Rebellion was a better show than I think anyone really anticipated. The Hardcore Country Match was pure fun. X Division and International were great matches, Tag match made sense, main event was good just too overbooked.

We did get KC Navarro’s return, Alisha returning to The System and Ryan Nemeth being that crown jewel of TNA. Slammiversary isn’t until the end of June, so we get like 10 weeks of build…can we get consistent TV?

Let’s see how things start!

Ratings:

• AJ Francis vs KC Navarro: KC wins via Body Scissors Cradle – ** 3/4
• Tasha Steelz w/Order 4 vs Jada Stone: Jada wins via Spark Stunner – *
• EC3 vs Eric Young: No Contest – No Rating
• 2 on 4 Handicap Match: Leon Slater & Moose vs The System w/Lish: Cedric wins via Lumbar Check – ***

Results:

AJ Francis vs KC Navarro

KC has been on the shelf for a few months after an ACL tear, AJ kicked him out of Fri$t Cla$$ and never kept his name out of his mouth. Early on KC uses the speed kills strategy, tries an Olympic Slam but that’s a bad idea, recovers from that and goes for a Dive, but AJ catches him, Snake Eyes him on the apron and then Lawn Darts him into the post. AJ takes his time, and KC is selling the moves, the hard Irish Whip, and it’s a simple but effective size difference story. AJ tries a Death Valley Driver, but KC slips it, tries another Olympic Slam, but can’t lift AJ again. AJ hammers him down and then just throws him across the ring, hitting Tennessee Whiskey and soaks in the boos.

AJ stalks KC, kicks at him a few times before trying to grab him, eats a Jawbreaker, Dropkick from KC staggers AJ. Irish Whip counter, Up and Over catch, but KC turns it into a Satellite DDT, KC with John Woo Dropkicks in triplicate. KC perches AJ on the second rope…Avalanche Olympic Slam! Only a near fall, but a good spot they were building towards. KC climbs to the opposite corner, jumps and eats the TFL! AJ points at Nic Nemeth on commentary, he’s trying to send a message. Takes too long, KC with the Body Scissors Cradle, 1-2-3! KC with the flash pinfall victory!

The System come out, with slightly altered music having Lish in say in the beginning “You can’t beat The System”. Cedric says that because Leon cheated with the belt it doesn’t count as a loss. Leon comes down, tries to speak English but sucks at it, as per usual. Moose comes out to run down The System. They try to make a match, Daria comes out, says S.hut U.p I.m T.alking. She tells them no tag match, Moose and Leon try to talk smack to Daria so Daria changes her tune and tells them they’ll be in a 2v4 handicap match against the entire System.

Tasha Steelz w/Order 4 vs Jada Stone

After Mustafa runs his mouth a little, announces his International Title open challenge, he calls for Jada to come out for her match and Jada hits the ring running. Quick back and forth, rope runs, Headscissors from Jada sends Tasha into the corner, Jada tries the Bulldog, but Tasha powders. Jada adjusts, Baseball Slide. Skyler tries to get involved but gets seen, Jada kicks Tasha in the mouth. Jada jumps, Tasha is supposed to catch her but can’t keep her balance and stumbles backwards in a makeshift Stumble Bomb thing. Jada gets tossed into the post after, Tasha hits the Short-Arm Lariat, and we head to commercial.

As we return, Tasha connects with a slam, a near fall and a few short stomps into a Drop Toe Hold to send Jada neck first into the lower rope. After the referee admonishes Hotch, Jada tries for a surprise Sunset Flip, but Tasha kicks out and then connects with a Pump Kick. Chin Lock is cinqued in, but Jada fights up, but Tasha uses the hair to slam Jada’s face into the mat. Tasha pushes Jada into the corner, stomps and chokes her until the referee forces the break. Stike Exchange, Jada gets the best of that, Two Lariats and a Slingblade later and Tasha is suddenly having issues. Enzuigiri, Meteora into the Split Legged Moonsault, but only for two!

Mustafa and Hotch start to plot, as Tasha hits a Jawbreaker and Neckbreaker combo but only for two. Jada reverses the whip, but Tasha slips to the outside, Gamengiri, sloppy reentry, sloppy attempt at catching Jada’s Back Hand Spring into a German Suplex. This just continues to show that Tasha sucks in the ring, but she’s great on the mic. Jada hits a Tornado DDT off the ropes into a Northern Lights Suplex, floated into a lame Facebuster. This match has broken down a bit. Mustafa distracts Jada, Tasha pulls her off the top rope into the Okurrr but only a two count. The ref kicks out Order 4 because of the Implication. Jada hits the Spark Stunner for the win.

Good for Jada, but not a good match…and it wasn’t Jada’s fault. She’s money.

Santana comes out to cut a promo, talks about how he’s put away all the former champions thrown at him so far, so he’s gonna call his shot. He calls out Rich Swann, wants Daria to make the match for next week, and Rich cuts a solid promo back. The match should be good.

EC3 vs Eric Young

A TNA Frontline original versus a Dixieland Original. Kind of nice that it’s at least two TNA guys when push comes to shove.

Eric attacks EC3 as soon as the entrance starts. EC3 tries to turn it around and throw EY in, but EY peppers in strikes and throws EC3 back out. Every time EC3 gets one shot, EY mauls him and gets in rabbit punches, neck snaps and a Chin Lock. EC3 gets to a vertical base, Lariat, Back Elbow, Thesz Press and goes for the 1 Percenter…but EY with the gouge to the eyes. The ref bump isn’t done well, but it’s honestly funny how EC3 forces both EY and ref over the top rope. The match gets thrown out as a No Contest, EC3 swings and misses with the chair, EY wraps the chair around EC3’s head and security separates them before anything crazy happens. But EC3 continues to charge at EY with the chair, EY side steps and EC3 goes into the steps head first with the chair around his neck.

A moronic spot. Who wouldn’t take the chair off before charging? The most telegraphed idiot spot I’ve seen in a minute.

After the second half of the Undead Realm, the Diamond Collective get out, Mara and Rosemary attack them. A short brawl, until the lights go out again when it looks like the Diamonds have the upper hand. Allie’s new music hits and she comes down to make the save with a Superkick Party and Codebreaker for Tessa. It was only a 20 seconds, but Allie looked better than I’ve ever seen her. 

2 on 4 Handicap Match: Leon Slater & Moose vs The System w/Lish

Leon and Cedric start, The System tries to mess with Leon early on, but Leon tags out quickly, Moose takes everyone out, stumbles a little on his Kip Up, but the brawl with Bear Bronson is what we want to see. Myers tries to Spear Moose when he’s distracted but Moose side steps and Myers hits Bronson. Cedric Dives, Moose catches him and Powerbombs him into Bear and Myers. Eddie cuts off Moose but Leon flies over the corner for that everyone waits in a corner spot.

Moose hits Lights Out on Cedric back in the ring but Myers makes the save. Moose gets clipped with the Boston Knee Party thanks to the handicap aspect. Cedric tags out to Bear and Bear mocks Moose’s trucker pull taunt. The crowd fires for Moose so he pops up, Chops, Sunset Flip, but Bear sits on Moose for two!

Eddie gets tagged in, tries to light up Moose with Chops but just pisses him off. Moose turns the tables but then eats the turnbuckles missing a charge. Eddie tags in Myers, Sole Butt from Myers keeps Moose down, Cedric tags in but the System do the Japanese Heel stable thing of the locomotion corner spot. But Moose erupts out of the corner and takes everyone out. Tags out to Leon, Leon throws kicks, Spiderman Rebound Gamengiri, stereo Yakuza Kicks but Bear helps people avoid the High Spot from Leon. Leon keeps the foot on the gas, a few more kicks, Flying Crossbody on Eddie, but only near fall. Eddie thumbs the eye, Blue Thunder Bomb, Elbow Drop from Myers and Frog Splash from Cedric.

Moose makes the save, Eddie dodges the Pump Kick and Moose kills a security guard before hitting a second on Eddie. Leon has counters for everyone else, reverses the Lumbar Check once into a Cradle, but Cedric rolls the Cradle the other way, keeps hold of Leon and hits the Lumbar Check!

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Allie is officially alive again! KC won his match back from injury! Nic is apparently turning babyface while Ryan stays heel, so that’s odd, but also reminiscent of their initial dynamic when we just thought Mokuba was delusional. While the wrestling was nothing to write home about, the show actually kept moving nicely. Lei Ying Lee had a heartfelt promo, Xia avoided a response. Kaz and Elijah are continuing, Daria is doing a great job as the heel GM. Jada also looks great whenever she’s in the ring, she just needs to graduate away from Tasha. Tasha can’t keep up with Jada, and it’s not because Jada is too excited, it’s because Tasha is not a good wrestler.

Ali’s open challenge also allows for fun possibilities. So while it was segment heavy, this was a fun show and aside from being devoid of “quality workrate” matches, it was a good Pro Wrestling episode. Cedric with the main event win is nice too. Look at me…now look at you!

I may not be drunk enough for this show, but maybe it will surprise all of us. The previous iMPACT! episodes have been lame and fairly cringe the last few weeks and Sacrifice was a dud. Now I’m aware that unlike Sacrifice this is a legit PPV, so you can only assume we’ll get better booking.

And yes, I saw the video teasing EC3 coming to Rebellion. So we’ll see what kind of role he plays.

Ratings:

• Countdown to Rebellion: Ryan Nemeth vs BDE: Ryan wins via Hollywood Ending – ** 1/4
• X Division Championship: Cedric Alexander vs Leon Slater (c): Leon retains via Swanton 450 – ****
• Frankie Kazarian vs Elijah: Kaz wins via Roll Up – *** 1/4
• Agent Zero vs Moose w/Lish: Zero wins via Chokebomb – ***
• Hardcore Country Match: ODB, Taryn Terrell & Mickie James vs Elegance Brand w/Personal Concierge & Mr. Elegance: Elegance Brand wins – ** 1/2?
• Nic Nemeth w/Bernie Kosar vs AJ Francis: Nic wins via Danger Zone – ***
• Knockouts World Championship: Lei Ying Lee w/Xia Brookside vs Arianna Grace w/Stacks: Arianna retains via Shining Wizard – * 1/2
• International Championship: Trey Miguel (c) vs Mustafa Ali w/Order 4: Ali wins via 450 – **** – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!
• Tag Team Championship: Bear Bronson & Brian Myers vs The Hardyz (c): Bear wins via Fire/Thunder Driver – *** 1/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!
• World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Edwards vs Mike Santana (c): Santana retains via Spin the Block – *** 3/4

Results:

Countdown to Rebellion: Ryan Nemeth vs BDE

Ryan heels it up hard coming out in Yellow and Black trunks with Steelers logos all over it and a tag line of “Buns of Steel”. 

Since Ryan has been running his mouth about his win, BDE Dropkicks Ryan in the face right as the bell rings. Ryan powders, BDE dives after him, throws him back in, Scoop Slam and Ryan powders again. Another Dive and Ryan can’t get out of the blocks. BDE rolls Ryan back in, Crossbody and Ryan eats it. BDE goes to the top rope again, but Ryan finally connects on a Dropkick to knock BDE off and Ryan starts rocking him on the outside. Brings him back in with some Ground and Pound, into a Rude Awakening, and a near fall.

Ryan keeps him grounded with a Headlock and then a takedown when BDE tries to fight up. BDE does sneak in a kick when Ryan telegraphs the Backdrop, corner to corner kick, splash and a Clip Cutter connects! Only a two count though! BDE looks shocked but Ryan manages a DDT to give himself some space. BDE with an Enzuigiri, repositions Ryan, hits a Frog Splash, but Ryan powders and then throats BDE on the Top Rope. BDE is staggered, Hollywood Ending! The Baby Brother actually wins again!

X Division Championship: Cedric Alexander vs Leon Slater (c)

Cedric goes for some early attempts at mat wrestling. Standing switch, attempted leg pick, but Leon kicks him off. Cedric whips Leon into the ropes, Springboard Back Elbow into Yakuza Kick to clear Cedric onto the floor. Leon tries a Plancha, but Cedric side steps, tries to throw Leon into the steps but he jumps the steps and leaps at Cedric. Cedric retreats back into the ring but Leon flies to the top of the turnbuckles and hits a Crossbody for a near fall. Leon Chops Cedric in the corner, into the 10 Count Punches, but Cedric slips it at 10, tries to pull him into a Backdrop, but Leon fights off, rope assisted Leg Drop. But Cedric hits a nasty Flatliner from the outside in over the ropes. Leon is reeling on the apron, Cedric hits and STO and then Backbreaker onto the apron. Leon is selling like he got a stinger, and Cedric then snaps off a German Suplex to put more focus on the back and neck.

A bit of a back and forth, Cedric Snapmares Leon forward and then Dropkick to the back of the neck before just punching him a few times while he’s down. Cedric taunts at the crowd, Leon hits a Wrecking Ball Dropkick but Cedric catches him with another German Suplex for a two count. Cedric with a Chin Lock, rains down elbows right into the stinger area and tries to keep Leon grounded. Leon tries to fire back up, but a Standing Switch into Eye Gouges, and Leon is disoriented. Cedric is just open hand slapping the shit out of him before Leon connects with a Superkick when Cedric gets cocky.

Slater grabs wrist control, Chops and Punches, Cedric tries to whip him off but Leon does the Spiderman Water Wheel Kick. Yakuza Kick connects, Leon gets cocky so he misses the Splash but rolls through as Cedric powders, Leon hits his jump over the post Tope con Hilo. Throws him back in, Destino from Leon! But only a two count! 450 miss, Sole Butt from Cedric, back and forth, Axe Kick to the back of Cedric’s head but Cedric catches Leon with a Michinoku Driver for two. Slater counters Cedric, floats through, tries a Styles Clash, but Cedric slips it, Superkick, Lumbar Check counter! Cedric crotches Leon, hits a Flying Lariat into a Brainbuster for only two! Cedric perches Leon, goes for a Super…Corkscrew Brainbuster into the buckle! Lumbar Check! CEDRIC…over rotates on the cover and Leon gets his foot on the bottom rope!

Cedric stomps Leon out of frustration, walks over to the X Division title, kisses it and brings it to the ring. Leon grabs him though, Styles Clash onto the belt, Swanton 450 and Leon retains out of nowhere.

Good, but could’ve been better if Leon knew how to sell and wasn’t carried by Cedric. Leon doesn’t deserve to break the Austin Aries longest reign, so stop trying to force history. 

Frankie Kazarian vs Elijah

The whole graveyard video segment from iMPACT! was the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen, and I enjoy watching JCW Lunacy. Hopefully the match produces.

Kaz powders quick as soon as Elijah grabs him. Kaz wants the chase, but Elijah doesn’t follow, and hits Kaz with a Big Boot, then lighting him up with Knife Edge Chops around the world style. Each corner gets some action before Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Flying Lariat. Elijah continues to play Around the World with each side of the apron, smashing Kaz’s face into the apron and then hitting the Drive-By Style Knee. Rope Walk, into the clubbing blow on the extended arm. Kaz finally with the up and over, snapping a German and sending Elijah neck first into the buckles.

Elijah powders, Kaz keeps him outside and then hits the Plancha into the Frankensteiner to stay in full control. Slingshot Leg Drop from Kaz, decides for the blatant choke instead of the near fall. Rope Bounce Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz, and Kaz is soaking in the boo-birds. Elijah finally starts to fight back, baits the Leg Drop so Kaz misses and they both need a moment. Elijah goes for a Springboard Forearm, but Kaz grabs the guitar strap and whips Elijah with it. The referee is allowing it, Kaz even says “DQ me then”. After connecting about four shots, Elijah stops it, but then hits his Sole Butt, Back Fist, Lariat combo. Elijah gets shoved into the corner, Kaz works him over and is now trying his own Rope Walk. Kaz taunts too long and Elijah just chucks Kaz across the ring from the Rope Walk.

Both men get up, big Lariat, Kaz rolls over the telegraph, Backstabber, Sliding Lariat, but Elijah catches the Leg Drop and turns it into an Electric Chair Powerbomb for two! Elijah punches in the corner, the referee pushes him back, a little back and forth, Kaz tries to catch him with a Crossbody but Elijah connects his with his Knee Lift. Goes to the floor, grabs his strap and turnabout is fair play. So now Kaz is getting dog walked. Elijah beats him like he owes him money, South of Heaven Chokeslam for two.

Kaz powders but grabs the guitar, Elijah cuts him off and slides Kaz and the guitar in. Kaz pulls Elijah in and Slingshot Cutter connects on the guitar. Elijah fires, Kaz wants the Alabama Slam, but kicks off with the ropes. Elijah tries to use the broken guitar, but the referee takes that, Kaz hits the Low Blow while the referee’s back is turned and Roll Up for the win.

Agent Zero vs Moose w/Lish

Zero dives onto Moose during his entrance, so he shoves Lish out of the way and she’s limping a little. Zero clocks Moose a few times before heading back in, Moose says he’s good to go and immediately turns it around. A few Chops, Plancha onto Zero and Moose sets up a table while the referee counts. Zero cuts off any table ideas, resets the count and now eyes the table for himself. Zero tries the Powerbomb but Moose counters with the Backdrop onto the apron. Moose throws Zero back in, charges with an Uppercut, Zero tries his own charge but Moose Dropkicks him back out of the ring. Moose runs gets caught and Zero Powerbombs Moose into the ring post.

Sizing him up, Zero looks to Chokebomb Moose, but Moose breaks it and they start throwing fists. Lariat collision, Pump Kick from Moose, Uppercut, Moose perches Zero and goes for a Superplex…and connects! Zero kips up and back to slamming into each other. Zero gathers himself on the apron, Moose charges and hits the Diving Spear and drives Zero through the table. Both drag themselves in at 7, go forehead to forehead, and Takayama/Frye hockey fight. Moose gets turned inside out with a Lariat, End of Days from Zero, but Moose kicks out at one. He’s hulking up with the truck horn “Moose” call, blocks a punch, Headbutt, Uranage into a Senton. Moose with his own Kip Up and Warrior rope shake, Zero side steps Moose so he heads outside, Zero Dives, Moose catches Zero mid air and Powerbombs him onto the steps!

Moose throws Zero back in, looks for Lights Out, but The Great Hands show up, Moose kicks Skyler who has a hold of Lish, so they both go crashing and Lish seems hurt. Moose goes out to check on her, and carries her out but Zero hits the Busaiku Knee while he’s carrying Lish. Zero with the Chokebomb into the apron, rolls Moose back in, things look done. Moose is goozled, another Chokebomb and Zero wins.

Overbooked just to have Zero win. Kind of pathetic and Zero wasn’t even smooth in the finish. This dude is the most pathetic “enforcer” to ever exist. 

Hardcore Country Match: ODB, Taryn Terrell & Mickie James vs Elegance Brand w/Personal Concierge & Mr. Elegance

Elegantos bring out signs saying they aren’t Marks and Mickie walks out with a bright orange “Mark Bucket”. This might be cringe, but it has potential to be fun, especially with the Elegance brand looking like Hooters Waitresses. 

Legends cut off ASH mid rant. The legends tear up their signs and all six just start throwing things into the ring. Chairs, Kendo Sticks, Trash Cans, Barbed Wire, Brooms, Stop Signs, a cactus toy…yeah this is ridiculous. Taryn finds a barbie doll or something to jam into ASH’s hip. Trash Cans, Kendo sticks…silly fun crap. ASH starts fighting with the crowd, Love is Blind Ohio people. ASH and Maggie get buckets put on their heads and smashed into each other. Taryn has a slop bucket filled with Lollipops, Heather tries to stop her but Taryn counters and German Suplex into the lollipops.

The Elegance Hooters girls huddle up as the legends throw the lollipops into the crowd and then Baseball Slide into the huddle. Elegance girls throw Taryn and Mickie into the steps, they triple team ODB. Cowbell ties her to the bottom rope. They grab hay bales and a wheelbarrow to try and throw Mickie in, but Mickie counters. Maggie goes flying through the Wheelbarrow, Heather eats hay, Taryn uses a lollipop to stop ASH from hitting them with a Stop Sign. This is dumb fun. ODB finds a little beer cooler filled with Pickles! A Pickle Dick chant starts as ASH gets thrown into the concierge. Mr. Elegance tries to save him, but they hit him in the dick and shove his face in the pickle juice. They start pelting them with pickles, and the legends now surround the concierge. Tarynfinds a Pickle suit! He’s a Pickle Morty!

Taryn flies off the top rope for a wrestling move into the group of bozos. ODB slams ASH, her and Mickie set up a WAZZUP, but Mr. Elegance. He pushes Mickie off the turnbuckle, lariats ODB, gyrates over ODB and she grabs a cattle prod and shoves it into Mr. Elegance’s dick. ASH uses Hairspray to stop ODB, and then all three Hooters Waitresses cover ODB for the win.

This was fun but completely stupid. 

Why are Tommy Dreamer and the loser Carlos Silva on my screen? Oh they are announcing ODB as their next Hall of Fame inductee. I’ll allow it. I still don’t want them on my TV normally though. 

Nic Nemeth w/Bernie Kosar vs AJ Francis

AJ hits a Superkick immediately for two, AJ tries to tune up the band, but Nic dodges. Then Nic dodges the corner splash and hits his own Stinger Splash. Nic keeps trying to cut down the big man, tries the Implant DDT but AJ stop him and throws him to the outside. AJ wants a Down Payment into the apron, but Nic stops it, tries a Flying Forearm but catches a right hand from AJ. AJ walks back into the ring and waits on the top rope for the count out. Nic is reeling but gets back in by 7.

The pain doesn’t stop, splash, a big Irish Whip into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey has AJ walk up on Bernie Kosar and start talking shit. Bernie stands up, but doesn’t get involved yet, even though the crowd wants him to. Nic is getting bodied so far. AJ wants a Down Payment, but Nic fires, a few quick shots, hits the ropes and eats a Big Boot! AJ only gets two, but Nic really hasn’t done much. Nic fights out of the lift, tries to lift AJ himself, but Nic buckles under the weight and AJ gets a near fall. AJ tries to keep Nic down, but he finally comes to life a bit, a few Headbutts rocks AJ, Implant DDT and then Nic hits the 10 Elbows Shots to the Heart. He revvs up, does the John Cena you can’t see me and hits the Attitude Adjustment on AJ!

AJ hits the TFL for an impactful two count, but Nic won’t stay down. AJ is hunting for the Down Payment, Nic stumbles into it but counters it with a FameASSER! Nic climbs the corner, AJ hits the ropes to crotch him, does a taunting Eddie shimmy, Nic fights back, Headbutts are the equalizer for Nic. Nic hits an Avalanche Danger Zone! Slow to cover, but an awesome spot, 1-2-KICK OUT! AJ powders, Nic dives after him but gets caught and Down Payment connects on the floor. AJ taunts in front of Bernie, rolls Nic back in, and keeps talking shit. Bernie gets up as AJ grabs a chair. The referee keeps AJ at bay, ref takes the chair from AJ and then AJ attacks the referee. AJ grabs the chair back, Bernie gets in the ring to put himself between AJ and Nic. AJ and Bernie are gonna have a scrum, but before AJ flattens Bernie, KC Navarro shows up!

KC has AJ distracted, Bernie grabs the chair, hits AJ with it, Superkick, Danger Zone and KC throws the referee back into the ring to count the pinfall! Silly finish, but I’m not mad since KC Navarro is back!

Knockouts World Championship: Lei Ying Lee w/Xia Brookside vs Arianna Grace w/Stacks

Arianna tries to psyche herself up by saying she’s not scared of Lei. They scuffle on the apron and Stacks already tries to get involved 90 seconds into the match. A quick Sweep, a few punches, and Stacks gets involved again.  Arianna tries to take advantage of it, but Lei kicks her away and then hits a Missile Dropkick. Arianna powders, catches Lei when she follows, Stacks YET AGAIN gets involved and Arianna slams Lei into the post. Follows up with a Pump Kick and Twisting Neckbreaker for two. A little ground and pound, Lei tries to Sunset Flip, but Stacks grabs Arianna’s hands so she doesn’t go over. Xia is yelling for the referee to actually do his damn job, and it finally works.

During the chaos, Lei goes for a Roll Up, for two, Open Hand Palm Thrusts, Roundhouse, Sole Butt, Thrust Kick and the 10 Count Downstrikes. T-Bone suplex from Lei, only a two count. Arianna gets perched in the corner, Lei tries to follow but Arianna kicks her off, Bulldog for two. Arianna perches Lei, but Lei shoves her away and Arianna kicks her back. Arianna wants the Superplex but Lei blocks and hits a Blockbuster for two! Lei lifts Arianna for Warrior’s Way but Arianna claws the face, TKO Facebuster from Arianna for two! Then she tries to rip the turnbuckle pad off but it won’t budge, so she grabs the belt and the referee stops her. Arianna has a meltdown, grabs Lei, connects with Warrior’s Way but Xia puts Arianna’s foot on the bottom rope.

Xia attacks Lei while Arianna distracts the referee. Xia throws Lei into steps. The referee is blind as usual, Xia throws Lei back in and Arianna hits her Shining Wizard tot he back of Lei’s head to retain.

Wow, TNA really did absolutely nothing with “Angel Warriors”. You name a team, and do nothing and then the heel turn feels forced and obvious within the match. This is bad booking. 

Eric Young calls out nepo baby EC3. EC3 comes out, the classic Trouble, Trouble, Trouble theme and EC3 has grown his hair out, shaved his face, so he looks like he used to. His promo is a little…awkward but he at least feels more like the EC3 that people fell in love with and not what he became after the WWE flame out, CYN and NWA. 

International Championship: Trey Miguel (c) vs Mustafa Ali w/Order 4

Ali comes out with some kind of Borg, Terminator…something entrance. It’s cool…just not sure what to make of it.

Ali with the Headlock, a few strikes, Shoulder Tackle, Leap Frog, and the rope runs turn into Ali catching him with a Headscissor. Ali tries to talk shit but Trey picks the Headscissor to send Ali to powder. Ali with the Collar and Elbow feint into the Knee Lift. Ali chops, Trey asks for more, eats two more and Enzuigiri rocks Ali. Ali flips over Trey out of the corner, Ali charges, Trey Leap Frogs and Ali eats the middle turnbuckle like only he can! Trey hits the step over con Hilo. Skyler tries to distract but Ali misses the Senton, bounces off the corner and lands on his feet at Trey grabs the Headscissors and spins it into a Destroyer. All of Order 4 distract and get involved. Ali throws Trey off the buckles into an awaiting Tasha who hits the Okurrr. It’s only a two count, but Order 4 is already displaying the numbers game. Ali sends Trey into the corner but he erupts and takes Ali’s head off with a Lariat. Trey wants to continue but Ali counters and turns it into a Roll Through Cutter.

Ali takes a little too long and gets caught with a School Boy, but only for two. Back and forth Suplex blocks, but Ali eventually powers over Trey into a Fisherman’s Suplex Hold, only for two. Ali tries to Powerbomb Trey onto the steps, Trey gets away and lands the Meteora, driving Ali into the steps. Cool spot. Both men limp back in, a few strikes, some rope run, Trey with a Frankensteiner into his Rebound, Standing Switch, German Suplex. Then we get a series of Standing Switches before Ali snaps off a DDT. Rope runs continue as Trey now with a Satellite DDT and near fall. Both just mirror each other, Sunsets, roll throughs, Dropkicks from both. Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Trey counters it with a Stomp!

They jockey for position in the corner, Spanish Fly from Ali! Only a near fall, but that’s expected, neither one of them finish people with that. Ali collects himself, goes up, misses the 450 and gets caught by a Cutter! Ali powders, Trey hits his Kneeslide DDT, back in the ring, Trey connects with Meteora and Ali kicks out! Tasha distracts the referee, Great Hands hit Trey with their entrance helmets, 450 Splash from Ali and ALI WINS!

Tag Team Championship: Bear Bronson & Brian Myers vs The Hardyz (c)

This feels like the perfect way for the Hardyz to lose, since they’re coming off of a table match with The Righteous and the previous attacks from The Righteous. 

Myers grabs the injured left arm, and Jeff just punches to try and detract Myers from doing too much, but even the early tandem offense from the Hardyz, they are selling the injuries. Matt wincing, limping, Hardyz take the early control with Delete Headsmashes and a Side Effect. But Myers powders, Matt tries to pursue but gets caught by Bear. Matt crumples, Myers slams him into the apron a few times, locks in a Heel Hook before tagging in Bear so he can get some free hits on Matt. Bear attacks Jeff, just to cause him to attack and take the referee’s attention.

Bear continues to work over Matt’s ribs, but Matt fires and removes his shirt showing all the tape but doing it to prove a point. Matt tries a Sunset Flip, but Bear blocks and sits on Matt’s chest. Tag out to Myers, Myers cinques in the Bear Hug on the ribs, which you’d think the guy named Bear…nevermind. Myers follows it up with a Saito Suplex and looking for the Spear. But eats a kick and a Twist of Fate. Bear breaks the pinfall, Jeff in incensed, the referee separates everyone. Simultaneous tags to Bear and Jeff. Jeff has the fire, Manhattan Drop, Leg Drop, Low Dropkick and Elbow Drop for two. Jeff is rolling but gets caught by Bear in the Blackhole Slam. Myers hits the Elbow Drop from off screen and Matt has to break up the pin. Double Lariat spot on the outside for Myers and Matt.

In the ring we see Jeff on the mat and Bear is stalking. They start the Fighting Spirit spot, and it makes some sense here, so I’m not as mad as usual. Jeff hits the Jawbreaker, looks for Spinal Destination, but Bear hasn’t submitted yet. Myers eventually breaks it up as Matt is only a few steps behind. Plot Twist from the Hardyz on Myers! Bear is being double teamed, Poetry in Motion? Connects! Matt wants the Twist, Jeff goes up for the Swanton. Shirt comes off, Swanton incoming…but Myers grabs the bad arm and drags Jeff over the rope. Myers takes out Matt, Tandem Fire/Thunder Driver! THE SYSTEM WIN!

World Heavyweight Championship: Eddie Edwards vs Mike Santana (c)

Things start off really slow, tentative lock ups and push offs, a few Arm Drags, look at each other moments. Spin the Block miss, Rolling Buck Fifty Miss, Boston Knee Party misses and Eddie powders out of frustration since they’ve been swinging at the wind. Now they are playing the tough guy thing of hitting each other with Shoulder Tackles. Santana runs through a Chop and drills Eddie causing him to powder again. They chase, Eddie slides in, tries to surprise Mike with the Boston Knee Party but misses. A few Chops from Eddie but Santana with a Lionsault, into a Dive, now a Frog Splash, misses! Flapjack into Tiger Driver from Eddie for two!

Both men roll outside again, brawl for a bit, Mike tries to Spin the Block, but Eddie moves and Mike hits the post. Eddie throws Mike into the steps and takes his time before resetting the 10 count. Eddie with a few strikes into the corner when they get back in, Mike fights back, but when he charges Eddie moves and Mike posts himself. Then Eddie sends Mike across the ring into the other post on purpose. He’s working over the Spin the Block arm.

Eddie keeps pressure on an Armbar, but Mike fights up, a few strikes and a diving Lariat help to give Mike a minute to breathe. Both men are up, Eddie charges, misses, eats a Gamengiri but then Mike eats a Chop. Eddie gets caught in Outlined in Chalk, a Cannonball and Batista Bomb for two! Santana quickly climbs, Frog Splash, but only two again. Eddie gouges the eyes as they brawl on the apron, Eddie jams Mike’s shoulder into the post and then hits a Fisherman’s Buster into the apron! Eddie exposes the floor and looks for another Tiger Driver. Santana blocks the first few times, they go back and forth before Mike catches Eddie with a Spicolli Driver into the concrete. The count gets to 9 and both guys barely slide it and meet forehead to forehead in the middle. Simultaneous Front Kicks and Lariats.

Lish makes her way down the ramp on crutches, Moose’s music hits shortly after and he points to the tron to show up something. Lish was faking the injury, it shows that Lish has been playing Moose the entire time. Myers and Bear attack Moose, Santana Dives onto them, slides back in and Eddie catches him with a Boston Knee Party! But only a two count! Lish tries to throw in the crutch but gets caught, Moose hits Lights Out, 1-2-and the referee screws up the count. Lish was probably supposed to grab the referee, but it wasn’t timed well. Cedric gets caught by Santana, another Boston Knee Party! But Santana still kicks out!

Eddie wanted a PK, gets caught, eats a Spin the block, hits another Boston Knee Party, but Santana powers through and connects with another Spin the Block to retain.

Overall Score: 7.75/10

Well nothing was pure garbage. Even though the Knockouts Title was the lowest rated, the point of the match being to drive Xia’s heel turn made sense. It was just cringe interference from Stacks and Xia’s overdramatic desire to kick him out telegraphed the heel turn. Lish secretly playing Moose was obvious but at least the revealed it in a marginally clever way. The Knockouts 6 Women match was just pure fun, X Division and International were solid work and entertaining matches. Ali winning and The Hardyz dropping the belts after being beat to hell makes sense and is best for business at the moment.

Let’s also not forget the Undead Realm moment. Abyss and James Mitchell was surprisingly sweet and poignant. It was nice to see them do “DOOMSDAY” one more time. EC3 also looking like Ethan Carter III and trying to get that old swagger back was nice. But hell, my expectations were low, but this was a really good show. Not quite at the “Show of the Year” level, but definitely a impressive and big time vibe to really draw some excitement for the next two months of programming before Slammiversary.

Oh and KC NAVARRO is back! Fuck yeah boys and girls! Catch your blessings!