As TNA mentioned during iMPACT! last week, Xplosion is back and they revealed how it would be distributed. First on the TNA+ App, and then a few days later it gets loaded to YouTube. I’ve been a YouTube member since they had that as an option, so I’ll be covering based on that upload.

Let’s see how they decide to present this new look, first Xplosion in three years.

.@MustafaAli_X is coming…#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/bX3IXfDwVQ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 29, 2024

Ratings:

• Rhino vs Shera: Rhino wins via Gore – **
• Joe Hendry vs Rich Swann: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4

Results:

#XPLOSION returns as @joehendry faces off against #RichSwann, while #Rhino takes on @MahabaliShera. @MeanGiaMiller sits down with @The_Ace_Austin in a can't-miss #AroundTheRing and more!

WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/zfBrN3uAeU pic.twitter.com/JwVUtALHgH

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 29, 2024

Rhino vs Shera

Well it sounds like Tom and Gia Miller are the announcers for Xplosion. Reminds me a bit of SoCal Val.

Early Collar and Elbow tie ups, with Arm Wringers and Top Wristlocks. So nothing fancy until we go for the Shoulder Tackle power guy spot, which Rhino gets the best of initially. Shera tries to take a few moments after Rhino’s offense with stopping himself and powdering. Rhino follows to the outside and Shera gets chopped, face bounced off the apron and walked around a bit. But Shera finally ducks a Lariat, so Rhino eats post.

Shera rolls Rhino in, Rhino tries to throw a couple hands, but Shera takes his head off with a Big Boot and then works him over in the corner. Shera keeps trying to force Rhino down, Rhino fights up to his feet, but a Headbutt rocks Rhino. After running his mouth too much, Shera catches a quick flurry from Rhino. Rhino gets dropped for a second, but counters Shera’s Turnbuckle move with the ole foot up spot.

Tom mentions their upcoming shows in Philly and just plainly says “Go to Reading Terminal Market if you’re hungry”. And he’s right, that place has literally everything.

Back to the match, Rhino starts his comeback, Shera tries to squeeze the life out of Rhino, ManBeast says no. A few big haymakers, Shera misses on the follow to the corner and then GORE!

Don West, You’ve Got to be Kidding Me! Trending Topics of the week:

5. Maclin Scoring the first win of the new TNA against Rich Swann.

4. The System’s reveal and the inclusion of D’Angelo Williams.

3. Second ever Knockouts Ultimate X Match, won by Gisele Shaw

2. Crazzy Steve winning the Digital Media Championship

1. Nic Nemeth appears at Hard to Kill

Gia and Ace’s interview is very casual and amusing…especially with what we know about their relationship outside of Kayfabe. Ace shows more personality and less being the typical cool guy. Fears, favorite animals and favorite food. So it’s a silly interview, but perfect for Gia. 

Joe Hendry vs Rich Swann

Hendry’s in ring promo is amusing, the crowd plays with, says he’s here to “Kick ass and eat Cheez-Its” and then the crowd pops Hendry by chanting “we want Cheez-Its”. 

Not a ton early, Rich hits a quick Springboard kick to drop Hendry and he dances a little. So Hendry returns a move with a Tilt-a-Whirl Side Slam, into his Chanting Chops, which gets Rich to curse and beep the audio. Stalling Suplex gets Hendry an early 2 count, as Hendry puts him in the corner, another chop and then a big Hip Toss from the corner keeps everything coming up Hendry.

Swann gets thrown chest first into the corner, he bounces out and then powders. Hendry lets him collect himself and then jumps on him once he comes back in. Scoop Slam from Hendry gets Rich down, and a Triangle Arm Choke gives Rich the fire out spot. Sunset Flip Cradle from Swann for 2, Side Slam from Hendry, and another near fall. Swann gets some space, a desperation Lariat, into a Frankensteiner sending Hendry to the outside. Hendry dodges Rich’s Plancha attempt, but when Rich lands on the apron he slips and holds his knee. Hendry takes advantage of the situation, but Rich keeps trying to fight through.

Crossbody attempt from Rich, Hendry catches him, hits the Sack of Shit and goes into the prep for his Standing Ovation finish. Superkick stuns Hendry, into a Cutter for 2. Rich goes to the top, the knee gives out as Rich gets to the top and he crotches himself and falls off the turnbuckles. Hendry drops Swann with a Lariat and then hits the Standing Ovation.

Rich’s injury is obviously going to be a story element moving forward.

Overall Score: 5.5/10

So for only a 40 minute show the likes of what many of us remember as kids; being a recap with a couple undercard matches, it wasn’t bad. Gia’s interview segment was amusing, having a Don West recap segment is nice, and the matches weren’t offensive. Also I really hope the fact that Shera came out without Champagne Singh, means he’s gone from the company. Hot damn was he trash.

So for a cute little Saturday Night’s Main Event style of show, I’m not offended…but it is entirely skippable.