bring out Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer holding the "DIXIE" table from a few months ago. Taz noted Bully really wants to put this woman through a table this week, and he thinks it's gonna happen. Bully and Dreamer hit the ring to resume the fight from the top of the show, then cleared Rhino, ECIII, and Spud.

Dixie was left alone in the ring, but Bully took too long to seize the moment, allowing ECIII to low-blow Dreamer and pull Dixie out of the ring. The Carters hopped over the guardrail to stand in the crowd, then Team 3D's music played. Out came Devon knocking ECIII back into the ring, where Team 3D combined for a What's Up? diving headbutt to Ethan's crotch. Devon then retrieved the table with ECIII's name on the wood, and Ethan took a 3D through the table. Dixie cried in the crowd as Spud freaked out and Rhino sold anger. Team 3D's music played for the duo to celebrate in the ring to close Impact.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Cut out the opening segment, the false reset, and reliving the past and this was a pretty good show. The problem is TNA has centered the current product on the opening segment, a false reset, and reliving the past.

There was a point sometime during the show where it seemed like TNA was almost presenting itself like a nostalgia show offering a slice of WWE pie, a slice of ECW pie, a slice of WCW pie, and a slice of 2000s X Division pie. It was like listening to a cover band sing all your favorite songs from 10-15 years ago just to feel those old feelings again, but then you realize it's a cover band and not the original artists.

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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