Nemeth retains after a well paced and fantastic Iron Man Match and Zachary Wentz is X Division Champion and riding high off his No Mercy win over Wes Lee. The System got rebooted at the expense of Joe Hendry’s team, and well, Hendry was 0-2 last week with the cheap shot causing Ethan Page to retain.

Some of the bigger questions after Emergence are: 

What the hell are they gonna do with Joe Hendry?

What exactly does JBL want with his end of show appearance?

Are they finally burning the Knockouts Tag Belts with gasoline?

Let’s find out if we get any answers to those questions!

COMING SOON…..

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— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 6, 2024

Ratings:

• Kushida vs Laredo Kid: No Contest – N/A
• Kushida vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via C4 Spike – **
• Open Challenge: Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Karmen Petrovic: Jordynne wins via Juggernaut Driver – ***
• The Good Hands vs Zachary Wentz & Speedball Mike Bailey: Wentz wins via UFO Cutter – **
• Eric Young vs Jake Something: EY wins via Piledriver – **
• Moose & JDC vs Joe Hendry & Mike Santana: Moose wins via Lights Out – ***

Results:

The System opens the show with JDC and Masha in tow, Lish is in a decorative neck brace selling the injury with style. They’re getting very loud boos as Lish hits the “Do You Wanna Know Something”. Victory Road is apparently turning into an Always Sunny episode; ‘The Gang Remembers they have Rematch Clauses’. Moose references Wade Barrett as a “Britsh Lad” when he drops a Bad News line. He also tells JDC that if they win the tag match against Hendry and Santana then JDC is in, but if they lose, he’s out. 

Lish does say that she’s under concussion protocol and could find a suitable replacement if she’s not cleared. Spitfire comes out, Dani Dumptruck is looking like the whole ass entrée that she is. Victory Road will be Spitfire versus DeMalish, but if Spitfire lose, they break up. 

Kushida vs Laredo Kid

They both try to grab limbs but they counter wrestle and avoid in more of a Japanese Junior style. Kushida had Laredo Kid grounded with a Wristlock of sorts, but Laredo fights back to his feet, runs Kushida around, causes him to powder. Laredo looks for a Dive but slides in and cuts off Laredo sending him to the outside. Kushida goes for a Dive and Laredo hits the Mirror Move like a classic Pidgeot.

But before we can get any more Cruiserweight action, Josh Alexander hits the ring and starts leveling both men. C4 Spike for Laredo and Ankle Lock for Kushida. Security gets Josh to leave, Josh says its his house he does what he wants but Kushida grabs the mic and says “Ring bell ring bell, me and Josh, do it!”. I wrote it out, since he actually said it in English, so it shows he is practicing.

Josh ignores the demand and tries to walk away but Kushida collects him with a Dropkick and throws him into the ring as the bell rings.

Kushida vs Josh Alexander

Kushida lays into Josh with a few strikes but then we hit the commercial break.  Off the break Josh tries to Shoot on Kushi, but Kushi moves, wrestles for positioning and hits a German Suplex on Josh, stomps in Josh’s fingers and hunts for the Arm Bar. Josh manages to roll out and drag Kushida with him, break the hold and walk off a bit. Kushida follows, looks to keep on top of the arm, but Josh rams Kushida into the apron, and then uses his shirt to choke Kushida before the referee takes it away.

Josh throws a few Knife Edge Chops and Kushida walks forward trying to ignore the pain but gets dropped on the fourth chop, classic Backbreaker into a 2 count. Josh hooks in a Headlock, but Kushida fights back to his feet. Knee Lift from Josh, rope run, but Back Fist, Baseball Punch into Pele Kick…but Josh grabs the foot and looks for the Ankle Lock! Kushida counters out of it, gets Josh off balance and looks to aim for the Hoverboard Lock, but Josh fights through it and turns it into a Brainbuster. C4 Spike attempt, Kushida with Cradle counter for 2, Baseball Punch is blocked, Kushida gets thrown into the corner, Josh drives his knee into the focused ankle, Ankle Lock! But Kushida doesn’t tap, and Josh just decides to go for the C4 Spike.

Kushida’s pride caused this match after he was already dinged up, so Josh winning in a fairly dominating fashion isn’t crazy. But they quickly go to Kushida being helped back, Hendry is there since Kushida is in a bad way, so Hendry and Josh have a few words. I guess that’s where we go with Hendry for the interim.

Open Challenge: Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Karmen Petrovic

Arianna Grace comes out first, to say she’s the NXT liaison, which makes sense because she’s Santino’s shoot daughter. I don’t know a ton about Ninja Barbie, but I’m not mad.

Karmen starts with a few low Round Kicks, looks for a Sleeper, but Jordynne fights it off. Some back and forth, Back Elbow into Spinebuster from Jordynne for a 2. Jordynne works her into a corner, Karmen tries to fight out with a Back Kick, but Jordynne catches her, Electric Chairs her, but Karmen rolls through and looks for a Triangle Choke! Jordynne keeps Karmen in that position and stands up with her in Electric Chair, just to slam her back down and make a point. Karmen gets up and Jordynne trades the kicks for Scoop Slams, but Karmen slips a slam and Spinning Back Kick to the back of Jordynne’s head for 2. Jordynne is rocked but catches Karmen, World’s Strongest Slam into a Vader Bomb, but the Bomb is missed. Karmen hits the Down Kick into a Facebuster. A few more martial arts strikes from Karmen before Jordynne gets annoyed and pulls out a Gonso Style Powerbomb for 2.

They work to the corner, Karmen with a few High Snap Kicks, pulls her out with her heel, Spinning Heel Kick rocks Jordynne. A few low Axe Kicks, then some short Side Kicks but Jordynne connects with a Spinning Backfist and Polish Hammer drops the NXT wrestler. The fight up to the top rope, Karmen fights her off and Crossbody drops Jordynne, Karmen was setting up for what I can only assume it her finish, but Jordynne ducks it and Juggernaut Driver allows Jordynne to retain.

Lights go out and a pillow is in the ring next to Jordynne. Wendy Choo is marking her target? 

Sounds like ABC will challenge First Class NEXT WEEK on TNA iMPACT! @The_Ace_Austin @DashingChrisBey @KCwrestles @AJFrancis410

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— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 6, 2024

Zachary Wentz comes out to just say how happy he is that he won, Speedball’s music hits and he walks out to congratulate Zach. Victory Road is rematch clause the Musical. Bailey does the babyface rematch before the Good Hands walk out to sour to environment and then Skyler distracts them on the mic while Hotch hits them from behind. Referee Paige runs out and says Santino is making another impromptu match.

The Good Hands vs Zachary Wentz & Speedball Mike Bailey

Santino doing good work with the random matchups, after the match is made official, Wentz and Speedball clock the Good Hands and send them to powder while they take off their shirts and pose before a tandem Dive. Good feelings don’t last super long since The Good Hands take enough shortcuts and go for classic tag team methodology to isolate Bailey early. Bailey connects with a few kicks and tries to get to his corner, but Skyler tags in and takes out Wentz. They go for some misdirection, Hotch looks for his Rolling Neckbreaker but misses, Bailey Back Body Drops Skyler onto Hotch and then Backflip Knees on the stack! Wentz gets tagged in and easily treat Skyler’s face like hackysack. Bailey lands a Golden Triangle Moonsault and handles Hotch on the outside, locomotion cradles on the inside, Skyler tries to hold the ropes but Bailey hits a Jumping Snap Kick to kick the hands away, UFO Cutter, and Wentz wins!

.@therealestwendy and @WeAreRosemary unleashed chaos this TUESDAY on @WWENXT! Is @JordynneGrace next?!

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— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 6, 2024

Steph De Lander walks out to get to the bottom of things with Cardona. Cardona starts off saying he owes her an apology, says sorry, but of course the rub is that he’s sorry he didn’t interfere earlier. Calls her an embarrassment. She says she’s not his property and he produces a piece of paper saying that, but in fact, he does own her. Runs down a bunch of ways he’s helped her and did everything for her and she owes him everything. She stands up for herself, but Cardona doubles down, gets in her face and goes full toxic parent or baseball coach. Steph looks about ready to cry as she’s backed in a corner, but PCO’s music hits and he comes out to do something, Cardona hides behind SDL and then runs away.

Eric Young vs Jake Something

Jake comes out and manhandles EY early on, big Body Drops, Lariats, Suplexes, Sitout Powerbomb, but EY kicks out. Jake is already annoyed and this is just his character having building frustration with all of his loses the last 4 months. Every time EY kicks out or moves, Jake gets pissed. He feeds EY into the corner, EY does the Flair Flip, Shoulder into the gut through the ropes, Five Hole Slide, and then a few Discus Forearms give EY some momentum. EY goes for the DVD, but Jake fights out, big Vader Hammers, Polish Hammer, Irish Whip but as Jake goes into the air for the Thesz Press, EY catches him and Death Valley Driver!

Only a two count, EY goes for the Macho Man Elbow, Jake cuts him off, looks for Into the Void but EY dodges and snaps off the Piledriver for the win! EY tries to bury the hatchet with a handshake, Jake shakes his hand and then after about two steps he gets pissed off and attacks EY. Into the Void! Jake looks to keep on him, but Maclin makes good on his respect and runs out for the save.

Moose & JDC vs Joe Hendry & Mike Santana

Hendry hits his intro and Santana decides to attack The System from behind as they’re distracted. Holding the ring early for Hendry and Santana, but then Josh walks down the ramp to take a seat next to his wife. See it’s totally legit.

Some early typical tag team pacing, but then the crowd favorite team goes for some quick tags, tandem offense, stereo 10 Count Punches Spot with the crowd counting along. This match has really been all Santana and Hendry, which bodes annoyingly for me, since as I said in my Emergence review, they aren’t the type of heel team that should be feeding for the 4 minutes of a match and then come back after dirty tactics. Speaking of which, JDC goes for the Eye Gouge then slaps on the Headlock and tags in Moose. Moose turns the energy up runs over Hendry a bit, but, then Hendry fires Sack of Shit into the Stalling Suplex.

Moose powders, Hendry looks to chase after him, but Lish steps in the way and it allows JDC to attack him from behind. Moose beats on him, tags back in JDC and Dango gets some solid offense in. Locks in a Guillotine Submission, Hendry looks to be fading but he powers up and Suplexes Dango, simultaneous tags! Moose and Santana square off, Santana with Chops light up Moose’s chest. Then Santana keeps up the offense and drives Moose’s face into the turnbuckles 3 times, Moose tries to turn the table on the fourth but Santana has all the fire. Clocks Moose, takes out JDC with a Draping DDT, lets Moose run him into a corner but dodges the buckles, Moose bounces out, hits the Rolling Buck Fifty! Hendry tries to fire the crowd but exchanges words with Josh Alexander. Josh hits the Low Blow on Hendry and rams him into the post. Santana with the Shot of Caffeine to connect with Josh! The System takes advantage of the extra help and distractions, JDC hangs up Santana in the ropes, Moose kicks him, lays him out, Lights Out! System wins and JDC is officially in The System.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

A few of the Emergence answers were answered and some new ones arose. Like is the Wendy Choo angle just a set up for Tuesday on NXT or will it be extended? Is Josh gonna just be playing gatekeeper for the main event? What would wrestling do if rematch clauses weren’t a trope?

You know simple questions.

But in all seriousness, since Victory Road is next week, its not like anything complicated can be set up. So rematches and simple blow off angles are definitely logical enough to get through the event before Bound for Glory build up.

So I obviously missed the announcement prior to the yesterday’s article, but TNA are doing away with their YouTube “Insiders” package to watch the weekly iMPACT! episode. That probably explains why the YouTube versions have had commercial cuts the last few weeks. I find it hilarious that every time TNA gets momentum with Digital Media avenues to watch their product, they run away from it. Twitch was a way for the show to stay relevant during the Callis/D’Amore initial reign, now they are making it so you can only watch the show on AXS or their app. Given the fact that cable is getting less and less relevant, and everything becoming an 8-15 dollar streaming service…you are really pigeonholing your audience. If lame storytelling and booking wasn’t already killing some of the resurrection hype; further limiting how people can watch won’t do any favors.

With all that said, I’ve been fairly uninterested in this show. So I’ll cover the Countdown stuff hoping that something happens to make me start caring or seem interesting for a story.

Ratings:

• Countdown to Emergence – Frankie Kazarian vs Kushida: Kaz wins via Fade to Black – ** 1/2
• Countdown to Emergence – Digital Media & International Heavyweight Championship: PCO (c) w/SDL vs Shera: PCO retains via PCO-Sault – (-*)
• X Division Championship: Ultimate X Match: Speedball Mike Bailey (c) vs Zachary Wentz vs Riley Osborne vs Hammerstone vs Jason Hotch vs Laredo Kid: Zachary Wentz wins!! – *** 1/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!
• Steve Maclin vs Eric Young: Maclin wins via Jacknife Cover – ***
• Masha Slamovich, Alisha Edwards & ASH by Elegance vs Dani Luna, Jody Threat & Jordynne Grace: Jody wins via Pop Shove It – * 1/2
• TNA World Tag Team Championships: First Cla$$ (KC Navarro & AJ Francis) vs The ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) (c): ABC retain via Small Package – ** 3/4
• The System (Moose, Brian Myers, JDC & Eddie Edwards) vs The Hardyz, Joe Hendry & Mike Santana: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4
• TNA World Heavyweight Championship: 60 Minute Iron Man Match: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Josh Alexander: Nemeth retains 3-2 – *****

Results:

Countdown to Emergence – Frankie Kazarian vs Kushida

Match not really born out of much beyond the Ultimate X qualifier and Frankie heeling it up after his loss.

Back and forth early on, Shotei from Kushida, but Kaz shrugs it off Scoop Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop for an early 2. Kushida tries to fire back with Chops after the kick out, but a Drop Toe Hold into the bottom buckle stops Kushi. Irish Whip, Kushida tries the Up and Over, Kaz catches him, tries the Fade to Black, but Kushida slips it and they start vying for position. Kaz locks in a Headlock and goes for the heel slow down the High Flier thing, but Kushida raises up, works to the corner, Flatliner into the buckles from Kushida gives him an opening. Whip, into Arm Drag, Cartwheel Dropkick and Kushida starts hunting for a Hoverboard Lock, but Kaz fights it off and they start countering into submissions a few times before Kushida connects with an Enzuigiri. Kaz slowly stands up, Kushida tries the Back Handspring Elbow, but Kaz catches him with the Backstabber into the Chicken Wing. After a little bit in the hold, Kushida finds a way out, rolls back, turns it into a Prawn Hold but Kaz kicks out. As he comes up, he eats a Tanaka Punch for his troubles. Kaz powders, Kushida follows and falls victim to the Guillotine. Kaz goes to the top rope, Kushida cuts him off, tries the Avalanche Hoverboard Lock but Kaz slips it and runs to the outside. Kushida with the dive and slaps on the Hoverboard Lock on the outside as the referee breaks it apart. Kaz runs into the ring, Kushida follows as the ref fixes the ring skirt, Kaz kicks the middle rope to Low Blow Kushida on the way in, and Fade to Black gives the King the win.

So we find out that even though First Cla$$ has a title shot, Rich Swann can’t compete. So KC Navarro is the fill in First Cla$$ member. I do enjoy Navarro’s work, but I find it odd that he’s the TNA fill in guy when something goes sideways. 

Countdown to Emergence – Digital Media & International Heavyweight Championship: PCO (c) w/SDL vs Shera

Cardona chose…Shera? Really? Give me a break, I still remember when he was the dancing job boy and every subsequent incarnation may dance less but ends up jobbing just as much. 

PCO attacks Shera before his entrance is even finished. Good, end this quickly, no one wants to see Shera. Shera is just Indian Jake Something, he looks impressive but he’s booked to look more useless than diet water (look it up, its a thing). Shera mouths off to SDL, this makes PCO charge at him, he moves and PCO stops himself from colliding into his bride. So Shera has the advantage, but it’s just punches, Spinebuster, punches a weird running Elbow and oh look…stomps. Shera has the moveset of a create-a-character with an overall of 6. PCO sits up, Corner splash, DDT and then Shera powders and PCO goes for his Middle Rope Cannonball, but its a little short, but Shera sells it like it hit and PCO gets up. So at least no one is hurt.

PCO puts Shera on the apron, hits the Deanimator, and SDL seems to enjoy PCO’s masochistic moveset. Shera is rolled in, PCO and SDL play to the crowd, then the slowest set up for the PCO-Sault ever, but Shera still doesn’t move and retains. Awful match, plodding pace, missed spots, slow spots and an awful “surprise monster” with Shera. Felt like a classic carny bait and switch.

X Division Championship: Ultimate X Match: Speedball Mike Bailey (c) vs Zachary Wentz vs Riley Osborne vs Hammerstone vs Jason Hotch vs Laredo Kid

Dive happy Dive time to start with, runs around, Hotch ends up getting the final dive and the crowd responds well for him. He’s definitely the most talented of the Good Hands and this could be a start to his solo career. Hammer gets in and shoves Hotch into next week, Bailey tries to chop down the Hammer tree but he absorbs the kicks and rocks Bailey. Little back and forth, Bailey Low Bridge but Hammer lands on his feet, Bailey tries a Plancha, Hammer catches him and just throws him through the middle rope. Everyone starts getting involved and we get an apron side Tower of Doom that lands on Hammerstone.

Back in the ring, Riley is on the top turn buckle to try and climb but Wentz cuts him off and hits an Avalanche Cutter! Wentz starts climbing the truss, Bailey meets him and then Hotch and Hammer try to pull them down, but their kicked away. Wentz and Bailey brawl, a few good kicks from Wentz sends Bailey Moonsaulting into the pile of people. Wentz starts his crawl and the others recover and work across the ropes to stop Wentz. Everyone is up there, car crash knocking each other down and Hammer is the last one hanging. He tries to reach the belt with his free hand but gets pulled down by the smaller guys. It’s like Piranha engulfing a Shark.

Bailey goes on a kicking spree to everyone but Wentz meets him with kicks and rocks Bailey with the Handspring Knee Lift. Wentz powders, Hammer Belly to Belly Suplexes Riley to the outside on Bailey and then throws Laredo into the pile of people. Hammer poses, looks to climb but in comes Hotch with the Low Blow! Has Hammer on his shoulders, Torture Rack Bomb! Laredo Kid recovers and cuts off Hotch. Laredo with the Frankensteiner, Riley sneaks to the cables, Hammer, Laredo and Hotch are in the ring to stop him, Laredo swings him and Riley hits the Shooting Star ala AJ Styles!  Bailey connects with Ultima Weapon on Riley, Wentz and Bailey crawl across opposite sides. Bailey’s leg strength helps him survive Wentz’s attacks, but Bailey does the silly thing by trying to attack with his legs and Wentz kicks his hands away, Bailey falls and WENTZ FUCKING WINS! WENTZ IS X DIVISION CHAMPION!

Aside from my obvious bias for the Wentz winning, it was a solid Ultimate X match. They’re supposed to be spectacles, the call back with the AJ Shooting Star spot and making history with the first signed WWE Wrestler involved in the match is very cool. It was the correct match to kick off the show with.

Steve Maclin vs Eric Young

They stare at each other for about 30 seconds, go for a Collar and Elbow, then shrug it off and glare at each other. The spot repeats a few times, and it’s a solid tension being expressed in the early going. Going as far to trade similar strike spots until EY drags Maclin’s face across the top rope and Maclin fires through it and connects with an Angle Slam. Maclin whips EY, Flair Corner Flip, Maclin tries to cut the walk off but EY pops him, Five Hole slide back into the ring and clocks Maclin leading to a Death Valley Driver. EY looks for the Moonsault, but Maclin crotches him, then Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs for 2! Maclin really focuses on EY’s back, Back Breaker, Clubbing Blows to the back, another Tree of Woe and a second Caught in the Crosshairs! They stand up, trade right hands, but Maclin seems to get he best of things, whip into a rope run from both and mirrored Crossbody spot.

EY says come on, puts his hands behind his back and lets Maclin reel back and level him. EY fires up, Maclin puts his hands behind his back and gets rocked. This is a Western Fighting Spirit spot done correctly. Maclin fires they go nose to nose, Hockey Fight, Busaiku Knee and EY powders. Maclin goes for the SCUD and eats ramp instead! Thrown back in, EY tries for the Macho Man Elbow but Maclin cuts him off. Avalanche KIA attempt, a bite and punch say no, Macho Elbow! Tries the Piledriver but Maclin drivers EY into a corner, off the ropes EY catches him in Piledriver position, Maclin fights it off once, but EY tries again and connects! It takes EY a half second too long to go for the cover and Maclin kicks out. Piledriver attempt again, but Maclin Double Legs EY and Jacknife Cover… MACLIN WINS!

Now EY knows how it feels to lose to a flash pinfall. Serves him right. EY mean mugs Maclin the whole time, grabs him up to his feet and – extends his hand. The two shake hands and EY walks away. 

Masha Slamovich, Alisha Edwards & ASH by Elegance vs Dani Luna, Jody Threat & Jordynne Grace

Bell rings, all six brawl, heels are thrown out and the babyfaces go for dives. Jordynne looks like she’s prepping her dive, but Lish seems knocked out and Jody and Dani let Jordynne and the ref know, the docs are out tending to Lish on the apron, but there was no X thrown. Tommy does end up carrying Lish to the back, while Spitfire and Jordynne go for a triple Hart Attack variant. ASH and Masha do a good job at fighting through the now Handicap match, and still doing hell spots. Jordynne does manage to hit the Kinniku Buster on Masha, but ASH breaks up the pin. Jody tags in, Pump Kick sends Masha to the middle rope to set up for Jody’s Double Knees + German Suplex spot. Masha does manage to hit a desperation T-Bone Suplex sending Jody crashing into the corner and tags in ASH. ASH with a few Facebusters, Rarefied Air attempt, but Jody moves, Dani and Jordynne take out Masha and Pop Shove It pins ASH.

Lish’s injury obviously made things weird, but its a worthless match anyway. Jordynne beating ASH yesterday doesn’t give ASH any real claim and the tag belts are a waste of match time. 

TNA World Tag Team Championships: First Cla$$ (KC Navarro & AJ Francis) vs The ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) (c)

AJ tries to go for the Test of Strength with Ace since he’s bigger, but Ace just slaps him, AJ Scoop Slam and Ace tags out to Bey. Bey tries a few things to work AJ down, but AJ shrugs him off, Bey catches him with a Gamengiri, chuckles and tries to play the speed versus power thing…but AJ stops Bey with a big Shoulder Block. KC gets tagged in, drops Bey and rips his shirt off and plays to the crowd. Bey slowly gets up and Chops KC across the now exposed chest. So a little bit of a comedy shock spot, but then we get solid Cruiserweight action.

Bey counters a Lariat from KC, catches it, grabs him around in and drops the Backbreaker, tags in Ace and get a little tandem MCMG and Hardyz flavored offense in there. Poetry in Motion, Drop Toe Hold on KC, then Double Foot Stomps. AJ tries to finally get involved, Bey shakes him off, KC tries to take advantage of the distraction but Bey moves and KC dives into AJ’s arms. KC eventually takes advantage of all the chaos, AJ tags in, and chants of “you can’t wrestle” seem to rattle AJ a little. Power moves from AJ but Bey counters a Powerbomb and they both tag out. Ace and KC go back and forth. AJ tries to swipe Ace on the apron, but Ace has his classic counter offense, works back into the ring, stops a Satellite DDT from KC  and a Brainbuster stops KC. AJ comes in and Ace manages to lift AJ after an early struggle into a Front Slam. Ace tags in Bey, Back Drop/Diving Lariat combo, but AJ breaks the pinfall. ABC tries to Double Suplex AJ, but AJ counters it and Suplexes both members of the smaller team. AJ looks for the Down Payment, but Ace Missile Dropkick stops that, Art of Finesse attempt from Bey, AJ grabs him and hits the Down Payment, goes for the cover, but KC hit a blind tag that AJ wasn’t aware of. KC thinks it’s locked up, goes to pin Bey and Bey Small Package Roll-Up for the win!

The System (Moose, Brian Myers, JDC & Eddie Edwards) vs The Hardyz, Joe Hendry & Mike Santana

Okay, Hendry does a Mash Up of his entrance song and the Hardyz, and they come out together. So Hendry gets a big potentially viral moment of getting the rub from The Hardyz. 

The System take their sweet time starting the match, Moose looks to start, but when Santana shows to start for the faces, Moose tags out to JDC. JDC gets bounced from corner to corner just for the hell of it and the crowd is enjoying it. JDC gets up just to eat a Hip Attack. Santana goes for 10 Count Punches, JDC pushes him off around 6, System members try to get involved but Santana is in control. Back Body Drop on JDC, tags in Matt Hardy with a chorus of Delete chants. Santana is offered the Poetry in Motion spot, Jeff says its cool, then Jeff comes in for his now “I’m old so it’s a Splash version”. It took a while but JDC rams Matt back to the System corner and Eddie tags in. So finally JDC gets a chance to breathe.

Matt turns the tables on Eddie, tags in Jeff and starts some double team kicks and the tandem Suplex, Hendry hops in, Stereo Suplexes with the Hendry assist. Hardyz and Hendry do the Hendry turn to the camera. Very memeable, and stupid, but amusing. Santana tags in, and then The System finally remember they’re allowed to do stuff to. Knock off all the faces, but Santana fights off the entire , throws them outside, Escalara into a Senton onto the pile of System members. Matt tags in as the faces are recovered, Eddie is reeling but eventually tags in Moose and System start a few quick tags to isolate Matt. Myers comes in, runs his mouth to Matt and gets a Neckbreaker for his trouble. Jeff tags in, Manhattan Drop, Double Leg, the Leg Drop into Elbow, most of the System comes in and Jeff takes them out with a Whisper in the Wind. Twist of Fate on Eddie, calls for the Swanton but JDC interrupts and then Myers knocks Jeff off the top.

There is a Davey Richards chant going on, and I’m not mad at it. I’d like to see Davey back. Jeff rolls back into the ring, Myers keeps on him, tags Eddie in and Jeff looks dead. Eddie tags out to Moose and Moose is just gouging at Jeff’s face and grinding in the control. JDC gets tagged in, and Jeff is getting abused in the corner and then whipped sternum first for a 2. Jeff tries to fight up, but JDC goes to the eyes and drives Jeff to the System corner. Hendry finally gets tagged in, catches Eddie, Sack of Shit into the corner, Eddie dives and Hendry walks away, another Sack of Shit, Kip Up, Myers tries a Blindside Spear but Hendry moves and  Myers kills Eddie. Sack of Shit for Myers. Moose Pump Kick, goes for his Escalara Cutter, but Hendry just steps back and stands there as Moose crashes to the ground. Eddie finally hits a Double Lariat spot to force a Hendry tag and now we get Finisher Spam from everyone. Lights Out, Twist of Fate, Roster Cut, Swanton Bomb, Falcon Arrow, Standing Ovation on JDC and Blue Thunder Bomb on Hendry, but Matt hits Eddie with the Twist of Fate and MOOSE PULLS HIM OUT! Matt and Moose brawl on the outside, Twist of Fate for Moose. No referee in the ring, Eddie hits a Low Blow, Boston Knee Party, and The System win.

It wasn’t a bad match, just a very slow start making The System look inept reminded me of like 2018 Suzuki Gun booking where they’d look dumb for a while and then eventually cheat to win. Which isn’t the style of faction they were going for initially, so I’m just confused. If The System is supposed to be in the vein of the Four Horsemen or Main Event Mafia…you gotta stop making them look like dweebs early.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship: 60 Minute Iron Man Match: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Josh Alexander

Very slow start as we all knew would happen. Most of us have seen longer matches, either from NJPW, TNA, WWE…they never start fast. So a little mat wrestling, Nic goes for a Abdominal Stretch with a bit of a twist, when Josh breaks it, Nic heads to the ropes to stop Josh from finding a return hold. After the rope break they go back to mat wrestling, gator rolls, hammerlocks and everything. Not really a ton to cover for the first 7 minutes, lots of mat wrestling, Headlocks, attempted submissions but nothing sticks.  The first high spot is Nemeth countering the Headlock, snapping off a Dropkick and then Josh just grabs a foot and goes for the Ankle Lock. There’s a rope run, Nemeth leap frogs but sells the leg, it’s all a bait because as soon as Josh goes for the leg, Nemeth rolls him up and gets the first pinfall at about 12 minutes. Nemeth 1-0

Josh is annoyed at the trick, because Nemeth smirks and bounces around. So Josh drives him into the corner, lights him up Nemeth counters, hits his own chops and then 10 Count Punches that Josh turns into a Power Breaker. Back Elbows, another Back Breaker, and its turned into a few minutes of Josh just landing big strikes and power moves, including the Heavy Irish Whip that Nic takes sternum first into the corner. Nemeth hits a Suplex, then goes for a Stinger Splash but misses. He grabs a buckle pad to stop Josh’s German Suplex, but rips the pad off and eats the Suplex anyway. So there setting up a spot for later, since Josh decides to just wrench back on Nemeth’s neck and drive his knee into Nic’s spine. Josh tries for a pinfall, but Nic kicks out, throws a few punches before Josh does the Heavy Irish Whip that Nic eats chest first again.

Stalling Suplex from Josh, and it’s a big stall…like…a clean 40 seconds, but Nic kicks out of the pinfall attempt. Running Knee Lift from Josh puts the brakes on anything that Nic is trying. Josh gets distracted by the USA chant, does a Bret Hart pose, Nic goes for the flash Roll-Up but Josh kicks out of this one. Josh tries to attack Nic on the ropes, Nic ole’s Josh through the ropes and they start Chopping each other on the outside. 21 minutes in, and still only 1 fall, but the pace has been tolerable…the crowd is brain damaged, but the match is still solid. Nic throws Josh into the steps, then nails a few Lariats, shoves Josh back in, fling into the corner, 10 Count Punches, Rude Awakening and his Shot to the Heart Elbows. Josh gets up before 10, Nic grabs him back, Scoop Slam, goes to the top for the 10th Elbow, but Josh counters into a Triangle Armbar, both start locomotion spots for cradles and pinfall attempts, nothing, Nic hits a FameAsser! Still only a 2 count, but the pace definitely spiked. Nic looks for Danger Zone, Josh blocks, big right hand, C4, counter into a Danger Zone! Nemeth 2-0

I do definitely like one person going up by two, but now Nic just hits Splashes, Rude Awakenings, and he is dominating Josh. Nic’s got Josh bend into a Bow and Arrow stretch, but Josh bites the hand and goes for joint manipulation, but Nic throws Josh into the corner, chokes him with the boot, Snapmare, Jumping Elbow for 2! Josh grabs the Ankle out of nowhere but Up Kicks from Nic do the job. Josh is dazed after the Up Kick, Dropkick for 2. Things slow down a little as Nemeth is limping, Josh is dazed, but then Stun Guns Nic on the ropes. Josh slowly picking Nic apart, focusing a standing Achilles Lock on the injured leg. Nic breaks the submission with a finger snap as we get to the 30 minute mark, Josh is starting the Kurt Angle locomotion German Suplexes. Josh hit a number above 10 for the Germans, but then Nic decides to give ’em right back to Josh. Josh hits another German, Nic hits one more, they both get up, turn at each other and fall over.

A little hockey fight, Nic with a Spinning Back Elbow and it knocks off Josh’s head gear. Josh grabs in the Ankle Lock and Nic is trying to crawl to the rope instead of just tapping fast to save the injury. Josh steps on Nic’s neck before he gets to the rope and then drags him back center and grapevines the leg. Nic is trying not to tap and then Army Crawls to the rope, good fake out on the tap since he went Army Crawl. Josh is stomping the ankle and dissecting Nic, but there’s only 20 minutes left and Josh is down two pinfalls.

Nemeth tries some offense, Jumping DDT attempt but Josh launches him into the referee. Ref bump time, the idiot crowd cheers cause now they get tables. This crowd is a clear example of why people think wrestling fans and Southerners are imbeciles. Like sheesh, Double Trouble. And yes I’m filling the time with random musings cause it takes Josh forever and a day to set up the table and drag Nemeth to the apron. Looks for the C4 Spike through the table, but Nic Back Drops him off the apron away from the table. More apron brawling, Josh throws Nic into the ring, Jumping DDT but Josh spins him around and Tombstone for one…two…th…NO! Josh is annoyed, rolls out and grabs a chair. Referee takes the chair, Josh pulls pliers out of his knee brace, clocks Nic with a loaded fist, C4 Spike! Pinfall for Josh! Nemeth 2-1

Josh hits a second C4 Spike and now the match is tied with 15 minutes to go. TIED 2-2

Josh tries to just go for covers for free points, but Nic kicks out twice. Josh grabs him for another C4 but Nic goes around and jumps on his back like a Spider Monkey and tries the Sleeper Hold. Nic has the hold wrapped in for 2 minutes, won’t get off his back, Josh looks to climb the corner and just falls over and they bounce off the apron. It looks bad, but it also looks safe, so I’m not worried. Both are crawling, exhausted and trying to get anything in, Josh finds a burst of energy and Blue Thunder Bombs Nic on the outside. Let’s remember that there is still a table set up and exposed turn buckle. Nic barely beats the 10 count after the Blue Thunder, Josh hooks the arms for a C4 Spike, but Nic fights it off twice, slowly backing closer and closer to the ropes. Big Back Body Drop to the outside through the table! Josh barely beats the 10 count as well, Superkick nope, C4 Spike is connected! 1-2-Foot on the ropes! Both are slowly trying to figure out what to do, they work to a corner, some back and forth from both, SUPERPLEX from Nemeth but the cover is slow so Josh kicks out and there’s 5 minutes left.

Fighting Spirit spot also done well since its been a long and personal match. Josh kicks out the bad foot, Josh drops the straps and EATS A SUPERKICK! Only a two count and there’s 4 minutes left! End Around from Josh once they’re both up and Release German Suplex! Josh Lawn Darts Nic into the exposed turnbuckle! Mocks Nic, steals his taunt and hits the Danger Zone! 1-2-NIC KICKS OUT! 2 Minutes to go! Josh…tries to smother Nic but realizes murder is a bridge too far and just tries the C4 Spike but Nic is fighting it off. Nic counter Back Bridge, 2 count, Josh stays hooked tries the C4 Spike but Nic slips it, shoves Josh Danger Zone and then thinks about it…and steals the C4 Spike for a pinfall! 10 Seconds to go…clock counts down and Josh has no fire left! Nemeth 3-2

JBL walks down the ramp and into the ring. WHAT?! Bradshaw whispers something to Nemeth, Nemeth nods, JBL smirks and walks off. 

Overall Score: 7.25/10

While it was a mixed bag match quality wise, the only match that was abysmal was the PCO match, but I partially blame the dud of giving Shera any more money to wrestle in TNA. We already had Fulton come back, should’ve just made it him, at least Fulton is cool. The Knockouts 6 Person was just worthless, and Lish getting knocked out didn’t help anything. The only thing it establishes is that Masha and ASH could defend the belts if they don’t vacate them since at least they have story connections. But Masha needs to be a singles wrestler again, I need the crazy Russian Sambo Murder Machine to come back.

Aside from those, Wentz winning is awesome, I hope WWE lets him bring the X Division title to No Mercy. Maclin versus Eric Young was better than it had any business being. The System winning was the correct call, filled with meme moments including Hendry and Hardyz, so everyone really won in that match. Of course, the main event was what we all expected. It started slow because it had to go an hour and Nic wanted to prove he could “wrestle” as well as Josh. So the first 15-20 minutes being slow and meticulous makes sense. If you need flips, dives, spot monkey stuff and “work rate” to enjoy wrestling, firstly you’re an idiot…but beyond that, perhaps you should watch gymnastics instead.

Nic proved he was actually a better wrestler than Josh right now. Josh’s two pinfalls came off of using a load fist followed by his finish twice. Nic’s finishes were all professional wrestler and amateur wrestling related. Either Josh lost a step, is so blinded by delusion he just wanted to win at all costs, or some other third option…Josh ain’t who he has been for the previous like 4 years in TNA. This could set up nicely for Josh’s involvement in the NXT title match if it doesn’t end up being a Pete Dunne angle or Trick turning on Hendry.

Either way, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes it started off things well with my boy Wentz grabbing the X Division title and then New Jersey pride with Maclin picking up the win. So the show started well, ended great and there were enough things to make quick angles for Victory Road in 2 weeks. And what the hell did JBL say to Nic?