We see what happened last week in the rematch between Bully Ray and AJ Styles for the TNA Title and when AJ Styles walked out on TNA President Dixie Carter with the TNA Title belt.
The music of TNA President Dixie Carter hits and she makes her way to the ring. Dixie says last week, AJ Styles showed his lack of vision and mental aptitude with his actions. I served him the world on a silver platter and he threw it in my face. Well, no one walks out on Dixie Carter. From here on out, you do not exist to me and you are no longer my World Champion. As far as my title belt and my car, I don't need them anyway, we will call it a gift for your good hard equity. I'm guessing you are walking around every trailer park with that belt. You are doing what every little boy is doing tonight, walking around with a title belt as a costume. I need a real world champion and I will do that with an 8-man tournament that will start next week. Dixie introduces 7 of the 8 men who are competing in the tournament, all former world champions.
James Storm, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Jeff Hardy, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries & Bobby Roode make their way out on the ramp way. As Dixie introduces each man, we see a 10 to 20 second video on how each man won the TNA World Title in the past. Dixie says we are missing one man....but then, the music of Bully Ray hits as he & Brooke make their way to the ring.
Dixie says that there will be a gauntlet match to determine the eighth spot in the tournament. Bully says Dixie forgot him. How am I supposed to win back my World Title when I am not in this tournament? "You tapped out" chants by the crowd. Bully asks Dixie if she knows who he is am? Dixie says that "darlin', I know who you are." Dixie says Bully is the guy who lost twice. Bully says the first time was due to referee Earl Hebner, the second time was because of Mr. Anderson.
The lights go out and Mr. Anderson's music hits as Anderson runs out to the ring. Anderson attacks Bully and is putting the boots to him as we go to commercial.
THOUGHTS: Decent opening segment to set-up the tournament. Dixie is really clicking as a heel, the people cannot stand her and its not "X-Pac heat" either, its getting to be near Vickie Guerrero-like heat for her, which is nothing but good for TNA. The tournament is stacked and I really liked the quick videos showing how each former champion won the title for potential new viewers. Also liked Bully complaining about not being involved in the tournament and Anderson running in to get more revenge on Bully. Solid open to the show.
Commercial
We see that during the break, Mr. Anderson is being led away by security when Brooke walks up to him and rips on him. Its only a distraction as Bully attacks Anderson from behind with his steel chain. Bully continues to whip Anderson with the chain while talking trash, saying Anderson is nothing without him and is worthless. Bully tells Anderson to stay away as he and Brooke walk off.
THOUGHTS: Nice way for Bully to get something back on Anderson. Liking the feud these two are having so far.
Garett Bischoff says that Aces & Eights business is club business. Knux walks in and says he needs Garrett's help tonight. The two walk off.
THOUGHTS: The less Garett talking, the better for me. Thank you Knux!
Return Match for the TNA Tag Team Titles: James Storm & Gunner vs. The Bro-Mans (Robbie E & Jesse) (c's)
Challengers attack the champs on the ramp. Gunner with chops to Robbie. Running knee to the ribs in the corner, followed by a slingshot suplex for a 1 count. Storm in, double back elbow by the challengers. Knee drop by Storm for a 1 count. Robbie backs Storm into his corner. Jesse in, but Storm counters a double team with a double clothesline. Chest club to Jesse by Storm. Big right hand, Gunner tagged in. Challengers with a clothesline/Russian Leg Sweep combo for a nearfall. Jesse sent off the corner. Gunner with stomps and right hands in the corner. Jesse comes back with a knee to the ribs, but Gunner with a back elbow for a nearfall. Storm in, hits a back club off the middle rope. Eye of the Storm, but Robbie breaks up the pinfall. Robbie comes back with a neckbreaker on Storm. Gunner goes after Robbie, but Jesse nails him from behind. Champs with a double whip that send Gunner to the outside. Robbie nails Jesse with a clothesline on the outside. Back in, Storm hits Closing Time on Robbie. Storm sets for the Last Call, but Robbie pulls Jesse out.
Storm goes to suplex Jesse back in, but Robbie trips him up and holds down Storm's leg to steal the win.
Winners and STILL TNA Tag Team Champions: The Bro-Mans by pinfall
Bro-Mans celebrate their title retention while Gunner & Storm are left fuming in the ring.
THOUGHTS: Decent tag match. Gunner & Storm have made one helluva team, but I am also really starting to dig the chemistry the Bro-Mans have with one another. Both won't set the world on fire in the ring, but are good enough stoogy heels that having the titles on them right now is a good idea in my book. Finish worked because of that very thing.
Backstage, we see Sting entering Dixie's office. Dixie asks if Sting heard her announcement earlier. Dixie says since she is sick of hearing about people complaining about Sting's ban on not receiving a title shot, she will lift that ban tonight and put him in the Gauntlet tonight, but she will put him in first. Sting says he has earned everything he ever got and didn't have a sense of entitlement. Sting walks off while Dixie keeps asking if that is a yes.
THOUGHTS: Nice to explain why Sting can be in the Gauntlet match, but this was a miss for me on Dixie's involvement with Sting. Also, what Sting said made absolutely no sense in my opinion.
Commercial
We see what happened at the Bound for Glory pre-show between Bad Influence, Eric Young & Joseph Park that eventually saw the return of Abyss.
Backstage, Bad Influence are dressed as detectives with English accents. Christopher Daniels says they are here to solve the case of the whereabouts of Abyss, while Kazarian asks about what happened to the TV Title that Abyss won at Slammiversary.
THOUGHTS: I love everything about Bad Influence, best thing going in TNA by a country mile.
Ethan Carter III vs. Nord Fernum
PRETTY PETER AVALON IS BACK! EC3 instantly hits a running boot. Fernum sent off the corner multiple times. EC3 unloads with back clubs, followed by an Exploder. Tenay mentions on commentary the free Bellator PPV this Saturday due to Ortiz/Rampage being called off. Fernum comes back with a jawbreaker, but EC3 with a sleeper. Crowd wills on Fernum as he hits 2 flying shoulders, but EC3 does not go down. Dropkick to the back, Fernum heads up top. Crossbody for a 1 count. Fernum charges, but EC3 catches him with a flapjack.
Headlock Driver for the win.
Winner: Ethan Carter III by pinfall (Headlock Driver)
EC3 grabs a mic afterwards and says that he is EC3 and he's a Carter. The world needs us!
THOUGHTS: Usual EC3 match by this point where the jobber gets an entrance like he is a star, when he isn't. Jobber gets some hope spots before being shot out of a cannon. Crowd was into it though and both guys did a good job at getting them to believe in the hope spots. Nice squash match.
Backstage, Bobby Roode is with a doctor named Scott. Roode shows the doctor the injuries that Kurt Angle suffered at Bound for Glory. Roode says he is looking out for Angle's safety and he wants the doctor to check Angle and medically clear him for tonight's match.
THOUGHTS: Liked this as it makes Roode come off as such a weasel and a coward who, even with Angle's injuries, is doing all he can to avoid facing him. Roode plays his part as a heel so well, good stuff.
Sting is heading to the ring as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Backstage, ODB says that tonight she will win back her Knockouts Title. Tonight, if she has to face both Gail Kim & Lei'D Tapa, she will. Bad Influence walks in and begins questioning ODB about where Abyss. Eric Young comes in and says Joesph Park is not here tonight, but he has something special for Bad Influence later. Bad Influence walk off as ODB says she has something special for Young herself later.
THOUGHTS: Funny little segment here. Always have enjoyed the dynamic between Eric Young & ODB.
Gauntlet Match for the eighth spot in the TNA World Title tournament (eliminations via being sent over the top rope)
We start with Sting & Kazarian. Kazarian with forearms to start. Sting comes back with a clothesline. Kazarian sent off the corner. Back body drop by Sting, followed by a suplex. "You still got it" chants by the crowd. Kazarian comes back with forearms and goes to eliminate Sting. Sting fights him off and hits another clothesline. Participants will enter in 2 minute intervals.
Entering next, its KNUX as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, Kazarian & Knux work over Sting. Eric Young is in next. Belly-to-Belly to Kazarian. Right hands to Knux. Young with right hands to Knux in the corner, followed by a crossbody off the middle rope to Kazarian. 10 punches to Kazarian, followed by a big wind-up right hand. Sting with kicks to Knux as Young tries to eliminate Kazarian. Knux avoids the Stinger Splash and stomps away. Kazarian & Knux go to eliminate Young, but Young rakes the eyes to slip out. Kazarian sent off the corner.
Christopher Daniels is out next and now both of Bad Influence are in the gauntlet. Daniels stops Kazarian from being eliminated and rakes the eyes of Young. Series of jabs, followed by a big right hand. Bad Influence begin double-teaming Young while Sting tries to eliminate Knux. Daniels attacks Sting while Knux chokes Young. Bad Influence tries to double suplex Sting, but Sting double suplexes them! Sting & Young fight back on Knux & Bad Influence as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, Bad Influence continues to work over Young. Manik is out next. Springboard crossbody to Kazarian. Dropkick to Daniels. Double dropkick to Bad Influence. Uppercut to Daniels while Knux tries to eliminate Young. Sting stops him from doing so while Bad Influence begins double-teaming Manik. Daniels sends Young off the corner. Young with right hands to Daniels while Kazarian almost eliminates Manik. Manik skins the cat and hits a headscissors. Daniels chokes Sting while Manik with right hands to Knux.
Magnus is out next. Right hands and clotheslines to Bad Influence. Double clothesline to Bad Influence. Right hands and uppercuts to Knux, but Knux comes back with a crossbody. Manik with a dropkick, then slips out of a Knux pumphandle slam. Manik with a rana that sends Knux out and eliminates him. Kazarian with a springboard elbow to eliminate Manik. Young heads up top, but Daniels crotches him. Kazarian with a dropkick to eliminate Young. Magnus & Sting work over Bad Influence. Sting with a clothesline to Kazarian. Magnus with a suplex on Daniels. Kazarian stops Daniels from being eliminated. Magnus clotheslines Daniels. Stinger Splash to Kazarian. Sting clotheslines Daniels to eliminate him.
Sting goes to eliminate Kazarian, but Magnus comes in and eliminates them both to win the gauntlet.
Winner and the eighth man in the TNA World Title tournament: Magnus
Magnus celebrates his win while Sting cannot believe what just happened. Magnus claps for Sting and shrugs as if to say, "hey, every man for himself."
THOUGHTS: Usual battle royal style match. Bad Influence had some good exchanges with everyone and Knux & Manik looked good in their roles. Liked the finish that continues the story with Magnus and Sting. Decent action and good storytelling for a paint-by-numbers battle royal.
Backstage, we see the doctor checking on Kurt Angle. Angle says the doctor said that its in Angle's best interest to take the night off, but he is medically cleared, so he will still compete tonight and kick Bobby Roode's ass.
THOUGHTS: Nothing really to the segment other then to put more exposition on the Angle-Roode feud for the match tonight.
Commercial
Backstage, Dixie gives congrats for Magnus winning the Gauntlet. Dixie says she is looking forward to announcing the brackets for the tournament and something called "the Wheel of Dixie."
THOUGHTS: Wheel of Dixie? OK................................WOW.
Return Match for the TNA Knockouts Title: ODB vs. Gail Kim (c) w/Lei'D Tapa
ODB with a Spear and right hands to Gail. Gail sent off the corner multiple times. ODB with a chop, Gail whipped hard into the corner. Crowd chants for ODB. ODB with an avalanche in the corner, but Gail avoids another charge and goes to the outside. ODB goes out after her and brings Gail back in. Gail heads back out and goes for Eat Defeat, but ODB with a Fallaway Slam on the outside! Gail sent back in, but Tapa comes over to distract ODB, allowing Gail to hit a baseball slide. ODB heads back in, but Gail goes to the outside and applies the ringpost Figure Four! Gail breaks before being DQ'd. Back in, Gail gains a nearfall. Tenay on commentary mentions that "Turning Point" will take on November 21 on Spike TV. ODB fights back, but Gail with a clothesline. Headscissors applied as the crowd wills on ODB. ODB gets to her feet and gets free, then counters the headscissors into a half crab. Gail crawls and is able to reach the ropes to force a break. Gail comes back with a kick from underneath. ODB avoids a corner dropkick and Gail lands hard on the mat! Crowd chants again for ODB as she hits 2 shoulder knockdowns. Big slam, ODB goes to the middle rope. Second Rope Thesz Press for a nearfall. ODB places Gail up top and crotches her. ODB brings Gail out of the corner with a gourdbuster. ODB goes to make a cover, but Tapa goes on the apron to distract the ref.
That allows Gail to roll-up ODB and use the ropes for leverage to retain the title.
Winner and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Gail Kim by pinfall (Roll-Up)
Gail & Tapa celebrate her title retention while ODB is fuming about the loss.
THOUGHTS: Good match. ODB & Gail have very good chemistry in the ring with one another. Yeah, its two screwy finishes in both return title matches tonight, but when you have heel champions, its best to do those kinds of finishes on episodes that don't really matter in the long haul. Plus, it builds heat on the Gail/Tapa act, which I think has a better vibe to it than the AJ/Tamina act in WWE.
Backstage, Bad Influence says they are gonna forget about not winning the Gauntlet, because they have solved the mystery of Abyss. Bad Influence heads to the ring as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, Bad Influence, back in their detective outfits and English accents, are in the ring. Kazarian rips on a woman in the crowd. Daniels says they are solved the case of the on-again, off-again monster we call Abyss. We have looked high and low in the city of Salt Lake and we have deduced that he resides beneath this very ring. Daniels goes to check under the ring and pulls out............a pumpkin?? Daniels says it is round and heavy like Abyss. Its not Abyss, its just another talentless vegetable. Kazarian says it possesses more brains than the Knockouts and all of Salt Lake City.
Eric Young's music hits and he heads out to the ring, dressed as Joseph Park. Young says he is a scientist, there is no scientific proof that Halloween is a real holiday. But everyone is having a great time, especially the big guy and he wanted to give Bad Influence a message. Young goes after Bad Influence, but they quickly overpower him.
Abyss's music hits and he makes his way to the ring. Right hands to Bad Influence, followed by a double clothesline. Black Hole Slam to Kazarian. Daniels begs off, but Abyss blocks his path. Black Hole Slam to Daniels. Abyss stands tall and goes over to Young. Abyss helps Young to his feet.
THOUGHTS: Completely dumb segment, but OK to get Abyss back on TV. Feeling we are nearing the end of the Joseph Park stuff and getting back to having more Abyss on TV. Love the Joseph Park character, but now's the right time to bring Abyss back as a regular.
Kurt Angle and Bobby Roode are heading to the ring as their match is............NEXT!
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see the brackets for the upcoming TNA World Title tournament. The matches are: Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Sabin, Bobby Roode vs. James Storm, Kurt Angle vs. Austin Aries and Samoa Joe vs. Magnus.
Backstage, Dixie is with Jeff Hardy and Chris Sabin, who will face off next week as one of the matches. Dixie spins the Wheel of Dixie to determine what kind of match they will have next week and it lands on Full Metal Mayhem. Hardy is very happy, while Sabin isn't as they walk off.
THOUGHTS: I guess the Wheel of Dixie is the new "Spin the Wheel, Make a Deal." Another concept from WCW, HOORAY! Anyways, Hardy vs. Sabin in Full Metal Mayhem next week will be pretty good.
We see video on the Bobby Roode-Kurt Angle feud before the main event.
Main Event in a Bound for Glory Return Match: Bobby Roode vs. Kurt Angle
Angle backs Roode into the corner, breaks clean. Angle with an amateur takedown into a front chancery. Roode goes for the Crossface, but Angle quickly gets to the ropes. Angle with a drop toe hold and goes for the Anklelock, but Roode quickly gets to the ropes and heads to the outside. Back in, Roode with a knee to the ribs and an elbow to the back of the head. Angle sent off the corner. Right hand and a chop. Another elbow to the back of the head. Angle comes back with a back elbow. Belly-to-belly, followed by a clothesline. Roode goes to the outside, Angle out after him. Right hands, but Roode with a gut shot. Roode blocks a belly-to-belly by raking the eyes. Angle driven into the apron as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, Roode with a kitchen sink for a nearfall. Inverted bearhug applied. Crowd wills on Angle. Roode switches to an abdominal stretch. Angle gets out and hits the trifecta of Germans. Roode gets out of a fourth, but then Angle hits another trifecta for a close nearfall. Angle goes for the Angle Slam, but Roode counters with an arm drag. Angle charges, but Roode with a spinebuster for a nearfall. Roode lifts up Angle, but Angle slips out and locks in the Ankle Lock. Roode kicks Angle off, then locks him in the Crossface. Angle thinks about tapping, but grabs the ankle and re-applies the Ankle Lock. Roode now thinks about tapping, but counters back into the Crossface. Pair of pinfall exchanges between the two for nearfalls. Roode again locks on the Crossface. Angle again thinks about tapping, then gets to his feet and counters with the Angle Slam, but Roode kicks out! Angle is in a lot of pain. Down come the straps, Ankle Lock again locked in. Roode tries to crawl to the ropes, but Angle drags him back to the center. Roode counters with a roll-up for a nearfall. Angle charges, but Roode catches him with a fireman's carry into a neckbreaker for a close nearfall. "This is awesome" chants by the crowd. Angle Lock again applied. Roode tries to kick Angle off, but Angle holds on. Leg is grapevined, but Roode is able to reach the ropes to force a break. "TNA" chants by the crowd. Angle places Roode up top and goes up with him. Angle thinks about a Super Angle Slam, but Roode knocks him off with a headbutt. Roode goes to leap, but Angle runs up the ropes and hits a super Belly-to-Belly! Angle crawls over and puts the arm over, but Roode somehow kicks out! Both men are down as the ref begins his 10 count. Roode begins to get up as Angle is not moving.
Referee calls for the bell as he determines that Angle cannot continue.
Winner: Bobby Roode via referee stoppage
Referees come out to check on Angle, who appears to be convulsing, trying to regain his motor skills. Roode leaves the ring as the referees continued to tend to the hurt Angle as we go to credits.
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