The Dames' Diatribe on NWA:TNA Week 22

[Guest TSMAdmin]

NWA:TNA Week 22

 

Oh, what a crazy week it’s been for me ever since last Wednesday. Not only did I have one on one communication with NWA:TNA’s color commentator, Don West, but I was also given the plug of a lifetime by NWA:TNA’s ring announcer, Jeremy Borash in his “From The Inside” report for November 22nd. More people read my reviews than ever before afterwards and I’m grateful to West, Borash and especially all of you who decided to read my reviews. For the record, I answer each and every one of my emails, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at [email protected]. Also, for all of you “insiders” out there, I’ve got some great ideas for the product, so feel free to ask.

 

Last week’s edition of NWA:TNA was a solid show that contained their best Heavyweight match in TNA’s history as well as a big swerve in Vince Russo’s unmasking as Mr. Wrestling III that only 4 people knew about in the company itself. With that being said....lets hit the recap.

 

We open with Jeremy Borash stating a few patriotic words before introducing Goldylocks to sing God Bless America. In my humble opinion, she did a better job with this song rather than her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

 

We hit the usual intro as we’re taken into the TNA Asylum greeting us to the TNA sign of the week: “They got Testicles, we got T-N-A”.

 

We immediately go to the ring for...

 

The Briscoe Brothers vs. Divine Storm w/Trinity

 

Match Background: Although both teams have competed regularly in the same northeast promotions, (CZW, Ring of Honor, USA Pro, etc.) for the most part, they’ve strayed away from each other. The Briscoes did face Divine Storm in a few dark matches at the TNA Asylum a few weeks ago though, but were last seen on NWA:TNA in Week 4 where they faced the Hot Shots. Last week, Divine Storm (Quiet Storm and Chris Devine) made their debut, losing to the team of EZ Money and Sonny Siaki.

 

The Match: As The Briscoe’s enter the ring, Tenay mistakenly refers to the brothers as “18 year old twins”. Mark Briscoe wasn’t allowed to wrestle in the Ring of Honor promotion until recently as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission stated that you must be 18 years of age to compete in wrestling matches there. Jay’s been booked on the ROH card as a singles competitor ever since their first show in February, which I also reviewed, making Jay the older brother and not a pair of twins. Tenay distinguishes the two brothers for the audience by stating that Jay is the one with the shaved (bald) head. Jay and Quiet Storm lock up and perform some nice chain wrestling ending with an exchange of ‘ranas and pinfall attempts before hitting the Indy Applause Stance. Tenay also acknowledges the Briscoe’s dark matches during TNA events but doesn’t mention who their opponents were. Mark comes in to face Divine and give each other a pair of armdrags before Briscoe lands a standing dropkick on Divine. Bunch of quick reversals lead to a nice Northern Lights suplex by Mark for two. Mark charges Chris (while Jay gets in a blind tag) but is elevated over the top to the floor and his brother takes advantage by Cactus Clotheslining him down to the floor as well. Mark and Jay exchange forearms in the ring as Jay and Divine both climb up to the ring apron and eat forearms as well, sending them back down to the floor. Mark Briscoe and Quiet Storm then perform stereo somersault Topes to the outside onto their respective opponents. That whole sequence bothers me as stereo high flying moves shouldn’t be performed by opponents, in my opinion. Not only that, but the spot blowing machine that is Chris Devine was too far back on the aisle so when Mark performed his somersault Tope, he had to cover by landing on his feet and then nailing Devine with a clothesline. Small “You Fucked Up” chant for that one. As the ref watches on in clear view, Trinity comes off the apron with a ‘rana on Mark. “TNA” chant as Storm and Jay go at it in the ring, with Jay prevailing with a sit out front suplex (Ron Killings’ True Conviction) for two. Storm comes back with a lariat attempt, but Jay ducks and Mark nails QS with a springboard missile dropkick. Storm comes back with a belly to back into a sit out powerbomb to gain some separation. Jay and Devine back in exchange a ton of reversals before Mark comes in to assist in a High Times-like maneuver but they blow it...probably due to Devine dropping early. Quiet Storm comes in but gets whipped into the corner and eats a Yakuza kick by the older Brisc. Storm is then placed on the top turnbuckle as Mark springboards in with a Diamond Cutter! The pinfall is interrupted by Devine, however. Devine takes the opportunity to hit Mark with his full nelson into a DDT that Christopher Nowinski was using when he first debuted in WWE. Mark bails to the outside where Trinity (in FULL view of the ref....I could have sworn they made eye contact) hits him with an Asai Moonsault for a pop and “Holy Shit” chant. Back in the ring now, Devine tries a flying headscissors out of the corner but Jay sits out and powerbombs him out of that! He then hits a high impact Falcon Arrow (suplex into Michinoku Driver) that Tenay dubs as The Crucible for a broken up two. Storm and Jay then exchange some reversals before Quiet Storm nails the STORM CRADLE DRIVER~! (Lifted Half nelson into Michinoku Driver) for the clean win! Although I mark out heavy for that move, it doesn’t look right with a much bigger opponent, such as the tall Jay Briscoe, as Storm then has to depend on them to curl up correctly. Storm is a short wrestler and since he often wrestles guys his size or just a bit taller, it usually doesn’t show.

 

My Opinion: The match was too spotty for me, but I can forgive that as the opening contest. The Briscoe’s didn’t get too much of their offense in and although I don’t agree with them jobbing in their first match in over three months, you don’t want to have Divine Storm go 0 – 2 either. With Trinity clearly interfering in the match in full view of the ref, it makes the NWA:TNA officials look incompetent. Send her to the back or distract the ref first... *1/2.

 

We then go to West and Tenay to introduce the program, but Tenay has something to get off his chest. He goes on a rant on what he loves about TNA, the in ring product and the X Division. He makes it CLEARLY known that he doesn’t like Vince Russo and what he stands for, due to his time spent in WCW with him. He is NOT going to sit idly by and allow Russo to come in and destroy TNA with his “sports entertainment”. Well, it looks like TNA is going for that rumored SE vs. Old School fued that was talked about in the past week. West then gives his thoughts on the situation, which are that he has none...which makes sense, seeing as how all he has to go on is hearsay. Tenay gets INTENSE~! on us as he’s visibly angry about losing his position in WCW due to Vince Russo. Tenay can be VERY believable on the mic, as he’s one of the few announcers that still has credibility in pro wrestling.

 

We then hit the GRAPHICS~! as West turns it up a notch to Heart Attack Time! Truth has a new title-less graphic this week. Interestingly enough, neither Jarrett or Lynn have their respective titles in their graphics.

 

We go back to last week with a video package recapping the Truth/JJ title match.

 

In the ring, Tenay asks Jeff Jarrett to come on down for an in-ring interview, but Vince Russo interrupts as Jarrett’s music plays to cut HIS OWN promo. “Russo” chant by the crowd. Before he starts, he gets in Tenay’s face and says “Weren’t you the one who said that if Russo came back, you would quit NWA:TNA? There’s the door pal! I can get a chimpanzee in here next week with more personality than you” Tenay, although quite inaudible: “When you sign my check, that’s when I leave!” Russo: “And you know what, go home, pout with Sean Waltman, Goodbye!”. “Russo” chant by the crowd as Tenay takes his seat PISSED OFF. Russo then declares himself the “Anti-Christ of professional wrestling”. Although he laid low for two years, he figured he should come back before the business goes “deeper in the shitter”. He then switches topics to Jeff Jarrett but first tells the “old man in the back with the microphones on his head” (Jerry Jarrett, Jeff’s father and promoter of NWA:TNA) that he’ll “smack the shit out of him” if he cuts his mic. He goes through the history between Russo and Jarrett dating back to Jarrett’s first stint in the WWF in ’95, swearing some more along the way. Tenay is shown SEETHING at ringside! Russo talks about how Jarrett jumped to WCW and then asked him to come back to the WWF, where he was almost buried if it weren’t for......you guessed it, Vince Russo. He talks about finally getting him over with his woman beater gimmick and how when he (Russo) left to WCW, he was buried the next week with a loss to Chyna. Russo then takes full credit for making Jeff Jarrett a main eventer and a 4-time WCW World Champion before the crowd breaks into a “Hogan sucks” chant. Russo then states that he was done with the business after WCW was sold, but that Jeff called him up to woo him into NWA:TNA, even taking credit for the TNA initials, claiming that they meant “Tits and Ass”. Of course, the crowd goes into a hilarious “Tits and Ass” chant. Russo then goes off on Jerry Jarrett with swearing and insults (without naming him directly), claiming that Jeff was swayed not to hire him because of his father. “This is how I see it....this product SUCKS....the WWE SUCKS....and Vince Russo is here to save the day again”. Wow. Russo then says that he’s giving Jarrett one chance tonight to join his side because there will be drastic changes next week...and he’s begging to be stopped. He’s going to make sure that Jarrett retains his title tonight and then he’ll ask him for his answer. He then leaves the ring.

 

Well....that was some promo. Love him or hate him, the man can be quite compelling with a live microphone. Although a lot of it was revised history, I’d love to know exactly how much of what he was saying was heartfelt. He’s clearly a heel in this storyline and this will most likely lead to a Jeff Jarrett face turn tonight. I’m also very curious as to how Jerry Jarrett feels about all of the excessive swearing that went on during that promo. Next week should be quite interesting.

 

Tenay then tells the home audience that Vince Russo is everything wrong about the wrestling business and how he’s a cancer to it. This reminds me of the nWo storyline earlier this year with Tenay (or most likely Jarrett) playing the role of Ric Flair.

 

Mortimer Plumtree then is shown in the back in a pre-taped promo, egging on Mike Moriarty, the winning bidder in the TNA auction to manage someone against Plumtree to bid more money. Mark Morano (winning bidder of the “manage AJ Styles for a day” auction) then gets a verbal tongue lashing from Plumtree, demanding no less than a thousand dollars to manage AJ. His final comments are cut off by a video package however. Interesting way of promoting the auction, I’ll give ‘em that.

 

The video package centers around the Bruce/Lenny/Brian Lawler/Goldylocks situation from last week.

 

Americas Most Wanted vs. The Hot Shots

 

Match Background: Back in Week Three, The Hot Shots attacked AMW in the back, keeping them from the Tag Team Tournament for the NWA Tag Titles. They got their revenge in Week Six, however, in a straight up tag match. Eventually, AWM finally won the titles in the Tag Team Gauntlet for the Gold and defeated the Hot Shots in Week 17 and in Week 19 in a three way dance along with Chris and Rick Michaels (who’s severly injured and may never wrestle again).

 

The Match: It looks as if AMW won’t wear their entrance attire anymore as they seem to be all business. James Storm and Cassidy O’Reilly start out with Storm getting the advantage early on. A distraction from Chase Stevens is all that it takes for Cassidy to get the advantage with a leg lariat. Tenay is so upset about the Russo situation that he’s still talking about it, stating that he’ll leave when Russo is the man that ends up signing the checks. West: “I don’t think the world wants to hear me to play by play”. Well, I know someone ready, willing and able to do it incase you need someone. Do I have to make it more obvious? The Hot Shots take advantage on Storm with a double team in the corner. Double slingshot suplex on Storm gets a two count. A lame Stevens handspring elbow attempt is caught by Storm who turns it into an overhead belly to belly! Harris finally comes in and just WAILS on Stevens before he’s thrown to the outside, where O’Reilly throws him several times into the guardrail. THS whip Harris off the ropes, who tries a double clothesline, but its actually blocked and they nail him with a double superkick. I’ve never seen a double clothesline attempt blocked before. After another series of double team moves, Stevens goes for a 2nd rope moonsault (Lionsault) but Harris is able to get his knees up. Spear by Harris leads to a Storm tag who becomes a HOUSE...EN...FUEGO~! Superkick on Cassidy, followed by a Reverse Tornado DDT. Harris DEMANDS an Eight Second Ride, so Storm obliges with one on Stevens. Harris then gives O’Reilly the Catatonic as Father James Mitchell and Belladonna look on from the entrance ramp. Instead of pinning the Hot Shots, they decide to give them the move newly dubbed the Death Sentence (Top Rope Legdrop by Harris while Storm has the opponent held in front of him horizontally). AMW then go to the outside to go after Father James Mitchell as they’re counted out, to award the match to the Hot Shots. FJM sacrifices Belladonna (with THAT ASS) to AMW who are poised to give her the Death Sentence! FJM runs down to ringside where he’s able to distract them as the NWA Tag Champs, Slash and Brian Lee, attack AMW from behind, saving Belladonna.

 

My Opinion: The match was nothing special, very formulaic actually. THS cut the ring off nicely for a few minutes and AMW made the comeback appropriately. The ending sequence came across as too much of a squash to me though. The AWM/Disciples feud continues on.....*

 

In the back, Goldylocks is with Jeremy Borash talking about the TNA auction to ring announce with Jeremy Borash or Goldylocks. She then talks about the “win a date with Goldylocks” auction...where she alludes to sexual innuendo to try and raise the ante. If ANYONE buys that for a second, they deserve to lose all that money.

 

We cut to the back where Goldylocks is with Dory Funk, Jr, who’s in front of Jeff Jarrett’s locker room. Well, if you didn’t know those TNA auction promo’s were pre-taped, you do now. Dory Funk looks out of it, to say the least.

 

BG James & Curt Hennig vs. The Disciples of the New Church (w/Father James Mitchell and Belladonna) for the NWA Tag Team Titles.

 

Match Background: Despite not deserving a tag title shot, originally this match was supposed to be Hennig and Syxx-Pac vs. The Disciples, but that was scratched when Russo came back as Syxx-Pac quit the company over it. It was then rumored to be Hennig and Hall tagging together (former AWA World Tag Champs) but Hall didn’t show up....either because of Syxx-Pac’s decision to quit or because he was charged with DUI. I could care less, really. So, now its Hennig and BG James, who he tagged with ONCE in a six man tag in Hennig’s debut match in TNA. They’ve never faced the Disciples before, however, both men are experienced in tag team wrestling. Hennig was an AWA tag champ as I stated earlier and BG James as RoadDogg was one of the most decorated tag team champions in WWE history.

 

The Match: BG James’ music now has “Get it, Got it, Good” as a lead in to his theme. FJM cuts a promo at the top of the ramp prior to the match....with no purpose only to say “EVIL” a few times. That prompts an “Evil” chant by the crowd as the match starts. Slash and Hennig start out with Hennig getting the advantage with a slap, two atomic drops and a clothesline. BG then comes in but Slash takes over rather quickly on him, tagging in his partner, Brian Lee. Shake Rattle and Roll punches on Brian Lee don’t knock him down but one more does and he takes out Slash and hits the Shaky Legs Kneedrop for two on Lee. Hennig tagged back in now, working over the leg of Lee. He tries his BEST to put on a figure four, but just can’t for some reason, so covers nicely by putting on a Spinning Toe Hold. He then tags in BG who works over Lee’s leg some more. Lee fights back, failing to sell the leg, but gets caught in the face corner again and gets worked over with some chops and punches. With the ref distracted by Slash, Lee makes a dive and punches BG right in the Nutsicles. Slash is then tagged in, who goes on a flurry of offense on BG. He sends BG to the outside by FJM and Belladonna....and although you can barely see it, Belladonna hits a legdrop on BG to the outside! As long as she doesn’t hurt that delicious ass of hers, I’m all for some Belladonna offense. FJM gets a cheap shot as well before Lee works him over too. BG is sent back into the awaiting hands of Slash who gets some nice looking punches in on him. BG tries to fight back, but Slash gets a DDT and Lee gets tagged in. He hits a knee drop to the Nutsicles and BG makes me LAUGH by exclaiming “Oh ho.....MY BALLS!!!”. Tenay: “Perfectly placed knee”. They double team BG in the corner as Hennig is arguing with the ref and Lee nonchalantly kicks him again in the crotch! Sadly, BG isn’t selling it too much. Slash gets a cobra clutch on BG, turning into a cobra clutch side Russian Leg Sweep. The cobra clutch is more like a rest hold though. BG is able to fight it off, but walks into a sleeper...and belly to back’s his way out of that. Slash makes the tag to Lee as BG makes the tag to Hennig who becomes a HOUSE...EN...well, not really. Hennig-Plex attempt on Lee is interrupted by Slash, but he’s able to get Slash with it for an interrupted one count. BG comes in and goes for the Humphandle Slam on Slash, but EATS a big boot from Lee in the middle of the move! Slash on top....ONE....TWO....NO! AMW run in for the DQ and start attacking the Disciples. Hennig and BG take exception to this and start brawling with AMW, with AMW being thrown to the outside, only to brawl with the Disciples to the back.

 

My Opinion: The match wasn’t great and although it was quite slow at points, it was heating up slowly at the end. What bothers me the most about it is that BG kicked out of a sure fire pinfall for the Disciples (which would have really helped them) before the DQ, although AMW probably just missed their cue. If anything, allow the Disciples the clean win and then have AMW run in. BG and Curt Hennig really don’t need to be protected, but it was evident that it was happening when they disposed of AMW as easily as they did. *1/4.

 

HILARIOUS moment (to me anyway) as the dancing girl who always shakes her ass vigorously (known in some circles as Lollipop Girl) is shown from the waist up doing it instead for some reason and she looks like she’s having a seizure!

 

In the back....another TNA auction promo as Don West and Mike Tenay pimp their “announce a program with us!” auction and gloat about the fact that its they’ve got the highest bids for all of the auctions. West is talking so fast, he’s having about 5 heart attacks per second and I just can’t stop laughing!

 

EZ Money vs. Alex Winters

 

Match Background: This is EZ Money’s third match in TNA and his second singles match. Alex Winters has never competed in TNA before and to be honest....I don’t know anything about him. If you do, drop me a line at [email protected]

 

The Match: EZ gets a few hammerlocks and a snapmare before Winters comes back with a hammerlock of his own into an armbar, but EZ flips out of it. EZ’s sent to the corner where Winters gets a nice looking side headlock takeover out of the corner. A series of reversals ends up with Winter eating a boot and EZ going out to the ring apron, only to come back in with the Money Clip (flip over the ropes and clothesline) for a two. Winters heads to the outside, but gets a shoulder block to the midsection on the apron. He tries to sunset flip back in, but EZ side steps and moonsaults onto the fallen Winters. Cool spot. Winters tries to come back with a dropkick, but EZ holds on to the ropes and Winters just falls back. EZ hooks on a submission hold called The Pendulum of pain, where he puts his opponent in an inverted Boston Crab of sorts, hooks the arms and swings him between his legs like a pendulum. Looks painful....yet homosexual in nature. EZ whips Winters into the corner where he tries to float over, but lands crotch first onto EZ’s KNEE. EZ then does a stupid little dance before hitting Winters with a dropkick in the corner. Back in the ring, after a quick series of reversals, EZ hooks Winters and lifts him up, like Goldust’s Curtain Call, but sits down in a powerbomb like manuever. Tenay says: “He calls that....look at that!” Dammit! I wanted to know the name of that move. If you know it...drop me a line baby! EZ refuses to go for the pin to he can use The Cha-Ching for the victory.

 

My Opinion: Basically a glorified squash, but Winters got in a little offense and sold great, so I’m giving it ½*.

 

We head to the back for an interview between Goldylocks and Miss TNA, Bruce. Bruce then stops her to make sure that its documented that he is no longer Bruce....he’s going by his real name, Alan Funk. He says he was consoling April two weeks ago in the shower as a friend, due to how badly Brian Lawler treats her. His heart got involved because she’s so....sensual. He might just give the TNA crown to her. Pretty bad interview, but I find it ironic that the week Russo is back in a full capacity, the Bruce gimmick is dropped.

 

Crimson Dragon vs. Sonny Siaki

 

Match Background: The Crimson Dragon (rumored to be Chris Hamrick of ECW) debuted last week in a 3-way match between himself, Jorge Estrada and AJ Styles. Sonny Siaki hasn’t been doing much as of late. This is the first ever meeting between the two.

 

The Match: Crimson Dragon is wearing different attire this week, most oriental oriented. Tenay thinks that Crimson Dragon may be either from the orient or tours Japan from time to time due to his attire. Match starts off with Dragon getting a dropkick and Siaki getting a DEEP armdrag and armbar. Dragon uses the ropes to flip backwards (and slips on his feet upon landing) before getting an ugly armdrag of his own. They trade armdrags again....and hit a stalemate. Dragon offers a handshake....and eats a fist instead. I don’t know why, but I found that funny. Crimson ends up getting a few kicks on Siaki, sending him out of the ring. Dragon dives through the ropes feet first, a little off from his target, so he shifts his bodyweight and it looks like he hit a flying Shining Wizard but it was most likely completely by accident. Tenay actually calls that one a clothesline. They both come back into the ring, with Siaki gaining the advantage with a drop toe hold on the ropes and then pumphandle suplexes Dragon to the outside! Siaki then goes to the outside...and swings him into the announce table face first! Back in the ring, Dragon goes for a cross body....but gets a swift kick in the nuts instead, in full view of the ref, who does and says nothing. Siaki follows up with a slingshot atomic drop! Now that’s a new variation on the move that I don’t think I’ve ever seen. Dragon comes back with a few kicks, but misses a Yakuza kick...and turns around to just STAND THERE until Siaki punches him. Dragon comes back with his suplex into a stunner! He finally the Yakuza kick for two. Dragon heads up to the top, but Siaki crotches him and belly to belly’s him off the top for a big “TNA” chant! Tenay gets fiesty as he points out the origin of the Yakuza kick (back to Masahiro Chono in Japan) before commentating that a chimpanzee can do that....according to Russo. Siaki follows it up with the Siakolypse for the win!

 

My Opinion: This seemed to be a showcase for Siaki as Dragon didn’t get much offense in and most of what he did get in was sloppy to begin with. ¾*

 

After the match, Siaki declares that if he’s not in main events or title matches, he’s quitting the company. Reminds me of the Big Show angle....and we all know how that went.

 

In the back, we’ve got Goldylocks and April. Can you SMELL the sexual tension? Oh, sorry, that’s just tuna fish. Brian Lawler apparently has been watching the “shower scene” over and over....and she loves him, so she wouldn’t cheat on him. Goldylocks isn’t buyin’ it and calls her on it. April claims that she’s jealous....and Goldylocks immediately cuts the interview saying : “I don’t need this bullshit”. I don’t need it either, Goldylocks.

 

Brian Lawler then heads to the top of the ramp to cut a promo...and he looks oh so sad. He asks for everyone’s attention as he’s getting various chants directed at him. He’s given his heart to a female he thought loved him....and all he got was hurt in the process. I KNOW THE FEELING, MY MAN! In the most calm tone I’ve ever heard Brian Lawler, he looks at someone and says “please kid, shut up”....causing me to pause the tape while I laugh my head off! Lawler’s acting is so over the top, you can’t help but laugh. “First, I catch her in the back with X-Pac, Syxx-Pac...whatever”. She’s having an affair with Goldylocks apparently and that’s drove him to the edge! All he’s eaten was a McDonald’s Apple Pie...so because of all this stress, he’s quitting wrestling! He then blows a TON of snot out....and its VISIBLE before he starts to “cry” some more. I can’t take this interview, I’m in hysterics here! He’s NEVER coming back....I’ll give him up to 6 weeks, if they’re serious.

 

West: “This is the weirdest day I’ve ever had”. I would have figured it was last week when he was pimping male enhancement products. Tenay makes a great point as this completes the Brian Lawler breakdown, which has been compelling every step of the way. If you can’t tell that’s sarcasm, I’m so sorry.

 

We go to the back as Goldylocks is trying to get a word with Lawler as he’s leaving the building.....but Priscilla (the valet of Flying Elvis, Jorge Estrada) is comforting him. He rubs and squeezes a good chunk of dat ass as he walks out....so it looks like she’s with him now. Wait a minute! If the rumors are true, then Brian Lawler just grabbed the ass of the girl his father is/was dating. The Lawlers are sick, sick people, man.

 

He hit the video package for both Styles and Lynn, including footage from their respective matches last week.

 

AJ Styles (w/Mortimer Plumtree) vs. Jerry Lynn for the NWA:TNA X Division Championship

 

Match Background: Let me take a deep breath. I know some of you guys haven’t read most of my stuff before and normally with a match background this big....I just go to the recent stuff, but I’ll do it one last time for you guys. This has been NWA:TNA’s longest running and best feud to date. All the way back in Week Two, in the ****1/2 4-way Double Elimination X Division title match to declare the divisions first champion, AJ Styles pinned Jerry Lynn twice in a row to become the first ever X Division champion. The next week, in the finals of the NWA Tag Title Tournament, Jerry Lynn named AJ Styles to be his tag team partner and they became the tag team champs. They began to have some respect issues and had MANY physical altercations, but all seemed to have been worked out. In a match with Low-Ki, Jerry Lynn was on the verge of winning when AJ turned on him, causing a ****3/4 triple threat match in Week 8 between those three where Low-Ki pinned Lynn to win the X title. The following week, their NWA tag titles were held up after a controversial double pin. In week 10, it seemed as though the feud was coming to an end as they had a best two of out three falls match to determine the number one contender for Low-Ki’s title. Tied at one fall, the final fall came under IronMan rules which ended in a draw. This led to another triple threat match, however, under ladder match rules where Jerry Lynn pinned Low-Ki to win the title. They then met in Week 14 for Jerry Lynn’s X title, where Styles won the title due to Sonny Siaki’s interference. Bullet Bob Armstrong reversed the decision and the title was awarded back to Lynn....but a rematch was ordered the next week. The following week, Week 15, Siaki and Lynn got into a confrontation where Lynn’s knee was badly injured and he was stripped of the X Division title. He would be granted a title match when he felt was 100% again. AJ Styles soon won the X title again, becoming the first two-time X Division champion In week 19, Jerry Lynn defeated AJ Styles for the X division title and has held it since in what seemed to be the blowoff match. Last week, AJ defeated Crimson Dragon and Jorge Estrada to become the number 1 contender for the X title.

 

The Match: This match also has extended introductions by Jeremy Borash, like the NWA title match from last week, but with a lot less fan fare. Big staredown with a lot of trash talking to start before they begin brawling. AJ still has his entrance attire on (head warmer and custom vest w/ hood) and Lynn takes advantage of it by pulling it over his head like a hockey fight. The ref separates them and Styles takes the opportunity to get his gear off and take the advantage. Lynn gets a judo throw and a flurry on punches on his heated rival. He goes for his tilt a whirl backbreaker, but AJ reverses that into an inverted face lock, which Lynn snapmares out of and gets a dropkick to the back of the head for two. They trade punches for a few seconds before Lynn tosses Styles to the outside. He gets prepped for a pescado, but Plumtree holds onto his legs. Lynn powers out and dropkicks Plumtree into Styles. Lynn throws Styles back into the ring, but Plumtree holds onto the X champ as he’s entering it and Styles takes the opportunity to kick him HARD in the ribs and drops an elbow. Lynn falls to the outside and AJ pulls back the protective mats to reveal the concrete floor underneath. Wanna bet that we’ll see a piledriver reversal spot? Oh man....that’s EXACTLY what happened next, with Lynn reversing out of it. A Styles Clash on the concrete would be a great visual though. Lynn gets up and goes after Mortimer.....but Styles turns Lynn around and DDT’s him onto the concrete! If Lynn is blading, its a VERY discrete blade job. Yes, he IS bleeding! Styles goes back into the ring as Plumtree nails Lynn in the head with knucks. Styles throws him into the guard rail a few times and then throws him back in to pound on his head REPEATEDLY with punches. Styles throws Lynn to the outside in a spot that seemed a little mistimed. Plumtree is out there, nailing Lynn in the head with the knucks still. Lynn’s not juicing as much as I thought he would. “AJ” chant from the females in the crowd...to which Styles says “I don’t need your stinkin’ help!”. Styles heads up to the top, but gets crotched. Lynn goes up top with him...but SOMEHOW gets knocked onto the ring apron. Styles attempts to sunset flip powerbomb Lynn to the outside, but its blocked! Lynn goes back after Plumtree but Mortimer goes into the crowd to avoid him. Styles tries to attack Lynn from behind with a flying head scissors off the ring steps.....but Lynn catches him and RAMS him into the guard rail! Lynn once again heads after Plumtree....and once again, Styles tries to attack from behind...and ONCE AGAIN, gets thrown onto the guard rail. Lynn begins to sell the fatigue factor from the loss of blood. Back in the ring, AJ goes for his quebrada into reverse DDT, but Lynn side steps it and clotheslines AJ down HARD. Lynn gets a spinning elbow for two as the announcers talk about how good AJ’s gotten in just 3 years. AJ sends Lynn to the outside where Plumtree keeps attacking Lynn with the knucks. Back in the ring, AJ whips Lynn into the corner, but its reversed. AJ floats over Lynn, who catches him and goes for a a tilt a whirl....but Styles reverses it into a reverse DDT for a close two! Styles goes for his suplex into a neckbreaker, but Lynn reverses that into a running powerbomb for two! Lynn goes for a German suplex....but Styles kinda twists back and lands as if he just took a gutwrench. Didn’t look pretty...i’m disappointed you guys. Styles reverses a waistlock and hits his sit out face plant for a CLOSE two! AJ goes for a superplex, but Lynn reverses it into a forward suplex off the top. While they’re both down, Mortimer distracts the ref and throws the knucks over to AJ....but he over shot it and Lynn ends up with it! Lynn nails Styles with it for the pin.

 

My Opinion: Quite possibly their worst match against each other so far, which shouldn’t be happening after they’ve worked with each other so many times, they should be improving. All of the interference definitely hurt it and even the finish was marred by interference. I don’t know....maybe its just me, but the Styles/Lynn feud is TIRED and it needs to be put to rest. **1/4.

 

We go to the back again with a pre-taped auction hype with Hennig and James. Dinner with James....or Golf with Curt. Which would you choose?

 

Don West has about 4 heart attacks as he runs down the matches for next week, namely Lynn vs. Siaki next week for the X title, re-igniting that feud.

 

Tenay spoke with Dory Funk, Jr. earlier....but only highlights are shown. Hell, Tenay isn’t even shown until the very end. Funk talks about the NWA title, Gene Kiniski, Jack Briscoe, Harley Race, Giant Baba and the title match for tonight..and Vince Russo. “I think the weasel should stay out, leave it to the athletes”, which is the only time Tenay is shown during the interview.

 

The Truth vs. Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Title

 

Match Background: After losing his NWA World title last week in the ***1/2 NWA title match with Jeff Jarrett, due to Vince Russo’s interference, The Truth automatically receives his rematch for the title tonight. Russo has already stated that he’s going to help Jarrett win, so a Russo appearance is inevitable. The announcers sell it as Jarrett wanting to prove that he should be the World champion, interference or not.

 

The Match: The Truth comes out first with the BEST music in TNA and graces us with an extended version of his entrance rap....this time with TWO verses! Truth is (no pun intended), I actually do like his rap. Jeremy Borash once again does the extended intros for the title match, giving it a big match feel, which I like a lot, but this one won’t have nearly as much time given to it based on the amount of PPV time left. Match starts off with a quick roll up by Killings for two. Jarrett gets a quick lateral press for two as West makes a great point about these two not needing the time to feel each other out due to their match last week. They trade armbars before Killings NAILS Jarrett with a Lou Thesz press for two. Jarrett backs away as Tenay gives us some background on Lou Thesz, unlike WWE who didn’t even acknowledge his death when Austin performed the Lou Thesz press on the very same day. Jarrett takes over with an elbow and they exchange a series of pinfall reversals. Truth nails Jarrett in the face while he’s distracted by the ref to take over. A boot to the midsection leads to the LONGEST wait for the scissors kick...and thankfully, Jarrett side steps it and catches his leg. He puts the figure four on, but Killings turns it over IMMEDIATELY! Nice psychology as not only did he see the move coming, but his leg wasn’t worked over so he had the leg strength to reverse it quickly. Jarrett bails to the outside but Truth comes flying over the outside with a plancha! Some brawling on the outside as Truth chokes Jarrett with TV cables...and then ties his wrist together and starts wailing on him until the ref gets him to stop. He throws Jarrett into the ring...and Truth with a frogsplash(!) for two! Truth gets whipped into the corner, but floats over....and splits, expecting a clothesline, but Jarrett’s learned his ways and stops short, dropkicking him instead! Truth puts on a sleeper...but Jarrett powers up at the third drop of his hand. Jarrett goes for a dropkick....but Truth catches him in a sit out powerbomb! Truth heads up to the top, but gets caught by Jarrett with a superplex! Jarrett gets an enziguiri for two as well. Killings goes for a backslide, but Jarrett gives him a low blow mule kick right in front of the ref....and follows it up with a sloppy inside cradle for two. It’s not until Jarrett goes to the turnbuckles to 10 punch Truth that the ref pulls him aside to complain about the low blow. As the ref checks on the Truth, Jarrett gets a chair and wedges it between the 2nd and 3rd turnbuckle. Truth reverses an irish whip, sending Jarrett into the chair, head first for two! Truth goes up for a moonsault, but Jarrett moves out of the way! Jarrett hits The Stroke! Killings kicks out at two! Jarrett then removes a turnbuckle pad and begins brawling with Truth in the crowd! He sets Truth up on a table and starts climbing one of the metal towers near the entranceway, but Killings gets up....and pulls Jarrett off, sending him through the table! The momentum caused him to crash through it as well and BOTH men are down! Both men are counted out....dammit. Bullet Bob Armstrong then comes out at the top of the ramp to demand that the match continue until there is a winner. They begin brawling again with Truth WAILING on Jarrett until they get back in the ring. Back in the ring, they are both just NAILING each other with punches!! Truth stun guns Jarrett onto the exposed turnbuckle! ONE....TWO....NO! Truth goes for a suplex, but Jarrett floats over into The Stroke! No, its blocked with a Truth elbow and flows into....The True Conviction! Jarrett’s legs ended up nailing the ref though, so he’s down..and CUE VINCE RUSSO! Russo appears at ringside, with a guitar in hand, passing it to Jeff Jarrett. He contemplates using it on The Truth before smashing it to pieces in front of Russo! Killings with a roll up while Jeff is distracted for a close two count! Irish whip is reversed into The Stroke! Killings is slowly getting to his feet though! The Stroke AGAIN! He gets it for a THIRD TIME and finally pins Killings to retain the title!

 

My Opinion: Truth and Jarrett really do work well together. Although this match wasn’t as good as last week’s, it also told a great story in the ring as Killings was prepared for Jarrett and debuted new offense to offset whatever Jarrett learned about Killings last week and using his own heel tricks against him. It took three Strokes to put the former champ down and even though he lost clean, he came out looking better as well. Of course, Jarrett proved that he deserved to be the champ, winning it clean and legitimizing his title reign. **3/4.

 

Post match, Russo grabs the mic and DEMANDS his answer now. Is Jarrett with him...or against him. In a WCW-like move....Jarrett goes into the ring to answer and the PPV goes off the air.

 

Overall: Bait and switch will always leave a bad taste in your mouth, regardless of how good the last match is, unless its a classic. It’s safe to assume that Russo is the heel is all of this, but will Jeff Jarrett, a perennial heel, go against him? I know I’ll be tuning in next week....then again, I always do. Next week should be interesting.

 

‘Til Next Week,

 

The Dames, Damian Gonzalez

 

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