Andrew’s TNA Slammiversary Results & Match Ratings: 7.20.2024

Well things came up on Thursday where I didn’t cover the show, and with the lame build to Slammiversary, I wasn’t really upset. Apparently the event is sold out though, and the largest live crowd in over a decade; so that’s nice. Countdown to Slammiversary had Faby Apache in a 4 Way that was won by the worst person in the match (Tasha Steelz), Kushida gone full Hakushi, came out in the kanji tattoos and even doing some classic Hakushi moves…so Jinsei Shinzaki would be proud. DeMALISH retained the Knockouts Tags and Hammerstone returned just to lose to Eric Young right at the end of the Countdown.

So yeah, the Countdown is a microcosm of TNA since firing Scott, a few cool things and a whole lot of questionable booking. Let’s see if this show makes sense and Joe Hendry leaves as new World Heavyweight Champion!

Ratings:

• Matt Hardy vs JDC: Hardy wins via Hanging Twist of Fate – ** 1/2
• World Tag Team Championship: The System (Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards) (c) vs The ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey): ABC wins via 1-2-Sweet – *** 1/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!
• Mike Santana vs Jake Something: Santana wins via Spin the Block – **
• The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel and Wes Lee) vs No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey, Tavion Heights & Myles Borne): Rascalz wins via Hot Fire Flame – **** 1/4
• TNA Digital Media Championship & International Heavyweight Championship Match: AJ Francis (c) w/Rich Swann & Josh Bishop vs PCO: PCO wins via PCO-sault – *** 1/2 – TITLES CHANGE!!!!!
• TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs ASH by Elegance w/Personal Concierge:  Jordynne retains via Juggernaut Driver – ****
• X Division Championship: Mustafa Ali (c) w/Campaign Singh vs Speedball Mike Bailey: Bailey wins via Sharpshooter & Earl Hebner – **** – TITLE CHANGE!!!
• TNA World Heavyweight Championship 6-Way Elimination Match: Moose (c) vs Josh Alexander vs Steve Maclin vs Frankie Kazarian vs Joe Hendry vs Nic Nemeth: Nemeth wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/2 – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

Matt Hardy vs JDC

JDC walks out with an American flag in hand and American Flag pants, since the show is in Montreal. Matt attacks JDC before the bell, so JDC uses the flag as a weapon and the referee tries to stop him, but since the match didn’t start yet, he can’t really do anything. In the ring, the match officially starts and JDC focuses on the ribs. Sending Matt chest first into the corners, draping him over the ropes, a few stomps to the midsection, and going for old classic heel psychology. Abdominal Stretch, a few pot shots, drapes Matt halfway onto the apron and JDC gets cocky. Goes for his Down and Dirty Leg Drop, but Matt moves. Finally getting in some offense, he pulls JDC into the ring, does the Delete Head Smashes into the buckles, Snap Suplex, Extreme Elbow from the corner! Looks for Twist of Fate, JDC pushes off and into the Side Effect for 2!

Twist again, but JDC rolls with it to counter, Twisting Falcon Arrow! Down and Dirty attempt 2, but Matt crotches him and does a Hanging Twist of Fate off the top turnbuckle! Matt Hardy wins!

Post-Match, he hits two more Twist of Fates on JDC to make a point.

World Tag Team Championship: The System (Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards) (c) vs The ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey)

ABC rocks and rolls early, some fun tandem MCMG style moves and then even a really nice Hart Attack! Myers manages to finally just muscle Bey into his corner and Eddie and Myers smash Bey a few times in the corner to take the wind out of the ABC sails. Alisha cheats a little, Myers and Eddie go to continue the punishment on Bey but he rolls under the move and hits the hot tag for Ace! Double Dumping out The System guys, Bey with a nice Tope con Hilo to wipe out The System. Lish distracts Ace long enough for Eddie to pick his ankle in mid high spot and his face bounces off the apron.

Ace tries to fight his corner, Myers Gator Roll to keep ABC sectioned off and hits his Raven pose before getting back on Ace. Eddie tags in and stays on Ace, Ace nearly gets out of things, but Eddie does a good job corralling him, tagging Myers back in, and Myers goes for the Chinlock to stall. Ace tries a rope run, Myers does his Baseball Slide trip, Assisted Catapult into the middle rope from The System, and it does look nasty. The referee stops Lish from interfering a second time, Eddie keeps slowing down Ace, and Ace tries to go for the rush of adrenaline tag, but Myers distracts the referee and the ref never sees the tag. So Eddie gets control, tags out to Myers and Myers goes for more submissions to wear down the more athletic Ace. Roster Cut attempt, but Ace back pedals, does his lay between the ropes corner dodge, connects on a Triangle kick and now they make simultaneous tags! Bey clears house, Moonsault, into Wrecking Ball Dropkick, Bey goes for another Tope, but Lish climbs the apron and just gets in the way.

Bey chases Lish, Eddie connects with a chop, Myers tries to keep going, but Bey stops him, Eddie goes to trip, Ace comes into play with the apron hand stand shenanigans and kick to Eddie, Myers wants an Apron Spear, but Ace sees it coming, Front Flips back into the ring and Bey connects with a gorgeous Cutter! Ace hits the Fosbury Flop on Eddie, and ABC is cookin with gas! Myers rolls back in, Bey hits the Splash, for 2. Tandem attacks from everyone, System tries the System Overload, but ABC breaks it apart, Spinning heel kick takes Eddie out of the picture, Magic Killer on Myers! They go for 1-2-SWEET but Myers moves and Bey collides with Alisha! In the chaos, Double Art of Finesse on the System members, 1-2-SWEET complete on Myers, and new champions The ABC!

Mike Santana vs Jake Something

The set up for this is awful. Two guys who lost during the qualifiers, look for a chance at “momentum’. So essentially, whoever loses this, is a dweeb who has the least reason to be near the main event. It’s like a 3rd place match in any single elimination tournament. Who wants to be the dork that loses twice?

A little World of Sport start, the ole Shoulder Tackle attempt from the smaller guy, so Jake starts to run him over to prove his power. Santana powders after being knocked out of the sky from a Thesz Press attempt and Jake Dives on him. Jake throws Santana back in, Santana connects on a Wrecking Ball Dropkick and follows that with an Escalara! Jake gets thrown back in, Santana tries to keep Jake down, but Jake finds different ways to fight back to his feet and Santana tries to keep the bigger man on the receiving end. Jake does manage to finally find a burst of power, shoves Santana into the corner and begins to stomp a mudhole in him. Snapping Suplex from Jake for 2, and the crowd seems to be in Santana’s corner. Jake goes for a few charges, but meets Santana’s feet, Up and Over, Enzuigiri, rope shenanigans into Rolling Buck Fifty for a 2 count! Goes back to the well for the Rolling Buck Fifty again, but Jake dodges, Jake tries to jump over him, but Santana catches him on his shoulders, Outline in Chalk! Dumb misstep where Santana posts up in the “wrong corner” so visibly runs across to the other corner for his John Woo Dropkick, into Cannonball. Cannonball attempt 2, but Jake catches him, Deadlifts him twice and finally punctuates with a Sitout Powerbomb. Jake goes to the top rope, but Santana cuts him off, Avalanche German and then they go into a weird Fighting Spirit spot.

Spin the Block ends things after Jake kicked out at 1 from the previous exchange. Too much dumb indie stuff and the corner swap looked beyond stupid.

The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel and Wes Lee) vs No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey, Tavion Heights & Myles Borne)

Smoke ’em if you got ’em. 

Rascalz come out in full Buzz Lightyear gear. Myles starts off with Trey, mostly just Trey finding cute quick counters and dodging. Myles tags out to Charlie, Trey tags to Dez. Charlie and Dez go more World of Sport, and Charlie is on the losing end of a Wheelbarrow Body Scissors taunt, then a Spinning Head Scissors, tag to Wentz and Bronco Buster shenanigans! Tavion comes in and shakes off Wentz, Wentz tries to get cute but Tavion with the release Belly to Back, Pop-up Frankensteiner attempt from Wentz, but just caught and countered into a Gutwrech Side Suplex. Charlie gets tagged in, and works over Wentz. Another Gutwrench into a high Hammerlock. Charlie tries to take out The Rascalz, but they see it coming and drop, Charlie then goes after Wentz, but he uses his speed to get passed Charlie and tags in Trey.

Heights distracts the referee, Borne shoves Trey off the ropes into Charlie’s arms for a release Capture Suplex. Charlie connects on a Saito Backbreaker and then tags in Heights, who turns Trey inside out. Tavion is just throwing his power around, tags in Borne for an Assisted Backbreaker. Borne connects with a sick looking Snap Powerslam into the corner and Trey hits the ropes nasty. Tavion comes back in and throws haymakers. Tavion throws one Haymaker, but Trey Matrix Dodges and Tavion loses his balance, so Trey connects on an Eddy Gordo kick and tags in Dez. Dez does well, until he tries to call for Wentz and the numbers catch up to the currently wounded Rascalz. NQCC triple team Dez and he gets worked over hard. Dez tags in Trey and Wentz comes in too to clean house. Lightning Spiral attempt from Trey on Charlie, but Charlie counters with Dragon Suplex Hold, and Dez hits the Frog Splash to break the pin! NQCC powders, Wentz goes for the Diving Crossbody and they catch him, so Dez comes over for the Tope con Hilo and takes out the pile! Trey goes for an Asai Moonsault on Charlie but Charlie catches him into a Cravat Keylock, then there’s a submission spot where all the NQCC is in control, but the Rascalz eventually counter out and the bodies hit the floor.

Cheeky Nandos, High Post 619, Soup Kitchen, HOT FIRE FLAME! Our Rascalz win the match!

TNA Digital Media Championship & International Heavyweight Championship Match: AJ Francis (c) w/Rich Swann & Josh Bishop vs PCO

AJ and crew come out saying PCO won’t make it because they beat his ass, but it looks like Destro was lurking in the background. So just when they think they get a free pay day…a coffin, monks, Destro, doctors, and a body descends from the sky! Destro and the jumper cables return, and so DOES PCO! PCO even gets his own French entrance, probably from Handsome JF. 

Since its a Montreal Street Fight, AJ attacks with a chair, but PCO absorbs the shots, punches the chair back in his face, Lariats him to the outside, Cannonball to the outside! PCO hits the Deanimator on AJ, and Rich runs over to try and help his buddy. PCO-sault to the outside and wipes out both Rich and AJ. Rich gets in the way, sets up two tables and they look to put PCO through the tables. PCO fights back, takes out both AJ and Rich. AJ makes some space, goes under the ring and tries to find more weapons. So AJ is beating the hell out of PCO with Chairs and Trash Cans, hits his goofy Tennessee Whiskey knee and when he finishes his move, his left leg clips one of the tables and it just looks silly. That would’ve been a hilarious ending to a potential tables match.

AJ is getting furstrated at PCO not staying down, tries to just throw him through the tables, but PCO fights back. PCO levels AJ with a few big shots, goes for the PCO-sault, but AJ puts him in the Electric Chair and drops him into the pile of chairs…only for 2! AJ goes to the top and PCO cuts him off and throws him through the two tables, and the tables explode. PCO needs to tie his shoe first, and Josh Bishop attacks PCO with multiple Chairshots. Sami Callihan shows up, Rich gets the best of him, goes to take out his face with a baseball bat, Rhyno hits the ring and Gores Rich. PCO slides AJ back in, PCO-sault, but AJ kicks out! PCO sets up chairs, AJ claws his eyes, hits a Tombstone with the Undertaker pose, but PCO kicks out. AJ Chokeslam countered by PCO Chokeslam into the chairs! PCO-sault again! PCO WINS!

Steph De Lander comes out dressed as Wednesday, and proposes to PCO! He literally says “Oui”. 

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs ASH by Elegance w/Personal Concierge

ASH goes for an early Roll-Up attempt, but Jordynne kicks out and they mostly feel each other out until Jordynne knocks her down with a Shoulder Tackle, Inside Out Side Slam, ASH tries to avoid in the corner, but Jordynne keeps on her, connects with a Spinebuster for a near fall. The concierge grabs Jordynne’s foot and the referee sees, but Rosemary was in the crowd again, and she comes out to run off the Concierge with a KNIFE! In all of the distraction, Jordynne gets tripped up in the ropes and planted on the outside. ASH tries a Piledriver or Powerbomb on the apron, but Jordynne won’t go, so ASH just hits a Neckbreaker over the top rope. Jordynne tries to fight off, goes for a Corner Leap Frog, but ASH doesn’t feed into it, Jordynne looks confused and ASH hits the Backstabber. ASH tries to turn it into a Sleeper but Jordynne eventually counters with the old Fall Down on the other person. Two labored Scoop Slams send ASH retreating to the corner, Spinning Backfist rocks ASH, Kanniku Buster for 2!

Jordynne catches ASH off the ropes, but ASH turns it into a Satellite DDT for 2! ASH goes for a Suplex, but Jordynne stops it, and then crotches ASH on the top followed by a big Bear Claw Palm Strike. Headbutts from Jordynne have ASH looking bad on top, Stalling Superplex float into Jackhammer…for 2! ASH tries to fight back, but Jordynne lifts her foot and Thesz Press on ASH’s back to just rain down strikes. Juggernaut Driver…NO STUNDOG MILLIONAIRE, into a Canadian Destroyer! Rarefied Air attempt, but Jordynne gets the knees up. Both try to set up things, but ASH hits the Flipping Neckbreaker. ASH goes to try Rarefied Air again, but Jordynne cuts her off. Jordynne tries to pull her face off, ASH bites Jordynne and hits the AVALANCHE SHIRANUI! But Jordynne manages to barely kick out. ASH gets frustrated and peppers some punches and a Senton onto Jordynne’s back and looks for a Half Crab but Jordynne fights out and snatches her real quick into a Rear Naked Choke, but ASH counters into a pin to break the submission. Strike exchange, Jordynne tries a Powerbomb but countered, Juggernaut Driver countered into a Small Package, Pop-Up Spinning Backfist from Jordynne. Kudome Valentine attempt but ASH counters and rolls through it, ASH goes for a kick, Jordynne holds wrist control and connects with the Juggernaut Driver to retain!

X Division Championship: Mustafa Ali (c) w/Campaign Singh vs Speedball Mike Bailey

Ali gets an early Headscissors counter and mockingly does the Crane Pose, and then Speedball kicks him in the damn chest. A little back and forth, Speedball with the Snapmare into a PK between the Shoulder Blades. Speedball let’s him get up, chases him to the corner and out with the Tornado Kick, Ali taunts the all his kicks missed, so Speedball toys with him from the extended Side Kick position. Campaign Singh gets on the apron to distract, so Ali takes advantage. The match becomes more back and forth, Bell Clap from Ali, evasive maneauvers from everyone  but a Wrecking Ball Headscissors into a Triangle Moonsault give Speedball the advantage and he goes to give his wife Veda Scott a kiss, then gets a little distracted with Campaign Singh and security so Mustafa connects with an opportunistic Tornado DDT.

Ali taunts a kiss towards Veda, Rolling Neckbreaker back inside gives Ali a near fall. Ali sinks in a Kneeling Bow and Arrow, the crowd tries to cheer on Speedball, and Speedball is getting a few potshots, but Ali has Speedball in a Gory Backbreaker that he transitions into a Gory Flatliner. Crowd hates Ali, Ali taunts and goes for a delayed 450, but misses, Speedball rushes and misses, Ali tries a Springboard return but Speedball’s educated feet even the playing field. Sole Butt, into Axe Kick, Round Kick to the Chest, Running Shooting Star misses, Ali goes for a Brainbuster but Speedball counters, Falcon Arrow, pops up top, SHOOTING STAR PRESS for 2. Ali powders to the apron, Speedball tries the Double Knees to the chest, but misses on the apron and eats a Thrust Kick to the face for his troubles. Ali goes to the top, Speedball cuts him off, Spanish Fly into Campaign Singh and the security!

Back and forth, Ali Dives, Speedball jumps over it and connects with the Asai Moonsault! Speedball tries Ultima Weapon but Ali catches him with a Rising Knee, Stuffed Dropkick into a Blue Tunder GTS for 2! Ali tries to end things, 450, MISSED! Speedball goes for Ultima Weapon but Ali kicks the ropes to stop him, Avalanche Poison Rana from Speedball! ULTIMA WEAPON!! BUT NOOO Ali’s foot was on the ropes! Speedball’s music even plays for a moment, he tries another cover, Ali kicks out and Crucifix counter for 2! Speedball with a Thrush Kick but Ali ducks and the referee eats the kick! Security and Campaign Singh get involved, belt shot, hold Speedball for the 450! Referee is still dead, another 450! The shove the referee into position and one of the riot gear security pulls out the referee! It was Trent Seven all along!

Seven takes out Campaign and the other security, Mustafa hits the Dive on Seven and takes a chair to the already damaged leg! Chairshot on Speedball and Ali calls to the back and summons, EARL HEBNER! Sharpshooter one Speedball, Hebner is conflicted on doing the right thing or Screw Job 2.0. Speedball Spin Kicks the chair out of Mustafa’s hands it legit clips Hebner and he takes a bump, SPEEDBALL WITH THE SHARPSHOOTER! Ali taps! Speedball wins!

TNA World Heavyweight Championship 6-Way Elimination Match: Moose (c) vs Josh Alexander vs Steve Maclin vs Frankie Kazarian vs Joe Hendry vs Nic Nemeth

Moose has the American National Anthem instrumental snippet before his entrance music. They really steered into the…OH MY GOD HE’S IN A COWBOY HAT! MOOSEQUENCES CREED!

Moose tried to strategize with Kaz, but Kaz bails and everyone beats on Moose until Kaz comes back in and they stop and gang up on Kaz. In typical multi-person fashion, lots of early fall down and pair off stuff. Hendry hits a Stalling Suplex on both Kaz and Moose, the babyfaces are cutting each other off but not taking shortcuts. Hendry Trust Falls Nemeth into Moose and Kaz goes for a Roll-Up, but only for 2! Kaz, Maclin and Josh are in, but Maclin and Josh team up on Kaz. Josh with the Backbreaker set up, Maclin shrugs and accepts the assist on the King Kong Knee Drop. Josh then hits German Suplexes on everyone, but hits 10 Count Locomotion Germans on Maclin in particular, the last on has the bridge, but only for 2! Kaz tries to take the opportunistic moment, but Josh counters, Kaz grabs Nemeth and Josh Double Suplexes the both of them. Before Josh and Hendry go at it, Moose hits a Bicycle Kick on Josh and tries to pick apart Nemeth. Headbutt from Nemeth, Neckbreaker, Dropkick on Josh, and then the 10 Count Elbows from Nemeth but Moose powders at 9, so Nemeth follows him out just to hit 10 on the outside.

Kaz goes after everyone, Slingshot Cutters for all, Moose tries to stop Kaz’s momentum, goes for his Escalara Crossbody but eats the Cutter for 2! Kaz tries the Chicken Wing on Hendry, goes to the corner for a Crossbody but Hendry just moves to the side Samoa Joe style. SCUDs for everyone from Maclin until Josh catches him, Maclin puts him in the Tree of Woe, Nemeth tries to stop Maclin, Tree of Woe Nemeth. CAUGHT IN CROSSHAIRS on Josh, tries for Nemeth but Nemeth dodges and Maclin flies through and hits Moose. Maclin back in, Busaiku Knee on Nemeth, Kaz in the Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs connects, KIA but intercepted with Lights Out from Moose! MACLIN ELIMINATED!

Moose is throttling everyone, Kaz tries an alliance, Moose feigns acceptance but hits an Uranage on Kaz instead of a handshake. Hendry fights out of the corner, but Moose hits the hard Irish Whips. Moose misses the Spear into the corner, STANDING OVA-NO! Jacknife Powerbomb causes Hendry to powder, Nemeth tries a Fame-Asser but Moose counters into a Buckle Bomb. Josh gets propped up, eats the Okada Dropkick into a Superplex, transitioned into a Jacknife Powerbomb for 2 after a small slip from Moose. Kaz Low Bridge on Moose, tries the Diving Frankensteiner, but it gets turned into an Apron Bomb. Moose eats the Superkick, Nemeth eats a Cutter from Hendry, Josh with his Low Crossbody Dive on Kaz. Everyone is fighting on the ramp.

A lot of brawling, teasing a move off the stage into a table, Nemeth is wobbling, Kaz gets Superkicked by Nemeth off the stage through that table! Moose drags the other three back to the ring, Josh tries to fight back, Uranage for Josh, Uranage for Nic into Josh. Joe rises up from the outside as Moose is distracted, hits a Cutter! Only a 2, Josh tries the C4 Spike, SACK OF SHIT into the Kip Up, catches Nemeth mid Crossbody, SACK OF SHIT into Kip Up! Moose is posted in the corner, Splash into SACK OF SHIT followed by the Kip Up! The crowd is reacting well to Joe but then Moose Kips Up, LIGHTS OUT on Josh and Nemeth but no pinfall! Moose eyes Hendry, Hendry counters the Spear into a Roll-Up, locomotion roll throughs Frakensteiner from Joe into a Lariat leveling Moose, STANDING OVATION on MOOSE! MOOSE ELIMINATED! Hendry goes for the Standing Ovation on Josh, but Josh with a LOW BLOW? C4 Spike! HENDRY ELIMINATED! Canadian crowd is raining down “bullshit” at Josh and booing hard.

The referee tells Josh to stop beating on Joe, he’s been eliminated, and Josh goes after the referee. Nemeth tries to save the referee but Josh kicks the bad knee, Power Breaker from Josh and Nic is reeling. Josh’s keeps pointing at himself saying he’s “the heart and soul, no one else deserves it more than him”. Josh blocks the Danger Zone and connects with a Rack Bomb. Josh with a Kneeling Arm Bar, but Nemeth is fighting back. C4 block, Superkick block, C4 Countered Headbutt into Superkick! JOSH ALEXANDER ELIMINATED! Fade to black from Kaz! But Nemeth kicks out at 2! Superkick block, Chicken Wing from Kaz! Nemeth turns it into a Pinfall, Kaz pushes off the DDT, eats a Superkick! But only 2! Danger Zone blocked, Double Legged Cradle but only 2. Backstabber from Kaz, Superkick from Nemeth into Danger Zone! KAZ ELIMINATED! 

Overall Score: 6/10

Let me lead off with a few things, firstly, all the major titles are on babyfaces…that is awful. We all know that money is in the babyface chasing, not the heel chasing. So you give Josh a big heel turn with eliminating Hendry just to have him lose instead of being literally the most hated person in wrestling. I can only see this working IF there are plans to team him back up with Ethan Page but didn’t want both to be champion at the same time. The North/Monster Mafia as the main champs is a weird predicament, sure. But really, why even turn Josh that way, at that time? One could say that Hendry is so over right now, that he doesn’t need the belt…sure but; TNA isn’t over right now and could benefit from having him on top.

A bunch of matches were overbooked yet somewhat entertaining, like the PCO match or Ali match. Kushida randomly coming out with the Jinsei Shinzaki/Hakushi homage was cool, but would’ve been better if it got tied into the Octopus storyline. Having Faby Apache show up to remind people there’s a AAA agreement, just to have Tasha Steelz win, when she’s done literally nothing. I don’t get it. Gisele has been getting a little momentum, Xia had a few good showings and was relevant on TV, Tasha is irrelevant and Faby is a legend. The booking undermines some of the interesting beats.

ASH had a great match with Jordynne. Rascalz were match of the night. Jake Something is a fucking joke at this point. Matt Hardy vs JDC had no business on a main card, it didn’t start anything off hot, it was an undercard squash essentially. That should’ve been on Countdown and Hammerstone’s return should’ve kicked off the show. There was just a lot of mediocrity, marred by overbooking or questionable finishes. I really want to see how quickly some of these babyfaces drop their titles, because this is stupid business.