Andrew’s TNA Xplosion Results & Match Ratings: 2.9.2024

It’s Xplosion Tuesday on YouTube again! Jai Vidal gets some solo action, Jake Something is most likely in line for a momentum match against Shera.

So we know there aren’t a ton of matches, but Around the Ring is entertaining, plus, they have been doing TNA Flashback Moments with showing a solid chunk of the match. I’m curious what throwback we’ll get.

Ratings:

• Jai Vidal vs Laredo Kid: Kid wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/2
• Jake Something vs Shera: Jakes wins via Into the Void – ***

Results:

Jai Vidal vs Laredo Kid

With the now dissolved SHAWntourage, Vidal comes out to his own music…and its kind of a bop. He’s probably losing, but the entrance song is nice.

Jai tries to be cocky early, but Laredo makes him pay at every angle including tying him up in a Figure Four forcing Jai to grab the ropes and then sell the knee to bait in Laredo. Some attempted mask shortcuts and a Hurricane Suplex with a little extra flair gives Jai a near fall.

Working to the corner, Jai tires to keep the momentum but Laredo smacks the taste out of his mouth, ole into the turnbuckle and the Missile Dropkick sends Vidal to the outside. So Laredo follows with a Plancha for a few “Lucha” chants. Michinoku Driver into one, nope two, Corkscrew Elbows for a near fall. Laredo goes to the well too many times, eats some feet, then Jai hits the SLAYmore Kick for 2.

Getting frustrated Jai tries to lift up Laredo, but Eddie Three Amigos gets pivoted into a Northern Lights Suplex Hold for 2. Jai manages to halt Laredo with an Enzuigiri and then just slamming his face into the mat for a 2 count. Vidal goes for the Hurricane Suplex again, but gets stopped and he eats a Laredo Fly for the finish.

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

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1. Jordynne Grace Royal Rumble experience coverage

Gia Miller’s “Around the Ring” interview with Kevin Knight today. Kevin Knight talks about Roller Skating and not being a club guy, but loves to skate. Still boggles my mind that Roller Skating has returned to being in fashion. Kevin Knight pulls out his go to skates, and its kinda cool to learn about a hobby I never got into.

TNA Flashback Moment: The Pope D’Angelo Dinero vs Mr. Anderson at No Surrender 2010, TNA World Heavyweight Championship Semi-Final Match

Now see this was the height of TNA. I miss Anderson and Pope (yes I’m aware Pope works for NWA at the moment, but NWA is trash, so he’s basically dead). I enjoy getting a solid chunk of these classic matches, it’s a nice nostalgia trip for me.

Jake Something vs Shera

Collar and Elbow stalemate that turns into the rodeo around the ring spot. Shera grabs a Headlock but Jake shoots him off and we do a trade Shoulder Tackles spot. They do the big man respect spot and slam into each other, and Jake wins the first volley! Shera feigns the fist bump just to sneak Jake and take some early advantage. Scoop Slam, Rams Jake into the Turnbuckles and then another Scoop Slam for 1.

Shera holds Jake in the air for about 10 seconds on the Stalling Suplex, but only for a near fall. Jake eats a few kicks, fires out of nowhere to Scoop Slam Shera and try to find some space. Shera gets up and pancakes Jake in a corner, immediately stopping any potential momentum. Shera even goes for the Knee Press Choke with the middle rope. Irish Whip into stepping on Jake’s back, Shera pulls him up with wrist control, Short Arm lariats over and over. After eating a few, Jake starts to fire, absorbs 3 more lariats and a huge Discus Elbow cold cocks Shera.

Shoulder Tackle spot revisited, Jake wins again, runs through Shera, Shoulder Block into the corner, Something goes for a Powerbomb but Shera reverses. Both try the goozle for the Chokeslam, they fight each other off, Jake catches Shera with a Flying Press and then turns it into his finish Into the Void, for the win!

Overall Score: 5.25/10

This definitely felt more snack sized than the last few Xplosion shows. Nothing really after the matches to build on current story, just an undercard match and something to help validate Jake Something in his bid against Frankie Kazarian. Not offensive, but nothing really worth talking about either. Seeing the Pope vs Anderson again was definitely a treat, but doesn’t do anything for the current product.

Maybe this is just the obligatory filler episode before the Xplosion Go Home. If most of the Digital Media Championship stuff happens on Xplosion, I think that would be a good use of the gimmick. Xplosion is only seen on TNA+ and YouTube, so having an Xplosion (and PPVs) specific title could be cute.

Either way, make like a 90s kids toy and Skip-It.