7-12-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the July 12, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with Joseph Park vs. Bully Ray in an Anything Goes match. Ray gets the pin. Ray got out his cell phone and said he’s trending worldwide on Twitter. Later Ray got the mic and said that he’s gonna do him what he should’ve done to Abyss along time ago. After a bit Joseph slammed Ray onto the thumbtacks that Ray spread on the mat. Then Ray hit Joseph with a chain and got the 3 count. This was a solid match. Afterwards Ray gets the Singapore Cane. Joseph sees his own blood, looks at his hands and then gives Ray the Black Hole Slam. This was good stuff. I liked that they started the show with a match.

Sting is backstage holding at playing cards and saying dead man’s hand.

Backstage Bully Ray is pulling the thumbtacks out of his boots. Then Ray asks the cameraman, “Who was that? Who was that? I beat Joseph Park, but who was that?”

Rob Van Dam vs. Samoa Joe in a Bound for Glory Series match. RVD gets the pin for 7 more points. This was a good back and forth match.

From Earlier in the day they show Claire Lynch coming into the Impact Zone. The guard asks her if she’s talked to Dixie. She says she hasn’t.

Hulk Hogan is backstage and he says that both he and Sting are here and that he can’t wait to see the whites of the “cowards” eyes.

Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian come to the ring. Kazarian says that AJ thinks he’s finally put an end to all this but this is just the beginning. Daniels says that he realizes he will do anything to keep the truth from the fans. Then he asks for Claire to come to the ring. She comes out and Daniels says that he sympathizes for the situation she is in. He realizes that she was looking for anyone to pull her out of the whole and that person happened to be AJ Styles. Then Daniels says that mistakes can happen. Then AJ’s music hits and he comes to the ring. He says that he’s surprised that Daniels can stand and speak after what happened Sunday. Then AJ says this story was over weeks ago. Daniels says there’s a part of the story AJ doesn’t know. Daniels says that he and Claire talked and he tells her to tell the fans what she told him. AJ tells her she doesn’t have to and that this has nothing to do with her. She says it has everything to do with her. She says that Daniels is right. AJ is the dad. This was idiotic. Why is Claire talking with Daniels in the first place?

AJ is backstage and some guys are asking if he’s the dad. He flips out.

They show a Ken Anderson video package/ He says that he respects Kurt Angle as a competitor and a guy.

They recap the Jessie Sorenson-Zima Ion issues and they show still shots of Ultimate X. Ion says that he was at Destination X last year and this year at Destination X he won the X Division Title.

Dakota Darsow says that he’s a close friend of Jessie’s. He talks about what a jerk Zima Ion is. He says that Zima doesn’t have to worry about Jessie; Zima needs to worry about him.

Dakota Darsow vs. X Division Champion Zima Ion. Zima gets the pin. This was a decent but short match. Afterwards Zima locks Darsow in an arm breaker. Then Ion gets the mic and says that if Jessie doesn’t wanna see anymore of his friends he should know that he’s not just Fn pretty but he is Fn dangerous. Zima Ion is good at playing the arrogant heel.

Time to hear from the new TNA World Champion as Austin Aries comes to the ring. Aries thanks the fans. Then he says he’s had an ok week. Then he says he’s had a great week. He talks about how great it is to be World Champion. He says that supposed to talk about what a great achievement this is for him personally and it is. He says that he proved nothing is impossible. He says this wasn’t just great for him but for the whole wrestling industry. The fans chant his name and he says he can barely hear himself talk. He says wresting has down period and boom periods. Then he says TNA is running to the next boom period and he is the guy to lead them into that. Then he says that he calls from celebrities and champions from other companies congratulating him on winning the World Title. Then he says that the title is as important as the guy who holds it. That means that TNA World Title is the most prestigious belt. He says that TNA is the greatest wrestling company going. He was going to say more but Bobby Roode’s music hits and he comes out. Aries says that he knows Roode is used to coming out whenever he feels like it but he isn’t the champion anymore. Aries asks what he’s doing out there. The fans boo Roode big time. Roode gets in the ring. Aries holds up the title. Roode is flipping out. Then he gets the mic but can’t speak. Aries tells him to say what’s on his mind. Roode says “this” and he flips out some more. Then he says that what happened on Sunday can be said in 1 word. Fluke. Roode heads up the ramp and Aries says that he has 3 words for him. “New World Champ.” Roode heads up the ramp screaming it was a fluke. This was really good. Aries cut a good promo as usual and Roode did a good job acting all flipped out.

Hulk & Sting are in the office. Sting says that it’s time for them to go old school. Then Devon & Garrett come in. Devon says that they have Hulk’s and Sting’s back no matter what. Hulk says he & Sting got this. Devon says he knows they can count on him & Garrett. Sting says old school and Hulk says this is different. This was ok.

Kurt Angle talks about his match with Ken Anderson. He says that Anderson is a fierce competitor. Then he says that the BFG series is a serious competition. He then says again that if can beat Anderson then he can win the World Title.

They replay Madison Rayne kissing Earl Hebner from last week.

Madison Rayne is backstage saying how intelligent and powerful Hebner is. She then says that have a lot of the same interests. This was odd.

Brooke Hogan comes out for commentary.

Knockouts Champion Brooke Tessmacher vs. Gail Kim for the Title. Tessmacher gets the pin. This was a solid match too.

Claire is backstage and the cameraman asks what proof she has that AJ is the dad. She says she does and everyone will find out soon enough. Then she says that she hopes AJ does the right thing. Whatever.

Magnus talks about open fight night. He mentions that last month he got 7 points. Then he says that he will face James Storm in the BFG series. He says he will show everyone that he is the best in the series. Good promo from Magnus.

Kurt Angle vs. Ken Anderson in a Bound for Glory Series match. Angle gets the pin for 7 more points. This was a good match too.

Back to Hulk & Sting in the office. Bobby Roode comes in and tells Hulk they need to talk.

Back to the show and Hulk says that Roode will get a rematch at Hardcore Justice. Roode says he wants him sooner. Hulk tells him to prove that Aries can’t do it again. Then Hulk mentions that next week is Open Fight Night and that he should call out Aries. Hulk says if he beats Aries, Aries will lose his confidence and will be easy pickings for Roode at Hardcore Justice.

Sting comes to the ring. He says that it’s awesome to be in the Impact Zone. Then he talks about the guys who left the ace & 8 cards. He says he’s not alone, he’ got the Hulkster with him. Hogan’s music plays but he doesn’t come out. Sting tells Hogan to come out. His music plays again but again no Hulkster. They play Hulk’s music a third time but nothing. Then they show the masked guys in the office and they attacked Hulk. Brooke yells at the guys to get out of there. Hulk says they got his leg. Then as Sting heads up the ramp the guys come out and pound on Sting on the ramp to end the show. This was a strange ending.

I thought this was a good show overall. Joseph-Ray at the start was solid. The end was kinda weird. I’m not sure where they’re going with this. The AJ-Claire stuff is awful. I hope they end this soon! The other matches on the show were from solid to good. I liked the Aries-Roode segment. Aries cut a great promo as usual and Roode was good in playing the guy who’s really gone crazy. On the whole I thought this was a good show this week.

7-9-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the July 9, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with AJ coming to the ring. She mentions that she will be the referee in the WWE Title match Sunday. She says that her actions could greatly affect the outcome of the match. She finds the thought of that overwhelming and emotional. With that in mind she asks for the fans to welcome CM Punk. Punk’s music hits, he comes out. He asks her what is this all about. She says that on Smackdown Punk said she needed help. She says she doesn’t. She says she is in control of mental state at all times. Then she says that no one has ever cared about her the way Punk has. Then she says when she kissed Punk she knew what she had to do. She says that Punk’s eyes sent love right into her heart and that he fills her up with passion and desire. Then she says that Punk turns her on. She says now she knows what she has to do. She gets on her knee and proposes to Punk. That was weird even for AJ. Then Daniel Bryan comes out chanting no. He gets in the ring and tells AJ that she’s about to make the biggest mistake of her life and he can’t let her. Bryan says that everyone knows Punk doesn’t love her. He says Punk is playing her because she is the referee. Then Daniel says that he knows he hurt AJ in the past but he never stopped having feelings for her. While CM Punk only cares about himself. Then Punk says that Daniel doesn’t know how he really feels about AJ and tells him to shut his mouth. Daniel says if that’s so that Punk should say I do. Daniel says that Punk sees her as a special referee while he sees her as a special person. He says that when he woke up this morning, he had no intension of breaking up a proposal, he intended to make one. Then he proposes to AJ. Punk then asks where the ring is. Punk says Daniel is a lair. Then Punk says that he & AJ will talk about it backstage. Then the anonymous GM makes its return! NO! Then Michael Cole gets up and takes he cloth off the stand. Cole then reeds that the laptop is running Raw tonight and thinks Punk & AJ make a great couple, which is why they will be in a mixed tag match tonight against Eve & Daniel Bryan. Daniel says that isn’t fair and that he & AJ should be partners. Then the GM chimes in and says that if Bryan beats Punk maybe AJ will see him differently or maybe not. Then AJ says that this is getting confusing. She says that they all need some time to think. She says she’s really happy they have this match tonight because she believes that everything happens for a reason and she has a feeling that she will walk out of the arena with her future husband. Then she skips up the ramp. This segment went on WAY too long! It started out good like usual but the whole marriage part of it was overdoing it. Plus the return of the laptop GM was really stupid!

World Champion Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger. Sheamus gets the pin. This was a squash. Afterwards Alberto Del Rio shows up on the Tron. He says that Swagger is no Del Rio. Then he says that last week on Smackdown he did what no one has done. He left Sheamus like a dying burro. He then says that this Sunday he will win the World Title. Then Sheamus gave Swagger a second Brogue Kick. Thankfully Del Rio’s promo was short.

Santino Marella is backstage and congratulates Zack Ryder for winning the battle royal on Smackdown. Ryder says he will have more personality than the laptop. Then Santino says that he will find out who anonymous Raw GM is with his Sherlock Holmes kit. This was goofy. Why is Ryder only the GM of Smackdown rather than both shows?

They announce that The Rock will be on the 100^th 3 hour Raw.

Intercontinental Champion Christian & Tyson Kidd vs. Dolph Ziggler & Tensai. Dolph & Tensai win when Tensai pins Christian. This was just thrown together out of nowhere and was a complete waste. Afterwards Tensai goes after Tyson Kidd again. He power bombed Kidd back first on the ring apron.

Michael Cole & The King were bickering over who should be GM. Then Cole knocks some of Lawler’s soda on him by mistake. Then the laptop goes off again. Cole sees what’s on there and says he won’t read it. Then King reads it and says that Lawler will face Cole tonight. Then Cole complains saying the laptop has to change that. It chimes in again and Lawler reads that the fans will decide if this match will happen. Then King says to go to the WWE web site to vote. Why are being subjected to this crap again!?

Brodus Clay vs. Drew McIntyre. Brodus gets the pin. This was another meaningless squash.

Back to Santino and he runs into Chris Jericho. Santino think Jericho is the GM. Jericho says that he hates the computer. Then he says maybe Santino is the GM. Then Big Show comes in. Jericho says that they were a great team and they have a chance to weaken Cena and Kane. Show tells him to drop the nonsense. Then he says that being part of Jeri show was one of his most embarrassing moments. Then he tells Jericho to stay out of his way during the match. This was meaningless. Why are Kane & Cena teaming? I know WWE likes to do the “lets take the guys in match/2 matches and make it a tag match idiocy but having a heel Kane team with a baby face Cena is really illogical!

John Cena comes to the ring. He says that in 6 days MITB will take place. He says that MITB is a brutal, punishing match with great risk but unbelievable reward. He says that they’re all focused on the case hanging above the ring. Then he says that even the nicest people can become ruthless when opportunity hangs over your head. Then he mentions that every MITB winner has become Champion. He says this match truly changes the landscape of WWE. Then he says that at MITB the unstoppable Big Show will finally be stopped. He then says that he will whatever he has to do to be Mr. MITB. This promo was typical Cena idiocy. Why is Cena telling the fans how the MITB match works!? Also Big Show HAS been beaten MANY times before! So why are they having Cena say that he will “finally” stop the unstoppable Big Show!?

John Cena & Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Big Show. The Kane & Cena some how win because Show pulls Cena out of the ring. After the bell Show sends Cena into the barricade. Then he gets 2 ladders out from under the ring. He hits Jericho with a ladder then Kane. Then Show places Jericho in the ladder, and slams it on him. Then he pushes the ladder onto Jericho. Then Cena comes in and hits Show with another ladder and Show runs off. The match was ok but there was really no point in it. The post match stuff was dull too.

CM Punk is backstage warming up. Eve shows up and wishes Punk luck. Punk wishes her luck in getting her getting the spray tan off. Eve says she wasn’t talking about the match, she was talking about AJ. Eve says that AJ will do whatever it takes to see that Punk doesn’t walk out of MITB WWE Champion. She mentions that Punk has been overshadowed by The Rock, John Cena, Triple H and even Brock Lesnar. But being overshadowed by AJ must be emasculating.

Back to Santino and he finds a cell phone. It’s Khali’s. Santino asks if Khali is the GM. Khali doesn’t know what he’s saying. This was stupid.

Sin Cara vs. Heath Slater in a World Title match Money in the Bank qualifier. Cara gets the pin. This was a decent match.

Then Slater gets the mic and says that he is a future champion and he will prove it. He says to bring out a former World Champion. Out comes Bob Backlund. He does a lot of posing and the fans chant you still got it. Then Backlund offers his hand and Slater takes it but then kicks him. Then Backlund got Slater in the Chicken Wing.

Then Michael Cole gets the mic and it’s time to find out the result of the voting. Of course the “fans” voted yes. Then Cole says how dare the fans. HE says they’re all hypocrites. He says they can’t make up their minds as to whether or not they wanna see him in a match. Then he rants and they cut to commercial.

Back to the show and Josh Mathews & Booker T are on commentary.

Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole. Michael Cole wins by reverse decision DQ. Cole slides out of the ring but Booker threw him back in. King gives Cole an airplane spin for the 3 count. Then the GM chimes in. Josh reads that because of Booker T getting involved Michael Cole wins by DQ. Then Santino Marella comes out. He says that he has looked everywhere in the arena. He says that if the GM is at the show there’s only one place he/she could be, under the ring. The GM chimes in and says he/she isn’t and that there’s no one under the ring. Santino says that sounds like a clue. Then he gets yanked under the ring. Lawler pulls him out and of course Hornswoggle was under the ring. The GM continues chiming in. Then King says he should spank him. Hornswoggle kicks him in the knee. Then he bites Santino in the rear. This whole thing was beyond idiotic!

WWE Champion CM Punk & AJ vs. Daniel Bryan & Eve Torres. Punk & AJ win when AJ pins Eve. Eve goes to tag Daniel but he jumps off the apron. Then AJ rolled up Eve for the 3 count. Then Daniels gets the mic and says that he just proved that she means more to him than any match. Then he says they should go get married. Daniel holds the ropes open for her. Punk says that isn’t going to use or lie to AJ so he can hold on to the WWE Title. Punk says that Daniel wants to marry her so he will become champion. He says what he is about to say costs him the WWE Title. He says he isn’t going to marry AJ. Punk says if that hurts her he’s sorry. Then he says that he cares enough about her to tell her the truth. Then AJ slaps Punk. Then Daniel tells her to “come home.” Then she slaps Daniel too. Then she does the yes chant and skips up the ramp to end the show. This was a bit overdone I thought. This whole bit with the marrying was going overboard with this storyline. The match was too short to be of any meaning also.

This week’s show was absolutely painful to watch! From start to finish most of this show was terrible! They did ABSOUTELY NOTHING to get fans interested in the Money in the Bank PPV! I like the Punk-Daniel-AJ storyline though. Also now that she slapped them both they made it look like she will call this right down the middle (daddy). Nothing against either guy, but when the best part of the show is Sin Cara vs. Heath Slater that’s all that needs to be said. This was one of the worst episodes of Raw I’ve ever watched!

7-5-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the July 5, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with Bully Ray coming to the ring. He says that he has a huge announcement to make. He says hell must have frozen over because as of right now Bully Ray is officially going live on twitter. He says that he will be trending world wide. Then he says Joseph had the nerve to smack him and challenge him to a match. Ray says no tells him what to do, he tells Joseph what to do and he calls Joseph out. Joseph comes to the ring. Ray asks if he has something to say. Ray asks if he wants his answer. Ray says he is tougher than Joseph and he accepts his challenge. Then Joseph says that he beat Ray at Slammiversary. He says he’s watched Ray Bully everyone and he’s sick of it. He says that next Thursday night he will beat Ray again. Ray asks if this is anything goes too. Joseph says it is. Then Ray says if he were him he would be worried about this. Then he takes out a sheet of paper which is a restraining order preventing Abyss from showing up. Ray says that if Abyss does show up Ray will see that he rots in jail for the rest of his life. Then he punches Joseph. This was a good opening segment. Both guys cut great promos as usual.

Hulk Hogan & Austin Aries are backstage. Hulk says that he needs the X Title. Aries says he was gonna hold it till Sunday but will hand it over later. Hulk says he needs Aries to make a statement in that ring. Than Hulk says that what happens at Destination X will determine what happens to Impact. This was solid.

They re show what happened at the end of last week’s show.

They show a pre taped segment where a camera guy asks Dixie if she knows anything about AJ being the dad. She doesn’t really comment and tells them to get the camera out of there. This was dumb. D’Lo Brown, Bruce Pritchard & Al Snow were there too. I don’t know why.

TV Champion Devon vs. Crimson for the Title. Devon gets the pin. This was decent but short match. Then Madison Rayne comes to the ring. She looks at Devon but then she goes to Earl Hebner and kisses him. Really? Earl Hebner is who Madison has the hots for? I will admit I wasn’t expecting her crush to be Earl Hebner.

They show Chris Sabin walking on crutches backstage. He will discuss his injury next.

Chris Sabin comes to the ring. He says that he’s always dreamed about being a wrestler. He says this is supposed to be his dream and his injuries are making it a nightmare. Then he says that he talked with loved ones and they said that he should retire. Then he says that 2 days ago a doctor called him up and suggested he retire also. Then Bobby Roode comes to the ring. He takes Sabin’s mic and says what a tragic story this is. He says that to see Sabin on crutches with a knee brace is pathetic just like all the other X Division guys. He says that all the X guys are the same. The risk it all every night and get no reward. Then he says that at Destination X Austin Aries will risk it all when he gives up the X Title and face “The It factor” for his world title. Then Roode says that when it’s all said and done A double will have his career ended just like that. Or just like this. Then Roode hits Sabin and he falls. Then Roode taunts him and tells him to get up. Then Austin Aries comes out and runs Roode off. This was a good segment. It really is a shame that Sabin got injured again after being out injured a year. He cut a good promo though and Roode was good with his heel promo too.

X Division Title Tournament-First Round: Dakota Darsow vs. Flip Cassanova. Flip gets the pin. This was ok. Flip was a bit off and wound up making Darsow bleed.

Brooke Tessmacher & Tara are backstage and says that Gail Kim is scared of her. She says she would’ve beaten her. Then she mentions that she has a tag match with Tara. Tara says that Tessmacher makes her and every Knockout who’s been champion proud.  Tessmacher says she wouldn’t be Knockouts Champion if wasn’t for Tara.

They recap the Gut Check segment from last Thursday.

Knockouts Champion Brooke Tessmacher & Tara vs. Gail Kim & Madison Rayne. Tessmacher & Tara win when Tessmacher pins Madison. This was a solid match.

They show AJ Styles walking backstage. He will talk about the whole Claire bit next.

They show a James Storm video package and Storm talks about his match with Jeff Hardy and the BFG series. Then they show Storm doing pushups and stretching.

AJ Styles comes to the ring. He recaps what’s been happening. He says that everything Daniels said was wrong and now Daniels is accusing him of being the dad to Claire’s unborn kid. AJ asks how will Daniels make this stick. He says he doesn’t get what they’re doing. Then Daniels & Kazarian come out. Kazarian says that what AJ gets is junkie whores pregnant. Then he says that tried knock sense into AJ’s redneck skull but that didn’t work. AJ says he will get his redneck hands on Kazarian. Daniels then talks about AJ & Dixie covering up for Claire. AJ says this isn’t about AJ& Dixie, or AJ & Claire. This is about AJ & Daniels. He talks about how when he beat Daniels at Destination X last year, Daniels showed what a jealous prick he is. Then AJ says that this he asked for the match. He says that Daniels is no man and at Destination X he will shut Daniels up once and for all. This was decent and short. The guys cut good promos, which is what made this watchable.

Backstage a camera guy asks for Hulk Hogan’s predication for the Aries-Roode match. Then 2 guys come in saying they’re not cowards. Then they throw an envelope in the desk. Hogan opens it and it looks like a drawing of a playing card. There was also a note saying they’ll see Hulk next week. This was weird.

They show Jeff Hardy getting ready for his match. Then the show a video package on him and he talks about his match with James Storm.

X Division Title Tournament-First Round: Kenny King vs. Lars Only. Kenny gets the pin. This was decent. Kenny King is a good worker. Afterwards Christie Hemme asks Kenny how it feels to be going to Destination X. He says he came to TNA to be noticed. He then says that on Sunday the king will be crowned.

They show an Austin Aries video package with him talking about how when he started wrestling he was smaller but he’s been in wars in TNA. He says that he has always found a way to win. He says that he wants to use his current accomplishments as a stepping stone for bigger accomplishments. This was a good video.

Kenny King hugs Austin Aries backstage and they talk a bit. Then a camera man asks if Aries still intends on giving up the X Title. Aries says that he will and on Sunday he will become the new World Champion.

Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm in a Bound for Glory Series match. Jeff gets the pin for 7 more points. This was a good back and forth match.

Hulk Hogan is on his way to the ring. We’ll hear from him next.

Mike Tenay & Taz announce that Bound for Glory will take place in Phoenix.

Kurt Angle says Ken Anderson is a fierce competitor. He says the stakes are high for the BFG series. He says if he can beat Anderson (which he has before) then he win the Title (which he’s also done before)

Then Ken Anderson talks about the BFG series.

Hulk Hogan comes to the ring. The fans chant his name. He says that he loves to hear them this noisy. He says that the fans get into it when Jeff Hardy or James Storm come out. He says that they also go nuts when Austin Aries is in the ring. Then he tells Aries to come to out but Roode does. Roode gets the mic but Hulk tells him not to cross the line. Roode cuts him off and he says that he is a real World Champion and the only reason Austin Aries has a World Title match Sunday is because of Hogan. Roode says that Hogan has given nothing but false hope to the fans and Aries as well as the rest of the X Division. Then he says that when he beats Aries, the blood of Aries will be on Hulk’s hands. Then Austin Aries comes out. He says that he will let Roode bask in the glory of being World Champion for the next 3 days because on Sunday Aries will be World Champion. Then he says that they can finish what they started last week. He says he isn’t scared of Roode and that Sunday will lose the Title. Aries challenges him to face him right now. Roode went to hit Aries with his belt but Aries ducks and hits Roode with the X Title. Aries hands over the X Title and then holds up the World Title to end the show. This was a really good closing segment. Destination X should be a good show this Sunday.

I thought this week’s show was ok overall. The opening segment was good. Joseph & Ray both cut great promos. I thought the Sabin-Roode promo was good too. It’s really a shame that Sabin got injured though. I though the closing segment with Hulk, Aries & Roode was really good. All 3 guys cut good promos and I thought they did a really good job with the final hype for their World Title match. The Hogan segment backstage was weird. Having these guys come in with an ace or whatever was odd. This might be a follow up to the guys who attacked Sting a few weeks ago. The X Division matches were decent. Darsow-Cassanova was ok and I was ok with the Kenny-Lars match too. Kenny King is one half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions right now, but I heard his deal ran out. Earl Hebner being the guy that Madison has the eyes for was idiotic, but I also didn’t expect it to be him. The AJ-Daniels-Kazarian promo was short & decent. Thankfully they didn’t get into this storyline too much this week. The Knockouts tag match was solid. Overall I thought this week’s show was not as good as it’s been but it wasn’t awful either. The PPV Sunday could be a good show too.

7-3-12 Live Great American Bash Smackdown results and thoughts

 Coverage and thoughts on the July 3, 2012 Live Great American Bash episode of Smackdown

The show starts with a lot of talent in red white and blue get up. Then Teddy Long comes in with a cooking apron. He says he has found a volunteer to clean up any mess. That person is Eve. Then Santino says as U.S. Champion he will kick off the festivities with a BBQ. Then Kane comes in and the grill catches fire. This was really idiotic!

Alberto Del Rio comes to the ring. He says that tonight he isn’t here to celebrate America. He’s here to talk about something more important, himself. He mentions that he finally got his singles title match with Sheamus. He says that he will send Sheamus crying. Then he says the fans like Sheamus because he is a common peasant just like they are. He says he came to this country legally. He says he made a lot of money in Mexico and is making a lot of money here. He says the fans make him sick. Then he says that after MITB Sheamus is going back to where he belongs. Then he says he wants to do the same to the fans. Then he tells Ricardo he’s gonna start right now. Then he tells the fans to show him their papers. Del Rio tells security to get a fan out of there. The fan says that this is Texas. Then Sheamus comes out and they brawl. Ricardo jumps onto Sheamus but Sheamus throws him off. Sheamus continues to pound on Alberto. He goes after Ricardo again and then Del Rio gives Sheamus a round house kick. Then Ricardo lifts the hood of Del Rio’s car up. Then Del Rio repeatedly slams the hood lid on Sheamus. This was awful. The whole illegal immigration promo was completely useless! The Sheamus-Del Rio brawl was ok though.

Back to the show and Sheamus is on his feet. He’s bleeding a bit from the forehead and medics help him to the back.

Great Khali & Divas Champion Layla vs. Antonio Cesaro & Aksana. Khali & Layla win when Layla pins Aksana. This was a waste.

Teddy Long runs into Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody says that the board accepted his appeal and he will be in another MITB qualifier. Long says that he has picked Cody’s opponent for tonight. Long tells Cody that he will face Christian. This was a decent bit.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. Cody Rhodes. If Cody wins, he will qualify for the MITB ladder match. Cody gets the pin. This was a really good back and forth match.

Back to the 4^th of July bash. Zack Ryder asks Teddy Long if he can be DJ. Then Heath Slater comes in and says he will be the entertainer. Then he sings his theme song and they throw stuff at him. Then Brodus Clay and the funkettes come in. UGH! This was terrible!

Alex Riley vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Money in the Bank qualifying match. Dolph gets the pin. This was a decent but short match.

Michael Cole is in the ring and he brings out AJ. Cole says that he has interviewed her before and that he has been fair and balanced. Unlike her. He says he will give her a chance to explain what happened last night on Raw. Then the show a video package recapping last night. Then Cole asks what was she thinking. AJ says that a lot of people have asked her that. Then Cole says that she wasn’t thinking. He says that the board made a mistake naming her the guest referee. Cole calls her a troubled little girl. He says that she’s delusional and living out a tug of war fantasy and that he doesn’t know what she sees in Punk or Daniel. He asks if she ever thought about pursuing a real man with power and influence. Meaning himself. Cole says AJ can have all of him. Then Daniel Bryan comes to the ring and says that Cole is a sexist and an emotionally abusive bully. Daniel says that Cole put his own spin on this story. Then Daniel says this story isn’t about Cole. Then he says that he knows AJ really well. He says that he knows she’s taking the job as referee seriously and that she will do a great job. Then he says that he knows she only wanted Punk to go through the table. He forgives her and than CM punk’s music hits and he comes to the ring. Punk tells Cole to get out of the ring. Cole says this is his interview. Punk tells him to get out now. Then Punk tells AJ that he & Daniel were affected by her actions. He says that he isn’t going to act like it never happened. He says that he will be honest with AJ. He says he is worried about her. He says that she isn’t in a good place mentally. Then he says that should’ve mentioned it sooner. He says that she needs professional help. Then Punk says that he isn’t going to give her the run around. He says that she is a sweet girl. Then Daniel says that Punk doesn’t care about AJ, he does. Daniel says that Punk only cares about AJ being the referee because Punk needs her to beat him. Then AJ kisses Daniel. Punk leaves the ring. Then AJ goes outside the ring and kisses Punk too. Then she skips up the ramp and does the yes chant. Both Punk & Daniel have confused looks. This was a good segment. Cole was Cole but I liked the rest. AJ works really well with both Punk & Daniel. They’ve really been doing a good job with this angle.

Santino Marella comes to the ring and introduces his 2 partners for the 6 man tag. Sgt. Slaughter and Hacksaw Jim Duggan.

U.S. Champion Santino Marella, Sgt. Slaughter & Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Hunico, Camacho & Drew McIntyre. Santino, Slaughter & Hacksaw win when Santino pins Hunico. This wasn’t much but it was cool to see Sgt. Slaughter & Hacksaw.

Back to the crappy 4^th of July BBQ. R-Truth & Teddy Long talk about “Little Jimmy.” Then Damien Sandow comes in and says that this isn’t what the founding fathers had in mind. He says WWE is a reflection of society. Ryder tells him to split. Then Ryder & Sandow go at it. Ryder gets the punch bowel. Sandow ducks and the punch goes on Eve. More idiocy!!

Tyler Reks & Curt Hawkins are in the ring. Reks says that Hawkins can beat Ryback. He says he can beat Ryback. Then he says that they flipped a coin Hawkins will face him.

Ryback vs. Curt Hawkins. Ryback gets the pin. This was a squash.

They re show Del Rio slamming the hood onto Sheamus and Josh Mathews mentions that because of the attack Sheamus won’t be in the Battle Royal.

Teddy Long comes out and thanks the Board of Directors and the fans. He doesn’t know if he will be regular GM. He does know that he’s had a blast tonight and he thanks the fans. Then he says it’s time for the Great American Bash Battle Royal.

20 Man Battle Royal to see who will be GM next week. Zack Ryder wins. This was good. I like Battle Royals usually so I enjoyed this. It came down Ryder & Kane at the end. Ryder celebrates in the ring to end the show.

Participants: 1. Alberto Del Rio 2. Kane 3. Jack Swagger 4. John Cena 5. Tensai 6. Christian 7. CM Punk 8. Ezekiel Jackson 9. Daniel Bryan 10. Brodus Clay 11. Big Show 12. Damien Sandow 13. Heath Slater 14. Cody Rhodes 15. Justin Gabriel 16. Santino Marella 17. Great Khali 18. Dolph Ziggler 19. Zack Ryder 20. Kofi Kingston

I thought this was a hit and miss show on the whole. The backstage 4^th of July segment were crap! The less said about those the better. The Battle Royal was entertaining. I had a feeling Ryder would win. Christian-Cody was really good too. I knew they were gonna have Cody be in MITB. The Punk-Daniel-AJ-Cole segment. Was good too. Punk & Bryan are really amazing in their roles and AJ is good too. Ryback-Hawkins was a squash but at least Ryback fought a regular roster guy. The 6 man tag wasn’t much but I liked seeing Sgt. Slaughter & Hacksaw. Alex Riley-Dolph Ziggler was short. Of course Dolph winning was no surprise. The mixed tag was a waste. The Del Rio segment wasn’t too great either. The whole illegal immigration promo was idiotic. The brawl with Sheamus was ok though. Over all I thought this was a mixed bag show.

7-2-12 Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the July 2, 2012 episode of Raw

The show starts with John Cena coming to the ring. He says that rather than being upset about what happened last week, he thanked Jericho. He thanked him because Jericho mentioned that MITB anything can happen. He says that last week he had to deal with Big Show. He says that in MITB there are no friends. Then he says he will know what will happen at MITB. He says he needs to be ready for anything and he will be. Then he promises 2 things. First Big Show will lose. Second he will win MITB and become WWE Champion. Then Daniel Bryan comes out doing his yes chant. He says that Cena’s not relevant to him. Then he says that isn’t true because at MITB he will beat Punk for the WWE Title. Then he says that if Cena wins MITB then his relevance to him will be as the first guy to cash in the contract and lose. Cena says those are strong words but he can think of at least 1 person who disagrees with him. Then CM Punk came out and says there are more 1 who disagrees with Daniel. Punk does Bryan’s bit asking if he, Cena, Lawler, the fans disagree with Daniel. They all say yes. Then Punk does Bryan’s yes chant and Bryan gets pissed off. He says that other shouldn’t be using his catchphrase. Then Punk mentions that AJ will be the guest referee in the title match and will count Daniel’s shoulders down. Then he says that if Cena wins MITB it will come down to the 2 of them. Then Chris Jericho comes out and says that Punk is a wannabe. Then he tells Bryan not be offended by his catchphrase being stolen. Then he tells Bryan to think of other catchphrases. Daniel says no one asked him to be part of this. Jericho tells him to shut up. Then he says that after tonight none of the guys in the ring will ever be the same again! Then Jericho tells Cena that he needs to be prepared. Jericho says that since he invented the MITB match he is going to win. Then he dares any of them or anyone in the back to tell him otherwise. Then Kane’s music hits and he comes to the ring. Kane gets in Jericho’s face and says, “Otherwise.” Then Big Show’s music hits and he comes out. Cena waits for him but Bryan kicks Cena in the back of the head. Then a brawl breaks out. Show goes after Cena then he head butts Kane. Big Show leaves the ring as the others lay on the mat and floor. This was a good opening segment. I thought they did a good job in getting over the MITB & WWE Title matches here by mentioning that anything can happen.

WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth, Intercontinental Champion Christian & U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Titus O’Neil, Darren Young, David Otunga & Cody Rhodes. Kofi, Truth, Christian & Santino win when Santino pins Otunga. Titus, Darren & A.W. walked out during the match. Then Cody Rhodes leaves too. Then Brodus Clay’s music plays and he comes out. Otunga attempts to get away but the faces prevent him. Then Clay throws Otunga in the ring and Santino his Otunga with a Cobra for the 3 count. Afterwards Christian gives Otunga the Kill Switch. Then Brodus’ gives Otunga a big splash. Somebody call my momma. Brodus does shtick. The match started out good but went down hill once Otunga was on his own.

Alberto comes into Teddy Long’s office. He says that he earned a Title shot 3 months ago. He mentions that he was put in different matched and he lost his opportunity. Del Rio tells Long to give him what he deserves. Long says he doesn’t think Del Rio deserves anything. Then he says that the Board of Directors have named Del Rio the number one contender for the World Title and he will face Sheamus at MITB. Then Long tells Del Rio that he will be in action tonight. Del Rio asks who and Long says he’ll surprise him. This was ok.

Time for Alberto’s match. Ricardo introduces Del Rio. He will face Sin Cara.

Sin Cara vs. Alberto Del Rio. The match never starts because Del Rio attacked Cara before the bell. He locked Cara in the Cross Arm Breaker on the floor. This was a decent way to get heat on Alberto.

AJ is backstage and Daniel Bryan comes by and says that he has always cared about her. He was upset with himself for messing up and he apologizes. Then he gives her a rose. AJ says that she knows this has nothing to do with her being the referee for his match with Punk. AJ says that Daniel never cared about him. Then she says that she can’t wait to win her match and leap into the arms of the guy the fans call her soul mate. Then she bites the rose off the stem and walks out. This was a good bit.

They show Paul Heyman getting set up for his satellite interview.

They replay the Triple H promo from No Way Out followed by the Triple H-Paul Heyman segment from Raw 2 weeks ago.

They show Heyman in the WWE studio. Heyman says that Brock has made a decision about Triple H’s challenge for SummerSlam. He says that Brock will make that announcement on July 23. Heyman says that Triple H will need the money for the law suits Heyman filed against him. Then he says that Triple H wants to face Brock at SummerSlam as a way out. He then says that Brock will end Triple H’s in ring career. Then Triple H can be the corporate executive and loving dad. He says that Hunter can say that he went out in a blaze of glory against Brock. Then Heyman says that if Brock accepts Triple H’s challenge it won’t be a match, it will be a mercy killing. This was the usual great promo from Paul Heyman.

Vickie Guerrero comes out announcing herself as the “Queen Diva.”

World Champion Sheamus & AJ vs. Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero. Sheamus & AJ win when AJ pins Vickie. Then AJ gets the mic and does the yes chant as she walks up the ramp. This was a decent match. They didn’t really do much with Sheamus here and Dolph got buried again!

Then they show AJ backstage and she walks up to Punk. He’s on the phone with his sister. AJ asks Punk if he saw her match. Punk says he was on the phone for 15 minutes. AJ gets upset that Punk wasn’t paying attention to her. She walks out and Punk shrugs his shoulders. This was good. Punk & AJ really work well together. I still have a feeling that eventually she’ll be back with Daniel and this whole thing is a set up.

They show Sid squashing Heath Slater from last week. Heath Slater is in the ring. He says what happened to him last week isn’t funny. He says he isn’t a clown. Then Doink’s music hits and he comes out.

Doink (Brooklyn Brawler) vs. Heath Slater. Slater gets the pin. Then Diamond Dallas Page’s music hits and he comes out. He gets in the ring and does his Diamond Cutter symbol. The fans chant his name. Then Slater does the Diamond Cutter symbol. DDP hugs him then gives him a Diamond Cutter. This was ok. I was surprised they had Slater win. DDP coming out was cool.

They show an ad for the digitally re mastered No Holds Barred.

They show a video of John Cena & Alicia Fox at the Walter Reed Medical Center. This was a nice video.

Big Show vs. Kane in a No DQ match. Big Show gets the pin. This was a solid match.

Teddy Long is backstage and he runs into Eve. She says Long looks good. Then Long tells her to drop the nonsense. Then he gives her a name tag. She rips it up. Then she runs into AJ. Eve says that AJ should go sit in a corner and cry. AJ says that Eve will do anything to get attention. AJ asks who Eve will brown nose next. Then AJ says she will show Eve how to get attention. This was good too. AJ is really good in her role.

Tyson Kidd vs. Tensai. Tyson gets the pin. This was short. Nice to see Tyson win a match on Raw. Afterwards Tensai slapped around Sakamoto and chucked him out of the ring. Then Tensai went after Sakamoto on the floor. I’m not sure what they’re doing with Tensai.

Chris Jericho is backstage and Daniel Bryan comes by. He tells Jericho not to wear his stupid jacket. Then Jericho mentions Daniel’s jacket and his beard. Then Jericho says they should focus on Punk & Cena. Then Daniel chants yes, while Jericho chants “Ever again.”

Then they go to Punk & Cena. Punk tells Cena to follow his lead.    

Josh Mathews interviews Tyson Kidd backstage. Tyson says he feels great. Then Tensai comes in and throws Tyson into the lockers.

WWE Champion CM Punk & John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan & Chris Jericho. Jericho & Cena brawl to the back. Then AJ’s music hits and she skips around the ring again. Then she gets on the apron, then stands at ringside. She looks under the ring and drags out a table. She sets it up at ringside. Then she slowly walks up the steel steps, slowly climbs the ropes as she stares at the table. Then Daniel rolls out of the ring to talk her out of jumping. Then Punk gets on the turnbuckle to do the same. She kisses Punk. Then she pushes him off the ropes and both Punk & Bryan go through the table. Then AJ does the Yes chant on the turnbuckle to end the show. This was good. I liked the match and I thought they did a good job of furthering the AJ crazy person gimmick.

I thought this week’s show was solid overall. I liked the opening segment and I thought the end was good too. They’re really doing a great job with AJ being insane. She plays the roll really well! I thought most of the matches were from decent to good. The main event match was good, particularly the Punk-Bryan part. I also liked AJ’s backstage segments with Daniel, Punk & Eve. I thought they all did a great job in those segments. The 8 man tag was solid but once Otunga was on his own and Brodus Clay came out I thought it lost its momentum. It was nice to see DDP on the show. It was also surprising to see Heath Slater get a win. His match with “Brooklyn Brawler Doink” was short but decent. Kane-Big Show was a solid big man brawl. It was also nice to see Tyson Kidd actually get a win on Raw. The mixed tag match was ok for what it was. They didn’t really do much with Sheamus & Dolph got buried again. AJ & Vickie were both good here though. Del Rio being named the number one contender for the World Title wasn’t surprising. Him attacking Sin Cara was ok. Paul Heyman’s promo was really good. He is the king of promos. Overall I thought this was a good show this week.

6-29-12 Smackdown results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 29, 2012 episode of Smackdown

The show starts with Divas Champion Layla vs. AJ. Layla gets the pin. Daniel Bryan came out and hopped around the ring doing his yes chant. That distracted AJ and allowed Layla to get the pin. Afterwards AJ attacks Layla. This was a solid match.

Then after that happened Daniel tells her to settle down. He says that it’s not so fun when someone distracts you in the middle of a match. He says that he has something important that he needs to discuss. AJ goes to leave but Daniel tells her not to. He says that there’s something he wants to talk about with Vickie Guerrero and he wants AJ to hear it. Then he says that isn’t leaving the ring till he gets what he wants. He says that he is holding the show hostage if he has to. Then Daniel does his yes chant and then AJ does to. Back from break and they’re still doing the dueling yes chants. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out. She says that everyone is tired of Daniel repeating his annoying catch phrase. Daniel says that he needed to make a point. He mentions that he beat both Kane & CM Punk on Raw Then he says that he needed to everyone that WWE will soon revolve around him. Then he thanks Vickie for working the Board to give him his title match. Then he says that he wants Vickie to run both Raw & Smackdown on a permanent basis. He then says that if she is going to be the GM and if he is going to be Champion they will need to work together hand in hand. He then says that if that happens he has an idea that he wants Vickie to take to the Board of Directors. Then he says that he wants AJ banned from ringside at Money in the Bank when he faces CM Punk. He says that he refuses to lose his opportunity because of AJ. Vickie says that she’s not a fan of AJ and that she hasn’t forgotten what AJ did to her Monday. Then Vickie gets in AJ’s face but then Daniel says that this isn’t about her & AJ. This is about him. Then Vickie says that there was a poll on the WWE website that asked the fans what role they want AJ to play in the Punk-Daniel match. The choices were guest referee, guest timekeeper, guest ring announcer and guest commentator. AJ will be the guest referee. Vickie flips out about that. Then Vickie says that she has respect for the Board of Directors and they should all agree to have AJ as the guest referee. AJ walks by Daniel and then gets in Vickie’s face and says yes. Then she does the yes chant as she heads up the ramp. Bryan says this isn’t fair. Vickie says she has to respect the Board’s decision. Then Daniel chants no as he leaves the ring. This segment was good. I thought all 3 did a great job here. Vickie & Daniel both cut great promos and AJ was really good here too. I think it was a little long but it was still good.

Then Vickie says that there will be qualifying matches for the Smackdown Money in the Bank ladder match over the next 2 weeks. Then she says that the first qualifying match will start right now. Then Zack Ryder comes out and we go to a break.

Back from the break and Damien Sandow comes out with a mic. He says he’s here not just to help the fans but to also help his opponent this evening. He calls Ryder the ambassador of ignorance, mediocrity & stupidity. Then he says that Ryder is no different then any of the fans. Then he says that when emerges victorious he will ensure that the unwashed masses of the WWE Universe will soon have a World Champion that will Shepard them all towards the enlightenment that they all so desperately yearn for. You’re welcome. Great promo. This guy is really entertaining.

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Zack Ryder vs. Damien Sandow. Sandow gets the pin. This was a solid match.

Daniel Bryan is backstage and he pound on the Diva’s locker room door screaming for AJ. Then he knocks and tells AJ that he needs to talk to her. The door opens and Kaitlyn comes out and tells Daniel that AJ isn’t in there. He asks where AJ is. Kaitlyn doesn’t know but what she does know is that Daniel should try to get on AJ’s good side because, then she has him bend forward. She says that he didn’t here this from her but AJ is a little mentally unstable (No duh!). Then she goes back in the locker room. This was idiotic!

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Tyson Kidd vs. Jack Swagger. Tyson gets the pin. This was a good match.

Dolph & Vickie are backstage in the GM office. Vickie mentions how great it would be if she became the regular GM. Dolph says that he is trying to become World Champion. Then Dolph tells Vickie to ban the Brogue Kick and the cross arm breaker. Vickie asks how that will look on her. Dolph flips and says that 6 long years of his life. Then he yells at Vickie and says that he is telling her to do this for him. Then Vickie smacks him. Then Dolph says to announce him as the new World Champion and to raise his hand. Vickie says that she will. This was ok. It looks like Dolph & Vickie will be splitting up soon. 

Before the next match David Otunga gets in the ring. He throws his coat off. Then the spotlight goes on him and he poses. What is the point of this?

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Intercontinental Champion Christian & U.S. Champion Santino Marella vs. Cody Rhodes & David Otunga. Christian & Santino win when Christian pins Otunga. This was a solid match too.

Backstage Matt Striker interviews Sheamus. Strike asks him if he’s worried about tonight’s match. Sheamus says that he didn’t become World Champion by being worried. He says there is a great he can lose his title tonight. Then he says that if retains the Title tonight and at money in the Bank he could then lose it to the MITB winner. Then Sheamus says that he doesn’t spend his life worrying about what ifs. He says that Del Rio likes to think that he’s better than everyone because he’s rich. Then he says that Dolph thinks he’s better than everyone just because he’s Dolph Ziggler. Then he says that either way he has an opportunity tonight to be better than both guys by winning the triple threat match. Then Sheamus says that he doesn’t worry. He just kicks arse. This was a good promo except for the arse part. That is stale. I was ok with the rest of this.   

Backstage they show Daniel Bryan. He’s trying to get on AJ’s good side. He tells her that he knows a doctor who can help her out. He says that is what people who care about each other do. They help each other out. He asks her if he wants her to give him his phone number. She does the yes chant and skips away. Daniel had this disgusted look on his face. This was a good backstage bit. These 2 work really well together.

Time for the 2 on 1 Ryback squash. Dan Barone & Brendan Burke are the 2 guys. They do the usual promo and then Ryback comes out.

Ryback vs. Dan Barone & Brendan Burke. Ryback gets the pin. This was the typical Ryback squash.

Backstage Antonio Cesaro & Aksana make out. Then Teddy Long comes by and tells them that he will be the GM next week. Then Aksana flirts with Teddy. Long doesn’t buy it. Then he says that not only to they deserve each other but they need each other. Especially next week. He then tells them that on live Great American Bash Smackdown special Cesaro & Aksana will face Layla & Great Khali. This felt like filler but at least they didn’t make Long look like a moron here.

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Justin Gabriel vs. Tensai. Tensai gets the pin. This was a solid match too.

Alberto Del Rio comes to the ring for the World Title match. He says he is forced to being in a triple threat match rather than getting a one on one Title match and is forced to compete in the filthy town and that the place has nothing. Then he says that in spite of all that he will be World Champion. Then he says that he knows that the fans in the arena don’t know anything about greatness but do they know why he will win tonight. Then Vickie Guerrero comes out and tells Alberto that he isn’t winning tonight. She says that the crowning jewel of her week as GM is that she gets to introduce the next World Champion Dolph Ziggler. Then Dolph comes out. Then finally Sheamus comes out.

World Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio for the Title. Sheamus wins when he pins Dolph. This was a good match. Sheamus hold up the title to end the show.

I thought this was a good show overall. The Layla-AJ match was solid and I liked the 3 way title match. I thought that was good. Ryback had the typical squash fest. I thought the other matches were solid too. I also liked Daniel Bryan’s promo with Vickie Guerrero at the beginning of the show. They both cut great promos. The backstage bit with Daniel & Kaitlyn was idiotic I thought. I liked the backstage bit with Daniel & AJ though. Sheamus’ interview about not worrying about what ifs was solid too except for the “arse” part. I thought the rest of it was ok. Damien Sandow is really good. I enjoy his character quite a bit. Overall I thought this was a good episode.

6-28-12 Impact results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the June 28, 2012 episode of Impact

The show starts with AJ Styles & Dixie Carter backstage. Dixie says she’s glad the secret’s out and is ready to move on. AJ says he’s going to pound the crap out of Daniels & Kazarian. Whatever.

Then they show Dixie & Claire Lynch walking backstage. Mike Tenay mentioned that we will hear the Claire story throughout the night. Goody!

Ken Anderson vs. Rob Van Dam in a Bound for Glory Series match. RVD gets the pin for 7 points. This was a good match.

Austin Aries comes to the ring. Back to the show. Aries says that last week he was in the ring with Hulk and had a major decision to make. One that would change TNA as whole. He says that relinquishing the X Title wasn’t easy. He then says that he’s beaten everyone and now wants to challenge for the World Title. Aries says that when Hogan agreed to Aries option it made easier form him. Then he says there will be a tournament at Destination X to crown a new X Division Champion. He says that he saw some old and X guys. He says that every X Division guy will have the same chance he has every year thanks to him. Then Bobby Roode comes out. Roode says that Aries sounds pathetically overconfident but that right up Aries’ ally. Roode says that his title is the real World Title because he made it that way. He says he made the World Title the most important belt in the industry. He says he is the most dominant champion in Impact Wrestling. Roode then says that there’re 12 guys clawing for a title shot against him at Bound for Glory. Roode then says that Aries got a chance at his title because of Hulk Hogan. Roode then says that “option c” is a failure. Roode says that Aries is setting himself and the X Division up for failure and Roode will see that Aries fails. Roode tells Aries that he isn’t in his league, calls him kid and tells him to get out of his ring. Aries says that it’s his ring and that if Roode wants to him to leave, then he should make him. Roode walks out saying it isn’t worth his time. This was a good segment. Aries & Roode both cut great promos.

Claire & Dixie Carter are backstage. Claire says that she met AJ through Dixie. Then she says that the story got bad when Daniels & Kazarian found out. She says she never met them before and she can’t believe they blackmailed them. This was a crappy segment and I’m sure the rest of these will be just as bad.

Kazarian & Daniels are backstage and Kazarian tells Daniels that he turned on his best friend because he bought into Daniels’ crap. Kazarian walks out and Daniels mentions they have a Tag Title match. This was idiotic!

X Division Title Tournament- First Round: Sonjay Dutt vs. Rubix (Jigsaw). Sonjay gets the pin. This was a good match too. Afterwards Christie asks Sonjay how it feels to be back in the Impact Zone. He says there’s one thing he never accomplished and that was win the X Division Title. He says that he will win the title at Destination X. Sonjay cut a good promo.

They show Bruce Pritchard, Al Snow & Taz from “Last Thursday.” They discuss Taeler’s match next week. They say that she has potential. Pritchard asks if she’s too green. Taz talks about her being misdiagnosed and would make her humble but also hungry. Taz says that she doesn’t have a sense of entitlement. Taz & Al say that she isn’t gonna be handed anything. Pritchard doesn’t think she’s got it. Taz thinks she does. Al isn’t sure. Whatever. I’m not into these gut check segments.

Samoa Joe vs. Bully Ray in a Bound for Glory Series match. Joe wins by submission for 10 more points. Joseph Park comes out. Ray gets in his face but Park slaps him. Then Samoa Joe locks on the Coquina Clutch for the submission win. This was also a good match. Then Joseph gets the mic and says that he knows who Ray is but does Ray know who he is. He says he’s Joseph Park and Ray is nothing but a jackass bully. Then he mentions that he was bullied his whole life but that ends tonight. He then says that it’s no longer about Abyss. He says that he was watched Ray bully everyone around long enough and he’s sick of it. Then Joseph says in 2 weeks he will fight Ray again. This time he’s bringing the fight right to Ray. This was a really good promo. Chris Park is really doing a tremendous job at this new character.

More on Claire & Dixie. They talk about who shocked they were with Daniels’ & Kazarians’ actions. Dixie says that she & AJ going into a hotel room was to see Claire. She also says that the phone call was to plan a birthday party for Serge. Claire says she wasn’t there. Dixie says she was having problems then. This was crappy too. Who cares about any of this? None of it makes any sense!

Kazarian tells Hulk Hogan that he’s made a mistake falling for Daniels’ crap. He says that he can’t be a tag champion with Daniels. Hogan says that Kazarian knew what Daniels was doing was wrong and that Kazarian isn’t the same guy. Then Hulk tells him that he booked the match and we will find out what Kazarian is made of tonight. Kazarian walks out all upset. This was awful too.

Madison Rayne walks by Garrett Bischoff backstage. Madison tells him that she has this crush and she was wondering what he’s like. He asks who and she says who it is in his ear. Garrett says good luck with that.

Backstage with the 2 Brookes. Hogan got Tessmacher onto the auto insurance ad. Then Gail Kim comes in and says that Brooke Hogan needs to realize that the other Knockouts are cheap imitations of her. Then Brooke says that Gail’s rematch against Tessmacher will be next week. These segments with Brooke Hogan are horrendous.

X Division Title Tournament-First Round: Rashad Cameron vs. Mason Andrews. Cameron gets the pin. This was good too. Afterwards Christie asks him how it feels to be going to Destination X. He says that everyone is looking at the next X Division champion and everyone just saw the beginning of the Rashad Cameron movement. This was a decent promo.

Hulk Hogan is in his with Jeff Hardy & James Storm He puts both guys over and then he says that next week’s Bound for Glory Series main event will be Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm.

Time for the Gut Check segment. Pritchard, Al & Taz are in the ring JB brings out Taeler Hendrix. Taz says that he knows how he will vote. Then JB asks Al & Pritchard if they’re ready to vote. Of course they are. Hendrix says she is hungry for success. Taz votes first. He votes yes. Al Snow next. He says he’s known Taeler for years and has watched her perform. Then they show Joey Ryan in the front row and Taz leaves the ring. Ryan dares Taz to hit him. Security comes in to remove Joey Ryan. Back to Al Snow’s decision. He votes no. Time for Taeler to cut a promo to impress Pritchard. She says that someone somewhere each of the judges were given a chance. She says that is what she wants and she will fight to prove that she can shone. Time for Pritchard to vote. He says she’s green and isn’t sure if she has that mean streak in her. He says he isn’t sure if she’s ready for prime time. He says that she has heart and class. Pritchard votes yes. So Taeler Hendrix gets the TNA contract. This gut check segment wasn’t as bad as the other ones. I liked the bit with Taz & Joey Ryan. The segment itself was good too. I thought Taeler cut a good promo. 

Kurt Angle tells AJ Styles that everything with Dixie is over. Angle says that the AJ he knows is back. AJ says the weight is off his shoulders. Then AJ mentions that he has a last man standing match with Daniels at Destination X. Then Angle mentions their tag title match. They say that they’re united and that Daniels & Kazarian are divided. This was a decent backstage promo.

They show Dixie & Claire sitting at ringside.

TNA World Tag Team Champions Kurt Angle & AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian for the Titles. Daniels & Kazarian win to regain the Titles when Daniels pins AJ. Daniels throws Angle into the referee. Then he gets a chair. He was going to hit AJ with it but Kazarian took it out of Daniels’ hands. AJ was going to go for the Styles Clash but Kazarian hit AJ in the back with chair. Then Daniels pinned AJ for the 3 count. Afterwards Daniels says it’s a great day because they’re the tag champs. Then he turns to Dixie and says that Claire didn’t tell her the whole truth. Daniels mentions that Claire is pregnant. Then he says that AJ is the dad. That ended the show.

I thought this week’s show was a bit weaker than the last few Impacts but it was still solid. I thought all the matches were good. The opening segment with Austin Aries & Bobby Roode was really good. I liked the tag title match too. I wasn’t into Dixie & Claire being at ringside or Daniels revealing that AJ is the father of Claire’s kid. The Dixie-Claire segments backstage were stupid. I wasn’t into the Tessmacher-Kim-Brooke Hogan bit either. Joseph Park cut a really good promo on Bully Ray. Chris Park is really doing a great job with this new character. I wasn’t into the Madison-Garrett segment. The gut check segment was decent too. The Taz-Joey Ryan part was good. I also thought Taeler’s promo was solid too. It was also nice to see Sonjay back. So overall I thought this week’s show was a bit weaker than the past few but I still thought it was a solid show.